Garage Organization 101

Garage Organization 101

Many people have disorganized garages (my self included) so I wanted to share some basic tips and products I have used to help clean up and organize a garage space.  Summer time is the perfect time to take a few days and tackle this type of project.

Below are some simple tips to get yourself organized and to create a plan of attack.

Garage Organizing tips:

1.  Go through EVERYTHING in your garage and organize before you buy a storage solution so you know what you have and what to get keep.
• Make a pile to keep, donate, trash, or recycle (check your local city information on local recycle sites and hazards waste drop off locations.
• Take a day or two to really go through your garage first. 
2. Buy the right storage system for your needs
• Do you want open shelving or enclosed?  
• Some people like to see all of their stuff and others don't 
3. Store vertically and if possible hang things from the ceiling

• I have found the Rubbermaid fast track system works great for hanging things on the wall vertically and it is not expensive!
• This system is great for all of the misc yard tools you have.
4. Place items you use together near each other
5. Don't be afraid to bring out the label maker!
• Label your boxes or bins so it is very clear what is in each thing.  Saves time in the end.
6. Have fun with it and include the family!

Here is an image showing the use of open shelving, wall organization rails and enclosed storage.  This is the Gladiator wall gear system.

I find after you take the time to understand what all you have to store you can find the right inexpensive storage solutions at your local home improvement stores.

TheDiva's Designing Principles

 The Diva's Designing Principles
I have practicing commercial interior design for 15 year now and helped many friends and family on residential design projects as well as designing my own home 1 year ago.  I have learned a lot of about residential design after building my house and found I used a lot of the same design principles I use in commercial office design.


I would like to share with you some of my designing principles that work for commercial and residential design.  Please remember that these are ideas I use in design and there are may ways to design interior space.  Feel free to use all or a few tips depending on your own style and project.

The Diva's Designing Principles:

• Do your research and really understand what you like and your goals of each project.  
• I recommend using Houzz and Pinterest for getting inspired for your design project.  In commercial design, this is the process you do to understand what your clients likes or doesn't like and defining the scope of the project.  
• Don't slip this step and try to do this first since it will create the scope and budget and help you take your time to create a space you (the client) really wants.
• Understand your own design style and understand what makes that style the way it is and use those ideas in your design

• I love modern design which I use in my house and at work (I am lucky)
• I use a lot of simple clean lines, less is more for details, and I look to 1950's design for inspiration

• Use natural colors for the more expense materials in your spaces. They shouldn't be too trendy.
• Examples are flooring, tile, cabinets, furniture
• Mix different natural materials in your design to create interest.  Adding lots of texture create lots of visual interest and make the space feel richer and warmer.  This is where your own personality can come forward

• Examples are using barn wood floors or beams, tile, textured quarts or garnet counter tops  wood walls or wood ceilings, fabric walls panels, metal ceilings, textured walls, stone or brick on a fireplace, etc.

• Use color with paint and accessories since they are easy and cheaper to update when the color you used goes out of style.
• Less is more here.  Try to edit yourself while adding color since it will go a long way
• End accent painted walls in an inside corner not an outside corner.  It is a cleaner ending point and looks like you thought through where the paint ended instead of forcing the end point.
• Use the same base color and style (if possible) throughout your house to tie it all together
• Use the same color of hardware throughout your space to create unity
• Example of this are cabinet handles, faucets, door handles,   
• Try not to create matchy matchy spaces and look for a fabric or picture for inspiration and use colors or other patterns from it to create your space
• Don't try to match or use themes throughout the space
• Think about site lines while layout out space and where you want to or don't want to add a window.
• Think about where you locate light fixtures and what type of light fixture to use for each space
• Think about how you will use the spaces and that will help you decide on where to locate it and what finishes to use.

Most important advice I can give is to really take the time to understand what you like, what you don't like, what your project scope, and budget is before planning.  Make sure you have clear communication with all trades working on the project with you so your ideas can be executed like you imagined they would.  

2014 Spring fashion color trends

 2014 Spring fashion color trends
It may not feel like spring will ever arrive but it is time to start thinking about the new spring fashion color trends.

This spring brings a wonderful balance of fresh pastel colors and bright colors that work wonderful together.  I tend to like brighter colors but I really enjoy this lovely mix of colors in the Pantone 2014 spring color report.

Below is a video of Leatrice Eiseman who is the Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute describing each color.


TheDiva's thoughts about 2014 Spring color trends:

Prominent colors
I am most excited to add Hemlock into my spring wardrobe this spring.  it is a light fresh green that can go with most colors.

 Inspirations
My inspiration for this spring is planning for a trip to The Netherlands & Belgium next month.  It has been such a snowy cold winter I can't wait to see all of the spring flowers starting to bloom!

 Signature color:
As many of you might already know, my signature color is orange.  I do love the new shade of orange this spring.  It is bold but not electric and will freshen any neutral color in your wardrobe.

Must have item for spring 2014
I am looking forward to adding a floral print dress or skirt this spring.  Floral prints are very popular this spring and I am really looking forward to any type of flowers this spring.


What color would you repaint a room or accent piece in your home?
I would use a accent of freesia in a bathroom or bedroom with grey as the neutral.  It brings such energy and life to a space and just makes you smile.









The Men's spring color pallet is similar to the woman's and have changed out Hemlock to a strong earth green - Comfrey.



























2014 Spring fashion trends:
This spring I am seeing some fun trends in fashion which I am really excited to try:

• Flats
• Sporty
• Fuller skirts
• Floral & geometric prints
• Pastels
• Iridescence
• Mesh
• White classic button down shirt
• Luxe sweatshirts
• Black & white

I had toe surgery two months ago and still can't wear my higher heels so I am very excited about fun options for flats.  I also bought a pair of Vans sneakers in metallic gold and I am seeing sneakers worn with skirts and dresses.  I will be trying that sporty trend.

I also love skirts and fuller skirts are so flattering and have a hint of vintage flair.  I am so glad the black & white trend is still going strong since it is so timeless.

Leave a comment on what your favorite Pantone spring 2014 color is and your favorite spring fashion trend.

Alternative Residential Flooring Options

Alternative residential flooring options

Last year I built a new house that I designed.  I am a commercial Interior Designer so I was not aware of all of the wonderful residential alternative floor options.

Alternative wood flooring option

I love the look of distressed old wood plank floors.  We had troubles finding a wood floor we liked and that was cost effective.  I also have 2 dogs and I was concerned about how wood floor hold up to water and scratches.    

I found a great vinyl plank product that looks like ready reclaimed wood.  It is Mannington Adura Distinctive Plank wood floor.  This product comes in vinyl 5"x48" planks that have great texture, depth and a look like real wood.  

 Click on the link below to see the many different products that will fit every one's unique style.

Mannington Adura Wood Plank Floor link

 I installed the Dockside plank flooring in my kitchen, dinning & front entry and I love it!  It looks like real wood, it cost less than real wood and the product has a good warranty too!


Alternative sheet vinyl flooring option

I don't love the look of sheet vinyl so I wanted to try something very durable and different for my back entry, mudroom & back hallway.

I decided to use a VCT tile.  VCT (vinyl compact tile) is used in high traffic commercial spaces. (school cafeteria, doctor offices, & office storage rooms).  It cost the same as sheet vinyl is more durable.
Here is a Mannington Progressions VCT installed my my mud room.  Chick on link below to see all of the color options.

Mannington VCT link

I love how it turned out and that it is an unexpected product to use in your home.

Alternative tile flooring option

I am not a huge fan of tile floor since it is so cold to the touch, hard and grout is hard to keep clean.

When I was looking into the Adura wood flooring options I found a Adura tile which installs without grout, is not cold, and softer on your feet.

We installed the Mannington Adura Vibe Tile in our 1/2 bath and master bathroom in our house.  I just love it!

Click on the link below to show you all of the many different tile color & style options.  There is something for everyone!

Mannington Adura Tile floor link

There are many different manufactures of VCT and vinyl wood & vinyl tile flooring so make sure to check them all out to find the style you are looking for.

I love the alternative flooring options we used in our new home and they turned out better than I thought they would.

Remember to think outside of the box when looking at what the "standard" flooring options are for your home.  There are so many great new products out there!

Share with me what other alternative residential flooring options you have found.

Shoes 101 - A woman's guide to shoes

.Shoes 101
As many of you know I love shoes and it took me years to understand what all of the different styles of shoes are and which ones flattered you the most.  I will start with the basics to help explain two dozen of the most common shoe styles.

Pointy toe
This is my favorite style of shoe!  This shoe has an exaggerated pointed toe which elongates your leg.  It makes you look longer and leaner.  They are one of the most flattering types of shoes & are very comfortable.  Every woman should one a pair.  You can get them in either flats or heels.

Round toe
This shoe has a rounded toe which is like the ballet flat.  It is very trendy right now with the use of color blocking on the toe.  It is a very classy timeless look.

Pumps
The classic covered toe shoe with a think heeled base and can have a low, medium or high heel.  I do love my pumps and tend to own mostly this style with a pointy toe and a kitten heel which I can run around the office in all day.

Kitten heel
This shoe can be either a pump or slide and has a short heel.  The typical heel height is 1"-2" tall.  They are very comfortable and give a girl a little extra height which we all love.

Slingbacks
This shoe can be either a flat or pump and have a strap that runs behind the ankle which helps to keep the shoe secure to your foot.

Stilettos
The stiletto heel has a thin high heel that are usually 3.5" tall or higher.  They are very sexy and they make you strut when you wear a pair.  I had to show the famous blue stilettos from Sex and the City since that show has made me a show lover.

Ballet flat
A flat shoe with either no heel or a very minim heel which is reminiscent of a ballet slipper.  It has a rounded toe and a little bow tied on the front.  These are great with skinny jeans or a busy day at the office when you know you will be on your feet all day.  Try a fun color or pattern to mix things up instead of the classic black.

Flats
A shoe that has no heel or a very slight heel is a flat.  Most shoe styles now come in flats and they are a big trend for 2014.

Loafer
A slip on shoe inspired by menswear.  They are very trendy right now and have fun with color and extra metal accessories on them to give a little feminine touch. I just bought myself a pair since I just had toe surgery and I need a wider toe box shoe to wear for a while.

Oxfords
This shoe laces up and is also inspired by menswear.  It can be a low or high heel and has leather details such as punched out designs along the sides and top of the shoe.

Platform
This high heeled shoe has added height by an extra thick front of the sole.  This design allows women to comfortably wear 4" + high shoes.

Wedge
This shoe has a triangular shaped heel that gives height while providing stability.  I love wedges and I can wearing taller wedge shoes since they are more stable.  They come as a sandal or a pump or many other styles.

D'Orsays
This shoe cuts away at the sides to create two sections.  A toe and a heel section.  I find them very sexy and I love this shoe since it was used in my favorite Sex and the City episode. "A woman's right to shoes".

Peep toe
This shoe can be either a flat or a high heel.  It has a small opening at the front of the toe that allows a few toes to peep out.

T-Strap
This shoe has a strap on that comes up the top center of the foot and attaches to a strap that goes around the ankle.  It can be either a flat or a heel.

Sandal
This shoe can be either very high or low and features straps and does not cover the toes.

Strappy sandal
This sandal typically has a stiletto heel and has multiple straps that crisscross in various patterns across the toes and ankle.

Slides
Open toe shoe with a high or low heel.  This shoe is backless.  This is similar to the mule shoe but the mule has a closed toe.

Ankle boot
This boot has a low or high heel and they cut off just below, right at, or slightly above the top of the ankle bone.  They are great under pants or jeans.  I live in my ankle boots all winter when I wear pants.

Flat boot
This boot comes to the knee or mid calf and have an equestrian style or a motorcycle shape.  They have a flat heel or have a very low stacked heel.

Tall boot
A knee high (or taller) boot which every women needs a pair.  They can be very slim and sexy or chunky and edgy.  They fit everyone's personal style.  I love wearing mine with skirts all winter.  I own a black, grey, brown, and tan pair.  Love these!!!

Thong
This shoe is distinguished by a strap that runs up between the big and second toe.  A favorite to wear in the summer

Espadrilles
This shoe features a wedge heel made out of rope traditionally.  They are very comfortable and can be open or closed toe.

Gladiator
These flat sandals are inspired by the ones worn by the Roman fighters.  They have many straps across the ankle and across the foot.  They also are down as high heels or tall boots.







Be adventures with your shoes and try as many styles you can since it is an easy way to express yourself.

The essential wardrobe checklist

The Essential Wardrobe Checklist

One thing that really helped me create the closet that I currently have is understanding what are the essential items every woman needs in her closet.  These pieces are timeless, figure  flattering, and are modern classics.



Remember that when you are buying the essential items, they should cost a little more since you want them to last a long time.  I invest in my essential items and add in the trendy pieces that cost less to freshen up my closet year after year.

I have read lots of fashion books and watched way too much Tim Gunn Guide to Style, BBC America What not to wear and the TLC What not to wear shows which helped me create this essential wardrobe checklist.

TheDiva Essential Wardrobe Checklist:

Tops: 

• Neutral cardigan
• Crisp white collared shirt
• Structured jacket
• Dressy tank top
• Dressy long sleeve top
• Camisole
• V- neck sweater (remember to try lots of necklines. cowl, square, crew, scoop etc.)
• Simple cotton t-shirt
• Zippered hoodie

Pants:

• Black trouser
• Dark wash jeans (pick the style that flatters you the most)
• Medium wash jeans
• Black leggings 
• Capri pant

Skirts & Dresses:

• Little black dress (LBB)
• Day dress
• Wrap dress (A girl's best friend!)
• Pencil skirt
• Maxi skirt
• A-line skirt

Outerwear:

• Denim jacket
• Wool pea coat (try a long or short pea coat & try a fun color in winter!)
• Trench coat

Footwear (this will be hard to narrow it down & play with color.  Make sure you have black, nude, brown and grey to start)

• Ankle boot
• Knee high boot
• Pointed toe pump (It makes your legs look longer & they don't hurt!)
• Ballet flat
• Espadrilles
• Sandals
• Rain or snow boot
• Sneaker

Undergarments:

• A well fitted bra is one of the most important things you can wear (it keeps the girls up so you can see your waist line)
• Thong or panties that don't give you lines
• Tights in winter

Jewelry:

• Pearl necklace & earrings
• Cocktail ring 
• Watch
• Vintage piece with family history if possible
• Statement necklace
• Statement bracelet
• Statement earrings
• Diamond stud earrings (they don't have to be real)

Accessories:

• Skinny belt
• Wide belt
• Simple day purse
• Scarf
• Evening clutch
• Sunglasses
• Umbrella

Building a closet of the essentials will take time but it is a great way to have the building block for looking great everyday and making it simple.

The most important thing is knowing who you are and your style!  Find what colors, patterns and styles of clothes you are drawn to take the time to understand your personal style.  Understand your body type and what cuts of clothing flatters your figure the best.

We are all different and we need to embrace what makes us all special!

Elements of Design - Time

Element of Design - Time
The final element of design which is not always thought about is time.  We tend to create space for the now and don't think about how the space will age and how time will influence the design.  Mother nature's forces have a way of affecting the way material look over time.

Colors fade, textures and forms will erode and shapes might even change so, designers need to think about this and design with the future in mind.

We also need to think about using sustainable materials in design so there is less impact on the earth.  Embrace older materials and mix with new to create a very unique design which will get better with age.

Designers also need to be aware of how people's impression and preferences may change with time.

The picture above shows how time has worn the brick down and allowed for grass to grow within it. This space has a great cozy feel with the weathered materials.  Also it shows a great way to use old materials in new spaces by the use of reclaimed barn wood as the house siding.

I also love using copper as an exterior material since it creates a great patina look with time as shown to the right.

It is important to embrace the element of time and create spaces that have a more timeless feel so they age well.

Below are a few of my tips I use while designing to create space that has a more timeless look:

• Use natural colors for the more expense materials in your spaces. They shouldn't be too trendy.
• Mix different natural materials in your design to create interest
• Use color with paint and accessories since they are easy and cheaper to update when the color you used goes out of style.
• Keep to simple designs that are not to trendy, clean and simple

I use these design tips for commercial and residential design and it has worked well the last 14 years.

Time is a very important element of design since we need to think about creating space that will last a while and improve with age.

References:

1. Kilmer, Rosemary & Kilmer W. Otie (1992). Designing Interiors. Orlando, FL.  Harcourt Brace Jovanovich College Publishers. pp 97