Simply Savvy Blog - Your organization and redesign company for any size home or office.

Organized Chaos

March 22, 2013 By Julie Leave a Comment

Wow- what a break I’ve taken!

The best way to describe my days right now is organized chaos. As a family, we decided to make the big decision to relocate and within two weeks we moved. Now, I realize that quick moves are not possible for most people. We have young children and very little kept us for just pulling the trigger and moving forward. I should say that we’ve moved again- we have moved many times in a few years time and it does not ruffle me too much.

There is BIG benefit in living simply, clutter free, and knowing what you have and using what you have. It does not weigh you down during life changes. Our closets were not full, the attic had five bins, drawers were not stuffed, and most items were in containers. I truly can move in a day. My stuff was not an obstacle or a stress factor in our transition.

Do I have it all together? Heck no. This is me in an organized yet chaotic moment in time. Why chaotic? Well, we are in a temporary rental situation until we find our home. The children are already in school and finishing out the year- little people are so resiliant. I already have doctors appointments scheduled, swimming lessons planned, and am heading on vacation soon. I’ve only been here for two weeks and I wonder why I’m spinning.

I find that the sooner I’ve got it all figured out (I’m controlling) then we’ll have complete peace. Hmmmm- the truth is it just does not work that way. I’ve said that I believe new chapters in our lives are like riding a wave. You really do have to let some things take time and fall where they are supposed to. So, I’m slowing down the rush and getting out my notebook to capture my thoughts and new discoveries.

I continue to finalize design projects and will be sharing those moments and final photographs within the next months. In the meantime, my business is also undergoing a new chapter. I’m starting with new clients, a new name, and new direction very soon and look forward to seeing how all of that plays out. My e-Design and virtual services are still available!

So, do a bit of organizing, clear the clutter, and ride the wave with me and my new adventure. Love the space you’re in!

Filed Under: Kids & Family Tagged With: moving, organize, planning, relocating

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Organizing in 10 Minutes or Less

January 25, 2013 By Julie Leave a Comment

Organizing a space is a great goal to have for the weekend. If you dread any type of house project this weekend, think of a 10 minute organizing task. My quick fix this weekend is going to be directed towards our laundry room/family landing zone. I have the space and the solutions but it’s needing attention.

I’ve got a board dedicated to laundry rooms and those I’d love to have. If you need a bit of inspiration take a look at this crisp space and then see more here.

See what you accomplish in just ten minutes. Be sure to come back and share your results!

Filed Under: All Things Organized, Quick Fix, Weekly Challenge Tagged With: laundry room, organize, Simply Savvy Organization and Redesign

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Simply Savvy Home Office e-Design

January 24, 2013 By Julie

My latest Go Savvy e-Design inspiration board addressed a home office that was in need of lighting, storage, and style. The client shared images of their current office as well as images of other rooms in her home. The style direction needed to be casual, elegant, and traditional.

Creating warmth: I stayed with warm wood tones and metal finishes throughout the space that are antiqued and/or brass. Framing french doors with multi-colored curtains will pull in color and pattern- unifying existing carpet color.

Lighting: Lighting is so important in any space but task lighting in an office is a must. Lighting in this space includes desk, floor lamp, sconces, and a ceiling solution. There may be an opportunity for additional lighting depending on the cabinet solution she chooses. I do like to have task lighting (built-in or recessed and directed) that light up cabinetry or open shelves. (side note: control your lighting with dimmers)

I love adding chandeliers (or two) in an office. This option is still flush mount but adds the jewel the space needs.

Storage: We’ve considered cabinet options vs. a built-in unit; however, the initial look included open shelving with cabinets for hidden storage. The desk wall would combine floating shelves and framed art/photos for an added personal touch. All organizing bins and binders that are seen should be of similar look/color to keep the aesthetic appeal.

If you are interested in seeing ideas to transform your space, e-Design is a great option. See e-Design services, here.

Filed Under: Redesigned Spaces Tagged With: e-design, home office, storage, style+design

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Decorate with Inspiration and Patience

January 15, 2013 By Julie Leave a Comment

Decorating our homes and getting our spaces where we want them is not an instant fix–though I do love sharing fast fix tips! The process of creating a new interior style takes time. As a professional, I spend a lot of time just searching for the items, materials, and colors to help clients determine the style and feeling they want in a space. If you are not sure of where to begin, try this:

Find a piece of furniture or accessory item that you love. What is it that you love about it? Is it the color, the shape, the texture, the finish, the clean lines… If this is the feel or style you want in your space then take a picture and keep it with you when you shop for your space. Be patient when pulling your space together and you’ll be happy with your decisions.

Lotus Bar Cabinet by Century Furniture

This fabulous cabinet is a launching point for a clients bathroom – but – it’s a bar. They’ll get the look they love with the function they need because the idea and the style has now been defined. I’m researching options that will work for them but keeping this look in mind.

Patience and inspiration goes a long way when working on house projects or designing a space. Do your research and Love the Space You’re In!

There is a lot of great value in hiring a professional. See gosimplysavvy.com for all services (in-home or e-Design options available for both organizing and interior styling).

Filed Under: Redesigned Spaces Tagged With: decorate, design, inspiration, Simply Savvy Organization and Redesign

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Update Your Space with a New Accent Color

January 12, 2013 By Julie 4 Comments

You can change the entire look of a space just by changing your color focus. Update your look with a new accent color – just be sure to repeat the color for it to make style sense and show intention. Showing the same color in three ways is always a good rule to follow.

Would you choose red as an accent or use it as a focal point?

HouseBeautiful.com

serenaandlily.com

realsimple.com

Filed Under: Redesigned Spaces Tagged With: color, design, Simply Savvy Organization and Redesign, update

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Organizing in 10 Minutes or Less

January 2, 2013 By Julie 1 Comment

This is not a glamorous or detailed post on organizing. Organizing doesn’t have to be time consuming or be given too much dedication. One simple way to achieve your house goals this year it to break down your tasks into manageable steps and time. What can you accomplish in just 10 minutes? I’ll be sharing more ideas on 10 minute changes each week – take it as a challenge if you’d like! Be sure to share your quick changes too!

My kitchen design was just completed (more on that later this week) but I needed to fix a few drawers. A liner, acrylic divider, and a few minutes of my time and this drawer was done. Not fabulous and not an over the top DIY share but it makes a difference in how quickly I locate items and how it feels when I open this drawer.

This post really has little to do with my drawer. Let’s just begin thinking of what we CAN accomplish and not get overwhelmed. Establishing goals requires a take action plan and 10 minutes is possible. Baby steps.

Filed Under: All Things Organized, Quick Fix Tagged With: organize, quick+organizing, Simply Savvy Organization and Redesign

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New Year to Renew and Refresh

January 1, 2013 By Julie Leave a Comment

The New Year gives us the kick in the pants we need, the motivational push, the opportunity to press the reset button, and the opportunity to forgive yourself for those goals you didn’t accomplish in the previous year. I’m a goal setter. I have to plan goals for myself, my business, and my family just like I plan my days and write to-do list. Here is the challenge I have and am certain I share with many of you – taking the time to evaluate my goals regularly and stay focused and be accountable.

Reaching a goal is not as easy as crossing off an item on your to-do list. Goals should be attainable and broken into smaller parts. Not- I’m going to loose 10 lbs this year but I’m going to loose 10lbs and here is how… daily changes, weekly changes, monthly changes…. Trust me, I’ve done this with a chart to organize this very goal and to check-off daily accomplishments.

My approach to achieve a goal is to FIRST write them down SECOND share with someone THIRD detail the ‘how to’ steps FOURTH assess progress frequently and FIFTH reward yourself! I believe this works for personal life goals, family goals, house goals, and business goals. Goals just keep us focused – and can be altered as life happens.

As I flush out my goals I thought I’d share the list of where my thoughts are. Do you share some of these same desires, goals, or expectations of yourself?

1. Ask myself more “Does this really matter?”

2. Be present in the moment – put all other things aside.

3. Listen to that inner voice

4. Work smarter

5. Ask myself “Does this give me joy?”

6. A healthy, balanced life (nutrition/exercise/spirit) - I’m not getting younger and life is not stress free.

7. Grow the business, inspire others in sharing, continue to grow and learn

8. More Simply Savvy blog sharing, collaborating, and reader spaces.

9. Be purposeful – slow down

The Simply Savvy blog will share more reader and client spaces in 2013 - if you have a space that you have improved (organize or design) and would love to share on the blog email Julie@gosimplysavvy.com.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: goals, New Years Resolutions, solutions

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Organized Spaces to Inspire: Ready, Set, Goals!

December 26, 2012 By Julie 2 Comments

Getting organized and having an organized home starts with some simple inspiration and leads to achievable goals. What space would give you the greatest pleasure or have the biggest impact if it were organized?

A relaxing and efficient home is one that is streamlined and free of clutter. Here are just some of my favorite organized spaces that I’ve shared this year. Where can you start in your home?

bhg.com

via mariakillam.com

realsimple.com

bhg.com

Assign a space for all belongings in your home and you’ll Love the Space You’re In! If you’d like Simply Savvy to give you ideas for your home or help with your house goals see our services {here}.

Be sure to RSVP now for one or for all of the Love the Space You’re In events!

Filed Under: All Things Organized Tagged With: clutter, order, organized, Simply Savvy Organization and Redesign

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Happy Holiday Wishes From Simply Savvy

December 24, 2012 By Julie Leave a Comment

From our house to yours, wishing you a happy holiday and a joy filled New Years!

Let Simply Savvy assist you with your house goals in 2013. Visit us here.

bhg.com

Get organized with style in the New Year and Love the Space You’re In!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Simply Savvy Organization and Redesign

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The Style Impact of Drapery

December 19, 2012 By Julie Leave a Comment

Window treatments can transform and update the style and feeling of a space with pattern, color, and texture. If you are re-decorating your space or it’s feeling a bit out of style consider updating your drapery. How long have your drapes been in your home?

A few points to think about:

Soften your windows by framing them with drapes – they don’t have to function.
If you already have shades consider adding drapes to finish it off even better–it’s a great way to add layers to your room.
Your goal may be to add height to a room or provide an illusion of a larger window- try raising the rod and adding wider curtains!