Organization

The simplest form of home improvement we can do is organizing our homes.

I would like to describe a typical day for most people arriving home. You walk through the door and see coats, shoes, recycling and various debris all over the place. You go into the living area and your small space is overwhelmed with a TV Armoire that takes up the whole corner of your Living Room, your Dining Room/ Office is overflowing with office equipment, papers, etc. Most people would comment that they don’t notice anymore. Don’t kid yourself. Subconsciously we never stop thinking about the pile of papers we need to go through, the bills we need to pay, the exposed wires all over the place from equipment causing endless sleepless nights because we worry about the things we should have done. How can any of us be efficient when our minds are filled with clutter and priorities that never get dealt with because we have lost our focus. Take a weekend to clean up the major areas that are visable on a daily basis and start 2008 with a clear mind to focus on our goals.

Feng Shui is the Chinese Art of Placement. Feng Shui facilitates well-being, prosperity, health, and longevity. One of the main principles is creating balance with organization because it helps control the flow of ” Chi” or energy through out our homes, offices, etc.

For more information on Feng Shui see www.fengshuicanada.net

Entry Areas

Entry storage areas are being requested with hooks, shelves and cubbies to try and encourage people to hang coats and hats in specified areas instead of on the floor. Allow for hooks at 2 different heights for adults and children. In the winter items often are wet or damp. Do cubbies and benches with open slats if possible for air circulation. Wooden coat pegs were a standard for years but a standard hook will hold two to three items and is not as awkward. Baskets are great for hiding clutter and keeping items organized.

Ikea offers a wide variety of storage systems that can be designed for any space. Measure your space and make a list of all the items that need to be accounted for. Make sure you allow for door swings and standing space in entry areas.

Getting ready in the morning will be much easier when you are not running around at the last minute looking for a missing shoe and hat. Make everyone responsible for their own storage areas.

Office Areas

Designate a space that works for everyone in the family. If you have more than one computer in your home you can network the computers so that you can share one modem, printer, and various other devices. You can get wireless printers now if you have a laptop. In small spaces if you have a guest room that is also being used as an office an option would be to convert the closet into a desk area. Make sure you allow for file storage, and personal items. Hang a piece of art that inspires you.

Please make sure that if children are using the computer that they are not left unattended when on the internet. It might be better to have a “no doors closed” policy or set up a central place where they know you are monitoring them.

Televisions

Flat screen TV’s are amazing for saving space and can go anywhere. Gone are the days of TV Armoires that are heavy, awkward, and overwhelm rooms. We have a hard time giving away armoires now because nobody wants them. Mounting TV’s on walls can add volume to your room. A low profile storage unit can house the audio equipment and storage for DVD’s and CD’s.

Now the TV does not have to be the focal point of the room the new layout will encourage conversation and growth.

Furniture Scale and Proportion

Scale is very important in a small space. Select smaller pieces that fit the room. Use an ottoman with storage for a coffee table. Try and put most items behind closed doors so that it is not visible. Sufficient lighting in all spaces can open rooms. Dark areas are uncomfortable and do not invite people into a room. Try and allow for separate seating areas when entertaining so people are comfortable. Do you ever go to a party and notice that nobody wants to sit in the middle of a 3 seater sofa.

Many floor plans have small dining areas so a table that can offer flixability when required can be very useful. I have a square to round table that has 4 leaves that tuck under. On a daily basis we have it at 48” Square, 48” x 60” oval, and 60” diameter allowing up to 8 people to sit comfortably when entertaining.

Now imagine coming home to a very tidy and organized entry area, walking into the Living Room that is open and bright and a Dining Room that can now be used for sit down dinners with family and friends.. Later in the evening when everyone is relaxing you go in to your new office space to organize for tomorrow and pay bills…everything is in its place so it takes half the time that it used to. You can go to bed with a clear mind and actually sleep.”De clutter” and “De stress”.