amy_melton89's ideas
Kitchen
The junk drawer. Let’s begin by not calling this the junk drawer — call it the “really useful stuff” drawer instead. Batteries, scissors, stamps … this is stuff you need! No actual junk belongs in there. If there is any junk, get it out. If it’s still crammed too full, you probably have some not-so-useful stuff in there, like old birthday cards and that dead cell phone you’ve been meaning to take to the e-waste center. Get that out, too. Now add neat little dividers and give yourself a great big pat on the back.Whip That Junk Drawer Into Shape
1. Borrow books, music and movies from the library. As someone who has worked in libraries, I may be a bit biased, but I think libraries are one of our greatest resources — take advantage of them! In many communities you can order books, music and movies online and have them sent to your local branch for free.2. Seek out free events in your community. Summer is the best time to find free events — keep an eye out for signs and flyers announcing free concerts, plays, movie screenings in the park, lectures and other community events.
1. Light your candles. Candles create a lovely ambience like nothing else. Light them whenever you want a little mood boost — try putting one in the entryway, on the coffee table and on the mantel, and a few tapers or tea lights on the dining table.2. Arrange your coffee table nicely. A stack of books, a tray or basket, and a vase of flowers are all you need to make your coffee table look chic and pulled together.
7. Extra pillows. If you have been getting by with only regular bed pillows, consider an upgrade. Place a few Euro-size (26- by 26-inch) pillows in shams in front of your regular pillows and finish off the look with a single lumbar pillow across the front. It’s no fun trying to get in a bed with more pillows than that, so know when to call it quits!
Outfit a console table. Again, this serves as a place for keys and mail. I love the light provided by the table lamp, the mirror for checking on lipstick or cowlicks before heading out the door, room for a plant or sculptural objects, and the basket underneath, where you can stash anything from scarves to flip-flops. It’s all tucked nicely and unobtrusively to the side.
Try a dresser. If you have the room, a dresser like this can be a dream for storing things in the hallway, helping to keep everything neat while fitting the scale of the space. In addition to keys, mail and coins, it can hold all that winter gear like gloves and hats, extra dining room linens and fun stuff like playing cards.
Family room
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