The Closetnista

If only my closet will look like this when I'm done...sigh...

  As you know, I am working on my closet makeover right now.  I definitely needed a bit of help in the wardrobe organization department...gulp, yup I did.  With hoards (get it?), of articles & how to's out there, I came upon the lovely ladies of The Closetnista.  I hit the jackpot!  It was like the universe answered my exact questions and issues that I had had and a huge weight felt like it had been lifted.  Yippee!  

I love their steps on how to organize, and they couldn't be simpler~and I LOVE simple!  Anyone can do this!  Click on the video below for their great tips and tricks they share with their readers.  

Additional tips from Tara & Liz:

1. Don't put your suits together.  Hang the pieces separately so you can actually get use out of all the pieces.

2. Hanging necklaces & bracelets as art on the wall can free up space in the actual closet, keeping it clutter free and looking pretty.  

3. Lighting.  Use soft lighting, not harsh fluorescent bulbs which really will illuminate the things you probably don't want to.  


4. Hang a floor length mirror or lean it up against the wall so you check yourself and look your best before leaving the house.  You don't want to put on that skirt inside out!  

Be sure to check out The Closetnista website for all their great advice.  You'll be glad you did!

(Photos via The Closetnista). 

Closet Conversation

With all these recent sunny days, it feels like Spring is right around the corner and with that usually comes the urge to purge, redo & organize.  Whether we actually do it or not, is another question, however it appears most of my fellow bloggers and DIY genius's are at it so with all the 50 or so projects I need to do (at least in my world), I am working on room plans for my daughter & son and my own closet. I made a promise to myself that I wouldn't be overwhelmed, and will tackle one space at a time, (after all, I should follow the advice I give my clients right?), but first things first.  Putting together the plan.   

I will say that my closet is not a pretty site at the moment.  Having only moved into our new place in October, we're still trying to see how we "live" in all the spaces.  There are still boxes of who knows what in my room and things that don't even belong in here...yes, terrible I know!  However, we have to allow ourselves to make mistakes, to not be perfect and well, as organized as I like to think I am sometimes, this closet screams...NOT!  


So yesterday I finally made a plan of attack in there, found some things I forgot I had~"oh THERE'S that blouse I was looking for!", or "why do I have this again?"...you know exactly what I'm saying! I've made a small dent, but there's still a ways to go.  Now, normally I wouldn't do this, but I took a couple of pictures of the mess before I started (just know that I am shrieking a lot inside showing these!).  On the bright side, this closet has such a great layout that I actually really love, & plan to make it amazing!  I am also loving how it's open to the rest of my bedroom (meaning it has to look good!), but there are only three walls to work with.  One full wall, the one with the window and the other half wall.  The fourth wall is the entry to the en-suite.  There is great potential though and with so much inspiration out there (pinterest anyone?),  well that alone inspires me.  Anyone else have any closet woes they want to share?  


Here are the before pics...(gulp)

Dining Chair Makeover-Mid-Century Modern Love! Part 1

Let me say this...when given the chance to take something off someone else's hands (in this case it was in my grandmother's crawl space), and it looks THIS gorgeous to begin with, (shape, lines, danish walnut..HELLO!), yeah, I jumped! HIGH!  My actual first taste of authentic mid-century modern AND made in Canada!  I'm in love!  I don't know much about the furniture maker, but the maker mark (see picture below), says it's from The Honderich Furniture Company Limited, founded in 1911.  This particular dining set came with 5 armless chairs and one with arms.  I was happy to get the matching buffet even though I am not one for matchy matchy pieces, this is exquisite!  

So, needing to update the pieces, I already had some fabric I  purchased from IKEA about a year ago that I wasn't using for anything and thought it would be perfect to recover the cushions on the chairs with.  

Here is the before and after shots of one of the chairs!  See...gorgeous lines, even more so after the fabric went on! 

So stay tuned for more of my mid-century makeover as I prepare to finish the table next.  The top is covered with water stains unfortunately but nothing a little sanding and painting won't cure!  I can't wait for the whole thing to be completed as it's going to look fabulous!!  

Tips From A Makeover Master, Tommy Smythe

Photo Courtesy of H&H Magazine (www.houseandhome.com/makeovers11)

Want a stunning reno or makeover?  Do you know where to start?  Luckily in the latest Canadian House & Home Special Makeover Issue, Tommy Smythe guides homeowners on how to get the most bang for your buck...if that's what you want of course.  See what he shares on good design principals and the triangle of expectation.


One of the top tips to keep in mind when doing a reno or makeover is if there is more work than retiling a backsplash, get out of that house!(His exact words!).  You are probably setting yourself up for more than you bargained for or for disappointment in the long haul.  


Always look at how a room will be used, how many people will be using it and at what time of day or night will it be used.  The first thing clients should be aware of is "The Triangle Of Expectation".  Good, being at the top point, fast and cheap being on either side.  These three cannot exist all in one reno or makeover, so pick two and decide on how it's going to be.  It's entirely up to you and if the bones of a house are right, the rest falls into place and will come together as it should with the decorating.  

Tommy's Budget tips and tricks

• Houseplants
• Paint
• Tile
• Spray Paint Is Your Best Friend
• Edit, Edit, Edit!