family room

A family room is something that needs function as well as design.

When working with a family room I like to ask clients what they want to keep within the room or semi close.

In this case books were number 1.

This bookcase pictured is a set. The other is on the opposite side of the couch. W filled the shelves with books and the cupboards below with board games. 

Besides that she wanted it open and clean.

The before of this room the couch and shelves were moved closer to the television so there was walking space behind them all. It was not working and making the room look 10x smaller than the actual size. 

living room

This living room was definitely simplified. I don't have the before pictures but we removed pieces of furniture, rearranged, and styled the bookcase a bit.

As you can see the fireplace in this room we decided to keep bare. It's taller and also a mirror is a good way to open up the room and not draw too much attention.

I removed a lot from the top of the bookcase/hutch. We decided to keep it more simple so your eyes were drawn so high right away.

The table behind the sofa that isn't against the windows- we decided to do something that would most likely look good from both angles. My client loves plants and so this was what she really wanted and they did look the same from all angles.

We cleaned off the coffee table and also stacked the books in the shelves more formal and eye appealing.

I think it turned out nicely.

fireplace

When it comes to decorating/styling/organizing, one of the best things in my opinion is to simplify.
Sometimes you make more of a statement when you have less.

A fireplace is typically a focal point if it's in a living or family room. This fireplace use to have a couple more frames and greenery on it. With the client that I had these pictures were very important to her and so we limited to 1 frame per child and tried to get rid of the extra fluff.

This could be one option.
Another way that this would work would be to remove all of the frames and just have the plants.
It would still look great if the entire shelf was cleared off and the focal point was just the painting.

Hopefully you can brain storm and see those options.
Which design would be your favorite for the fireplace?

my mom is the best.

When my husband and I were dating I definitely showed my love towards him by doing "service."

I would surprise him by cleaning his apartment, doing his laundry, and even organized his closet. 

He told me he loved it but at the same time he probably thought I was a little crazy.

One thing I discovered while doing his laundry is the fact that his shirts ALL have to hang dry.

I hate high maintenance laundry but I've become use to it. 

My mom bought him this drying rack pictured below from Bed, Bath, & Beyond. It is our saving grace from preventing our house from becoming covered in clothes. It expands and also has multiple levels and we've loved it. We use it probably at least twice a week. I highly suggest it. When you aren't using it you just fold it up and put it in a closet. Poof!

my favorite type of organizing.

I love to organize and I have found that there are different types.

I’ve come to the conclusion that my favorite is, MULTI-USE organizing.

If you are a fan of Real Simple magazine you know they have a section in the back with multi-function items. This is and was my favorite section when I discovered it way back in Junior High. It seems like every time I look at that section I’m amazed, and also think to myself - I could have thought of that. 

I love coming across materials with a double use or even triple. 

Here are a few of my recent favorites.