I Don't Understand (Most) Landlords...

My current apartment was renovated before I moved in which I thought would be great, what a change, but there wasn't much attention to detail as the place wasn't finished; I've been here over a year and am still missing a door to one of the kitchen cabinets. So I've been doing what I feel is necessary to get it finished without spending too much time or money.

Above is the door bell that has no cover. I painted the bell part but it wasn't much of an improvement. After measuring the bell, I went to my favorite place Muji to see if they had a bin that would fit over it and of course they did. The bin is translucent plastic so I cut a piece of white paper to line the bottom to make it less noticeable. Using clear packing tape, I taped the top to the wall. Sooo much better...

Moving But Not Quite...

The majority of my work this summer has been helping clients move. By clearing out the old space and planning out the new space (with a loose floor plan) ensures nothing's moved that's we know won't work in the new space. And it makes settling in the new space that much easier and quicker.

I have a new client who's lived in her space for a very long time and is admittedly over it. I loved her take on it; she's treating this process as if she's moving but into her existing apartment. She understands the idea of how removing what you don't love and use, moving around the things you have, and putting up a fresh coat of paint can change a space dramatically. She's excited about getting into her 'new space' and I'm excited about helping her!

The Story of Stuff

I mentioned The Story of Stuff in the last post, but I really wanted to make sure you saw this. It's the back story of where all of our stuff comes from. It's the reason why the term Reduce, Reuse, Recycle is specifically in that order, not just because it sounds good that way. Many people think that recycling is the key to being 'green' but the truth is that while it is an important part of the puzzle, it's the last part:

1. Reduce your consumption is key, then

2. Reuse what you have before buying something new, and as a last resort

3. Recycle whatever you can instead of putting it in the trash

I'm not saying all consumption is bad, but when people think only buying organic, free trade, or things made from recycled materials is NOT the answer. The answer is consuming consciously; think if you really need it, like it, are actually going to use it, and if it will add value to your life. Otherwise, you're still consuming for the sake of it and whatever you buy will eventually be tossed, donated, or recycled again. Personally, I just don't want to have to 'deal' with my things that much. I want to use and enjoy them...

Blog Shout Out

(photo courtesy of bloesem)

(photo courtesy of fabulissime)

(photo courtesy of justdaisy)

I wanted to share with you a few blogs that I've been getting into lately:

Bloesem

This lovely blog is by Irene, born in Amsterdam, living in Kuala Lumpur. Daily updates about design, home and things that make her happy. I think it will make you happy too!

loving.living.small

Dedicated to spaces 1000sqft and under, a great resource for inexpensive, DIY projects, and other home resources.

Just Daisy

The newest blog from Sunny of morning light, chronicles her personal home organizing and decorating projects.

fabulissime

Hasina blogs from her home in Montreal as life as a self-professed minimalist who's living life to the fullest. She recently posted a link to The Story of Stuff a must see for everyone. She says the same thing I just thought, "I don't know why I've never posted this video on my blog!"

Welcome Home

Amanda Talbot is an interiors junkie and lucky us, she shares with us homes from all over the world, showcasing how people relate and use their everyday objects.

Enjoy! What blogs are you reading??

Art Hound House Tour

(all images courtesy of apartmenttherapy.com)

I met Kate a few weeks ago. She lives in my hood and just launched a art consulting business, Art Hound that encourages and inspires people to live with independent and affordable art. She shares her musings on art, design, and the home on her blog by the same name.

Her apartment is a featured house tour on Apartment Therapy today. Her apartment is huge, has high ceilings, and a ridiculous kitchen. If I didn't like her so much, I'd hate her...JK! :O)