learn ^ design book
Get organized this season by thinking outside the box for unconventional storage solutions Summer Chal lenge
By Jennifer Bertrand
H
ellooo everyone! It’s summertime, and just in case you’re in need of some sanity in the midst of summer madness, let’s
as bookshelves and bars, retro TVs as a bar (obviously I am needing a cocktail) … but imagine an old TV or even TV armoire turned into a jewelry armoire/closet. What do you have that you could mount differ- ently, take apart and transform, or just learn to love again with a fresh coat of paint? MacGyver had it right all along … It’s amazing how some eye hooks and cook- ing twine can turn a blank wall into an instant art display. I love creating wall installations. Recently I even took a frame I found in the West Bottoms and ran gold wire in a spider web through the middle. Now I clip to-do lists, etc., on it in my office. Think high and low Under your bed, under your stairs, wherever there is empty space, you need to think 2 3
about utilizing it with- out making it feel visually busy. In custom design we get to build up, install hidden doors, and so on. For real life design, make spaces feel less busy by unifying elements, harmonizing through color or texture. That’s designer talk for, if you have a wall of something, paint them all the same color or group them by colors. Also, clear out the dust bunnies and utilize the space under your beds. Think about it … you could use old dresser drawers to slide under a bed for extra storage. Kitchen items can be best friend A cake stand, a lazy susan, these are some of my favorite elements in design! I just used a cake stand in a teenage girl’s bathroom to raise her hair products and de-clutter her counter. I even use them on bookshelves! The other day, I 4
dream up some unconventional storage.
Back away from Pinterest and look around your home! Because of the Internet, the world is at our fingertips, and there is no reason our lives should not be in order. But do you ever think there is just too much info out there? I know I do, and sometimes rather than scouring the Internet, the solutions may literally be right in front of you. Sometimes it’s helpful look at items we already have with fresh eyes. Try walking into your storage area, look- ing at the extra items and asking yourself, “In what weird way could I use this?” For example, you will see people using old pianos 1
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vintagekc summer 2015
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