SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: STORAGE BEDS DIRECT

BluLabel Bungalow welcomes our newest supporter, Storage Beds Direct! This U.K.-based company has a wide selection of storage solutions for your small space. I can attest firsthand to the functionality of this design because I had one in my first place, a 525 square foot condo in Midtown Atlanta. My bed was very similar to this one with drawers, but what I owned was not nearly as stylish as these. I stored my everyday clothes in two units that tucked neatly under the bed, yet everything was still easily accessible.

The Hyder Bali Leather Ottoman Bed nearly blew my mind when I saw the mattress raise like the roof on a convertible. This is perfect for storing out of clothing, shoes, and pretty much anything that is used seasonally or infrequently.

Storage Beds Direct also sells guest /or trundle beds that accommodate a full sized mattress so your visitors can sleep comfortably. Beds are stored underneath the main unit when not in use.

There is much more to see on their website from headboards, chest of drawers, and desks to divan beds, mattresses, and bedding accessories that help you make every night a restful one. Take a look and see how Storage Beds Direct can provide you with smart solutions for your small space.

WEEKEND DECORATING: OPEN STORAGE

This weekend I plan to tackle a few organization projects around the house. I've completed the process of sorting, donating and tossing, yet I still find the number of items in my "keep" pile quite intimidating.

Where am I going to put all of this stuff??

The goal this weekend is to give each item a designated spot and make every family member responsible for putting items away. Pretty ambitious, huh? This process may be easier if some things, like the children's antique car collection, remain in plain sight.

via Susanna Salk, Room for Children

In my latest ideabook for houzz.com I feature other rooms that also benefit from open storage and provide smart ideas to maintain order and arrangement.

How to Store Your Stuff in Plain Sight  

Please share in the comment section tips on how you maintain open storage in your home. Have a great weekend!

Sharing Spaces - Tips for Hosting Loved Ones During a Recession

"When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." - Unknown

In today's glooming economy, many families have lost jobs, depleted their savings, and broken their nest eggs in an effort to survive. Friends and families are welcoming displaced loved ones into their homes and at times the transition can be a bit rough. Here are a few tips to help the
transition go a bit smoother; the getting along part is a whole different topic.

If your home is now starting to resemble a shelter, consider these tips:

1. Use a room divider to create a private space within a larger area. The use of a room divider will give any room in your home a new look and feel that enhances the room's decor, creates new and interesting spaces, and makes large rooms feel more cozy and welcoming.
2. Take inventory of furniture and storage needs. If it is necessary to purchase additional furniture, consider a trundle bed. Essentially a bed on wheels, a trundle bed can be stored underneath another bed and is a convenient way to have a guest bed available when you need it. It can be stored when not in use. Beds with drawers are also great space savers. The drawers take the place of additional furniture and preserve precious floor space. Before purchasing brand new furniture, shop local flea markets and Craigslist for small furniture needs. You'll be surprised at what's available and the money you can save buying second hand. Other alternatives such as storage boxes, cots, and air mattresses can be easily stored under furniture or in a closet.
3. Allow the new occupant to help decorate the space they will be occupying. Be sure though to pare down as much as possible, but don’t make them feel as if you are stripping them of their personal belongings. Allow them choose what to keep, toss, or donate.
4. This tip, I cannot stress enough, Practice Housitosis Prevention! Is this a new term for you? Simply stated, housitosis is when your house has bad breath. Common culprits are pet odors, dirty laundry, stale food, and shoe odors. We all have different household habits, but when living in a communal household the following is non-negotiable:

• Wash clothes on a regular basis

• Thoroughly clean pet accidents from floors

• Clean litter box DAILY

• Clean your kitchen DAILY

• Do not leave kitchen trash in the house overnight

This tip list is not all encompassing, but these few are applicable in all situations no matter who the guest may be.

7 Steps to Styling Your Bookcase Like a Pro

Have you ever become frustrated with styling your bookcase? You've cleared the shelves, reorganized books, knick-knacks, candles, picture frames and it's still too sparse, too cluttered, or just too doggone tacky! Well here are a few tips that should help make the process much easier! Let's get started...

{bookcase styled by Lili Diallo}

Step 1 - Start with a Blank Canvas
Remove everything from the shelves and while you're at it dust the shelves and the books. Be honest with yourself, there's no telling when you'll get around to doing it again.

Step 2 - Edit Your Selection
Donate the books you will never read again and store those well worn/read paperbacks. Try stashing them in one of the storage solutions mentioned here. Remove the jackets from your hardback books. Removing the covers instantly reveals a clean and sometimes colorful book. Store the covers elsewhere.

Step 3 - Sort Books by Size and Subject

Step 4 - Place Books on Shelves
Instead of placing all of the books vertically, create a few horizontal stacks to add visual interest. Note that taller books often look better horizontally.

Step 5 - Fill Unused Space
If you have extra space add colorful storage boxes, small-scaled sculptures, vases, or framed photos to break the monotony of books.

Step 6 - Step Back and Reevaluate
Does the bookcase look too heavy on one side? Do you have too many books on the shelf? Always leave each shelf with about 10-15% open space. If you find that you have over accessorized remember this piece of advice from Coco Chanel, "When accessorizing, always take off the last thing you put on." This rings true not just in fashion, but also in decorating!

Step 7 - Admire Your Handiwork
You will probably continue to edit and rework a few pieces here and there until you are totally comfortable. You've completed this task quicker than expected, right?

**Extra Credit** Now that you have a little time on your hands consider wrapping a few books in colorful wrapping paper for added panache!

{image courtesy of Domino Magazine}

Send me pictures. I'd love to see what you've done!

Headquarters at Home

So your job has been outsourced, phased out, or recessionized...And you're laid-off, paid-off, or pissed-off. Well I'm not about to dole out job advice, but I can provide a few tidbits that will help you establish your home office or make it run smoother. After all looking for a new job is a job in and of itself.

#1. Carve Out A Space

If you do not have the luxury of a dedicated office space, consider setting up shop in a spare closet. Check out this transformation from Lowe's Creative Ideas. The home owner can conceal this space by simply closing the curtain when her work is complete!



#2. Organize!

An unorganized space can put a serious block on your creativity and can also rob you of your productivity. Just think about the time and energy you waste looking for necessary items in order to start or complete a project. Frustrating, right? One solution that helps me from becoming overwhelmed is to assign projects I am working on to storage boxes. This box from Ikea is stylish, affordable, and comes in numerous colors to coordinate with your decor.

Make your storage solutions perform double duty having both style and function. These magazine holders come in a spectrum of colors and add a splash of color to an otherwise drab bookcase.

Feeling crafty? Click here for an excellent magazine holder DIY project from Martha Stewart!


#3. Love It!

Make sure this is a space that reflects the things you love. This is where you are hopefully pursuing your passion. Be sure to position your desk so that you may look out of the window if you need an occasional distraction or frame photos of your loved ones in colorful frames to evoke positive feelings and combat stress. For instant artwork, consider framing your favorite quote, scripture, or whatever your source of inspiration.

Try adding whimsical desk accessories such as these gold paper clips found at most office supply stores or colorful thumbtacks to make tedious paperwork a little less mundane. One of my personal favorite accessories is this candy coated leather bound Webster's Dictionary which also makes a great gift!#4. Find a workday pleasure to break the monotony of the day.

Try drinking your coffee or tea out of a dainty teacup and saucer set you generally reserve for special occasions. And while you're at it, burn a candle or oil with an invigorating fragrance such Mandarine by Votivo (one of my personal favorites.) Most times in an office environment candles or oil burners are prohibited but now you make the rules. After all you are in the comforts of your own home.


Don't be bummed out if you've been pink-slipped. Kick the cubicle to the curb, get comfy at home, and make getting the job done a pleasurable experience everyday.