Design

Is Open Plan Living A Thing of the Past?

I was thrilled to attend a seminar with author, TV show host, and professional organizer Peter Walsh recently with a group of my professional organizing colleagues. One of the benefits of being locked down with this pandemic is that everyone is open to teaching via Zoom, even famous people. Peter Walsh is one smart dude, … Read more

Small Space Design on a Budget

Two years ago my boyfriend moved into a 500 square foot apartment after selling his four-bedroom house. It was meant to be a temporary stopping point for a year to re-think his next steps. The only thing he took from the house was a double bed and mattress and a bunch of bins and boxes … Read more

Organization Should Inform Design

This blog post was inspired by a conversation I had with a client a few days ago.  She and her husband have been working on a DIY reno of their house for months and months and months . . . However, they did hire a cabinet company to design and install their kitchen. Good news. … Read more

Car Show Leads to Playroom Inspiration

I’ve always loved a car show and I had the chance to attend one during my trip to PEI this September.  Mark it in your calendar for next year. Labour Day weekend 2021 you must go to the Brackley Drive-In Theatre ( https://drivein.ca/ ) for their annual car show. Unless, of course, you go there … Read more

A History Lesson at Charlottetown’s Sydney Boutique Inn & Suites

The historic Sydney Boutique Inn & Suites in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, is probably the most elegant, thoughtfully designed hotel I have ever stayed in.  From the moment you arrive to the time you leave; you feel the positive energy of the building and those who have taken care of it over the years. I … Read more

Wallpaper Envy

A newsletter arrived in my inbox last week from Prime Walls featuring gorgeous mural wallpapers from Elle Belz that I immediately posted on Instagram and Facebook because I was so inspired. Naturally, that led me to do a little more research today to see what else is new in the wallpaper market.  And now . … Read more

A Place for Everything

I think there is life changing magic in the most basic of organizing principles.  It’s known as “a place for everything”.  Since I started working as a professional organizer back in 2003 I have been sharing this as one of the keys to successfully organizing our homes, our offices and our lives.   We “professionals” tend to glibly … Read more

Home Organizing with Universal Design

You may have heard of Universal Design. This method employs barrier free design principles for intergenerational use of any space.  Universal Design evolved from Accessible Design, which is a process that addresses the needs of people with disabilities.   Universal Design addresses the needs of all people.   There are some great ideas for employing Universal Design when organizing your home. Some … Read more

Creative Storage Solutions for Small Spaces

All the talk about the necessity for creative storage solutions in tiny houses is totally true. I have had to use some creative thinking for a challenging storage project I’m working on with a friend.  She has a small house of about 700 square feet.  Her house has tiny rooms and the only storage is a four-foot-wide closet … Read more

The Tangled Mess Beneath Your Desk

I can organize pretty much anything. The exception are cords and cables for electronic and computer devices. It’s as though I have some sort of mental block when it comes to turning that tangled mess into neat and tidy.  Usually, when I see a mess, I can’t wait to dig in and sort, purge and set up … Read more

Art: Original vs Mass Produced

I recently attended an excellent presentation with Andrea Smith, Executive Director of Teichert Gallery in Halifax.  Andrea spoke to members of the Nova Scotia Interior Decorators Association as part of our Annual General Meeting and Professional Development Day. Andrea shared her knowledge of how we can introduce original art into our lives, general rules for … Read more

Furnishing Tiny Spaces

Although I absolutely love working with small spaces to maximize storage and function, finding the right furniture pieces to fit are often a challenge. I’ve been on the hunt for several weeks for a 12-inch-wide bedside table with a drawer and shelf on the bottom.  It’s amazing how much time a person can spend looking for … Read more

Small Satisfying Projects

Over the years, I’ve worked on many big organizing jobs and designed and renovated some significant spaces. But sometimes, small, satisfying projects have the most impact – especially a client is super excited about a new closet. Who would have thought that a six-foot closet makeover could change someone’s day-to-day life? Well, you use your … Read more