T H E O R D E R O B S E S S E D

Art Wall

2012-01-12T03:30:00.000-08:00

view from kitchen/living area

view from bedroom

floor plan not to scale

click for larger view

You've seen her previous apt. Here's the new place; a bit smaller but she owns it (!) and is taking her time to get it set up right. She wanted to do a black wall so I suggested the long hallway and using it as the main art wall. The kitchen is open to the hall so you can still enjoy it at every end of the apt.

My art installer loved doing their last place and did a great job here using pieces not used in the previous apartment (she's got a lot of art!!). And he left her room to add to it as she expands her collection...

Since you asked, the wall is painted Benjamin Moore Witching Hour in matte finish.

Blog Love: The Laundress

2012-01-10T15:07:00.000-08:00

I've sung The Laundress' praise before. Love their storage pieces and their mission to get people to take care of their beautiful delicates on their own. They've had the blog for years, they don't blog often but what they do talk about is worth reading!

I especially liked their popular post Pit Stain & Ring-Around-the-Collar Removal....

Living Better With Less: Reuse What You're About to Throw Out To Organize Your Home

2012-01-07T09:23:00.000-08:00

beautiful glass candles:

now as beautiful containers for office supplies or in medicine cabinet:

dry cleaner bags to help handbags keep their shape:

toilet paper rolls to keep utensil tray in place:

Candle Holders as Drawer Organizer and/or To Organize Your Medicine Cabinet

Opt for beautiful glass candles so you can reuse the glass. The smaller ones are perfect for the medicine cabinet for make-up brushes, q-tips, cotton pads, small tubes of whatever. Even in a drawer or on a desk to hold paperclips, push pins, coins, etc.... Once the candle is fully burned, use a butter knife to scrape out as much of the wax as possible. Then use the scrub side of a sponge with soapy water to get the rest of the wax out.

Dry Cleaner Bags to Help Your Bags Keep Their Shape

Your dry cleaner should take back the hangers for reuse, but they won't take the bags so you can use them to pack; click here to find out how; and use them to help care for your handbags. Tie a bag at the end and stuff as many bags as needed inside, then tie it off at the other end (so you only have 1 thing to pull out when you use your bag instead of a flurry of loose bags), and stuff in your handbag to help keep its shape.

Toilet Paper Rolls To Keep Your Drawer Organizer in Place

Toilet paper, paper towel rolls (and/or from a lint roller) keep your drawer organizer in place. Sometimes there's a inch or two left over. Shove the rolls in the back of the drawer to help keep the tray from sliding every time you open the drawer. You may have to fold up and stick one roll inside the other to make it stiff. In the pic above from my kitchen I have several stuffed back there.

Catalogs / Magazines as Boot Shapers

If you don't want to drop $10+ per pair for boot shapers, just roll up one (or a couple) magazines or catalogs that you would have otherwise recycled I hope, and place them in your boots. voilà!

What Make-Up Can't You Leave the House Without?

2012-01-05T05:30:00.000-08:00

(images courtesy of into the gloss)

Did you see this article in the NY Times "My Lipstick? It's in Here Somewhere" about what cosmetics people carry with them when they leave the house and what to carry them in?

I side with Emily Weiss, the founder of the beauty blog Into the Gloss, who generally only carries lipstick/gloss. And if you haven't seen her blog, you must right now.

What do you carry with you?

Home Office (Almost Finished) Make-Over

2012-01-04T05:59:00.000-08:00

before:

in progress, almost done:

(click image for larger view)

Many clients just need me to help them to a certain point of a project which they can then finish on their own. This client needed help with the larger issues of setting up his home office; where things should go and how, what order to tackle things, hanging his posters, etc. I helped him go thru some things then he finished the smaller things like organizing his books and papers on his own.

I took one of the two low bookshelves that were lined up to the right and stacked it on top of the one of the left. Having the two next to each other made getting in the closet tight but he really needed the storage so we needed to keep it somehow. We were hoping to clear out the closet to make room for two of the three file cabinets but a pipe only gave us room to fit the one, so we stacked the other two in the back.

There's still a large lucite poster to be hung next to the Escher that you can see the top of behind the bookcase, we didn't have the proper hardware to hang it.

What I Did Today: Organized + Styled a Bookshelf

2012-01-03T06:33:00.000-08:00

before:

after:

All the books were taken off the shelves and gathered from other areas of the apartment. We categorized and cleaned them along with the the shelves. Books she needed the easiest access are on the lower shelf. The last thing we did was add the decorative pieces and photos.

We moved the lighting around as well. The things on the top of the black surface (another bookcase) are there temporarily, once cleared it will only have the small light, clock, and large basket. Also, she already had these shelves but was concerned about it's stability so I suggested she add more hanging standards and brackets to make them more sturdy.

Hidden Potential in a Tiny Kitchen Corner

2011-12-31T05:58:00.000-08:00

(click image for larger view)

This corner of a client's tiny kitchen had huge storage potential. After taking measurements I made my suggestions (I hand draw everything, I'm not so keen on computer sketches).

The basic idea was to put a tall skinny cabinet in the corner then add shelves (attached to the corner unit) in front of the window for prep surface with room below for recycling + garbage. The window is never opened but suggested the shelves be on a hinge so they can be lifted for access to the window in case of emergency.

They ended up going with a modified version of option #1, just adding the tall open shelf unit. They figured they'd start with the shelf unit and add to it later if needed.

Room for Debate: Why We Collect Stuff

2011-12-30T06:03:00.000-08:00

Check out this discussion over at the New York Times. They're short articles, I especially liked April Benson's "Collecting as Pleasure and Pain".

Less Stuff, More Happiness

2011-12-11T15:02:00.000-08:00

Couldn't have said it better myself....

More Favorite (Inexpensive) Wall Hooks

2011-12-04T05:56:00.000-08:00

iron nails

simple white hooks

bridle hook

blecka hook

overdoor hook

If you don't have the need or desire for anything fancy, here are some of my favorite inexpensive wall hooks.

Iron Nails

2"L

$12 set of 4

these get hammered directly into your wall. while they cannot hold too much weight (depending on what kind of wall you have) they're pretty cool. i love how they look in my bathroom.

White Utility Hook

2 1/2"W x 2"H x 1 1/16"D

$3.99 +

this style hook can be found in almost any hardware store.

Bridle Hook

also comes in red

5 1/2"L x 4"W x 3 1/2"D

$6.00

curved top is perfect for coats with a hook underneath for bags, umbrella, etc.

Blecka Hooks

(nickel plated option)
1 1/2" or 2 3/4"H
$4.99
these come in small and large sizes. i have them in my coat closet

Hook-Over Overdoor Hook

1"W x 4"H

flips over to fit 2 sized doors

$1.99

this style hook can be found in almost any hardware store. I have them on my front door.

More Favorite Decorative Wall Hooks

2011-12-03T05:13:00.000-08:00

Arrow Hanger

Small Dropit Hooks

Wave Hanger

Many people I work with rent and worry about spending too much money on setting up their space. Hooks are a perfect example of how to spend money in a rental; not on big pieces of furniture, but rather on smaller things that you can easily take a reuse in your next space (lighting is a another example).

Arrow Hanger

comes in black, white, silver, grey, and red

6 1/4"W x 8"H x 1"D

$40.00 each

would be great in multiples of different colors in a kid's room or a creative studio/office

Small Dropit Hooks

comes in large size too

2"W x 3"D x 3"H

$33.00 set of 2

Wave Hanger

17 3/4"W x 4 1/4"H

$60.00 set of 2

installed down the length of a hallway would be fantastic

Favorite Decorative Wall Hooks

2011-12-02T10:07:00.000-08:00

ghost antler coat rack by erich ginder

lacquer coat rack

coatrack dots

caribou wall hook by roost

cast iron animal hooks

A simple way to not only organize your space but also keep it neat and more functional is to install hooks. In your entry or near your front door for those without an entry like me, for coats and bags; in the bathroom for towels and clothes that need to be aired out; in the bedroom; behind doors. You may think you don't need them but once you have them, you'll wish you had more.

Here are a few of my favorite decorative hooks that aren't exactly economical but when a hook is beautiful on it's own why not?

Ghost Antler Coat Rack

11 1/2"W x 12"H x 8"D

$230.00 each

these look amazing in groups or by itself

Lacquer Coat Rack
40"W x 5"D x 1.5"H
$59.00

love the little slot in the back, perfect for dropping mail, magazines, or baseball caps...

Coatrack Dots
3 1/2" - 6 3/4" Diameter x 1 3/4"D
$149 set of 5

Caribou Wall Hook by Roost

10 1/2"W x 8"H x 5 1/2"D

$48.00

Blackened Iron Animal Hooks

4"W x 4 3/4"D x 3"H

$14.00 each

so cute, great for kid's rooms or a beach house

Few More Kitchen Cabinets

2011-12-01T05:01:00.000-08:00

This kitchen is a bit smaller than the one in the previous post and this client doesn't have as many dishes and glasses so instead of having a strictly glass or dishes cabinets, we've combined the two. I used a couple tupperware bowls to keep tea packets neatly and easily at hand.

The cabinet with the alcohol is above the fridge and is for things she doesn't use that often and for excess teas (as you can see, she cannot have enough teas!!).

What I Did Today: Kitchen Cabinets

2011-11-30T10:42:00.000-08:00

For the dishes, I've broken up the set placing some low and some higher since she doesn't need them all accessible all the time. The L-shaped cabinet in the last picture, is next to the stove so it's perfect for the oils and spices. One no brainer for kitchen storage is the perfect little turntable (lazy-susans). I use them for oils as well but for this cabinet we didn't need it.

As you'll notice, they're the only 'organizing product' used for these cabinets. You don't always need them...

After 4 Days of Intense Unpacking... Bedroom

2011-10-30T04:29:00.000-07:00

The white cubbies were used for books in her previous home but she wants this new space to be clean, uncluttered, and sophisticated and since most of the books are paperbacks, I'm suggesting a closed cabinet for them. For now, the cubbies fit perfectly in the bedroom showcasing her 95+ pairs of shoes.

I have reasons behind everything I do and my main goal when transforming a space is to get it completed in the least amount of steps. It's important to plan things so you're not moving things around more than necessary. The books are not immediately important and can stay packed until we get the cabinets to put them in, plus they're easier to deal with packed.

I set the shoes up this way for several reasons:

- they were carefully packed and took up a lot of room in the moving boxes

- I do not know how she dresses everyday so I didn't know which ones she'll want right away

- the entire collection is visible making it easier to categorize them once the new storage piece comes; everyday shoes, special occasion, off-season, archive, etc

- since we don't have anywhere else to put them (i'll be suggesting a closed cabinet for them), they're safe and out of the way until we get the new cabinet

I know she's motivated to get the space 'done' as soon as possible so she shouldn't be living this way for too long. Will keep you posted on the progress....

UPDATE: For more pics and details, check out my Flickr.

After 4 Days of Intense Unpacking.... Entry + Living Area

2011-10-29T04:39:00.000-07:00

At this stage, things are set up 'for now' so she can function nicely in the space. One of her filing cabinets fits perfectly near the door so it's there for now until we decide a better place or she gets another table. Or maybe we'll leave it there but cover it with a nice cloth (which she has a lot of).

I'm going to suggest a cabinet for pantry items where the leaning mirror is shown in the first pic. She cooks a lot and needs more storage space for the kitchen. The mirror is there for now as it's opposite the bedroom door so she can use it as a full length mirror.

The banker's boxes are all books and cd/dvd's. I lined them up like this without anything on top to give her the idea of how the closed cabinets I'm going to suggest will look. They'll be for the books and give a surface for the TV and other decorative pieces. The last pic shows the things not unpacked; photos, memorabilia, office supplies and some organizational pieces she already had that I haven't used at this point.

After 4 Days of Intense Unpacking.... Kitchen Details

2011-10-28T04:06:00.000-07:00

This is not how I generally work. I've never met this client and didn't see pictures of her previous home. She moving from the west coast but got called away on a job leaving me to unpack on my own, and 1 week until she came to town (which was really 4 1/2 days, I have other clients you know). The goal was to unpack as much as possible to see what additional storage she may need.

I unpacked the kitchen first as kitchen stuff takes us so much room when packed and I needed the space. She mentioned (the day after I did it) that she and her mother would do it once she got here but the thing is, nothing makes you feel more at home in a new space than when you can use your own dishes and make a meal right away. She can always tweak things like if I happen to put the dishes she used the most on the upper shelf.

I doubt she'll keep it but I LOVE the rug in here. It fits perfectly, is super comfy underfoot, and is really beautiful.

Wednesday

2011-10-27T04:06:00.000-07:00

Just after the movers left. Forgot to take pics of the bedroom which has about 3 more garment boxes, 10 other large boxes, mattress and boxspring on their sides against the wall to give me room to move around... OH! And you may have noticed the new elfa system in the closet that was installed just before the movers came.

Tuesday

2011-10-26T04:00:00.000-07:00

(living room to the left, bedroom to the right)

This is a client's new rental apartment the day before the movers came...

Stay Tuned...

2011-10-20T16:36:00.001-07:00

(afraid i do not know any of the photo credits...)

Sorry for the lack of posts. I'm helping two separate clients get settled into their new apartments. Working 8hr days while keeping up with my regular clients has left me quite exhausted. The good news is I'll have some projects to show you very soon so please stayed tuned!!

In the meantime, here's a few pics from my inspiration file...

George Carlin on Stuff

2011-10-11T16:43:00.000-07:00

If you've never seen George Carlin's rant on stuff, you must! My favorite line is "Have you ever noticed that their stuff is shit, and your shit is stuff?"

Reader's Questions: Shoe Storage In An Open Living Space

2011-09-30T01:41:00.000-07:00

the trouble spot:

storage bench:

besta cabinet (image courtesy of maukuja.blogspot.com)

Tara asks: "The hallway just off my entry has become a pile of shoes, they're not making it to the bedroom, they're living in the hall. Any suggestions for a narrow, attractive shoe shelves that are 48"W x 7 1/2"D? Thanks!"

Most shoe shelves are just not that attractive, especially if you really have to stare at them from the living room. How about a storage bench? The shoes can go inside, use an open bin within the bench to keep things separated. And it gives you a spot to sit while putting the shoes on and off:

Mariolla Faux Leather Storage Bench

48"W x 20"D x 18"H
$179.99
comes in chocolate brown, red, and white

overstock.com has a decent selection.

OR
How about a closed cabinet? At nearly 8" deep it's great for women's and kid's shoes.

besta wall shelf unit
47 1/4"W x 7 7/8"D x 25 1/4"H
$60.00
+
besta tofta high-gloss white door
23 5/8"W x 25 1/4"H
2 @ $50.00

If You Hadn't Noticed...

2011-09-29T12:01:00.000-07:00

Looking at the pics of my kitchen, you may have noticed there's no place for recycling. That's because there isn't. I take it out everyday with the trash. It get's washed, put by the sink, and I grab it as I'm heading out. I keep a small paper bag under my desk for paper and when it get's full (every couple of days), it goes out.

Inside My Kitchen Continued

2011-09-28T01:45:00.000-07:00

boxes over fridge

lower left cabinet

my kit

lower right cabinet, under sink

The boxes over the fridge hold a ton; starting from the back left: archive paperwork; misc household things not bing used in this apt (couple of lamp shades, large hooks, felt snowflakes); paint kit; household utilities: vacuum bags, light bulbs, extension cords, etc.

The lower left cabinet is mostly my kit, tools, and cat stuff. Under the sink is my miele vacuum, my shredder, and an old dish rack now holding cleaning supplies. Go here for more details.

While I have room under my desk for the shredder, I simply don't want to look at it everyday. It's a shredder with basket so I took off the top and placed it in the basket. I put paper in the basket and when it gets full (about every 2 months or so) I pull it out and shred everything all at once. Since I don't have a ton to shred it's a perfect solution.

Inside My Kitchen Cabinets

2011-09-27T13:07:00.001-07:00

my small kitchen

cabinet above stove

broiler

upper left cabinet

upper right cabinet, above sink

I like my small kitchen, especially since I switched the cabinet doors, because of the wide cabinets, and large ss sink. The cabinet above the stove holds candles and misc decorative pieces not being used at the moment. The broiler holds my 2 pots, 1 pan, griddle and strainer (yup that's all I have).

The upper left cabinet is my pantry and coffee/tea area. The upper right cabinet is for serving pieces. I know I have a lot of glasses, but I love and use them all. The glass bowls on the lower shelf is actually a set of 9 nesting bowls, but many are currently in the fridge holding fruit, eggs, nuts, etc.

Go here for more details. The lower cabinets and boxes above the fridge will be in the next post...

Small Walk-In Closet: Before + (Just About) After

2011-09-22T02:07:00.000-07:00

before:

after (almost):

The little L-shaped walk-in closet was my latest challenge. She basically wanted me to recreate my closet for her. Here's what I added:

- metal hangers

- padded canvas hangers

- pant/skirt hangers

- simple upper shelf

- drawer unit below (modified)

- hooks

- hanging shoe rack behind the door

This is actually a progress shot; we need to edit along with a season switch, add a small rug, and put on the handles on the top drawers. But otherwise it's just about finished....

The Meaning of Wardrobe: Continued

2011-09-20T13:02:00.000-07:00

(bangles by giles + brother, snake bracelet subconscious leathers)

(dkny blouse)

(j.crew)

(prada)

A lot of questions have been coming up on The Meaning of Wardrobe post so I wanted to do a follow up.

I've written a bit on this topic, but to clarify, I mostly write about creating my wardrobe, with the exception of the step by step series 'Building a Wardrobe' which is general advice and is a very good read if you're starting from scratch.

Not a big fan of throwaway fashion, but I understand why others do it. I treat my $25 tops the same as the $300 ones because it's hard to find things I love so it's all the same once it's in my closet. I don't follow trends too closely and actually try to avoid things that are too popular unless I really love it. For instance, I'm not planning on getting any kind of oxford or lace-up flats but I did get a gorgeous cape a few years ago I look forward to wearing again this season.

Take what applies to you and your lifestyle. There are many ways to do things, including how to build your wardrobe. Readers have posted their approach in the comments of the original post so be sure to check them out, and share any tips of your own if you like!

Just a Reminder

2011-09-20T06:09:00.000-07:00

For a more detailed shot, click on (most) pics and they will enlarge. All bolded text are links.... click away!! Thanks for reading :)

What I Did Today: Home Office

2011-09-19T05:44:00.000-07:00

before:

after:

This is the nook off a kitchen in a client's small studio that she wanted to make into a work area. She just moved in and the previous tenant left the large table that nearly fills the entire space. She had the intermetro shelving unit which I squeezed under the desk for the printer (not often used), router and extra office supplies.

The high back shelving unit is actually partially on the table. The front left post is 36"H and is resting on the table. The other three posts are 74"H and go to the floor. Sorry I don't have any more pics. I took these as we were running out. While it looks a bit empty now, she's starting grad school this week so it should be filled with books in no time.

The Meaning of Wardrobe

2011-09-15T05:33:00.000-07:00

all images thesartorialist.com (i think):

A wardrobe is a thought out collection of pieces that work together to express a clear point of view.

Before I went through my process (before I was an organizer), I had clothes; individual pieces that had no relationship to each other. Pieces that needed me to purchase new things to make an outfit around it. Pieces that didn't fit my lifestyle and were never worn. Pieces that stand on their own are nice, but if you cannot wear them, what good are they?

When buying something now, I think of how it relates to my wardrobe as a whole. I get pieces that enhance what I have instead of just 'oh this is nice' like I used to do. Pieces that help me wear the things I already have in new ways.

Do you have clothes or an actual wardrobe?

Living Better With Less: Clothes

2011-09-14T06:04:00.000-07:00

"Elegance does not consist in putting on a new dress" - Coco Chanel

Off-Season Storage Solutions

2011-09-12T05:13:00.000-07:00

the laundress

container store

bed bath & beyond

My favorite kind of clothing storage is zippered canvas bags. Easy to use, can usually squeeze into any space, and are breathable. Clothes take up less space when packed away, but for those pieces you'd rather keep hanging, use a garment bag which you probably already have (I find most people do), if you don't, here's a good one.

Canvas / Clear Plastic Bags from the Container Store

Individual and larger bags

I like the individual ones to keep delicate pieces visible all year round. The larger ones are perfect for multiple items with easy view access.

Canvas Storage Bags from the Laundress

Under bed sizes and cubes $30 - $52 each

I love these zippered bags. It's almost like they're starched since they have a little structure to

them.

Real Simple Storage Bags from Bed Bath + Beyond

Under bed and cubes $24.99

Handles and label window on the front makes getting them up and down easy.

TIPS

- Measure to see which bags will work best in your space.

- Clean everything before putting away, even if you've only worn it once or twice. Clothes moths and pests are attracted to what you leave behind (skin cells, hair, animal fur, oils, food) over the actual material.

- Group 1 (or 2) type(s) per bag; dresses, shorts, tops, etc.

- If you're planning a vacation during the winter, back a 'resort' bag.

NYC Upcoming E-Waste Recycling Events

2011-09-10T09:19:00.000-07:00

Remember, they only accept items from homes and small businesses (less than 50 people). And they only accept computers and peripherals, no household appliances. See the list of what they accept. Go to the LES Ecology Center website to learn more.

MANHATTAN

saturday sept 17th

10am - 4pm

chelsea

tekserve, 119 W23rd btwn 6th + 7th ave

sunday sept 18th

10am - 4pm

LES

delancey st btwn chrystie + forsyth st

tuesday sept 20th

11am - 7pm

UES

church of heavenly rest, 5th ave + E 90th st

saturday oct 22nd

10am - 4pm

UWS

church of the holy name jesus, amsterdam btwn W96th + 97th

sunday oct 23rd

10am - 4pm

stuyvesant town

14th st loop, enter at 14th + ave A

BROOKLYN

saturday sept 24th

10am - 4pm

fort greene

habana outpost, fulton st btwn s portland + s oxford

saturday oct 1st

10am - 4pm

carroll gardens

smith st btwn president + union st

10am - 4pm

williamsburg

the new new york, N 11th btwn kent + wythe

sunday oct 2nd

10am - 4pm

bklyn heights

bklyn bridge park furman st btwn old fulton + doughty

saturday oct 15th

10am - 4pm

8th ave btwn 14th + 15th st

sunday oct 16th

10am - 4pm

park slope

7th ave btwn 4th + 5th st

saturday oct 22nd

10am - 4pm

bedstuy

restoration plaza herkimer st st btwn NY + bklyn aves

sunday oct 23rd

10am - 4pm

cobble hill

ps 29 schoolyard, baltic btwn henry + clinton

QUEENS

saturday sept 24th

10am - 4pm

st john's parking lot, enter @ gate 4, union tpke + 175th st

sunday sept 25th

saturday sept 24th

10am - 4pm

flushing

NY hall of science visitor parking lot, enter @ 111th st + 49th ave

BRONX

sunday sept 25th

10am - 4pm

van cortland park, bdway btwn manhattan college pkwy + post rd

STATEN ISLAND

sunday oct 2nd

10am - 4pm

showplace entertainment center, 141 E service rd @ victory blvd + beresford ave

It's Almost Time For The Closet Switch...

2011-09-09T08:43:00.000-07:00

September in NYC means the seasonal closet switch is coming up. I do it around the end of the month when it starts getting a bit cooler and need my heavier wool/cashmere sweaters. But now I put the absolute/obvious summer clothes to the side; linen pants/skirts/dresses + some tops, flip flops, certain sun dresses, white pants, certain sandals.

I realize the image here has NOTHING to do with the topic but I saw it on clientsfromhell.net, a blog dedicated to horror stories from designers. I think the title of the image works with just about anything. Thought you may like it!

Valentino Said It Best

2011-09-08T06:15:00.000-07:00

The other night a friend of a friend made a very astute observation "Do you know you only wear neutrals? You need to wear color, you should wear red." Besides the fact I find it hard taking style advice from someone wearing a pink sweatshirt and running pants to a party, when people say that I should wear color (especially red) I can't help but think of the moment in Valentino: The Last Emperor, when Valentino said in regards to his signature red gowns, "The red dresses are the most simple and the most stupid!"

I wish everyone can agree not to give 'shoulds' where they're not asked. Personally I refrain from giving unsolicited advice because I know I'm tired of hearing how I should wear color, get a tan, wear a push-up bra... Do you get any annoying 'shoulds'?

More From Closet Cleanout

2011-09-07T08:28:00.001-07:00

$125 vintage armani silk blouse size 38

$95 balanciaga pumps size 38

$85 kate spade party flats size 6

$75 anya hindmarch sandals size 36 1/2

A few more things to show you guys to check out.

Closet Cleanout

2011-09-06T15:35:00.000-07:00

$500 silk lanvin dress size 38

$85 helmut lang tank dress, size P

$250 zac posen silk dress, size 38

$75 burberry booties, size 36

$85 belle by sigerson morrison, size 5 (more like a 6 - 6 1/2)

I did a little closet edit, as did a client of mine who works in fashion. Before I bring them to my favorite local consignment shop, I figured I'd give you guys first dibs.

The complete selection can be seen here. Since you cannot sell anything via Flickr, it's just pics. Shoes are size 6, 6 1/2 and 8, prices $75 - $95. Clothes are XS, 4-6 (US sizes), $50 - $500 though the $500 is the Lanvin dress. Most things are under $100.

Please comment or email me directly for a complete price and description list. Thanks!

5 Easy Everyday Things To Make Your Home Nicer

2011-09-05T10:20:00.000-07:00

(unknown source)

(design by albert hadley via lonny mag)

(image by stuart mcintyre)

- MAKE YOUR BED(s). if it takes you more than 2 minutes (per bed), consider simpler bedding. i have a fitted sheet and comforter, takes me 15 seconds.

- KEEP THE TOILET SEAT/COVER DOWN. seriously, who likes looking into the toilet?

- TAKE OUT TRASH + RECYCLING. i don't understand the storage of garbage, it takes up so much room and quite frankly it smells!

- DO THE DISHES. even if you do it before you go to sleep, it's so nice waking up to a new day with a clean, empty sink.

- OPEN THE WINDOWS. i don't have to explain this one do i?

Few More Ikea Shots....

2011-08-11T04:10:00.000-07:00

(photos by wendy goodman, nymag.com, ikea bookcases and console)

(photos by wendy goodman, nymag.com, ikea wall organizer)

(the selby, ikea bookcase)

The Ikea Debate

2011-08-07T05:40:00.000-07:00

(eddieross.com, ikea sofa with DIY slipcover)

(andreas apt via apartmenttherapy.com. the floating console are ikea kitchen cabinets)

(client entry, ikea dresser. progress shot, ignore the plant that hasn't be re-potted ;O)

(my apartment, ikea bookcases)

(interior designer michael bargo's apt in domino magazine. ikea dining table)

My feeling about Ikea is that 92% of it is crap, but the remaining 8% is great. When people say they're 'too old' for or 'above' Ikea I think it's a little silly. I see their products in beautiful designed spaces all the time.

The bottom line is setting up an apartment can cost a lot of money and the best way to get a beautiful and affordable result (even when you understand that 'affordable' is a relative term), is to do a careful mix of high and low end pieces. As a renter for over 10 years, I chose to spend money on accent furniture and decorative things, things that I've been able to take with me and successfully use in each space.

Do you have Ikea pieces in your home?

Guest Blog Spot

2011-08-05T03:40:00.000-07:00

I did a little guest spot on Arianna Belle's fab blog, as part of her 'How I Organize' series. Thanks Arianna, it looks great! Check out the full post here.

Blog Love: Moth Design

2011-07-27T06:08:00.000-07:00

(all images by Erica Cook)

This is the amazing closet of interior designer Erica Cook. I love her use of beautiful glass bowls + dishes to hold accessories but I especially love the way she framed her shopping bags. Ingenious!

Check out her blog, Moth Design to see more images of her home, her client work and bits about her life raising 5 kids, which is hard I know, my mom did it!

Attention NYC! Distract Yourself From the Heat With a Great Contest

2011-07-23T01:56:00.000-07:00

The Sweeten, a Brooklyn-based home improvement site which allows you to post your remodeling projects and receive estimates from their hand-picked network of contractors and designers, is giving you a chance to win wallpaper from the fabulous Flavor Paper and have a professional, J Marc Wallcovering, to hang it for free. View details here and do it today as the contest ends August 2!

I Want High Ceilings Too!

2011-07-19T12:49:00.000-07:00

I've been helping this client get settled into her fantastic new apartment. Wanting a calming, tranquil bedroom we opted for the white bedding and dresser. She found the gorgeous glass lamp at a local shop and is looking for a rug to complete the room.

I was there this weekend to place the new dining table and chairs, the set of bookcases and to finish styling the space. Click here for more pics.

Update: My Bathroom

2011-07-12T00:44:00.000-07:00

before

after

A few recent shots of my bathroom. I don't like 'bathroom accessories', I like the bathroom feeling and looking like the rest of the apartment. Click here for details on what's in here.

I'd still like a rug and new curtain. For the rug, I'm looking for a regular rug; either a runner or two small rugs. With a shower stall not bathtub, I use a long window curtain instead of a short shower curtain. There's a lower rod hung behind the curtain for a shower liner.

I'll let you know when I find something...

Packing For a Chic Getaway

2011-07-10T15:13:00.000-07:00

write out the days you'll be away

lay out possible outfits on the bed...

or hang on a rod...

(click on image for larger view)

Write out each day you will be away, filling in the events and general things you'll be doing; walking around, nice dinner, casual lunch. Either write down possible outfits or pull them out so you can see them, including accessories and undergarments.

Start with events/times you have an idea what you'd like to wear and go from there. The idea is to wear individual pieces more than once, but not the same outfit more than once. Think about pieces that can be worn in multiple ways; a fancy top with a skirt and heels then with casual pants and flats. Also think about simple pieces that won't be obvious you're wearing more than once. For instance the beaded neck top pictured above would be hard to wear twice unless I'm not seeing the same people.

Pick a color scheme to make it easy to mix pieces and accessories seamlessly. Then at the end, toss in an extra sweater and a couple simple tops for just in case....

The pics are from my wardrobe, but this works for those with color and prints as well. If you're outfits aren't layered play around with the accessories to dress an outfit up or down.

Art Display In Small Apt

2011-07-08T12:56:00.000-07:00

I helped this couple move earlier this year. They had the dining table + chairs, lounge chair, sofa and area rug and lots of art. Envisioning using this long wall as an art wall, I suggested bright white walls and minimal white furniture as not to detract from the art. We went with the three Ikea bookcases since I knew much of the art needed framing and I know how much that can cost.

I love the way the bookcase came out. Since these shelves are pretty deep I was able to layer some of the smaller books to give it more depth and interest. They said to do it whichever looked best, not necessarily by subject or author.

For more pics and info, click here.

Visualizing With Tape

2011-07-04T14:35:00.000-07:00

It can be hard to visualize how something will look in a space, and more importantly how the actual size will look and feel in a space.

Measure out where the piece in question will go and adhere painter's tape or artist tape, I've even used post-it notes. The pic above shows how my mother and I did this to see how an oversized mirror and shelves would look in her living room. This can also be done on the floor to see how furniture will fit.

Update on Studio Design

2011-06-29T05:06:00.000-07:00

The apartment has come a long way since you've last seen it. The art above the sofa was painted by her daughter-in-law's mother, who's also giving her a couple more to go in the dining area. The gold mirror that was hung behind the dining table is now in the entry. Click here for more pics.

Still need to:

frame paintings over sofa
install art over dining area
sell small sofa (currently at dining table), replace with bench
paint wall behind bed (still picking a color)
buy area rug for entry

What I Did Today: Clothes Closets

2011-06-18T14:42:00.000-07:00

(closet #1)

(closet #2)

Since this client is fabulously tall, the shoes on the upper shelf is no problem. Closet #1 has dresses to the left and tops to the right. Closet #2 has black and blue dresses and long dresses. Wanting to keep her bedroom minimal, we put the dressers in the closets.

Clear Acrylic Side Tables

2011-06-14T14:40:00.001-07:00

(my first apt, apartmenttherapy.com)

(pbteen.com)

I get asked a lot about my little lucite cubes and they're being sold again at PB Teen (where I originally got them). Unfortunately I didn't use this to clean it so mine are pretty scratched up but I still love them...

How To Tie Your Shoes. No, Seriously

2011-06-10T17:28:00.000-07:00

A few days after seeing, a client was saying how she doesn't like wearing her sneakers because the laces almost always eventually come untied. I sent her the link to this video showing how none of us really know how to properly tie our shoes and I thought you'd like to see it too. (in case you're new here, all bolded text are links).

TED is a wonderful resource by the way for exceptional lectures from some of the smartest people in the world ranging a number of topics. Highly recommended....

Cash In Your Loose Change

2011-06-09T04:39:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this isn't the most exciting post, but it's a helpful one. A lot of banks do not take rolled coins, why I do not know and the ones that do only take them if you have an account and you must write your account number clearly on each roll. But seriously, who has time for rolling coins?

TD Bank has Penny Arcades (a machine that counts it for you) in most of their branches. If you have an account there, you can use it for no charge, if you do not, they take a 6% off. Click here to find a location near you. There are a number of locations here in NYC.

Coinstar machines are at a ton of grocery stores. Click here to find a locations near you.

The Laundress: Laundry Camp

2011-06-06T12:01:00.000-07:00

(may 2007 domino magazine)

(click on image for larger view)

Love the advice above from The Laundress. I've mentioned them before, their products and message are great. Not only that 'dry clean only' doesn't mean you can't hand wash it, but the overall idea of taking care of your things.

I remember as a kid my father teaching me how to polish my shoes, telling me it's important to take care of my things. Such a simple lesson that I never forgot and a lesson that I try to pass on to anyone who will listen! Do you have any hand washing tips you want to share?

Restyled Living/Dining Room

2011-06-04T11:32:00.000-07:00

(before)

(after)

(before)

(after)

(click on image for larger view)

You've seen other areas of this apartment, now for the main living/dining space.

We did a major edit and mapped out new homes for everything, but just as important, we made a few decorative changes. The major thing was reorienting the rug. You can see in the 3rd pic the rug came out from behind the sofa as it ran lengthwise from the TV. The lounge chair near the windows wasn't even on the rug; an unconscious message of how the wife hates it. Now the rug runs lengthwise in front of the TV and the husband is happy to finally feel like he's part of the living area :O)

We also:

- switched out the small metal lamps with large green ones

- installed a sconce over lounge chair

- the only purchase: baskets under coffee table for magazines, books, etc

- moved around art and hung art

- re-styled entire room

What I Did Today: Lack Hack

2011-06-01T04:18:00.000-07:00

So we didn't lose any shelf space on this Lack bookshelf (which isn't being sold anymore?!) I moved the upper shelf just over the TV. The shelf is held in by small pins that are screwed into the outer frame, they do not rest on the pins, that would be too easy. The outer frame is solid so my installer simply drilled new starter holes (drilling the holes was simple, measuring where to drill the holes not so simple).

This is a progress shot. I need to tack the cables so you cannot see them as you do now.

Living Better With Less: Buying What Lasts

2011-05-18T18:56:00.000-07:00

(photo courtesy of NY Magazine.com)

Wanted to share a snidbit from NY Magazine's interview with Julie Gilhart, former women's fashion director at Barney's. I totally agree with her answer to the following question:

You're a big champion of eco-conscious fashion, but it can be really difficult to convince people to buy something eco-friendly when their top priority is looking good. How do you reconcile that?
Well, it's really about making conscious decisions that aren't wasteful. Like with Lanvin, one of my favorites, there's nothing organic about it. But Alber [Elbaz]'s clothes tend to be very well made, and they never go out of style. So in Lanvin's case, you're buying a jacket that you can wear for years. I have a jacket that I bought that's from 2001, and I'm still wearing it. It's very difficult to buy 100 percent organic or sustainable, but the number one conscious decision is to not buy more than you need, and to buy things that last. If I had a choice to buy a T-shirt that's made in New York City versus a T-shirt that's made in China, and they're very similar, I'm probably going to choose the one that's made in New York, you know? And if I choose the one that's made in China — and that would be because it has a certain look, or a certain fit, or a certain price that's appealing — then I'm going to buy it and keep it and wear it for a long time. It's just about not being wasteful.

Read the entire article here.

Reader's Questions: Too Many Papers!

2011-05-17T05:45:00.000-07:00

(click for larger view)

Angie asks: "My biggest problem is paper! Articles, notebooks from university years, bank paperwork, deposit slips, statements, old magazines... Sitting yesterday reading the stuff and thinking 'I may need this', realizing that I am not decluttering anything. I tried to detach myself from all this paper, it's stuff after all. Your advice is very much appreciated, thank you Laura!"

PLAN

Think if there's anything you're ok to get rid of right away. Since you have a hard time letting go, start with the least emotional decision; bank paperwork, deposit slips etc. (see below). The feeling of having to get rid of things sometimes make people hold on more, so tell yourself it's ok to keep some things.

QUICK EDIT + SORT

Create labels using post-it notes, index cards or even painters tape on the floor or along a wall for categories you know you have: recycle, shred, tax papers, legal documents, college, memorabilia, article to read, etc, Grab a pile and start sorting things into their respective categories. The idea is to get papers sorted quickly and get the papers you know you're not keeping out of the way. This is not the time to read and think; just sort into manageable piles.

If you have a room or area in your home where you can leave everything half-sorted end of the day that would be great (most people cannot get this done in one sitting). If not, use labeled shopping bags, folders or boxes to keep piles together until you're ready to get back to it.

DEEP EDIT

Once the papers are sorted, do a more thorough edit one category at a time, starting with the smallest pile and/or the easiest to go thru. Deep reading at this point will get nothing done. Skim the page to see if the article, notebook, etc has any relevance at this point in your life:

Articles

There's an infinite amount of information out there. Chances are the articles you've been saving for years are outdated or maybe the reason you haven't read them is that you actually don't need to. Magazines run the basic same articles over and over again so chances are there's nothing amazing you've been keeping that hasn't been or will be repeated again.

Statements/Bills/Tax Papers

If you write it off on your taxes, keep them. Ask your CPA (or who over does your taxes) for a list of what you need to keep. See above image for more details. If you're not writing them off, there's really no reason to keep them.

If you need them, the question is have you done your taxes? If you don't actually need them to file, sort them by year. Don't bother sorting them any further since odds are you'll probably not have to reference them again.

Other

Keep insurance policies, legal documents (as mentioned above). As far as your notebooks from college, be realistic. How long has it been since you've graduated and have you ever looked back at them? For some professions, it's fine to keep some things from college, but certainly not all.

DISCLAIMER: I am a residential organizer, not commercial, the following info is for individuals only, also I am not a qualified financial advisor, attorney or CPA. If you have any further questions about what you should keep consult your qualified financial advisor, attorney and/or CPA.

What I Did Today

2011-04-19T16:16:00.001-07:00

(before)

(after)

(before)

(after)

This client is living in a share, and has one room for all her things. I'm not only teaching her how to organize, but styling the room as well. By using her existing bins and boxes in a new way, she is spending the money she had put aside for this project towards a new rug and upholstered bench for the room. More pics to come...

Coat Closet: Before + After

2011-04-16T16:20:00.000-07:00

(before)

(after)

This closet was organized re-using things this client already had, with the exception of the shiny new closet rod. There are 2 small pieces of luggage stacked behind the shoe rack. The red basket in the front holds her canister Miele vacuum (my favorite vac), but was in use when I took the pics.

What I Did Today

2011-04-10T05:54:00.000-07:00

(before)

(after)

(upper left corner)

(lower left corner)

I want to share more of what I do, but sometimes what I do doesn't need lengthy explanations, or have big lessons. Sometimes it's just a new closet. So here's the first of the new series 'What I Did Today' (ok, technically I did this on friday but you get the point).

The only closet and main storage in a small, minimalist studio now has a new Elfa system, and we installed a few new hooks for the entry.

Jewelry Cabinet

2011-04-07T05:29:00.000-07:00

We're getting very close to finishing this apartment. The latest thing to tackle was her jewelry, including her mother's pieces that she hadn't looked at for many years. Using muji acrylic drawers and cork boards this chinese cabinet formerly holding a mish-mash of stuff is now the jewelry cabinet.

We sorted everything into:

- sentimental, but wouldn't wear (stored separately)

- donate

- sell

- give away to friends, family

- pieces to keep

For her mother's pieces, which are pretty fabulous, I helped her make them her own; I'm quite familiar with her wardrobe, so suggested how and what to wear them with.

The Library: Cable Management

2011-04-06T07:41:00.000-07:00

The amount of cables for this television and its components is pretty ridiculous! Though the table top has a hole in the back to allow cable to pass through to the plug underneath (pic 3), it doesn't help the cables that are connecting the components together.

There are a number of products out there to contain and to minimize the look of the cables but I generally try to avoid having to buy any of them. Hiding them behind something usually works just fine.

Here I cut a hole in the back of a black cardboard box (the client already had it, I think a fancy candle came in it) and placed it under the component on the right to tuck the remaining cables in (pic 4 + 5). Most people, including her husband, didn't notice the box until we pointed it out.

Last, I pushed the components as far back to the wall as possible to keep the cables in place and with the television mounted as it is, the cables are really not too visible as you're standing in front of the table (pic 1). Now, if this client wasn't happy with this, I would push it to the next level and maybe make some kind of cover to rest atop of the back of the components to completely hide them. Most likely using a piece of colored cardboard.

GMAIL Hates Me...

2011-04-06T02:38:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to anyone who has or will email me. For some reason some of my emails go to the recipient's spam even if I'm responding to a message they send me. So please, if you email me and you don't hear back within a day please check your spam.

Thanks!

Cool Hooks On Sale

2011-04-04T15:53:00.000-07:00

Caribou Wall Hook

Velocity Art and Design

$40.80

Question Mark Hook

Anthropologie

$7.95 ea

Five Alarm Hook

Anthropologie

$7.95 ea

Canteen Hook and Knob

MoMA Store

$29.95 ea

Jeeves Coat Rack with Mirror

DWR

$206.25

The Library: Television

2011-04-03T10:28:00.000-07:00

(before)

(after)

The library has a TV hung over a table with an open bottom. They thought of having doors installed below, or replacing the table with a closed cabinet. My instincts lean towards the quick, easy, and inexpensive solution so I simply draped a fabric they already had over the table. The fabric is a bit wide, the excess is tucked behind the left leg (near the bookshelves). I used double sided tape on the right leg to keep the fabric neatly in place.

I draped the fabric without talking to them about it first. Sometimes it's better to show someone something (if it's easy enough to do), rather than having them try to visualize it and find a reason not to do it. I figured if they didn't like it we could do something else, but they not only love how it looks but that it's done and without cost. The money saved will go towards finishing the room; painting and buying an area rug.

The small basket in the second pic holds the remotes. I thought the two figures were a funny representation of this couple, watching them while they hung out here.

The Library: Details

2011-04-02T18:19:00.000-07:00

(top)

(middle)

(bottom)

Just a few detail shot of the center bookshelf. The books are organized by topic, then arranged how they look best. My favorite are the birds. I thought they deserved a shelf all their own.