Sunday, December 16, 2012

Maximize your Storage

I know many of us have too much stuff around and always complain for not getting enough space for them. Do we have got more than we think ? It's never late to manage whatever you actually need and declutter stuffs you don't need ACTUALLY. Accept it amd work towards it NOW.

Lorie Marrero, bestselling author of The Clutter Diet is an organizing expert, spokesperson, entrepreneur and Certified Professional Organizer, explains how to work with what you've got to create useable storage. Here are the ways to expand our closet, cabinets, and shelves according to her. Let's have a look for some selected ones which applies for everyone who need some of the best storage wise advice ever.

1. Double Your (Hanging) Pleasure

Many builders default to “1R1S” or “one rod, one shelf” in closets, while most residents do not have wardrobes dominated by long dresses and coats. If you wear more blouses and pants, try installing a second clothing rod to double your hanging space. For a quick fix, you can buy a rod that hangs off the top one.



2. Make most of Baskets and bins

If you store small items on a shelf, try corralling them into a bin or basket, which you can treat as a drawer. For instance, stash your collection of tea boxes, DVDs, or slippers in a basket and access it as needed. The basket lets you see all the contents at the same time as well as maximize use of the entire space.
Label the baskets and bins if necessary
Image source: iheartorganizing.blogspot.com

3. Stack the Odds in Your Favor

For large, gaping spaces without any shelving (such as a closet with a gap between the top shelf and the ceiling, or an armoire without shelves), modular components may be the best solution, particularly if you need a fast or temporary fix. 


Transform dead space into useable storage with shelves that can house everyday essentials and baskets. Stackable units are available in a multitude of shapes and sizes, typically cost less than $20, and require only a screwdriver and hammer for easy assembly. Remember to measure before you buy.


4. Use space around ceiling

The open space below the kitchen ceiling can do more than create a home for plants. The top of cabinets often provides four to five inches of storage that cannot be seen from the floor. (Hidden storage varies depending on the type of your cabinet's molding.) 

Small items such as light bulbs and vases can be stored up there, freeing up the space inside your cabinets for frequently used items. Afraid you'll forget what you stashed near the ceiling? Just tape a list to the inside of the cabinet door to remind yourself. And if out of sight is out of mind, consider filling up large decorative baskets to place on top of your cabinets instead of hiding items behind the molding.

5. Hanging Kitchen racks

Few items free up kitchen cabinet space like a hanging pot rack. Not only do pot racks give your kitchen a distinct aesthetic, they also empty entire drawers and cabinets in one fell swoop. Available in wall- and ceiling-mounted versions, racks come in various sizes suited for almost any kitchen.
                                                Hanging pots on a pot rack


6. Make Adjustments

It may sound obvious, but don't forget about your adjustable shelves. A few minutes of handiwork and some rearranging could rectify your storage problems — at no extra cost. You may also consider having extra shelves made to fit your cabinets, giving you more layers of storage for smaller items like mugs.



7. Doors Are Walls, Too

Wall space is ideal for hanging shelves and other storage solutions. But the back of the door can also function as a suitable wall. Search online for “over the door” products and you'll find a treasure trove of hooks, racks, and my personal favorite — shoe pockets. Don't be afraid to get creative. Shoe pockets can hold more than just shoes; they are perfect for dolls, toys, or anything else you've run out of room to store.

Spices in door of kitchen cabinets

Shoe stored in door
Image via: http://www.collegelifetips.com

Not enough space to store cleaning stuffs ? place them besides door of laundry room or your store
Image source: http://inthiscrazylife-bethany.blogspot.com

8. Place stuffs Tall or vertical

Trays, cookie sheets, and platters are hard to manage when stacked horizontally on a shelf. Stand these kitchen accouterments up vertically to save space and prevent chipping. Tray divider inserts are available at hardware stores and shops that specialize in organization.



9. Use space under the Bed

Who says under the bed is off limits for storage? Depending on the bed's height, you may be able to hide bulky items like suitcases under the mattress. Many storage products, with wheels and split lids for easy access to off-season clothing, are specifically designed for this space. Some beds even come with built-in storage where you can stash baskets or bins. Just remember to protect important items from dust.







I am highly influenced with what Lorie Marrero has been saying for organizing home and stuffs around. She says "A Neat place can't be taken as Organized place". I definitely agree. After all, it's upto us how we arrange our home to arrange our daily life. :-) 

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Rendezvous with Nepali Wood Architecture

Nepalese don't have as rich history as French and Italian have, still I certainly can say the country has some of its feature that one will find ONLY in NEPAL. Forget the corrupted political system, poor governance of state and VERY slow growth in economy for a while. Living in NEPAL is not as bad as it seems either. When we talk about Art, Craft and Architecture; one of the least developed countries in the world has a lot to offer. 

No, this post is not about Majestic Himalayas and one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Instead, what made me compulsive to dedicate this post this time is the Wood Art (Art crafted in wood) exclusively by the local Nepalese craftsmen. 

W indow of  a  Nepali ancient  temple 
Image via : Everest Uncensored 
Wood art and crafts can be found in temples, ancient public rest centers, palaces built in 17th century and even old fountains extensively found throughout Kathmandu valley and other historic cities. These are widely popular for the beauty and class it reflects and gradually some Nepali households are adorned with these stunning Nepali wood art.

Have a Look at them; you will instantly fall in love with the beauty of Nepalese Wood Art:


An old age Nepali window 

Popular Nepali  Peacock  Window 


Window in  17th century nepali palace 


Wood art above a Nepali door 

Nepali windows are remarkably used in modern buildings which are often used for resort and hotel purposes which are attraction for majority of tourists as well. Use of wood art in Nepali windows and fountains is something that makes our buildings and tourist sites exclusive and different from that of other countries.



Personally, I will always recommend to use wooden crafts in the windows, doors and pillars of houses to built in Nepal. Not only it will give traditional touch to the modern look of concrete buildings, it will preserve Nepali culture and enhance the look of the house as well. 
Beautiful Wood art in traditional Nepali Door
Image via : Shutterstock 

Widely found traditional Nepali art in Doors of a Nepali household


Wood art in traditional Fountain found in Kathmandu valley

Ceilings of Nepali temples are adorned with beautiful and mastered art of wood

Traditional wood art in pillars of ancient Nepali temples and palaces

Local Nepali craftsman giving wood a meaning through art
One of the finest examples of Nepali architectures found besides palaces and temples is Hotel Dwarika and Hotel Malla situated at Kathmandu, Nepal. Words can never be capable of describing the splendid beauty with simplicity the Nepali wood art has to offer which is illustrated in every nook and corner of Hotel Dwarika.
Hotel Dwarika, Kathmandu, Nepal
I love and respect the way the wood art of Nepali history is preserved in Dwarika Hotel and other hotels throughout the country. One will certainly feel the serene and harmony residing in the hotel which has so much to offer through wood art sprawling in the area of hotel.







Wood craft in Balcony area of poolside, Dwarika Hotel, Kathmandu


Nepali traditional crafted window interior decor in Dwarika Hotel, Kathmandu
A building looks totally different with wood crafted doors and windows. While the cost to include traditional Nepali window in all over the house is quite expensive compared to iron and steel windows, we can't deny that it will be investment considering a home is built only once (or twice) in a lifetime of a family/person. So, if not everywhere, including Nepali wood art in Doors, entry ways and Windows at the front of house will make any home look lavish and it will be a matter of proud to pass on to generations. 

After all, it's upto us how we preserve our heritage and culture. Little effort always makes sense. How would you like to use Nepali wooden art and crafts in your home and office? Have you already used it? Sharing is Brainstorming.

Sunday, December 9, 2012

How to use Emerald Green Color

The Pantone press release issued Wednesday night cited an emerald-hued Pantone-Sephora beauty collection to be released in the spring. Pantone's color of the year announcement usually comes with psycho-sociological musings from experts about how the new hue is "encouraging and uplifting" (Honeysuckle in 2011), or evocative of "hope and reassurance" (Mimosa in 2009), or suggestive of "a touch of exoticism" that's just right for the times (Tigerlily in 2004).
This year, Pantone's color of the year for 2013 is Emerald Green. 
It's a happy-go-lucky color and I love emerald green for jewelry and Interior. The color reminds us of simpler things such as grass and Mother Nature as Green is the color of growth, the rich tone is all about luxury, just like jewels and money. Pantone is describing the reason to choose Emerald Green being 'it' color as, “Lively. Radiant. Lush...A color of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony."
Now, that's nice, but what does this mean for us ? 
Do we really need to splurge in whatever trend is forecasted ? 
Again, it is upto us how we want to change the overall look. Point is, why not to give the Emerald Green color a try to re vamp your wardrobe (in budget) ? 
If you are trying to spend in new jwellery, do purchase with a emerald one. And if you already have outfits in white, black and Red ( I know you have :-)) , mix and match with Emerald green (again Belts, accessories, shawls). Just use the color in your benefit. Here are some hues of Emerald Green which can make change in our look without spending too much money. Now, that's a good idea. isnt' it ??

Emerald Green trend in Red Carpet

Choose which material in Emerald Green is needed for you and then shop as per your own budget.


Emerald Green Blazer for winter

Emerald Green works best with Black and White. So, team it up.(Hint : Black shoes, Black belts etc)


Katherine Middleton in Emerald Green Dress and Black shoes


Emerald Green blends well with grays, whites and muted yellows or blues. So, if you already have clothes and accessories in these color, give Emerald green a try.


We can bring a pop of color to gloomy fall and winter days! Just because winter is rapidly approaching doesn't mean you have to stick to basic black. Adding a rich green will make you feel bright and cheery.
                                  

Emerald is a jewel tone. So, take a hint from jewelry counters and mix it with rich purples, blues, reds, black and golds. It can even blend well with Gold jwelleries.

A Emerald Green Lehenga with deep purple, Gold and silver work

Michelle Obama in Emerald Green Dress and Maroon shoes

 Emerald Green in Decor of home and office



Good to know while working with Emerald Green color : 


  • The color is Lively and radiant just like the nature. All greens look good with bright colors. So, pairing it with bold yellows and oranges for an energizing jolt is a good option for Color Blocking. Can you see how the colors are blended in the bird ! That's it. just combine Emerald green with these natural colors. 
  • Emerald blends well with jwell tones. So it can be combined with gold, silver jwelleries (as we all can't afford Diamonds!) and even the gold and silver color. Note the Zig Zag Image above.