2012

Here is wishing everyone a wonderful New Year! With the holidays now over we can sit back and take a deep breath, hey? Now is the time we seem to make those promises about new beginnings in how we eat, excerise, and set goals for ourselves. Take a few minutes and email us some of your ideas!
Here in Oregon the winters can be mostly rain and overcast days, so I always look for ways to bring the "sunshine" in. This is the time I scout out the Goodwill stores as well as the consignment shops. Remember our goal is to reuse, repurpose and redesign. I keep an eye out for those discounts in stores as well. Looking for some items that may bring a little more color into my home space!!
After all the decorating for the holidays its good to get back to the basis design again for the home. This was the perfect time to redesign the living room with a new arragement.
Have a wonderful and creative New Year to everyone.
PS Don't forget our new ebook to help you with the new you for 2012!!!

Organized Toys

If you have kids I’m going to go out on a limb here and guess there are too many toys! It is easy to give in and buy them toys, but honestly,you know it is important to get these toys under control and help your kids at the same time.

This time of year is perfect to set new guidelines and rules for kids of all ages. Time to discard toys that are broken/damaged or your kids have outgrown or simply no longer play with. Time for a hard sort. Toys over 6 months old are probably no longer wanted.

I find it is often harder for the parents to give the toys away than for the kids! True! NO saving because…NO saving toys. There are so many kids that have nothing, show your children how wonderful it is to give to those who have little.

Please remember only give away toys in good or better condition. Give in the condition you would want to receive it in. Find a shelter or church or perhaps a child in your neighborhood. It’s ok to play secret Santa to a family if that makes it easier to give.

The idea is to give and enjoy a “teaching moment” with your kids!

PS…Remember toys come in and equal number of toys must go out, no matter what time of year it is!!!

The Designer Gals can help you get the toys organized or any other task that may need abit of our design skills. Give us a call, text or email. Till next time…

Organized Living

Can you imagine organized living; a space where everything has a place and stuff isn’t piled everywhere? Say Yes!

Tired of searching for misplaced items each day - keys, kids shoes, notebooks, etc. A few minutes can add up to hours and hours, just 5 min. a day is over 30 hours a year. How many “5 min.” are you spending a day looking for stuff? Too many, ok it’s time to get started.

The Designer Gals are here for you. Keep a vision of how your life will be clutter free. If you are going to tackle this, do one room at a time. Clear it out, sort it into - Must Keep, Give Away, Donate. It is important not to over think your decisions and do not feel guilty if you donate gifts, hand me down furniture and such. There are so many people that can use these things. You can help make someone else’s day!

Not sure where to start? Which space first? The Designer Gals can help you prioritize and set up systems that work for you and your lifestyle. It is time to start enjoying an organized life…you can do it!

Paint with color - color creates a mood

So many choices... total confusion. Most people look at paint strips, bring home a few dozen and then paint off-white! Why? Is your lifestyle shouting color, but you don't hear it? To help you get started on your redesign, here are helpful and easy suggestions.
Open your closet, what colors do you see? You have just discovered the colors for your space. The paint stores can match almost any item and you can purchase some small samples to test on your wall.

The color you choose will appear light and dark depending on the time of day and natural and artificial lighting will influence the color also. Leave it on the wall a few days to feel comfortable with your decision.

Now that the choice is made start painting. The first few swipes with the roller are going to be a shock, but don't stop, you know this color and love it. As the walls are painted, you will become more secure in your choice and excited about the color.

This is a great time to redesign your space. Try mixing things up. Put the sofa on the other side of the room, chairs over there...you get the idea. Redesigning is fun and easy on the budget.
Congratulations! Stand back and admire what you just accomplished.
You did it!

Fall is here!!!

Well, was that a fast summer, or what ??? Here in Oregon it seemed to only last about a month!!! Yes, the rain is on its way and I guess its time to put the summer things away. There is the crisp evening air that says fall is here. Time to look for some of the things from last year, those silk fall leaves in a vase, some slip covers for my throw pillows on the sofa. Put up the heavier curtins in the living room. Whoo, looks like I have a new room. Next come the throw blankets that I lay over the arm chair and sofa.
Picked up some new pot holders and a few new hand towels with a fall pattern for the kitchen. Found a large platter that has fall colors on it. Nice to just place it on the counter for color.
With just a few touches I have changed the look of the 2 rooms, at almost No Cost!!!! Have fun with changing your home with the seasons.

Redesign any space for less

Time for a new family room, but new furniture isn’t in the budget. The Designer Gals can give you a new look using what you already own.

Yes,we can! We see your things in a new light. We will “shop” your home,move things around and change things up.

Let’s really change things up and have a design party! We’ll have the plan and you and your friends can make it happen.

The Designer Gals have a redesign for every space. It is affordable, fun and done in a day.

Give us a call, email, or text…our ideas are waiting for you!

Reuse Repurpose and Redesign an old table

We found this cool looking mid century table. Many layers of paint, but we knew it would look great after a little sanding, filler, primer. We used the mint green color that was popular in the 50's for the trim color and off white for the remainder of the table top. The Designer Gals knew this would look fabulous!

Dark brown paint for the base and legs, a quick sanding on the drawer pull and a couple coats of poly on the top and this table is good to go! It has wheels making it easy to move around a small kitchen for additional prep space or a spot to eat a meal. Perfect for a desk for kids or you!

That is how you Repurpose a table! Give the Designer Gals a call, zip an email or text...we have more ideas than we can blog about! Lets makeover something you love and reuse it for years to come!