organize

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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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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Organizing on a Budget with Style

December 4, 2012 By Julie Leave a Comment

You can find organizing solutions that don’t pack the punch of costly built-ins. Designer Anna Williams created this solution to organize, display and contain items. Be sure to think of the possibilities and be creative.

by Anna Williams via HGTV.com

Love the Space You’re In. If you need organizing or styling assistance contact Simply Savvy!

Filed Under: All Things Organized Tagged With: organize, Simply Savvy Organization and Redesign, storage

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Organize Your Pantry:: Featured Transformation

November 19, 2012 By Julie 2 Comments

This is the perfect time of year to change the way you use your pantry. I’ve shared tips on creating order in a pantry in the post Elements of an Organized Pantry and wanted to now share a full transformation that might provide ideas for your quick fix or the motivation to revamp your pantry.

I came across this finished pantry on Pinterest only to follow the link to Honey & Fitz- a blog I love to follow.

Great transformation! This pantry would make you smile and feel good every time you open the door. Isn’t that worth the effort?

Honey & Fitz

I love that she considered a solution for linens and bibs too. Everything needs a home.

Honey & Fitz

Take a look at the full post on Pantry Organization and see the Before and After photos and more clever space solutions!

Love the space you’re in! Including the pantry. Check out Simply Savvy services for your organizing and styling needs.

Filed Under: All Things Organized Tagged With: organize, pantry, Simply Savvy Organization and Redesign

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Simply Savvy Product Pick:: Organize with Style

November 16, 2012 By Julie 2 Comments

There are times {lots of them} when the organizing solution you choose needs to have style–containers can either enhance or take away from a space.

When I come across an item that I just need someone to have I begin to ask myself, who can benefit from these? for what purpose? and how many? This was one of those moments where I unexpectedly came across the perfect solution for a client.

Have you seen the Threshold brand at Target? They have some lovely decorative items. I’m sharing this find with a client that needs a few bins for an open shelf in their closet. The look and the feel of these is really great.

Have you found an item that gets you organizing with style? We’d all love to know. Love the space you’re in!

Filed Under: All Things Organized, Weekly Product Picks Tagged With: contianer, organize, product pick, Simply Savvy Organization and Redesign, style

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Simply Savvy Organizing with Kitchen Basics:: and things to consider BEFORE designing a kitchen

October 9, 2012 By Julie Leave a Comment

It seems kitchen organizing has been top on this list with my clients this week. I have been in many beautiful kitchens but only a few designs that considered the items that would be placed in the space. A drawer is a drawer without a defined purpose. A cabinet quickly becomes inefficient when items are not seen. A well deigned kitchen is one that functions with your things. It meets the needs of the family using the space and for the largest of items needing a home.

A new kitchen is a big investment. We all know this but then why are we buying fabulous fixtures, cabinets, countertops, and expresso machines when we can’t find anything, get frustrated when we open the drawers, and have stacked mounds of stuff?

Please, if you are remodeling your kitchen or building a new home please ask the right questions of your kitchen designer – Where is my turkey roaster going to go? My extra long spatula? How will I see each of my spices and cans? What’s the best way to store my pans and lids? and on and on… or hire a Professional Organizer during the design process!

There are drawers and cabinet accessories made for these things. Accessories are an investment you must consider when looking at your overall kitchen budget. Now, let’s say you didn’t define a space for spices or lids during your kitchen design and now you have a lovely kitchen and a mess. You can improve what you do have.

QUICK TIP:: Before you buy the tools to get you organized group items by function, duty, or type and assign the space. Also, keep items you access on a regular basis at easy reach and place those less used up high or in the back.

There are higher cost organizing solutions you can add to your cabinets. For example, install sliding shelf organizers to transform how you use your cabinets.

image via RealSimple.com

If that is not the direction you want to go, here are some basics I’ve used in many homes. There is a solution for your space and things!

I chose all items from The Container Store to make the ”where to find” easy for you; however, the ideas can be found in many stores. To see the items in more detail simply acess this board here.

Consider the form, function, and efficiency of your kitchen–and then make it pretty! Love the space you’re in.

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

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Simply Savvy Repurposed and Styled Dressers

September 10, 2012 By Julie Leave a Comment

Dressers are flexible and easy to transform. Start with some paint, replace the knobs (and even the feet/legs), and determine it’s new function.

Find a style you like and create the look. I love the high-gloss and rich color of this dresser- perfect for an eye-catching entryway.

via Wisteria

Graphic detail and contemporary knobs give this dresser new life and great style.

centsationalgirl.com

You can always go bold–loving the color and the gold touches used here.

via designsponge.com

Take a look at how chalk paint was used to transform this dresser.

via Apartment Therapy

Removing the drawers to create a craft station with opened storage is very clever.

via Design Sponge

Spice racks were attached to this dresser for book storage- brilliant solution!

Ikea Hackers via Pinterest

Visit the Simply Savvy Dressers board on Pinterest for more ideas. Paint and a new purpose can add more mileage and function to a dresser. If you don’t have a dresser that you can repurpose visit yard sales and thrift stores for a bargain buy.

Share your dresser transformations. If you need ideas for your own space be sure to ask. I love sharing back! Love the space you’re in.

Filed Under: Bright Ideas, Repurposed Tagged With: diy, dressers, organize, paint, repurpose, transformation

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Simply Savvy Designed Space:: Funky & Cool Dorm Decor

August 27, 2012 By Julie 16 Comments

Imagine a fashionista that is a bit funky, very cool, and loves an eclectic space. This is the dorm life of a girl that prefers to live alone, loves vibrant colors, patterns, and textures, and likes to stay organized in the chaotic world of college.

This dorm space may be a little bit funky, eclectic, and full of personality but it does not lack the required function. Creative storage, additional seating, and flexible pieces provide the home away from home this college student needs.

E-Design by Simply Savvy

Olioboard Blogger Hop

I’m excited to be participating in this weeks OlioHop from Olioboard. An OlioHop allows you to jump, skip, or hop from one inspiring idea to another, while meeting talented bloggers.

Be sure to visit, follow, comment, and share with all of these Bloggers! Do you use Olioboard? We’d all love to see your designs so share your links too! Enjoy the #OlioHop on #DormDecor and show each some love.

CMC Design Studio

Dabble In Chic

Fashion House Interiors

White Linen Interiors

Be sure to check out more boards by Simply Savvy and view the many affordable products for this space. Visit Simply Savvy on Olioboard. Let Simply Savvy help you with your spaces-see all service options here.

Filed Under: All Things Organized, Redesigned Spaces Tagged With: dorm room, e-design, organize, small space solutions

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