Unity: A United Homefront

Unity, our last and final design principle, “is the feeling of harmony between all parts, creating a sense of completeness.”  Unity wraps up every principle of design we’ve covered so far and essentially says to put them all to work in your space for a harmonious end product that is the place you call home. 

 To me, completeness in a home is about layers.  When you look at a style magazine spread of a beautiful home setting, and then peer over the page at your own room in jealousy, the difference can often involve those extra “layers” in a professionally designed space.  Minus their high dollar price tags, you can put on your professional designer hat and think of ways to up the ante on your home’s style factor.  

Recall all of the design principles – balance, emphasis, movement, pattern, repetition, proportion, rhythm, variety, and now today unity.  Pick out something in each room that expresses the meaning behind each principle to create the most unity in the space you live in.  Find balance in the way you arrange your living room seating, maybe opting for a new configuration that highlights the pieces as a whole even better.  Choose a key color to emphasize that carries through different parts of a particular room.  Use your patterned fabric choices and wall hanging layouts to chart the course of how your eyes roam through an area.  Bring life into your décor through savvy selections and rearrangements that play off of each other well.  Plan out your space from the top of your crown molding down to the center of your flooring so that interesting and important things show themselves off on every layer. 

Ultimately, you are the best judge of how unified your home feels to you.  What invites you to gather your family around the dinner table and stay and visit awhile when the meal is over?  What calls you to curl up and rest in your living room with a movie or a book and gives you that space to just breathe and be at home?  Stark, stale, and uninviting is not what you want your home to project.  I believe we would all prefer to open the door to a home that instead expresses a feeling of welcome, calm, and warmth.  How you create that for yourself is entirely up to you on your united homefront.           

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star June 10th.

  

Variety is the Spice of Your Home Life

Variety, design principle number 8, is defined as “the use of several elements of design to hold the viewer’s attention and to guide the viewer’s eye.”  It is your use of lines, shapes, forms, space, colors, and textures that adds those dashes of variety to your living area that creates visual interest aplenty. 

Variety can be enhanced by the art of the unexpected.  Think you need to stick to one pattern or print in an area?  Not necessary, actually.  You can mix a shower curtain with a curvy geometric print with clean-lined striped towels and solid colored bath mats.  Zig zag curtain panels can be paired with a multicolored, flecked rug and upholstered occasional chairs with a floral twist or a solid leather sofa with throw pillows of varying designs.  Layer different patterns to slather on the variety. 

When hanging a grouping on a wall, mix the shapes, sizes, and materials to create an eclectic blend with art gallery flair versus a streamlined grid of the same frames.  Hang round or sunburst mirrors with square and rectangular framed art or photos alongside unframed canvases or retro ceiling tiles.  When setting up a general season table centerpiece, vary the heights of candle holders, combine clear glass vases with solid ceramics, and blend wispy grasses and florals with smooth rocks or stones.  When you take in the complete scene, it is the melding of the different pieces together that makes it an appealing collection.

Variety is also displayed through a mixed bag of furniture pieces.  You can buy a set right off a showroom floor.  Or you can pick and choose a slew of pieces from different lines or sources to add a different flourish to the space.  A clean line couch next to a small, round end table, along with a loveseat or side chairs with feminine, curvy lines and nail head details gives a room personality.  In a bedroom, an upholstered headboard with a wavy shape to the top, plush, mini ottomans at the foot of the bed, and a masculine, blocky dresser keep the room from being one sided, but is diversified instead.

Variety can be the spice of your home life when you boldly mix and match and layer different shapes and colors and textures to ensure each area of your home expresses parts of your style in unique, creative ways.   

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star June 3rd. 

    

Get a Rhythm

Rhythm is number 7 on the principles of design list.  We define rhythm as being “created when one or more elements of design are used repeatedly to create a feeling of organized movement.  Variety is essential to keep rhythm exciting and active, and it creates a mood like music or dancing.”  Now, the elements of design are the tools – lines, shapes, forms, space, colors, and textures.  We have put them to use in our previous principles.  And now it is time to dance. 

One way to offer up a rhythm vibe in a room is to layer textures.  Silky bed coverings paired with embellished accent pillows and crisp, white linen shams keep a welcoming bed from being a one-note wonder.  A smooth leather ottoman atop a fuzzy, thick area rug next to an upholstered sofa brings variation to your seating area and visual appeal to your space.  An ornate lighting fixture hanging in an entryway that is greeted with the sleek lines of a modern foyer table and the repeating pattern of a rug flush with the front door threshold provides those spice notes that meets your guests with swooning applause.   

Using color to hit all the right notes also adds that rhythmic element to your home.  Rhythm obviously joins with Movement to bring layers of design into a space.  Repeat your chosen colors in interesting ways to generate that beat.  Pick up a soft tone from your fabrics in a living area or bedroom and paint your ceiling that pale shade in lieu of the standard white.  Take an accent shade from a rug and use it again in printed pillows, drapery panels, wall canvases, and accessories on shelves.  Paint your walls the color of your sofa or other seating, and then let the smaller pieces be more muted while the big elements pop.    

March to the beat of your own drummer and find the rhythm that works for the space you reside in.  And for you Johnny Cash fans – you know I had to go there – you can get a rhythm so you don’t get the blues.       

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star May 27th.

        

Proportion: Sizing You Up

Number six on the list of design principles is Proportion, which says it is “the feeling of unity created when all parts – sizes, amounts, or number – relate well with each other.”  This principle of design draws on some old staple rules of home decorating that still ring true today.        

When hanging pictures or other artwork, odd numbers look more cohesive, with three and five being the most popular collection numbers.  Occasional seating chairs usually come in twos, providing a nice balance alongside a sofa or fireplace.  What is hung over a fireplace mantel is usually large, such as a sizeable mirror or portrait, as it compliments the size and opening of the fireplace itself.  A lighting fixture over a dining table will likely be larger than other lights in the home because it is in proportion to the size of the table arrangement.  On the other hand, lights over a kitchen bar can be slender pendant styles to coordinate with the individual bar chairs.  What you hang above a bed’s headboard should not be too small, as the bed’s size would overpower it.  Instead, a large mirror or framed art, or a series of small to medium-sized framed or canvas pieces together works with the largest item in the room instead.    

Tabletop and shelf decorations need proportion as well to look pulled together.  You would not place a floral arrangement alongside a lamp if they were the same overall height and size.  But a short, compact vase of flowers beside a taller lamp with a broad shade would couple well together.  A tiny coffee table in front of a large couch is going to look too off balance, but pair a substantial table or upholstered ottoman with your sofa, and it adds to the warmth and inviting feeling of your setup.  Consider a similar plan for pillows on your seating arrangement.  The mixing of shapes and heights of throw pillows can fill in and add more dimension to any sofa. 

Vary the size and number of items in a furniture arrangement or decor display for a cohesive appearance.  It is how you compile pieces together that gives a space a unity that builds the right proportions with visually appealing elements.  With the goal of creating rooms that look polished with a professional touch, focusing on proportion can give you a sizeable advantage in the design department.    

 DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star May 20th.

Pattern and Repetition: Play It Again and Again and Again

Pattern and Repetition make up the forth and fifth principles of design that we can apply to the look and layout of our homes.  Because they go hand-in-hand, we’ll cover them together.  Pattern “is the repeating of an object or symbol all over,” while repetition “works with pattern to make the artwork seem active.  The repetition of elements of design creates unity.” 

A little secret: these two design principles can be pretty easy to pull off, because they can come home with you rather ready-made.  Consider some fresh ways to integrate a little pattern and repetition into the rooms of your home.  An Oriental rug is traditional, but you can take a 5’x7’ floor space and kick it up a notch by rolling out a chevron, zebra, lattice, houndstooth, or paisley printed rug instead.  The repeating pattern of each can make an art statement all by itself.  Pick up a similar or complimentary pattern in a fabric selection in your seating, lamp shades, and wall art to create that activity element and repeat a pattern in another spot in the room. 

Wallpaper is the time-honored use of pattern and repetition.  Except now, it is used as more of a bold focal point than a muted backdrop to a room.  Wallpaper in stripes, a lattice pattern, or a repeating geometric print can accent a hall bathroom, dining room, entryway, or one standout wall behind a headboard in a bedroom.  Repetition can also play out on your walls in the way you hang mirrors with unique borders or a series of similarly framed pictures or even swatches of fabric or sheets of printed paper.  It is the collection and arrangement of simple items that make them a unified work of art that brings a liveliness into a space. 

Take simple items that display patterns and prints that you like, and put them together to create attractive displays in your home.  It can be as easy as selecting a new rug, some pillows or drapery panels, a lamp shade, blanket, or framed pieces.  Take it a step further by adding in a weekend DIY project, like hanging some wallpaper or making your own custom art.  Ultimately, if you’re looking for a fuss-free way to incorporate more design into your rooms, playing on pattern and repetition is a no-sweat, high-reward route to take that plays on and on.

Happy Mother’s Day! 

Next week: Proportion 

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star May 13th.     

Movement: On a Roll

Movement is the third design principle.  When it comes to art in particular, movement is defined as “the path the viewer’s eye takes through the artwork, often to focal areas.  Such movement can be directed along lines, edges, shape, and color.”  So this week, we’re not just focusing on what we emphasize in our home decor, but how we ensure that others look from area to area in a flattering fashion.

Think up, down, and across.  No, not crossword puzzle directions.  But rather, examine the visual flow in each room in your home.  What causes us to look from spot to spot?  Let’s start with “up.”  Stairs come to mind first.  If you have a second story or just a few steps up to your front door, consider different colors or surface materials for steps versus risers.  Some paint their stairs, using one color for the steps and a different color for the risers, such as espresso and white.  Stair steps can be covered in carpet, while risers remain a painted or stained wooden surface.  The eye catches the variation differently than a solid block of color or single material, causing that visual tick up. 

You can hang floating shelves in clusters to display framed photos, artwork, or some decorative items like pottery, vases, shells, or metals.  When the edges of the shelves are in contrast to the wall color behind them, you can create movement from line to line in your collection, whether they are one lined up on top the other or hung in a staggered pattern. 

Another popular design today is a chevron pattern, the repeated pattern of zigzag lines, alternating usually between white and a bold or bright color.  A large chevron area rug can create movement in a seating arrangement or under a dining table, as if to welcome you into that space. 

Round décor, whether wall art, frames, or a collection of mirrors or old ceiling tiles, can be hung together to create a whimsical flow that draws the eye through a space with fluid movement.  A grouping without rigid edges remains loose and visually flowing from piece to piece. 

Incorporating movement into your living space is all about adding or rearranging elements that help the eye keep traveling through the space.  What makes you look across your walls, through your displays, and around your furniture?  Keep the ball rolling by having precisely positioned pieces that keep the eye moving.  Now you’re on a roll.

Next week: Pattern and Repetition

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star May 6th.

Emphasis: The Eyes Have It

The second principle of design is emphasis, which is “the part of the design that catches the viewer’s attention, usually denoted by one area standing out by contrasting it with other areas.  The emphasized area will be different in size, color, texture, shape, etc.”  Good home design has emphasis on something in each room or each area of a room that can be deemed important or special.  Your emphasis is your pop, your focal point.  So what do you choose to focus on?

Tables are easy, because your emphasis is typically on what you put in the middle.  A floral arrangement on a foyer table draws the eye in and adds a splash of color and life to your entryway.  A seasonal centerpiece shows emphasis through its size and height, and it usually incorporates pops of color or decorative items that take center stage. 

Wall art shows emphasis by either being a large, singular focal point, such as a mirror or painting over a mantel.  Or, it shows emphasis by being made up of a collection of smaller pieces that come together to create a unified whole that is the main focus of one wall or area of a room, like a collage of similarly framed photos, decorative canvases, or framed art. 

The emphasis of a solid couch can be the bold fabric choice in the throw pillows at each end, just as the emphasis of an inviting bed can be the arrangement of shams, sleeping pillows, and throw pillows atop a billowy comforter.  Your focal point can also swing high and low by being a grand lighting fixture in an entryway or in a bright printed runner out in front of a neutral washing machine and dryer. 

The phrase “a wondering eye” takes on a different meaning when you plan out your visually appealing focal points of each room.  What do you want to garner attention?  Use color, different dimensions, and a shift in size to catch some glances and compliments alike.  Look from surface to surface, wall to wall, and decide what needs to be the main attraction, and then give it the platform it deserves by letting it shine while its background becomes the supporting cast.  After all, when it comes to what’s emphasized, the eyes definitely have it.    

This marks DesignInMind’s 100^th column! 

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star April 29th.

Principles of Design: Tipping the Scales of Balance

It feels like a fresh time for a new column series.  So we will spend the next few weeks reviewing the principles of design and how we can incorporate each into our living spaces.  Those principles are balance, emphasis, movement, pattern, proportion, repetition, rhythm, variety, and unity.  So put your thinking caps on and pull out that notebook and pencil.  School is in session. 

Balance is defined as “the distribution of the visual weight of objects, colors, texture, and space.”  Balance gives a space stability.  There are three main types of balance in design: symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial.  Symmetrical balance is my favorite, and it simply means that what you do on one side, you copy on the other, creating two equal halves.  Asymmetrical balance has two sides that are different, but they still look balanced.  Radial balance can be depicted in a tire – everything is arranged evenly around a center point.    

When you consider balance in home design and decorating, furniture and large accessories are major factors.  A room with a lot of furniture on one side and sparse on the other can look odd because it lacks balance.  Walls with artwork that lacks some continuity can disturb the visual balance.  Instead, visualize that legal scale in your mind - the one that teeters back and forth as weight is added to each side - when you arrange pieces of furniture, position lamps and small tables, and hang up wall art.  Decide which path you want to take – parts of a room that are equal, close, or that radiate out from a central point. 

For symmetrical balance, think of an arrangement that allows your seating to mirror each other, placing couches, love seats, and occasional chairs in a copycat fashion across from each other.  If you hang a large mirror on one main wall, add something of similar size to the wall opposite it.  If a sofa table has a lamp on it, add a matching one to the other end.  For asymmetrical arrangements, you can be less matchy-matchy but still balance that scale in your own way; it does not have to be about exact proportions, but an overall feeling of evenness.  Think of this when you spread a color or a textured fabric throughout a room.  For radial symmetry, let your placement generate out from a fireplace or entertainment center and be less angular and a little more curved instead.  In wall art placement, hang a larger center piece and other framed items around it.

When you peer into a room, an overall feeling of welcoming balance and purpose should greet you.  Visual weight in a room or on your walls pulls a lot of weight when it comes to how complete a space is perceived to be.  So get to sliding those furniture legs and accessories around and tip the scales of balance in your creative favor.  Next week’s principle: Emphasis.     

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star April 22nd.

Tackling Those Taxing Projects

Just about every home has those hot spots that we tend to avoid like the plague when it comes to the thought of “tidying up a bit” . . . especially when what we really need is a complete overhaul.  You know what I’m talking about.  I bet with wide eyes and pursed lips, you have some places in mind that hit a little too close to your home.   

However, there are solid ways to tackle those taxing projects (pun definitely intended) without giving up a whole season to accomplish them.  Well, if you work efficiently, that is.  Let’s start where the monsters lie: under the bed.  Don’t let it be an abyss of lost socks, luggage, broken toy parts, and – Heaven forbid – misplaced snacking paraphernalia.  Instead, set up a “drawer” system by only using under-the-bed storage for items that can be housed in long, plastic 58 quart containers with double-sided lids that open on each end.  They slide easily on carpeted floors and keep items together, clean, and neat; and nothing gets lost in the middle because everything can be easily slid out from under the bed. 

Closets are another project that can cause daily frustration, and yet be left to their own devices because a makeover seems so overwhelming.  Yet, there is hope.  Stick to these principles: pare down, part with, and position correctly.  Identifying the excess that is not worn or used is half the battle; free your space.  Remove those items by way of donation or resale.  And store the remainder in a logical way for how it’s used and the space you have.  Incorporate bins, baskets, containers, hooks, and even additional shelving to use your closet space to the max so everything is organized and easy to retrieve.

The garage can turn into a full storage room and leave its owners’ cars in the driveway or on the street just to satisfy its voracity for becoming a major catch-all.  Minimize this possibility by going vertical.  Use your garage wall space right up to the ceiling if needed.  Bring in free-standing shelving units to hold labeled plastic containers to store seasonal decorations and outdoor gear of all sorts.  Install custom wall units and cabinets that provide shelving, hooks, bins, and a perfectly-spaced place for every tool, gadget, and piece of sporting equipment you own.  Use the perimeter for storage and free up those prime parking spaces.

Big?  Messy?  Overwhelming?  Yes, home projects can be all of those things.  But don’t let the size of the mess dictate your actions and cause you to stand quietly by and just get by in your own space.  Own it.  Show it who’s the boss.  Take your problem projects from taxing to tackled.  Then soak in the victory. 

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star April 15th. 

More than Hop: Hope in Easter

I could take an Easter design column in a few directions.  I could talk about the use and impact of pastel colors.  Or I could tell you more about livening up your home with spring as the theme.  Or I could even put a cheeky twist on the Easter message and discuss home projects you could accomplish in three days.  But I could also just tell it like it is. 

 We acknowledged the design in God’s plan at Christmas.  And the true message of Easter is no different.  We could let a hopping Easter Bunny be the only focus of the day, or we could celebrate the ultimate hope we have this Easter.  Because Christ died for us, we have the opportunity to be saved.  Jesus suffered and died an unimaginable death on a wooden cross.  But the cross did not keep Him.  He rose from death to give us life.  He chose us.  The Lord loves each and every one of us more than I can fathom.  And He gave up everything to bridge the gap between us and God.  The design that unfolded all those many years ago continues to change lives as people come to know the Lord as their Savior and ruler of their lives. 

This Easter Sunday, my hope is that those who have accepted Christ’s gift of salvation relish this opportunity to celebrate His victory over death and find refreshment in their relationship with Him at this, the start of spring.  And for those who want to know more about Jesus and the free gift of salvation He offers, know that when you seek Him, you find Him.  I love that symbolism in the Easter egg hunts that will take place in countless yards today; Christ is right there, ready to be found by His people.  Talk to a Christian minister or friend or family member and find the answers to the questions you may have about what a relationship with Jesus really looks like.

It is that relationship, that acceptance, which is the ultimate design for our lives.  May you and your family have a truly Happy Easter.

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star April 8th.

Fool-Proof Ways to Love the Design You're In

Buyers’ remorse can strike at the heart of many; you make a purchase, large or small, and then doubt begins to creep in, and you’re not sure of your choice.  Loving what you choose to showcase in your home, whether in the grand pieces or the tiny details, can be helped along with a little mindset adjusting. 

First, make it personal.  Sure, something displayed in your friend’s home looked great at the time.  But your attempt to mimic it has left you feeling less than thrilled.  Perhaps that could be because you do not have a connection to that design item or overall style.  When you select décor - from paint colors to furniture to accessories - that have a story behind them for you and your family, that connection adds to your enjoyment.

Additionally, find the right blend for you between timeless and trendy.  The latest-and-greatest can be very fitting when you will be assured of your selection.  What you want to avoid is running out and buying a trend-setting piece and then, even just months down the line, stewing in that “what was I thinking?” feeling.  Determine where your comfort level falls on the pendulum between classic things that will work seemingly forever and new styles steaming up runways and galleries the world over . . . for today.  Stick to shopping in that feel-good range.

Lastly, just make it work for your space.  Doctor it up.  Mix it in with a current collection of yours.  Change the room it’s in.  Make it a focal point to give it purpose.  Let it blend into the background but yet not go wasted.  Once you’ve committed to a purchase, or you simply cannot or will not return it, use it to the max to get the most bang for your buck. 

 Happiness is a mindset.  Determine to love the space you live in, and follow hard after that goal.  Be confident when you make a new purchase or just rearrange your available décor pieces in your home.  Whether you roll it on the walls, hang it on a nail, or set it on a shelf, fool-proof your way to loving the design elements you surround yourself with and never doubt that you do have style, and you have every right to make it your own.            

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star April 1st. 

  

The Organized Move

There is an art to moving.  Some pack up and move maybe once in a lifetime.  Others are well versed at the repeated use of cardboard boxes, packing tape, and the need to “lift with your legs.”  As with many things, there are steps you can take to make the grand task of moving easier on you and your family.

First, have a plan.  Throwing a mix of things into boxes just because they seem to fit can make for some head-scratching unpacking.  Prioritizing how you pack up and load out can streamline the process of unloading and unpacking. 

Use a lettered priority system, along with a detailed box labeling system.  Tape a white piece of paper to each box top.  Mark a large letter in the corner of the paper to immediately indicate the priority of the box from “A” to “D.”  Write the details of the box contents on the page for easy hunting.  “A’s” are your top-priority, need-right-away items.  Pack an “A” box for each room.  The kitchen “A” box has one of each basic for everyone that can be unpacked right away for the first quick and easy meal in your new place.  This includes a plate, glass, and set of silverware for each person, plus paper napkins, paper towels, soap, kitchen shears, a couple of dish towels, and your essential appliances like the coffee maker and maybe the toaster.  Each bedroom “A” box has a pillow, set of sheets, a blanket, and towels for each person in that room.  An “A” box for cleaning supplies helps you locate the supplies you will need right away to get settled, which includes hand soaps and shower gel for each bathroom. 

“B” boxes are the remaining quantities of the limited items you put in your “A” boxes: kitchenware, small appliances, more towels, bathroom rugs, shower curtains, pillows, blankets, comforters, and lamps.  “C” boxes are the next step down in priority, which includes wall art, decorative pieces, extra linens, and non-everyday kitchen items like bakeware and serving pieces.  “D” boxes are things that may stay in storage in your garage, like keepsakes, tools, and lawn care products. 

When you pack out your original home, you pack from “D” to “A” for your own convenience in what you use from the least to the most.  When you unpack in your new place, you unpack from “A” to “D.”  When your boxes are clearly labeled and have proper details written on each box top page, you can find just about anything quickly and easily.  When you have unpacked and thrown away the box top pages, you can break down the cardboard boxes and store at least some of them flat to be used in the future, and they are not written on.  That makes reuse much easier. 

Use this tested-and-approved system of mine for an organized move that gets you out of one place and into a new spot in a most simplified way.  Now you just need to enlist the help of others who know to “lift with their legs” . . .     

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star March 25th.

      

Spring Forward . . . In Little Steps

Adding some seasonal flair to your space can be done in little elements that combine to put a substantial spring stamp of approval in your home.  When you are shopping for some pieces to hop right into place to give you that blossom-and-bloom feeling, keep an eye out for the following trendy items. 

A glass drink dispenser takes lemonade to the next level.  Don’t wait for a party to mix up a pitcher of a flavored drink, accompanied with floating slices of fruit.  Drink dispensers keep things cool on a kitchen counter or a buffet.  To serve some glasses of your thirst quenching beverage at your next get-together, use a brightly colored melamine serving tray.  This inexpensive tray can be a pop of color on a coffee table or foyer table.  Beyond food service, they can hold mail, keys, or small office supplies on a desk.

Go beyond your usual style comfort zone and spring for two bold-printed throw pillows for your couch.  A 20”x20” square on each end that stands out from your couch will draw rave reviews into summer.  Add the quintessential floral arrangement to a living room end table or bedside table.  Wrap a palm frond around the inside of a medium-sized square or rectangular glass vase, and top it off with a collection of seasonal blooms in pink, white, or yellow.  To make it really last, pick the most realistic silk flowers you can find. 

Take the formality out of your grandmother’s candle sticks, and opt for chunky, contemporary versions instead.  Whether you find the perfect bright hues on a store shelf or take garage sale finds and dress them up with glossy spray paint, add a hot accessory collection staggered down the center of your dining room table for a party or your everyday weeknight dinners.  Another easy update for your table is cloth napkins at each table setting.  You can find happy spring florals or colorful geometric prints to dress up your dining experience without footing a hefty bill.   

You don’t have to go big and expensive in order to create an airy, spring-forward feeling in your home.  It really is in the details.  And when you add them up, you can have little touches in bloom in every room.                  

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star March 18th.  

Spring Cleaning Your Way to a Fresh Start

Spring Cleaning can illicit visions of aprons, pink rubber gloves, and feather dusters a plenty.  At least that’s how I like to picture myself in cleaning mode.  Taking the time to roll up our sleeves and do some of that heavy-duty cleaning and organizing that does not make the regular maintenance list can be tasking, but it can also be very rewarding.  Nothing says spring like a new level of fresh and clean.

Go past the usuals – the dusting, vacuuming, mopping, bathroom cleaning.  Consider these areas to really put the elbow grease to in order to start anew this March:

Window treatments – Blinds could use a thorough wiping down, and curtain panels could use a spin in the washer and dryer if the fabric allows.  Give the windows themselves the wax-on-wax-off treatment as well.

Up High and Down Low – Clean ceiling fan blades and ceiling air events.  Dust the tops of high pieces of furniture like armoires and entertainment centers.  Use the brush attachment with your vacuum cleaner hose and go over the baseboards in each room.  Rugs could also use a shampooing.

Behind and Underneath – Move large furniture pieces (with some help) like dressers, beds, and couches to clean their backs, along the wall and baseboard, and underneath.  Vacuum hose attachments greatly aid this task as well. 

 Spring Cleaning can also be a great time to cast off some of the excess and strive for more organized, paired-down spaces.  Go through closets and dresser drawers to remove clothing and accessories that never saw the light of day this winter, and send them off to a resale shop or donation center.  Here are some categories that could use a good look:

Jewelry – Assess what you do and do not wear, and remove the pieces that consistently get overlooked.  This will help your jewelry storage method look tidy and ready to wear.

Shoes – We love our boots and heels, but we can literally walk the soles right off of them.  Inspect your footwear for sets that have seen better days.  Shop for next fall’s replacements at today’s after-winter sales. 

The Works – For the cleaner serious about clearing out, go through it all: undies, socks, hosiery, slips, pajamas, swimwear, scarves, belts, and exercise wear.  If you’re not wearing it, it’s just taking up space that could be used to house new purchases this season. 

 Even one weekend’s worth of work can make a big impact on your home.  And then you could sit back with a tall glass of lemonade and drink in the feeling of being totally ready for a true spring break.

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star March 11th.

The Hostess Diary: A Little Shower and Wedding Etiquette

Designing and preplanning go hand-in-hand.  To have the polished event you desire, the right prep steps can get you well on your way.  As we enter spring, events of the bridal and baby shower as well as wedding variety abound.  To start right as a hostess and as a guest, know the rules that call the shots today.  Etiquette is not a thing of the past.  If you need a refresher about what applies, you’ve come to the right place. 

When hosting a shower, invitations need to go in the mail 3 weeks prior to the event.  This allows time for guests to have them in their hand with more than 2 weeks notice.  When mailing wedding invitations, the current rule of thumb is mailing your invitations 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding.  Four weeks, which is done on occasion, is cutting it close.  One rule to not overlook is if a guest is invited to a bridal or couples shower, they are to also receive an invitation to the wedding.  Inviting someone to a shower, which elicits a gift, and not invite them to the wedding, is considered poor form.        

The use of “Save the Date” cards after an engagement is announced gives your wedding guests months of notice in most cases, and this practice is still optional.  For smaller family weddings, you may bypass a “Save the Date.”  For larger-scale weddings with guests traveling from a distance, a “Save the Date” can help your invited guests plan ahead with plenty of notice.  Some couples are foregoing a “Save the Date” card and setting up wedding websites instead, sharing all their wedding and guest travel and accommodations information online.     

Registries help brides-to-be and expectant mommies receive gifts from thoughtful family and friends that they are sure to use and enjoy because they had a hand in their selection.   How you share registry information is something to handle only one way: correctly.  Registry information is to be printed on shower invitations.  Showers are centered on bringing the recipient a gift.  Weddings are centered on celebrating the marriage of a couple.  And though it is customary to bring a gift to a wedding, registry information should NOT be included on a wedding invitation or added in a wedding invitation mailing in the form of a small insert.  Wedding guests know to ask close family members where the couple is registered; it should not glare at them from a wedding invite.    

Knowing the rules that reign over the behind-the-scenes of celebratory events can smooth the process for hosts and guests alike.  Plan accordingly, and you set yourself up for a successful event to be enjoyed by all who take part.      

DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star March 4th.