6 tips to maximize small spaces

I chose to live in a small house because it is easier to keep clean. Space and storage is always an issue and a compromise has to be made whenever something new comes in. It means something old has to move around or OUT.

Here are some tips to maximize your space and minimize compromises, at least to some degree:

1. Mount your flat screen TV on the wall. Above a credenza, or a fireplace or on the stairway wall are some options. Be sure that it is not in a traffic area, or you will be watching your kids pass by more than the program on TV.

2. Built-in shelves and storage on walls save a lot of space. Elevate the storage to maximize floor space below for tables and movables storage.




3. If you are building new or remodeling, choose wide/large flooring planks that cover vertically from the entrance and continue to adjoining rooms. Visually this creates a sense of continuation and spaciousness.

4. Pocket doors are great for small spaces, they can be retrofitted in existing walls as long as there are no electrical plugs, outlets, thermostats boxes already in the wall cavity.

5. Multifunctional furnishings not only save space but also money. Look for trunks that can double up as coffee tables or additional seating, or ottoman with storage that can serve as a coffee table.

6. Potted plants are wonderful to have, but make it an edible plant.  An herb garden near your kitchen can be grown indoors all year long and they smell wonderful too while they provide greenery.

What does your living room say about you?

Many of us make the TV the focal point on our living room. What does that say about you?

" I love TV!" that is fine if that is true about you.

If not, reorient the furniture to focus on a beautiful view from a window, the fireplace, or an art collection.

A sofa or two chairs looking out a window into your garden can be relaxing to you and your visitors.

Your fireplace mantel can host a few of your favorite objects. Even in summer tha firebox can be soothing with a few burnign candles.

If you make your art collection a focal point, group them in odd numbers. Use various sizes to create balance or create a complete symmetry by grouping objects on a wall. 

Use one main neutral color, add a secondary complementary color, and finally a touch of surprising red, green or purple.

A good interior designer will take advantage of the pieces you already own and incorporates them into your environment. So be sure to show everything to your designer if you hire one.

Taking advantage of the beautiful view of the garden

After all, a living room may be the first impression about you and your family. If watching TV is not all you are about, turn things around!

Painting tips: 7 designer tips for choosing the perfect paint color

Do you get those tiny paint chips from the store and try to choose a color only to get frustrated and put off painting indefinitely?

I am going to share with you my secret to choosing a paint color.

But before rushing to the store, consider your lighting, the color of your furniture and accessories. Then settle on one or two color families. Beige, taupe, gray, blues, greens, etc.

1. Choose a brand with sample size jars (2 or 3 oz) for testing. Recently many paint brands including the ones at your local hardware stores offer sample sizes. I like Behr and Glidden because they have a large selection of samples. Pratt and Lambert and Benjamin Moore also have  samples. Call your reputable retailer and find out what they sell and how knowledgeable they are. Ask if they have zero and low VOC paint and primer.

2. At the store, find the color chips that match the jars before you buy the jars. Get as many different shades of the color family you picked and bring them home and stick them to your walls with removable tape. Look at those colors at different time of day and night. Color changes drastically with light. Do you have the proper lighting to make that color look good at night?

3. Narrow your options to maximum 3 possibilities and buy the small jars and disposable paint brushes, and paint two or three 6"x6" or larger cardboard sheets and label each on the back so you can keep track.

5. Remove the little chips and stick the larger sheets on the target walls.

6. Now you really can see the paint color. Live with these at least for 24 hours and pay attention to how they look through out the light changes and at NIGHT.

7. Choose the winner. Measure the area of your wall in square foot before you head out to buy paint. You may need only one or two quarts or you may need a gallon or two. Consult your retailer. They should be able to tell you what the coverage of the paint is and how much you need.

If you are painting dark over light or vice versa, you need priming. See my post: Painting tips: Achieving flawless RED wall in 6 easy steps.

kids bedroom- storage ideas to keep it neat and clean

Kids need to play and explore to develop their imagination.
But teaching them about organization at an early age will help them set limits, show dicipline and be more responsible for their space.

Giving kids proper storage makes this task easier. But it also makes their space clutter-free and provides more space to enjoy and play. It also makes the space safe while they play.

Closed bins, shelves, and cabinets help minimize surfaces where dust can accumulate and spread in the air later. It is easier to dust the top of lids than to dust or individual items.
As the result you will benefit from the air quality which can eliminate health problems such as allergies and asthma.
Here are some storage ideas that look great and keep the room organized and minimize collection of dust collection:

1. Ready to use shelves and bins that can be color-coded are great for toys, accessories, clothing, school supplies, etc. 

 This is available through Pottery Barns Kids.

2. Install shelving with uniform/ see-through bins

create a calm and organized look. Items that are used frequently are stored at lower level.   

A simple shelving sustem can be obtained at your favorite hardware store. Usually require a small set of tools to install and cost less than ready-made systems. Look for variety of bins and baskets at stores that specialize in space organization products such as the Container Store.

Or you can purchase modules that fit together to form a unit:

these modular systems with variety of modules are available through the Container Store.

3. Cabinets with cubbies can separate books, accessories, and toys, open or closed they look nice and neat.

4. Good old toy chests have always been a great tool to organize and can be used as a bench if they are low enough.

 

This toy chest/bench is available through IKEA.

Makeover on a budget: Mix of Modern and Traditional

How do you mix your prize modern furniture in a traditional home without spending a bundle?

1. Spend your money where it makes a difference.
2. Carpenters and good handymen can work miracles. Consultation is often free.
3. Your local hardware stores and your own home is full of ideas.

Our friendly carpenter, simply built a chunky sleeve, a simple box made of reclaimed wood, stained it very dark for contrast (low VOC stain of course). This box slides on to the existing mantel.
The carpenter also refinished an old vintage side table that almost headed out to the sidewalk to match the stain on the mantel.
We purchased a simple fireplace screen from the local hardware store.
A few different pieces of exisitng accessories from other rooms help create a cozy space next to the prized Le Corbusier chaise lounge near the fireplace. A perfect place to relax in after a hard day at work.

Refresh an old dining set by swapping seat upholstery

When you have quality furnishings, you don't necessarily need to buy new furniture to create a fresh look.
This old glass and metal dining set looked tired because of the dark vinyl seats, all scratched up by the household cats. It got a new fresh look by re-upholstering the seats in cheerful fabric with a tight and smoothe weave that cats hate to scratch.

Makeover cost: $200, Save the labor cost by doing it yourself. Learn how to match the repeat on the pattern and use a staple gun.

Before photo

healthy bedroom: 6 tips to reduce allergens in your bedroom

We spend close to 8 hours in our bedrooms. It is supposed to be a soothing and rejuvenating place for our hardworking minds and bodies. Yet many bedrooms are the causes of our allergies and some serious health problems. Here are 6 ways to minimize the causes of allergies in your bedroom:

1. Reduce dust: One of the easiest and least expensive way you can minimize allergies is by de-cluttering. Clutter traps dust and makes cleaning an unpleasant chore.
Get rid of piles of paper (they are also a fire hazard!), reduce the number of furnishings and accessories  in your bedroom. Make sure your vacuum can reach under all furniture.
Hard flooring surfaces are ideal. Good bamboo or linoleum (not vinyl) are easily mopped.
Cotton washable rugs are preferred to other rugs. But if you must have carpet, pick one with tightly woven pile and vacuum often. Avoid detailed architectural moulding and wall art that can trap dust.
(if removing architectural moulding is not an option you can build a box around them. Otherwise, make sure your weekly cleaning includes these.)
Clean air and ventilation filters or replace them frequently. Opt for higher quality filters.

2. Reduce chemical off-gasing: VOCs (Volatie Organic Compunds) are found in many home improvement products including paint and stains. Manufacturers have recently produced great quality paints and stains with zero or low VOC. You could paint your walls using 0 or low VOC paint to seal the old paint. Minimize items with stain or make sure the stain is zero VOC with new furniture or hard wood flooring.

3. Avoid synthetic fibers on your bed: Use cotton sheets. If natural latex mattress is not an option, get dust-mite covers for all your bedding.

4. Increase Ventilation:  It is very important to have fresh air in any room.  If you are not allergic to pollen open your windows early in the morning and early evening. Otherwise, mechanical ventilation should be utilized daily to prevent moisture buildup. Moisture buildup will cause mold.

5. Black mold hunt: If you get condensation on your windows, you may be at risk for having mold.  Look for black mold behind drapes, closet interior walls, and around the window sills. It may look like round penny size spots or black dust. If you find mold do not blow it in the air. Do not use a spary cleaner as it will blow the mold in the air. Make a simple solution of water, vinegar and a drop of soap. Protect your nose and mouth. Wear rubber gloves. Wipe the mold clean with a sponge soaked in the solution.

6. Cleaning agents: Most household cleaners contain irritants and chemicals. Use natural cleaning products free of chemicals. There are many safe and multi-purpose cleaners such as Nature’s Source,  Seventh Generation or Dr. Bronner's Tea Tree Oil soap, on the market. Remember to read the label. Just because it says "Green" or "Natural" it may not be safe.

green alternatives to granite countertops

 Granite is a completely NON-renewable resource. It takes a lot of energy to mine and transport and manufacture it from all over the world and the miners may not be provided with proper protection or given fair wages or treatment.
It is time to consider the environmentally friendly alternatives. 
Please don't rip out a perfectly good granite to replace it with a green alternative!
If you must replace a countertop or building a new kitchen, there are several green alternatives to granite and I have my favorites listed below.

IceStone^® surfaces are the ideal choice if you are searching for an eco-friendly, green countertop,  backsplashes, bathroom vanities, table tops, bar tops, interior walls, and commercial flooring applications.  IceStone surfaces can be mounted vertically or horizontally. Beautiful shower and bathtub surrounds and kitchen sinks can be made with IceStone.

You choose from 29 available colors. At this time custom color options are available for commercial projects only.

100% Recycled glass makes up 75% of the product. Cement bonds the glass together, and requires sealing annually (similar to granite counter tops) 

Just like granite, prolonged excessive heat can break the seal, but it will not crack like granite. The product is plastic free and VOC-free, Petrochemical free. The company constantly is improving their green attributes. 

 

 

 Images from Icestone official website.

As far as green certifications and processes, IceStone has received MBDC’s Cradle to Cradle Silver Certification* for the IceStone durable surface, and the production processes used to produce it. IceStone compares their pricing to mid-to-high end granite, and notes that fabrication and installation very depending on your local contractor rates.

Vetrazzo^® is 85% glass, and all the glass they use is recycled - so it really is good for the environment and has been certified by NSF International

Images from vetrazzo official website.  

Vetrazzo is comparable to granite in strength, scratch resistance, heat resistance, durability, and care & maintenance. Acidic subtances such as lemon juice, vinegar, red wine will leave a stain in the concrete areas if not cleaned up right away. However like aged marble or wood, signs of living can enhance the look. Resealing is recommended every year. Just like granite, prolonged excessive heat can break the seal, but it will not crack like granite.It is already broken glass afterall.

I have visited the plant in Richmond California and it is surprisingly clean! The product color pallette is gorgeous and the employees look happy.
Their view on sustainability is posted http://vetrazzo.com/sustain.asp.

Stainless Steel is seen in many contemporary residential or commercial applications. You can have a seamless countertop. It is durable, easy to clean and looks great for a long time. However, it is a bit on the pricey side and you could cause a dent, but cannot be cut or cracked due to heat.
Steel is the most recycled material, so look for recycled steel, because mining and refining it uses a large amount of energy and pollutes the environment.

You should look for a reputable local manufacturer/installer to reduce your cost.

 Concrete is one of the most customizable choice.
It is often cast right in your kitchen or bath. Good option for fireplaces also. It also may have a higher price tag.
Resistant to heat and scratches, it can be color-tinted. It is very important to have it sealed and seal annually. There are new treatments that eliminate cracking; additives reduce porosity; new finishes are more decorative and you can have it tinted or have anything embeded to create a unique and exotic look for you.
Mid to high range on cost due to custom work. For a green concrete, ask for fly ash which is a byproduct of the coal industry and the aggregate should be of recycled variety to be counted as green.

 photos from Cheng Concrete design gallery

You should also ask for low-VOC sealers. Again a reputable manuafcturer should be able to provide you with a beautiful green alternative. So do some reasesach before commiting yourself to one.

sustainable design makes a lot of sense to your health

Green or Sustainable Building is the practice of creating healthier and more resource and energy efficient models of construction, renovation, operation, maintenance, and demolition.

According to the US Green Building Council (USGBC), as of January 2006, the annual market for Green Building in products and services was $7 billion, a 37% growth over 2004 Over 531 million square feet of commercial building space has been registered or certified under LEED.
Green Design has significant benefits:

Contributes to better health
EPA studies indicate indoor levels of pollutants may be two to five times higher – and occasionally more than 100 times higher – than outdoor levels. Studies with 30,000 subjects showed that  there are significant relationship between low ventilation levels and higher carbon dioxide concentrations – a common symptom in facilities with sick building syndrome. Green buildings instead use alternative building materials that do not emit toxins, like formaldehyde or VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).

Saves you money in the long run 
A Well-designed green buildings will be more energy efficient and have lower utility costs. Recent studies indicate that with an upfront investment of 2% in green building design, can result on average in savings of 20% of the total construction costs in lifecycles– This is more than ten times your initial investment.

Increases your productivity
Factors considered in Green design include abundant daylighting, individual climate controls, and outdoor views increase employee and tenant satisfaction, which improves productivity. A study by Carnegie Mellon University measuring the relationship between increased lighting control and productivity showed an average increase of 7.1% in productivity.

eliminate, organize, breathe easier, save time

 We all have things that we hold dear and can't let go of. When we accumulate too much they won't let go of us!
Yes, clutter can hold you back, pull you down, and sometimes make you sick.
If you are sick of your clutter it is time to get hold of reality.

I get called to organize peoples homes, garages, kids rooms, living rooms, you name it.
But when it comes to compromise, I get this: " but I love that" so I give them this: "take a picture of it, file it on your computer under -stuff i love- and let them go to a good home where they may even be used some day.

Here are some tips on how to organize your room:
1. start in small manageable areas. Feeling good about an accomplishment will make you want to do more.

Attack a closet or small room in the house where things are to be used regularly. Take everything out and pile them in 3 categories:

a. " I will use four times a year or less" --- move these out of here to a garage or storage. But keep them in a box labeled and easy to find again: " Christmas", "picnic", etc.

" I will use this at least once a month": Keep these in your closet. Create or invest in some shelving system and boxes to keep these organized. (confession: I am a big fan of IKEA! affordable and good looking storage solutions and available online.)

"I will never use this": if the item is useful, donate it. If the item is broken, can it be recycled?
If the item truly belongs to the garbage, then that is where it will go.
The goal is to end up with 2/3 of what you started.

A clutter free area means less dust and prettier to look at. But more importantly it saves time, it is easier to find things.
Pick an area today and plan your attack!

Clutter-free, allergy-free bedroom

This bedroom was designed to eliminate dust and allergens, but to create the comfort you experience at a resort hotel room.

Floating bedside tables, allow for easy vacuuming and wood headboard is easily dusted.
Intentionally minimized table top surfaces to avoid clutter of un-necessary objects. 
The custom wood trunk not only hides extra pillows and blankets, it keeps them dust-free for when they are needed. 

Custom carpentry by Mike Fair.