family pictures

This post is fairly similar to the family files post. 

Since this client is on square one when it comes to scrapbooks, picture books, or getting her pictures in an order we can to the conclusion that we just needed to get everything separated. 

We had pictures from all over the house and cleared out frames as well. We got a Tupperware for each child and separated photos into them. The photos that had more than 3 kids we put in the family Tupperware. 

Now when school projects or Dvd's need to be made they will know where to go.

front entry

Your front entry can say a lot about you and set the tone and flow for the rest of your house.
With my client we wanted to make it welcoming, warm, and spiritual.

A mirror is seen right when you walk in, along with light and a statue of Christ.
She has a pretty piece of furniture that flows with her other pieces throughout the house.
We also added some color with flowers to brighten up the space along with a family picture that has a lot of meaning.
The structured lamp added some height and then the warm detailed chair was the last touch to make you feel welcome and also have that functional touch that was needed.

What do you have in your entry?

family files

This may look messy to some.
This right here is a handful of tests, grades, artwork, letters, song books, and more.
This client had stacks and piles and shelves of loose things for each of her children.

I decided right away that each kid needed a large Tupperware container
(because of the different sizes of things) and it wouldn't hurt to have some extra space for the years to come.
Once I had the containers I split everything up and labeled with tape for time time being.
While splitting into different containers I came across many things that could be tossed without question.

I didn't throw anything out before letting my client know but that was another way to make sure the sifting process also was productive.

Now when each kid moves away or gets married they can take their keepsake Tupperware with their special belongings.

throw pillows

When redoing a room whether you are cleaning out, revamping, rearranging, or just need an easy face lift -

A great throw pillow can do the trick. 

Usually when I'm cleaning and organizing - redecorating and arranging happens as well.

I think a little trick in keeping things clean and organized is to make sure you love your space. 

Once you've done your de-junk go treat yourself to a great throw pillow or 2, or 3 to spice up your room.

Here are some store links to some really cute options:

Target

Pier 1

Society 6

World Market

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?