Spring Projects: Low cost, Big results

In this economic down swing when stress is running amuck in everyone’s lives, now is a time to look around your home and office to see what can be changed to reduce stress. One great place to start is with clutter. Living and working in a space full of clutter is enough to make your head spin, not to mention that it’s bad Feng Shui. Clutter has an extremely negative effect on people in general. Removing clutter from a space and organizing it is like lifting a burden off your shoulder. So, start this spring doing a little organizing and enjoy the feeling of accomplishment. Not sure where to put all that junk? Find creative ways to add storage to your space, such as by using an ottoman that doubles as a trunk, or building a bench with drawers that hide kids’ toys.
One you’re organized and can see the walls and floor again, consider giving the room a face lift. It gives things a clean fresh look, but it’s also an opportunity to add to the calming effect you’ve created by removing clutter. Paint is an inexpensive way to change the mood of a room for the better. Light shades of green are great for reducing stress. Other light colors coming from nature can have a similar effect, and neutrals go great with virtually any furnishings. Beware of using bright colors that can over stimulate the brain, such as reds. The goal here is to reduce stress, not add to it.
So what are you waiting for? Go make this year’s spring project one that will improve your quality of life!

The Lady’s Room Consignment Boutique: Chapter Two

About one year ago I took a business class to assist me in setting up my new interior design consulting firm. During the process I met an amassing group of women all looking to succeed in making dreams come true by starting and maintaining successful businesses. This is where I meet Pam Olson, owner of The Lady’s Room. At that time in early 2008, the store was only a pipe dream. After getting to know Pam, she asked if I could take a look at the space she had leased and give her some ideas. We quickly put some plans together, added some color, and in April 2008 she opened up for business. In late January this year, Pam contacted me and informed me that she was out of space and wanted to move to a bigger location with more pedestrian traffic. So off we went again. Taking part in the process from the start this time around, I had the opportunity do some quick calculations. We made sure she had enough space to display her wares with a little growth space to boot. Having the space we needed allowed us to create a much more inviting atmosphere. My partner always tells me a project half planned is a project half done. On the second go around with The Lady’s Room, this proved to be true. Good design can make or break the success of a new business, especially in the case of retail. I would like to thank Pam for trusting me with the design of her new space and I wish Pam the best of success in her new location!