Sep 24

Fantasy Centerpieces in a Magical Setting

By pattisays In Albuquerque, New Mexico, ambiance, artistic expression, artistic imagery, artistic talent, artists, Centerpieces, color of light, Color schemes, creative process, creativity, custom lighting, decorative accessories, design, design and marketing, design scenes, design solutions, Design Team, design tips, destination weddings, drama of color, entertaining, exterior - outdoor design, fanciful design, floral arrangement, floral arrangements, floral designs, flowers in design, Food and art, hearts and design, hiring an interior designer, holiday decor, indirect lighting, inspiration, interior design, Interior design pro tips, LED, lighted fabrics, lighting, lobster, luminaries, marketing the story, night clubs, organization, party themes, patio, patio design, personal expression, public art, public design, public spaces, Set design, silk flowers, Subscribers, table dressings, table top, tableware, temperature of light, theatrical design, trends, umbrellas, urban art, white color schemes, winter design trends / 1

Inspiration for centerpieces – here – a neutral color scheme – white on white on white…Often limited to weddings, take a tip from a social phenomenon – Diner en Blanc for dramatic centerpieces! Any of which could be ablaze with seasonal color – depending upon your desired theme. And with the advancements in LED lighting, the colors are limitless and instantly changeable.

The Diner en Blanc is an international event that began in Paris, 1988. An amazing concept that began with an invitation among friends to an elegant al fresco affair. This unique gathering was prestigious and decadent.

Someone gave a nod to the city of origin!

Everyone wore white so that they could find each other amidst other crowds who were gathered at the venue. ( Which becomes rather humorous amidst 2,000 people ALL wearing white!!) https://www.google.com/search?q=origin+diner+en+blanc&oq=origin+diner+en+blanc&aqs=chrome..69i57j0.5779j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

The remarkable event spread around the world and Albuquerque has celebrated this creative event for several years. This is my second experience with this white fantasy. Every year the venue is kept secret only to be revealed at the last moment when attendees are assembled and usually transported on buses to the destination. This surprise location was right across from the designated gathering places downtown. And instead of boarding a bus each group, expecting just that, cued up as though to go aboard – only to be led single file across the street to the expansive Civic Plaza!

This year with the Hyatt Regency team screaming with creativity from the table dressings…to the phenomenal food…to the fabulous frivolity – it was magic!

Would you believe luscious, chunky lobster salad served in a half tail, sliced beef filet and many artfully decadent extras…

Asked to wear white, bring your own tables, chairs, table dressings, centerpieces – all in white – the evening unfolds with exciting flurries of fabric, flowers, statuary, lights – all intended to make a spectacular statement for each group’s table.

Imagine all of this theatrical staging with 2,000 performers (we) in one enormous space – outside in the perfection of a last ditch of summer evening. It is a remarkable event.

As I strolled through the tables capturing photos of the various “tablescapes”, I realized that the creativity was applicable to so many possibilities of table dressings – with color added!

LED lighting set the scene aglow with myriad magical colors! It changes the perceived temperature of a scene.

So enjoy seeing these creations and imagine them in seasonal splendor – fall now…winter coming…spring bursting forth and summer ablaze with color – for your upcoming parties throughout the year!

With magnificent mariachis to flowing flamenco dancers the entertainment was dazzling and morphed into an enthusiastic DJ who rocked the stage for dancing into the night… It was an exterior nightclub – an excellent setting for a many faceted affair! https://www.facebook.com/DinerEnBlanc.Albuquerque/

An elegant table for Dion’s Pizza and water bottles!!!

Cheers to elegant parties! Who needs an excuse???

Aug 18

Back to School: 10 Pro-tips for Setting Up a Dorm Room

By pattisays In 1970s, Albuquerque, New Mexico, apartments, Arizona, artistic expression, before and after, clutter, Color schemes, color trends, colors, context of interior design, creative process, creativity, decorative accessories, design, design challenges, design details, design process, design solutions, design tips, design trends, designing small spaces, designing with a purpose, dorm room design, existing materials, expanding spaces, fashion and design, hiring an interior designer, how to select colors, illusions of space, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design preferences, interior design trends, interior enhancements, lifestyle, nostalgia and design, organization, personal expression, personal taste, pink, practical design, selecting colors, Subscribers, throw pillows, trends, Tucson / 1 1 Comment

It’s that time again…the end of summer and getting kids back to school…exciting, hectic, a bit stressful and today, very nostalgic. I (who saves everything) still have my little black and white Sony TV, embroidered fiber art that hung on my wall, floral twin bed sheets and bath towels! I remember the white chenille bedspreads that I got – giving one to my bestie/roommate so we’d match – even though she was a red accent person and I chose blues and greens!! We picked each other, our college and designed our neat and tidy package.

Earlier this weekend, as Victoria navigated this information highway that is the lead-up to getting her dorm room assignment, roommate and all the related details, she texted her yet-to-meet roomie and asked what her color scheme was going to be. Victoria, having established her pink (dusty rose) and grey scheme last fall upon entering her freshman year elsewhere, was hoping that she was not going to have to share her intimate space with a shocking orange scheme or similarly discordant color. All of a sudden, from the back seat came a exclamation – “NO Way!” To what, we asked – “What?” And she said “Guess what her color scheme is? Pink and Grey!!! YAY!!! What were the chances?”

Well, strolling through the stores with their piles of offerings displayed in tempting color-coordinated arrangements, pink and grey still carries over from last fall in a big way – so the chances, it seems, were not all that far-fetched!! LOL.

With the prominent pink and grey, popular turquoise and grey and for the boys (if we are being color/gender-esque) black and grey – seems grey is the common denominator facilitating merchandising and keeping everyone in color-trend order.

Pro-tip #1 Make a list of what you’ll need prior to hitting the stores with their limitless temptations for dorm decor! It can be daunting if you go shopping – cold. It can be daunting anyway – but best to attempt to be prepared! As I looked around all the displays leading these trends…leading these kids…I wondered how many – if any – might veer off course and pick an orange and lime green theme or brilliant cherry red…and what does it say about one if they buck the established trends? Some might be oblivious to the trends – despite being bombarded in every store by the “must have” selections. Those independent thinkers who like what they like – if it matches or not. The eclectic ones who are driven by memories, personal expression and acquisitions gathered and honed over the years that were not guided by trending decor influencers.

However, it is entirely possible to genuinely LOVE the trends and invest in the colors for more than the first semester of eager dorm room decor! We were living it! What was purchased last fall was saved and expanded upon, with new-found knowledge of the tips learned from the pros! There are boxes, bins, rugs, lamps, staplers, desk organizers, linens, bulletin boards, throw pillows, blankets and throws – all color coordinated making the job relatively easy and swift.

The stores are prepared. Welcoming students – their signs are out and their shelves are stocked! Rows of pillows, mattress covers, foam pads, artsy accessories and accents galore…all to enhance the otherwise bare rooms that will soon come to life!

The morning of the move, they staggered the move-in time to insure an orderly point of arrival and processing to the rooms. We were assigned 9:30 and met curbside by a handsome posse of volunteer boys who were armed with rolling cartons cleverly created using carpet-wrapped moving dollies upon which were mounted large, sturdy cardboard cartons. These rolling bins were piled high with contents from the cars and wheeled into the dorm rooms with efficiency. Co-eds in red t-shirts identified them as the RA staff – the ones with the answers to all of your questions.

Being organized is key. Victoria had benefit of a previous semester where she watched the pros and got their tips! Pro-tip #2 Be organized!

To that end, utilize your limited space to the max! Capture all available real estate! Pro-tip #3 Bed risers. The beds are high – high enough to stack storage drawers/bins beneath them. They can be raised even higher with risers. Pro-tip #4 The plastic stacking drawers are cool because they make easy access to contents just like added dresser storage space.

Victoria had it all figured out. Pro-tip #5 To consolidate luggage, she packed a lot of her clothes in the bins – all in very specific order and folded making it easy to transfer once in the room.

Once in the room, she raised the bed even higher on 4 cone-shaped plastic riser units that she had purchased. She then placed her new mini frig (Pro-tip #6 Get a mini frig) and bins beneath the bed in an organized fashion. She emptied the bins one-by-one into the chest of drawers thereby freeing the bins for other supplies such as snacks, kitchen supplies and miscellaneous other necessities.

Having a mini frig in the room keeps personal perishables under control and handy instead of having to label things in the shared frig down the hall.

Pro-tip #7 Take extension cords and multi-plug surge protectors. This was handy for the reading lamp waaaaay up high above the now super high bed and also to run power to the mini frig. You can never have enough power sources and another bonus was that one of the set of four bed-riser units had power outlets and a short cord!

Pro-tip #8 Get a collapsible shoe rack/shelf (for ease of storage and transport). They have nifty wooden ones – but we took ours back as the closet had a tidy set of built-in shelves perfect for shoes.

Once the power was all connected and the bins organized clothes put away, it was time to make the bed and add the finishing touches.

It was beginning to look like a home-away-from-home! Pro-tip #9 With hanging implements that will not harm the wall like Command Strips, the walls will gradually come to life with strings of photos clipped with clothes pins, twinkly lights, bulletin boards and other imagery.

Pro-tip #10 Take photos – the memories are priceless!!!!!!

Thanks Sam, for the memories!!!!!

Dec 30

Refresh and Renew Designing Purposefully for the New Year

By pattisays In artistic expression, blue and white, Color schemes, color trends, colors, context of interior design, creative process, creativity, decorative accessories, design, design challenges, design details, design process, design scenes, design solutions, design tips, design trends, designing with a purpose, dining and design, drama of color, entertaining, floral arrangement, good design, hiring an interior designer, home, home improvements, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design preferences, interior design trends, interior enhancements, joy, kitchen, kitchen design, kitchen remodel, lifestyle, organization, paint colors, personal expression, personal taste, planning a remodel, practical design, re-purpose, re-upholstery, Refresh, remodeling, room arrangement, selecting colors, silk flowers, sofas, stone countertops, Subscribers, table dressings, table top, trends, value of good design, white kitchens /

Designing with a purpose is always the way to begin a project. But it is particularly valuable as a tool to start the New Year off fresh! What I mean by purpose is that your interiors should reflect the purpose that they serve for you and your family. By establishing a purpose for your spaces, you will achieve happiness.

Sounds simple, but happiness is proved by what brings you joy, peace and a smile to your face. To achieve this, you will need to evaluate your lifestyle, routines and the rooms in which you perform certain functions.

Upon entering your home, do you feel satisfied? Does arriving home make you feel happy? Is it your safe and comfy retreat from the outside world? Do you like the smell? Yes it matters. Like a realtor telling a home seller to boil some cinnamon sticks on the stove to create the scent of spices in the chilly months or fragrant floral bouquets in the spring and summer…all of the senses come into play when you are staging an interior. And to enhance the design of your own home – you are staging for yourself! If your home smells musty or stale, consider the sources and do a little fabric refreshing, open windows, check for grease in the kitchen…purge the unpleasant odors.

So how do you start your day? Is your room light or dark and how adjustable is it to modify as needed? Is the floor upon which you first set your feet in the morning warm or cool, rough or soft? How do these elements make you feel? How do you want to feel? Consider all of your senses. Consider the purpose of the space and what you want it to do for you. As you evaluate these small details, ask yourself “Do I want to make changes in any of these existing conditions? It’s usually fairly easy to do and if you just take one piece at a time, you will find that the improvements are very effective.

Is your bedroom restful? Are your feel happy when they hit the floor? Examine the sensory details to get started designing with a purpose.

If you enjoy cooking, see how your kitchen functions and how it looks to you as a workplace. Do you have things handy? Is what you use most often easily accessible? Evaluate and rearrange if needed. Re-organize your kitchen.

Some cooks like everything concealed, while some like having certain of their equipment out and ready. Make it suit your purpose.

When you entertain, how do you like to do it? Is your style casual or more formal? Where do people gather and how many at a given time? You can “zone” your entertaining so that some are gathered in established seating areas while others might pull up a stool and watch you cook. Consider the flow of your gatherings. Consider the purpose. I find that I am up and down a lot and therefore I opt for a little upholstered ottoman that I can scoot under the glass top coffee table when not in use. Benches, ottomans, even floor pillows can be great supplemental seating for overflow and these pieces are lower and visually less crowded than pulling chairs in from adjacent rooms.

With regard to seating, do you have pets, kids? Are you hard on your upholstery? This might determine what fabrics you select, if you are considering new pieces or re-upholstery of existing pieces, in your home.

I write often about color. There are so many paint choices that is impossible not to find the right color combinations for your spaces. Consider the purpose. Remember that different rooms can have different color schemes, if that serves your purpose. If you want a space to be restful, select soothing colors and if your want to express a more vibrant spirited feeling, choose colors that are more bright, bold and intense. Consider the purpose of the space and its color scheme regarding how you want it to make you feel.

It all boils down to observing your rooms and their details, letting go of things that no longer serve a purpose. If they do not function well or make you smile – let go. Rearrange your things. This is a neat trick to re-purposing your possessions and giving rooms a new look. Move things from one room to another or just within the same room. You will feel refreshed merely by making these simple changes.

As is true with all good New Year’s resolutions…don’t put off tomorrow, what you can do today! So get started and see how you can make your home the place where you gain strength and rejuvenation, achieve happiness and surround yourself with the things that bring you joy.

Nov 19

Custom Designed Art for Branding in Commercial Interiors

By pattisays In Abstract Art, Albuquerque, New Mexico, aluminum, art and interior design, artistic expression, artists, bars and restaurants, branding in interior design, breweries, commercial interior design, conference rooms, Contemporary Art, context of interior design, contrasts for balance in design, creative process, creativity, custom design interior design, decorative arts, design, design process, Design Team, design trends, Gas Company of New Mexico, graphic arts, handcraft, handmade, hiring an interior designer, inspiration, interior design, interior design trends, Modern Art, Nexus Brewery, organization, patterns, photography, wall sculpture, workplace design /

Designing artwork for commercial interiors offers an opportunity to connect to the brand. It means that we take into consideration the artwork as relates to the business and its identity. You might remember a blog from last year about the can wall. It was designed for a taproom. The theme was beer. The name was “Silver” and we considered that a natural off-shoot of that was the silver color of aluminum beer cans – as a wall treatment!

Designing with Balance and the Creation of the Can Wall!

For that same project (in two locations) we further emphasized the brand with photos we took of their own products transferred to and stretched on canvas stretchers to be the “art” on the surrounding walls.

Fast forward to a conference room for an energy company home-based in Albuquerque – the iconic Sandia mountain being the earth’s monument – the familiar, perfect image to represent the company and the connection to the earth and its resources. For this project, we were asked to build 27′ of custom , cabinetry and dress the wall above it.

The tall ceilings required a vertical element, but the length of the wall also begged for horizontal space-filling. As a cost-effective solution to such a large space, we decided to take a photo of the majestic mountain, separate it into 5 sections and have it enlarged and transferred onto aluminum panels for light weight and rigidity. The reviews were sensational as everyone loves and relates to the familiar scene – seen in such a colorfully explosive and expansive installation.

In response to the success of that solution, the client asked for a complimentary treatment for the opposing wall. Again, the wall was 27′ long and had the same ceiling height so we used multiple fragments in 3 groupings to center across the entire expanse. “Elemental Fragments” was born of the concept to have just that – fragments of elements in an orderly fashion – uniform yet random, to contrast against its formal geometry in response to the amorphous photographic landscape. Colors were derived from the blue, green and yellow in the scenic panorama interspersed in a field of silver.

Last week, on the day of the installation, colorful creative chaos – resulting from unwrapping the individually hand-crafted compositions and scattering them across the conference table – was part of the fun, of the scene.

The tedious work of aligning all just right, with perfect spacing and level mounting, added to the anticipation of realizing the finished product.

The luminous glass against the rich, stained wood punctuated with the brushed stainless fasteners made a striking assembly.

Modern engineering and production, worldwide energy collaborations and shared technology coming together in a grounded environment of people and their place on the planet. A daunting system of assembling fragments of many elements that make things work to bring gas to the end users. The artwork makes the concept look easy. The result of the many facets, of the actual work and the artwork representing it, is not only effective, it is triumphal.

It’s creative fun to custom design pieces to relate to the brand, the business and the culture of a project. Bringing joy, pride and a sense of confidence in the focus of the work, to the employees and guests, is a successful finale.

Bring us your design challenge and we will design a solution specifically and especially for YOU!!!

Jun 10

Touch IT – Feel IT – Tangible Textures!

By pattisays In artistic expression, creative process, creativity, decorative arts, design, design process, design tips, hiring an interior designer, inspiration, interior design, organization, re-upholstery, upholstery, wall texture, weavings, window dressings /

I am so all appreciative of texture and color and sheen and lack thereof…that I KNOW that it is impossible to make any decision about fabrics or any other textile for that matter, rugs, weavings…via a monitor or screen. We are all becoming so dependent upon the instantaneous access of information through the internet – finding sources on-line and virtually ALL of our purchases – that we are forgetting the tactile necessity of determining value, applicability, and certainly true visual appeal with tangible samples.

Yes, we can order memo samples and those of us in practice for the past few decades KNOW that we have to order samples every now and again – that is IF we have our own source library or a number of showrooms close at hand to do the instant gratification portion of the search.

Most clients LOVE to come to the library and see the many options, play with the samples and participate in the design of their project. It is a one-stop experience that sets the stage. We then have all the many distributors and showrooms, mills and factories from which we can order additional materials. But the resource library of tactile samples of fabrics, flooring, wall-coverings, flooring, rugs is exciting.

There are those who prefer fewer choices – just show me a couple of options and I’ll be fine. Quite the opposite of the one who wants you to prepare a dozen scenarios for their consideration. Yes, they pay for that luxury, but the ones who appreciate the hunt -who appreciate the searching through samples to compile their favorites – THEY are the ones who really get into the Creative Process ( see recent post on this very subject).

Living on an island – as we often feel we are – we HAVE to compile a significant source library in order to have the samples available for on-sight instant compilation for a project. Yet having all the resources close at hand, as in the showrooms of larger cities, we still have to drive there to do the work. I must say, I am spoiled with such a comprehensive source library at my studio where I go any time of day and do research to gather myriad samples to satisfy a project’s needs.

It’s taken decades to evolve. It takes a lot of concentration to keep it in order and up-to-date. That is invaluable. This isn’t to say that after spending several hours searching, culling, sorting and weighing possibilities against for-sure options, that I don’t have to occasionally call the many mills and distributors and ask for special pieces that have eluded me on my search. I might have gathered several coordinating/contrasting and fabulous samples, but lack that one blue and white striped pattern that I have visualized since the inception. It is then that I reach out and say – “I can’t find the right blue and white stripe – please send me what you have for upholstery weight.” And the samples begin to arrive and usually the missing link in the design puzzle will be found – sooner or later. IT is out there.

But the value of the well-organized and well stocked library is an invaluable tool. Yes, it is a tool – THE primary tool for a designer after their own imagination’s creativity. It fills the blanks of that creativity with actual materials that complete the design. And having a resource library on-site in our own studio saves much time and offers a plethora of options, materials, finishes, inspiration and those priceless tangible sample at our fingertips that MAKE an interior design.

Mar 04

10 Tips for Spring Refreshers

By pattisays In art and interior design, color trends, context of interior design, design, design tips, design trends, inspiration, interior design, interior design trends, Japanese design, joy, Marie Kondo, organization, Pantone, pinks and greens, Refresh, Spring, trends, Uncategorized, updating, upholstery / 1

Like bears coming out of hibernation, people start to stretch and yawn and look around and ask me “What can I do to refresh my interior for spring?” It’s similar to the fall preparation for hunkering down for the winter…”What can I do to cozy-up my house?” as the leaves drop and a chill wafts through the air.

Spring is the season for re-birth and starting fresh. Fresh – what does that suggest? This year we are very fortunate that Pantone set forth the color direction for the entire year – greenery. I have great enthusiasm for incorporating this bright verdant living color throughout the seasons – yes, a color for all seasons – but we are not limited to green in its various forms. I give you permission to add color that makes you feel good. Pick your favorite color…any color!

Now let’s get to that question about “What can I do to refresh my interior for spring?.” Here are 10 tips to change your world and bring joy as spring approaches.

Color POP: Speaking of your favorite color…”paint magic” as its often referred is the practically instantaneous positive reinforcement that you need to make a quick, effective change in your interior! Pick an accent wall – preferably one that is framed by inside corners (rather than stopping a color on an outside corner) and take the leap of painting it an entirely different color than your norm. Bear in mind other color cues in the room so as not to create a discord of color or completion between your design elements – but don’t be afraid either. The idea is a pleasing POP! and an extra pointer, if your room is already painted a decisive color, white can be the accent. Yes, white can be an intentional color accent and not the lack of color that it can often seem to be.
Live Plants and Flowers: Spring suggests flowers and greenery – to watch them grow toward the warm weather, bulbs inside can be fun, bouquets of your favorite flowers, sprigs of greenery in a small vase can even be enough. A bud vase on your bathroom sink counter, a statement piece at your entry or coffee table, a flowering plant with young buds to last a few weeks, a fern to add feathery freshness. – any and all of these can add life to your interior spaces. If you have flowering trees or bushes outside, this is the time to cut a few branches and bring them inside, place in a vase with water and the warmth of your interior will “force” the buds to bloom – Voila!
Reupholster to Refresh: Do you have a tired piece of furniture that might deserve a new fabric? A favorite comfy chair, a hand-me-down of sentimental value, a good frame (bones) that can be salvaged to new with a change of printed fabric, leather, or woven textile. This furniture facelift is just the trick to give new life to older pieces.
Change It Up: When you move things around and rearrange your furniture, artwork and accessories you will be surprised how you can refresh without adding anything new. Take a look at your furniture arrange. Can the same pieces be rearranged in the same room and create a new look?? Might you move one piece out to another room or bring in a different piece from some other room?
Pillows to Toss: Throw pillows…throw them out! Well, I exaggerate a bit, but cycle them into a bag in the closet for another time or place or “recovery” and find some fun new pillows to brighten and refresh your interior. What an effective change a few colorful pillows can make in a room!
Add Art: DIY or find something to cheer you! Dressing your walls with new work can lift your spirits!
Fresh Fragrances: Like Votive’s Pink Mimosa or Skeem’s Current Mangosteen scented candles, or Vance Kittera incense will add a dimension of sensory appreciation to refresh the stale, stagnant air of winter.
Wipe and Dry: New dishtowels are a great and simple boost to change seasons! Find some fresh and uplifting colors to brighten your kitchen and make wiping up more fun! They make a great gift too!
Stash Your Throw: What’s that afghan on your sofa or that blanket on your bed? Switch out the dark colors of winter with fresh new accents to add color and cuddle in too!
Get Tidy: Marie Kondo has written books about it- she knows the “life-changing magic” that getting organized and tidy can do for you! Spring cleaning is a great therapy and introspective look at the things you own, how much you have and what is clutter beyond your ability to enjoy it all.

Jan 02

Resolutions and Getting Tidy in the New Year

By pattisays In cleaning, clutter, design trends, DIY design, interior design, Marie Kondo, Oprah, organization, practical design, resolutions, Uncategorized /

With a New Year comes the best intentions for making resolutions that promise to make positive changes to improve the quality of the upcoming chapters of one’s life. We all have them. Some are repeat performers – have been tried in the past, but perhaps not so successfully accomplished.

Take Oprah – that gal with the Midas touch – she looks at something and smiles and it is an instant hit – she endorses it and WOW – gotta have it- good as gold! Right now Oprah is blitzing the TV with her ads for Weight Watchers. She has a major investment with that brand that has only increased in value with her endorsement and fractional ownership. Yet the angle is that she plainly and unabashedly states along with photos and videos that she too has known failure and difficulty accomplishing certain goals. She is right there in front of the camera speaking frankly to the viewers about the trials of her ongoing, struggling, journey to master her own weight control and the invitation for viewers to join her and start now. What an honest and effective approach to starting a new resolution or an old one failed and revisited.

Another popular resolution, and one the pertains directly to interior design, is cleaning house – figuratively as well as literally. In fact much of these resolutions seem to be about eliminating excesses. Excess weight, excess obligations, excessive habits…but let’s just address the literal act of culling clutter and eliminating excesses of things as pertains to your interior spaces.

Surrounding yourself with items that bring happiness, memories and stimulate in a positive manner is the root of pleasing interior design for your personal spaces. Decorating with favorite color combinations and decorative accessories is a very personal statement for each individual. Sharing your space brings compromise and creativity to this process melding different life experiences and the items that represent them. But as life stages come and go so might the true attachment to these things acquired and collected over time. But the root of it all is to surround yourself with things that make you happy – that please you.

That’s when the resolution to de-clutter becomes desirable, if not necessary. Which brings this blog to the focus of paring away until you are only living with things that bring you joy. As stated in the best-selling book the life-changing magic of tidying up by Marie Kondo as she continually reminds her reader that they should “be surrounded by things that spark joy ” and that the result will make them “happy.” It’s a Japanese art as is so true of so many simple, spare, precious things Japanese. It is restraint that we all should perhaps strive to emulate. The result being freeing, refreshing and simple. 20160101_181135_resized

Who doesn’t want to achieve happiness? If tidying up can have so many benefits, then doing so would be the magic that Kondo promises will result. If we follow her cleansing steps – changing our lives for the better, we will find happiness.

I love this intriguing little book. It touches on so many realities and oh so truisms. I love the promise and the helpful manner in which it outlines the order to proceed. It seems so simple and yet it appears to be a better process for those with small spaces, few things and a fairly manageable inventory to attack. It became obvious to me that inasmuch as I wanted to dive into this new program right away and reap the results – it was going to be a bigger, longer process than promised. This is a primer to begin to think about commencing to get started with this daunting albeit needed task.

Yet, I do love the book and will embrace many of its instructions and principles in a month or so after a long anticipated vacay to the southern climes of warmth and inspiration and another opportunity to collect and bring home a little more cool stuff!!!

Thank you Tricia!!!!!!!!!!!!!