HYD Blog
thoughts on dwelling
The beginning of a New Year offers us a fresh start! You may be tempted to overhaul your whole life (if you do- more power to ya!) or be overwhelmed with the many ways you want to grow in the next year. You may be wondering why we’re talking about this a few weeks into the 2021- because it is never too late to start new habits and create new rhythms. You didn’t miss your chance to begin your journey to simplicity!
Some people prefer to have a collection of daily use items, decor or appliances on their kitchen surfaces, while others enjoy a completely clear counter top. Which group of people do you find yourself in? There is no right or wrong way, but rather an approach that fits your specific season. We’ll share a few thoughts on both options…
One of the most interesting parts of our job is being invited into peoples homes to help them make sense of their belongings and their homes. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve been working with folks who have such a hard time with clutter and yet own just about every home organizing book that has come out in the past 5 years, a vast array of bins and baskets in every size, shape, and color, and have a thing for planners. It’s tempting to think that the next book or tv show or podcast will offer you a piece of advice that will change everything, but it’s just not the case— we’ve rounded up a few of the top selling organizing books that have come out in the past few years and given an honest review of them here for you.
As this season of constant unknown continues, we’re faced with the challenge to adapt rather frequently. We’ve spoken to many parents, teachers & students who are asking questions about how to adjust to the new learning environments we find ourselves in. Here are a few suggestions to help you create healthy learning environments in your home.
The word “garage” came from the French word “garer” which means to protect, shelter or store. This is a helpful to keep in mind as you make thoughtful decisions about what is worth “protecting, sheltering or storing” in your own garage. This brings into question what is most important to you & the people in your home.
Since the huge changes in our world these past few months, “working from home” and all of the challenges that come with it, has become immediately relevant & a necessary reality for many in our world today. Your home or apartment may not have a full scale office, suitable for all of your supplies and the space you need. Whether you have an entire room, a closet, a nook or just a desk- here are some suggestions to make your workspace work for you!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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?
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
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.
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!
Kara Tippetts' "Corner Nook" is just enough & not too much when she needed it most...
