-
10 ways to make your room more functional
10 ways to make your room more functional ofSolutions 1-5 1 Maximize vertical space Take advantage of wall height by adding tall bookcases, cabinets or shelves, or by hanging hooks for jackets in the hallway, separate office or study, add a desk in a corner of a bedroom or living room, preferably under a window to take advantage of the natural light and to keep your back turned from distractions like the TV and bed. 2 Keep traffic paths clear Avoid bumping into furniture by creating an efficient layout. Make direct paths to commonly used zones and leave enough space to manoeuvre around each piece of furniture. 3 Control clutter Get rid of items you no longer need or use, deal with paperwork as it comes in, file important items in labelled folders or boxes, and return everything to its original place when you're done with it. 4 Add storage Store like items - such as cleaning products or bathroom supplies - in labelled boxes or plastic bins. For particularly unkempt areas, purchase storage options like an over-the-door rack to get shoes off the floor, or a closet-size second shelving unit to stash seasonal clothing. 5 Create a nook If you don't have the luxury of a separate office or study, add a desk in a corner of a bedroom or living room, preferably under a window to take advantage of the natural light and to keep your back turned from distractions like the TV and bed. Maximum storage solutions 6 Use a room for what it's intended Keep the children's toys in their bedrooms or playroom and out of the living room, do paperwork or homework in a home office or den – not the dining room – and move all of your craft or woodworking projects out of the kitchen and down into the basement or crafts room. 7 Store items in the rooms in which they're usedKeep table linens in the dining room, books and magazines in the den, dish towels in the kitchen, and detergent in the laundry room. 8 Purchase double-duty furnishingsSelect pieces that are versatile, such as a coffee table with a shelf for magazines and books, a lighting for reading, eating or writing, and for setting the mood. 9 Have multiple table surfacesRather than having to get out of your chair every time you want a sip of coffee, make sure that there are enough surfaces within arm's reach of living room seating to hold items such as drinks, books, table lamps and reading glasses. 10 Purchase efficient lighting Ensure that your space has table lamps, floor lamps and other lighting for reading, eating or writing, and for setting the mood.- Credit
- Heather Camlot
10 ways to make your room more functional
Maximizing vertical space and controlling clutter are just two ways to make your room more functional. Learn how to create a pretty, practical space with... more
-
How to: Host a perfect dinner party
How to: Host a perfect dinner party ofEntertaining suggestions Cynthia David is a Toronto-based food writer, who regularly travels the world. She invites friends over as often as possible to test new recipes. Cynthia's writing has appeared in Canadian Living, The Toronto Star, and Food & Drink magazine. We asked Cynthia to share her best entertaining advice and here's what she had to say.Q: What are your best recommendations for preparing a dinner party?A: I love to pick a theme, from French bistro to Spanish tapas, and make it as authentic as possible. This may mean travelling around the city for a few special ingredients, such as Spanish Serrano ham, but I know my guests love trying new things.Make to-do lists several days before. Do as much cooking as possible beforehand so you can sit down with your guests. Set the table the night before and set out wine glasses ahead of time so you know they're sparkling clean and you won't be hunting for them when guests arrive.If you're entertaining friends, don't be shy about asking them to bring a dish.Q: How would you describe entertaining in your home?A: I am forever bringing home new acquaintances. Occasionally I invite all my tai chi friends over for a Sunday brunch and warn them that they're guinea pigs for new recipes.Q: Do you regularly include special place settings or centerpieces on your table? What are some occasions that would warrant such settings?A: Whenever I'm in France, I bring home a gorgeous printed cotton tablecloth. With simple white china, it creates a spectacular look on its own. Add platters of tempting food in the center of the table and you won't need a centerpiece. More tips Q: How would you suggest getting guests involved in the dinner party process?A: For a Vietnamese dinner, I provided a stack of softened rice paper wraps along with platters of barbecued lemongrass beef strips, vermicelli noodles, bean sprouts, basil and mint. Guests can roll their own dinner.Q: What are some tips for entertaining guests with children?A: Set up a separate table for the kids in the kitchen. They'll have much more fun. For young kids, take a cue from kid-friendly restaurants by covering the table with heavy paper and giving children crayons.Q: Can you offer some interesting invitation ideas?A: In these e-mail days, a pretty mailed invitation makes a lovely surprise.Q: What are some common entertaining mistakes? What suggestions do you have to help people overcome these mistakes?A: Cooking a bunch of new recipes for guests creates a lot of stress and extra work. It's easier to mix tried-and-true recipes with one or two new items.Plan as many make-ahead dishes as you can, so you can sit down and enjoy the party. There's nothing wrong with a wonderful one-dish stew and it will taste even better when made a day or two before.- Credit
- Nikki Fullerton
How to: Host a perfect dinner party
Foodie Cynthia David shares some dinner party know-how for hosting the perfect at-home event. Learn how to pull it off with ease and elegance. more
-
Buying guide: Home office chairs
Buying guide: Home office chairs ofBuying a home office chair My first chair was too big. The enormous leather monstrosity offered no back support and I had to stretch my arms flat to reach the armrests. It was too low for my desk and couldn't be adjusted properly so I sat on my feet or crossed my legs for height. Besides, it swiveled too easily, leaving me unstable. My second chair was too small. Cute and covered in a cowprint material, it was adjustable but offered no lumbar support or armrests. If I leaned back, I was in danger of falling over. But my third chair is just right. It's a $500 ergonomically designed, fully adjustable model -- the first two chairs cost less than $100 each. In my quest to find suitable seating, I learned that a great chair quickly pays for itself in increased productivity and decreased downtime. My bad chairs gave me headaches, muscle tension and wrist-strain. Now, I have a renewed love of work, improved quality of life and I save the costs of physiotherapy, Aspirin and sick days.What to look for:FeelMany people test chairs by sitting in an awkward position, with their backs ramrod straight or slouched. Test it by sitting the way you want to sit after adjusting it to your size. If your back naturally presses against the back of the chair and you feel comfortable and supported, then it is probably the chair for you.FlexibilityYou should be able to customize your chair, adjusting it so that your feet are flat on the floor and your knees make an angle of about 100 degrees. Your armrests should move independently -- position them so your forearms are supported and your shoulders are relaxed.ControlThe chair's mobility should vary in degree and optionally lock, so that it will not roll away at the slightest push. You should be able to swivel to the side gradually and stay there without making a full rotation, and lean back slightly without danger of falling over backwards.MaterialLeather may look prestigious but it can be slippery or sticky in hot weather. This material also tends to lose its shape and rips easily. Opt for a chair that has an absorbent, breathable material cover with soft -- but firm -- padding, a steel spine, beveled plastic armrests and solid footing. Top-of-the-line chairs may be expensive, generally ranging anywhere from $300 to $700. But a good chair will last longer, decrease your likelihood of acquiring stress- and strain-related ailments, and increase your productivity. It's a good investment. Creating an ergonomically-sound work environment• Your monitor should be directly in front of your face and you shouldn't have to incline your neck to get a good view.• Your work room should be well ventilated and lit, ensuring that no light source (including sunlight) causes glare. • Your keyboard should be level to - or slightly below - your armrests so your hands fall gently and your wrists are flat while typing. Clean or replace sticky keyboards. • A plastic mat provides mobility and stability on a slippery or thickly carpeted floor. • Make sure your mouse fits your hand – bigger is not always better. • If you talk on the phone while working, try using a headset.Image courtesy of Crate & Barrel- Credit
- Caryn Mladen
Buying guide: Home office chairs
If you spend most of your workday in a home office chair, make sure it fits just right. We'll help you create an ergonomically sound work environment. more
More Articles
-
Decorating a dorm room Decorating a dorm room
Decorating a dorm room ofpage 1 One of the biggest adjustments for students going off to college or university is getting used to dorm life. Whether it’s a move to a residence or a small off-campus apartment, space is limited when you’re on a student’s budget, not to mention the difficulty of creating a look of your own.STYLE AT HOME’s style editor Karl Lohnes has teamed up with online community marketplace kijiji.ca to create a dorm-style room fit for any student or city dweller living in a very small space. With a budget of $1000, Karl set out to create a dorm room for less, and ended up cutting his budget in half – the entire room was put together for only $500!With expert advice from Karl, we show you how to create a budget-friendly and stylish dorm-style room, complete with tips and tricks on how you can make this work for any small space in your own home.1 Storage, storage, storageWhen dealing with a small space like this one, storage room and organization are absolute essentials. “For this room, I chose a captain’s style bed,” notes Karl. “There are drawers under the bed, which means you can save room on a dresser, and that cuts down on the budget.” By incorporating multi-functional furniture into your space, your money can be saved to put towards accessorizing your room rather than having to purchase more items of furniture. Also, by purchasing a few plastic rolling storage units and baskets, you can easily change up storage areas in any part of your room.2 Create changeable seating options Just because you’re in a dorm room or small space doesn’t mean you can’t entertain. Meeting new people is an exciting part of starting college, and inviting friends to your dorm can only be possible if you incorporate different seating options. “In this room, I’ve bought this vintage chair from kijiji.ca for $60, and there’s also the option of turning your desk chair around or using a storage ottoman as a seat,” Karl points out. “Since this bed isn’t very deep, it can be made into a day bed. Just throw some pillows along the back by the wall, and you’ve created another seating option.”3 Choose your colour palette wiselyKarl’s tips on choosing colours for your dorm room decor? If you’re a student on a tight budget, use neutrals for your furniture so that you’ll only need to update your accessories when colour trends change. “The rug, which was a steal on kijiji.ca for $60, established the focus on bold colour in the room. However, if you look at the furniture in the room, which was also bought online, it’s all neutral.” So, with the walls, Karl chose to paint one wall a monochromatic grey, and left the rest a neutral shade. “If you’re able to paint, use a colour that will make the rest of the colours in the room pop. And if you can’t paint, maybe hang some vintage drapes up behind your bed,” he says. page 2 4 Stick to your budgetWe all know what it’s like to fall in love with a piece of furniture or home accessory, only to find out that it’s far beyond our price range. Karl advises to set a budget and stick to it absolutely. This means going to box stores that you know are in your price range, as well as checking out the discount stores that have items priced 20-60% off (like HomeSense, where all the room’s accessories were purchased from). It’s also a good idea to plan out how much you want to spend on each item in the room, and avoid visiting stores that you know have beautiful items that are outside of your budget.5 Use the internetComing from a computer generation, today’s students are super savvy with the internet, making it easy to navigate all the great sites for home decor. Not only do many online retailers allow you to search for items with a maximum price level – ensuring you’re within your budget – but you can also choose to buy new from businesses or buy used goods from online communities. “Sites like Kijiji.ca are great because the price is right, and since it’s people selling great items they no longer need, it saves them from dumping it at a landfill,” Karl adds. Karl Lohnes’ DOs and DON’Ts for a dorm-style small space DO use ambience lighting. Many residences don’t allow for candles to be lit, so an alternative option is to purchase a small light with a low wattage so you can leave it on at night and feel safe coming home to a room that isn't completely dark. DON’T overuse patterns. A lot of pattern in a small space can be overwhelming, so it’s best to choose solid colours for larger items, like the fuschia rug. That allows for more patterns to be used for the room’s accessories. DO buy items that are proportionate to your room size. Buying a queen or king size bed might suit your fancy, but it won’t leave you much room for anything else in a dorm-style space. DON’T permanently attach things to your walls. The last thing the landlord wants is for you to drill holes in the walls, so another option is to use Sticky Tack to hang items on the walls or have a freestanding bookshelf to display items rather than a wall shelf.- Credit
- Lauren McPhillips
-
25 autumn accessories 25 autumn accessories
25 autumn accessories ofpage 1 As the seasons change from summer to fall, so must your home accessories! It’s time to pack away the lemonade pitchers and the cool coloured decor and create warmth in the home with rich colours and cosy accents.Here are 25 home accessories that will transform your home from summer retreat into a comfy haven for the crisp days of autumn. CandlesAn essential item for autumn, candles create a cosy atmosphere in your home through their warmth and accent lighting. These eco-friendly candles from Pier 1 are made from soybeans, a renewable resource, and come in a variety of delicious scents ranging from Chocolate Suede to Toasted Sugar. ($23 each) Mixing BowlsBringing out autumn coloured kitchen prep accessories is a subtle way to suit your home to the season. Tag‘s new multi-harvest prep bowls can be used to prepare your autumn pastries or to display your freshly picked apples. ($15 per set of 3 ) Cake standNo smell is more familiar and delicious in the fall than that of homemade apple pie fresh from the oven. The classically chic Emma cakestand from Pottery Barn is the perfect pedestal for your yummy baked goods, or could be used as a lovely stage for your table’s centerpiece. ($65) PillowsAdding seasonal themed items to your living room is as easy as changing up your pillow covers. Although not autumn-coloured, these covers from Accents de Ville are modernly chic with their embroidered leaves and trees. (MSRP $43 each, includes filler) Place cardsSetting an autumn table, whether it be for Thanksgiving or a Sunday dinner, is not complete without place cards to seat your guests. These sweet apple place cards from Pierre Belvedere add a bit of bling to your tabletop with their crystal and silver design. ($25 per set of 6) page 2 Home Fragrance OilsAutumn weekends are the perfect time to relax indoors and curl up on the couch with a good book or movie. The Body Shop’s new line of aromatherapy essential oils are designed to create that relaxing atmosphere through their soothing scents, which range from Deep Sleep to Total Energy. ($20 each) BeddingKeeping yourself warm and toasty in bed feels like a great luxury when escaping from autumn weather, and nothing is more luxurious than Restoration Hardware’s Italian pinstripe sateen duvet cover. As beautiful as it is comfy, this classic duvet cover comes in colours ranging from taupe (shown) to marine blue. ($299 full/queen) StorageChanging up home accessories for each season is an easy way to update a home, but you’ll also need space to store the replaced items. These mahogany-stained palm leaf ottomans from Tag come in a set of two and are a style savvy storage solution for out-of-season throws or pillows. (MSRP $125) Magnets Placing a lot of little autumn-themed home accessories throughout your home really does make a difference and means that you don’t have to break the bank on purchasing larger items. These cute leaf magnets from Accents de Ville bring the outdoors in without having to bear the cool weather. (MSRP $5 each) ThrowsThe best part about the cooler fall weather is cuddling with loved ones on the couch under a soft throw. The Karma (left) and Elisa (right) throws from Accents de Ville are super stylish and their neutral palette makes it easy to transition them into any existing colour scheme. (MSRP $70 each) page 3 Cheese spreadersMake your autumn wine and cheese party super stylish with these cheese spreaders from Indigo Books & Music. With faux wine-cork handles, these spreaders come in a set of 4 and are sure to make an impression. ($13 per set of 4) Salad ServersJust because summer is over, doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy a great salad in the fall – it just means you need to update your salad servers. These twig- handled servers from Abbott present the perfect way to serve up your autumn salads to guests. ($20 a pair) KettleDelicious hot chocolate or soothing tea is a great way to keep cosy whether in your home or outside. Cusinart’s PerfecTemp kettle has a built-in gauge to ensure the proper heat level for every type of hot beverage – take your pick of red, white, or black! ($100 US) Sauce boatA Thanksgiving dinner just isn’t the same without gravy for the turkey, so why not house it in this white ceramic sauce boat from Williams-Sonoma? This curvy beauty is Italian-made and comes with an oval server to prevent drips on your tablecloth. ($60) PlacematsAdd a little shimmer to your home decor with gold table linens for fall entertaining. These pretty Harman Marseilles placemats from Kitchen Stuff Plus can light up any tabletop this season. ($5 each) page 4 Large Bowl A large wooden bowl is a fabulous home accessory for displaying your centerpiece of miniature gourds, or for filling with rich scented potpourri. Ten Thousand Villages' mango wood platform bowl is beautifully hand-carved by Indian artisans, and you can feel even better about your purchase as the company is renowned for their fair trade policies. ($35) Fireplace GuardThe end of summer bonfires at the cottage doesn’t need to mean the end of cosying up by the fire altogether. The Campaign Hearth flat screen from Restoration Hardware is the chicest new fire accessory there is, guarding the flames whilst still allowing the fire to warm your home. ($299 US) VaseWhen decorating for the seasons, it’s a great idea to check out the budget-friendly stores, like IKEA. This cream-coloured Havtorn Farm vase stands tall and would look picture perfect with some faux wheat sheaves or tall berry sprigs. ($40) Pinecone décor accessory Who says all home accessories have to be functional? This white ceramic pinecone with an antique finish from Abbott offers nothing to your home but style and a modern touch of autumn. ($15) WreathNo longer just for the holiday season, wreaths have become a great accessory for sprucing up your home interior. This orange berry wreath from Pier 1 would add a hit of autumn colour to any home, whether it’s placed above the fireplace or hung on the wall in the foyer. ($45) page 5 Napkin RingsA little bit of kitsch in the home never hurt anyone - just don't overdo it! These cute turkey napkin rings from Accents de Ville provide just the right amount of seasonal charm for your Thanksgiving tabletop, adding a little fun to your holiday. (MSRP $4 each) TrayIf you can’t bear to part with your cosy bed on a Sunday morning, a serving tray for your breakfast is the perfect way to enjoy the best of both worlds. The Tava tray from Pottery Barn comes in a honey or espresso stain, and is handcrafted with rattan, an entirely natural and eco-friendly material. ($72 each) MirrorA staple of home accessories, a great wall mirror can transform a space, whether it’s acting as a focal piece or simply opening up the area. This ornate mirror from HomeSense will spice up any wall in your home, and its deep red colour can carry it over to the holiday season as well. ($50) Floor rug Changing up your flooring for the seasons is another way to freshen up your home, whether it be with an area rug, a runner or a bathmat. Pottery Barn’s new Harvest Leaf rug brings the beauty of the changing leaves inside your home with its woolen texture and brown tones. (5x8 $399, 8x10 $599) DoormatWhen decorating your home for the seasons, do not forget to change up your exterior décor as well. The Elizabeth doormat from Accents de Ville greets your guests with some autumn charm. (MSRP $30)- Credit
- Lauren McPhillips
-
Top 10 bathroom renovation tips Top 10 bathroom renovation tips
Top 10 bathroom renovation tips ofTips 1 to 5 An effective bathroom design should address all your needs, physical and spiritual. Here are the most important tips to consider when considering bathroom renovations.1 Choose elegant fixtures.A pedestal sink with graceful lines is more attractive than a blocky cabinet vanity. A classic claw-foot tub is like bathroom sculpture. Even enclosed in a deck, the simple lines of the lip have an inherent beauty that surpasses most acrylic versions.2 Sit in a bathtub before buying it.Bigger isn't always better. A 60-inch tub is fine for most people. It offers enough room to stretch out and provides a secure foothold, so you don't float into oblivion when the tub is full. Assess the angled back and lip for comfort and neck support –- a tub for two people slants at either end and has taps in the middle. If you only have enough space for a small tub, buy an extra-deep one.3 Select durable flooring. Ceramic, marble and stone tiles are all excellent durable and water-resistant choices for a bathroom. Subfloor heating coils will make these hard surfaces warm. Well-sealed hardwood floors offer natural warmth and act as a foil for the other hard, cold surfaces in a bathroom.4 Hang a stylish mirror.One beautifully framed mirror over a sink is more attractive than many surfaces covered with mirror. Supplement it with a wall-mounted adjustable makeup mirror, and consider installing a lighted, mirrored shaving niche in your shower stall.5 Use found space.Take advantage of space between wall studs by recessing a tall storage cabinet into the wall to maximize vertical storage while saving floor space. The cabinet should have an interior depth of at least three inches and a door flush with the wall. Tips 6 to 10 6 Build a shower area. Consider building an open-concept shower area that doesn't need a curtain or door and is less confining than a standard shower stall. In addition to well-designed drainage, a ceiling-mounted rain showerhead and/or a high wall-mounted showerhead that splashes less water will keep the area outside the shower drier.7 Share space for added function.In homes with back-to-back bathrooms, a shared shower with access doors to each of the bathrooms maximizes limited space. Or turn a closet located next to a bathroom into a small ensuite with access to the neighbouring bath.8 Design lighting that works. Good lighting is imperative. Combine halogen pot lights with wall sconces beside or over the mirror for lighting with no shadows. Always install dimmers.9 Buy a quality toilet.When buying a toilet, it's not necessary for you to spend big bucks, but you don't want to scrimp too much, either. You can get a good-quality one-piece toilet for about $400. Models with elongated bowls and seats are usually most comfortable.10 Incorporate luxury into your room. If you're fortunate enough to have lots of space to work with, indulge yourself with an expanded spalike bathroom that includes a dressing room –- a haven for privacy and relaxation. Outfit it with a television, fireplace, exercise equipment, makeup vanity and even a large comfortable occasional chair upholstered in thick white terry-cloth. -
A touch of pink A touch of pink
A touch of pink ofMaster bedroom With room for two, the resolutely feminine home that Jodi Fisher shares with her daughter, Caia, is a sweet retreat from Vancouver’s urban hustle and bustle. At just 1,600 square feet, the petite house required some smart small space planning. Here’s how interior designer Rosemary Sleigh packed in the elegance, with Jodi’s inspired eye for art and decor lending personal glamour. A king-size bed is striking within the modest dimensions of the master bedroom, especially with a tall, sparkling bespoke headboard. Amplify the dramaHave fun with scale and details. Here, hot punches of pink introduce personality to the otherwise calm, dove grey space. In this lighthearted home, furniture choices and placement are deliberately bold. “In a small space, the pieces you select should be robust and daring,” says interior designer Rosemary Sleigh, “enough to anchor the zones.”Repeat, repeat, repeat!Successful small-space decor is an exercise in design fundamentals. The easiest example to glean from the Fisher home is repetition: the grey-on-grey palette, numerous black accents, rounded shapes, layered fabrics, and luxurious textures like smooth silk and fluffy wool. Add a smattering of one-off glam accessories, and you’ve got a poised look that begs to be emulated. “Good design principles are especially critical in a small, open plan,” says Rosemary.Let it sparkle“When working with any small space, look for ways to draw the light into the farthest reaches,” says Rosemary. In the bedroom, the custom-made quilted headboard evokes a starry night, thanks to a constellation of tiny mirrors embroidered right onto the fabric. Daughter's bedroom White and pastel pink set a girlie tone in Caia’s bedroom. A wrought-iron four-poster, twinkling chandelier and faux fur throw make the room fit for a little princess.“The space doesn’t feel small at all because of the layout, high ceilings and lots of light.” -JODI FISHER, HOMEOWNERBe playfulSmall children are a unique consideration when designing compact spaces. Streamlined living zones with lots of open space between furniture keep chaos under control as little ones race around. Creating a superplush and nifty nest (like the four-poster bed in daughter Caia’s room, heaped with pillows and a faux fur throw) means kids have a special spot to play and rest – although Caia says, “I love Mom’s princess room the best.”“The decor is really feminine – girlie, actually – and that’s just the way we like it.” -JODI- Credit
- Christina Symons
-
99 low-cost organizing tips 99 low-cost organizing tips
99 low-cost organizing tips ofOrganizing tips 1-25 We know, we know: getting organized can be easier vowed than done. But even if you’re short on time (and budget), there are dozens of ways you can get your house in order. Here are 99 of our favourite low-cost organizing tips; many of them are environmentally friendly, too! 1 Use old baby-food jars to hold spices. Stash them in a drawer upside down so this recycling trick looks sleek, not cheap. 2 Store all your instruction manuals in one binder in the kitchen or pantry. 3 Collect your takeout menus in a binder. Or stuff them into a Ziploc bag and stash ‘em – where else? – in the fridge or cupboard.4 Use a cardboard six-pack container to carry condiments from kitchen to deck in BBQ-casual style. 5 Keep a tray or basket on the kitchen counter where kids can drop off permission slips and adults can put mail requiring immediate action. A second tray can handle lower-priority paperwork. 6 Don’t waste time constantly topping up cereal-sized food storage containers with dog or cat kibble. Use a metal trashcan to store one bag at a time in rodent-proof style. 7 Use a recharging station to keep your cell phone, MP3 player and other portable device cords untangled and your gadgets fully charged. 8 Can’t find fresh garlic or onions? Keep them in clean knee-high nylons. Hang in a cool, dry place. 9 Post a sheet of paper on the fridge and note groceries and supplies needing replenishing. On grocery day, just grab the sheet and go. 10 Reduce spoilage of fruits and veggies by “rotating” your crops. Put new ones underneath ones that were already in your crisper. 11 Use small jam jars to hold cotton swabs, balls and other essentials inside your bathroom vanity drawers. 12 Use an old wooden stepladder to hold bath and hand towels. 13 Cut the amount of time you spend going from linen closet to bathroom by installing extra towel storage via a hotel-style double towel bar. 14 And a stash of bath towels rolled inside a basket helps, too. 15 Store kids’ bath toys in a fine-laundry bag. Hang from the faucet ‘til fully drained. 16 Use a shower organizer and just the basics: mild shampoo, conditioner and a body wash. 17 Stash extra shower products in plastic caddies – one per family member. 18 Keep cleaning products in a caddy, too. 19 Post a sheet of paper in the bathroom and note bathroom supplies that need replenishing. On grocery day, just grab the sheet and go. 20 Assign teens and tweens their “own” towel sets by colour. Sorting laundry becomes super-easy and sharing-aversive kids are content. 21 For the living room or family room, get an ottoman or bench with hidden storage under the seat. 22 Large woven or wooden baskets stash clutter effectively, so stock up. 23 Got kids? Get large tubs that can be used to deploy toys – and quickly move them out of living spaces when company’s coming. 24 Don’t hold on to magazines. Just rip out any pages you want to keep for future reference, keep in a file folder, then recycle the rest. 25 Toss dirty socks into mesh fine-laundry bags. Orphaned socks will be a thing of the past.Image courtesy of Pottery Barn Organizing tips 26-50 26 Dollar store plastic caddies are perfect for grouping cleaning products upright in cabinets – no tipping! 27 Recycle old plastic shopping bags. Store them in an empty Kleenex box ‘til you need them. 28 Store batteries in plastic berry baskets until you’re ready to drop them off at the recycling centre. 29 Ditto for compact fluorescent bulbs and orchard fruit baskets. 30 Big, busy family? Paint one entire wall in your mudroom in chalkboard paint so everyone can easily leave messages for one another. 31 Keep one basket per person in your mudroom or front entrance, so everyone knows where to drop off/find their personal on-the-go essentials like keys, bags, homework etc. 32 Designate a back-to-car zone by your entranceway, and put anything there that requires returning to the trunk – i.e. reusable grocery bags, empties – so the next person to use the car will remember to bring them. 33 Remove the front and back from a picture frame and string rows of wire across the centre. Hang it or lean it against the wall and hook earrings onto each wire. 34 Use an old dressmaker’s dolly to hang necklaces and hook earrings into. 35 Shopaholics can put those pretty boutique bags to use by hanging them on the wall or arranging them on a shelf, where they can store scarves and belts. 36 Do a card run – birthdays, holidays, new baby etc. – once a year and store cards in a file tote. 37 Use ice cube trays to hold clips, erasers and other desk-drawer essentials. 38 Use an old wooden stepladder to hold books. 39 Use white address label stickers to label what each cord in a power bar is for. 40 Paint an oversized canvas in one bold colour and hang it from the wall. Pin a rotating collection of your kids’ artwork on it. 41 Post a sheet of paper on your bulletin board and note office supplies that need replenishing. 42 Use a canvas over-the-door shoe organizer to organize small kids toys and art supplies. 43 Those ubiquitous Danish butter cookie tins can be both an art project and art storage unit for kids. First let your child decoupage it. Then use it to hold crayons and pastels. 44 Post those novelty basketball rings above anything you want your kids to slam dunk stuff into rather than the floor: garbage cans, laundry baskets, etc. 45 For preschoolers too young to use hangers with ease, install a low bar in the closet and simply drape dresses and pants across it to keep them wrinkle-free and easily accessible. 46 Have your child plan their wardrobe one school week at a time. Store outfits within five stacking cubbies or on five combination hangers (hangers with a bar and clips to hold pants as well as a top) to streamline their morning routine. 47 Keep sheet sets organized by folding and storing the fitted sheet, flat sheet and pillowcase inside the second pillowcase. 48 If you don’t want to buy stacking shoeboxes, recycle the cardboard boxes your shoes came in by cutting out a panel at one end for visibility and ventilation. 49 Install a closet organization system: it’ll pay itself off with time and aggravation saved! 50 A well-lit wardrobe is easier to keep organized. Install a Solatube, skylight or adequate artificial light for your needs.Image courtesy of Pottery Barn Organizing tips 51-75 51 Don’t limit closet storage to hangers. Hang hooks on the door for frequently used items. 52 Tackle that kitchen junk drawer problem head on. Today. Purge, edit and keep things in place with a drawer organizer. 53 Are you a piler, not filer? That’s fine, just keep piles of paperwork organized by using folders and write-on clips. 54 Recycle leftover gift-wrap ribbons by using them to tie up extra electrical and other cords in your utility closet. 55 Dedicated tie, belt and scarf holders are closet must-haves. 56 Upgrade your address book for a classic Rolodex. They’re retro-chic and easy to keep updated. 57 Buy a framed corkboard, hang it in the kitchen and pin up favourite recipes, clipped from magazines. 58 Make space by putting your CDs in organizers, by genre. Recycle the jewel cases or put them into storage in the attic. 59 Or, purge your CD clutter once and for all by having your CDs converted to digital files at riptopia.com. Sell or donate the used CDs. 60 Buy a hotel-style hairdryer that can be installed on the wall to save space, time and energy in a small bathroom. 61 A pot-lid holder puts the vertical space behind a cabinet door to good use. 62 A wrap-organizer does the same, creating the perfect spot for plastic wrap, aluminum foil and waxed paper. 63 Organize vanity essentials on a vintage tray. Très organized and très chic. 64 Use an extra wine rack to hold rolled-up magazines. 65 Use cutlery trays in your drawers, but to save even more time, stash everyday flatware in a countertop caddy. 66 Shrink-wrap out of season clothes, blankets and duvets to save space while storing. 67 You’ll never fit sheets back into those reusable vinyl zip pouches they were sold in, but you can stash cloth napkins in them. Use one pouch per set and label the quantity with a Sharpie. 68 Buy 10 pairs of the same gym socks, to minimize sorting. 69 Do the same for your hubby. 70 Do the same for his dress socks if he can get away with always wearing the same black ones during fall/winter at least. 71 Stash kids’ art supplies on a lazy Susan so everything is easily accessible. 72 Organize household bills in an accordion file with month-by-month pockets. 73 Hold onto paint chips, fabric swatches and brochures from your last redecorating session. You never know when you’ll need to reference them. Store them in an accordion file. 74 On your mudroom wall, hammer in two nails, then string wire between them. Provide clothes pegs and have your kids hang their wet mittens and gloves to dry overnight. 75 Banish tiny piles of coins and start saving in style. Get a designer piggy bank and keep it by the entranceway, laundry or kitchen—wherever you’d like to dump your change.Image courtesy of Pottery Barn Organizing tips 76-99 76 Tired of that circa-90s cast-iron pot rack? Move it from the kitchen to the garage or potting shed and use it to keep garden tools organized. 77 Get – and use – a garden hose caddy. 78 Edit your hangers. Choose: wire, plastic or wood and unify the hangers in every closet. 79 Use pillboxes to stash your earrings and rings when traveling. 80 Use a soda-can dispenser in the fridge so you can access your pop easily without tipping. 81 Use a wall-mounted broom and mop holder, or tie ribbon loops on the end of poles and hang them from hooks in your closet, garage or utility closet. 82 Make a party kit. Stash napkins, extra glassware and plates, votive candles and holders, extra vases, cocktail picks and other necessities in an old wine crate and pull it out pre-party or pre-holiday entertaining so you don’t waste valuable cupboard space. 83 Use a binder to store all medical records and information for everyone in your family, including each pet. Use dividers for each family member and include plastic pouches or expandable pockets to contain receipts and tiny record cards. 84 Stash awkward, easy-to-misplace necessities (extra hairbrushes, lint roller) in decorative reusable tote bags. Hang them off a doorknob in every room. 85 Burn digital images to CD once a month so you’ll never lose them if your computer (gasp!) crashes. Or print them ASAP! 86 Store photos in archival-quality, acid-free boxes until you have time to organize them in albums. 87 Get a heavy-duty paper shredder for peace of mind – and efficient shredding without risk of overheating. 88 Place your shredder where you intercept daily mail. If that’s the kitchen, so be it. 89 Put a small plastic caddy in your gym bag so you can manage hair care and skincare products without dropping anything. Excess water will just drain out. 90 Stop losing lock combinations and computer passwords once and for all. Jot everyone’s codes and combinations down in a notebook and store it in your family’s fireproof lockbox. 91 Store reusable shopping bags one inside the other. 92 Always keep one cute, foldable shopping tote in each of your heavy-rotation purses so you’re never caught without. 93 Avoid the last-minute drugstore run by always having a kit of your favourite travel-sized toiletries (and common OTC meds like allergy pills) packed and waiting in your suitcase. 94 Get a gift-wrap organizer and stock up on a year’s worth of wrap and ribbons, or ready-to-fill bags and tissue. 95 If perishables regularly go to waste in your fridge, start planning weekly dinner menus. Just buy ingredients for those meals, plus lunch basics. Post the menu on your fridge so you’re on track. 96 Mount a magnetized knife rack to a wall in your utility closet or basement, to keep your most commonly used screwdrivers and wrenches handy, not buried in the toolbox. 97 Donate your battery-powered emergency flashlights and stock up on windup models so you never have to worry about replacing batteries. 98 Stop stressing over the emergency preparedness kit the Canadian government recommends all families have. Just make one and get on with your life. Visit getprepared.ca http://getprepared.ca/kit/basic_e.asp to learn what to put in it. Stash it in a rolling suitcase so it’s mobile in case you have to be, too. 99 Plan a closet cleanout once per season. Less mess makes staying organized a lot easier.Image courtesy of Pottery Barn- Credit
- Claire Smith
-
East meets West: Asian-inspired decor East meets West: Asian-inspired decor
East meets West: Asian-inspired decor ofCreative ideas At an East-meets-West themed party, floral designer Frank Rea of Forget Me Not in Oakville, Ont., dramatically blends Asian style with an art deco decor. His creative ideas are adaptable to any theme, and are guaranteed to wow your guests.Bamboo stalks are relatively easy to arrange. "Keep the arrangement asymmetrically balanced, which is more visually interesting than a totally symmetrical one," says Frank Rea. Here, the stalks are "bedded" in polished black river stones. Glass votives are lined up behind the thick-glass-bottom vases, giving the illusion that the lit candles are underwater. Graphic shapes and a strong but simple green-and-white colour scheme create loads of impact in this Eastern-influenced display. "Green arrangements are very hot right now," says Frank. "In Paris, they're everywhere -- in hotel lobbies, shops." Orchids, spiky lily grass and mammoth Monstera leaves are arranged in tall dark-green bamboo tubes. "We needed elevation because the ceilings were so high and the bamboo worked with the theme," says Frank. He says arrangements on buffet tables should be at or above eye level, so you don't lose them among platters and utensils.The square motif that was present in the room's furnishings is reinforced by square vases, which Frank grouped for impact. Black river rocks that line the bottom set off white orchid blooms and candles. Square votive candles were melted together so that they'd float in the centre of the vases. Bamboo stalks and votives are displayed on a shallow ledge along the perimeter of the room. On the main table, limes, grapes, bamboo stalks, banana leaves, unripened bananas and braided bamboo trees, which were added for impact and height, create a medley of greens. Frank Rea's tips On occasionHere are designer Frank Rea's foolproof tips for designing and throwing a party that's perfect. •Use containers for arrangements that build on the theme, like bamboo tubes for an East-meets-West party, or distressed terra-cotta flowerpots for a Tuscan look. •Work with existing decor. "Go with what the decor suggests, and stay with one colour scheme if there isn't a consistent look in the house," says Frank. "That way you can create flow from the street to foyer, cocktail area and reception area." •Create impact. "You have to have an edge," says Frank. It can be one exotic leaf on a table, like a huge banana leaf layered over stalks of bamboo or dramatic Monstera leaves used as placemats or placed beneath a serving platter.•Stagger arrangements on a buffet table, leaving room for food trays. If there's a light fixture hanging over the centre of the table, put two main arrangements on either end of the table rather than one in the middle for a more balanced display. •Keep arrangements in proportion to the size and scale of the room. "Ceiling height and room size affect the scale of the treatment," Frank says. "Don't overpower a room unless you're going for a tropical jungle theme or maybe a secret garden." •Prepare a menu and use accessories that support your theme. Use lighting, linens, cutlery and china to create a blank canvas for colourful food; or, for even more punch, serve food that matches your colour scheme. •Choose flowers that fit the theme. Delicate lily-of-the-valley blooms and a Zen-garden-theme dinner party don't go, just as dramatic foliage like Alocasia leaves at a Parisian salon-theme luncheon would stand out like weeds in a parterre.- Credit
- Kathleen Dore
Site sections Overview
-
From the Editor
Welcome to the new styleathome.com!
I'm delighted to welcome you to Style at Home's all-new website, Canada's online decorating and design destination. And this is just the beginning! We'll continue to develop the site and launch many new features over the next few months, including a full Style at Home community section. Become a member and we'll notify you when new updates are made.
-
Latest issue
The before & after issue
In this issue
Before & after
Bathroom suites: Enjoy 5 inspiring designs; Whole home makeovers: Stunning interiors - before and after their spectacular renovations; Pure & simple: Preview a living/dining room from design editor Samantha Pynn's new TV show, Pure Design!; Cosy... more -
Featured Blog
Favourite Things
Latest Posts
-
Poll
-
Quiz
Quiz: Are you a domestic goddess?
Find out if you're an inspiration or a cautionary tale.
Forum Buzz
-
Quiz
Quiz: What's your kitchen style?
For many, the kitchen is the hub of the home. Find out what style suits you best.
-
MY H&G Store
Build Like A Pro Remodeling A Kitchen
This book covers the process of remodeling a kitchen from start to finish, including design, carpentry, mechanical systems and cabinet installation. Illustrated with hundreds of photos, drawings and step-by-step information.more
-
Editor's Picks
- How to: Make a bed
- What today's windows are wearing
- Up close and personal with Jamie Kennedy
- Buying guide: Pillows, sheets and duvets
- Wine & spirits: Summer sipping
- Video: Decorating for small spaces
- A beautiful beach cottage
- How to: Bring summer into your home
- 5 lessons for mixing colour and pattern
- Eco-friendly design
- Design secrets: Where the pros shop
