Hang in there!

Another week, another snowstorm here in NH! And another one on the way to boot! There must be at least 50 inches of snow in my front yard. The kids haven't had a full week of school in weeks! Even my friends who love winter are hanging up the white flag (you just can't see it under all of the snow!)!  So the term, "Hang in there!" has been used a lot lately!

But what I really meant to say was "Hang it there!"...meaning hang some wallpaper! No seriously, wallpaper is cool. Way cooler than it used to be.

Many of my clients have reservations about wallpaper, and I get it. It kind of earned a bad rap a few decades ago. Most of you are worried that it's no longer in style, or that it will quickly go out of style. Some are concerned that it's difficult put up and even more difficult to get down.



West Elm
Sepulveda Mural Wallpaper - Graystone

Well, the good news is that wallpaper today is very much in fashion and with today's advances in technology and design, wallpaper is much easier to install and to remove. And for those commitment-phobes out there, you can even buy temporary wallpaper.

There are so many great companies out there making some beautiful wallpaper. There is no doubt, that there is something for everyone! And there are so many different ways incorporate wallpaper into your design.

Wallpaper can totally transform the look and feel of a room. Have you ever felt that a painted wall feels, well...."flat"? In comes some wallpaper and voila! bring on the dimension! If you are feeling a little nervous about wallpapering an entire room, try just covering an accent wall. You will still get the effect, without as much of a commitment.

Found on beachblissliving.com

Remember to choose your wallpaper carefully. These days wallpaper is made from all kinds of materials. Pick the one that's most suitable for your room. For example, you may want to use a vinyl wallpaper in the bathroom where it's moist. Consider a wallpaper with a washable finish for high-traffic areas like hallways, mudrooms, or for that matter kids room (I still have visions of hand and footprints on my kids walls!). In fact, wallpaper can be more forgiving and easier to care for than just a painted wall!

The entryway is another fun place to use wallpaper. You can apply it to the walls, or even the stairs!


Found on theboldabode.com

Found on bhg.com


Still not sure what to do?? Look no further than UP!! You betcha! Wallpaper on the ceiling is a brilliant idea! It's a dreamy touch to a nursery, or a bold statement in an office!


Found on homeadore.com



Found on projectnursery.com



Here's  something funny...I absolutely love wallpaper and yet I have none of it in my house. Stands to reason that if you loved something, you would want to have it around you, and that's exactly why I don't. See, I have such a love of wallpaper that I can't choose! Yes, it even happens to designers. I am paralyzed by all of the wonderful options;  Graphic, floral, photographs of corrugated tin siding! I have decided that the responsible thing to do is just continue to love from afar (and wait until our new studio is painted, and then...watch out!)!

Now that I've got you thinking wallpaper, be sure to check back next week, we'll be featuring my favorite wallpaper designers!

Until then, have fun imagining the possibilities!

 

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