Maximizing Space

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4 Creative Decluttering Tips for 2019

Cluttered RoomTwo New Year’s Resolutions

Vowing to become a healthier person is one of my resolutions for 2019. I make that resolution every year and every year it eventually falls by the wayside. This year I intend to keep it and hopefully, this post will keep me accountable. Maybe.

My second resolution (Plan B, maybe?) is to get a grip on the clutter in my house. I’ve downsized twice in the past few years and for some reason, I end up with more “things” than I need. I don’t know how that happens but it does.

So I’ve been researching ways to declutter and stay decluttered. I’ve zeroed in on four good suggestions about how to go about this without burning out.

Leo Babauta of Zen Habits says that clutter is actually procrastination. That makes sense! We procrastinate clearing clutter and before you know it we’re at a breaking point.

Which is why you’re here!

1. The 80/20 Rule

This isn’t typically a decluttering rule.

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Gifts Under $40 from Etsy

Here’s the thing about Etsy. On the website, there’s this definition:

Etsy is a global online marketplace, where people come together to make, sell, buy, and collect unique items.

There’s no Etsy warehouse – just millions of people selling the things they love. We make the whole process easy, helping you connect directly with makers to find something extraordinary.

So it’s a great place to buy gifts because there’s a better than even chance there won’t be duplicates.  Whether you’re shopping for gifts for the home or jewelry, clothing, things for pets, artwork, you’ll find just the right gift.

Etsy’s Holiday Gift Guide has hundreds of unique ideas for gifts and you won’t have to pay a fortune, either.  Gifts for Him, for Her, for Kids, for Pets, and for Home and Garden.

A Few Suggestions

I’ve found a few examples for you, all under $40.   Continue reading →

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6 Simple Money Saving Kitchen Tips

Saving Money in the Kitchen – 6 Simple Tips

Photo by hue12 photography on Unsplash

I’ve been thinking about some of the little ways I’m saving energy and there are several items that I use that have become second nature.

Living in a small space is an added incentive.  That’s it. Nothing too expensive or fancy involved. Just plain old common sense tools. If it was good enough for Grandma, it’s good enough for me. What do you think?

Money-saving Tip #1

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How to Use Color in Small Spaces

What are the rules for using color in small spaces?Picture of a Color Wheel

There really are no rules, but there are a few guidelines that will help when deciding what colors to paint the walls or to use in your furniture or accessories.

We’re taught that dark or warm colors will make the space appear smaller and light or cool colors will visually expand the space. But that’s not necessarily so! 

Use Color to Create a Focal Point

Remodeling and Home Design

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Bedroom Storage Solutions

9 Tips to Maximize Bedroom Storage small bedroom

One of the biggest challenges is the bedroom, especially if it’s small. Two people sharing the room presents an even greater dilemma.

  1. Sort through the clothing or items that belong in the closet or cupboard and eliminate what you haven’t used in the past few months. Do you really need that piece of clothing or pair of shoes?
  2. Purchase a closet organizer to replace the single pole that is typically installed in the space. There are so many styles and price ranges to choose from that you’re sure to find just the right system for your purpose.
  3. Another idea for out of season clothing is to use vacuum sealed space bags. The downside to that is that you’ll likely need to press everything when you remove the clothing from the bags!
  4. Put clear storage boxes on the top shelf to store out of season items. You’ll still be able to see what you have. Or use baskets that you have labeled.

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Small Home Office Solutions

Location, location, location…

Awkward-nook-transformed-into-stylish-work-space

Whether you are self-employed, frequently work from home, or are a student, finding a place to work in a small space can be tricky.

  • It needs to be easily accessible, able to contain your work or study necessities and relatively private, depending on the situation.
  • You’d also need access to an electrical outlet in order to plug in a task light and cords for computer and printer, etc.

The little office in this picture is about as simple as it gets if you happen to have a staircase niche where you are able to tuck a small desk and chair.

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Small Outdoor Living Spaces

Side Yard Garden

Clever Side Yard Garden on Pinterest

One of the most clever ways to maximize living in a small space is to add outdoor living wherever possible.  If you have a deck or patio area, you’re all set to jazz up your small outdoor living space!

Decorating an outdoor space is lots of fun and very rewarding. And it can be accomplished on any budget…small budget or “the sky’s the limit”.

I moved to my townhouse in Minnesota in February when there was snow up to my waist.  I had a tiny private patio and I couldn’t wait to sit outside on a warm summer day with a glass of wine or iced tea.

I had months to browse the internet for ideas. Pinterest is my favorite place to find unique solutions to most decor dilemmas, including outdoor living spaces.  Here are a few of my favorites!

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Holiday Ideas for Small Spaces

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Get ready for holiday fun, food, and festivities!

Can you believe it? Summer is a thing of the past and fall is in full swing.

Next thing you know it’ll be Halloween, then Thanksgiving and then Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza and there will be Halloween candy, Thanksgiving turkeys, parties, gifts, school concerts, and more.

Holiday Decorating Tips for 2018

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Bar Carts are Still Hot!

Call me old fashioned bar cartBar Carts – A Classy Idea for Home Decor

We’ve discussed the importance of multi-purpose furnishings for small spaces. There are multitudes of multi-purpose pieces but one of the hottest is the bar cart!

Bar carts/serving carts are perfect for almost every room in your home.

Obviously, the bar cart is meant to be..well, a bar cart!

It’ll add a classy touch to your dining or living area. Terrific when you’re entertaining. It’s super easy to move wherever the party is happening.

Even better, it’s excellent storage…especially if cupboard space is lacking.

Here are eight excellent ways to use a bar cart in your home.

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Wabi-Sabi Decorating in 2018

What is Wabi-Sabi?

wabi sabi quoteWabi-sabi is a Japanese decorating trend that’s hugely popular, right now. It celebrates imperfection, authenticity, and a lived-in feeling.

It’s not to be confused with the Danish design philosophy of Hygge (pronounced Hoo-gah) which is all about coziness…warm blankets, comfort food, things like that.

And it’s not to be confused with the Swedish philosophy of Lagom (pronounced Lar-gom) which is all about minimalism.

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