Posts Tagged ‘interior designer’
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
How to Find Inspiration for Your Home Remodel Project
Have you ever looked around your home and just thought, “Bleh!” Whether your décor is out of date, or you just can’t stand to look at that wall color anymore, there are a variety of ways you can find inspiration to create a new and fresh design for your next project.
Color Palettes Give You The Big Picture
Selecting a new color palette is the easiest way to give a space a whole new look. Consider color selections for everything from the walls to the furnishings, to the floor when making your color selections. Take home color palette booklets from your local paint store to show you a collection of colors that work together. You can look at each shade in your own light and coordinate them so the space feels complete.
Décor Can Take The Lead
Sometimes a simple piece of décor will just speak to you. Has a throw pillow ever jumped off the shelf at you, artwork or the pattern on an area rug catch your eye? This is inspiration! You can build an entire room design around a single item that moves you. Use complimentary colors and patterns to balance the inspiration with the rest of the décor.
Natural Materials
Only nature can provide truly unique and one of a kind inspirations. Materials such as wood, stone, metal, leather and even greenery, add a layer of color and texture in a space that cannot be achieved by anything man-made. It’s easy to be inspired by natural elements simply by admiring the way it was created by nature.
Do You Want Another Opinion?
It might be difficult to imagine anything different in your space if it’s been around for a while. Once you find your inspiration however, the design decisions will become easier. Call Staci at Another Opinion if you could use a fresh perspective on the design of your next project. Her clients fall in love with their spaces again by discovering what they admire and moves them, then creating a complete design.
Let’s get started, contact or call Staci today at (314) 623-4594.
Spring Cleaning and The Joy of Letting Go
Whether you’ve read The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Upor seen the Netflix original, “Tidying Up,” (or neither) you’ve probably heard of Marie Kondo. She’s been changing the lives of people all over the globe, and it’s not by accident – there really is something to the idea that cleaning up and decluttering our space can help us live happier, more fulfilling lives. Of course, you can declutter whenever the mood strikes you, but with spring coming just around the corner, it’s a great time to get rid of some of the old things you never use anymore while also doing some spring cleaning.
Love Your Less
You’ve probably heard the phrase “less is more,” and although it’s not always true, it certainly can apply to your home, because the less you have, the more you enjoy what you do have. To test this theory for yourself, I challenge you to choose two items from any category of which you have more than two items. Whether it’s mugs, purses, or anything else that might be taking up space in your home without getting much use, try getting rid of all but two of them and see how you feel afterwards.
Not only is it easier to stay organized when you keep your collections to a minimum, but it also means you get the most out of the items you do keep, making sure you get your money’s worth for the items you paid for and that you fully appreciate the items that were given to you as gifts.
The Fix-It Box
Not all items have gone unused because they have duplicates. Sometimes things break and we don’t always get around to fixing them. So, while you’re decluttering your home and coming across these items you haven’t gotten around to fixing, put them in a separate box to be fixed later. Once you’re done with your spring cleaning and decluttering, tackle that box next instead of leaving it to sit around and gather dust for a few more years until your next big cleaning/decluttering spree. If there’s anything in there you can’t fix yourself, take it to someone who can. Any items that are beyond repair go in the recycling or the trash (remember to recycle your electronics and batteries).
On the other hand, if they’ve gone a significant amount of time without being used (months, or even years) it might be time to just throw it out or donate it. If you didn’t miss it when it was broken, you won’t miss it when it’s gone.
The Put-Away Box
While you’re cleaning and decluttering, you’re bound to find some things in places they don’t belong. Whether it’s a mug hiding in the bathroom cabinet or hair clips in your jewelry box, you need to resist the urge to stop what you’re doing to put those lost items away, because once you get distracted, you’re much less likely to finish the task at hand. Use a Put-Away Box to place all those lost items and go back to cleaning up. Once you’re done with your spring cleaning and decluttering, only then should you take the time to put away all the lost items you found.
Another Opinion Helps You To Love Your Less
Whether you need some tips on organizing to keep your home clean and welcoming, or you want some help sorting your belongings into keep, donate, and discard, give me a call me at (314) 623-4594 or contact me so we can get you started today on creating a space that allows you to live a happier and more fulfilling life.
Design What YOUR Heart Wants
We’re often told to follow our hearts, and I firmly believe that is good advice that works as well for interior design as anything else. At the same time, we’re often told what we should love based on what’s in style at that particular moment. Whether it’s Pantone’s Color of the Year, or a certain style of furniture, it can be tempting to try to convince yourself that you love what everyone else loves … but do you, really?
Love Your Space
Since you’re the one who has to live in your space, you should make sure you absolutely love it. If the color of the year makes you want to puke, then you should absolutely not splash it all over your walls and furniture.
Your home is your space and it should be your sanctuary. If you don’t feel comfortable with everything in it, what’s the point?
Rules Were Meant to Be Broken
You can follow the rules, or you can choose to stand out. There’s nothing wrong with painting the living room your favorite color, even if the “experts” try to tell you that color is too bold or oppressive. If that color makes you feel great, you should use it. Designing your space is all about creating a space you’ll love, and if that means having your favorite color on display everywhere, then go for it.
It’s OK to Be Trendy
At the same time, it’s OK to go with the trend of the moment. If painting your kitchen the same color everyone else is painting their kitchen that year is going to date it, that’s OK. There’s nothing wrong with everyone being able to tell when you painted your kitchen as long as you love spending time in there while it’s your kitchen.
Be Strategic
If you like keeping up with the current trends, here’s a trick I like to use: select main pieces that work with everything and then choose trendy accent pieces. This makes updating your space to keep up with changing trends much easier and more affordable than redesigning the entire room (or house).
Ask for Help
Despite what some people have come to believe, professional designers and organizers are not here to tell you what to do with your space. We’re here to use our knowledge of space, color, and light to help you create a home you’ll love. We’re aware of the current trends, and while we might guide you to certain styles that are popular if we know they align with your particular sense of taste, we would never tell you to create a space you don’t absolutely love just because it’s trendy. If you love it, then it will always be in style.
If you’ve been thinking of redesigning your space, but you’re not sure where to begin, call me at (314) 623-4594 to get started today. We can go over trends, your likes and dislikes, and your goals for your space to help you create a home that is truly yours.
5 Tips for DIY Basement Makeover
Basements can either be a great place to hang out, or they can become a forgotten appendage of your home where old and broken things go to be “dealt with later” (i.e. forgotten about completely). If you’ve been thinking it’s time to give for a basement makeover and you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, we have some tips to help you do-it-yourself.
Purge
Because basements tend to be a magnet for all the old items we put off dealing with, the first thing you’ll need to do is get rid of all of the excess stuff. Letting go of the items you had forgotten about/haven’t used or fixed in months will free up space and allow your basement to be more useable. Then tidy up what stays so you can start to create the basement of your dreams.
Separate It into Zones
This is particularly important if you have a large, sprawling basement. Break it up into different areas: a viewing area, an exercise area, a game area, etc. Decide before you start working what’s going to go where so you have an idea of the kinds of colors and furniture you’ll want in each area, as well as how you’ll want to arrange it.
Paint
Nothing says “makeover” like paint. It’s the cheapest, fastest way to make you feel like you have an entirely new basement. You can paint it all one color or choose different colors for the zone areas. Use paint to create a themed basement design if you’re wanting something truly unique.
Upgrade the Floors
Improve that basic concrete floor. There are multiple options to choose from including staining the concrete, which gives you practically limitless options for colors and designs. For a warmer feel underfoot, consider carpet tiles that are changeable, easy to clean and allow you to create fun patterns or keep it neutral to appear like wall-to-wall carpet. If your basement is susceptible to water issues, then a vinyl plank/tile flooring is the way to go. In addition to being waterproof, it’s easy to install, cost effective and you can select a wood or stone look to compliment the overall design.
Don’t Forget the Lighting
Lighting sets the mood in every room, and it’s especially important in the basement, where smaller windows provide minimal light. Select recessed can lights or low-profile pendant fixtures to spread light throughout and make the space appear bigger. For a different approach, check out the faux window fixtures that give a view of outdoor. Try to include different types and light levels in your makeover, it will help to make your basement feel more comfortable, like a living room.
For any makeover you’re considering for your home, remember that small changes can make a big difference. You don’t need to spend a fortune redecorating to feel like you have an entirely new space. Another Opinion can help you plan and select everything you need to do-it-yourself and complete your basement makeover. Contact Staci today to get started at 314.623.4594!