Pamela Sandall Design

It's a regional thing...

noreply@blogger.com (PSDesigns) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 20:36:00 +0000

I am struck every day by the difference in design sensibilities between Oregon and California...not that one is better than the other...just the difference.

I've noticed that the interiors reflect what's going on outside the front door. The colors that many (most?) clients prefer in Oregon tend towards muted earth tones...in varying intensities to be sure. The number one requested designer color seems to be a shade of green. The styles tend towards the more relaxed and casual as well.

In California, at least the southern part, the interiors are more light & bright tones, reflecting the omni-present sunshine. Lots of sunny yellows and paler, clearer blues (and greens!). Where there are darker colors, they are more steeped in traditional style. Additionally, there is a huge Spanish influence in the shape and finishes in the structures. This too is brought indoors. Tile flooring seems more common than wood. No surprise there!

Here's a sampling of some of the trends.

All images are credited to Interior Design Center

Are we REALLY over blue yet?? Take a peak and see!

noreply@blogger.com (PSDesigns) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 06:19:00 +0000

Are we over all this blue?

Houzz- Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel and More»

Browse Kids Products on Houzz- For Example:

Baby Swings And Bouncers · Children Lighting · Kids Bedding · Kids Beds · Kids Decor · Kids Dressers · Kids Tables · Rocking Chairs And Gliders ·

Yikes...checking in!

noreply@blogger.com (PSDesigns) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 07:39:00 +0000

It's been a busy couple of months! I have been working with several clients in the Portland area and kicking off business in Southern California as well!

It's a little crazy at the moment, but I am looking forward to adding resource options for my Portland clients and bringing a little "Northwest Flavor" to SoCal!

See you in the sunshine!

Furniture Makeovers

noreply@blogger.com (PSDesigns) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 19:17:00 +0000

Making over a yard sale find is fun and satisfactory, but taking a family piece and making it looking fresh, new and beautiful has an even greater satisfaction.

Fifteen years ago, I found a sad little chair for $10 at second hand store. I loved the lines, but it had been painted a less-than-lovely pure white (picture a can of spray paint!). I took the finish off and stained it a rich mahogany shade, recovered the seat and voila'! a great new piece. It has been a little accent chair in the corner of the room for years.

A few weeks ago, I decided my apple green office could use a dash of my favorite shade of pink. I took out the trusty chair, sanded off the mahogany finish and painted it a bold, glossy pink. I re-upholstered the seat cover and now my little $10 chair has new life.

The Updated & Perky Chair

In that same vein, I had our old kitchen table which I moved into my office to give an added work surface. (During the school year, my youngest kiddo will use this as a homework spot if I'm working on the big desk!) It too needed the benefit of a facelift. With the aid of a palm sander, we took the old clear coat finish lightly down, primed it and painted it a creamy, glossy white. To protect the surface it has the requisite glass top and I finished it with contemporary lighting and magnetic project boards.

I replaced the wooden knob with a contemporary acrylic one (this is actually a small curtain finial!) and added a playful tassel. My favorite part however???? I painted the inside of the drawer hot pink and finished it off with a coat of shellac to protect. Realistically the only person who will ever see this is me (the drawer houses my colored pens), but that's kind of the point!!

The New Finished Workspace

This weekend's project however has a little more significance. In my family room resides a smallish cocktail table that belonged to my beloved grandmother. Many of the pieces in my home were first in hers. In fact it's from her home that I first learned to appreciate the art of "nesting" (more on that later). This poor little table with the fabulous Parsons lines and inlaid brass had suffered under leaking ceramic planters, cups with no coasters and Nintendo controllers.

(pictures pending!)

Today, the sad little table got a new lease on life. It was sanded down to virtually clean wood, then restrained in black. Tomorrow it will receive a light sanding, a coat or two (or three!) of shellac (NO VARATHANE!), followed by more sanding with 4 ott steel wool, and a hearty rub of paste wax. It's laborious to be sure, but a labor of love, none-the-less.

Nana would be proud.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Chandenality

noreply@blogger.com (PSDesigns) — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 03:52:00 +0000

As anyone that knows me is well aware, I am a sucker for a chandelier. After finishing a delish dinner in our little town, we walked off our meal with a stroll and I found this little gem of an idea in a store window appropriately called "Lucky Me".

Directions:

#1 Start with one disreputable chandelier
#2 Select room and appropriate color
#3 Clean and lightly sand
#4 Add spray paint color of choice
#5 Hang and enjoy

Now I know these instructions are ridiculously simple but that is merely to illustrate the point of how EASY it is to add a little "chandenality" to any room in your space in your home.

Pamela Sandall

The Art of Nesting (as learned through life experience)

noreply@blogger.com (PSDesigns) — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 07:51:00 +0000

As the child of many a divorce, I grew up in several households. I don't say that as in "woe is me", but only to define the following: Home really is where the heart is! Your home, in my humble opinion, is the heart and soul of you. I once told my students that your home should give you a big hug when you walk in the front door and if it doesn't, steps should be taken to correct that!

I lived in a home for nine years that I hated. It wasn't the neighborhood or the neighbors or the placement on the lot. It was the home itself. Everyday was a challenge. Decorating it was a challenge (a real pain for someone in my business!). Living in the home was a challenge. The house didn't live the way we did. Perhaps you can relate...the living room had no living going on. The family room was hidden in the basement, far away from the kitchen which for us, truly was the heart of the home. The kitchen, in our 1936 tudor, was an afterthought where mom was banished back in the day, while dad entertained his cronies in the living room. This was NOT the way we lived. We crammed the entire family most evenings into our little kitchen and breakfast nook.

We lived there for nine years and when we moved to our home now, with it's high ceilings and open concept floor plan, I felt like we'd finally come home. Does your home do this for you? Does your home give you a giant hug as you enter? Does your home invite you to sit down, shake off the stress of the day and invite you in?

If not, take a look around and figure out why. Life is too short to not live beautifully. I'm interested to hear your thoughts and comments about how you live? Are you being hugged as walk in the door (and I don't mean by your significant other or kiddos, although that's great too!)? Are you willing to share? I'm interested in hearing your stories, so email me! pamsandall@comcast.net.

Pam

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

What does a designer do?

noreply@blogger.com (PSDesigns) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 16:48:00 +0000

I currently serve on the Board of Directors of our local IDS chapter as Past President, having served 2.5 years in the position of President. When my term was over, I was able to fulfill the next goal within that organization: to find a philanthropic partner and facilitate that partnership. We've selected an organization that helps families with their housing needs. The perfect tie-in for an organization of designers! The families this group helps have often times had to leave their previous homes under less than ideal, if not dire, circumstances. The Annie Ross House is a transitional housing program that gets families back in the position of having a safe and comfortable place to live. These homes are somewhat temporary from four months to a year or so, and aid the family in the process of getting back on their feet. The 'things' that are donated go into the homes and, in the ongoing effort to keep them housed, become the belongings of the homeowner. Our role in this partnership is readying homes for families in need to occupy.

But what does this mean? Is it enough to toss in some furniture and hope for the best? Or are we serving better by giving the same thought to the resident that we would give to our paying homeowners? Taking in the needs they may have physically, the people living in the home together and how they interact together. Possibly using our talents and our design to encourage strengthening the relationships.

We were given not much time to prepare for our first project. In fact, once we had confirmed the relationship between the organization and our chapter, we have four homes coming up in fairly short order!! The first one was the smallest - a two bedroom cottage. The team jumped right to it. Cheryl Belozer, took team lead, Brian Kemnitz handled the organization, set up and execution of the painting, while Susan Adams-Messmer, Sue Lass and John Thompson jumped right in. A wonderful warm neutral paint was selected to warm up the formerly stark white walls. Eventually, all the units will be similarly warmed up with the occasional accent wall thrown in to jazz up individual spaces.

Brian Kemnitz, our wonderful painter

Cheryl and her hubby Martin

John Thompson

Brian hard at work


Sue Lass

Day two of the project was load in and staging day. Again, Cheryl, Sue, Susan and me were on hand to transform and empty (but freshly painted!) shell, into a warm family home to welcome it's new residents.

Our first project completed was for a mother & daughter. We had the opportunity to meet these two ladies while the painting was going on. The mother was gracious and grateful and the daughter was exuberant and even got to help with a few last minute paint touch ups, which thrilled her! The unit they have moved into is a very small two bedroom cottage - kitchen, living room, two bedrooms and a bath. We pulled from what had been donated, and the end result looked pretty great, especially knowing everything was someone else's castoffs! See our processes and successes below.

Sue Lass readying moms room


Cheryl & Martin getting the young girls room fluffed. Note the cute headboard...was plain white - now painted in the girls favorite colors!

Mom's Room - a little shabby chic


Young girls room

As a final note, these homes have a constant need. If you have household items, decor items or furniture to donate, please contact me! I'll connect you with this great organization.

Pam

Market Finds 2011 Chandeliers - My Favorite!

noreply@blogger.com (PSDesigns) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 17:27:00 +0000

Okay....I MUST start the market recap with something that combines two favorites:

Pink (the Pantone color of the year) and CHANDELIERS (of course!)

Lookee!!!

Okay...back to it. Lighting is such a basic to any space in your home. Watch tomorrow for a post on the various uses of lighting as well as some timely updates on bulb types. For today, just enjoy the view of some of latest and greatest fixtures from the Las Vegas Furniture Market!

First, a couple of treats from the hotel lobbies:

The Paris Lobby...ooo La La!

The Spa at the Bellagio

Great shape on a drum shade.

So Vegas...look at all that glitter!

Black glass...this one also comes in white!

...and red!

Imagine this floating over your elegant dining table!

This was the biggest chandelier at the show!

Okay...not a chandelier, but how cool is this? The shade (below) is ever slightly translucent.

One of my favorites - up close here - silk shades and lucite and below...

Christopher Guy wall sconce. Fantastic.

Trending Pink or ....

noreply@blogger.com (PSDesigns) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 14:00:00 +0000

...the all things pink post.

Here are few of the ways that pink was incorporated - perhaps not so subtlety into the designs seen at market:

Are you nestled calmly in a serene blue space? Rev it up with a punch of pink!

Acrylic legs, tufted raspberry velvet bench. Is your boudoir calling out for this?

The lamp on the right was actually a great pinky-red shade.

Pink paint as the backdrop.

A grand pink divan....divine!

Modern pink wallpaper as the backdrop.

A lonely hot pink number nestled in a see of 2010 trending turquoise.

Yummy.

Hmmmm...where I can put this. Want one?

The Color of the Year - 2011

noreply@blogger.com (PSDesigns) — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 02:27:00 +0000

In the Pink...rather, Honeysuckle!

I've just returned from a rather spectacular shopping expedition...the Las Vegas Furniture Market. This was my first trip to this show and it was incredible! First day out??? A private meet and greet and 'dish' from HGTV personality Monica Pederson sharing the color trend of 2011:

Honeysuckle (or for the men in the group - pink).

Silly of me I know, but I was so excited to see this shade of pink. I have been using this color has been on my business cards and website for years as it's my personal favorite and signature shade!

And here's what the Pantone Website has to say (pasted here edited for your convenience!) about their color of the year selection:

A Color for All Seasons
Courageous. Confident. Vital. A brave new color, for a brave new world. Let the bold spirit of Honeysuckle infuse you, lift you and carry you through the year. It’s a color for every day – with nothing “everyday” about it.

While the 2010 color of the year, PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise, served as an escape for many, Honeysuckle emboldens us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor. A dynamic reddish pink, Honeysuckle is encouraging and uplifting. It elevates our psyche beyond escape, instilling the confidence, courage and spirit to meet the exhaustive challenges that have become part of everyday life.

“In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going – perfect to ward off the blues,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Honeysuckle derives its positive qualities from a powerful bond to its mother color red, the most physical, viscerally alive hue in the spectrum.”

Eiseman continues, “The intensity of this festive reddish pink allures and engages. In fact, this color, not the sweet fragrance of the flower blossoms for which it was named, is what attracts hummingbirds to nectar. Honeysuckle may also bring a wave of nostalgia for its associated delicious scent reminiscent of the carefree days of spring and summer.”

Honeysuckle is guaranteed to produce a healthy glow when worn by both men and women. It’s a striking, eye-catching hue that works well for day and night in women’s apparel, accessories and cosmetics, and in men’s ties, shirts and sportswear. Add a lively flair to interior spaces with Honeysuckle patterned pillows, bedspreads, small appliances and tabletop accessories. Looking for an inexpensive way to perk up your home? Paint a wall in Honeysuckle for a dynamic burst of energy in the family room, kitchen or hallway.

Honeysuckle products are currently available from a variety of manufacturers:

Paint
Honeysuckle is one of 3,000 colors available in Pantone’s line of superior-quality, eco-friendly paint. PANTONE Paints combine the accuracy of PANTONE Colors with the beauty of high-performance Dutch paints. See www.pantonepaints.com for more information.

Fashion
Honeysuckle always works with the standard basics of black, navy, charcoal or light to mid gray. But using complementary bronze greens like Willow PANTONE 16-0632 and/or Tapenade PANTONE 18-0840 adds a new sophistication to the combination that showcases the energy of Honeysuckle. The green tones can be really interesting in accessories for Honeysuckle tights and top. Another great and unique combination is Honeysuckle with a pinkish brown like Apricot Brandy PANTONE 17-1540. Think of a warm cashmere turtleneck in Apricot Brandy with a matching skirt and shoes to blend and flatter the legs. A Honeysuckle cashmere scarf and belt create a luscious combination. And to blend all the colors, try a big and bold patterned bag with every color mentioned above.

Home Interiors
Honeysuckle is upbeat and dynamic when used on large areas like the entry area of a house or an apartment. It is an appetite and conversation stimulant when used on the dining room walls. In the kitchen, it adds a fun touch on the table in placemats and other linens (patterned or solid), colored glassware, candles and small appliances. Honeysuckle is a great color to cover up shabby kitchen cabinets, or, if that’s too much of a color statement for you, try repainting knobs and drawer pulls. But be warned – once you try this arresting shade, it can become addictive.

PCC Week Two - Custom Furniture Design and Construction

noreply@blogger.com (PSDesigns) — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 09:40:00 +0000

Have you spent several weekends searching in vain for the perfect sofa?? Some are too long or perhaps not long enough, deep enough or comfortable enough? You may have even asked if you could get this sofa in a smaller size - only to be told that it was either not an option or there was a hefty fee to do this.

I work directly with a furniture manufacturer to bring my clients pieces that fit their home, their lifestyle, their personal style and their wallets! Homeowners can choose from a variety of choices inside the cushions for maximum comfort!!

The trend this season is on trimmings: Skirts are back, nailheads are in, tufting is all over the place!

The options are limitless and need not be daunting for the un-initiated! Take a peak below to view some of the options. All of the pieces below can be created in thousands of fabric options, trim options and configurations. Need a sectional? No problem! Need a hide-a-bed? Easy. Want it in leather? Absolutely! And all for about what you pay for a non-custom item at your local retailer!

PCC Class - Decorating Outside of the Box

noreply@blogger.com (PSDesigns) — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 09:26:00 +0000

Did you know that designers have access to places you probably don't? Chances are you DO know this, but when you make the decision to purchase that new sofa this coming weekend or add a little visual interest to your room with updated accessories, you don't stop for a moment to consider that your designer might just have the resources you want that you won't necessarily see in your neighbor's front window!

I've been teaching a home decor class to homeowners for seven years and am always asked by at least two or three of my students if they can shop where I do. This session with PCC, I made it a reality! Each week, we're meeting in a different location to see what the options are in custom home decor. Week one was in the classroom for an overview class of creating a good design plan.

Week two? On to custom furniture!
Week three? Lighting
Week four? Surfaces showroom
Week five? More surfaces as we hit a local supplier to see just how many choices there are for your kitchen or bath remodel!
Week six? Local Showroom tour - wrapping it up with accessory, fabrics and casegoods. (We may need three more weeks!)

Sounds fun, but you'll miss this time? Check back as this class is offered again in the spring session at PCC.

Maison+Object - Paris Furniture and Design Show

noreply@blogger.com (PSDesigns) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 19:01:00 +0000

I've been out for a bit...traveling yes, but I also had a wonderful time attending one of the premier trade shows available to interior designers in Paris, France.

I have more information to follow in upcoming blog postings, including links out to some of the fabulous resources I'll be adding to my current cache. In the meantime, here's a sampling of what I saw. Bear in mind that MOST of the vendors (especially the ones based in France) prohibit photography!

Pam

Photo Bucket - Maison+Object Gallery

More chandeliers.

noreply@blogger.com (PSDesigns) — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 21:21:00 +0000

Pamela Sandall

Create a Decorating File

noreply@blogger.com (PSDesigns) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 22:55:00 +0000

Create a Decorating File - If you've attended ANY of my classes or ever had an appointment with me, you KNOW I am firm believer in keeping it all together. I just completed a bathroom remodel in my own home and followed my own advice. It was a huge help!

Your Decorating File can be any style of file that works for you. Here are a few examples from The Container Store:

These are great little pockets that hold a bit. Think of one per room or per project.

Pretty File Folders are always handy!

Magazine Holders are an interesting option. While they hold bulkier items (tile/fabric samples), they don't travel as well.

This set up is awesome. Not as 'pretty', but each divider can accommodate a separate space. Use color coded files INSIDE of this to coordinate with your room decor color!

Magazine clippings of rooms the inspire you.
Use and online gathering place and print out the ones that excite you the most. HOUZZ is a great place to start online. Their Idea Book is a great tool.
Don't hesitate to snap pictures if you have a camera phone when you're shopping or carry a small digital camera and take pictures of hotel lobbies, retail stores, your neighbors table vignette....whatever inspires you.
Your rooms dimensions including the window measure. You might find an awesome 'find' that you can't return and will need these.
Paint swatches - either what you have if your project is under way or what you've selected.

Alliteration. A Repitition. A Really Good Idea.

noreply@blogger.com (PSDesigns) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 08:21:00 +0000

–noun

1. the commencement of two or more stressed syllables of a word group either with the same consonant sound or sound group (consonantal alliteration), as in from stem to stern, or with a vowel sound that may differ from syllable to syllable (vocalic alliteration), as in each to all.

2. the commencement of two or more words of a word group with the same letter, as in apt alliteration's artful aid.

–noun

1. the act of repeating; repeated action, performance, production, or presentation.

2. repeated utterance; reiteration.

3. something made by or resulting from repeating.

4. a reproduction, copy, or replica.

There's a great simplicity in objects and shapes repeated. We went for dinner this week to one of my favorite restaurants - Pazzos - and while leaving strolled through the lobby of the Vintage Hotel. I took a moment (while the cab waited :)) to take a few pics of this handy design trick from their lobby. The final picture is from Anthropologie where they've repeated chandeliers all finished in white.

As with poetry, there is something pleasing in the overall composition of repeated items. Simple. Effective.

Pazzos
The Vintage Hotel
Anthropologie

Shopping in North Hollywood

noreply@blogger.com (PSDesigns) — Mon, 10 May 2010 06:41:00 +0000

A couple of weeks ago, I made a trip to So. California. My family lives there and it's fun to shop with my mom and sisters. Our final full day, we made a trip to North Hollywood to visit these little hole-in-the-wall shops my sister loves! They had some pretty great finds - it was almost enough to wish I'd driven to SoCal, rather than flew!! :)

Loved the style of these chairs. The fabric looks a lot trendier in the picture than in person, but they were solid as a rock and would easily have been worth re-upholstering.

Last year I worked on the Street of Dreams and we used acrylic chairs in the dining area. While shopping for the chairs, I came across tons of great looks in the original version - Lucite! This is one of a pair of fabulous Lucite chairs. Never mind the tacky 1980's car upholstery on the seats...picture a fantastic white leather or something completely off the wall...zebra? Pink fur? And while I was extolling the virtues of the white leather I would have put on the chairs, we wandered next door and look what was in front of THAT one???

Sadly, there was only one of these...had there been two, I might just have rented a car for the trip home.

And last, in the Lucite category was the very retro table - 40's or 50's maybe? Solid slap of Lucite - very thick - with legs in the oddest place. Not at the four corners but on the four sides. And the legs were solid brass. Very interesting.

It was hard to photograph this...very tight quarters and three coffee tables stacked high.

More Chandeliers...these from a couple of little shops in "NoHo" - North Hollywood, California

noreply@blogger.com (PSDesigns) — Mon, 10 May 2010 06:33:00 +0000

Very Retro...they're actually doing these again NOW, but this one is vintage!

Another one of my traditional faves...

This is pretty funky (my daughter hates it when I use that word - apparently I'm too old to use it!)

Pamela Sandall

Great class tonight. Thank you Missy!

noreply@blogger.com (PSDesigns) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 07:00:00 +0000

This was week TWO of my "Decorating Divas" class at PCC. Week one we cover the basics of design. Week two, we get ready to begin our projects by making space by clearing out the clutter. Since I'm SURE the class gets tired of my face, I asked Missy Gerber, of Organizers NW to guest speak for this class. She offered us GREAT information and practical advice (below)! Thank you very much, Missy for giving up a bit of your evening.

Visit her online @

Missy Gerber, Organizers NW

Organizing your space (and feel free to comment here, Missy!) can be broken into a five step process, easily remembered by the acronym: SPACE (create more)

Sort - when organizing your space, say a clothes closet, sort like items together...do you really need 6 white blouses? Sort: To Keep/To Sell/To Toss
Pare down/Purge - get rid of things that don't fit, that you don't love, that don't suit your life, don't nurture your heart
Assign - a place for it to go...WHERE exactly are you going to keep that oh so fascinating object d'art?
Contain - NOW you can run to the store (or the garage?!?) and organize what's left
Evaluate - periodically, revisit the organized area...evaluate what's working, re-work what's not

Many questions were posed by the class including organizing a pantry, jewelry, dealing with spouses with habits ... different... than ours.

We also heard some great quotes that I thought expanding on for upcoming articles would be fun:

"Horizontal Surface Abuse" (loved this one). Picture it. Dining room table. You've come home (mail on the table). Kids come home (school papers to sign and homework...on the table). Sweetie comes home (keys, wallet, glasses, tie, pocket schrapnel, receipts, parking stubs, dry cleaning ticket, spare change...all on the table).
"Postponed Decisions" (guilty) Go visit the dining room table. Or the "inbox" or the "To Do" folder.
"Paralyzed by Perfection" (again, guilty) You absolutely, positively can't even THINK about getting organized until you've visited Storables, The Container Store and Office Max for the perfect organizing system, consulted your interior designer on the floor plan, selected the perfect paint color, purchased and installed your perfect new, ergonomically correct desk AND re-carpeted your office. Phew. I'm tired just typing it, let alone doing it. Soooo, just do it!

And several suggestions you should try for immediate gratification:

The Useful Drawer

A few other notes...a pantry that isn't super functional can benefit from retro-fitted drawers installed in your cupboards: Frank Morgan - Pullout Shelves

The Useful Drawer

noreply@blogger.com (PSDesigns) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 06:00:00 +0000

One of my favorite organizing helpers is (what we call in our house) The Useful Drawer. I set this up years ago on (yet another) swing at organizing our family of five.

The useful drawer, formerly known as the junk drawer, the junque drawer or junk drawer 1 (1996), junk drawer 2 (1999), junk drawer 3 (2000) was something I read about in one of the copious amounts of organizing books I've purchased (yes Missy, I did say purchased! Missy Gerber of Organizer's NW is huge proponent of LIBRARY books. Love these, too, but it's just not the same...but I digress). We had a houseful of junk drawers. Maybe you do too? about 10 years ago, I recreated this drawer to one per floor (at the time a three story house). Main floor was in the kitchen, of course. Basement was a toolbox in the laundry room, and upstairs was the top drawer in the hall chest. This handy little drawer contained some or all of the following in EACH location.

Tape
Scissors/coupon cutter
paper clips/rubber bands/alligator clips
thumb tacks
convertible screw driver
small hammer
picture nails and hooks
thumbtacks/tack stick/glue
post it notes (although I've since sworn off of these!)

The beauty of these drawers is the ease of finding what you need quickly AND being able to get it back there quickly to find it again!

The article below is a re-print of Missy Gerber (of Organizers NW) Helper Drawer - same idea, different name (italics are where I felt the need for personal commentary):

Thank you Missy

Make Your Junk Drawer A "Helper" Drawer A junk drawer makeover is a great way to start off the New Year. It is a relatively small project without the emotional potholes that a bigger project, such as cleaning out a closet, might have. We don't generally have emotional ties to loose keys, dead batteries, and paperclips like we do those designer shoes we never wear but can't seem to part with. So make a commitment, don't answer the phone or check email. Spend 60 minutes of focused time on organizing your junk drawer, and it will reward your efforts every time you open it.

Follow these steps to achieve total satisfaction:
1. Remove EVERYTHING from your junk drawer.
2. Give the drawer a good wipe down.
3. Make decisions regarding what gets to go back in the drawer. What goes in the drawer should only be items that are used in the kitchen area. Business cards and paper clips belong in your office area, not the kitchen.

Some useful items may be:
o Small hammer and screwdriver (Stop using your good knives).
o Scissors o Scotch Tape o Small Tape Measure
Measure the drawer and take stock of the items that will be returning. Reuse or purchase individual drawer organizers.

We love Storables line of sustainable bamboo drawer organizers. Just make sure you take your drawer measurements and a sketch of how you would like the drawer laid out. Storables also makes a battery rack (note to self: get the one with the on board battery tester) to help organize all those batteries that shouldn't be, but probably are, rolling around in your junk drawer. Lay out the configuration of your containers and items. Make sure what is frequently used is at the front of the drawer, and less used items at the back. Purchase a roll of Velcro® tape and place small squares of the tape on the bottom of the drawer and the drawer organizers. Voila! No more drawer organizers sliding around. (Yowza! Love this idea!!!!!!) Label the inside bottom of the drawer organizers with what items it will hold. This helps the whole family know where things are and where they should be returned. The goal is to make the item as easy to put away as it was to get it out in the first place.

Filing Systems

noreply@blogger.com (PSDesigns) — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 04:00:00 +0000

43 Tickler Files
Files numbered 1-31 (one per day of month)
plus
12 Monthly Files
Power bill due on the 23rd? Put it in the corresponding file (@23). Need order flowers for your sister's birthday on the 17th? Put it in that file...you get the idea.

The Verb Files
Rather than just a To Do file, be more specific:
To Call
To Email
To File
To Mail
???

Filing Systems
There are some decent systems out there...I recently found the Freedom Filer system and it looks pretty intriguing, but you might want to develop a system that works for YOU.

Color Coded file folders?? What happens your financial files are green and you're OUT of green file folders??? YIKES! Do you procrastinate your filing? Run to the store IMMEDIATELY? Think about neutral folders and color printed labels.

Missy Gerber suggestions a three tab system on your folders...all right hand files are financial, all left hand files are home information.

Portland. Northwest 23rd. Rainy Saturday.

noreply@blogger.com (PSDesigns) — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 05:02:00 +0000

Dare I say it??

MORE chandeliers today. Dropped my daughter off at Three Monkeys (looked for the website to link to...is it possible they don't have one???? Drop me a note if someone knows it) to pick up a jeweled treasure for prom and had to stop in. For those of you NOT from Portland or that haven't stopped in this store...this is the ultimate chick shop. And if, like me, you have a thing for chandeliers, you might get your fill (at least for the time you're in there). I only got to take two pictures before the darling daughter was done and bored with my chandelier infatuation. Here are the two treasures I found in this store:

This second one both my daughter and her friend liked.

And the best....this next one is just the coolest thing I've seen.

Just to clarify....this is made from an assortment if sterling silver spoons. All vintage. Fantastic! Here's a close up:

This is at a great shop called Manor Fine Ware. Curious Goods... Also on 23rd....Thanks to the ladies at the counter for the info and for letting me share.

Pamela Sandall

IDS meeting today at Northwest Rugs in Wilsonville

noreply@blogger.com (PSDesigns) — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 01:46:00 +0000

We had a great meeting today. I was, as usual the last to leave but stayed a but longer to do a little shopping. I have been looking for rugs for my living room and dining room but didn't realize the great furniture piece they had!! The furniture pieces are for various client projects, the rugs??? Maybe for me? I'm my own worst client! Here's a taste:

This one may not look awesome as taken from the iphone, but it's pretty lovely in person! Pale blue with creamy leaves. It might need to come home with me.

IDS Meeting today at NW Rugs in Wilsonville

noreply@blogger.com (PSDesigns) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 06:33:00 +0000

I love this store. Rugs make such a differ

Awesome Day - Thanks to my wonderful clients!

noreply@blogger.com (PSDesigns) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 04:19:00 +0000

I've been working with these gals for a couple of years now and I'll often got a phone call for a little 'retail therapy' and room restyling. The week before Spring Break was the retail therapy piece and we had a great time. We get to shop retail so we can walk away with it. We'll hit the Home Goods/TJ Maxx/Marshalls group of stores for some instant gratification. We walked out with 2 pairs of chairs, a desk and end table, area rugs, a pallet of art pieces, towels, accessories, pillows and bedding.

Today, we staged a two bedroom apartment with our finds and our existing cache of supplies. We hung about a dozen art pieces on the walls, draperies, fluffed beds, primped bathrooms, styled the kitchen and generally made the place look like it was inhabited. (I think I need to take some pictures!! The one below is three units ago!) This model must be doing a good job of selling itself as we have to keep relocating it as it gets rented.

I love my job!