Maximizing Small Spaces

If you find yourself living in a small house or studio apartment, there are many ways to maximize your space through organization and storage. Help You Dwell has collected some tips and finds for anyone living in a small space, and we’re excited to share them with you.

Designate Furniture

Whether you are moving in or already settled, furniture arrangement is crucial for small spaces. Start by measuring your floor space and furniture to plan effectively. Having open floor space is a great way to make a room look larger, so arrange your furniture to open up the main area. For example, in a living room, line furniture along the walls and opt for smaller coffee tables and side tables. This arrangement not only maximizes your space but also helps create a wonderfully cozy and welcoming environment!

Mirrors

Another effective way to expand your space is by decorating with mirrors. Mirrors create depth in a room and serve as perfect decorative pieces. Here are some tricks for deciding what type of mirror to choose and where to place it. Positioning a mirror towards a window will allow nature to be brought into your home. Boost brightness in your room by placing a mirror next to a lamp to reflect light. To make your space appear larger, choose a larger mirror with a smaller frame. These simple adjustments can transform the feel of your room.

Open Space

As mentioned earlier, having open space can make a room appear bigger. It's also essential to keep clear walkways within your space. Clear walkways enhance the flow of your home and make it feel less cluttered. Utilize corners for storage and décor to keep items off the floor. Consider bookshelves designed for wall corners to place and hang items, maximizing every inch of your space.

kitchen + dining room

Depending on your layout, your kitchen and dining room may be combined spaces, and for some, this area may also include the living room. Organize your cabinets strategically to keep items off exposed surfaces. Use organizers for larger shelves to stack more items efficiently. In the pantry, hanging door organizers and containers can save valuable space. A bar cart is a great addition to keep your glasses and beverages in one place. With a rolling cart, you can easily move it from room to room when hosting guests, making your space multifunctional and practical. Check out our Amazon Storefront for our favorite kitchen organizational finds that we implement for our own clients!

Bedroom

Styling a smaller bedroom is an excellent opportunity to streamline and keep only the items you truly need. If you find your room cluttered, take time to go through your belongings and decide what’s necessary. Try moving your bed to create more open space. Look for furniture that’s ideal for small spaces, such as a bookshelf headboard or floating side tables. These pieces not only save space but also add a unique touch to your bedroom. 

Lighting

Lighting is your best friend in a small space. If your room has windows, keep them uncovered to maximize natural light. Avoid blocking windows with headboards or furniture, and center that light source as much as possible. If natural lighting isn’t an option, choose smart lamps and sconces to brighten up your space. Proper lighting can make a significant difference in making your room feel open and airy.

Furniture + Storage options

On our Amazon Storefront, we have curated a selection of great furniture and organizers to maximize your options in a small space. From multifunctional pieces to smart storage solutions, you’ll find everything you need to make your home both stylish and functional. Take a look through to find your favorites and transform your living space today.

For more tips and great finds, visit our Amazon Storefront and discover the perfect pieces to help you dwell well in your small space.

Please note that when you use our Amazon storefront affiliate links, we may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. Your support helps us continue providing valuable content. Thank you!

Organizing Tips for an Older Home

One of the best parts of the work we do at Help You Dwell is getting to visit so many different types of homes across Knoxville and surrounding areas. Oftentimes, our clients will reach out because they live in an older home with little storage and lots of organizing challenges. And we love a good challenge!

Edenvale, my childhood home

Growing up in a home built in 1857, where my parents still reside, has given me a front row seat watching my mother’s ingenuity in utilizing various types of furniture to create order in our home.

Now, at Help You Dwell, we have had the great pleasure of working in dozens of homes facing similar challenges. Here are some of our favorite solutions for homes designed before IKEA, Amazon, and Home Goods made it way too easy to fill our homes to the brim!

Have a wall? Add a hook or two!

One common necessity missing in many older homes is an entryway closet. Without that convenient spot to hang coats, purses, backpacks, or leave your rain boots, the entryway can become a cluttered mess, scattering these all over the house.

Instead, we’ve installed a few systems to best utilize the entry space and make the most of that area. And let’s not forget the tried-and-true hall tree, which can whip an entryway into shape in a jiffy.

Bookshelves are our friends.

I’ve lived in a 4 different homes built before before 1930 and have come to realize the great versatility, function, and beauty of a good bookshelf. A bookshelf can do much more than hold books because of the many options of decorative baskets and bins available these days to match any design style. They also come in so many different sizes and styles that you can find what you need to fit just about any space.

We’ve used bookcases in kids’ rooms for toy bins, easy-access clothing, collectibles, and books. They’ve been incorporated into kitchens for storing excess items when cabinet space is limited. One area that can greatly benefit, but isn’t often considered, is the landing at top of the stairs. This can be a great way to store linens in cloth baskets if you’re lacking a linen closet, or it can be a catch-all for electronic accessories, toiletry refills, or other items that need a home.

Another helpful aspect of using bookcases is their versatility - they aren’t permanent fixtures. As your season of life changes, so do the items in your home. Bookcases allow you to easily adjust and adapt to honor those changes.

Cupboards, Armoires, and Dressers… oh my!

Another go-to for creating order in an older home is to use a beautiful heirloom, an antique piece, or a practical furniture item to store a variety of items.

As my children have grown older, I’ve repurposed one special red dresser in various ways. Initially, it held their clothes; later, it found use near our kitchen for their plates, cups, and more. For a brief period, it served as a bedside table, and its final role in our home was storing art supplies. Another versatile piece we have is an antique meal bin. Ours currently houses our pup’s food.

We’ve helped to convert armoires to office supply storage, used antique cupboards for overflow kitchen storage, and filled dressers with family games, puzzles, bed linens and table linens.

Help You Dwell loves to honor the history and character of an old home. Being resourceful with the pieces you already own, or thoughtfully considering the next piece to bring into your home, can be game changers for creating organization within your space.

We’d love to hear about some of the creative ways you’ve stored your belongings as well! Please share your ideas in our comments below or share a challenge in your home that we can help you with.

We can’t wait to help you dwell!

Embracing Autumn’s Arrival: Transform Your Entryway For Fall

The arrival of autumn heralds a change in the air, the crisp scent of falling leaves, and a burst of warm colors that ignites our senses. It's the season of cozy sweaters, pumpkin flavored everything, and, of course, the perfect time to spruce up your home's entryway to reflect the beauty of fall! In this guide, we'll take you through some tips on how you can create a warm and inviting entryway that celebrates the magic of autumn.

1. Start with a Clean Slate 

Before you dive into any seasonal decorating, it's essential to start with a clean and clutter-free space. This is the ideal time to bid farewell to the items that accumulate by your entry way over the long summer months—expired sunscreen, old sunglasses, and summer toys—and either store them away or discard them. Give the area a thorough cleaning to prepare it for the upcoming season of indoor living.

2. Embrace Cozy Storage Solutions

As the days grow cooler, you'll want easy access to your fall essentials. Consider incorporating furniture with drawers or hooks to keep small accessories like gloves, scarves, and hats neatly organized. Creating a designated spot for these items not only adds functionality but also offers you the opportunity to rediscover those seasonal autumn accessories you haven't seen in a year! This simple addition will infuse a touch of autumn/winter fashion and cozy charm into your entryway.

Entryway Wall Shelf with Hooks

Entryway Storage Bench

Antique Cast Iron Wall Hanger

3. Create a Warm & Welcome Exterior

To set the stage for a warm welcome, add a touch of fall foliage to your porch or door. A fall wreath, a couple of potted mums, or some strategically placed pumpkins can instantly infuse your entryway with the spirit of the season. You don't need an overwhelming amount of decor to create an inviting autumn ambiance. A simple seasonal welcome mat is an extra touch of charm that your guests will surely appreciate.

Berries + Leaves Iron Wreath

Wooden Harvest Floral Wreath

Buffalo Plaid Check Rug

4. Decorate with Autumnal Flair

Petite Pumpkins: Display small pumpkins and gourds on shelves, tables, or even your entryway bench. Their warm hues and unique shapes add a touch of rustic elegance.

Candles and Lanterns: Place candles or lanterns with warm, flickering lights to create a cozy atmosphere. Scented candles with autumn fragrances like cinnamon and sandalwood or vanilla and apple spice can enhance your entryway experience.

Beaded Pumpkin Lantern Set

Amber + Vanilla Candle

Teak Pumpkins

Remember, the key to creating an autumnal entryway is to keep it simple and reflective of your personal style. Whether you prefer an eclectic rustic look or a more modern and minimalist approach, there are countless ways to infuse the warm feelings of fall into your home's entrance. With a clean slate, a dash of creativity, and a love for the season, your entryway can become a delightful reflection of autumn's splendor.

There’s no better time than now to get started on prepping your home to help create an environment that brings you peace before a busy season of holidays and hosting. Remember, bringing calm and order to your home is a process and we are happy to help you along the way!

CALL US AT 865.245.9080 OR BOOK OUR SERVICES HERE!

Please note that when you use our Amazon storefront affiliate links, we may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. Your support helps us continue providing valuable content. Thank you!

10 Ways to Display Kids Artwork

10 Ways to Display Kids Artwork

We recently heard a neighbor friend say that her quarantine home looks like “a craft store exploded inside.” Can any of you with small kids else relate?? So, what should we do with all those newly created art masterpieces from our kiddos? We want to celebrate all their little creations!

Instead of just stashing all their art in a folder or adding it to "the pile," here are 10 creative & manageable ways to bring some color into your home, celebrate the seasons, & show off your kids' imagination through art.

1. Use tacks on a wall that's not front and central in your home.

So this first one's not rocket science, but it's what works in our home. Our laundry room is on the main level & has gray walls so the art can really pop! I (or my kids) just rotate their art 2-3 times a year in this room leaving tiny holes from the tacks. The way I look it, when the art stops coming home someday, I'll be ready to repaint the room anyway, but until then, I get to be reminded of these little people I love so much while I'm trying to find that missing sock or checking their pockets before they hit the washer. 

Try these Push Pin Clips

2. Thrift frames with glass removed and cork board added.

This is a great option for a more polished look that keeps it super easy to rotate art. Shannon Makes Stuff has great images for ideas. Let the kids have another art project by painting the frames themselves.

Try this cork board.

3. Have Simply Create Kids create a collage poster of your child's art.

This option is a bit more pricey, but well worth the money to have one piece that speaks for many. My kids would love how professional this art display would make their art look.

4. Create vertical art on a string.

The folks at Artful-Kids used a hanging wire to display art vertically allowing for easy rotation. This is a great option if you're short on wall space.

Use this Hanging Picture Display Holder.

5. Use inexpensive IKEA frames in the color that work for your space.

We love how Amanda Medlin created this wall for her boys' room with multicolored frames, but all white or all black frames would be another great option to showcase your child's art.

6. Clothespins are great for art display.

Aimee of It'sOverflowing.com has a great DIY plan to create a fun clothespin line for your kids to be able to change their own art with ease. HYD helped a client design one similar to this last year & it was a huge hit with their four kids.

Try these mini clothes pins.

7. ArtKive it by photographing your child's art with your smartphone.

This is brilliant. ArtKive has designed an app that allows you to photograph the artwork, upload it, and then turn it into books, gifts, or keepsakes.

8. Mount clipboards to the wall.

HYD loves reclaimed wood projects. These from Old House to New Home are some of our favs. Of course, you could use lots of different styles of clipboards that work best for your space.

9. Professionally frame special holiday pieces.

My thoughtful mother decided to pick a couple of my brother's & my best Christmas creations. My brother's is a Santa with no arms, he's a beauty. I did a lovely manger scene that brings back memories but doesn't come close to the fine artistic ability of my brother. It's been over 30 years since we created them & every year, we reminisce & poke fun at each other when mom hangs them. I love them!

10. Keep it simple with a line of twine.

Assortment Blog

Nothing too fancy here. Just find a color of twine or string that works for your space & use clothespins, paper clips, or even colorful hair clips to hang the art. The image above is our favorite using the spools as the anchors to hang. I have a friend who uses the twine method above her kitchen sink with smaller art pieces & it's so cute. She uses her childs' art in lieu of a curtain valance.

Get some twine here.

We hope you find these ideas helpful!

Do you have an art wall that works in your house? We'd love to hear how you're showing off your kids' art.

Read some more helpful blogs dwelling well with kiddos!

How to Make Your Own Special Nook

Home Tour by Style Me Pretty

Making Your Own Special Nook

Here in Knoxville, like so many around the world, we have spent more time at home lately. We have many things to be grateful for and we’ve had to come to terms with new challenges in our daily lives that need tending to. One thing that’s been incredibly helpful during this time are our special spaces.

With all the time inside, we've so appreciated having that special spot to retreat to when we need a little breather from all the folks being around all day.  Do You have that spot?

It doesn't take much, really.  Just a chair or seat of some sort, a reading lamp, a blanket, a small table, & a few of your favorite things.  Each of us have those few items that make a spot ours.  For our team member, Kayla, there's a little plant, some homemade "mommy" items from her kids, a pic of her as a child with her dad and brother, her favorite business card of the month, and always... her journal & the Word. She also feels so thankful to have a built-in bookcase nearby filled with other fun items that inspire her & are available when the mood strikes.

4 Nook Ideas to Get You Started

Below are some thoughtful nook ideas that might help to nudge you into getting your space just right.  Or maybe it's a space for your child to read, imagine, or just feel safe & quiet.  We found a couple of ideas for the littles, too. 

We'd love to hear any other ideas YOU may have.  What has worked for you or for your family?

1. Window Seat Nooks

Kate Pruitt for Design Sponge posts fabulous pictures of Lora Neveu's window seat nook that she designed for her daughter.  A little more work involved, but well worth the effort for the results.

Lora Neveu on Knee High To A Ladybug

2. Master Bedroom Nooks

This master bedroom nook by Courtney Fernan is a simple example of just a few items that make the spot just cozy enough.  She also links where all the items were purchased.

Courtney Fernan of A Thoughtful Place

3. Reading Nooks

For the littlest ones, Jen with Mama.Papa.Bubba. gives us a great idea to encourage reading & quiet time from an early age.  Just a few pillows, a spot for books & a fun curtain & you're ready to go!

Jen at Mama. Papa. Bubba.

4. Corner Nooks

Kara Tippetts' "Corner Nook" is just enough & not too much when she needed it most...

Kara Tippetts of Mundane Faithfulness

Need a few items to perfect your nook? Here are some great resources you might enjoy:

Vintage Lamp by Seaside Village

Snake Plant by Costa Farms

Cotton Throw by The Loomia

Candle by Knoxville’s own Silver Dollar Candle Co.

Kids Throw Pillows by YOUR SMILE

3 Ways to Refresh Your Entry Way for Spring

Entry way by Meegan Buschor of Mia Interiors

When March rolls in, we move out… outside! It’s that time of year to transition our lives from cozy and cuddled to playing and planting. Spring is just around the corner and we want to come alongside you to help transition your home and life for the changing days ahead. Each week this month we will bring you helpful insights, inspirations, and steps for you to get a kickstart on spring organizing. 

Let’s begin with the places in our homes we use every single day! Do you think much about your entry ways? We’re talking about any space that welcomes you and your people into your home. This could be your front hallway, garage entry way or mud room. Whatever you call your “drop your things and kick off your shoes” space… we’ve got some tips for you to get you ready for a new season. 

Inspiration from @industrieelchique

PURGE

Begin with a fresh start! As you look at your entry way, consider what clothing, jackets, or shoes may be piling up that you may not need anymore. Perhaps kids have outgrown shoes. Start by pulling everything out and organize them in piles with like objects. Sort through each pile determining what to keep and what could be dropped it off at your local KARM store. 

Tessa Hop’s natural tones brings simplicity to this clean entry way.

ORGANIZE

Put away your winter coats (when its finally warm enough!) and your heavy boots in their off season home. Pull out that rain jacket and gardening shoes to replace your winter gear! As you enjoy the simplicity that comes as bulky clothes leave, leave only what you need in this area as it can become cluttered easily. Start with assigning a hook, cabinet, or cubby to each person in your home.  

Consider decorative bins or a shoe rack or tray for your remaining shoes to stay tidy. Tyne Martinez of Atlanta, in an article on The Scout Guide recommends “choosing a material that adds interest without detracting from the house’s aesthetic, and opting for a style that reflects the formality of the abode.” 

Here are a few links for items much like you see in Tessa’s simple and stylish entry.

Pegs
Bags
Bench

Juniper Home’s recent mud room reveal has us drooling!

DECORATE

As always, we want to walk into a beautiful home as well as a functional one… but keep it simple! A small antique table for your keys can add some charm to a small entry way. A welcoming bench brings a warm space for taking off muddy spring boots. Save a hook to show off your favorite hat or basket full of spring flowers! Transition a favorite piece of art or collectible to display in this area to bring some life and warmth. 

Unsure where to start when considering donating unused items from your home? Read these past HYD blog posts on donations:

Living with Intention to Create a Lasting Legacy

We recently took a road trip to Nashville for the annual Antique & Garden Show, this year being it’s 30th Anniversary. This spectacular event provides spaces for high quality antiques and a platform for experts in the fields of antiques, landscape gardens, and horticulture. Additionally, it is a charitable event in which proceeds go to Cheekwood Mansion and ECON Chartities in Nashville. 

We walked through a sea of gorgeous furniture, art, and decor in thoughtful display and heard educational lectures from the top of each field, including our very own East Tennesseans Kreis & Mary Celeste Beall of Blackberry Farms. This show is top notch to say the least. Above all, we were struck by the beauty of intentionality. 

Antiques set before us a reminder that our things tell a story. Each hand crafted piece brings us to imagine the hands that shaped it and the beauty and comfort it brought to the space in which it sat. Gorgeous furniture, like the vintage furnishings from Eneby Home, remind us of how the past, present, and future all intersect before us everyday. Our homes, like our things, mirror the stories of our lives.

Are we living with intention within the spaces we dwell? 

Art by Henry Botkin: 1896-1983

Living with Intention to Create a Lasting Legacy

A highlight of the show was attending the lecture in which Kreis Beall & Mary Celeste Beall shared their insights on home, family, and making it all beautiful. Kreis and Sandy are the founders of Blackberry Farms while their daughter-in-law Mary Celeste is the proprietor. The incredible experience that Blackberry Farm has become seems so difficult to wrap ones mind around until you hear these two women speak of their inspiration from their own family history and each other. 

“...she wanted the place “to look like Mom’s and smell like Mammy’s” paying homage to the two women who had helped shape her.”

The respect and love that is shared between this mother and daughter-in-law duo speaks to the power of family in creating home. Both spoke with such vulnerability, humor, and wisdom on how their separate journeys have led them to today. Kreis shared that in the early days of Blackberry Farm, she wanted the place "to look like Mom's and smell like Mammy's" paying homage to the two women who had helped shape her. She also encouraged us business owners to dream big and "start at the top" like the time she called Julia Child to ask if she would lead Blackberry Farm's first cooking class.

Mary Celeste spoke on the importance of creating a home that works for one's own personal living style. As she and Sam designed their forever home at Blackberry, they were very intentional to include the parts that were important to them, not what was trending at the time. They planned their home to grow with their growing family (they have 5 children), and the home centers around the table, the most important place for them.

The thread of sadness of Sam's passing almost 4 years ago is palpable and real as one listens to this journey, but his inspiration and commitment to creating a place to gather with the highest quality food, drink, and venue is very much alive.

What a gift it was to hear this story in person! If you'd like to hear more about Kreis's journey, her new book, "The Great Blue Hills of God" is now available and it's wonderful!

————————————————————

So, as we think about the impact of our stories…. How can you live with intention in your home?

Consider the Past.

Our “stuff” have a story. The floorboards we walk on everyday. The trim around the doors we swing countlessly open. The hearth we face every night after a long day. And that favorite chair we curl up in as we welcome a new day. Every thing has tells the story of the past. We were struck by the knowledge expert antique collectors and sellers brought to us at the Show. Consider seeking out experts on the pieces you already own or before you pursue something new to learn how you can be more intentional with your spaces.

Pay Attention to the Present.

How are you wanting to live? Like Mary Celeste, can your spaces reflect how you want to live, not just what is in style? Consider your current dreams and intentions (maybe whip out those new years resolutions you drew up just over a month ago!) and how your home can be a sanctuary for those dreams. Who are the people most important to you, and how can your home and things provide pathways for those people?

Leave a legacy for the Future.

Lastly, we want to encourage you to consider the things you currently own or the ones you intend to welcome into your home with intentionality toward the future. Of course, there is always a time and place for mass made products that we can pick up on the fly! But as you move through your own home, consider how you fill it. Consider what you are leaving to the ones you love. A thoughtful look at the past and present can inform a beautiful future.

As you can hear, this show renewed our love of antiques and their place within the spaces we dwell! In our work with HYD, we love seeing how YOU intentionally craft your spaces. Comment one way that you are living with intention.

Pineapple Consignment

Fall is here! The weather is finally getting cooler and the leaves are starting to turn and now is the perfect time to do a house purge. While that may sound intimidating, it doesn’t have to be. Turn on some music, grab a hot tea and take a walk around your house. Walk through each room and take the time to notice what’s around you. Look at the items hanging on the walls, the lamps, the items sitting on surfaces, the furniture, and the rugs. Take the time to open cabinets and drawers and just take a peak at what you’ve got. Often life is so hectic that we stop noticing what’s around us and don’t even remember what we have. We have two tips to help you make decisions about what to keep and what to let go of.

1. Ask yourself, “Do I love this item?” If not, is it at least serving a practical purpose? If you don’t love it and you don’t “need” it, let it go.

2. The most helpful question for me is “If you saw this in a store today, would you purchase it?” Often times, it’s hard for me to decide whether or not I love an item but much easier for me to know whether or not I’d pay money for it. Sometimes, we hold onto things because we’ve had them forever and don’t even see them anymore or because someone gave them to us and we feel guilty getting rid of them. These are not valid reasons to give an item valuable real estate in your home.

Here’s the best part, once you’ve done your house purge (don’t forget to check closets and attic/basement and garage spaces— these typical storage spots are house purge jackpots) sign up for Pineapple Consignment and make some money on all those items that you are letting go of.

What is Pineapple Consignment?

Pineapple is a weekend long (October 26th-28th) consignment shop where you can earn up to 75% commission, and consignors get to shop early. The pictures above are just a few of the items that will be for sale! Want an even better deal? Shop the half off portion of the sale on Sunday the 28th from 8-12.

You set your own prices, and Pineapple’s online system makes tagging and managing your inventory super easy. At the end of each sale day, you can check earnings, and they’ll pay you via PayPal within 10 days. For more information on signing up as a consignor or to see what items they accept, check out the participation page. Sign up now because registration (and the ability to enter inventory into the system) ends on October 21st!

Here is your opportunity to make some easy money on your home decor items without putting the time and energy into a garage sale or making a million online postings.

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Megan & Austin Church.

Who started Pineapple Consignment?

The lovely Megan Church! Want to know more about her and where the idea for Pineapple came from?

Here’s what she has to say…

Nice to meet you (virtually at least)! I grew up in Virginia and Indiana, but Knoxville has become my forever home. I’m wife to one, mom to three, and stylist to many. Life is full to bursting right now, so the only logical thing to do is start a business, right?!?!

This Pineapple dream started earlier this year. I was selling an ottoman on Facebook, and six or seven people said they wanted it. “Awesome!” I thought. I scheduled a time to meet the lady who had responded first. Later, I packed up all three kids and drove to the rendezvous point. The lady stood me up. In fact, I got stood up FOUR TIMES IN A ROW, and I vowed, “NEVER AGAIN.” So here we are!

I happen to be one of those crazy people who loves consignment sales, and over the years I’ve saved a ton of money by up-cycling my clothes, as well as my kids’. Ever since I had my first baby and quit my day job, I have been needing a creative outlet. Hospitality is really important to me, and I’m passionate about bringing women together.

So, now you see how this whole thing got started, the Pineapple seeds. Pineapple Consignment combines many of my favorite things: styling events and creativity, secondhand shopping and bypassing Facebook/Craigslist weirdness, and of course hospitality and making my family’s home beautiful and comfortable. 

I certainly hope you love being a part of Pineapple Consignment! If you have any questions abut consigning, volunteering, or shopping, drop me a line at megan@pineappleconsignment.com.”

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If you don’t have items to sell, you can still shop!

Want a shot at first dibs on an item? You are in luck, the sip n see is Wednesday (Oct 24th) evening from 6-9pm. For just $5, you will be entered into the raffle to reserve an item and get to join in on a fun evening with friends. Come for a drink and be one of the first to see the items for sale. Along with shopping some pretty amazing previously owned home decor and furniture items, Pineapple will have several local artists and makers selling their creations at the sale.

Announced Vendors Include:

Alex Jaynes: custom furniture

Rob Scott: art

Matthew Peters: furniture maker

Sarah Moore: art

Spencer Ratliff: furniture maker

Kristen Wasik: art

Erica Beck: art

Knox Wood creations: frames featuring prints from Native Maps & Paris Woodhull

Ashley Addair: art

Highline Coffee

Rob Scott

Sarah Moore Studio

Old North Designs

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For more information and to stay up to date on the details and announcements, follow @pineappleconsignment on Instagram, RSVP to the event, and like Pineapple on facebook.

books, books & more books

DECIDING WHICH BOOKS TO KEEP

Photo via bookriot.com

Consider these questions when sorting through which books you'll keep and which you are willing to part with: 

• When was the last time I read this book?

• Will I read it again?

• If it's a cookbook, do I use it? Hint: the presence of food stains indicates a keeper.

• Is the book a classic?

• Does the book have specific value — is it a signed copy, first or collectible edition?

• Is the book out-of-print or hard to replace?

• Do you have mulitple copies? (Just keep one)

• Do you have an electronic version of this book? (Let the paper version go)

• Is this a book I've borrowed and need to return?

WHAT TO DO WITH BOOKS YOU'RE LETTING GO OF

• Donate to: Friends of the Knox County Library, KARM, The Salvation Army, local churches

• Specifically gift relevant books to: family members, neighbors, co-workers, or friends.

• Recycle: if a book is beyond repair & has seen better days

• Consign: your books at McKay's Books

WHAT'S ON OUR BOOKSHELVES

• Chasing Slow, Erin Loechner

• The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, Marie Kondo

• domino: Your Guide to a Stylish Home, Editors of domino

• The Nesting Place, Myquillin Smith

STYLED BOOKSHELVES

Photo via designsponge.com

Photo via designsponge.com

Here's a fun video showing a few different ways to style your own bookshelf. And a cute infographic drawing of the different styles! 

DO'S & DON'TS OF DECORATING

We don't believe in following the rules when it comes to decorating, but there are a few do's & don't that can help transform your home into something you truly love. Below are a few tips & tricks to help you get started!

Grab your favorite art piece and accessories and curate a space that's your own! If you are needing help filling in the pieces don't forget to check out The Spring Flea happening this weekend at The Hive!

Still having trouble taking your space to the next level? Our Interior Designer will be hosting a workshop on April 29th to help you create a beautiful + functional space. 
REGISTER here today!

The Art of Design: creating beautiful + functional spaces

Workshop: Presentation to get to know the designer, plus tricks & trips on how to create beautiful + functional space. This is also the perfect time for any questions you may have for the design services HYD provides & your to-do list.

To-Do: Upon registering you will be given a questionnaire to help the designer with your wants + needs for the space. You will also need to provide photos of your space. (these can be sent via email.)

Take-away: Once the workshop is done, you will provide your questionnaire sheets and photos to the designer. She will then get busy creating a layout + comments and recommendations to help you achieve your goals for the space provided.
 

5 reasons you should hire an Interior Designer

Hello friends, it's Cassandra, Help You Dwells Interior Designer.  Do you ever read 'Interior Designer' and instantly think you can't afford one?  Maybe you're not quite sure what an Interior Designer can do for you. I'm here to lay it all out for you + give you the opportunity to know more about my services first hand! 

5 Reasons you should hire an Interior Designer: 

1. Professional Assessment: “A designer can give you a professional assessment of your situation, that will then lead to a solid plan of action. The order of things in a design plan is key in determining what can be re-purposed or should be edited. This will not only effect the budget but help you to spend it more efficiently.” - FreshHome

2. Save you Money: Yes, save you money. A designer may have an upfront fee for their services but their experience & knowledge can save you money along the way. Have you ever purchased a sofa from a warehouse, only to bring it home to find out it doesn't fit? Maybe you've painted your whole house only to realize that you don't love it. A designer will have already done the up front work of making your space just right. They can help you avoid costly mistakes & help you add true value to your home.

3. Budget + Planning: As stated above, Designers already do the up front work, including selecting items in your budget and planning for the right pieces. This is can also save you time, which saves you money! Designers know all the sources that fit any budget and do all the research so you don't have to. 

4. Liaison: If you are working with a contractor and/or an architect, having a designer readily available is key to a successful project. Designers know how to read architectural plans that you may struggle with. They are also great at finding ways to add value to your space that you may have not thought of otherwise.

5. WOW Factor: When you walk into a space that is well done, you can usually find a designer that was behind it. Designers are creative, they think outside the box; it's what they do all day long. They are knowledgeable and have an eye to really make a space special.

"Interior design is a multi-faceted profession in which creative and technical solutions are applied within a structure to achieve a built interior environment. These solutions are functional, enhance the quality of life and culture of the occupants and are aesthetically attractive. Designs are created in response to and coordinated with the building shell and acknowledge the physical location and social context of the project. Designs must adhere to code and regulatory requirements, and encourage the principles of environmental sustainability. The interior design process follows a systematic and coordinated methodology, including research, analysis and integration of knowledge into the creative process, whereby the needs and resources of the client are satisfied to produce an interior space that fulfills the project goals." -NCIDQ

Still not convinced that a trained Interior Designer is worth the money? Now is your time to find out! Help You Dwell is hosting a workshop at The Hive, Saturday April 29th.

REGISTER today for an opportunity to
create a space in need of design services.

Workshop: Presentation to get to know the designer, plus tricks & trips on how to create beautiful + functional space. This is also the perfect time for any questions you may have for the design services HYD provides & your to-do list.

To-Do: Upon registering you will be given a questionnaire to help the designer with your wants + needs for the space. You will also need to provide photos of your space. (these can be sent via email.)

Take-away: Once the workshop is done, you will provide your questionnaire sheets and photos to the designer. She will then get busy creating a layout + comments and recommendations to help you achieve your goals for the space provided.

*Please note only one space in your home per customer (this can include anything from a closet to a living room that needs special attention) Also, the workshop is limited to 12 persons due to the amount of work the designer will give each individual. Your follow-up may take up to 2 months. 

bringing plants indoors

Have you ever felt like a room in your home was missing something? That it is completely decorated, filled with your favorite things but isn't quite right? It may be time to add in some green - with a plant of course! Today we've laid out a few ways to use plants inside + indoor plants that help filter your air, keeping your space looking and feeling fresh!

Photo Credit: Adam Ford

Photo Credit: Life Simplified

Photo Credit: CONVIVAL

Photo Credit: Ashley Lauren Design Studio

Photo Credit: Kirsten Grove

Wheather you go big with a ficus or keep it small with baby succulents, adding plants into your home is the perfect way to melt the winter blues away and bring life into your space! Below, HYD has picked six different plants that not only look pretty, but also filter your air. (that's a win-win in our books!)

Images: 1/2/3/4/5/6

With spring right around the corner be sure to pick up your favorites at the local nursery! 

envisioning your space

Organizing and decorating can be challenging. We've found that it's easy to feel weighed down and stuck in the "stuff" that hinders us from loving our dwelling places. Think about the pile of mail on the kitchen counter, the clothes stacked on a chair in your bedroom, the crafts spread on your kids floor, and the mixed up files in drawers of your office... you might already be ready to give up after just thinking about it! 

A fresh approach might be the change you need in perspective to conquer your challenging space. Thanks to Instagram and Pinterest, we've lost a lot of our ability to envision things on our own. We pin the image of an immaculate office and elegant bedroom that are way outside of our budget, and when we shut our computer we settle back into the reality of our lackluster spaces. 

ENVISION.

enjoy these creations as you start to imagine your spaces with new eyes. 
Ashley Dawn Addair is the creative behind the visual beauty below. 

Close out of Pinterest, shut the computer, and open your creative mind. Here are some questions to think about as you re-think areas of your home. 

1. Who will use this space most? 
2. What key furniture does this space need?
3. What colors create the mood you want to inspire?
4. What textures deliver comfort, function and coziness? 
5. How can you create natural/warm light in this space? 
6. What memories do you want to make in this space?
7. How do you hope your guests feel in this space?
8. What current items in this space are you ready to purge/donate?
9. Do you prefer exposed or hidden organization of the stuff essential to this space?

Each space and home and it's people are unique. Don't limit your space by the images you see online, dream up your ideal space and incorporate the specific items you already love and possess. 

Happy envisioning friends! If you'd like some help and direction in your space, we'd love to work with you. 

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*bonus- we stumbled upon this beautiful blog this week and had to share... Simple as That. Here's a link to a post with a free printable calendar "Collect Moments-Not Things"! 

styling your guest bedroom

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday drawing near, some of the most important and special moments are spending that time with friends and family. HYD is here to help you pull together your guest bedroom so your guests are sure to feel right at home.

Some great simple items to add include:

1. Throw: It doesn't matter if it's folded up nicely or draped over the bed, an extra throw is sure to keep them cozy & warm.
2. Good Book: Something that showcases your personality and makes your guest feel extra welcomed.
3. Table Lamp: Table lamps not only make a statement in a guest bedroom, but also provide your guest with enough or as little light as they may need.
4. Coasters: Not only can coasters double as a pretty accent for your bedside tables, they will also protect them.
5. Candle: Keep the room smelling great with you favorite scent!
6. Tooth Brush: Just in case they forget theirs!
7. Hand Cream: It is winter after all.
8. Wifi Sign: For ease of access & right at their fingertips for any device they may have with them.
9. Notepad: It's always handy to have a notepad to jot down notes. Don't forget the pen!
10. Fresh Flowers: Succulents are great options, as they require minimal care, but you can never go wrong with fresh flowers. You may also be able to walk into your backyard and pull together an arrangement. 

Whether your guest bedroom is fully decked out, or as minimal as they come, welcoming your guest with open arms never goes out of style. 

color coordinated

Before we begin, if you are color blind- our sincerest apologies. However, we're confident that in some way, you will benefit from these colorful ideas regarding coordination, categorization & organization. 

What colors do you find beautiful? What colors represent kid friendly things? What colors say "dangerous" or toxic? What colors signify the holidays? 

There are so many areas of your home where a little color coordination might bring simplicity and order. 

Image from Amanda Griffin-Jacobs blog. 

TOYS. Assess the toys in your home, and decide whether it will be more effective to separate toys by type or by the child that will play with them. Separating by type is conducive to families with children near the same age. Separating by which child plays with specific toys might be better for a family with a larger gap in age and interest, such as a young boy with an older sister. Pick a color and designate a bin/basket or tub for each category of toy.
 

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Image from Simply Spaced blog. 

CLOTHES. A closet organized by color is aesthetically satisfying and incredibly practical as you sleepily sift through your clothes to find the perfect (orange, yellow, pink or white) shirt for today. It takes the search and rescue effort out of getting dressed every day. Follow the gradient of colors as you look for your specific blouse or pair of pants. 

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Image from A Bowl Full of Lemons blog. 

DOCUMENTS. While manila file folders are still classic, there are so many colorful options to choose from. If you are single, married or a mother to 12 children- you have important documents. Pick a color for each category, such as: Medical files, Home Warranties, School Papers, Bank Statements, etc. 

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Happy color coordinating! Some other places to implement color organization include: book shelves, craft areas, and your dishes! What are other areas you use color to bring order and simplicity?

We'd love to help you think outside the box in the areas of your home that stump you. Give us a call to schedule your free 30 minute consultation today- 865.245.9080

[ Blog post image source: Apartment Therapy ]