Friday, March 1, 2013

7 Quick Takes: More Around the House


I don't know what it is about this time of year, but I always get the itch to re-organize, de-clutter, and re-arrange. So, in a vein similar to last week, I've decided to use these quick takes to talk about stuff around the house. I'm no expert, and my house isn't perfect, but I do take pleasure in a creating a comfortable and pleasant space. So, allons-y!


1
Use the items you use as adornment. It helps keep the clutter down, makes life easier if space is an issue, and saves you money on "decorations." One example of this in my home is keeping the liquor collection on top of the refrigerator. The bottles are beautiful, it saves on cabinet space, and it keeps that surface from gathering clutter. 

2
Spend your money on furniture at the furniture store, not on pictures, lamps, rugs, or other house paraphernalia. They are often way overpriced and, if you aren't careful, your living room may end up looking just a little too show room-y (if you know what I mean).

And related to #2, a house doesn't become a home immediately. Don't try to rush the process with little thought out "improvements" or purchases. I'm an impatient person who rushes around a lot; I didn't realize how much I wasn't seeing until I nursed my first child. Just sitting (not reading, just sitting) was a revelation! Sit in various places in your home and try to notice things. What fills your line of site when you look down the hallway? Does the wall color the next room flow naturally, or is the contrast jarring? Does your furniture set-up seem balanced? Is the wall behind the couch missing something? Is that piece of art being all it can be, or is there too much sun reflecting off of it from the window across the room? 

4
Shop estate sales, yard sales, craigslist, and thrift stores for unique items that won't break the bank. I am constantly tweaking things around the house; making thrifty purchases allows me to feed my compulsion without breaking the bank. They also ensure that I am creating a space that is uniquely me, because the items are chosen with care and are no longer in mass production. Bonus tip: craigslist is always teeming with nursery furniture. If you buy furniture in a white finish, it's very easy to add another dresser or toddler bed to the mix without spending much.

5
Know that it is okay to shop for some things at the dollar store. For certain organizing needs, this option just can't be beat. I have found durable plastic bins (like the blue and yellow ones below)  in great colors there for, wait for it, $1! I also recently discovered shallow rectangular bins that are perfect for storing children's books under the beds/cribs (we have lots of "under -the-bed/crib" space that doesn't accommodate items over a certain size, and if I'm not careful these spaces become disorganized repositories for... random stuff).

6
Use old items for new purposes. I started to get really good at this once I had kids and I couldn't just run to the store at the drop of a hat. For example, I wanted to reorganize the top of the bedroom armoire, but the kids were sleeping (the only time such projects happen!).  So I raided the kitchen and found a lone dollar store plate (I don't even know how it came to be there...) and a thrifted glass. I used the glass to hold my husbands shirt stays, and the plate to bring form to the otherwise somewhat random items.  

7
That's enough from me! If you are itching for some inspiration now, check out Apartment Therapy. I love, love, love this site. Also, to get a feel for what's going on in home decor elsewhere in the world, I really enjoy the pictures on this blog.  And, one more thing, please leave me a comment below. I would love to hear your decorating or organizing tips or something you've found helpful in your own "homemaking!" 


Maybe I'll finally re-hang that pic over the stove and center it...



Aren't those colorful bins adorable? I use them for socks, mittens, hats, tights, etc.


These little trays are perfect for books. The kids can get them out and put them away with ease.


An old plate and thrifted glass bring a little order to the armoire.











19 comments:

  1. I have an obsession lately with reorganizing things on plates and trays, too--I love how you styled yours! And I'm trying not to covet that Le Creuset in the kitchen...have a good weekend, Mary!

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    1. Hi Stephanie! It's not actually Le Creuset, it's awesome, and the price is super reasonable : )

      http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00807295000P?sid=IDx01192011x000001&kispla=00807295000P&srccode=cii_17588969&cpncode=31-85798321-2

      Have a great weekend!

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  2. Great tips! I love the idea for the shirt stays. We are perpetually losing those over here. :) (didn't even know what they were or that they existed until I got married!)

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    1. Thanks, Diana! I didn't either! I'm not sure that they really make a ton of difference, I think it could be a racket... We lost a bunch so we bought a box of spares at jos banks and they were almost $10 (maybe I'm in the wrong business; )!

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  3. This is really helpful, Mary. Most of my belongings have been in storage since November, and I've almost forgotten what it's like to have my own house! House closing on April 2, and I will put some of your recommendations into action!

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    1. Congratulations, Sarah! That's so exciting! Have fun with it :)

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  4. I so agree with you! I have been trying to hold off in winter for garage sale season. Atlanta has some great estate sales too. God totally rewarded my patience with the dining room when a family gave us a whole set! Humbling.
    Have an awesome weekend!

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    1. That's awesome, Anna! We actually bought our dining room set from Craigslist for such a low price. I see it as a huge blessing because the lady had tried to sell it at a yard sale, then Craigslist but nobody bought it, and it's gorgeous (is it strange to think that God reserved it for us? I think He rolls like that sometimes :)

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  5. Amazing goods from you, man! JUST KIDDING JUUUUUST KIDDING. LOL. girl, you know I love your pictures. and can i just sing the praises of #3?? because that is totally what i do: sit there, nurse and stare at the house and make mental notes of what needs to change, etc. And you know I know how it takes time. It's so true!! Anyway I love your style!!:)

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    1. Oh my gosh, Heather, I thought you were that guy!!! Thank you!!!!

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  6. Organization is something I need to get a major hold on before this baby comes in t-minus 6 weeks. We'll be moving into a new complex come August but I know it will be a far less painful experience the more organized I am here. Oh goodness. Anyway, good reminder about the organizational helps/accessories that you can nab at the dollar store.

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    1. Wow, Martha! Can it be true that you are that far along!? Yes, there is a lot to be had, especially for children's areas (because of the bright colors)!

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