Helena, A Personal Organizer is dedicated to promote well-being to individuals through de-cluttering and organizing, creating healthy, functional and attractive spaces where they can thrive and grow.
Life is busy and demanding. How can you feel your best, embracing who you are and stay on control? By being – and staying – organized.
Life can be Simpler.
Are you parking outside? Is the clutter inside? :-)
Here are my tips!
4 STEPS TO A MORE USEFUL GARAGE
Don't let your garage become the household catch-all. Use this great space to park your cars, store your stuff and more!
Helena Alkhas is a professional organizer and military spouse who has moved her family five times in the last 10 years. Her experience and expertise will help you take stock of your garage inventory and make the best use of space.
DEFINE YOUR SPACE(S)
Before you begin, Alkhas recommends asking yourself, "What is my goal for this garage?"
Do you want to use it just for parking the cars?
Do you want to use it for storage?
Do you want to create a play area? A mudroom? A workshop?
Once the space is empty, use masking tape to mark on the floor the zones you want for the activity areas you've defined. This will help you get a better idea of whether or not your plan is doable. If not, just rethink your space allocation. Today's great garages >>
SORT, PURGE AND SORT AGAIN
Next, give your garage-cleaning efforts a fair chance by committing to sort and purge all of your items with honest assessments:
Do I need this?
Is this something I can inexpensively replace?
Will I have the space to store this?
As you go through the stuff in your garage, make a plan to put every item in one of three piles: keep, donate or trash. Make firm plans to rid your garage of the donate and trash piles, and then sort all the keepers according to the activity areas you defined above. 7 Ways to make your garage sale a success >>
GO VERTICAL
The garage is the best place to create and utilize vertical storage. Determine the type of storage that best enables you to use up as much wall space as you can.
Larger items that aren't used on a regular basis, such as camping supplies and holiday decorations, can be stored up higher -- even hung from the bceiling. Leave easy-to-access wall storage for items you'll need more often, such as sports gear, bulk grocery items and pet food.
Use clear bins and totes for storage. You can stack them and easily identify what's inside. Consider color-coding your totes -- use red and green lids for Christmas decorations, orange lids for fall décor, white lids for food items, etc. Safeguard your garage and its valuable contents >>
ADD INTEREST
A garage doesn't have to look industrial with exposed beams or cinderblock walls. Improve yours as you would an indoor room to bring energy and life to the space. Walls. Use paint to soften the room or to define various spaces, such as the play area or your workshop. "Cover one wall of the garage play area with magnetic chalkboard paint," says Alkhas, who has three young boys. Attach buckets to the wall for chalk, magnetic pins and other art supplies on hand. "The kids can do messy projects here rather than in the house," Alkhas adds. "IKEA has great products for an area like this." Floors. Floors can get a fun makeover, too. You can paint them -- think color blocks or stripes. Consider laying a new floor, such as FLOR mix-and-match washable carpet squares, or a durable, snap-together G-Floor system. Lights. Pay attention to lighting. "Most spaces have only the garage-door opener for light," says Alkhas. Consider including track lighting on the walls. "It's wonderful to be able to find what you're looking for in a well-lit space."
The name “living room” says it all: You spend most of your home life in it. But you also welcome guests there; it is the most public room of your house and the one in which you want to make a statement and reflect who you are as a family.
You want your living room’s design to showcase your sense of style but still exude comfort and be long on function. Keep the room’s uses in the forefront, and add personal flair with design and decor for a room that both lets your family kick off their shoes and makes guests say “wow.”
In a great living room, function and design meet in one outstanding space.
THE BIG PICTURE
Arrange the furniture so it can fulfill its function, with a reading chair supplied with plenty of natural and artificial light. (photo: Digital Vision./Digital Vision/Getty Images)
The first step in designing any space in your home is to determine your style. Begin by looking at photos of color schemes, furniture and floor plans to find inspiration, advised Marcia Prentice, a California-based interior designer.
“Once you have a good grasp on your design style, start putting together a plan for the design with furniture, accessory and lighting selections, along with a coordinating color scheme,” Prentice said.
Choosing a design plan involves assessing the scale, shape and mood of the room while allowing ample walk-through space.
“Oversize furniture in a small space commands the space and actually makes the room appear larger than its actual square footage,” Prentice said. “Start with the foundation of the room — accessories, light fixtures and window treatments are much easier to match to the furniture pieces than vice versa.”
Furniture placement could be a challenge, but it is a very important step in the design process, especially if the room has unusual architectural features that you want to spotlight.
“There are a few ways to highlight your living room’s unique architectural features, such as incorporating built-ins or having a custom sofa built to fit your unique space or to fit the contour of curved windows,” Prentice said.
Furniture arrangement also should accommodate how the room is used. For instance, the seating should be in a good position to see the television and fireplace but also allow for good walking patterns so the room does not become a maze of twists and turns.
“Flow and function are important when laying out any room, but challenge yourself to keep furnishings away from walls,” said Boston interior designer John Stefanon. “Allow them to flow in the room — a sofa doesn’t need to be under the focal window. Often, the layering of the room with respect to flow creates an intriguing space.”
Think outside of the box when placing furniture. For example, not every living room needs a sofa and a loveseat. Four comfy chairs situated around a large, interesting coffee table may allow for more seating and a better conversation area. How this idea works depends on how you use your living room.
THE ART OF COMPROMISE
A remodeling or design project can test even the most secure relationship. How do you meet in the middle when you want inviting Tuscan and your partner wants Green Bay Packer glamor?
Gina Samarotto of the Samarotto Design Group suggested running with it. “A football helmet lamp might be an eyesore, but even his favorite football photos can be part of an elegant room if you make matte black-and-white prints and frame a collection in thick, architectural frames,” she said.
Take something he likes and showcase it in a way you love, Samarotto said.
A successful design project is about compromise, said Kerry Howard of KMH Interiors. That might mean giving up that lava lamp for modern lighting features that still pack a punch, but a more subdued one.
“When a couple works together on the design of a room, they must remember to give and take a little and meet in the middle on their design choices,” Howard said. “It is important for both parties to be happy with the spaces they create together.”
BASIC BONES
Consider the kind of natural light your room receives before you decide on paint colors. (photo: Goodshoot/Goodshoot/Getty Images)
A great living room design requires special attention to color and lighting. Consider the natural light in the room before determining paint colors, suggested Helena Alkhas, a San Diego-based professional organizer.
Choose which mood you are going for: cozy or airy.
“Darker colors will create a cozier, intimate space but will need help from lighter, neutral colors on fabrics, rugs and window treatments to help spread the light around,” she said. “Lighter colors will do the trick of creating a brighter, more relaxed environment.”
Mary Lawlor, manager of color marketing for Kelly-Moore Paints, recommended evaluating the room’s accents before choosing a wall color so that you achieve the effect you want.
“Homeowners should consider existing elements, such as flooring and furnishings, fireplace brick, lighting — both natural and artificial — windows and window coverings, room shape and ceiling height,” she said.
Typically avoid bright, pure colors, Lawlor advised. However, she added: “Some bold colors are worth using. Rich, warm reds such as [Kelly-Moore's] Vegas Redrock, High Society and Potter’s Clay are widely popular today as they naturally complement the colors of flooring and cabinetry found in today’s home. They make a bold and fashionable color statement yet are easy to live with.”
On the other hand, neutral colors and earth tones offer those who fear color in broad swaths the option of a fashionable look. “These neutrals look fabulous with splashes of accenting colors that will satisfy those who love using color,” Lawlor said, adding that they’ll also help create a peaceful backdrop for family activities.
When you think about flooring, consider how your space will be used. If your living room is a high-traffic area for children and pets, the best choice may be resistant, durable and easy-to-maintain flooring, such as stain-resistant carpet or laminates and hardwoods.
Flooring is dependent on personal taste and geographic location, said DeAnna Radaj of Bante Design. Carpeting may provide warmth in colder climates, whereas low-maintenance, hard-surface flooring may work better for families with busy lifestyles. Choose the option that follows the function of your room but also works with its design style and mood.
“I prefer wood flooring and utilizing area rugs to help anchor furniture arrangements and add warmth to the room,” Radaj said.
ACCENTS MAKE A STATEMENT
An area rug can be used on the floor or hung on the wall, to great effect. (photo: Chris Hondros/Getty Images News/Getty Images)
Adding your own personal touches with accessories and accents makes a living room feel welcoming for family and guests.
Prentice suggested expressing your personal style with one major piece. “A great piece of art can elevate the living room design and become the focal point of the room,” she said. “Splurge on at least one item for the living room that creates the ‘wow’ factor.”
An inspiration piece also adds a personal touch to the room’s design. An unusual modern lamp, interesting throw pillows, centerpiece area rug or arrangement of framed photos make a big statement, enhance the focal point — or serve as one — and often become a conversation piece.
The key is to not overcrowd the room. If space is an issue, Alkhas, the professional organizer, recommended adding ottomans that can slide under a sofa table or bench that can be used for seating and storage.
“[Achieving] a clutter-free room is half of [creating] a pleasant room,” Alkhas said. “Make use of cabinets with doors to store toys and games. Once closed, your room looks clean and organized again and you can enjoy the space.”
On most households with children, coming in and out of the house can generate enough chaos to make you forget what you need, what you were doing before your little one dropped the milk and to make you feel like you are never on control of things.
As a mother of three young boys, if I don’t pay attention, things can spiral out of control pretty quickly in the morning, and when we come back home to homework routines.
Because I want to enjoy more time doing the things I like, with the people I love and I want my house to feel good, I created what I call Mommy Central.
Mommy Central is a place, close to your most used door, for your "landing" and "take-off", where you will have the following items, readily available for daily use. With these tools in place, you will be able to smooth the morning and afternoon routines and help the kids develop responsibility for their belongings.
- Wall hooks for coats, jackets and backpacks – there is a huge array of types of hooks and you can get very creative with them, by using cute drawer knobs, painted in different colors, installed at different heights, or just buy a ready-made one (usually around $20.) and hang it on the wall.
- Shoe storage solution – Ikea cubby bench, revolving shoe tower, behind the door shoe storage, a small, inexpensive bin for each child, anything to curb the clutter and dust from the shoes.
- Gloves, hats and scarves storage area: bins, baskets, see-through mesh bags hang on hooks on the inside of a closet door.
- File box with labeled files for each child, teacher, volunteering activity you participate and school communications. If your children have additional activities like sports, music, arts, tutoring, include an extra labeled manila type folder inside the file with their names. You can use a color for each child to make it even easier to find! Just like mine!
- A calendar – in my case, because our Mommy Central is on a very visible area, where guests will walk through when going to the powder room, I decided to use a table top one, from Post it. You can use anyone you like and that works for you, on the wall or table top. Table top calendar solution.
- A message board – I use a magnetic one to avoid push-pins falling on the floor and causing accidents. Message Board
- Pencils and pens, paper clips and small Post it notes. Cute Pencil Cups!
- Two magazine holders for each child, labeled with their names.
o One for school materials that don’t need to go back to school every day, like a language class book, called “BRING TO SCHOOL”; and another one for the work they did in class, tests etc. that comes home in their folders, “LEAVE AT HOME”. Bright & easy to spot magazine holders
Have fun with it and remember that this project is a time and money well invested: you will have less stress, your home will look organized, function better and you won’t be complaining with the kids all the time. One less thing on your list!
Product Options:
Ikea Expedit ($69.00) – can be used standing or sideways. If standing, you can use the side of it to install hooks for jackets and backpacks, to hang your calendar and message board. Is a very versatile product that always looks good and delivers! The most versatile IKEA Product ever!
Ikea shoe storage bench – I have an older model, that has cubbies, and it has served us for a very long time and still going strong. You can paint it in any color and have a cushion made too! Now Ikea has this model it’s a great solution for only $49.00. Shoe Storage Bench: Make it yours!Or get one already done!
Revolving shoe tower – This has been a new solution for us and it’s working great, because the boys ‘see” it and use it. Plus, they have fun turning the tower! It’s available in several heights, finishes and it’s very easy to assemble.
Message board – You can find all sorts of message boards on stores these days. From Ballard Desings to Target you will find all shapes and prices! If you have small kids, stick to magnetic boards. Kids love to use the push pins and accidents will most likely happen, even more, if like us, you don’t wear shoes inside the house. The "have it all" system!
Calendars – again, the selection is huge. Go with your house flow and pick one you like. Here are some Mommy favorites! Up a notch calendar!
Helena Alkhas is a professional organizer and military spouse who has moved her family five times in the last 10 years. Her experience and expertise will help you take stock of your garage inventory and make the best use of space.
DEFINE YOUR SPACE(S)
Before you begin, Alkhas recommends asking yourself, "What is my goal for this garage?"
Do you want to use it just for parking the cars?
Do you want to use it for storage?
Do you want to create a play area? A mudroom? A workshop?
Once the space is empty, use masking tape to mark on the floor the zones you want for the activity areas you’ve defined. This will help you get a better idea of whether or not your plan is doable. If not, just rethink your space allocation.
Next, give your garage-cleaning efforts a fair chance by committing to sort and purge all of your items with honest assessments:
Do I need this?
Is this something I can inexpensively replace?
Will I have the space to store this?
As you go through the stuff in your garage, make a plan to put every item in one of three piles: keep, donate or trash. Make firm plans to rid your garage of the donate and trash piles, and then sort all the keepers according to the activity areas you defined above.
The garage is the best place to create and utilize vertical storage. Determine the type of storage that best enables you to use up as much wall space as you can.
Larger items that aren’t used on a regular basis, such as camping supplies and holiday decorations, can be stored up higher -- even hung from the bceiling. Leave easy-to-access wall storage for items you’ll need more often, such as sports gear, bulk grocery items and pet food.
Use clear bins and totes for storage. You can stack them and easily identify what’s inside. Consider color-coding your totes -- use red and green lids for Christmas decorations, orange lids for fall décor, white lids for food items, etc.
A garage doesn’t have to look industrial with exposed beams or cinderblock walls. Improve yours as you would an indoor room to bring energy and life to the space.
Walls. Use paint to soften the room or to define various spaces, such as the play area or your workshop. "Cover one wall of the garage play area with magnetic chalkboard paint," says Alkhas, who has three young boys. Attach buckets to the wall for chalk, magnetic pins and other art supplies on hand. "The kids can do messy projects here rather than in the house," Alkhas adds. "IKEA has great products for an area like this."
Floors. Floors can get a fun makeover, too. You can paint them -- think color blocks or stripes. Consider laying a new floor, such as FLOR mix-and-match washable carpet squares, or a durable, snap-together G-Floor system.
Lights. Pay attention to lighting. "Most spaces have only the garage-door opener for light," says Alkhas. Consider including track lighting on the walls. "It’s wonderful to be able to find what you’re looking for in a well-lit space."
If you prepare your own school lunch to send with your little ones in those "super cool" lunch boxes but, like us, you don't want to worry about it daily, here is a simple list to attach to the inside of your kitchen cabinet or pantry door. One colum for the food choices, the other for what to buy.
Having it available takes away the guessing game and makes preparing lunch a lot easier. It also allow your children to pick what they want, from the choices that are given. Feel free to include options your kids like, since our list still limited to the taste of my kids.
Most of all, have fun with it! Get the kids with you to the supermarket, if possible, create a "lunch" drawer with their goodies and let them help you as much as possible. It fosters independence and making good choices!
DEFINE YOUR SPACE(S)
SORT, PURGE AND SORT AGAIN
GO VERTICAL
ADD INTEREST
