Most of my clients are quite familiar with my mantra, “Edit and Delete” until you are comfortable with the amount of accessories, and the harmony they create. “Form and Function” are also important when designing your space, as they are necessary for comfort and relaxation. As indicated in my first Rant,moving from 2700 sq feet to 1500 sq feet requires hard choices, to ensure that harmony is created. And as important, is the function of the new space. Men still need “their space” and women need to be organized and not feel crowded. Such is the situation I find myself in today. My husband, although most attentive when it comes to colour and furniture, leaves the conversation when it comes to where the roasting pan for the turkey is to be stored and where the shoes are going and where the tool box will end up. Giving up a garage (for someone who spray paints on a regular basis) is not easy, but we will adapt or kill each other in the process. I digress….. The savior to this story is the closet organizer. Some clients think it is an extravagance, others think it is a convenience, but people believe me once you have had your space reconfigured to your usage and requirements, you will be elated and never go back. Many different companies sell everything from wire to painted mdf, and all finishes and colours in between. Have you noticed that fewer people are wearing full length coats, and there are more jackets, hats, boots, newspapers, keys, leashes, etc. that end up around the front closet but not inside the front closet. Organize the space to suit you, and start with your front closet and list all the items that need to go in this space. Organize and then the laundry room is next and then before you know it you are on your way to the master bedroom. I measured the length of my husband’s shirts including the hangers and found that if I raised one bar 3 inches I could get anther 12 feet of shelf space for my sweaters. Even the kitchen cupboard has an added shelf or 2 where the short whiskey glasses take up more height then they deserve. Liberation!!!!!! What a great feeling, when you can see the floor and not trip over everything. Take a good look in each closet and find all the wasted space that is free, look up, that is where you will find it. Then you will see the floor, it is there I promise. Till next time, design your life………Lesley
visit the website at www.elizadesign.net
