How to Use Repeating Elements in Design to Achieve a Cohesive Look

A recent vacation at the Iberostar Grand Bavaro Hotel in Punta Cana, featuring photo-worthy Greco-Roman design, inspired me to write about repeating elements in design. I also became slightly obsessed with the gorgeous limestone walkways and iridescent tile surrounding us in this beautiful resort. That was most likely because those are elements that we cannot … Read more

How to Reduce Overwhelm from Technology

Do you find yourself checking email, surfing the internet, and scanning social media to avoid working on other, probably more important, things? Technology is a wonderful procrastination tool, and that phone you can’t stop looking at all day is undoubtedly the culprit. It’s time to reduce overwhelm from technology! Do You Have Smartphone-itis? It’s everywhere, … Read more

Using Asymmetry in Home Design

Many experts tout the need for symmetry in design, whether it’s used in graphic design or home design. However, many spaces do not naturally lend themselves to symmetry, so in these cases, using asymmetry in home design makes more sense. Why Use Symmetry? You can’t go wrong if you use symmetry to design your spaces. … Read more

How to Free Yourself From Moving Stress by Asking for Help

We have just wrapped up a household move project with one of my long-time clients. As with most projects, the less time it takes, the less stressful it will be. And one of the best ways to free yourself from moving stress is by asking for help. It takes a village of people to execute … Read more

Organizing the Garage in 5 Easy Steps

Did you know nearly 75% of people can’t put a car in their garage? I know, it’s shocking, isn’t it? I’m guessing that you had to have a garage to put the car in when you were house shopping. This is especially true of Canadians because clearing snow and ice off your car on cold, … Read more

7 Ways to Use Your Calendar to Get Things Done

If you want to accomplish your tasks and goals, organize your time using a calendar system. It can be an electronic calendar on your phone, tablet, or laptop. A shareable calendar (e.g., Google Calendar) can be beneficial if you are trying to coordinate your schedule with family members. You can also choose old-fashioned paper, such … Read more

5 Recommendations for Sourcing Home Office Furniture

During the past 20 years working as a Professional Organizer and Interior Decorator, I have decluttered and designed dozens of home offices. Having a functional and beautiful space to work from home is absolutely crucial whether you are working for someone else, running your own business, or managing your household. If you enjoy being in … Read more

How to Manage Laundry and Design a Functional Laundry Room

Laundry is one of those many household chores that many of us dread. Most likely, that is because your laundry room is in total chaos. That certainly does make a tedious task seem even more overwhelming. Here are a few ideas to help you manage laundry. Establish a Laundry Routine I know you don’t like … Read more

Mid-Century Modern Design Inspiration

I’m not sure I’ve told you yet about my true obsession (besides organizing, of course). I am totally, completely, over-the-top obsessed with mid-century modern (MCM) design. This quote sounds like a mission statement for simple and functional living and certainly speaks to me. It could almost be a motto to live by. “If it is not … Read more

Three Vital Tips to Organize Your Home in the New Year

The start of a new year can be a great time to recommit to having a more organized, functional, and beautiful home. Many of my clients avoid a much-needed decluttering, renovation, or redecorating project because there is just too much confusion in their homes. They feel their life, in general, is chaotic, and they don’t … Read more

How to Stay Organized During the Holiday Season

Everywhere I go right now, everyone asks, “So, are you all ready for Christmas?” instead of commenting on the weather. In whose mind is that a helpful question? Of course, I’m not “all ready.” I’m not sure I even know what “all ready” means. If I interpret it as having everything perfectly organized and having … Read more

7 Steps to an Organized Christmas

This is it, we’re in the holiday homestretch, and with three weeks to go, we’re down to the wire! Have I made you a bit nervous yet? Not to worry! These seven steps to an organized Christmas will help you accomplish most of the tasks on your to-do list. 1. Cards Send your cards out … Read more

5 Easy Steps for Organizing Your Child’s Room

November is a great time of year to help your children organize their room(s). A good decluttering and reorganization before the holiday season can help relieve stress and make you feel more in control of your home, including organizing your child’s room. If you can work with your children and help them set up a … Read more

How Managing Time Can Help You Get Organized

It might seem counterintuitive but, in my experience, one of the main reasons most people struggle with disorganization is that they have trouble managing time. Here’s the thing.  You can’t really manage time; you can only use it wisely to accomplish the most important things that you need to and want to do. And if … Read more

Here Are Five Organizing Pitfalls to Avoid

Today I am sharing a few things clients have tried over the years. These are five organizing pitfalls to avoid because they don’t work. I’m telling you now so you can implement better solutions right from the start. If already have these problems, you can fix them right away. This will lead you to have … Read more

Ten Things To Do Before You Start a Renovation

Having worked on dozens of renovations with clients over the last 20 years, I can share with you these ten tips that should help you avoid the pitfalls and bring your renovation to completion on time and on budget. The key components of any renovation project are to have a sense of humour, a lot … Read more