5 Bedroom Design Tips

After I clicked the little 'Design & Decorating' button on my own blog, I realized that I have been remiss in my design duties! How could I leave my readers high and dry in the design department? With the refocusing of my blog, I am more than happy to focus on bedroom design tips! Let's get this bedroom started!

Tip 1: Pick a color to focus on for your room.

When you come into a bedroom and think wow, you see a connection within the room. The items aren't just thrown in the room, there is intentional design. Many times a color draws the room together. Sometimes a particular style gives the room a feeling of comfort. If you want to fuse a room easily and on a budget, choose one main color then choose a few colors that match. Write down a list of items that you need for your room (especially ones that no longer match your color scheme) and start searching for those items in the exact colors that you want. When you mesh these colors throughout your room, it will immediately look much more intentional and will begin to create your own "wow" effect.

Tip 2: The bed matters the most.



Polka Dot Stripe Bolster Pillow Via Turtle Dove Lane

A beautiful room with a nasty bed is still a nasty room. 
The bed matters most. Why? Because it's a BED - room, not a dresser room or a nightstand room. If you haven't dressed your bed, your bedroom is naked. Or maybe just the dweeb of the house. Find a comforter, duvet with a duvet cover, quilt, or stylish blanket to clothe your bed. Sheets matter too. They don't matter to the person passing by your room when they miss the turn to your bathroom, but you know what is hidden underneath your bed topping. Have sheets that match your bed covering and make you feel happy to slip under the covers. Finally, top your bed with some beautiful coordinating shams. Remember those colors on the last tip? Make sure to integrate these into your shams as well as on your bed covering.

Tip 3: Space for you, space for him.

This tip is assuming that this is a shared bed, if this is not the case please skip to tip 4. You both need space in your bed, duh, you both sleep there. But what about the room itself? Each person sharing a bedroom needs adequate space within the room to feel that this is their space. When a lady enters a room, she doesn't want to feel as if she just stepped into her husband's bedroom and that she just sleeps within his space. In the same way, a husband doesn't want to feel as if he just stepped into his wife's bedroom and that he only gets his section of the bed each might. A shared bedroom can't be over feminine and it can't be over masculine. Space for the lady, space for the dude.

 

Tip 4: Don't mistake soothing for boring.

Texture - Brown Flower Pillow Case Via Momo Rad Rose

I've heard people say that they want to use muted tones for their bedroom, but then proceeded to fill the room with flat beige colors with nothing to catch the eye.  BORING!  I'm all for using muted tones.  Some people really don't like a colorful room.  However, when you choose to go muted with the color scheme, you must heighten the other senses!  Choose textured wall art to create extra dimension to the walls.  Choose a bed covering that is quilted to add texture.  Throw fluffy pillows on the bed or use a pattern that is muted yet exciting!  AKA creating a "soothing" space is no excuse to create a boring space.

Tip 5: Move out.

Okay, so you got me.  I don't literally mean, move out of your room.  I do mean move out everything that has nothing to do with a bedroom.  Mainly, a bedroom is a room in which to sleep, change clothes, and perhaps read a book.  Why then, do most of our bedrooms resemble a jungle of junk?  In my personal opinion, if you want to watch television, go to the living room.  If your husband or children are hogging the television, design a television sharing schedule.  Alright, back to the bedroom.  Move out extra frames cluttering dressers.  Keep items needed for sleeping, changing, and reading.  You will never regret moving out!

What is your biggest hang up when it comes to designing your bedroom?

 

Have you already conquered all five tips?

Thank you for stopping by Designing Life's blog!  I hope to keep updating my blog with more "Design & Decorating" posts as well as posts on "Home Organization," "Simplifying Life," and "Printables 4 Life."  If you love printables as much as I do, hop on over to my Etsy Shop Designing Life to browse my designs.  Stop by again soon!

10 Paper Storage Solutions



I'm not sure about you, but I have issues with paper.  Think bunnies multiplying except replace the bunnies with papers and that hardly describes the gravity of the issue.  I get papers and magazines and advertisements in the mail.  I take notes, I use printables, and my son draws these adorable pictures.  Then they begin to gather together to take over my home, surface by surface.  They often start with the computer desk, but then the start to make piles on the floor.  Then little by little they cover my TV stand, my end table, and my bookshelf.  You think I would catch those little papers before they got so far, but no.  With moving every few years, my storage tools come and go and are often busted up by the moving companies (no, really, my filing cabinet is irreparably dented at the drawers).  I need new options and I need them fast!  Here are some if the solutions I've come up with to prevent my paper problem from consuming every surface in my home:

Letter Sorter

 Brocade Letter Sorter Via The Container Store

 

Quick Pros and Cons

A Letter Sorter is a great way to separate out the mail designated for each member of the household.  Just remember, that the letter sorter can become just another place for junk.  Also think about where you will put the letter sorter and how much room you are willing to give to your incoming mail.  If all family members can commit to looking through their own mail daily, this can be a great place to stick mail as soon as it comes in the house.

 

Letter Tray

 Dokument Letter Tray Via Ikea

 

Quick Pros and Cons

 A letter tray can be a great place to store ongoing projects or to store documents as they come into the household or office.  You can also assign a tray to a particular family member or assign them to ongoing tasks such as bills, taxes, or work files.  Again, you will need a surface that is large enough to house the set of trays, but if it keeps all of your papers in one place it can be a great benefit.

 

Magazine Files

Magazine Files Via See Jane Work

Quick Pros and Cons

Magazine files have so many uses!  You can store magazines in your files or you can store kid's papers, computer paper, or current ads. It's great to use one to house misc. papers.  Once the misc. magazine file becomes full, you can go through the file.  You can store the files on a bookshelf or under an end table.  Just remember to go through the magazine files, no need to store things that are just going to take up space in your beautiful home.

 



File Tote Box

 File Tote Box Via The Container Store

 

Quick Pros and Cons

 The File Tote Box is a great way to keep hanging files nearby and stow things away quickly.  If you keep one in your home office near your computer, you can easily print out tax information and file it away or keep track of receipts and bills.  However, this is a temporary storage option.  Permanent files need a permanent home.  You will want to keep temporary files and current information in a box like this.

 



Paper Storage Case

Paper Storage Case Via The Container Store

 

Quick Pros and Cons

Paper storage cases can be great for storing children's art, ongoing crafting projects, and any oddly shaped papers you may have sitting around that you may still want to keep.  The main purpose for this case is to store scrapbook paper, but a 12" x 12" box can be used for myriads of paper projects.

 

 

Colorful Storage Boxes

  Stockholm Office Storage Boxes Via Container Store

 

Quick Pros and Cons

 Office Storage Boxes in bright colors just make me chipper!  Why not hide all the paper mess in these wondrous boxes?  For larger boxes, you can keep track of larger family photos.  Letter size boxes are perfect for storing written works of art.  Speaking of art, the mid-size boxes are great for keeping art paper.  However, you must be sure to designate a purpose for each box.  It could be easy to lose papers if you are not intentional about how you use each box.  Store the boxes on a bookshelf to make a statement.

 

Desktop File

Bamboo Desktop File Via Container Store

 

Quick Pros and Cons

Desktop Files are very similar in use to the file tote boxes except these are intended to live on top of your desk.  If you have tons of space on your desk, this is an even easier option for grabbing out files that are used often and storing them away quickly.  These can also be great for keeping track of children's homework and yearly school files.  The bamboo is one option but there are also many other colors and textures in the realm of desktop files.  If you have extra desk space, then consider including one of these files on your desk.

 

Mesh Desk Organizer

Mesh Desk Organizer Via Amazon

 

Quick Pros and Cons

 I love this product!  It is a desk organizer, but it has shelves and two areas for binders.  This is a great way to create horizontal storage space on your desk allowing you to keep home organization binders on your desk or even on a kitchen counter.  The shelves are ideal for desk accessories, keeping things up off the desk and out of your way. It may be a challenge to fit this on a small desk, but it is definitely worth considering.

 

Nickel Paper Caddy

Nickel Paper Caddy Via See Jane Work

 

Quick Pros and Cons

This Nickel Paper Caddy is a very stylish option for your desk, bookshelf, or counter.  You can keep files, binders, notebooks, and magazines resting on the caddy.  Personally, I think it is so beautiful that I would absolutely have to keep everything tidy in respect!  Again this item will take up some space, but if you have the space and money to afford this product, you will indeed enjoy having the organizational capability that it provides.

 

Lateral Filing Cabinet

 Outlook Lateral File Cabinet Via Smart Furniture

 

Quick Pros and Cons

Many of the other tools are temporary storage options.  You need to have a filing cabinet to house your permanent files.  In a filing cabinet you store last years taxes, medical records, car insurance information, etc.  These are all files that are necessary to keep, but do not need to be accessed often.  Instead of the metal vertical filing cabinets that most of us are used to, this lateral file cabinet is much more refined.  The one negative for this cabinet is the price tag.  A nice looking file cabinet will cost you more, but you'll enjoy having it in your home. 

Whatever you buy for your home, home office, or office, consider buying organization accessories that make the experience more enjoyable.  I hope going through these paper storage solutions has helped you as much as it has helped me!  Now which ones shall I buy?

 

My Holistic Idea

My Holistic Idea: A holistic site that focuses on healthy eating, a healthy lifestyle, holistic remedies, a healthy sense of style, and healthy faith

There comes a time in everyone's life when you can't get something done without a little help.  Big ideas need company.  I have a new idea that is enormous to me.  Even so, I want to make it happen.  I've made steps to make it happen.

I have a domain name that is all my own.
I have the e-mail address in gmail.
I have the Pinterest account.
I have the Facebook page.
I have the Twitter account.
I even have the Google+ page.

It's all aligning and then I find myself stuck.  Mainly, I'm stuck because I bought GoDaddy's website builder along with my domain name and honestly, it's awful.  I can't get anything where I want it.  I need help.  I need someone with vision.  I need someone who will come alongside me and be in this with me.  That's who I need.

The Rundown

Site Name: Hidden until the great unveiling

Company Tag Line: Ditto

Briefly describe what the site will be:

My new site will be an informational paradise chock-full of holistic/healthy lifestyle tips, foods, remedies, faith (how to live out faith holistically), and style.  As I begin to bring my family forward into a healthier lifestyle, I want to share my experiences with the world.  I want to provide lifestyle tips as I discover them.  I will share recipes as I test them myself.  Giving sources and keeping a catalogue of remedies that I want to try and adding information as I try them.  My faith is essential to me and I know that having a healthy spiritual life is in agreement with the holistic lifestyle as well.  Also, I want to explore how to bring holistic into style, looking good while dressing healthy.

List of 5 Adjectives that describe this site:

Holistic, Healthy, Helpful, Informative, Fun

Why is this site different or better than other sites?

I see a lot of holistic blogs out there that are fantastic.  Honestly, they are great resources to those who are holistic.  This site will be different (still fantastic, just unique).  First off, I really care about style.  I want to wear organic cotton that makes me look amazing.  I would sacrifice style for health, but no one has to make that sacrifice.  The site will help people find ways to look slammin’ and still be healthy.  You can have your hair clean and mousse it too (as long as it’s with a homemade organic mousse).  In addition, I want to have the information very accessible.  I want remedies and natural herb care listed in a way that makes it easy to find when it’s most needed.  Finally, I have a unique perspective.  I haven’t been doing this my whole life.  In fact, I used to eat Ramen Noodles (MSG, etc.) all the time during college and the the first few years of my marriage.  Giving up my Little Debbie’s was a sacrifice.  Now, I’m delving deeper into the holistic lifestyle.  Care to join?

Goals:

Why do you think people will visit your site?

            I know a lot of people are interested in what holistic is all about.  I think that starting from the very beginning is a really great place to start (didn’t someone say that before?).  Also, health is exciting!  I’m so sick of eating what I’ve been fed (figuratively and literally) and I’m ready to fight!  I’m going to make my eating real and my life holistic.  I think others will want to jump on board.

When people don’t know you exist, why would they find you or happen upon your site?

            I know by experience that lots of people are looking for holistic alternatives to modern medicine and modern life.  When I’m sick, I search website after website for legit sources for herbal remedies and holistic alternatives to modern medicines.  That’s certainly a draw.

Why would they come back?

            The site will have ways to connect.  By e-mail, by Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest, Google+, basically, all the usual.  I don’t want to be gimmicky though.  I want people to come back if they want to and not just sign up because they will get something free.  Holistic applies to marketing too!

If they do know you, why would they take the time to visit your site?

            Maybe to see what crazy venture I’m on this time.  No, really, I think those who know me know that I have become consumed by the realization that most Americans (yes, Americans!) have the least healthy diets in the entire world.  Fast food, packaged food, processed food, MSG, partially hydrogenated oils, and high fructose corn syrup are included in the diet of most Americans.  Why are we unhealthy and having numerous health problems?  It’s our diet!  I think that those who know me will be happy to see me embracing something I’m so passionate about.

Target Audience:

What types of visitors do you want to get?

I want visitors who are interested and engaging.  I want people to visit who want to know more and have questions.  The draw needs to be information, education, and growth.  Those people who are seeking will find themselves at home at this site.

Who is your target audience? (age, education, and other demographics?)

I expect to have visitors who are mostly women from ages 22-65+.  Generally, I notice a lot of stay at home mothers embracing this lifestyle, but I want to open up the genre.  I will have a section in the site dedicated to holistic living for the single working mom (and maybe dad).  It doesn't seem easy cooking healthy foods when you are a single parent or if your husband is deployed.  The section will include quick, easy, and healthy recipes for the family as well as tangible ideas that can be applied to bring holistic to a household that has little extra time.

Secondary Audience:

What other visitors is your site going to get? Job seekers? Board members?

            The other audience would be those who are already holistic in lifestyle.  The site will not focus on those who are already living it up whole, but I’m sure that parts of the site would appeal to them.

Site Goals:

What are your goals for the web site in terms of your site goals?

            As a site, I would like to see the site grow to have more authors who are avidly interested in the holistic lifestyle.  I especially want to have experts in the various categories.  One day, I would like to have a holistic gardener author the gardening section.  The site would have a holistic stylist author the holistic style section.  Experts in every section!  Isn’t it fun to dream?

What is the purpose of your site?

            To educate, uplift, and have people consider a different way of life

 

The Site Will NOT:

Encourage people to live in communes disconnected with society.

Tell people what to do and how to live.

Rant and rave about how crazy people are who aren’t holistic.

Attach anyone or anything, rather education against something less healthy.
 

Who I Need:

I need a web designer/developer with a passion for holistic food and the holistic lifestyle.  I don’t just want someone to come and design a website for me that will suffice, instead I want someone who won’t stop until it serves its purpose and informs others about what holistic means to them.  Not only will they be a part of helping me design the site in its conception, but they will be a part of the life of the page.  This person needs to be full of ideas and be willing to listen to ideas.  This is the person that I want to find.

Skills Needed:

XHTML/HTML, CSS, Good Design Sense, SEO, Project Management, Basic Writing and Editing, DOM

Do you know this person?

Are you this person?

Join me!

Leave your name and website or the designer's name in the comments below, thanks!

Getting Geeky for the Holidays: Lego Minifigure Display Case

Today, I finally decided what my son and I would get James for Christmas.  James loves Legos.  I think most grown men, if honest, love Legos.  The past few years he has been collecting the Lego Minifigure Series Collections as they come out.  This year we are so far away from any Lego stores (or any Targets), he hasn't been able to get any!  So I search Amazon and find . . .

the entire Series 8 Lego Minifigure collection.  SCORE!

Amazon: Lego Minifigure Series 8

Josiah's gift to daddy in the mail!

Now I had to think of something for me to get him, since he already picked out his "big" gift for Christmas.  I found a picture of a Lego Minifigure Display Case that someone had actually built out of Legos to house their Minifigure collection.  Then BINGO, I had an idea.  I'll use the Lego Digital Designer and rebuild the shelf in the picture and order the pieces!

After a bit of playing around and figuring out the program, I have the completed design.



Lego Digital Designer:  Lego Display Case

Of course, now I feel so terrible because I accidentally closed out of the Flickr picture where I found the original design.  I would love to give him credit.  So if you find the original Flickr picture, please let me know!!!!

Here is another picture in case you are interested in building this for the little or big man in your life.



Here is a list of the bricks you need to make it.

8 dark green 1 x 2 bricks

80 dark green bricks (2 x 2)

32 dark green inverted roof tiles (2 x 2/45)

4 dark green plates (1 x 2)

12 dark green plates (2 x 4)

8 dark green plates (2 x 6)

 

I hope this helps you out in planning your Christmas Lego shopping as much as it has helped me!

Merry Christmas!

Brooke