These are a few of my favorite things!!

One of the things I love most about this time of year is that it's the perfect opportunity to show the people who mean the most in our lives how much we love and care about them. And, since I am a girl who loves to shop, but also loves our planet, I always try to show my love with some eco-friendly, thoughtful gifts. Here are some of my favorite, green gift giving ideas for you and yours!

Of course, my #1 favorite place to shop is LOCAL! Wherever you are, please consider shopping at your local businesses. These "mom and pop" shops are struggling in this day and age of online shopping and big box stores. However, you can't beat their service and unique gift ideas.

If you can't find what you're looking for in town, hHow about a pair of fleece lined shoes from TOMS to warm your toes! For every purchase TOMS will help a person in need. Check out their website for their 12 days of giving offers.

If shoes aren't your thing, I always find unique gifts from Uncommon Goods. They have a great selection of recycled gifts. From a frame made out of bike chains or a belt from a fire hose, you are sure to find something to please even the pickiest person on your list!

I stumbled upon this site and couldn't resist..."It's not regifted, it's recycled" Click here for some fantastic gift ideas made from recycled products. Just because it ended up in the landfill, doesn't mean it's trash! No, really, check it out!

If you aren't convinced that doing a little "green" shopping this season is for you, check out this article from Huffington Post. While the article may be a few years old, the statistics it points out are staggering. According to Huffington, between Thanksgiving and Christmas our waste per household increases by 25%...WOW!

So no matter who you are shopping for, consider doing some good along your merry way!

Good tidings until next week,

Renee

Who doesn't like a good "BEFORE & AFTER"?

There is nothing more exciting for a designer than to see a room transform into something fresh, new and beautiful. Sometimes though, we are so entrenched in the details that we forget how far along a room has come!

Nothing speaks volumes like a good "Before & After" shot. It's like when you finally decide to color your hair a different shade, or go for that new style, and you walk out of the salon and everyone says "Wow, you look fabulous!" It's not that you didn't look great before, it's more likely that your new 'do freshens up your look and makes you look even better.

I highly recommend that before you embark on any interior design project you take lots of "before" pictures to show your friends just how far you've come! And of course, you'll need to take lots of "after" pictures too! 

Take a look at these BEFORE pictures of a bathroom remodel I recently completed. You will be shocked at how we transformed this bath into a stunning oasis.

BEFORE

Nice shower area, just needed a little updating.





Does this remind you of a bathroom in your house?

Now take a look at our AFTER pictures and you will wonder how my clients even get out of the house in the morning! With a  bathroom like that, I'd want to stay all day....turn the fireplace on, read a good book while luxuriating in the beautiful soaking tub...but I digress..!!

AFTER

It can sometimes be shocking what new paint and flooring can do for a room! But the addition of this tub and the fireplace really make this bath something special.

I love adding a piece of furniture to a bath. It's a bit unexpected, but looks lovely while offering additional storage for the homeowner.

So long fiberglass shower! Hello, gorgeous tile! A special thanks to G & N Flooring for showing us just how fun tile can be! I love the mix of styles and colors chosen here.

All photos of the newly renovated bath were taken by Nat Rea

Talk about storage! I was lucky enough to collaborate with my good friends at PK Surroundings to design these gorgeous cabinets. They are so functional yet so beautiful at the same time!

 When it comes to bathroom renovations, the possibilities are endless. Style and function CAN work together! 

Until next week,

Renee 







Tips for a stylish and functional Mudroom and Laundry

So, I have to admit my cleaning spree has continued into a second week, which for those that know me, realize this is a big deal. I have a small attention span for repeated tasks that seem to bring no lasting value, i.e; the kids just mess it up again.
We (read: my husband) has taken over the task of remodeling our mudroom/laundry room complete with tiling, barnwood shelving, and mega organizational items. This, I am convinced, will change our lives and certainly put us on the path to whole house organization, and at the very least has allowed us (again read: husband) to hone our formerly non-existent tiling skills.
I took the advise I would give my clients and made a list of: Must haves, Would Like to Have, and Dreams (this is where the indoor/outdoor shower complete with rainforest foliage fit it).
I figured it might be good to pass this list along and also take it as an opportunity to get it out of my head and onto paper!

 ~ Define the purpose. A mudroom is only as good as it's easiest entrance. The best laid mudrooms have become pantries because the kids had to pass easier entrances like the front door to get to them. Make sure this much needed room is attached to your garage or as close to the bus stop is geographically possible.

 

This bright and functional space is right off the garage. It practically requests you to hang up your coat and boots, especially if they color coordinate.

~A Place for Everything and Everything in it's Place. Your grandmother was on to something (and probably tired of picking up your stuff). Take an inventory of what you have and where it should go. Whenever we design a kitchen or bath, we have the client empty everything out before we design. They end up needed about a 1/3 less than they thought because it turns out stuff like the gardening tools don't need to be in the spice drawer.

This great system from Pottery Barn gives even the most hopeless of organizers a fighting chance!

~Everyone Accounted For? How many family members will be using the space? How much room do they need? Make sure you take into consideration that your 5 year old will someday be bigger than you (trust me it happens!) and a cute little bench now will have them eating their knees years to come. Plus the size of backpacks doubles from year to year.
Are there room for guests?
This dream mudroom from Peace Design respects both present and future company.

And don't forget the four footed friends. It's great to at least have a hook or two for our companions, but here are some fun ideas that are on my Dream List.

 Whether you just have a corner to devote or a room the size of a Manhattan apt (my current mudroom reno is the size of my first Manhattan apt), devoting some time to planning and organizing will keep you ahead of the clutter ahead.
There are some great inspirational ideas on both Houzz.com and Pinterest to help get you started on your own road to organizational paradise. Just click here to check out my inspirational board and get more fun tips! 


Happy Organizing!

Best,
Renee