Organization or Containers?

I am a big fan of organization. So when on a recent trip to NJ, I had to make a stop at the Container Store to see all of the possibilities for storage solutions. The vast space neatly laid out and uncluttered is inspiring to a person that pines to be organized. However, I became disappointed because what I really saw was high-priced boxes, plastic containers and wire shelving, no real solutions. While browsing the bins, cubes, containers, hangers, etc. my thoughts went to how much one would spend to get “organized.”

These storage components won’t cure you if you are a clutter bug. It isn’t a quick fix or solution. Being organized isn’t just about having your stuff on shelves or bins. The real work begins by simplifying what you have. Don’t spend money on more stuff to store your stuff. Get rid of the stuff and you won’t have to spend more.

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that pretty organizers and bins will solve your storage challenge. Cleaver storage is more than a new clear plastic bin or shoe organizer. It starts with evaluating what your needs are and how to maximize the space you have. Once you do that than you should store what is essential. I know I have over-simplified the challenge of getting organized. I urge you to think about bringing more things into your home unless you’ve dealt with the things you already have in your home. If you need help getting organized, contact a professional organizer or interior designer with an expertise in space planning to assist you.

The before and after photo above illustrate the makeover in a small vacation cottage, The laundry and bunk room are combined. To improve the overall functionality of the space we had to eliminate one set of bunk beds. This gave space for much needed storage and folding area. New paint, artwork and lighting are the finishing touches to make the room bright and pleasant.

Break Away from Neutrals

(Click on the photo to enlarge) Do you love color? Most people do love color, but they are afraid to break away from neutrals when decorating. I have a current client that is an artist and she is not afraid of color. We are having fun creating a colorful palette for her vacation home. We started with Periwinkle and developed the choices from there. As I have shown in my YouTube clip, using fabric as a guide, you can create amazing successful color palettes.

Simple Modifications Freshen A Room

I've lived in my house for eleven years now, and I realized it was time to freshen things up a bit. In January I took some time to paint and make some simple changes. I painted walls, ceilings and furniture, changed drawer knobs, de-cluttered, removed curtains, and hung drapery. I am confident in saying that I am a fast painter, I enjoy it. Here are the quick high lights that you can learn from so you can jazz up rooms in your home quick and easy.

Window Coverings Save You Energy and Keep You Warm

Rising energy costs are affecting everyone's budget. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat lost through windows can account for 10 to 25% of your heating bill, and even new energy efficient windows allow heat loss. If you've not had an energy audit on your home yet, a simple way to check for heat loss is to simply put your hand on the window sill and see if you feel cold air. Even a small draft means a big heat loss There is also direct conduction through the glass, which make rooms colder when left exposed.

Today’s technology provides us with a huge selection of insulating window treatments, from honeycomb shades to decorative blinds and draperies. These new treatments prevent heat loss and provide insulation to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer, as well as beautifying the decor in the room. Additionally, window coverings control light and provide privacy.

Window shade products have R-value (resistance value) ratings which measure a product's resistance to heat loss when in a closed (lowered) position. Window coverings with a high R-value can provide much needed insulation and significantly reduce heat loss. The higher the R-value, the more insulation a window product provides. A single layer of uncovered window glass has a winter R-value of about 0.88, while a double-glazed window has a value of about 1.75. By selecting an energy-efficient window treatment, you can help increase the R-value one to five points.

Combining shades and draperies will increase the insulating value. It is important to install shades and draperies properly to minimize gaps that would allow air to filter through. Consult with me to determine what product is best for your window, budget and style.

Visit the American Home Gallery showroom on Tuesday, November 25^th from 10 to 4:30 for an energy savings workshop promoting the benefits and R-value ratings of window coverings. We'll have many shade samples on display and product DVD’s playing in the showroom located at 49 Center Street. Refreshments will be served. In an effort to help homeowners in the area, American Home Gallery is offering a 20% discount on all Hunter Douglas insulating shade orders until the end of the year. Measuring and installation are free during this special energy efficiency sale. If you can’t make it the showroom, they will come to your home with samples and product information.

American Home Galley 49 Center Street Wolfeboro 603-569-8989 www.JulieFergus.com

Design a New Kitchen

The perfect starting point for a new kitchen is with function. Defining the look is easy, deciding on the layout and function is the hard part. There are so many possibilities that the function needs to be the focus. Once you get the desired layout determine than focus on the look, style, lighting and specifications. Kitchens are a very important space in your home. They require serious attention and a realistic budget to make the most of the space.

Video Clips of Design Ideas

Well, I've finally made the time to create video clips of design ideas. I have created a You Tube Channel to upload video clips as I create them. I'll cover lots of tops. The first round of clips are different versions of the same topic. These are essentially practice clips. As I get more familiar with the format and learn how to edit clips I can give you lots of ideas and advice with more visual examples. Click here to see the first round of clips. Julie's Videos of Design Ideas I welcome feedback and suggestions. I'd also like to hear from you about what topics you'd like for me to discuss. Keep in mind the clips will only be a few minutes each. You can subscribe to my You Tube channel so that you will be notified when new clips are posted. Thanks for taking a look.

The Starting Point for New Furnishings

I am always amazed at the mistakes that clients have made before they hire me. In an effort to illustrate and explain the benefit of working with a designer (more specifically, me). I can save clients time, headaches and money, it is that easy. In this example, this is one of my own properties. It is a single family home which I have recently transformed into a vacation rental. The goal was to make the interior casual, comfortable and colorful. The first step in any new project is that I always start with a floor plan. Either it is a rough sketch or a detailed computer drawn plan. The plan shows what fits in the space. This is critical! All too often I have seen clients buy furniture too big for the space they have. This is a complete waste of money. Once I had the floor plan, I started shopping. I was open to a color palette but I looked for one piece that would dictate the direction. In this case, it was beautiful colorful ottoman at Parson's Furniture. From there I was lucky enough to find a coordinating loveseat in the Bargain Barn that was a color I love (how lucky was I?). From there it was easy. I bought the ottoman and loveseat from Parson' Furniture and then I started the layering effect. Add rug, pillows, accents, lighting, curtains, etc. I am not a fan of "matching" and "sets" so everything coordinates not matches. Fortunately, I have a retail shop to draw from for the painted accent pieces and lamps. Vintage furniture painted is a great way to get quality, unique furnishings without spending top dollar. Before you think you can't afford a designer, think again. I know I have saved clients money and the end result far exceeded their imagination.