My Design Secrets

We all have more random stuff in our homes than we care to admit.  It might be the 80′s Cd’s that you simply cannot part with.  Maybe it’s the old t-shirts that have way too much sentimental value.  Or, perhaps you would like to display your treasured collection of voodoo dolls Barbies. 

Many storage pieces can be downright boring and don’t provide the right mix of storage for your needs.  To fix this problem, I have found a bunch of great solutions at The Container Store that look great and allow you to customize ’til your heart’s content.

Galvanized Cubes with components starting at $68.

Galvanized Cubes

These Italian designed galvanized cubes add a bit of edgy style that works with most any decor.  They offer cubes you can arrange to create the look you see above or you can stack a couple of pairs and add a top for a great desk.  They also carry wall-mounted versions for the bathroom if you are short on floor space.  You can add doors, casters, or shelves to create coffee tables, room dividers and much more. 

The Ladoro Display Cubes have a futuristic look and also start at $69.

Ladoro Display Cubes

These polypropylene cubes are curious, but cool.  I first purchased a similar product from Design Within Reach for a client with modern taste.  The kids desperately needed storage but their room was quite small.  I knew that these translucent cubes would give us lots of storage but visually would  pretty much disappear.  I was right.  I will say that initially the DWR version was a little tricky to put together but once you got the hang of it, it was a snap. 

I cannot vouch for The Container Store shelves first hand.  They have lots of different kits including one to create a media center.   The DWR version comes in 10″ and 13″ depths and they offer a bright orange color as well.  The Container Store collection is 15″ deep giving you a little more space.  

The Janus Shelving fits a low budget and has a nice light look to it.  Steel uprights and a choice of shelves allow you to create the design that suits your needs.  Shelves are available in translucent, translucent blue and solid black.  The steel components are light looking and almost disappear into the wall, so the shelves look like they are floating.   

The Container Store also offers customized storage solutions, if that’s what you need.  They have boxes, bins, containers and anything else you might need to keep yourself organized.  Hopefully these shelves have sparked your desire to sort things out find a place for all your odds and ends.  If you are looking for more storage options including wall shelves and display units, be sure to Become a Member of My Design Secrets for access to My Secret Database of fantastic online sources!

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For a simple home office, you cannot beat the price and functionality of the Trovato Office-In-A-Box from Office Max. A desk, hutch and storage ottoman for $149.99.

More and more of us are working from home.  Some people need to take work home from the office, others work from home full-time and still others are starting new businesses “on the side” just to earn a few extra dollars in these money-tight times.  And let’s not forget how organized you need to be to manage a household – baseball games, trips to the vet, and school plays!

While it would be great to have a whole room for your office, many times you need to carve out a little space in an already crowded home.  The key here is to create a small, but well-organized space so you can focus when it’s time to settle in and get down to business.   Here is a sure fire way to make it work!

The Right Desk Spells Success

Find a desk that works for you. Not for the kids, not for your spouse, for you!  This means it has the right amount of space to hold the things you need (computer, phone, printer, etc) but not so much that you are filling it with clutter.  The height is very important because you want to be comfortable when using your keyboard.  If the desk does not have a keyboard tray then you will have to make sure your chair is adjustable so your shoulders are not scrunched up by your ears!

Steelcase has been making commercial office chairs for years. Now you can have an eco-friendly one that conforms to your body. It's a win-win. $659 at Crate & Barrel

“Chair” Man or Woman

Don’t buy a CHEAP CHAIR!  Your back, your neck and your butt will thank you.  The best chair allows you to adjust your seat up and down, and tilt forward and and back.  It should have lumbar support and allow you to adjust the arm rests.  Even people of the same height can be built so much differently with shorter arms or longer legs.  A good chair will last you for years.  Mine has gone 10 years so far and every vertebrae in my back is thankful.

This flexible gooseneck lamp from LampsPlus will twist and turn in any direction. LED lights keep it burning cool and saves energy. $99.99

Let There be Light

It’s great if your room already has overhead light but you still need some task lighting to make the space work.  If you are doing detailed worked, halogen lamps are great because the light is bright and clear.  But make sure the shade is not metal or it will get super hot.  Another great option is a light that uses LED bulbs that burn cool and last a super long time.  Table lamps look good but they really don’t give you the focused light that your eyes truly need. 

Metal mesh on the outside and cork on the inside allows you to use push pins or magnets. Pick your poison. $37.99

Organize It

Your organizational needs will vary greatly depending on your line of business but there a few basics that can help everyone!  Make sure you have enough filing space.  That sleek and simple writing desk may just have to wait if you have files you need at your fingertips.  There are lots of great looking desks with ample storage.  Also, some kind of  bulletin or magnet board is a huge help.  It can prevent you from getting lost in a flutter of Post-It notes.

These are just some basic tips to get you started with your furnishings.  If you feel you could use the help of a professional home office organization expert, then my friend Brandie is your woman!  She has contributed to My Design Secrets in the past and offers consultations to get you going in the right direction!

Please share your personal home office tips and tricks below!

This custom cabinet, designed by Erika Carolina Soza, is stylish and multifunctional.

Custom Wine Fridge Cabinet by Erika Carolina Soza.

The idea for this custom wine fridge cabinet came from the client’s desperate need for storage.  My client needed storage for her serving dishes and glassware, but didn’t necessarily want to display them.  We searched for the perfect piece that would coordinate well with her new dining table, yet fit perfectly in the space underneath the window, while still leaving room for the wine fridge they wanted to keep in the space.   Apparently we had too many requirements and the ideal piece was no where to be found without going way over budget.

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Personality Plus!!

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I came up with the idea of a custom piece, because this way we could get it built to our exact specifications, accommodate the wine fridge and choose the color that would coordinate well with the rest of her furniture. I then decided to give the cabinet “personality” by lining the inside with a large patterned black and white vinyl wallpaper (for easy cleaning and durability) and adding crystal knobs for glam.

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Since we were also using the top of the cabinet as a bar, there would be a high likelihood of drops and spills, so it was essential to add a glass top to prevent damage to the paint and wood.

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The end result was a unique multi-purpose piece that fulfilled all of the client’s needs and looked good while doing so.

Thanks ~ Erika Carolina Soza

Thank you for sharing Erika!  ~ Lorrie

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Win a $200 JCPenney Gift Card!

These wall shelves from JCPenney can be used to display a variety of items. They come in black, mahogany, and white. Were $129, now $49.

Where’s the best place to put a special picture, keepsake or small treasure?  You don’t want to cast it amongst the the books and candles that cover your coffee table.  It needs a special little spot and a wall shelf could be your answer.  If you want a minimalist look, then choose one that blends in with the wall.  If you want the shelf to be an accessory itself, then go for something more obvious and ornate.  Either way, it will dress up the wall and give your special something a new home.  Here are some great picks to choose from:

The sleepy hollow storage shelf-nightstand from CB2 can be used as a nightstand or shelf and includes handy storage beneath. Comes in Bamboo and Black. $149.

This iron demi lune wall shelf can be used indoors or out. The size and shape make it useful as a small foyer table too. $55

At 14" wide and 18" deep, these can be used as a shelf, night-stand, or bookshelf supports. Custom made and available in 27 colors including Kiwi and Wild Salmon. $420.

Brown faux croc with nickel studs, gives these shelves a more masculine look. 24" shelf was $59, now $29.

A beautifully distressed French reproduction, this shelf features a zinc top and carved angels. $229.

Click to Win a $250 Gift Card from Amazon!

Yes, you have a calender on your desktop, laptop and iPhone but sometimes it's nice just to glance up and have one there.

If you work from home like me, it’s important to find the perfect balance of “home” and “office.”  You want the space to be organized and efficient but at the same time not too “officey”.  Know what I mean?  Recently I found this cool little site called “See Jane Work” and it has everything you need to give your office a keen sense of style.  The founder, Holly Bohn, was dissatisfied with the bland offerings from Home Depot so she took things in her own direction.  From notebooks that organize personal and work papers to labels, to clips, file stands and binders; you will get organized in the most stylish way possible.  Here are a few things on My Wish List:

My dog, Emma, has a regular doctor and a holistic doctor, so this will help keep things in order for me and her sitter (my mom).

With slots labeled Notice Me, Respond to Me, Read Me and Pay Me, you can quickly categorize and prioritize bills, letters, bank statements and more. Side compartments are sized to hold magazines and catalogs.

With this bulletin board you don't have to punch pin holes in your favorite photos and notes stay put. My post-it's always seem to fly away.

Shop My Secret Database to get your Home Office spruced up!

Click to Win a $250 Gift Card from Amazon!

This weekend Tim and I pulled all the holiday hoopla down from the attic and again I am faced with the reality that I don’t have a place to hang it all!  I love our home but two full walls in the living room are French doors and full-length windows.  So when it comes to hanging lights, stockings and wreaths, I am kinda up a creek.  I always liked Command Hooks from 3M for their easy up/easy down feature but now they are making them in metallic finishes too, which is even better.  I can now coordinate them with my interior which is a huge relief for a designer whose eye immediately swoops in on the details. 

Command mounting products make it easy to decorate on glass block, plaster, ceramic tile and wood cabinets without any damage to the surface.  Here are some great places to use Command Hooks, Clips, Hangers and Strips during the Holidays and beyond:

• Put a Metal Hook on your front door for the wreath.  It looks much more stream-lined than a wreath hanger and it’s a great look on a glass door.
• Put Hooks on your walls to hang up additional coats.
• Easily hang holiday cards and children’s artwork with Poster Strips.
• Use Cord Clips to keep lamp cords safely in place.
• Spring Clips are great to mount on your kitchen cabinet to easily read a recipe.

They are available at many retailers including Home Depot and Walgreens.  And you can print out a $1.00 off coupon here.  And don’t forget to put some away with your decorations so you have them on hand next year!

Click to Win Great Prizes!

Ask A Free Design Question!

Let's start with the entry way. The simple addition of hooks to this mirror from Crate & Barrel makes it a great place for keys, your purse and a good once-over before you head out the door.

Mudroom. Laundry Room. Garage. Back Door. Front Door.  Wherever it’s located, it’s your family’s direct route into your abode.  They come home from school, soccer practice, or work and they are simply too excited, tired or preoccupied to even think about putting their stuff in its proper place.  Books, jackets, shoes… the list goes on.  Where can we put it all?  I am not offering any miracle solutions but there are some stylish storage options that may make things easier to find when they are heading out again.  And let’s face it, you could use a place for your jacket, purse and keys.

The Painted Cottage Locker from LL Bean comes in 5 colors and is durable enough for jackets, boots and whatever else the kids bring home with them.

If you only have a corner to spare, then this is the perfect place to kick off your boots.

A modern approach keeps it simple but with lots of storage for shoes, leashes, and compact umbrellas.

So whether you are looking for a bench, mirror or bin, jump over to My Secret Database to find what you need!

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Ask A Design Question!

Man Caves are all the rage.  These hideaways for the men folk are retreats for hobbies, watching the BIG game and all other things manly.  I agree that everyone needs a place to kick back, so when I saw the website for Car Guy Garage, I knew I had to share it.

They sell all the components you will need to get your garage up to snuff.  They have diamond plated cabinets in slick finishes and stainless steel for the purists.  The shapes and sizes of the components are endless.  They also carry a large selection of storage systems as well as cool flooring options such as vinyl and epoxy in lots of cool colors.   You can actually order an 8 foot wide, 7 foot tall unit with lights and a work bench welded right in. And when it arrives at your home, all you have to do it plug it in! 

I don’t think it’s fair to leave the girls out because I have to admit I got a little flutter in my chest when I think about my garage looking like this.  What a beautiful thing to have an organized AND sexy looking garage. 

Check out Car Guy Garage!  Ladies and Gentleman start your engines!

Today I am happy to welcome guest blogger, Brandie Kajino, The Home Office Organizer.  She has a fabulous website and blog for those of us with a home office or anyone who just wants to get organized!  She does a great job of sharing her expert tips along with links to other sites that are immensely helpful.  I am glad she is with us today and I hope you enjoy her tips as much as I do!

~Lorrie

Get Organized: 6 Steps To Get Started

Ready to get organized?  If you’ve decided to get organized, you’re not alone.  Have you tried before and been unsuccessful? Don’t stress! It is possible to get organized and stay that way.  Pick one area at a time, and move onto the next.  Here’s some tips to help you get real and get going:

1. One project at a time.  Don’t tell yourself “I’m going to get my life organized”.  Guaranteed you’ll be burned out in two weeks.  Pick one room that you want to work on.  If that seems overwhelming, pick one bookcase or drawer.  Small successes will build your confidence and motivate you to move forward.
2. Simplify, simplify, simplify.  I’d just love to take credit for this quote, but I can’t – it’s Henry David Thoreau.  Part of getting organized is evaluating what you have and what you really need.  This is the first step, no avoiding it.  Yes it’s work, but if you don’t do it all the other efforts are wasted.
3. Work with what’s left.  Once you get down to what you really truly need you’re ready to go the next step.  What’s left will determine what sort of products you’ll need, and help you….
4. Assign homes.  Here’s a tip: “being organized” simply means everything has a place (and everything in it’s place…).  If it doesn’t have a home, it’s homeless and will wander aimlessly for all eternity.  So, do yourself a favor and commit to giving a home to everything you’ve decided to keep.  Take it one thing at a time, and put things together that make sense to you.  If that seems a little daunting and permanent, don’t worry – you can always move it later, but you have to start somewhere.
5. Put things away.  You don’t have to live in Perfection Utopia – it’s a myth and just not real.  Period. What you need to do is put things in their homes (see previous step) consistently.  Just like anything else you’ve got to do this and make it a habit.  Once you do, you’ll see your space change for good.
6. Change and re-evaluate as necessary.  Sometimes people move from one home to a new one. The only constant is change, so don’t worry if things in your space change – because they will.  So, go with it and re-evaluate as needed.

You really can change your life with organization.  And honestly, when I type that it sounds caddy and simplistic – but I know it to be true.  Start with changing your space.  Organize your stuff, get real with it, dig deep.  You just might surprise yourself!

Brandie Kajino, The Home Office Organizer, is a dynamic speaker, author and professional organizer.  Brandie helps home office professionals get organized.  Her website includes free resources, teleclasses, personalized services and a blog with dozens of articles. For a free copy of her Top Ten Organizing Tips, visit her web site at www.thehomeofficeorganizer.com, or call her at 971-533-7735.

When it comes down to it, we all work from home.  Whether it’s the place where you earn a living or where you keep your family’s lives in order, you need space for the computer, paperwork and a few paper clips.  Otherwise it’s a constant game of “Where did that bill go?” or “Please don’t play with my computer.”  A clearly defined workspace not only creates an area for all the “stuff” but it also creates a private space that gains respect from those around you.  From closets, to guest rooms, to an entire dedicated room, here is a simple plan to help you create a beautiful, comfortable and productive atmosphere.

Here you go:

1. Know your needs – Assess what currently works and what does not.  Clean out the space and make sure your storage is adequate.  Beyond file cabinets, consider baskets, bins and shelving.
2. Develop a floor plan – Don’t try to crowd too much furniture in the room and consider pieces that can pull double-duty.  Ballard Designs has a cool little Home Office Kit to help you plan your space.  Or just get out some graph paper, pencil and ruler and design the space yourself.
3. Create the Right Environment – Make it a comfortable and supportive environment for your creativity and concentration.  Though I encourage you to go with your gut on color, here are some basic color/mood associations that might give you a boost:

• Blue – calm, orderly, water
• Green – nature, health, renewal
• Orange – balance enthusiasm
• Purple – spirituality, wisdom
• Red – energy, strength
• White – pureness, simplicity
• Yellow – joy, optimism

4. Architectural Elements – If your budget and time allow, then go for the gold with new flooring, molding and lighting.  My friend and trusty web developer, Andrew, is redoing his office so I put together these tips with him in mind.

• Flooring: I recommend hard surfaces with wood topping the list.  Carpeting can get dusty and I like to keep the area around the computer equipment super clean. 
• Molding:  Be bold with base and crown moldings.  Don’t look to the original molding for size.  Often they are wimpy and small.  If you have 9 foot ceilings then anything up to 9″ each for the crown and the base is fair game.  I usually make the base a couple of inches less than the crown.  Mixing traditional moldings with modern furniture gives the space a designer touch.
• Lighting:  The best lighting for a workspace is a combination of good general lighting (such as recessed lighting) highlighted with some task lighting (lamps).

5. Personalize- Working from home allows you to personalize your space and really make it your own.  There are no rules!  Highlight the room with your favorite painting or a lamp with a cool shade.  Use a cork-board for special mementos or family photos.  Just make sure your office portrays an air of professionalism if you meet with clients in your home.

It doesn’t take much to turn a simple space into a home office.  And the boost to your efficiency and peace of mind will be priceless.

Good luck with your Home Office and be sure to use My Secret Database to fine everything that you will need!