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Posted on Tuesday, June 18, 2013 10:16 PM
WELCOME TO QUICK TIP TUESDAY'S I'm a big fan of decorating magazines. Let's face it, we all need a little inspiration now and then to get us through. I recently came across several cute & creatively clever makeovers, for household items that have seen better days. These are so cute, I had to share them with all of you. ( Photos courtesy of HGTV Magazine )  How fun is this one?Unscrew the hooks from a coatrack and paint the base a coordinating shade to either your room, or an accent color to give it punch. Take wooden balls from your local craft store, and paint each one with craft paint. Screw the hooks back onto the base, and attach the wooden balls to the end of each hook using hot glue or superglue and allow to full dry. You now have a great fun and creative coat rack for your mudroom or entry that looks brand new. Here's another creatively cute idea !! How many brass candlesticks have you gotten rid of in garage sales? Well, this might just make you want to go buy them back ... Simply spray paint in bold and flavorful colors with paint like Krylon Fusion (my favorite). Apply several coats and allow to dry. Add your favorite color candles to coordinate or compliment the base color and you have an awesomely creative and colorful accessories that friends and family will wish they had thought of themselves. So the next time you find yourself at a garage sale or flea market and think, who would want THAT ... remember these creative ideas and think to yourself ... ooooh I want THAT !! Patricia Marie Kelly CertifiedHome Enhancment Expert TM |
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Posted on Sunday, June 16, 2013 11:11 PM
WELCOME TO "SUMMER WEEKEND OF DREAMS" Follow us this summer, as we discover beautiful places around the globe, to bring you great design ideas for your home This week's stop ... Italy Italy offers a wealth of design possibilities everywhere you go... From the architectural history of Rome, to the canals of Venice, the sailing waters of Portfornio, the hills of Tuscano, and the mountain rich areas of Dolomites. From stately and elegant, to warm and cozy, to casual and inviting, in Italy there is something for everyone to dream about. One of the most common elements found in Italian design is arches. From doorways and windows, to fireplaces and more, beautiful designed arches are a feature that is repeatedly seen throughout the region. Marble, stone, and wrought iron, are just some of the other elements you will find in homes throughout the country. And yet with all similarities found throughout the country, you will still find huge variances in design styles and colors. While some parts of Italy are stately and historic with large amounts of white and cream colors as the foundation for its color palletes, with a splash of accent color added in, there are other areas of Italy where bright and vivid colors is abundant. Still the most common style of decorating derived from Italy is Tuscan. The warm and inviting colors of rust, warm brown, greens, golds and creams, brings together the feeling of comfort, serenity, family, and entertaining. Natural elements and greenery are integrated into every room, as if nature placed it there itself. Richly textured fabrics and hand painted ceramics are also commonly found. From Old World and Historic, to Formal and Elegant, or contemporary and cozy, Italy offers a wealth of variety and color pallete's to choice from, dream of, and hold dear in your heart everyday throughout your home. Patricia Marie Kelly Certified Home Enhancement Expert TM |
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Posted on Tuesday, June 04, 2013 10:20 PM
WELCOME TO QUICK TIP TUESDAY'S "Mr. Clean" to the Rescue
For many of us, preparing for summer parties and backyard activities means the annual spray painting of furniture and flower pots to help them look new again. Seems like to matter how careful you are, there is always paint from the can that either drips or backsprays, leaving small splatters of hand on your hands, that somehow never seems to come off completely. Well, for those needing help removing paint from hands and manicures, here's a tip that really works. Cut off a small square from a Mr. Clean Majic Eraser for removing paint off hands and especially nails. The chemically treated sponge is excellent at removing even black paint off fingertips and even under nails, helping hands and nails look fresh and DIY maintenance free. As someone who spray paints items frequently, I can tell you from experience, this sponge is definitely called "Majic" for a reason. |
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Posted on Sunday, June 02, 2013 7:03 PM
WELCOME TO "SUMMER WEEKEND OF DREAMS"  Follow us this summer, as we discover beautiful places around the globe,to bring you great design ideas for your home Today's stop ... Paris, France What is it about Paris that makes it such a romantic and beautiful place? Is it the feeling it creates in our hearts, or the beauty we see in our eyes .... Or do you see Paris as a place of Fashion exploding with Color? Or is it a place with history and vintage charm that makes us feel connected? Paris to each of us means different things that brings us joy and comfort in our hearts. So how do you bring that feeling into your home and keep that passion alive everyday? If France makes you think of Vintage decor and romance ... then soft colors, and antique or Old World decor may be something you will want to bring into your current home .... Vintage usually leads to styles of French Country and variations of which denotes soft colors and a romantic feel. Vintage can also be more of a stately and elegant design, with marble, metals, and stone as your guide. Maybe even a combination of both?  Maybe a French Bakery is what you remember or dream of ... The smell of freshly baked breads, or the smell of freshly brewed coffee ... Could a French Country Kitchen be something you would love to wake up to each day? Or maybe the streets of France with all its Color is what excites you ... Streets with bright colors of pink, yellow, red, and more. Flowers, and greenery surround you and transform you with the fragrant smell of fresh bouquets of flowers. Or is it the Moulin Rouge with it's fiery bold colors of Red that bring you back to the memories of your travels to France ... Whatever tickles your fancy, from luxurious and romantic, to vintage and historic, to fun and flavorful, or even a mixture of both, bringing Paris home is easy, when you know which elements inspire you. Let the passion, the beauty, and the history of France, become a part of your home. Patricia Marie Kelly Certified Home Enhancement Expert TM |
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Posted on Tuesday, May 28, 2013 11:37 AM
WELCOME TO QUICK TIP TUESDAY'S ( Photo courtesy of: HGTV Magazine ) Want a totally hip custom vase without custom prices? Slip rubber bands over a clear vase. Make sure there are no twists in the rubberbands so it lays smooth. Apply a light coat of spray paint made for adhering to glass. I've had great success with Krylon paints. Let the vases dry to the touch and remove the rubber bands. The unpainted glass underneath creates a swirl effect that is unique and different everytime. Patricia Marie Kelly Certified Home Enhancement Expert TM |
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Posted on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 9:57 PM
WELCOME TO QUICK TIP TUESDAY'S Warmer weather and spring cleaning seem go hand in hand. On that list is cleaning those pesty outdoor porch lites that somehow seem to draw bugs from near and far. This year, try a little tip that not only saves money, but also keeps bugs away. Replace your standard bulbs with an LED light bulb. The wattage transmitted does not attract bugs or mosquitos, making it an excellent choice for porches and patios, plus you'll be helping the environment. |
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Posted on Tuesday, May 07, 2013 10:00 AM
May signals the the start of Garage Sale Season Spring is in full gear and Garage Sale Season is heating up!! Are you ready to cash in on clutter? Maybe you are a garage sale shopper and LOVE to cash in on other people's clutter .... No matter if you are selling or shopping, here are a few simple Quick Tips to help you make the 2013 Garage Sale Season a successful one!! Tips for Garage Sale Shoppers ... 1. Remember to shop early for the best selection of items. Most garage sales start as early at 7:30am 2. Bring cash, especially singles. Don't lose out on a great bargain, because neither you or the seller has change. 3. Pack a styrofoam cooler in your trunk to hold fragile items you don't want broken. 4. Pack a blanket and twine in case you find a larger item that needs to be wrapped or tied down in your trunk. 5. Remember to pack water and a snack. Summertime heat can quickly drain you of energy and fluids. 6. MAKE A PLAN! Know what you are looking for at a Garage Sale. Shopping other's trash is not a reason to bring home more clutter. Garage Sales are a great way to find items you want or need, at great prices. Don't waste money buying items you won't have time to refinish, or items that look cute, only to become items in your own garage sale months later. Tips For Garage Sale Sellers ...... 1. Know your competition and join in the fun. Look for Community Garage Sales to increase your advertising $$ and increase your sale day traffic. 2. Take the time to display your unwanted treasures as if you were in a retail store. Group like items together like baby clothes with baby toys, or sport equipment with sports jerseys,memorabilia, etc. 3. Wear an Carpenter's Apron to keep your cash, markers, and receipt book in. Never leave cash boxes unattended. Be prepared to give the correct change with singles or quarters. 4. Mark your items clearly. Keep it simple. Don't price items less than 25c so it's easier for people to pay, as well you having the correct abilty for change. Don't forget to have plastic or paper bags on hand for shoppers with multiple items. OFFER to help them take items to their car. 5. Place your biggest and best item at the curb to draw in shoppers. 6. Keep your tables neat and full. People like a bargain, but they also like to shop a table that looks like it offers many treasures to hunt through. No one wants an empty table of leftovers. Grab your keys, your cash, and your sunglasses, and make 2013 a successful GARAGE SALE SEASON for both the shopper and the seller in you !! Patricia Marie Kelly Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Coach |
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Posted on Monday, April 29, 2013 9:56 AM
The Spring 2013 Selling Season Has Begun ... ... and it's better than ever April is almost over and May is quickly on it's way. The Spring Selling Season here in Chicago is in full force and Homes professionally staged by Marie Kelly Unlimited have been HOT!! While economists say that housing inventory is low, many homes are still sitting on the market 100, 200, 300, and even 400 days here in Chicago. So why are the homes we service selling so quickly? It's because we partner with only the best Real Estate Agents and Service Partners to bring homeowners the best of the best to make you successful. Take a look at something of our recent Home Staging Sales ..... Huntley, IL Under contract in under 24 hrs Gurnee, IL w/Multiple Offers over asking price Under contract in under 24 hrs Elgin, IL Under contract 3 days Full asking Price Carpentersville, IL Under contract 7 days w/Multiple Offers over asking price Home Staging has become the mainstream in how to sell your home successfully. No matter what economists say, buyers will always want the best home on the block. Make your home a place that buyers are drawn to and create that frenzy that makes them want to place an offer as quickly as possible. Make sure you have the kind of SELLING TEAM your home deserves and make YOUR home is THE home that buyers can't forget !! Patricia Marie Kelly Certified Home Enhancement Expert TM APSD Certified Home Stager |
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Posted on Saturday, April 20, 2013 5:11 PM
WELCOME TO diy WEEKENDS @ HOME If you want to create a feeling of "CONNECTION" to the outdoors with your backyard porch, patio or deck, use colors that coordinate with your outdoor scenery. Living near near water? Incorporate blues, aquas, and sand into your palette. Living in the city? Try bold spicy colors, like Lime Green, Chili Peper Reds, Deep Orange, or even Deep Purple. For a more elegant and formal look to your patio ... Try Black and White with a touch of silver or gold for the sleek look of industrial city glam. Surrounded by beautiful trees or forest? Bring in earth tones and colors of nature, in varying shades of golds, greens, browns, and tans. Patricia Marie Kelly Certified Home Enhancement Expert TM |
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Posted on Thursday, April 18, 2013 1:03 PM
In today's economy, you need more than just a beautiful home. Smart sellers know that a great agent, along with a beautifully staged home, and professional MLS photos, is the ticket to successfully selling your home faster than competitive homes in your area. But even the most beautiful of homes, will NOT sell if your home is priced too high for the consumer market to bear. Selling a home is an emotional experience that also requires understanding of today's economy and how pricing your product, at a price that bears attention, while still offering a fair value, is how successful sellers are overcoming the economy. You and your agent don't dictate the market - buyers do. If you want to be a successful home seller, you need to be on your game, and follow a professional game plan for winning. In today's economy, the stakes are high, but the rewards can be great. Work with an experienced Real Estate Industry Professional who can help you sell your home, and allow you to start the path to your new dreams. |
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Posted on Sunday, April 07, 2013 10:35 PM
Spring has arrived ... and potential buyers are emerging from long winter naps to find new homes !! Now is the time to prepare your home for Spring's rush of showings.... Declutter, Stage, and make that home shine!! Make your home stand out in the crowd. Add punches of bright summer color with pillows and accessories. Add a splash of unexpected color at the front door with early spring florals and a new doormat. And most importantly.......Declutter, declutter, declutter. Nothing hides a homes potential more than clutter. If they can't see the beauty, they won't be able to see the value of why they need to buy it. |
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Posted on Tuesday, April 02, 2013 6:30 PM
 Welcome Springtime .... It's that time of year again when flowers are starting to bloom, and warmer weather invites you to open windows and let the fresh air circulate your home. It is also the time when Spring Cleaning gears up for a fresh and healthy start. If selling your home is on your Spring or Summer checklist, this is an even more important time to get those home repair and maintenance items taken care of, before your home goes on the market. Interior Maintenance: - Take out all refrigerator and freezer contents. Throw away old and expired items.
- Scrub down all interior surfaces, including rubber gaskets around the doors.
- Reorganize the contents as you put them back by dairy, meats,cheeses, produce, condiments and beverages.
- Wipe down cabinet doors and inside drawers
- Check pantry items for expired food, and items that may have gotten inhabited by tiny bugs. Now is the time to purchase airtight storage containers for pantry items for things like pasta, sugars, etc.
- Use vinegar rinse for dishwashers and cut up lemon wedges for your garbage disposal.
- Wash shower curtains, blankets, and specialty linens.
Exterior Maintenance: - Patch cracks in the driveway, patio, paths and sidewalk.
- Power wash wooden decks and surfaces.
- Lubricate the doors and windows.
- Have your chimney and furnace serviced.
- Caulk windows and doors.
- Trim tree branches that became broken or damaged from winter elements.
- Go through medications and first aid supplies, and toss any expired prescriptions.
- Steam clean carpets and furniture to clean and refreshen from pets and holiday entertaining.
- Change over wardrobe closets and/or donate unused clothing.
Miscellaneous: - Smoke detectors - test, clean, and change the batteries.
- Fire Extinguishers - recharge and check dates.
- Change the filters in the furnace
- Schedule any HVAC services now - don’t wait until the first really hot day.
Patricia Marie Kelly Certified Home Enhancement Expert TM |
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Posted on Tuesday, April 02, 2013 1:39 PM
WELCOME TO QUICK TIP TUESDAY'S
Thinking of adding some Springtime color to your home, but worried it's still too cold outside?
Don't let cooler temps discourage you from adding punches of color to welcome buyers and guest to your front door.
Create a feeling of surprise with Springtime flowers like Pansies or Johnny Jump Ups, that Tolerate Midwestern Springtime temps. Place in colorful pots near front entrances, to create a dramatic effect that is unforgettable.
With so many houses still winter time grey and boring, NOW is the time to give YOUR HOME that punch of color and surprise that says "BUY ME" ... I'm Fun, Colorful,and Unforgettable!! |
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Posted on Monday, March 25, 2013 10:29 PM
WELCOME TO QUICK TIP TUESDAY'S Set Your Easter Table to Springtime Break away from traditional baskets and bunnies, and set a table of Robin's Egg Blue. Here flower petals are used to make soft nests for chocolate covered eggs and holiday theme candies. Branches covered in butterflies give it that extra special Springtime look that is soft and subtle, but very memorable. If fun and festive is more your style, try artificial grasses nestled in a small cup, along with colorful springtime plates, and a carefully positioned egg displaying your guests name, for a fun and creative way to welcome family and friends to your holiday table. Whether your holiday plans are traditional and subtle, or fun and festively colorful, Easter is a time for celebrating growth, renewal, and the joy of family and friends. |
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Patricia Marie Kelly: Posted on Thursday, March 21, 2013 10:39 AM
DECORATING QUICK TIPS by MARIE If you have been following us on our Facebook Page recently, you've seen all the great Spring Colors we've drenched and dipped in. But what if you are selling your home this upcoming season, or if you simply are afraid of immersing yourself in color .... It's a popular mis-conception that Neutral = Boring! This room shown here in Woodstock Tan (HC-20) by Benjamin Moore, and accessorized with colorful pillows, patterned rug, and textured accents is anything BUT boring!! Neutral = a clean and crisp palette! Truth is that neutral colors give you a clean slate in which to dress up or down depending on your tastes. This Living Room shown here by Interior Designer Lynne Scalovia, shows how neutral can be elegant, just by the accessories you bring to the mix. There are many shades of Neutral and not limited to beige or grey. Talk to your Home Stager, Interior Decorator, or other Color Professional, to find out what shades are best for your lifestyle and your home's architecture. P.S. A great added benefit of a neutral palette is that you can change out your accessories with the seasons, or your ever changing passions and shopping treasures, without having to repaint.  Patricia Marie KellyCertified Home Enhancement Expert TM APSD Certified Color Consultant |
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Posted on Tuesday, March 19, 2013 10:34 PM
WELCOME TO QUICK TIP TUESDAY'S Springtime offers an array of beautiful colors. With so many colors to choose from, how do you choose which one is your favorite to bring indoors and drench your home in it's beauty. When you hear the word "Purple" what do you see? How does this color make you feel? Do you envision a field of soft and muted color, or do you smile to idea of bold and passionate tones? Close your eyes .... Is there a place in your home where this "Springtime Color" could bloom & grow? Is there a wall in your home where you could envision the Springtime Color of Benjamin Moore's Victorian Mauve? Colors like Mauve or Amethyst, pair well with neutral or muted colors like whites or grey, for a more sophisticated yet relaxing feel. Accenting with polished or brushed silver metals adds the perfect finishing touch. What others colors do you see or feel? For a more fun and inspiring twist, pair with bolder colors like Lime, Orange, or Turquoise. Deeper colors pare well with darker furniture that helps ground the bolder colors, while lighter tone woods will help bring more color forward to the eye. Accenting with metals in either silver or bronze both offer great finishing touch options. Whichever way to grow your Springtime Color, be it soft and muted, or wild and bold, surround yourself with the shades that make your home a signature design of who you are. Be shy, be creative, be bold, be quiet, but whatever color you decide to be, let it be a reflection of you! |
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Posted on Sunday, March 17, 2013 7:16 PM
Follow the Yellow Brick Road to EMERALD CITY  Today is St. Patrick's Day. The one day each year where everybody's favorite color is GREEN. Did you also know that Pantone's Color of the Year for 2013 is EMERALD? This rich, deep green color is pure luxury to many design styles. I have to admit. When I first saw this color I was concerned as to how I would be able to to incorporate such a bold color into my designs. But the more I explored and worked with this color, the more I grew fond of this color's simple yet limitless ways for bringing in elegance, fun, richness, and power to a room. Just because a color is popular or new, doesn't mean you have to drench your whole home in that color. Depending on your comfort level with incorporating color, you can gradually add Pantone's Emerald into smaller areas of your home, with items such as pillows, lamps, or in smaller decorative accessories like glassware, artwork, etc. For braver souls, who love to immerse themselves in a variety of life's colors, you can drench your rooms with larger accents of EMERALD with items such as chairs, curtains, and even your walls. But wait, there's more ways to bring in this powerful and vivid color .... think of a peacock and all the colors they bring to you visually. Think of all the possibilities that paring Pantone's EMERALD could do, with say Peacock Blue, Aquamarine, Amethyst or Metallic Golds. Whatever your comfort level of incorporating new color into your home, and into your life may be, there a place, a space, a spot, a corner, where Pantone's EMERALD, can lead you to your Pot of Gold. |
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Posted on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 11:12 AM
WELCOME TO QUICK TIP TUESDAY'S Does your home's Sunroom or Four Season's room, still look like it's the Christmas season? Maybe it's time to bring out the boxes and put away the winter memories, and update your room to Spring and all colors of nature. If you're selling your home this Spring, buyers don't want to see a sunroom, back porch, or other potentially valuable areas like these, cluttered with holiday decorations from Christmas and New Year's or dead plants from last summer you've forgotten to toss away. Allow buyers to see the beauty of this valuable space by adding cheerful colors that compliment the season and your particular home, while inspiring nature and through pillows and area rugs, along with healthy plants that appear to have been growing there all winter long. Even if your style is more Formal or Traditional, you can still envoke the feeling of a sunny comfortable and peaceful space that buyer will be drawn to. Cluttered spaces and even empty spaces, can make a room feel empty, cold, and unusuable. Awaken the senses of buyers with the ability to connect to every valuable space, your home has to offer. |
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Posted on Wednesday, March 06, 2013 12:58 AM
WELCOME TO QUICK TIP TUESDAY'S  Kitchen lighting should be as functional as it is beautiful.Today's homeowner has a multitude of choices for making their home a brighter and more beautiful working environment for cooking, creating, entertaining, and dining.  Pendant lighting comes in a variety of style, colors, sizes, and finishes. The type of kitchen style you currently have and if you want to match it, or mix it up, is something you need to decide before shopping. One way to select your lighting finish is to match the appliances or cabinet hardware. A stainless steel appliances for example would easily compliment sleek and contemporary stainless steal lighting. If color is something you are longing to bring in with your lighting, imagine how a pop of orange or bronze, or even jewel tone colors in emerald, blue, or purple, could add that extra zing of excitement to your kitchen island or dining counter. Seating area lighting is another fun and adventurous shopping trip, where you can be as creative as you want. From modern day chandliers, to wild shapes and sizes, the possiblities are unlimited. From sleek and modern metals, to elegant and traditional glass, to fun and contemporary colors, shapes, and sizes, selectinghanging light fixures for your kitchen is definitely more than just light, it's a way of defining who you are, who you want to be, and how you want it done. |
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Posted on Saturday, March 02, 2013 6:39 PM
WELCOME TO diy WEEKENDS @ HOME If you have older lighting fixtures that date the look of your home, consider replacing them with newer more updated hardware, such as brushed nickel or stainless steel fixtures, that today's home buyers are looking for. Today's buyers are looking for homes that have been updated and well cared for. Although many lighting fixtures can be expensive, less expensive alternatives are available, while still adding elegance and updated appeal to your home. If replacing all the fixtures in your home is not affordable, then selectively change out fixtures in key areas such as bathrooms, kitchens and exterior lighting for the best ROI, that adds that touch of updated warmth and elegance to your home. |
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Posted on Saturday, February 23, 2013 1:25 AM
WELCOME TO diy WEEKENDS @ HOME There's just 4 weeks left till the official start of Spring, but recent snowstorms across the US may still have you reaching for sweaters and throws.... What is it about a knitted throw that makes you feel warm and comforted even on the worst of days. A knitted throw can warm us, nurture us, and comfort us like an old friend. It's no wonder we find ways to incorporate them into our everyday decor with their beauty and style. Knitted throws and pillows are as versatile as they are beautiful, and add a layer of warmth and beauty to the spaces they decorate. These soft and luxurious accessories are great in living rooms, family rooms, bedrooms, and nurseries. The possibilities are endless. Knitted throws add layer and texture to when thrown over sofas or chairs, and add warmth and character when folded at the end of a bed, or layered across the bed as a blanket on cold nights. Best of all knitted pillows and throws are not just for winter time. Think of how comforting it feels to be nestled in a throw on chilly Spring night or while reading a book on a crisp Fall day. Summertime throws are lighter in weight, but heavy on color for that added punch of texture and fun, to any space or special event. On a porch by the lake, or by a campfire on the beach, knitted throws are like a best friend, capturing all our memories and wrapping them up in special hug. |
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Posted on Tuesday, February 19, 2013 10:04 AM
WELCOME TO QUICK TIP TUESDAY'S Organization is in everything we do and follows us both positive and negatively throughout our lives. Embrace ORGANIZATION as a way to FREE your life from clutter and stress vs. ORGANIZATION as an addied chore. Truth is organized people actually have MORE TIME to spend doing the things they love because they spend less time performing less productive activities, that hog our time and our minds. REMEMBER: Structure = Routine Routines =Habits to a better and more productive life !! Patricia Marie Kelly NAPO Professional Organizer, LifeStyle Coach & Home Enhancement Expert TM |
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Posted on Sunday, February 17, 2013 12:53 PM
WELCOME TO diy WEEKENDS @ HOME Who's ready for Spring ?? Are you craving color but unsure which ones are really YOU?? Do you forever collect paint samples only to find your home drenched in all the same colors year after year? For many homeowners, adding new colors to their home, is difficult. More importantly, most homeowners are unsure what colors and patterns would compliment their homes and design tastes and grow weary from all the choices they have to select from. Fortunately there is an easier way to change it up, without throwing it out. As a Certified Home Enhancement Expert TM, I help clients make changes in their homes everyday. I have found the best way to introduce new colors and patterns, is through the use of accessories like pillows, throws, and even artwork. Once you have embraced new color choices, you can grow to add various patterns based on those color choices, and finally once your fear of color is erased, you can move onto repainting walls and more. By tackling your fear of color in small steps, you can grow yourself and your home into a Blooming array of color and pattern that is your signature style that you can call HOME. |
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Posted on Wednesday, February 13, 2013 4:02 PM
 Don't let COLD weather or busy schedules prevent you from creating a Romantic Dinner for 2 on Valentine's Day .. There may be snow but that just gives you a reason to snuggle closer ... Create a romantic table setting for 2 on your deck or patio, out in the snow or under the stars with a fire .... Looking for something indoors? Why not take that beautiful wrought iron bistro set you love all summer long, and set a table for 2 indoors by the fireplace ... Creating a Table for 2 on Valentine's Day doesn't have to be expensive. It just takes a little imagination and alot of L.O.V.E |
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Posted on Tuesday, February 12, 2013 11:29 PM
WELCOME TO QUICK TIP TUESDAY'S Fashion Boots are great but storing them can be a hassle. Even the fanciest of shoes boxes are bulky and add creases lines to boots, especially suede fabrics that show stress lines more easily. Here's an easy and inexpensive tip you'll L.O.V.E. Use a rolled magazine and place inside the boot. Not only will this keep the boot standing upright, but it also prevent creases by preventing the boot from flipping to the side as they would in a box or without support. So grab your expired magazines and put them to recycling use by adding shape and storage to your favorite fashion accessory. |
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Posted on Tuesday, February 05, 2013 8:15 PM
WELCOME TO QUICK TIP TUESDAY'S Just 6 weeks till the official start of Spring ~ What colors will YOU grow and where will you plant them in and around your home? Choosing which paint colors as well as what types of paint finsihes and where, can be an overwhelming task for many homeowners. Although it's best to consult with a Professional Color Expert to help with these types of decisions, there are 3 basics things you can keep in mind to help ease the decision making process. How To Choose A Paint Color Select something in the room that makes you happy. Draw upon those colors and feelings to create a theme or color palette tp tie everything together. Starting fresh? Find something you like, a piece of artwork, a rug, a photo, or a piece of decorative accessory, and use that as your bridge in creating a cohesive look. How To Choose A Paint Finish Selecting a finish is not hard, but first you must decide where and how the area or item you are painting, is going to be utilized. Although there are many things to consider and different types of paint that will give you the effect you are trying to achieve, there are still some basic tips you can follow, to help you select the right finishes. Satin works great for homes with uneven walls where you need to minimize or hide imperfections. Semi-Gloss is great for trim pieces or mouldings and high traffic areas, because it's easy to wipe clean. Gloss is durable and looks great for accenting the curves and lines of furniture pieces. How To Select The Right Tools (1) Invest in a good drop cloth that can be used over and over again. Cloth is more durable that plastic and provides a better non-slippery surface for working in. (2) You'll need Blue Tape or Frog Tape in order to mask off area for protection and create clean corners and lines. (3) Paint Rollers - these are great for larger areas and come in a variety of sizes. Choose a deep pile roller for textured surfaces, and a low pile roller for smooth finish walls. Don't forget to get an extension rod if you want to be able to reach those high reach areas like ceilings and wall corners. (4) Paint Brushes - Decide if you need a natural bristle or synthetic brushes. Stains typically require synthetic nylon or polyster while most interior wall paints are best paired with natural brushes to avoid streaking. Don't forget an angle brush so you can "cut in" corners where walls meet mouldings. Painting your home doesn't have to be complicated. With a little bit of patience and creativity, you too can find the color of your dreams, and a room where memories are created.  APSD Certified Color Specialist |
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Posted on Saturday, February 02, 2013 2:26 PM
Football Fans everywhere have waited for this day " Super Bowl Sunday " Football fans everywhere, spend weeks planning parties with family and friends, for that one special day when everyone gathers together at your home. You clean, you cook, and make sure every detail is planned for, yet when selling a home, most people do not prepare for that one important day when potential home buyers will walk through your door. Develop a Game Day Strategy for Selling Your Home. You can't expect to win, if you don't have a Game Plan. Develop an Offensive Strategy to "Score Points" with potential buyers. Develop a Strong Defense - Secure a knowledgeable Realtor that knows the comparables in your area and can help you set a competitive selling price for your home, along with a solid "Marketing Game Plan". Make sure your home is sparkling clean & "Move In Ready". Declutter, Declutter, Declutter !! Hire a Professional Stager who is experienced in making your home appeal to the largest number of potential buyers while focusing on your home's best features. Get Professional Quality Photos of your home According to the National Association of Realtors, 98% of home buyers say that photographs are among the most important features when house hunting online. With this much riding on the quality of your home's photos why take chances with "home photography" or amateur quality photos. Get ready for GAME DAY !! Review the scoreboard, check your Game Plan, secure pets outside the home, and get ready to ...... SCORE A TOUCHDOWN !! |
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Posted on Thursday, January 31, 2013 1:38 AM
SPRING 2013 is going to be HOT HOT HOT !! Emerald may be Pantone's Color of the Year, but Pantone has forecasted Lemon Zest, Poppy Red and Nectarine as the hot colors for spring 2013 Meanwhile Sherwin Williams has announced their Spring 2013 color line up of flavors including June Day, Kumquat, Exuberant Pink and Gladiola. Which color will you be adding to YOUR home this Spring? For more information on these colors and more Patricia Marie Kelly APSD Certified Color Specialist |
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Posted on Wednesday, January 23, 2013 5:37 AM
WELCOME TO QUICK TIP TUESDAY'S Photo credit: BHG.com Pendant lamps give the eye a beautiful place to follow the flow of design, while illuminating workspaces and architechtural features of the space. If you're tired of recessed lighting in your kitchen and want to add stylish pendants, just add recessed can converters. The switch is as simple as screwing in a light bulb. A socket adapter with a cord spindle plugs into the socket, and a cover plate masks the recessed-can opening. |
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Posted on Saturday, January 19, 2013 12:08 AM
WELCOME TO FRONT DOOR FRIDAY'S Quick Tips for Successfully Selling Your Home In order to sell your home successfully, you need more than a sign in the lawn, and pretty furniture inside. Knowing what buyers want, and what price they are willing to reasonably pay for it, is the vital balance that Pro's like Real Estate Agents and Home Staging Professionals together, can bring to your selling table, This Week's Topic: Decreasing the Clutter To Increase The Traffic  Simply said, if you want more traffic, you need less clutter ... Does your home create a feeling of warmth and peace and coziness, or does the world seem to stop as soon as you enter, making you feel uneasy, as you step over shoes, toys, & more. For many homeowners, decluttering equals Staging. The truth is, even though decluttering is a very important step in successfully selling a home, the fact is that decluttering is only the FIRST of many steps, in the Home Staging Process. According to a 2011 HomeGain's Report, Cleaning & Decluttering is the #1 best ROI when selling a home. So where do you start with removing the excess and putting away the treasures? First let me say that no one wants a home stripped of character or decor. There is a tender balance in creating a home that is clean and sparkling, yet bold and full of character. This is where a Professional Home Stager can assist you. But what you the Homeowner can do right now is also an important step. Allow buyers to see the beauty of your home and not your items that you personally treasure. Putting away cherished items is only temporary, and will be brought to life again in your new home. From excess appliances on the kitchen counter, to personal items on bathroom sinks, to the toys in little Johnny's room that just would fit in his toy box anymore, are all signs that clutter is present. Closets need to be streamlined and simplified along with all cabinets and drawers. Basements and garages are the worst areas for clutter and unsightly storage. If you have more than your home storage areas can bare, consider getting a temporary storage unit or a portable pod to store the excess items in while selling your home. Truth is the longer you have lived in a home, the more items you have probably collected over the years. Selling your home is a huge responsibility, but it can also be one of the most profitable experiences as well, providing you give your home the necessary ingredients to be successful. Show buyers the value in purchasing your home. Show them the reason you originally feel in love with that home and make that dream come alive again, for the next family that dreams of starting a life there. Patricia Marie Kelly Certified Home Staging & Professional Organizing Expert |
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Posted on Tuesday, January 15, 2013 9:05 PM
WELCOME TO QUICK TIP TUESDAY'S Don't let recycling plastic bags and small household items become a nightmare of clutter throughout your kitchen. Be green the easy way by using an old tissue box for dispensing bags without clutter. A great repurposing tip for all those tissue boxes you'll be using during this winter's cold & flu season. Looking for something with a little more bling for all those plastic shopping bags? How about a plush and velvety shoe bag or beautifully embellished wine/liquor bag from the holidays to hang on a hook in your pantry? Need a better way to contain and store that twine or string that's been rolling around your junk drawer? How about an old sugar dispensor to dispense and contain the clutter? Containing clutter for must have items can be pretty along with practical, if you think outside the box and resuse items around the house to help you contain the clutter. |
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Posted on Sunday, January 13, 2013 6:24 PM
WELCOME TO diy WEEKENDS @ HOME With the New Year, also comes a mountain of new toys, which means clutter and confusion of where to store it all.The good news is there is are simple strategies for curbing childhood clutter, that parents &grandparents can use to achieve peace. Limiting the number of toys your child has to deal with, is the first step. Children become easily overwhelmed when there are multiple choices, and usually the way they deal with it, is to choose everything for fear of missing something wonderful. Instead of giving your child free reign over whatever they want to play with, limit the number of choices and weed out those toys that seldom if ever get played with. Another strategy as they get older, is to have the child decide which toys he or she will let go of, in order to make room for new ones.  The second step in controlling clutter is to have a system for children to put away toys so that is easy to remember and fun to do. Mark bins with photos of the types of toys that are to be stored in there. For toddlers learning can be fun, when toys are stored by size. Small, medium, and large toys go in separate bins or areas that children will learn to identify. There are unlimited ways to group toys for helping children learn organizing habits, while helping you corral clutter. Find what strengths your child holds, and build upon that interest to create a happier and more organized child, and a less stressful and chaotic home. |
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Posted on Tuesday, January 08, 2013 12:06 PM
January is always a time of re-invention and exploration in commitment ..... How will you use 2013 to re-invent yourself or your surroundings? Looking back at 2012 what worked and made you happy, and what things do you truly want to change? Before you move forward to RE-INVENT, take a moment to REFLECT on where you're struggles and challenges are, and how you will change them. Don't make January a month of stress and struggles. Changes happen over time in step by step progression, in order for new habits to grow. Give yourself a realistic goal. The bigger the goal the bigger the time frame. No one loses 20 lbs in 2 months, and no fixes a lifetime of habits overnight, but staying COMMITTED to achieving your goal on a daily basis, setting up rewards for achieving each step of the goal, and having a plan you can follow through rough days and good ones, is the key to staying focus, making changes, and achieving those goals, that year after year you seem to let fall by the wayside. Need help staying focused or just don't know where to start? Call Marie Kelly Unlimited to help you ORGANIZE a plan for a new and more functional 2013 !! |
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Posted on Tuesday, January 08, 2013 12:07 AM
WELCOME BACK TO QUICK TIP TUESDAY'S The Holidays are over and New Year's has past, but now comes January and thoughts of organization,and how to make our homes a little more functional, without stressing out worn holiday budgets. These plastic holders by StickonPods are great for taking unused spaces like medicine cabinets and turning them into functional and handy areas for things like toothbrushes, and smaller toiletries and makeup. information on the different sizes available. |
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Posted on Friday, January 04, 2013 3:50 PM
WELCOME TO FRONT DOOR FRIDAY'S  Quick Tips for Successfully Selling Your Home In order to sell your home successfully, you need more than a sign in the lawn, and pretty furniture inside. Knowing what buyers want, and what price they are willing to reasonably pay for it, is the vital balance that Pro's like Real Estate Agents and Home Staging Professionals together, can bring to your selling table. This Week's Topic: Curb Appeal ~ Creating a Colorful Entrance Everyone knows that Curb Appeal is the one of the most important factors in creating desire for potential buyers to view your home. Depending on the color and architechtural style of your home, a COLORFUL front door may be just what you need in order to stand out, yet also brings warmth and character to your home. Nothing compares to the elegance of a wooden front door. Stately, luxurious, and considered maintenace free by potential buyers. Think of the homes you've driven by and dream of someday, how many of those homes have a wooden door with textured glass or sleek metal details? For those of us with less than dreamy entrances, who rely on COLOR to be the focal point of a warm and welcoming home entrance, we start with the colors RED and BLACK. For many people thoughts of a colorful front door automatically turn to basic BLACK or RED. Although both colors blend in well with most homes especially Traditional and Colonial styles, selecting a color for your door also depends on the style and color of your home's exterior. Choosing a COLOR for your Front Door also depends on the look you are trying to achieve. Do you want your Front Door to stand out, blend in better for cohesiveness, or do you need it to slide into the background, giving front and center attention to the landscape and architechtural detail of your home. Selecting paint colors for your front entrance to your home is more than just pretty paint colors. Your front door is the emotional entrance to your home, and first step to creating the feel of what is coming, once they open that door. For this reason color is not only has to be appealing, but carry meaning. This is where a Color Expert or Home Staging Professional, can help you decide what selections are best suited for your home, in order to achieve the look you need for best value, appearance, and style. |
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Posted on Thursday, January 03, 2013 1:31 AM
QUICK TIPS FOR HOLIDAY CLEAN UP  The holidays are finally over, and packing up all those Christmas decorations can sometimes be just as time consuming as deciding how to arrange it all. Here are quick tips to make the job easier and a little more fun !!  For a display you want to re-create year after year, be sure to wrap and store all the items in one place. Take a photo of the display so you'll remember exactly how it looked, and pack it with the coordinating items, so you'll be ready again for next year. Frustrated by strings of lights that year after year are a tangled mess? Keep lights organized by winding each strand around a piece of cardboard cut to fit in your storage bin Use scissors to cut a 1-inch slit at the top of one long side and the bottom of the other long side of the cardboard. Secure one end of the lights in a slit, wind lights around, and secure the other end in the other slit. Store stacked lights between layers of thin bubble wrap or newspaper. Wishing you could preserve the holidays all year long? Well maybe you can .... Before you take that Christmas Tree to the curb, snip off a few branches to keep that holiday spirit going all the way to Spring. Place branches in a decorative pot with moist soil or water with decorative stones to root for replanting outdoors in Spring. Make sure to add root starter to your water or soil to encourage growth. Now is also a good time to sort through old decorations that never got unpacked. Those decorations you no longer consider favorites, should be donated or thrown out. Why repack something year after year if it doesn't provide you great memories to display in your home. The holidays are a happy but exhausting time. Make the time spent putting away those memories until next year, a pleasant and easy task you move through effortlessly. |
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Posted on Monday, December 31, 2012 10:54 PM
WELCOME TO NEW YEAR'S EVE 2012 Tonight is the biggest celebration night of the year !! Tonight family, friends, neighbors, and more, will celebrate the ringing in of another new year ahead. With budgets tighter these days, more and more people are opting to celebrate New Year's Eve at home. But just because you're celebrating at home, doesn't mean you have to forget about celebrating in style !! Make your Holiday Buffet tables dazzle with delight and festive charm. Add holiday decorations like scattered glass ornaments, curled ribbons, and round mirrored plattters to reflect the sparkle and shine. Add depth and interest to your food displays by placing dishes at different heights using cake pedestals or other types of risers. To complete the look add various sizes and shapes of candles for added sparkle and shine. Appetizers are always the highlight of any New Year's Eve Celebration. Make serving appetizer and drinks something guests crave by using unusual items to keep bottles of champagne chilled, like a garden urn filled with snow. A bird bath brought indoors becomes a centerpiece of attention when decorated with holiday greenery and adorned with silver ornaments and candles. Don't forget to keep the party rolling, by storing extra drinks, napkins and paper plates close by. Place a storage crate filled with handy refill items under your display table. The crate will be hidden by the tablecloth, and you won't have to dash to find supplies for guests when quanitities are low. Are you planning a sit down dinner for your guests? Then let creativity should be your main dish. Adornments for napkin rings along with party hats and party favors in a coordinated color and theme makes any dinner seem like a party. What is a formal dinner without a grand dessert or sweet tray to complete the meal . Try these adorable yet elegant cupcakes served in a gold stemmed martini glass lined with mini marshmellows. Or how about these coconut crusted smores to add whimsy and flavor to your party sweet table ~ After the board games, the music and laughter comes the countdown ... 3 .. 2 ..1 ...Happy New Year !! If you're looking for a healthy alternative to champagne or wine toasts to the New Year, try a funky and modern twists like fruit smoothies. Guests will enjoy the surprise and it's a welcome alternative to alchol for guests who need to drive home after the event. New Year's Eve is a time of sharing with those we love, those we value, and those we hope to keep connected with throughout the coming year. Whatever your style, buffet or sit down, modern or formal, the most important thing to highlight at your party is creativity and love. Enjoy the time with family and friends, and make those you are sharing with, feel welcome !! From all of us at Marie Kelly Unlimited, Happy New Year !! |
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Posted on Monday, December 31, 2012 1:07 AM
 Is your home experiencing Christmas Clutter? Are too many holiday gifts, toys, clothes, and kitchen gadgets presenting a challenge of where to store all that new stuff? The holidays are a challenging time consumed with shopping for gifts that show you care. But what about all the gifts you don't want or need, and those you have no room for? As New Year's Eve quickly approaches, New Year's Resolutions for a clutter free home, better time management, and ways to increase space and organization in areas of your home that are ongoing challenges, are sure to be on your list of things to change or resolve. At Marie Kelly Unlimited we're here to help you keep those New Year's Resolutions !! Call today to take advantage of our CHRISTMAS CLUTTER SALE SALE ENDS January 2nd, 2013 |
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Posted on Monday, December 31, 2012 12:20 AM
 Wishing everyone a Safe, Healthy, Happy, and Memorable Holiday filled with love, joy, laughter and many blessings !! Thank you for being a part of our Marie Kelly Unlimited family.  ~ Patricia Marie Kelly Owner & Creative Director |
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Posted on Thursday, December 20, 2012 1:24 PM
WELCOME TO HOLIDAY QUICK TIPS The holidays can be a very stressful time of year. Shopping, cleaning, planning, baking ... It's no wonder come January 1st we long to make changes in our lives.  Welcome Guest Blogger Ann Bingley Gallops, Feng Shui Expert and Owner of Open Spaces Feng Shui, with advice on how to achieve peace and balance through the Holiday Season. Click the "Open Spaces" logo to find peace and tranquility .... |
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Posted on Tuesday, December 18, 2012 12:33 AM
WELCOME TO HOLIDAY QUICK TIPS The Holidays are here and it's down to crunch time ... Shopping, Baking, Cleaning and Decorating in preparation for friends and family. Whether you are planning a lavish dinner buffet, or a small gathering of appetizers with friends, every hostess loves to make thier guests feel special, by offering creatively decorated trays of great tasting food that also looks inviting. Pre-made appetizer trays can be expensive, but that doesn't mean you still can't have a great looking tray of even the simplest of menu items. Want to give your cheese tray a little character? Cookie cutters in a variety of Holiday Shapes adds festive fun for cheese, meats and other solid sliceable items. Also works great for adding interest to items like fruit kabobs and finger sandwiches. You can use specific shapes for certain foods, or create Stars and Stockings for adults, and Snowman and Santas for the kids trays.  Need more hints on how to shape and spice up your holiday cheese tray?? Here's a short video from www.BHG.com with some delicious tips !! Enjoy the Holidays and Pass the cheese please !! |
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Posted on Friday, December 14, 2012 1:38 AM
WELCOME TO HOLIDAY QUICK TIPS The Holidays are a beautiful time of year, filled with twinkling lights, colorful ornaments, and festive decorations. via Martha Stewart It's also a great time of year for introducing a variety of colors into your home, and experimenting with colors you might otherwise be shy about adding, to your everyday decor. Today Christmas is more than just traditional Red & Green. Anything goes when it comes to choosing colors that represent your individual style for celebrating the holiday season. Go bold with Turquoise, Purple, Fushia and Lime Green. Or maybe a modern twist with Chocolate and Green or the dramatic jewel tone colors of blue and green peacock feathers. If something more elegant is your style, try the simplicity of all White with a touches of Silver or Gold. There are no limits to the joy that color can bring to you and your home this holiday season. Whether you want to start a new family tradition or simply want try something new and exciting this season, don't be afraid to go with colors you are passionate about. You just might find yourself incorporating these colors into your decor, the whole year long. |
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Posted on Thursday, December 13, 2012 2:05 AM
WELCOME TO HOLIDAY QUICK TIPS Holiday Entertaining is upon us, and once again fireplaces and candles warm homes with a romantic glow of light and hope .... But how do you store all those colorful taper candles from season to season, without looking like last year's candles, or preventing them from peeling, chiping or breaking? Wrap candles in parchment paper and place inside an empty paper towel tube. They are the perfect size to keep your candles safe from chips, scratches, and color runs. Store candles in a cool location, away from heat and humidity to prevent sweating as well drying out your candles natural oils. |
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Posted on Thursday, November 29, 2012 12:31 AM
WELCOME TO HOLIDAY QUICK TIPS Over the river and through the woods, to Grandmother's House we go .... The Holidays are a time of fast paced shopping, planning, cleaning and prepping for family and friends both near and far. Along with the stress of holiday planning, also comes the preparation of where visitors will stay in your home. Even if you are lucky enough to have a guest room, there is still work that needs to be done in order to prepare for their arrival. Nobody wants a grumpy guest. Remember how you felt on vacation with fluffy pillows, comfy sheets and warm blankets? No matter what size the room, big or small, the one thing you can never compromise on is comfort. Even if your guests are sharing a corner office, you can still make them feel special with good quality sheets and pillows to make their bedtime peaceful and relaxing. Make sure there are blinds or curtains they can operate, to control both the light and privacy conditions. Don't forget about bathrooms as well. Decide whether guests will be sharing a bathroom of if they will have the luxury of a private bathroom. Remember that bathroom comfort is just as important and the bedroom. Fluffy towels, a bath mat, and even a basket of toiletries like scented soap, hand lotion, and a plush wash cloth, can be simple yet special features that makes them feel welcome. If guests will be sharing a bathroom with other members of your family, decide ahead of time, how to properly plan for morning rush time so that guests no not feel like they are intruding on your daily routines. #2 Convenience It's the little things in life that matter most. Along with that vase of fresh flowers or holiday greens, think of the convenience and sentiment a corner table in the guest room with a small coffee maker that guests can wake up to would be. Or how about a pitcher of water and some holiday glassware for that middle of night dry throat that winter time brings. Find out what your guest might need during their stay, for late night or early mornings, so they can feel at home. #3 Holiday Fun The Holidays are a special time of celebration, remembering old times, while creating new with family and friends. So some the holidays can even mean a time of relaxation. Allow your guests to snuggle up with a special book or old family photo album placed in their room. If children are visiting, make sure that there are games, puzzles, movies, etc to occupy their busy brains and fingers. The Holidays are a busy time, but also a time that passes by quickly, especially when those we love and cherish are many times only able to visit and share with at holidays and special occassions. Take the time to plan, prepare and make it special, not just for them, but for everyone including you and your own family, to lessen the stress and increase the good times and love that the Holidays are really about. ~ Patricia Marie Kelly Certified Home Enhancement Expert TM Home Staging / ReDesign / Professional Organizing |
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Posted on Saturday, November 24, 2012 5:12 PM
WELCOME TO HOLIDAY QUICK TIPS Thanksgiving is winding down and Christmastime is heating up. Every year you strive to be more creative than the last. Here's some ideas on Holidays ornaments that even thekids can help make. Clear ornaments become mini holly-day terrariums ~ Hot-glue a plastic sprig of holly and berries to the inside of a clear ornament cap. Twist the ornament cap into place so the holly hangs down inside the bauble. Looking to add a little Coastal Charm to your Holiday Decorating ~ Simply glue sand onto an aqua color ornament, add buttons and mini shells for a frosty festive coastal memory. Christmas Au Natural ~ Mini bubble shells wrapped around a styrofoam ball becomes an ornamental treasure. For directions on how to make Looking for something more Traditional ~ See how a piece of toile pattern, trimmed from a dinner napkin and decoupaged onto a basic ball becomes an elegant ornament. For directions on how to make this easy yet beautiful Traditional style ornament go to: Here's something every baking enthusiast will enjoy ~ Stryofoam balls become cupcakes of fun with the help of artificial snowflakes and berries. For directions on how to create |
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Posted on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 12:48 AM
WELCOME TO HOLIDAY QUICK TIPS From the moment we say farewell to Halloween, the days to follow are filled with a hustle and bustle of Holiday Happenings, that makes most of us stressed and exhausted, before we even have the chance to celebrate our blessings.  Make a list of what you need done and break it down into bite size portions each week. Don't be a hero and try to accomplish everything you need into the last week before Christmas. Most people look at the Holidays as a competitive sport like the 500 yard dash, sprinting at full speed the last week of the race. Need a checklist for completing your tasks?? Here's one from Smead Organomics to help get you started. HOLIDAY CHECKLIST Have a list of easy tasks prepared for guests that offer to help. Allow others to pour the wine, refill drinks, or make the announcement for dinner. Having someone else do little things for you, can actually help you concentrate on that all important Holiday Dinner presentation, you want everyone to remember throughout the year. If nothing else remember this- Even the best of chefs, have set off a smoke alarm or two in their days. The most important thing about the Holidays, is to enjoy family and friends, and be thankful for the love, support, and most of all bravery, for enduring whatever comes out of the kitchen !! |
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Posted on Sunday, October 28, 2012 11:16 PM
WELCOME TO diy WEEKENDS @ HOME Thinking of renovating one of your bathrooms soon? Before buying your next set of under the sink cabinets, take a minute to consider all your needs, not just appearance & cost. For many homeowners, renovating bathrooms includes the decision for how to incorporte functional storage of everyday items, as well as those bathrooms needing storage for guest supplies. Instead of traditional 2 door cabinets, consider pull out drawers which combines organization along with aesthetic beauty. Even though these drawers will only be half the length of a regular drawer, due to under sink plumbing, these drawers offer an excellent solution to busy bathrooms. Another forgotten solution for bathroom storage is creative use of medicine cabinets. These "Magnapods" offer magnetic storage solutions for makeup, toothbrushes, razors and more. |
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Posted on Tuesday, October 23, 2012 10:48 PM
WELCOME TO QUICK TIP TUESDAY'S Are your finding that your pants are getting more floor than "hang time" ?? Maybe what you need isn't better hangers, but a better way for them to stay ON those hangers. Those same felt pads used to keep scratches off floors and furniture, are also a great way to keep pants from slipping off hangers, and they are less expensive to use than specialty hangers at department stores. Just 2 felt pads per hanger, and your ready for pants that hang without a sloppy, slipping, or wrinkling mess. Patricia Marie Kelly Certified Home Enhancement ExpertTM |
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Posted on Sunday, October 21, 2012 12:14 PM
WELCOME TO diy WEEKENDS @ HOME As a Professional Organizer & Home Enhancement ExpertTM over the years I have worked with many homeowners who one day dream of a kitchen where additional and functional storage space is available. In most cases, the space you crave is already right there in your home. Today there are many solutions to your storage challenges, depending on your budget, style, and of course individual needs. A common question I am repeatedly asked is "What do I do with the space under my sink"? home has it's own set of unique challenges along with needs of the homeowner, there are some solutions that can fit most situations. Take this pull out shelf that fits nicely under your kitchen sink. Rather than stacks of metal shelving or plastic pull out drawers, this solution allows you to store items to the fullest capacity of your cabinet area, and pull it out as you would a dresser drawer, making it easier to find what you need without stacking or jamming. There are several places to get these types of shelving organizers from including Cabinet Dealers, private dealers like Shelf Genie TM and Closet Works TM, as well as specialty retailers like The Container Store and Bed Bath & Beyond. Prices varying according to size and depth of the shelf, as well as whether you choose wood or metal. All are easy to self install in a matter of minutes. Make sure you have the dimensions of your cabinets, since custom made cabinets may require you to custom order for non-stock items. Happy Organizing !! Patricia Marie Kelly Certified Home Enhancement Expert TM Home Stager, ReDesigner & Professional Organizer |
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Posted on Tuesday, October 16, 2012 1:13 PM
WELCOME TO QUICK TIP TUESDAY'S Fall is a time of brilliant colors, warm fires, textured fabrics, and an overall feeling of comfort and entertainment with family and friends. The holidays will be here before you know it, but right now is the time to immerse yourself in the colors of Fall. When you think of Fall, the first color that comes to mind is ORANGE. But this Fall color favorite comes in more forms than just images of pumpkins. The color Orange comes in a bountiful array of shades to match your individual personality and design styles. Bring the Fall indoors, with Colorful Burnt Orange Leaves and stems arranged on a mantel or buffet. Or maybe an Orange pillow with the texture and pattern of fall wild flowers is more your style. Pair this with a warm and cozy throw in a wonderfully nubby brown, ivory or deep gold or purple, for a dramatic yet pulled together look and feel. The possibilities are endless in how to bring the beauty of FALL indoors to your home. Orange you glad that nature offers such a great color, that works in combination with so many other beautiful colors, to match your individual style. Patricia Marie Kelly Certified Home Enhancement Expert TM Home Stager, ReDesigner & Professional Organizer |
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