 Totally get that—kids’ art is so special, but it piles up fast. Here are 5 creative (and clutter-free) ways to cherish and repurpose their masterpieces:
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 Original oak trim doesn’t have to feel dated. 🤍
The right paint color can make honey oak, golden oak, and traditional wood trim feel warm, intentional, and timeless again. I rounded up 12 paint colors I love pairing with original oak to help it feel elevated instead of something you need to rip out. Save this for your next paint project and tell me — are you keeping your oak trim or painting it? ✨  Back-to-school season always feels like a fresh start. New schedules, sports practices, activities, homework, and somehow a whole lot more laundry! When kids are teens, getting organized looks a little different. They need more independence, but there are also more moving pieces to keep track of. Rather than trying to create a perfectly organized home before the first day of school, I like the idea of creating simple systems that can adjust as the school year goes along. Here are a few places I would start. Give the Mudroom a Fresh Start The mudroom can quickly become command central for a busy family. Before school starts, take a few minutes to clear out what is no longer being used and make room for the things your teens actually need right now. Hooks are your best friend. Give everyone an easy-to-reach place for backpacks, sports bags, jackets, and whatever else seems to migrate through the house. I also love baskets for each family member. They don't have to be perfectly organized—just a designated place to corral shoes, sports equipment, hats, or those random things that otherwise end up scattered throughout the house. The goal isn't perfection. It's giving everyone a place to put things so they can actually find them when they're running out the door. Make the Kitchen Work Harder The kitchen often becomes the family's unofficial headquarters once school starts. It's where homework happens, snacks disappear, schedules are discussed, and everyone seems to walk through at the same time! Consider creating one designated area for school and family information. A digital family calendar that syncs with the school calendar can be incredibly helpful, especially when you have multiple teenagers with different schedules. And here's one thing I wish I had done differently: Create a family email address. If I had to do it all over again, I would have created one family email specifically for signing up for sports, extracurricular activities, camps, and other kid-related activities. That way, both adults in the family have access to the information instead of one person becoming the keeper of every registration confirmation, schedule change, and team email. It's a small thing, but those small systems can make a surprisingly big difference. Don't Organize for September—Organize for the Whole Year One of the biggest mistakes we can make is creating an organization system that works beautifully for the first few weeks of school… and then falls apart. Your teenager's schedule will change. Sports seasons will start and end. New activities will get added. Homework loads will increase. Life happens! So instead of creating a complicated system that requires everyone to follow a dozen rules, keep it simple, accessible, and flexible. Hooks can move. Baskets can be reassigned - especially when they have labels . Calendars can change. And your home should be able to change right along with your family. Because the goal of organization isn't to create a picture-perfect house. It's to create a home that makes everyday life a little easier. And when everyone can find their backpack, knows where they're supposed to be, and remembers who is driving them there… that's a pretty good start to the school year.  Innovative design meets your home. ✨ At Michelle Martel Interiors, we’ve launched a curated collection of wallpaper and textiles on Spoonflower to help you create spaces that reflect your personality. Explore the possibilities, from elegant accent walls to bespoke upholstery. These designs are the perfect solution for residential and commercial projects alike. Let’s collaborate and bring your vision to life. 
1. Desk Size and Space Considerations Before you even think about style, it's essential to know how much space you have available. Measure the area where the desk will go, and don’t forget to account for walking space and room for additional furniture, like chairs or filing cabinets. 2. Desk Style and Aesthetic Your desk should complement the design of your workspace. Are you going for a modern, minimalist look or something more traditional? Consider the materials and finishes that will best suit the style of your office or home. 3. Functionality and Storage Needs Think about how you’ll use your desk. Do you need multiple drawers for storage? Maybe a desk with built-in cable management? If you're someone who likes to spread out documents and devices, opt for a larger desk with ample surface space. 4. Ergonomics and Comfort Since you’ll spend hours at your desk, comfort is key. Look for desks that offer adjustable heights or pair well with ergonomic chairs. If you’re setting up a home office, ensure the desk allows for a healthy posture while working. 5. Material and Durability Desks come in various materials, from wood to metal to glass. Each has its advantages, but it’s essential to choose one that suits your needs. For example, solid wood desks are durable and timeless, while metal or glass desks can provide a more contemporary feel.  www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100236777-17178709?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wayfair.com%2FJoss-and-Main--Hank-Desk-X211685627-L32-K%7EW100574516.html%3F%26PiID%255B%255D%3D222378363&cjsku=W100574516_222378363HERE IS A LINK FOR THE DESK SHOWN ABOVE Choosing the right desk is more than just finding a piece of furniture—it’s about creating a space where you can be productive and feel comfortable. By considering size, style, functionality, ergonomics, and materials, you can find a desk that not only enhances your workspace but also reflects your personal style.
When planning a home remodel, the instinct is often to jump straight into hiring a contractor. However, there’s a crucial step that many homeowners overlook: consulting with an interior designer before getting any bids. In this post, we’ll explore why this step can save you time, money, and ensure that your remodel meets your vision. We'll also present some data that highlights the benefits of early design involvement. 1. Clarity in Vision and Design An interior designer helps you define your vision and translate it into a cohesive plan. Without this, you might struggle to communicate your ideas clearly to a contractor, leading to misinterpretations and adjustments down the line that could have been avoided. Often the bids that contractors put together are full of "allowances" instead of a more accurate cost estimate of what you are hoping to achieve. Example: Imagine wanting a Modern Kitchen but ending up with a Industrial Style because you didn't have a clear design plan before construction began. This can often be the result of a one-at-a-time decision approach of construction planning. A designer ensures your preferences are accurately reflected early so the final outcome is a space you love coming home to all the time. 2. Accurate Budgeting Designers have the expertise to create detailed plans that account for every aspect of the project, from materials to labor. They work within your budget, helping you prioritize where to invest and where to save.  The above image shows all the areas that can alter your original investment level, causing you to pay more than you planned in your remodel or build. 3. Comprehensive Planning A contractor’s primary focus is on the construction aspect, while an interior designer considers both form and function. They’ll plan for space flow, lighting, and how all elements—like furniture, colors, and materials—will work together.  4. Avoiding Costly Mistakes A designer’s detailed plans minimize the risk of costly changes mid-project. Without a designer, you might make decisions on the fly that later require expensive alterations.  5. Streamlined Communication A designer acts as a liaison between you and the contractor, ensuring that all instructions are clear and that the contractor fully understands your expectations. This avoids miscommunication and keeps the project running smoothly.
Conclusion: Invest in Design First Hiring an interior designer before bringing in a contractor is a strategic move that sets the foundation for a successful remodel. It ensures that your vision is clear, your budget is respected, and the final result is exactly what you dreamed of. It’s an investment that pays off in both the short and long term, helping you avoid the stress and additional costs of last-minute changes. Ready to start your remodel the right way? Contact Michelle Martel Interiors today to begin planning your dream space! |
Michelle Martel InteriorsCan't wait to share the tips and tricks I have learned over the years to make your decor dreams come true. 
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