If your new kitchen is going to be an expression of who you are and how you live it’s helpful to have a little inspiration. One of the things I frequently mention is the benefit of something I call “kitchen scrapbooking”.
Read moreTear Sheet Tuesday: Creative Closet Design Tips
It's time for another Tear Sheet Tuesday where the tears are never sad, just the basis for inspiration. Today's tears are a collage of sorts. The fun dress shape and typography were torn from the pages of Metropolis (because they send me free magazines ;) along with one of my very own closet renderings. The image of the dress + the idea of customization inspire me to write about the one area that everyone can and should customize, your closet!
I think a luxurious closet is any gal's version of the man cave. It's a space that must be completely personalized and, of course, you must feel pampered in it or else you won't keep it neat ;). THIS closet pic below is consistently one of the most popular on my Pinterest. If you've been following The Big Move you know I am currently in the midst of a ginormous condo makeover and I CANNOT wait to get to the closet!
If you've been thinking about customizing your own dream closet considering these closet design tips will get you on your way to divine.
How's it Hanging?
The first thing you need to do is take a look at your stuff. The second is to get rid of (any means possible) anything you truthfully have not touched in a year. I'm being generous here, what with the seasons and all... Really do it. Less is now. Once this is done, look at what you've got left. Some people hang, some fold. Marie Kondo famed author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing
If you're a fan of folding, you can do it like this. I recommend it. I do it myself and have been for a year and a half. It works and you can see all your stuff so you don't end up wearing the same three pairs of undies over and over because you didn't see and forgot about the other 30, right? Kondo is quirky, no doubt, but she has a point and it has worked for me with a few tweaks.
In your closet, you'll need to allocate space for double hanging (shirts, shorts, skirts, folded over slacks), medium hanging (dresses, robes), and long hanging for long dresses. Figure out, based on what you have left after step one, how much you need of each.
The Shoes & the Bags
You'll find an abundance of shoe organization situations out there but my favorite is shelves plain and simple. I'm not a fan of the slanty shelves simply because they take up more space and well frankly, they are only good for shoes. If you opt for an open shelf unit, make sure you've got plenty of shelves spaced approx. 8 or so inches apart. Different types of shoes will require different spacing so adjustable/removable shelves are perfect. Shelving is the most versatile storage option. You can also combine shoes and handbags in this area.
How About Some More Shelves?
Some people gonna be folders, especially for items like sweaters and maybe jeans so if you are a folder make sure you plan for enough shelving. Keep in mind that shelves are less expensive than drawers and you can always use containers or baskets on shelves to group smaller items and make them look neat and tidy.
Drawers
If you have space, every closet definitely warrants a few drawers. Take into account drawers you have outside the closet in your dresser. If you have enough (who ever does?) you may be good to go (not). One thing to remember about drawers is that they are the easiest way to add $$$$$ to the cost of your closet.
Hamper Options
Sometimes there's room for the hamper in your bathroom but if not, you can always leave space for one in your closet. I love to locate them at the end against a wall for easy access. This one is from Dot & Bo and doubles as extra storage. Whatever I'm designing I always look for products and methods that are versatile. It's nice to have choices, no?
Light it Luxuriously
When you're in the closet it always helps to see what you're doing and today there are SO many lighting choices including recessed ceiling fixtures (hi hats), track lighting and even concealed LED lighting in your closet rod! My favorite idea for lighting is a girly chandelier or ceiling fixture. I guess I'm shy because that is the only place I'd have one.
That lighted closet rod is pretty awesome too. It's LED lighting inserted right into the center to offer a nice even light all the way through your closet. No more navy vs black issue for the well lit walk-in!
Sometimes a Lady Just Needs to Sit Down
If you have the space a seating situation is a must! Not only is is convenient for putting your shoes on it can also be a lovely accent piece to play off of that fabulous light fixture. Why can't we aim for beautiful as well as functional?
So there you have it! If there's anything here that inspires you to dig into your closet I'd be happy to collaborate with you! Please comment below and don't forget to subscribe to my blog so you never miss a beat. xoxo
Practicing My Art by Design
No pretty pictures of kitchens, products or art today. Just a heartfelt message I feel moved to share with you in case it might be something we have in common. As a full-time “wanna be artist” I’m always thinking about how to get more time in the studio to work on my art. I beat myself up regularly because I do not make enough time. The days become weeks then months then years. I’m no longer young. My days on this planet are becoming fewer. I know this.At the same time there is my livelihood to consider and people depend on me. I am fortunate enough to have an occupation that involves unlimited creativity. I spend a lot of time in the car commuting and traveling to job sites. While I’m driving I’m off social media and I probably shouldn’t even be talking on the phone. I guess you could say, in these moments, my inner self has a captive audience. 
Today, during one of these times, it occurred to me that just maybe I am practicing my art every day, it’s just in a different medium. It really is all creation and the same principles and elements apply. Perhaps all my projects are my commissions.When I create a piece of art I consider the substrate (the walls of the room). I ponder the medium (cabinets, counters, finishes). I arrange the components artfully using the elements and principles of design (layout, flow). I can equate the theme/concept with my clients and how I am designing to their particular lifestyles and needs.When I’m in the throes of a piece of art or a kitchen design it can be messy and ugly right before all the pieces fall into place. When they do I just know it. Everything works from every perspective, like a Rubik’s cube. There is balance, flow and meaning. What more could I want in a piece of art or a kitchen?In the end the whole point of making art is to connect, to make a difference in my world and leave a grateful legacy. I suppose I’ve been doing that all along.
The New American Home, Inspired by the Possibilities
In some ways, although it was all fantastic, the Modenus Blog Tour saved the best for last. On our final day we made a trip to Henderson, Nevada to visit The New American Home.
This project was to showcase the latest technology in home building and featured flooring by Mohawk Flooring and Karastan, a division of Mohawk. 
Believe it or not this is not a custom home but a production model in the Sky Terrace community. The purpose is to showcase what can be done with different finishes and technologies for varying budgets so that it feels custom to the homeowner. In my opinion, that's where creative design comes into play. I love to be inspired by the finest and be able to translate that for a specific lifestyle and budget. I know it can be done.
Notice how the neutral color palette reflects the desert landscape.
It wasn't all eye candy and hors d'oeuvres, we also learned about Mowhawk and Karastan's SmartStrand made from 37% corn product. This bio-based material is eco-friendly and stands up to stains! The protection is there for life because it's built into the fibers. SmartStrand can be found in both Mohawk and Karastan carpets. They have a fun and interactive website here.
Thanks for following along on my adventures with Modenus Blog Tour Vegas. For more coverage check out what all the bloggers had to say. You can find them here. Stay tuned for recaps of my trip with Tile Of Spain to Cevisama. It's all about tile, with maybe a little sangria in the mix ;). I'll be on the road from Friday February 6-13. Follow along on FaceBook, Instagram and Twitter!
Wood-Mode and Top Knobs, Makings of a Dream Kitchen
If you've spent any time researching cabinets for your new kitchen or bath you've probably come across then name Wood-Mode. It's the nation’s largest manufacturer of custom cabinetry for kitchens, baths and other rooms throughout the home and they've been around for 42 years. I learned that Wood-Mode has great name recognition in the industry for good reason. Their booth at KBIS was impressive and fun! Four yellow Lab pups were on hand to demonstrate one of their lifestyle concepts, The Pet Parlor.
There's a place for everything from food storage, food bowls, bathing and more. Great idea, yes? To highlight it Wood-Mode had the most interesting gig going at the show. For all selfies posted with the dogs they donated $5 to the Susquehanna Service Dogs. This will be an ongoing partnership. They call it a PAWSitive partnership. You can read more about it here.
Wood-Mode's newest lifestyle concept, Oceanside, is right after my own heart. This coastal style is a modern fresh mix of contemporary and transitional. The subtle aqua and sandy shades of beige are on point. The Oceanside approach includes a very open plan with efficient hidden storage. I see this as a reflection of the trends I saw in Italy last year, fewer or no upper cabinets but high function tall cabinets instead. The combination of materials and finishes add lots of visual interest.
With over 200 doors to choose from as well as furniture finishing techniques and options for built-in storage, Wood-Mode can create the perfect solution for your lifestyle, whether is be Coastal, pet-perfect or both!
If you're going to be needing cabinets, you're also going to need to get into them. That's where Top Knobs comes in. Another brand with great name recognition, TopKnobs specializes in fine decorative hardware for the kitchen and bath. You can tell the quality of a cabinet knob or handle by the weighty feel of it and I have always noticed that about TopKnobs products. The other important thing the finish which they guarantee for life!
They introduced the Transcend Collection at KBIS. This includes the Podium, Ascendra and Contour Series which come in Brushed Satin Nickel, Polished Chrome, Polished Nickel, Sable and Umbrio.
Also new at the show was Aspen II in three finishes, Polished Chrome, Polished Nickel and Brushed Satin Nickel. “The Aspen II collection combines old-world shape and style with contemporary finishes,” states Christine Zimmer, product manager for Top Knobs. “They bring to the market a unique look that designers can use in transitional spaces. Made with solid castings of artisan grade bronze, you can feel the quality of Aspen II in the palm of your hand.”With Wood-Mode and Top Knobs your dream kitchen can come to life!
Seduced by Mr.Steam
Have you ever stopped to think about how design impacts your health and well-being? Design is just not working if it doesn't make you feel good and that is what Mr. Steam is all about. One of my experiences on the Modenus Blog Tour Vegas was to attend Modenus Talks. This was a day long, interactive meeting of design minds and it is where I heard Martha Orellana, AKA Mrs. Steam, seduce us with the physical and mental benefits of steam.
Perhaps you already know too much about me. You know that my dream bath is going to include the TOTO Washlet but the other big must have is, of course, steam. I will find a way and, according to Mr. Steam, it's not so hard to do. But first, a word (ok a few) about what's in it for you. Steam is great for your skin but also for your whole respiratory system and is recommended for the relief of symptoms from colds, flu, sinusitis, bronchitis, allergies, asthma, throat irritation, arthritis and more. Sore, tired muscles? Rigid joints? Steam eases the pain. It also acts as a natural detox (which we all need now and then). 
Steam therapy is nothing new. The Greeks and Roman indulged and so did the Japanese and even Native Americans. Check here for more about this interesting tradition. 
We got to bathe in the steam at the Aria Spa courtesy of Mr. Steam. A lovely experience made even better with Tala. Tala Bath & Body is a new discovery for me and is a line of essential oils, clays, scrubs and soaps. Mrs. Steam traveled to Morocco to research and develop these products. The Arabic word for "bath" is "hammam" and there is a beautiful ritual associated with it that you can follow with Tala.
So now you're probably curious about what it would take to get steamy. Basically you need an enclosed shower area around 8' high with a slightly sloped ceiling (because of condensation). You'll need a water line, drain line and electric for the generator. A seat is a good idea and then you're ready for ten minutes of bliss. That's all it takes. 
Steam showers do not require special ventilation. With the shower door closed, very little steam escapes. At the end of a steam shower session, simply turn on the shower to condense the remaining steam in the enclosure before opening the door. Voila'! Next Up: Taking personalization to the kitchen with Wood-Mode and TopKnobs!