Showing posts with label NY Resolutions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NY Resolutions. Show all posts
Friday, January 7, 2011
New Years Resolution Five: I Will Read More Books.
And display them on the most beautiful and envy-worthy bookshelves.
(And maybe some more magazines too...as long as they look this pretty on the shelf.)
(All images via Lonny)
Thursday, January 6, 2011
New Years Resolution Four: Surround Myself with Things I love.
Because life is too short not to! Here's a collage with a few of my favorite things. This resolution shouldn't be too hard. Now if only I had an endless bank account to run out and buy all these beauties (especially the Marilyn art for a whopping $5,999)!
What are some of your favorite things for the home?
What are some of your favorite things for the home?
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
New Years Resolution Three: Display More Photographs in my Home.
My camera is basically like a member of my family. I take it everywhere, use it constantly, and cherish the millions of photos I take. Yet for some crazy bizarre reason, I raaaareellyy obtain a hard copy of the prized possessions. So as both a decorating as well as personal goal for 2011, I will print and frame more photos showcasing the great people in my life and all the exciting adventures I'm fortunate enough to go on.
And look at all the amazing ways to do just that:
(West Elm)
(Kristen Buckingham)
(Tori Mellot created this uber stylish and popular gallery wall that has made its way around the blogosphere a time or two)
(Elle Decor. Pick a hallway and a color for your frames and go all out!)
(Australian Vogue Living. For those of us with lots of life lived and the photos to prove it.)
(Coastal Living)
(Cookie Magazine)
(Lona de Anna)
(Kate and Andy Spade's home as seen in The Selby)
And for a very easy way to make sure your gallery wall is perfect, read here.
And look at all the amazing ways to do just that:
And for a very easy way to make sure your gallery wall is perfect, read here.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
New Years Resolution Two: Get organized.
Decluttering and getting organized is one of the most popular New Years resolutions. And rightfully-so. Most people have too much stuff and are out of space to store it all. Here are the most important pieces of advice to remember when purging and organizing (and yes, purging is necessary in order to achieve the results I'm sure you're looking for!):
Tip 1:
First pull everything out that you are trying to organize. Next, sort similar items together. Now, go through each category of belongings and get rid of one thing for every two you keep. (Or reverse those proportions if you have lots of stuff and are feeling very brave! It will pay off in the long run, I promise!) Finally, find a place for everything. Use lots of bins and store like items together. Making sure everything has a proper home is the most important part of the entire process. How can you put something away if it doesn't have a place to go?!
Tip 2:
Don't go at it alone! Call in a friend, an expert (like me), anyone who will be honest with you and help you get rid of the things you don't really need or the clothes that aren't especially flattering anymore.
Tip 3:
Try photographing your stuff. Sometimes seeing things on a 2-D plane helps you see them in a different light and removes your sentimental tie to the items. It helps highlight how much stuff actually is in that closet, cupboard, desk drawer, etc.
Tip 4:
Keep in mind all of the people that could benefit from your belongings that you don't really need. By donating your stuff to a worthy cause, your items will bring joy to someone in need instead of stress to you.
Tip 5:
If you purchase a newer/better/cuter version of something you already own, get rid of the old version.
Tip 6:
Make sure your organization system is attractive and you'll be much more likely to use it!
Tip 7:
Edit your belongings. Instead of having 20 mugs in your kitchen cabinet, keep only your 5 favorites. This way, every morning when you enjoy your chai latte, you'll love the mug you're drinking from instead of feeling so-so about it. Same theory with sweaters, purses, bath towels, blankets, etc.
Tip 8:
Tackle one small area at a time. You won't be able to complete an entire room in an hour. Instead, organize the pile of clutter on your coffee table or your overflowing bookshelf. Don't move on to the next area until you're finished with the first one.
Ask yourself these questions (and be honest with the answers):
Does having all this stuff enhance my life or cause unnecessary stress?
Do I really need five pairs of black heals, or could I get by with half the amount and actually have enough space in my closet for my shoes?
Would I miss this if it were gone, or would I forget about it in a week's time?
Have I used/worn this lately? Am i honestly going to ever use/ wear this?
Remember:
Being organized allows you to not only access but also showcase your belongings, which is essential to enjoying the things you have. For example, a closet with a pile of clothes in the corner is not conducive to happiness and tranquility when getting dressed in the morning. You forget what you have, can't find what you're looking for, and therefore don't enjoy your things. When everything has a home, you know exactly what you have and where to find it.
WARNING: Following these easy rules will result in serious organization and higher quality of life. Think "more time for loved ones and activities I love; less time cleaning the same troubled spots over and over again, stressing over clutter, searching for lost items that are somewhere amidst the piles of clutter."
Here are some photos that should inspire you to start organizing.
Monday, January 3, 2011
New Years Resolution One: Do one thing that scares you everyday.
Although I have personal resolutions I will work on this year, I also have some design rules I want to hold myself to. Thought you might enjoy hearing about mine, and maybe you can try some of these ideas to brighten your space in 2011!
First, I resolve to do one thing that scares me everyday. Whether adding a pop of bright color, mixing multiple patterns, or papering a room with a fun covering, it's important to take risks when creating a space. It's often the design element that pushes you out of your comfort zone that makes a room. And the best part about fabric or paint or funky furniture? Nothing is permanent. If you don't like it, paint it a different color or take it out of the room!
Here are some of my favorite rooms where the designer took a risk, and let me tell you, it paid off!
(image via Lonny)
(image via Danielle Oakey Interiors)
(image via Domino)
(image via Domino)
(image via Lonny)
(image via Lonny)
First, I resolve to do one thing that scares me everyday. Whether adding a pop of bright color, mixing multiple patterns, or papering a room with a fun covering, it's important to take risks when creating a space. It's often the design element that pushes you out of your comfort zone that makes a room. And the best part about fabric or paint or funky furniture? Nothing is permanent. If you don't like it, paint it a different color or take it out of the room!
Here are some of my favorite rooms where the designer took a risk, and let me tell you, it paid off!
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