Back-to-School '20; Sanity Saving Inspiration
If I may start…. let’s address the elephant in the room?! We know this year is unlike any other, our children/friends or family will be going back-to-school in a completely different situation than EVER before. Our hearts go out to all of the parents and students that are making the unprecedented decisions, on whether they will be attending school or going virtually this year (like our very own Dupert Family.) This is not a decision to take lightly and it is heavy burden to bare. There is no question that all children are effected by the disruption in schooling that not only affects their learning- but their physical, mental and emotional health & for some, their security/access to food. The most negative effects are seen in children living in poor/impoverished communities, children with different learning styles/disabilities and children in isolated/rural areas. {click HERE to see how you can support local Sioux Falls students, by participating in the Feeding South Dakota- Backpack Program}
While there are no right or wrong answers- we know it is imperative to make the decision that is best for your specific situation (based on your own family’s risks, options and needs.) So we feel that now, more than ever- is a time to cover our students, parents, families, teachers/school/government leaders in prayer. We pray for increased development/understanding of tools for educators/students that are helpful and useful, while addressing students' social and emotional needs. We pray for working parents, that disruptions in scheduling do not harm their ability to participate in the workforce. We pray for decision makers, to work together to figure out how to continue quality education in the safest/best way possible. We pray for increased health/strength for all students and teachers- in Jesus Name!
Back to front: Riley, Peyton & Braylin- first day of virtual school; 2020
Is the kitchen island cluttered with old mail? Or is the front door a disaster area of coats, keys, bags and shoes? Creating a family landing area/command center saves you time- it helps everyone get out of the house in the morning rush and keeps your kitchen “virtually” clutter-free (see what I did there?) However you/your children are attending school this year, let’s admit that things are about to get CRAZY and the house is going to get pretty messy. These tips & tricks are going to help you to stay organized and save your SANITY!
Transform your family “Catchall” into a “DROP-ZONE”
Meeting your storage needs in a small entryway can be a challenge, especially if your home lacks a designated mudroom or foyer space. Any entryway can quickly turn into a jumbled pile of coats, bags, keys, mail/homework and shoes. The area around your main entrance needs to function as a drop zone for everyday items when you are rushing in and out of your home. A well designed entry should also provide spots for storing lesser-used items such as sporting goods and out-of-season accessories. To turn a small entryway into a hardworking storage space that accomplishes all of these tasks, you'll need to bring in some smart solutions. These entryway storage ideas will boost function, save overall space and really make the most of your front door. Our designers have come up with some simple/quick and inexpensive ideas to create your own drop-zone, over a weekend!!!
Create a One-Wall Solution: One wall is all you need for an effective storage area but space must be used thoughtfully. Create a mini mudroom, by bringing in a bench to provide a spot to sit and kick off shoes. Hang hooks at varying heights to accommodate items (and keep them in reach for all family members.) Try baskets underneath to house smaller footwear like sneakers and sandals. A large bulletin board keeps track of important papers, the family calendar and proudly displays kids artwork. Wall-mounted file folders organizes incoming/outgoing mail for easy access. If your short on space think vertically, open shelving makes efficient use of floor-to-ceiling space and allows you to keep frequently used items in plain sight.
Doing Double-Duty: If your front door opens into the kitchen, create a hybrid area designed for both meal prep and entryway storage. A simple cart holds cooking supplies, artwork adds personality and seating increases the area's functionality. Add entryway functionality to your laundry area by turning an unused corner into a cozy catchall and attractive containers store small items out of sight but easily within reach. Instantly create a message center to suit your grab-and-go lifestyle. Coat one side of a bookcase with high-gloss paint and leave messages with dry-erase markers or attach a magnetic bulletin board below for a practical color pop that allows you to post photos and reminders.
Extend/Rethink a Small Entryway: If the space around your front door is tight- extend your entryway storage around the corner where there's more room. Get creative with a fun display of hooks, shelves and mirrors that function as both storage and decor. Another quick remedy for this situation is a simple, slim-fit bookcase right inside the door or at the end of an entry hall. Entryway Closet? Turn your coat closet into a mini mudroom! Coat/shoe racks, storage bins and floating shelves boost function in this small entryway storage solution. Bring in your personal style with a fun wallpaper pattern and accent rug. Cork tiles form a simple, attractive bulletin board solution (apply with self-adhesive strips for easy installation and removal.)
Save Space; Combine Seating & Storage: Combine seating and storage for ultimate space-saving efficiency. Try a set of storage ottomans that provide space for taking off shoes, while the lids conceal out of season items (maximize function with mobility by attaching casters.) A built-in bench or cubby provides streamlined, simple storage and seating. Cover your seat cushions in outdoor fabric for extra durability and stain resistance. Don't take up precious floor space with bulky cabinets, instead, look for narrow units that don’t disrupt traffic flow. Utilize your walls- stick to hanging organizers, hooks and floating shelves. To prompt a timely departure, consider hanging a clock or placing one on a shelf visibly in the entryway.
Convenience/Organization with Bins, Drawers, Cubbies & Baskets: Gather loose items inside baskets or bins by the door. Small basket are perfect for catching wallets, keys and other daily items as you enter. Designate and clearly label baskets with the specific season, person or category. Use stackable, lidded boxes or amp up the style with woven wicker/wire baskets (their open design makes it easy to spot what you need, from a distance.) Subdivide drawers to keep office supplies organized for on-the-go needs. Vertical shelf dividers provide ideal spots for organizing mail and paperwork or use magazine files/binders to keep loose papers contained. Your entryway is a prime spot for storing pet gear- neatly corral dog toys, out of sight.
Shop our Favorite Drop-Zone pieces (BELOW)
1) Metal Modern Hall Tree: Bed, Bath & Beyond
2) Stackable Square Glass Display Boxes: Target
3) Gold Desk Organizer With Tray: World Market
4) Metal Coat Rack w/Storage Basket: Kalalou
5) Metal Stand w/Basket: Kalalou
6) Leather/Gold Letter Holder: World Market
7) Golden Eye Desk Clock: World Market
8) Metal Desk w/Recycled Wood Drawers: Kalalou
9) Gold Wire Wall Organizer: World Market
10) Natural Rope Basket w/Leather Straps: Target
11) Metal & Wood Shelf w/Bamboo Rack: Kalalou
12) Wooden Storage Bins w/Metal Baskets: Target
13) Live Edge Hook Wall Rack: World Market
14) Bench w/Totes & Cushion: Bed, Bath & Beyond
Our Designers want to HELP
Here at Omorfia, our desire is to make life better and more BEAUTIFUL for you! Hopefully we’ve shown you that if clutter is crashing in on you- that even with a small space, a small budget and limited time- you can get organized, in style! If you aren’t sure how to get started or need to remodel your entryway closet to organize the chaos, start by chatting with us in a FREE 30-minute phone consultation or schedule a personal {$99/2 hour} appointment with one of our designers. Call us at 605-223-0193 OR go to omorfiadesignsinc.com/getstarted
Design Tips for your Small Space
Cozy, warm, pleasant, and welcoming; all words that you hope people think of when they are describing your home. If you live in a small living space, you start to realize that it's not as easy as it looks. How are you going to take this small space and transform it into something breathtaking? It seems so easy when they do it on HGTV but why is it so nerve-racking now?
With small house interior design, there are always sets of do's and don'ts that govern how a space transforms. A small space is no exception. If anything, the stakes feel higher because you have less area to work with in your home.
However, working with a small space should not feel daunting. At Omorfia, we have picked up some tips and tricks to help you as you try to navigate interior design for your small house or living space.
Out of Sight, Out of Mind
When doing interior design of a small house or small room, it is always best to make the room as clutter free as possible. Having less clutter in a room gives the illusion of more space. Therefore, when looking for furniture, we recommend finding pieces that can conceal items.
For example, a console would offer ample interior storage and shelving, while providing a more sleek and solid exterior. Coffee tables with hidden storage offer the same thing. If you use your living room often, chances are that you have a lot of stuff floating around that you need daily. Maximize your space by buying furniture with hidden storage.
Going along with this, we recommend buying furniture that has a dual purpose. Providing more than one use helps to make small areas more functional. An example of a small bedroom would be to buy a daybed instead of a full/queen sized bed. You can use it as a couch during the day, thus maximizing that space when you need it. It can easily convert it into a bed at night. Many day beds have additional storage below as well.
A new trend that has taken over by storm is open shelving. While it can look amazing and is very appealing, we do not recommend it for small spaces. It may seem like not having cabinets would make a space feel larger than a room full of cabinets. In reality, if you do not have items strategically placed on the open shelving, it can seem like more of a chaotic mess than a clean, spacious look.
Tall Pieces of Furniture
Choosing some well-designed tall pieces can accentuate high ceilings in a small room. This height can make the room look and feel expansive. Even if your ceilings are not that high, having a tall bookshelf or cabinet can trick the eye into thinking that they are higher than they are.
Again, having storage is key to small space living. Having floor to ceiling storage will make the height of your room seem taller, and provide a spot for all the things you accumulate.
A Mirror, or Two.
Never underestimate the power of a strategically-placed mirror in a small space. Mirrors can make the room appear double in size. That goes for any place, a bedroom, dining room, or living room.
Placing a mirror adjacent to a window or a sliding door can instantly add an airy and spacious vibe to your small space. This is an easy and inexpensive trick that we highly recommend if you are living in a small space.
Small Space doesn't Necessarily Mean Small Furniture.
A lot of times people tend to think that the size of your room dictates the size of furniture to buy. However, you should take that tip with a grain of salt. While of course, you don’t want to buy a piece of furniture that takes up half of your room on its own, you don’t necessarily ONLY have to stick to small furniture.
Say, in a living room, you can buy one or two larger pieces and then some smaller pieces to give some contrast. Having only small furniture can create awkward spaces and gaps throughout the room.
Make the Place Bright
When you are thinking of painting the walls of a small space, think light and bright. Light colors tend to be more reflective and make a space look more open and airy. Now we know, white walls everywhere are not for everyone. Take a trip down to your nearest paint store, and you will be surprised at how many light and bright colors you can find.
For years people have argued not to use dark paints in small spaces because they tend to make areas look even smaller. And while, yes that is true, we believe that throwing an accent wall here or there with a splash of color can have pros that far outweigh the cons.
While the interior design of a small house is all about maximizing your space, it is also about creating a space that is unique to YOU. If that means throwing some darker paint up, so be it. All in moderation. Having one dark wall surrounded by light walls will make the space visually appealing without taking away the look of square-footage.
Omorfia Can Help You Maximize Your Small Space
If you are dealing with some design limitations because of your small space living or need help with finding a style and design that compliments you, we are here to help.
We offer over-the-phone consultations and offer fantastic interior design for low prices. Call us today at (605)223-0193 for a free 30-minute consultation with one of our interior designers. Whether it's commercial, residential, exterior, interior, large space or small, we are here to listen to your needs and wants and to come up with a design plan.
If you like what you hear during our consultation and want to learn more, we also offer 90 minutes of personal design where we meet with you, all for $99.
Let us help bring beauty into your space. Call Omorfia today!