There's a place for everything, and everything has it's place

How many times did your mother tell you, "There's a place for everything, and everything has a place!"? Well, she certainly had a point. But let's be perfectly honest...some days it seems virtually impossible to figure out the best "place" for everything. And if you are anything like me, that's especially true for my home office. We often refer to my office as "Command Central", however, if you saw a picture of it, you'd wonder how I get anything done! Some days it's shocking to me how much paper has accumulated on my desk, and it feels overwhelming to figure out where to begin to sort through it. So, in my effort to "be a better version of me in 2015" I decided it's time to tackle my home office.
 


It is possible to be organized and stylish.

Functional, yet pretty.

Practical but not boring.



Source: Ballard Designs

 
Who's office is this anyway? The first step in creating a usable home office is to determine who will be using the space. Is it completely for professional use, or is it a place for a parent to use the computer...until the kids come home and need it for school work? Once you determine the primary user, then you'll have a better understanding of how many work stations you'll need and what kind of equipment or files will you need to house?


Source: Houzz.com




Source: Houzz.com





Where can I put my home office? Now that we know who the primary owner will be, it should become more clear as to where your home office should be located within your home. Do you have a guest room that could be repurposed as an office? Do you want it on the first floor so that you can tend to kids and pets? I love the idea of tucking an office into an underutilized space, such as under the stairs or in a closet. But I do realize that's not always practical. So a dedicated spot in a living room, kitchen or guest room works just as well too!


Source: http://interiordecorating-idea.blogspot.com/2012/09/home-office-design-decorating-ideas.html



Source: paperblog.com



Source: HGTV.com



Source: HGTV.com

Source: HGTV.com

Source: BHG.com
 

Source: BHG.com

 

What kind of furniture and storage am I going to need? "NO!" it doesn't have to come from the office supply store down the road  (and perhaps shouldn't). There are so many great products out there to get you and keep you organized. It doesn't have to be boring! In fact, it's important that your office reflects your style and feels like a "happy" place to go to work.  That being said...there are some really cute office products from Martha Stewart and Poppin.

In terms of furniture, I recommend that you get the largest "desk" that will fit in your space, because let's face it..you can never have too much workspace! Again, your desk need not be from an office supply store. Get creative here! Is there a table you just love? Perhaps you have an old piece of furniture around that you want to paint. Just bear in mind that you will need to fit a computer, very likely a printer, and space for your files.

There is an amazing article on Houzz, that I found incredibly helpful in terms of the size of furniture you need and the necessary space to accommodate a home office. Check it out here!



Source: apartmenttherapy.com



Source: MarthaStewart.com

 


Source: swiftsorchids.com

Source: Potterybarn.com



 If you have the space, shelving is always a good idea. It provides storage and order to all of the "things" that wind up in your office. And the possibilities are endless as to how you can create a beautiful yet useful shelf. Hang some artwork on the front of you shelves. Paint or wallpaper the back of your bookcase for some added pop of color and personality! Use a less traditional style of shelving, like the one pictured below using shadow boxes. Try something different!



Source: hgtv.com



Source: themetapicure.com

Source: dejondreamhouse.com



Source: plushemisphere.com



Source: centsationalgirl.com


Give it some personality!  This is your space! In order to be happy where you are working, your space should reflect your personality. Make it cozy with an upholstered chair. Better yet, add some extra seating so others can join you!


Source: carlaaston.com

Source: quintessenceblog.com
 



It's still only January, plenty of time to make good on that New Year's resolution to get your office in order. And now you have a little added inspiration to create a pretty, yet functional workspace. Don't forget to check out my Home Office Décor Pinterest board. Just click here!

 

Of course, if you are still trying to figure out where to put your stapler, maybe you should give us a call! We'd love to design an office for you!

 

Speaking of offices....stay tuned! I am setting up a new office space for Mandeville Canyon Designs. Pictures and announcements to come soon!

 

Warmly,

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 

Psst...there's a package on your front porch!

No, not really. There isn't a package on your front porch. But seriously, when was the last time you went out there? Once upon a time front porches were designed and built for the purpose of extending the living area of the home. It was a place to cool off from long hot days spent in the fields, or to share a glass of lemonade with your neighbors. Think about it....when was the last time you actually enjoyed your front porch? Maybe it's time to stop pulling into your garage and heading straight inside! Pretend you are a visitor and head to the front door! Take a moment to figure out what's missing!

Life has become so complicated and fast-paced that we hardly pay attention to our porches! Unless you are lucky enough to have a beautiful view from your porch it's unlikely you've sat and relaxed on yours recently. They are still quite popular in home designs, but not many homeowners know what to do with them!

With a little bit of attention, you'll get a lot of reward! I recommend starting with a walkway. What says, "Come on over!" or "Welcome to our home." more than a walkway to your front porch? Make your walkway nice and wide, and think about adding some interest. Even a slight curve can change the look & feel of your entryway. Consider using some lighting along the way.

 Now that I've got you on my porch, what's next? A fun and creative way to add some style to your porch is by adding some interesting trim pieces like the ones seen here. There are many different varieties available to suit your taste or your needs. It can add a little bit of privacy or just a beautiful design element.

Lighting is also a key element to your front porch. While your lights need to be functional, keep in mind that they set the mood for the entire house. So often I see houses with outdoor lighting that is just too small. Keep in mind the size and scale of your home when choosing your lights. I love this front porch ~ the scale and design of the lanterns are just perfect!

You don't have to spend a ton of money to make your front entry way look like it hasn't been forgotten. Simply giving your front door a new coat of paint in a splashy color will do the trick!

Break away from the traditional black and try one of these fun colors! Pair it with a stand out door knocker or mix it up with diamond shaped mullions on the door.


If space allows, I always like to add seating for at least two people. Of course you can't go wrong with the traditional rocking chairs, but there are also so many updated designs available today, all in weather resistant materials. Even a simple painted bench, like this one from +Pottery Barn can spruce up the look of your front entryway.

Change the pillows with the seasons and voila! Everyone will want to sit with you! Or, bring back the porch swing. This one by The Porch Store is just perfect for that afternoon nap!

I'm not going to lie, I love the idea of a daybed swing and outdoor window treatments. It's just so romantic! Here are some of my favorites.

 

 

 

Porch design can range from simple to outrageous. Peaceful to useful, budget conscious to expensive. Whatever your taste or budget may be, it's a part of our home that should not be overlooked. After all, you only get one chance to make a first impression!

Cheers,

Renee