New Year's Eve is upon us and resolutions are in full swing!
Some of the best in the interior design industry in the Twin Cities pitched in their ideas for resolutions to help make your home healthier and more beautiful in the new year. Read their ideas below...
What's the best way to start out the New Year?
"I think the best way to start off the new year is with a little purging. My suggestions is to tackle one space at a time and give myslelf a time-limit to help keep me focused (say 30 minutes to an hour). Once you've cleared out the things that are no longer needed, assess what you have left.
Now comes the fun "designer" part. Determine the type of storage you need (get detailed here) and head out to a store you like to buy MATCHING storage containers. I highly recommend getting colorful or unique containers - something that catches your eye. Do this whether or not the containers will be seen by anyone but yourself-you'll get a little pick-me up every time you see them and put your things away!"
Desi Creswell, ASID
Desi Interior Design
www.desiid.com
What's the best way to boost good feelings and promote happiness in the home?
"1. Buy or cut fresh flowers for your home, especially in the cold months.
2. Edit your possessions down to those that you really use and really love.
3. Renew and rearrange your art.
4. Focus on comfort--add a table to hold your drink, buy a more comfortable bed, put a lamp next to your reading chair; rearrange so what you need is where you need it."
Mary Ellen Gardiner, ASID
M.E. Gardinar Interior Design
www.megardiner.com
What advice to you have for organization in the kitchen?
"Do you actually use all the tools in your kitchen? Store the most used tools (wooden spoons, spatulas, whisks, etc) in a jug or drawer closest to your main work area (prep spot or by the stove). Do you really use 5 wooden spoons in the course of making your most complex meal? You can always put the extras in a labeled box elsewhere and give yourself 3-6-12 months to live without them and see if you miss them at all. If you don't need them it's easy to donate the items to charity or a friend without second guessing the decision. Remember to date the box."
Collen Fox Slack, Allied ASID
Fox Interiors
www.colleenfoxinteriors.com
What if you aren't the resolution-type: What's one thing you can do in 2013 to better your household?
"While I don’t typically make New Year’s resolutions, one resolution for 2013 is to go through each one of my drawers and closets and pull anything we (me and my husband) have not used or worn within the last several months and then donate to a local women’s or men’s shelter. While I would not consider my home to be “cluttered” I am at a point in life where I have adopted the philosophy that less is more and if others can benefit from the donations this would be wonderful!"
Tracy Hains, Allied ASID
Che Bella Interiors
www.chebelleinteriors.com
What is an idea for setting and reaching goals for 2013?
"The beginning of a New Year is the time for me to sit down and determine what my priorities will be for the year. I concentrate on a couple of broad goals that I know are achievable - perhaps developing a new business opportunity or creating a new outdoor entertaining area. Once determined, these priorities kept on the top of my mind (posted in my studio and wherever else I will see them daily) and are integrated into the decisions and actions I take day in and day out. This way, I am always ready to take advantage of the opportunities that come my way!"
Bonnie Folkerts, IP ASID
Kravet/ Lee Jofa Showrooms
BJ Folkerts Art & Design
Now that you have some ideas from design professionals in the field, it's time to put their ideas to work! Happy New Year!
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