Hello to you all and welcome to my Space for Improvement website. I believe in focusing on one room at a time. In 2007 when my daughter went off to college, she asked me for the challenging task of helping her pick out the most useful items to decorate her dorm room. I accepted the challenge!
I grew up in Ohio, born to two hardworking blue-collar workers, we were most definitely not rich, but my parents made me feel that way by giving me the best they could. We didn’t live in a big house; therefore, I learned early on that I had to make room for the items that I Cherished. Due to the area being small and my toys, clothes, and furniture were too big, most of the time this would be difficult.
Now I want to be a voice.
I obsess over improving things and creating space in the living, working, or playing areas where people spend most of their time. Here is a guide to help you save space and use updated techniques and decorating tips to make your area look wider.
A LITTLE STORY ABOUT DECORATING MY DAUGHTER’S DORM ROOM.
Earlier, I mentioned how I helped my daughter pick out items that would be useful, helpful, and decorative for her dorm room at college. Like most teenagers she wanted to take practically everything she owned, not realizing she didn’t have the space.
It’s safe to say we all have been young once and have made impulsive decisions. Taking on more than we can handle and biting off more than we can chew.
I bet many of you are asking yourself right now how do I clutter-free the very room I’m standing in?
Well, my daughter asked me that same question back in 2007 as she stood in the middle of her small dorm room which she shared with a roommate. I told her first of all she and the roommate could negotiate and make a list of things to share. One TV would be fine. Put it on or against the wall and take turns watching different channels. One fan placed in the corner because the room was small. Additionally, they only needed one printer because that would save on ink. One of my favorite items that I donated as a gift to the girls is the portable refrigerator. They placed it in a corner near the beds for convenience.
AS I MENTIONED EARLIER, I WANT TO BE A VOICE.
Additionally portable refrigerators save space in a dorm room, can be placed in a bedroom, a basement, or a small apartment. Useful for travelling too. Add Decorative touches with pictures and plants, it makes the area look nice. No longer do you have to buy bags of ice and watch it slowly melt because most portables can also function as freezers. Spend less on take-out meals. Put that money in a piggy bank for a rainy day.
Small custom-built or stand-alone bookcases can be placed under or on top of window seals or the surrounding area. Also, shelves can be placed behind the door or over a desk. Here is a less stressful tip from owner Grace Jones (who is the lead Interior Designer, based in Cincinnati, Ohio). She organizes each section or corner of a room and knows how to brighten it up with splashes of color. Although she decorates for the elite in Hollywood, her technique, style, and organization make the room look larger and wider.
THE SMALLER THE AREA THE MOST DIFFICULT THE TASK.
Stand in the middle of the room you want to decorate to save space, look around to see how you can maximize the room’s square footage. Take advantage of wasted space with corner bookcases, L shape corner computer office desk, or a portable adjustable standing desk. Top it off with a small clip desk lamp.
Different rooms require different ideas that can bring your small room to life. Arrange furnishings to avoid blocking views of windows and doors. Mount rows of racks on the wall from floor to ceiling, drape towels over a bar. Use 8-hooks to hang kitchen tools and install a magnetic knife rack. Same idea for pots and pans. Try a 3-panel room divider for studio rooms; furthermore, add that trustworthy portable refrigerator or wine cooler.
On an end note: I am an active mother and grandmother who can’t help but organize and help organize my children and grandchildren’s way of living to stay on task.
Be my guest, look around and if you have any suggestions, need a hand or have any questions with respect to space-saving. I would love to lend an ear.
Happy organizing,
Angela Founder of Space for improvement
w. SPACEFORIMPROVEMENT.siterubix.com
e. angela@spaceforimprovement.com
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