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It’s The ‘Why’ That Makes Each Project Special
Helping Your Parents with Letting Go
Helping Your Parents with Letting Go
Have you tried telling your parents that it’s time to declutter and to let go of some of things? How did that go? It’s usually a difficult conversation because no one wants to be told to downsize. And sorting through a life-long collection of belongings is hard work. But I know you love your parents and want to help them. Whether you’re standing by their side as they sort, or you’re offering some advice on their decisions, it can be an anxiety-inducing and emotionally draining experience. So, I have a few tips I want to share with you.
It Has Sentimental Value
While it is okay to save things with sentimental value, it’s also okay to let them go. There is a little guilt that comes along with sentimental items, the feeling that we must hold on to things that span time. It’s important for your parents to know that they don’t have to feel bad about getting rid of things. They might need to hear that they have permission to let things go, such as family heirlooms and your childhood artwork they’ve been holding on to for you. Sorting through special things can be tough but passing them along can be so rewarding.
A Lifetime of Collections
We are all collectors, of something, at every age. Your parents have been growing and curating their belongings, surrounding themselves with the things they love. So, having to minimize is a tough one. Instead of ‘getting rid of’ these items, use a ‘less of’ approach. Give them lots of time to select the most special 3 (or 5) pieces in their collection that they will keep.
We Might Need It Later
Probably not. And when the time comes, will we be able to find it or even remember we have it? It doesn’t matter, because hanging on to things ‘just in case’ feels better. You can help your parents learn to live with less with a few organizing tips. First is to group like items, to eliminate duplicates scattered around the house. Then, sort areas by separating items used daily versus occasionally so they can find what they need when they need it. You’ll be surprised by how many extras you find of those ‘just in case’ items.
We can help! Another Opinion has vast experience with clients of all ages; helping with clutter, organization and downsizing. Call Staci at Another Opinion 314-623-4594
2021 Interior Design Trends
2021 Trends
Trends… they inspire us to find design styles we love and want to surround ourselves with. And, after a challengingyear that forced most of us to stay at home, it could not be a better time to bring more comfort into your home. With a new year comes new trends! Here is what we are seeing come to light for the year 2021.
Mixing Wood Tones
Mixing wood tones can be daunting, but if done right, can make a beautiful accent in your home. If all wood tones are the same, nothing stands out and the room can fall flat. Try contrasting floor with furniture. For example, if you have a dark wood floor, try pairing a piece of furniture with more of a light wood color. Also, wood doesn’t have to be brown. There are some beautiful grey stain colors out there if grey is more your style!
Modern Rustic
We are seeing more and more rustic homes, adding a touch of modern! The two can create a beautiful blend of old and new. Let’s go back to mixing woods. Try adding some modern touches in with your wood tones and wa-la! You get the best of both worlds, a beautiful blend of modern and rustic.
White is Back
Remember when we were all painting our walls beige, or grey? While these are still gorgeous, we are seeing more and more white walls coming back into the picture! This is a classic trend that gives you more accent color options. White walls just give you that fresh and airy feeling that we all love.
At the end of the day a trend is just that, a trend. While they are fun, it is most important to decorate your home how you like! Call Another Opinion at 314-623-4594 and we can help you get your project done! What 2021 trends will you be trying?
Cleaning With Covid
Cleaning with Covid
Covid and cleaning..the two words we have all been hearing way more than we would like for the past few months. We know how to stay healthy when out and about, but what 
about the germs in our own home?Surfaces can also carry these germs and they can survive on them for long periods of time. During these times of Covid-19, letting someone into our home to clean for us, may not be the wisest decision. Here are some tips for Cleaning with Covid.
Surfaces to Focus On
To state the obvious, you should focus on the main areas of your house that are touched the most. This may include countertops, remotes, doorknobs, toilets, light switches and computers. It is recommended by the CDC to not only clean but disinfect on a regular basis to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 and other germs.
How to Clean and Disinfect
Cleaning means reducing the number of germs and dirt using soap and water, while disinfecting means killing the germs on surfaces with chemicals. It is important to remember to wear gloves when either cleaning or disinfecting. When it comes to the mostly used surfaces stated above, diluted bleach is recommended. When trying to make a surface germ free, it is recommended to start by cleaning the surface and then disinfecting it right after.
Soft Surfaces
We often can forget that our floors can also carry these germs. When it comes to our carpet, rugs and even drapes these items should be cleaned with soap and water, and laundered it possible with warm water.
We at Another Opinion hope that you and your families are staying safe and healthy during these times!
Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/disinfecting-your-home.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cleaning-disinfection.html
Moving Forward Through Clutter
We are all guilty of telling ourselves “Ill get to that next week” or “I will deal with that later.” Well eventually is NOW. These 5 steps are going to help you move forward in your life and home while also giving you tips for keeping it that way in the future.
Step 1: Stop Beating Yourself Up
You are busy, raising kids, working, taking care of loved ones, etc.. You are only able to give so much of your mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. The important thing to remember is this is normal, and to not beat yourself up about it.
Step 2: Accept That You Are a Different Person Now, and That’s Okay
Let’s talk about the items in your house, taking up space and just making you feel bad. If you are hanging on to things because you “used to love it”, then that is when you know it is time for it to go. It is time to get rid of the things that make you feel bad every time you see it in your house. If you desire it later, you could always get it again. An important rule for a clutter free home is to only surround yourself with things active in your life and make you feel good.
Step 3: Reset Your Boundaries
If you ask yourself “is it worthy to me?” and the answer is yes, then deem it acceptable to be near you. You are the Queen/King of your home so if it doesn’t make you happy, then it just simply has to go! If it is taking up space physically, it is also taking up space mentally.
Step 4: It Hurts…But Only For a Little Bit
You know the term “it’s going to hurt before it gets better”, it is sad, but true! Dealing with clutter and moving forward is hard work but there is relief on the other side that will feel so much better. You just have to do the work and deal with it. It will help if you do it on your terms, set a date and time frame. And find a way to make it fun whether that means with music, a favorite movie in the background, or wine!
Step 5: It Is Okay to Be Disorganized, in Moments
What?? Yup, you read that right! When you are living life, life happens… all over your house. That is when it is okay to allow yourself to be disorganized. However you must regain control and take the time to reset Put it back where you found it and only pull out what you NEED. This means everything needs to have a place for this to work. You will reset your life when you reset your home.
Do you need help moving forward? Another Opinion can give you just the push you need to take control of your life and home again. Call Staci today at 314-623-4594.
All About Paint Finishes: In the Eye of a Professional Painter
All About Paint Finishes: In the Eye of a Professional Painter
Another Opinion recently sat down with professional painter, Adam Cook with AMC Coatings to learn all about paint finishes in the eyes of a painter. The options are endless, and the terminology can be confusing, so let’s hear what he had to say!
Types of Paint
Let’s start with FLAT paint! Flat is a versatile paint type, usually used on walls or ceilings. There are many finishes; dead-flat matte, matte, a water-based eggshell and silk. Flat can also be used on the exterior since it helps the material when it comes to moisture. If you are in the market for some new paint and aren’t sure what type is for you; flat is the way to go if you love the matte look!
Now on to EGGSHELL. Adam typically uses eggshell for walls. This type of paint has a slight sheen, so if the matte look isn’t your style, eggshell may be the type for you! Eggshell is also more durable, so it is the ideal type of paint to use when there are kiddos around! Because let’s be real, we all know kids love to showcase their art skills on the walls from time to time…
The last 2 types of paint Adam told us about are GLOSS and SATIN. Adam recommends gloss anytime he is painting trim, since this type is typically used on wood surfaces. Satin is used the same way as gloss but is just a bit less shiny. The good news about gloss is usually only one coat is needed over a coat of primer.
Ready to Paint?
Adam was extremely helpful in gaining our knowledge when it comes to paint and when and where to use it. So, whether you are picking up that paintbrush yourself or want someone else to take the work off your hands; ask Another Opinion! We can get you in touch with the perfect painter or steer you in the right direction if you want to do it yourself! Call Another Opinion to get started on your project today at 314-623-4594.
Lessons learned: Staci Shares About Purging & Organizing Homes
Lessons learned: Staci shares about purging & organizing homes
I see it all. The good, the bad and the ugly. So, don’t be embarrassed or ashamed. We all have homes that are ‘well lived in’ with ‘life happens’ clutter lying around. Here’s a few lessons worth sharing from my daily adventures as a Purge & Organize Consultant.
Keep your home flowing
Keep your things moving. I mean everything you see and touch daily- paper, clothes, food, everything. Besides a few storage spaces, every corner of your home should be part of your active life.
- When things get stuck, they pile up
- Wherever your hand lands, that’s where it got stuck
- Piles are where you will find the lost and forgotten
- You’ll have 15 of something before you know it, just because you can’t find it
Deal with it!
Make a decision already. Sit down and do it already. Shrugging things off for later becomes contagious, and soon you’re ‘to-do list’ is overwhelming. So, just deal with it already! You must move it forward!
- If you bought it…. Use it!
- If it’s a project…. Complete it!
- If you want to hang on to it…. Pack it!
- If it’s broke, you won’t fix it…. Buy a new one!
Don’t be consumed by your hobbies
This one tears at my heart strings. It is so easy to become overwhelmed by the hobbies we love. Whether it’s collecting, crafting or an activity; the more we hobby, the more stuff we need to have for it. Be mindful:
- Too many supplies can paralyze your creativity
- That your hobby doesn’t become an exhausting chore
Even your home décor has a shelf life
Ha, get it? Don’t let your pretty things go stale. So, choose to surround yourself with things you like to look at. It’s time for a change if you:
- Say ‘meh’ when describing the design in your home
- Can date your accessories based on relationship timeline
- Suggest someone else’s house for a party
Making shifts in your home will be good for your soul
I promise. I have never worked with someone who didn’t feel better after a purge and organize session. Yes, it’s tough work. But the rewards are so very worth it, so…
- Clear the surface of miscellaneous stuff
- Tear down the pile of random things
- Open the door to the forgotten room
- Choose to live with only the things you love
Nudge. Nudge. These lessons are intended to nudge you if you’re stuck. Ask for help if you need Another Opinion. Call Staci at 314-623-4594.
Refresh And Let Go- What To Keep And Let Go Of In 2020
Happy December! Here comes a new year and new decade. Let’s start the new year off right by taking the time to declutter and discard of all the things that are only, well, taking up space! It is the season of giving! So, let’s celebrate by not only giving to someone else, but also giving to yourself! Here are some tips on what you should be keeping and letting go of in the new year.
Give Yourself 3 Things…Let Go of 3 Things
Ask yourself this question, “Have I used this in the past 6 months?” Is the answer no? Then let it go! Think of your closet, and the clothes you haven’t touched in a while, and probably never will again! Gather 3 things (or more!) and take them to your local shelter or your favorite donation. A good tip to think of when giving and letting go of 3 things – one for yourself, one for someone else and one for your home!
Organize the Newly Open Space
Let’s go back to the closet. Now that you have let go of some of your clothes, wouldn’t it be the perfect time to clean and organize the whole thing? Those shoes we all have on our closet floor that are so cluttered, sometimes we can’t even find the other pair, let’s take care of that problem while we are at it! Buy a shoe organizer that will fit in your closet, so you’ll never have a missing shoe again. This goes back to giving to yourself and your home!
Bring Something In, Give Something Away
It is the holiday season and you will probably be having a lot of new things coming into your home. To prevent clutter from happening, try giving away something each time you get something new. If you have trouble with letting go or thinking of what to give away, try asking yourself, “Will I miss this item if it was gone tomorrow?” If the answer is no, let it go!
Learn From the Purge
To avoid making the mistake again this time next year, be mindful when it comes to shopping or how much stuff you are really bringing into your home. Start making smarter, more strategic choices going forward so you can avoid clutter.
Get Another Opinion
Do you need help with decluttering or purging? Or help with organizing? Another Opinion will help you get your new year started off right! Give Staci a call today at (314) 623-4594.
Give Your Home A Wow Moment – Tips For Adding A Design Feature
Give Your Home A Wow Moment – Tips For Adding A Design Feature
Is your home’s interior design feeling a little flat and boring? Are you missing a WOW moment? If so, it’s time to add a design feature to punch up your space! You can easily create a design feature in any room of your home, you just need an idea and a step outside your comfort zone. Here are a few tips to get you started with adding some WOWZA in your home!
First of all, what is a design feature?
It’s that something that catches your eye in a room, and you say, ‘oh, that’s cool’. A design feature can be the focal point of the room, such as a fireplace, that commands your attention. Or, it can be a conversation piece that adds a bit of whimsy, like a unique piece of furniture or a dynamic light fixture. Usually a design feature is an unexpected design element, so you might need a ‘no fear’ attitude to realize your vision. I say, think big!
Reinvent something to make a big impact
You can make a big impact by changing the face of something that already exist in your room. Your fireplace is a perfect opportunity to create a new design feature in your home. Paint the brick! Or, add a stone veneer and take it all the way up to the ceiling! You’ll be surprised by how one change will give your room a whole new feeling. Have you ever thought about changing your baseboards and trim to a dark paint color instead of white? How about hearing a visitor ‘oh and ah’ when they see how you’ve wrapped your kitchen island with a new fascia material too. Consider the many ways you can reinvent what you already own!
Create a design feature with special materials
Choose from natural stone, wood, metal, wallpaper, paint techniques, the list is endless of the types of material options you can use for a design feature. A bold special material can add warmth with texture and have a modern vibe with a glossy finish. How do you want the room to feel? The answer will help you choose the perfect material for your design. Now to decide ‘how’ and ‘where’ to use it.
Make your feature a surprise
It’s so fun when a design feature is a surprise, so try to catch us off guard. Wallpaper makes an excellent surprise when it’s tucked in the back of a bookcase. But, on the ceiling in your dining room… oh my! And strategically placing some whimsy in your design will add some humor. Try artwork or an accessory that we’d never expect, it can be exaggerated or even silly. Anything goes when you’re creating a wow moment!
Go for it! It’s time to make a change if your home is feeling boring. A new design feature is just what you need and the ideas are endless. Call Staci at Another Opinion for help adding some WOWZA in your home today! 314-623-4594
Who Do You Want To Be? … 3 Tips For How An Organized Home Can Help You Achieve It
Live your best life! Yes, please! But how exactly do you do that? Well, in my opinion, you choose to. And believe it or not, your home plays a big role in successfully living your best life. Home 
organization is more than just surviving day-to-day. With a little work and self-reflection, you’ll have a home that encourages you to be your best self. So, who do you want to be? Here are 3 tips that will get you started!
Eliminate the ‘Old You’ Clutter
If you haven’t taken a walk down memory lane in a while, it’s probably time. I mean, a good sort and purge of all of the leftovers from your ‘previous lives’. You’ll find these things inside those ‘Memories’ bins in storage, and from your closet to that overstuffed jewelry box. We all have stuff weighing us down that we haven’t dealt with or just never made a decision on. You have permission to shed the ‘old you’ and the things you don’t like anymore, but especially if it’s stale or a burden. Make way for the positive things you want to take up the space in your home, and also in your heart.
Fix Bad Habits
If daily life around your home is stressful and chaotic, it’s time for change. Don’t allow old ways and bad habits to challenge the daily life of you and your family. Take control of your surroundings by looking at your current patterns and behaviors, then reorganize your home so it positively impacts life. You can reset your course by creating new patterns that align with how you want to live. Now, you can focus on who you want to be.
Highlight Your Priorities
Time in your home is precious. It’s limited and should be a source of good for you. Whether you prefer an active home or a relaxed one, make sure your surroundings are a good foundation for your wellbeing. Design spaces that encourage you to be the person you want to be. So, set up that workshop, or the reading nook or whatever that space is that you’ve been thinking about. It might just be the first step to becoming a whole ‘new you’.
I hope you’re living your best life! It’s a choice you make every day. So, I encourage you to let go of the ‘old you’ weighing you down, fix what’s not working and surround yourself with a positive home that supports the vision of who you want to be.
If you want help achieving the BEST YOU with an organized home, call Staci today at Another Opinion 314-623-4594.