December Decluttering

December always feels like a whirlwind with work parties, school events, gift exchanges, and of course, the holidays. It is the most wonderful time of the year but can be a very stressful and overwhelming season also. 

If your family is like most, there will be an influx of all kinds of *stuff* towards the end of the month: toys, clothes, gadgets, all kinds of different gifts, and maybe a little bit of junk, too.

(hopefully not this many presents) Image credit: Instagram/thebossmumtv

Usually, January is the time to declutter and deep clean, while you are still riding the high from your New Years’ Resolutions. Why not get a head start to make room for all of those new gifts before things get out of hand?

If your kids’ toys are taking over the house, take notice of what actually gets played with and what collects dust. Are your children mini hoarders? It is a common problem in children, but there are ways to work around it. 

Image credit: Verywell Family

Depending on your children’s ages, leveraging Santa to teach a valuable lesson about giving back to the less fortunate can be very beneficial if they are too young to understand why they would want to get rid of their precious toys. 

www.eatdrinkandsavemoney.com had the great idea of using your Elf on the Shelf to bring a poem on its first visit of the season, asking for 3 toys to take back to Santa. 

Let the dang elf take the blame… genius!

Image credit: www.eatdrinkandsavemoney.com

You can find “Santa Give Back Sacks” online. These large sacks are intended to be filled with old toys and left under the tree for Santa to take back to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. This method is perfect because your kids will be so overwhelmed by all of their new toys on Christmas morning, the Give Back Sack will not even cross their minds. There is even a book under the same name to help your kids get in the give-back holiday spirit!

Image Credit: RoyallDesignsbyJP on etsy.com

You should never discard or donate your child’s things without involving them. Not only can this be traumatic for their little minds, it also blurs the lines of mutual respect and trust that should be fostered from the beginning. Imagine how upsetting it would be to come home from work and find some of your things gone forever, and you didn’t even have a choice in the matter. If you child has a really hard time deciding what to keep and donate, maybe get a jumpstart on sorting while they are away. Always include them in the final decision and talk through how special it is to share their toys with kids who do not have as many.

We hope these tips help you declutter your home for the holidays, and we wish you a happy, safe, healthy and magical holiday season with loved ones. 

Image credit: familyapp.com

Holiday Organization Help from Rev-A-Shelf

The holidays are such a magical time of the year, but so much has to be done to enjoy them! Decorations need to be taken out of storage, cards addressed and mailed, gifts bought and wrapped, and sweet treats baked. Your home can easily get cluttered and turn into a disorderly mess!

Image Credit: The Design Twins

Rev-A-Shelf has so many great organization products, and most of them can be repurposed for the holidays in some way. Lets think outside of the Rev-A-Shelf box and explore some of these possibilities.

Make light work of mailing all of those holiday cards!

Image Credit: Marc Scott Coaching

The Vanity Drawer Organizer Insert is perfect for storing office supplies and the Drawer Peg System with a Pan Organizer and Lid Organizer stores every card, envelope, mailer, and more in a convenient and easily accessible drawer. 

Use a Closet Rod to protect and store holiday wreaths when they are not on display! The Rev-A-Shelf Closet Rods install in seconds and can be added to an unoccupied closet or even a garage cabinet to keep your wreaths looking brand new. 

Set up a gift wrapping station that can be used year-round! Use a Closet Rod to store wrapping paper, a pant rack pullout for tissue paper, hang gift bags on closet hooks, and install a Tambour Table if you need a little extra counter space sometimes. 

Keep all of your holiday recipe books easily accessible with a U-Shaped Tray Organizer. 

What products would you use to keep your holiday home tidy? Can you think of any out-of-the-box uses for a Rev-A-Shelf product? We’d love to hear them!

Image credit: East Hampton Star

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Scary Good Laundry System

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Spooky season has arrived in America! Haunted houses are opening for the season, apple orchards and pumpkin patches are busy with families fulfilling their yearly traditions, and flashes of television light dance in dark living rooms as gruesome horror movies fill viewers with trepidation. As weekends fly by with sports, parties, and activities, you may notice your weekly chores aren’t quite getting checked off the way they should. 

The Pioneer Woman

If your organization systems just aren’t working the way you had originally intended, it may be time to refresh them. Laundry tends to be one of the biggest causes of visual clutter, and it can be a particularly uphill battle when you add a busy family home to the mix.



The Problem

Does dirty laundry pile up? Maybe clean laundry doesn’t quite get put away? We have all been guilty of leaving a load of laundry in the dryer for longer than we should, but what is the reason for that? An overflowing closet or a dresser that is bursting at the seams? 

Quora

It may be time to ask yourself if you have space for all of your belongings. The average American home houses 300,000 items. According to Forbes, the U.S. apparel industry is a $12 billion powerhouse, with the average family spending $1,700 on clothes every single year. 

Hannah Lozano

OnePoll, a market research firm, found that women spend more than 100 hours on 30 clothes shopping trips and 40 hours on 15 shoe shopping trips every year! Zippia states that the average American employee only gets 10 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) each year, which is equivalent to about 80 hours. To put that in perspective, the average American woman spends almost twice as much time shopping than she does enjoying her hard-earned vacation time every single year! 



If the reason your clothing clutter is catching up to you is because you have too much of it, then the first step is to declutter. Ask yourself: 

  • Does it fit? 

  • Is it in good condition? 

  • Do I actually wear this? 

  • Is it comfortable? 

  • Do I have similar items that would be interchangeable? 

  • If I haven’t worn it, do I have plans to wear it soon? 

GirlMeetsGold

If the answer to any of these questions is “no”, it needs to go.

Consider donating items in good condition to local shelters, charities, churches, or organizations like the Salvation Army. For clothes that are not in good condition, look into a textile recycling service near you. American Textile Recycling Service is a great place to start! (Read more about how textile waste is creating an environmental crisis here and here.) 

The Spruce

You can always sell new or name brand items on sites such as Poshmark, Mercari, or Facebook Marketplace. Making some extra cash might just help you let go. 


The second step of decluttering is an often overlooked one: behavior change. Why do you shop so much? Boredom? Loneliness? Overcompensation for less financially secure times?

Whatever your reasons are, it might be worth exploring to put an end to the behavior that leaves you with so much stuff. No matter how great of an organization system you have, it is almost impossible to keep a tidy space when you have too many things. 



The Fix


Now that you are left with your most favorite clothes and (hopefully) a whole lot more storage space, let's come up with a laundry system that works. 


First, add hampers. To every occupied bedroom and bathroom in the house, as well as one in the mudroom and laundry room. You can never have enough places to drop your dirty clothes! Rev-A-Shelf has so many great options for built-in hampers. 

You can even install two in each area and save time by sorting your laundry as you fill the hampers with your dirty clothes. On laundry day, just slide the hampers out and carry them to the washer. 

These fabric hampers are perfect for kids' rooms! They have enough structure that they hang without collapsing or falling, but they are lightweight, can be easily removed, and even have hidden carrying handles.   

For extra dirty laundry, make sure the hamper itself is washable. This heavy-duty Aluminum frame hamper features Rev-A-Motion soft-open/soft-close and comes with a machine washable canvas liner. 

Come up with a routine and stick to it. Who wants to spend all weekend doing laundry? Start a load when you have a couple of minutes of free time, and transfer clothes to the dryer as soon as the cycle is finished.

Always strive to keep both the washer and dryer empty and ready for use, your future self will thank you! 

Wash. Dry. Fold. Put away, and watch the laundry clutter disappear… Spooky.

Refreshing Your Home For Fall

It won’t be long until weekends of summer fun will be traded for cozy autumn days. Windows will open up to savor the cool breeze, colorful leaves will line the streets, festive candles will adorn spotless homes as family and friends gather for football Sundays. 

Sanctuary Home Decor

Transitioning your home for fall is essential to enjoying the season to its fullest. Here’s how:

Cozy Up the Couch 

Add pillows and throw blankets in a few different colors and materials to create an inviting lounge space that is irresistible for watching a movie on the chilliest fall evenings. 

Welcome Wood 

Nothing embodies the fall season quite like a warm bonfire or fire burning in the fireplace. Replicate this feeling all season long with a stack of wood next to the fireplace or a wooden accents in the kitchen.

Don’t Overlook the Outdoors 

Use this time to put patio cushions away, sweep and wash the patio, and tidy everything up for winter. Discard the summer plants that served you well, tidy up the garden beds, and add some mums for a pop of color. It wouldn’t be fall without a good old fashioned jack-o-lantern added to the mix. 

Tackle the To-Do List 

Don’t waste precious summer days on indoor home improvement projects! Fall is the perfect time to take on a few DIY’s because you will spend significantly more time indoors in the upcoming winter months, so at least you can enjoy your hard work! 

MarketWatch


Use this time to give the front door a fresh coat of paint, add that wainscoting you’ve been eyeing to your dining room, and build the backyard fire pit of your dreams. 

Decoist

Adding Fall Accents 

Hop on the pampas grass trend to add a neutral, rustic touch to your fall home. Burn a delicious smelling fall candle all season long. Try out some fun, festive recipes like these from Half Baked Harvest. Just try not to overdo it with the home decor. 

Half Baked Harvest

Soak the Season Up

The leaves are beginning to turn, those long, hot summer days are giving way to cooler mornings and earlier sunsets. The grass is growing dry and tired. As summer fades into fall, prepare to rest, slow down, and enjoy time with loved ones.

NimLife

Illuminate Your Design: Closets

Once thought of as a simple room to store your clothes and accessories, the
average person now spends 8 hours per month, or 100 hours per year, in
their closet. We have gone from standard wood rods and wire shelves to top-
of-the-line full-cabinet systems transforming the space into a showroom
where choosing your outfit for the day has gone from a chore to a shopping
experience within your own home.


How does someone achieve this upscale boutique look? The addition of LED
lighting can transform the atmosphere and mood of the space with a flip of a
switch. But with so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know
where to begin; here are a few tips to get you started!

  1. Safety first, not all lights are created equal

    Did you know there are specific regulations for LED fixtures within closets?
    When choosing fixtures, look for products that have been UL approved for
    use within closet storage spaces. This certification means they have been
    tested and verified that if clothes are in contact with the light, the
    temperature will not exceed 90°C (194°F).
    Another thing to consider is the space between the lights and that new dress
    or designer bag. The NEC (National Electric Code) states that for surface-
    mounted fixtures, there is a minimum distance of 12" required between the
    light and any item; 6" required with recessed fixtures.
    No extrusion, no diffuser, no service. Exposed bulbs or diodes are not safe to
    use within closets without being enclosed in an extrusion, so make sure to
    cover up that LED tape before installation.

  1. Consider color temperature
    While color-tunable technology will allow you to choose between 2700K and
    6500K throughout the day to see clothing and accessories in both cool and
    warm lighting, a 3000K or 3500K color temperature is a flattering neutral and
    is a common choice for static white fixtures.

  2. To switch or not to switch
    While traditional wall switches and dimmers are still popular options, new
    technology has introduced several new options including automation, voice,
    and app control. Want your lights to come on as you walk into the room?
    Smart home products such as these (https://trescolighting.com/swidget) will
    allow you to integrate your closet lighting into your smart home network.
    While trends come and go, LED lighting and high-end closets are here to
    stay. The options are endless and will allow you to take what was once a
    dark room and turn it into your favorite room in the house.

  1. Fixture types for every space, not one size fits all
    With new LED products entering the market every day the options for closets
    are endless – puck lighting, linear lighting, extrusions with tape lighting,
    among others. How do you choose one? The answer is simple - you don’t
    have to. Many closet designs incorporate multiple fixture types within the
    same space to achieve the perfect look.

    Puck Lighting
    Puck lights are a great option to highlight jewelry, shoes, or accessories on a
    shelf.

Image Credit: Austin-Morgan Closets and Rev-A-Shelf


Flexible Linear Lighting
New flexible liner lighting options offer LED tape within a durable, silicone
body allowing you to simply press into a groove for an easy closet panel
installation.

Image Credit: Rev-A-Shelf

Extrusions with LED Tape
Extrusions are a customizable option allowing you to pick the profile, finish,
LED tape, and diffuser to assemble a custom LED fixture.

Source: Rev-A-Shelf

Overwhelmed and need help with LED lighting for your closet design? Visit www.trescolighting.com/layout to use our complimentary lighting layout services.

Happiness is Homemade- 2022 Inflation Edition

It's hard to ignore the rising prices everywhere: at the gas pump, when planning a trip, looking for a new vehicle, and you may have even noticed the menu prices at your weekly spot are a little higher than they used to be. 


If your budget is feeling stretched, cutting back on meals out (or elimaning altogether) can make your dollar go further. Yes, grocery prices are rising too. However, home cooked meals are still significantly more affordable per serving, and you can save gratuity, too! 


Tips for Shopping Smart

Credit: Heinen’s Grocery Store

Plan your meals for the week ahead and stick to them! Planning meals is easy in theory, sticking to them is the hard part.

Pick recipes (within your cooking abilities) that you are excited to eat each week, and enjoy them! Preparation is the hardest part, but makes the work week go so much easier. When you cook ahead of time, you don’t have to do all of the cooking dishes and a full kitchen clean up everyday… such a time saver! This is also a great way to spend some extra quality time with your family.

Credit: Goodnet.org

When you plan properly, you save money by eliminating the need to overbuy or throw out wasted food. We are all guilty of buying produce with the best intentions and watching it go bad before it can get used. Planning ahead eliminates this!

Credit: Live Science

Buy More, Save More (and repurpose the same ingredients all week long!)

For example, it is typically cheaper to buy one big package of ground beef and use it in both lunches and dinners all week long than it would be to buy smaller packs of different meats and make a big variety of meals all week long. Keep it simple, but switch meals up each week to avoid getting tired of them! 

Credit: Pillsbury.com

Example: 

Buy a pack of ground beef at Costco or Sam’s Club and use some to make burgers for lunches and spaghetti and meatballs for dinner! 

Or a big pack of chicken for salads and chicken tacos! You get the idea 😉

Making Your Kitchen More Functional

Sometimes, the biggest barrier to a home cooked meal is a kitchen that works against you, rather than for you. If you have to dig for pots and pans, can’t find your favorite utensils or spices, and have to run all over your kitchen to cook a meal, eating out sounds much more enticing! Inflation isn’t going anywhere, and you will never regret adding function to your kitchen. 

Credit: Pinterest

While a full remodel would be ideal sometimes, it is not always in the budget. Luckily, there are other ways to improve the efficiency of your kitchen without breaking the bank.

Easy ways to do this: 


Switch the contents of your cabinets around so that glasses and dishes are close to the dishwasher for easy unloading. This may be an excellent time to take inventory of your current tools and declutter what is broken, never used, or the items that you may have way too many of. Do you really need 4 can openers? If so, are you alright? 


Add a waste container under or near the sink for quick cleanups.

Keep spices and oils within arm’s reach of the stove, and extra dish towels next to or underneath the sink. 

Add drawer inserts for spices, coffee pods, cutlery, and utensils. Rev-A-Shelf’s inserts are affordable and high quality, offering a custom look at a fraction of the price. Bonus: the contents of the drawers don’t slide around as you open and close the drawer. 

Rev-A-Shelf pullouts are perfect for adding function (and beauty) to any kitchen. No more getting on the ground and digging or lugging a step ladder around to reach the back of your cabinets. They are an added expense, but make daily life so much easier and can be enjoyed for many years to come. 

Rev-A-Shelf’s subsidiary, Tresco Lighting, offers high-quality, safety tested lighting products that are a great addition for under cabinet, toe kick, soffit, and in-cabinet lighting applications. With so many options to choose from, there is a product for every kitchen and budget. 

Concluding Thoughts

In all practicality, as long as you have a kitchen with operating appliances and food, you can cook a meal at home. The tips presented in this article both improve the function of your kitchen, simplifying the meal preparation process, and can add resale value to your home.

These inflated prices won’t last forever, but it looks like they will be around for a while! If you are feeling the pressure, cut expenses where you can and enjoy fresh, inexpensive, home-cooked meals with family. We can even use this time to put the phones away, turn the TV’s off, and connect with our loved ones at the dinner table.

An Introduction to Biophilic Design

Biophilic Design, what is it? According to pebblemag.com, “biophilic design is the practice of creating a closer connection to nature through the ways buildings and landscapes are created and built”. Derived from the term “biophilia” meaning “a love of nature”, this design principle is more than a trend.

The connection to nature through design can be achieved in many ways. Houseplants seem to be the first thing most people think of, but the design encompasses so much more than just indoor plants. 


This isn’t necessarily a bad thing though, a single, green plant can completely transform a room!

Image Credit: Katherine Carter

Note: If you have curious paws in your household, it is a good idea to do research on the best plants to bring home. Many common houseplants are actually pretty toxic to dogs and cats! The ASPCA has a complete list of toxic and non-toxic plants for animals.

Biophilic design can include natural lighting and fresh air, neutral colors, water features, organic materials (sustainable wood, cork, bamboo, stone, rattan, etc.), and carefully selected decor choices that take our minds back to their most innate and primitive frame of reference: nature. 

There are numerous benefits to biophilic design, including improved air quality, better moods, reduced stress levels, increased focus and engagement, higher productivity, and an overall improved sense of wellbeing. 

Implementing biophilic design is easy, as it is a relatively neutral style that can be mixed with other interior design styles. It can be as simple as taking a few minutes to open the blinds each day, adding an indoor plant to to your office desk, and choosing sustainably sourced natural materials when looking for new furniture. With so many benefits, we will likely see more offices, schools, public areas, homes, and even cities create a closer connection to nature in the next few years.

According to the Global Wellness Summit, biophilia is not a passing trend, but rather the long-term future of architecture and design.

What do you think of this design style? Would you implement it in your home? How do you feel about seeing it in hotels, offices, and schools?

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Consumed By Consumerism: How to Declutter (Part 1)

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It is no secret that Americans are buying more than ever before. Fast, free, 2-day shipping, flash sales, and an insatiable desire to live like our favorite social media influencers are contributing factors for the latest startling statistics. 

Linked In

If your closets, junk drawers, bathroom cabinets, and garages are overflowing, then it is time to do some serious decluttering. 


Note: It is important to remember that your space did not get cluttered in 1 day, so decluttering will be a weeks to months long process.


Here are some tips for each area of the home: 


Closets




Next Level Wardrobe

Take everything out! This will allow you to see how much you truly own, and force you to make a decision about each individual item. 


While your closet is empty, it is a good time to reevaluate your organization. Are the things you reach for the most easily accessible? Would it make more sense to store any items elsewhere in your home? Take a few minutes to wipe down surfaces and vacuum before the real organization begins. 


Group all clothing into categories, then tackle one at a time. Designate four separate areas, one for keep, one for donate, one for items to sell (Poshmark is great for gently used, secondhand items!), and one for trash. Then, take a good look at each item and ask yourself: 

  • Does it fit? How comfortable is it?

    • These are two very important considerations. Maybe you have been holding on to those skinny jeans for years in hopes they fit again. Or you have a pair of shoes you love but give you blisters every time you reach for them. If they don’t serve you right now, they need to go. 

  • How often do I reach for this?

    • Maybe it is time to part with the Hulk Hogan costume you wore for Halloween 7 years ago. Maybe… 

  • What condition is it in?

    • We are all guilty of hanging on to that one piece of clothing for a little (or a lot) longer than we should have. Be honest with yourself, and if it needs to be replaced, then replace it. 

  • Why am I keeping this?

    • Sometimes the answer can be something silly, or sentimental. Try not to hold on to these items solely for memories if space is limited for you. 





LevelUP

Take your time with this process. It can feel overwhelming and time-consuming, so take quick breaks when you begin to struggle. After you have worked through all of the categories, every item should have a destined fate. 


If you find yourself tossing items in the “keep” pile that you are unsure of, fill a basket with these “maybe” items and designate a time frame to donate the items you don’t reach for within it. 


Junk Drawer

We all have them! Their contents may vary, but they hold a wide assortment of the things you reach for often and need quick access to. However, if you don’t take a few minutes to declutter from time to time, they can easily get out of hand.

Raymond Forbes Photography

Just like with the closet process, take everything out of your beloved junk drawer and admire it in its miscellaneous glory. Wipe down the drawer itself and install drawer dividers (Or the Maxx Drawer, if you want to double your storage space and keep things tidy). 

Rev-A-Shelf

Group the items into categories, and decide what needs to stay, what can be stored elsewhere, and what needs to be thrown out. 

For items like batteries or writing utensils, make sure everything works before returning to the drawer. 

Pretty Handy Girl

Bathroom 

West Elm


Once again, empty all of the drawers and cabinets, then clear the countertops. Wipe down all surfaces, then evaluate your storage space. You may just need a few drawer dividers and bins to keep things tidy, or it might be time to invest in some more heavy duty organization.

Rev-A-Shelf


Either way, group all of the like items together and take a good look at what you have. Do you need 7 bottles of almost empty travel size shampoo? What about the tylenol that expired in 2004? Dispose of old/expired toiletries and medications, and donate unopened products you just don’t reach for. This is also a great time to restock your first aid supplies and keep them somewhere handy. 


Garage

A 2012 UCLA study found that 3 out of every 4 households with a garage do not park their car in the garage, because it is full of other belongings. If your garage is full of cluttered chaos, clearly you are not alone. 

The Solid Signal Blog

It is important to remove everything from the garage, and deep clean the whole area before you begin the decluttering process. Sweep debris, mop the floors, and wipe down surfaces while the garage is empty. If your garage is full of broken or mismatched storage systems, it may be beneficial to invest in a new set of shelves or cabinets to maximize storage space and give the area a cleaner look. 

Garage Solutions Seattle

First, categorize all items into groups, and evaluate the condition and utility of each item. Discard broken, dirty, or out of date items and create a donation pile for everything that may be useful for someone else. If you have a hard time parting with things, consider planning a garage sale to incentivize the decluttering process. 

The Norwalk Patriot



What area will you declutter first?

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Renter-Friendly Design Tips

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With the percentage of Americans choosing to own their homes are steadily declining for multiple reasons, there are more renters than any time since 1965. A skyrocketing housing market, greater student loan debt, upfront affordability, and the maintenance costs are all reasons contributing to the increase in households that are choosing to rent. 

There were 44.1 million households renting in 2021, many without a way to purchase a home in the current market. Therefore, making the most of a rental space is crucial. Unfortunately, the majority of landlords have limits to what improvements a renter can make during their lease. To make matters worse, rent is increasing all over the United States. It is even more important to transform your plain rental apartment or house into a place you love to be, if you are spending more money than ever to be there. 

In this article, we will discuss renter-friendly ways you can improve your space to make it feel like home. Everyone has their own unique style and preferences when it comes to decorating, but these general, damage-free tips can improve any home.

Note: There is no reason to fear “wasting money” on making an apartment or rental home into a space that you love to be in, most of these tips are affordable and the products can be taken with you when you move out, making them an excellent investment. 

Walls

There is nothing more overwhelming than an empty apartment full of plain white walls. Sometimes, you can paint, but that still leaves the walls plain and boring. Add some visual excitement with these tips!

Image Credit: Your Modern Cottage

Create a gallery wall to fill up empty wall space. You can find inexpensive frames from Ikea, fill them with either your own photography or digital prints from online (Etsy has options for just about every style), and secure them with Command® picture hanging strips to prevent damage to the walls. 

Image Credit: Caitlin De Lay

Removable wallpaper is a fun way to add dimension and color to a boring space. You can find some really fun prints on Amazon that are so easy to apply and remove in seconds. 

Image Credit: MyDomaine

Add molding to give your space a homey, traditional appearance. Purchase some quarter round from your local hardware store, measure and cut to fit your space, and attach with removable velcro strips or another heavy-duty damage-free adhesive.  There are so many options, from classic picture frame style to bold, modern geometric patterns.

Floors

Unless you move into a brand new build, or you have an awesome landlord that replaces the flooring between each tenant, chances are the floors in your rental have seen better days. 

Eagle Rock Properties

Area rugs are essential for protecting your hard floors (and security deposit!), insulating your living space during the winter, absorbing noise, and they will even soften the impact of your footsteps if you have neighbors below you. Large rugs can get expensive, so check discount stores and websites, like www.homegoods.com and www.overstock.com for deals. Area rugs can make a big impact on a space, by adding a more “finished” look and really tying all the components of your design together.

Image Credit: Style by Emily Henderson

Peel and stick tiles have taken TikTok by storm! User TieraLovellee demonstrates how she transformed her bathroom floor using removable marble tiles and the results are incredible. ​​

Lighting

Lighting can make a big difference in any space, but it is a very important consideration for apartments where limited natural light and outdated fixtures are common. 

Image Credit: Country Living Magazine

Wall sconces add a cozy feel to any space. Either a plug-in variety or a remote-controlled battery option are the best (existing sconce + these remote-controlled LED puck lights + adhesive = a renter friendly inexpensive wall sconce)

Image Credit: YLighting

These rechargeable, remote-controlled under cabinet lights from Amazon are another product featured in many content creators’ Amazon Storefronts. They rave about how easy they are to use, and how the lighting can transform their space. See how @eastcoastdiy on TikTok transformed her kitchen with these simple adhesive lights!

Tresco® Lighting has many standard and customizable options for under cabinet, above cabinet, toe-kick, and many other applications. To make it renter-friendly, use a heavy-duty removable adhesive in place of the included hardware. 

If you have old blinds that have seen better days, consider switching them out for more modern varieties, like roman shades or cellular blinds (you might even save some money on your electric bill with cellular shades!). 

Credit: Apartment Therapy

Finally, extend your living space by turning your balcony or patio into a relaxing summer evening hangout spot with some outdoor LED lighting.

Credit: roohome.com

Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home, so it is important to ensure it's a place you love spending time. There are a lot of rental kitchens that have seen better days (like the 1980’s… yikes), so use these tips to bring them into the 21st century for the duration of your lease. 

Image Credit: Black & Blooms

Use contact paper to hide atrocious countertops (tutorial here)! Pick a modern design, apply, and enjoy for the duration of your lease. It is easy to remove and as a bonus, it offers an additional layer of protection for your countertops (hello, security deposit!). 

Image Credit: Cabana State of Mind

Install drawer inserts to make the most of the limited storage space. Keep your utensils tidy with this one or have an insta-worthy spice drawer with this insert! Both inserts are from Rev-A-Shelf®

Don’t underestimate the power of cabinet hardware! Just make sure to buy the same size (it needs to fit in the existing holes!) and keep the original hardware tucked away for move-out day. Just look at the difference one quick switch can make!

Image Credit: Forbes

Conclusion 

How can you apply these tips to turn your basic rental into a fun space that reflects your unique style? Think like a professional and follow the basic principles of interior design:  

Image Credit: Philadelphia Style Magazine

  • Balance: distributing the “visual weight” of a space to create a feeling of equilibrium. This is achieved through symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial balance. 

  • Rhythm: creating visual interest through patterns and repetitions in the design

  • Harmony: the unified feeling created from all elements of a good design acting together

  • Emphasis: directing attention to one focal point, to avoid a scattered or boring feeling

  • Proportion and Scale: “Proportion is the ratio between the size of one part to another, and scale is how the size of one object relates to another or to the space in which it is placed” (Credit: The Spruce)

The biggest takeaway from these guidelines is to ensure you carefully plan each area of your rental space and how you want to decorate it, to avoid an unbalanced or cluttered appearance. 

Image Credit: frankieandjonnie via Reddit


What are your favorite renter-friendly design tips? We would love to know! 

How Covid-19 Changed the Way We Live in Our Homes

As the two year anniversary of the fear, shutdowns, and uncertainty brought on by Covid-19 quickly approaches, let's take a look at the way it has changed our homes forever. 



In March of 2020, the world was blindsided by the Covid-19 virus. Many “nonessential” personnel were instructed to stay home and isolate for two weeks at first, a noble attempt to “flatten the curve” and reduce the stress on our healthcare system. This short time frame stretched out into weeks and months for some, while others transitioned into completely remote work. 

Image Credit: Time Magazine

It was a strange time, where many people got to step back from their busy day-to-day lives and enjoy more time with their families. People took this time to explore old hobbies, find new interests, and navigate the new territory of staying connected to loved ones virtually. All of this time spent within the confines of one’s space led many Americans to tackle the home improvement projects they had been putting off for all too long. Home improvement stores were faced with record breaking sales, bare shelves, and lines out of the door nationwide. 







How have our homes changed since those days? In three main ways: cleanliness considerations, layout modifications, and technology advancements. 







Cleanliness Considerations

Easy-to-clean surfaces are high on the list of importance for many consumers. Carpet is continuing to be phased out as hard floors take its place in many living areas and even bedrooms. Grout (especially in countertops) is becoming less and less desired because homeowners are not interested in the maintenance associated with it. Shower tiles are getting larger to reduce grout lines and traditional tile floors are being replaced by luxury vinyl and waterproof hardwood for easier cleaning. Traditional wood surfaces are being replaced all over the home with engineered alternatives without the texture that can trap dirt and bacteria. 






Entryways and mudrooms are no longer an afterthought in the homebuilding process. Having a place where family members can drop their coats, shoes, bags, and the dirt and germs associated with all of their things is crucial in a pandemic environment. 

Layout Modifications

Is the open-concept floor plan on its way out? It is hard to say for sure, but Americans seem pretty divided on the topic. While it has been the desired style for years, some feel it can make the space feel cold or not very homey. The open floor plan is great for entertaining and large families, but many families are choosing to have more defined areas to make virtual work and school easier instead of adapting these areas to serve as both living and study areas for the family. 









The kitchen is still the heart of the home, and some would argue that it has been more important than ever in recent years. In a survey from October 2020 conducted by Kansas State, researchers found that “70% of U.S. households are now the central food preparation spot for 80% of meals. In 2019, the same survey found that to be the case in 30% of American homes”. Many people are experimenting with new ingredients, discovering new hobbies in the kitchen, and enjoying more family time. All of that extra time spent in the kitchen has made many Americans realize inefficiencies within that space, with almost one-quarter of U.S. homeowners hoping to renovate their kitchens in 2020. 




Rev-A-Shelf® has hundreds of innovative, quality organization accessories for the kitchen, closet, and bath that make spaces more efficient and life easier for everyone. For example, a Spice Rack Pullout right next to the cooking surface makes preparation and cleanup a breeze when cooking dinner on a busy weeknight. The Cut Out Cutting Board drawer takes the mess out of preparing fresh produce: simply peel, slice, and dice and scrape the scraps into the pullout waste container below. A Compo+ Series Waste Container Pullout beneath your sink allows you to discard food scraps quickly as you load the dishwasher, and you have fresh compost for your plants! 

While it might not be practical for most, some families are opting for more private areas for all family members, including a separate bedroom and bathroom. This is helpful to fully isolate the sick family member, while allowing the rest of the household to lower their risk of infection. Additionally, more private space is excellent for an “office” area, which might help some families lean towards the open floor plan discussed previously. 


Another big consideration for the layout of homes post-Covid is outdoor living space. Many families spent more time grilling, gardening, and spending time together outdoors during the initial shutdown period, which has inspired many families to improve their outdoor spaces. In mild climates, there has even been a rise in indoor/outdoor living spaces.



Technology Advancements

Smarthomes were not born out of the Covid-19 Pandemic, but have been a big consideration for many people making upgrades to their living spaces over the last couple of years. 


More cooking at home means a better, smarter kitchen is necessary. Voice-activated microwaves, touchscreen toasters, a range hood that can Facetime… the possibilities for technology to simplify life in the kitchen seem endless right now. Aside from these revolutionary, high-tech advancements, more simple products such as touch activated faucets and sensor trash cans are also important for reducing contact with germs in a post-pandemic home. 


Wellness seems to be at the forefront of everyone’s minds, and that term is taking on a whole new meaning for many, from simply avoiding illness to living the longest, healthiest life possible. This new focus has manifested in different ways throughout the home, including better lighting/biophilic design, air purification systems, and home gym setups. 


Closing Thoughts

As you can see, Covid-19 has changed the way we live and our homes are adapting to accommodate our new needs. We can all hope that we are nearing the end of the pandemic times, but it is hard to say for sure with new variants being detected and quarantine periods being required for many families. The changes we are seeing in home design are helpful for navigating the pandemic, but they would be just as functional and useful if Covid-19 never happened. 

A Look at Grandmillenial Style

Recently, there have been so many styles from past decades that have returned and gained mainstream popularity: mullets, bell bottom jeans, Y2K style, mid-century modern interior design, the list could go on and on! However, Grandmillenial Style is perhaps the most surprising of them all. 

Grandmillenial Style is the term used to describe the growing population of millennials that love the chintzy, frilly, sometimes stuffy home decor trend that is lovingly referred to as “Granny Chic”. Think of floral wallpaper, matching drapes, collections of china and silver, rattan furniture, pleated lampshades, and skirted tables. 

Like every other decor trend, there is a wide range of how closely people follow it when decorating their spaces. This can mean a couple of heirloom pieces in a room or a house that looks exactly like your grandmother’s from the early 90’s.

What sets Grandmillenial Style apart from just Grandma Style, is a more cautious approach. The patterns are toned down, the visible spaces are less cluttered, and it is a more liveable approach to the traditional style (no plastic-covered sofas here). Since it is nothing more than a fresh take on a very traditional style, it is safe to bet Grandmillenial Style will withstand the test of time, just increasing and decreasing in mainstream popularity. 

It is easy to see how the sweet, childhood nostalgia of memories at grandma’s house is what draws so many millennials to take comfort in this particular trend. In a world with so many “grown-up” issues, there is a part of us all that yearn for the simpler days of our youth, and maybe we are reminded of it with the matching floral curtains and wallpaper from Grandma’s house. 

What are your thoughts?

Designing Kitchens for a Healthy Lifestyle

As we approach the second anniversary of Covid-19 entering our lives, it feels appropriate to reflect on how we can become the best, healthiest version of ourselves. Since the start of the pandemic, the focus on our wellness has been more prevalent than ever. Most of the general healthy living advice is simple: eat mostly whole & nutritious foods, exercise regularly, sleep well, and manage stress.

 

In recent years, Americans have stopped cooking at home and it is costing us. Obesity has been labeled an epidemic in the United States since the 1990’s. It is a multifaceted issue with many contributing factors, but the most important ones include lack of activity, a shift in dietary patterns (including larger portion sizes and unprecedented food marketing), and overall busier family lives than ever before. This combination of factors has made healthy, homemade meals feel out of reach for most families. To make matters worse, only 10% of American enjoy cooking!

 

Sometimes, the most daunting part of cooking a meal includes the preparation and cleanup. Luckily, there are many products available to simplify the process. The goal is to make your kitchen work for you, instead of fighting it! Here are a few examples of how you can accomplish just that:

 

●      Ensure your countertops stay free of clutter to allow you to start preparing food right away.

●      Keep spices close by! You can keep them organized in a drawer, a cabinet, or inside of a door to easily add flavor to every meal. Balanced, healthy meals do not have to be boring or bland!

●      Designate about an hour of your time for preparing produce once a week. This allows your family to have washed, sliced, and ready-to-eat snacks.

●      Put knives, utensils, and cutting boards in the same spot with this handy organizer.

●      Take another step out of the preparation process with this cutting board drawer. There is a stopper that can be removed to allow you to dispose of the produce scraps directly into the trash bin below.

●      Keep pots and pans organized so you can always access exactly what you need without needing to rearrange your entire cabinet.

●      Finally, restore some order to your kitchen by organizing your food storage containers! Having accessible bases and lids means no more rummaging around for a place to keep your leftovers.

 

These products will all help simplify the food preparation process, from start to finish. Some other helpful tips: maximize storage space and visibility with clear plastic containers in your refrigerator and pantry, plan out your weekly meals to simplify grocery shopping, and (most importantly) be realistic. If you eat out for most meals right now, then gradually scale that number back each week. Remember, perfect inconsistency is better than inconsistent perfection when it comes to living a healthier lifestyle. The foundation of these good habits begins in the kitchen.

 

What are your favorite tips for healthy eating? Do you have any must-have products for preparing meals at home?

Design Trends for 2022

Over the years, we have witnessed some really great design trends that lasted many years, and some that couldn’t go out of style fast enough. 2022 is quickly approaching, and with that, let's look at some of the anticipated trends for kitchen design.  

 

Minimalism has been a popular trend for the last few years, and it looks like it's going to be here to stay for a while. In the kitchen, this looks like: 

 

  • Clean, clutter-free counter spaces. We are going to see more “appliance garages” to hide small appliances like the toaster and air fryer.  

  • Additionally, disguising major appliances as cabinets will continue to gain popularity.  

  • In more modern kitchens, hardware will be phased out. Push-to-open cabinets may start to replace the need for traditional cabinet pulls. 

  • Large, organized pantries are in high demand, for both new builds and home renovations.  

  • In a true pursuit of minimalism, open shelves are starting to replace traditional upper cabinets in the kitchen. They give the kitchen a more light and airy appearance, as opposed to the closed-off feeling cabinets can give in a small space. These shelves can be a way to decorate functionally, displaying dishes, cookware, or ingredients, or recipe books. 

 

Colors + Finishes for the Kitchen 

 

Everyone has their own unique taste when it comes to the finishing touches of their kitchens, but here are some of the popular trends for 2022: 

  • White cabinets will continue to be a timeless choice, but natural wood finishes and neutral colors will increase in popularity 

  • Sage green and midnight blue will be in high demand 

  • Matte finishes are preferred for their clean look 

  • Wood floors (especially low maintenance options such as luxury vinyl plank) and large tiles will continue to be consumers’ top picks  

  • Two tone cabinets! Typically white or a light neutral on upper cabinets, and a darker or bolder color on the lower ones 

  • Darker finishes for faucets + cabinet pulls 

  • Contrasting colors throughout the room to avoid the “sterile” appearance of one color 

 

Trends That Apply to the Whole House:  

 

  • Open concept floor plans have been around for a while now, but many homes are taking it a step further to create a seamless flow from room to room. Many homeowners are phasing out their L-shaped kitchen in favor of a more linear layout,  further blurring the boundaries of each “room”.  

  • Smart home technology is continuing to integrate into every room of the house, and the kitchen is no exception. Smart refrigerators, Wi-Fi-enabled coffee machines, app-controlled meat thermometers, toothbrushes that let you know how well you brush, the list goes on and on!   

  • Sustainable sourcing/eco-friendly products and materials will be more important than ever for many consumers.  

  • Biophilic design- According to Metropolis Magazine, “Biophilic design seeks to connect our inherent need to affiliate with nature in the modern built environment. An extension of the theory of biophilia, biophilic design recognizes that our species has evolved for more than 99% of its history in adaptive response to the natural world and not to human created or artificial forces. We became biologically encoded to associate with natural features and processes. Rather than being vestigial – or relevant to a world that no longer exists – this need is thought to remain instrumental to people’s physical and mental health, fitness, and wellbeing”. This can easily be achieved through houseplants, natural lighting, and good ventilation indoors.  

 

Comfort Decorating: What it is and How to Achieve it

By: Amber Peabody - Content Marketing Associate

In my pandemic-era, work from home routine of binging my way through podcast episodes, I came across a particularly interesting episode of NPR’s Life Kit covering a practice many have become all too familiar with, but may not know its name.

Did you know that there is actually a term designers and psychologists use to describe our desire to surround ourselves with beauty, comfort and meaning? This essentially means we create our own personal sanctuaries meant to sooth and provide stability. It’s called comfort decorating - a term that has become popular during our time at home, obsessively rearranging and renovating to make our space to create the optimal mix of joy, comfort and efficiency.

At its core, comfort decorating helps fulfill the needs of your daily routine, makes you feel good and recharged and establishes work and home balance and boundaries as many of us are still WFH. The absolute beauty of it is there is no one way or wrong way or doing it. It’s all based on you and your needs.

1. Create the space for your lifestyle.

You have to be clear how this space will serve you in order to get the practical things right. Make a list of what you need/want, then a list of challenges and finally take some time to brainstorm solutions to these. 

Ex: A desk in a corner isn’t enough to make my office feel separate from my small living space. What if I create a functional divider to visually separate those functional zones?

Setting these boundaries allows you to move on to how you want to FEEL in the space. To gather inspiration, think of a place you saw in a movie, magazine, restaurant or during travel that you remember feeling excited about - “ how do I bring that in my own space?”

2. Incorporate color in an interesting way.

Keep things simple and layer as needed. Choose colors that you enjoy, or ones that promote what you hope to accomplish in the space.

Understand The Color Wheel & Color Schemes To Become A Better Decorator.png

Start with your lead color. For example, if you love yellow and want to use it in your living room, think about different ways you could incorporate it into your space. You could add wall art, furniture, textiles or wall paint - anything that will give your lead color a way to stand out in the space.

Once that color is established, think about adding complementary colors - colors opposite your lead color on a Color Wheel. Warm colors make you think of warm things, like the sun or heat. Cool colors tend to bring up mental images of water, ice, the sky and snow.

A third color option you could choose is tone-on-tone, or monochromatic, which is a color scheme comprised of variations of one color by using its shades, tones and tints. This isn’t suggesting your room will look like one big swatch of a color, but rather selecting shades different enough that they will play off each other.

You know how you’ve always heard that surroundings affect your mood? This is 100% backed by science! Applied Environmental Psychologists think about how the world around you affects what’s going on inside your head. These experts assist in teaching people what color or shape to make a space, or what kind of lighting and surfaces it should have in order to make people feel comfortable or think more creatively.

When it comes to those wanting to achieve comfort decorating, they suggest for you to hone in on what you want to do in the room, because different colors WILL illicit different behaviors.

  • Comfort/decompress: To achieve this feeling, choose colors that are not saturated, but which are relatively bright, grayish version of color. These also make a space seem slightly larger.

  • You can’t go wrong with Green! All shades, especially sage, have been linked to enhanced creative performance. Theoretically, this relates back to our instincts. Being around green things likely made humans feel safe because they knew there was an abundance of food, freeing up mental capacity. This color is best used in a living room or office.

  • Blues: This color invokes trustworthiness, credibility and sleep, so it is best used in bedrooms.

  • Keep red away from areas you need to concentrate or focus in. Red has been shown to degrade our analytic performance. Even briefly looking at it can have an impact.

It is important to remember that some of our associations with color come from things we’ve learned or are cultural, but the findings about reactions to red and green are universal.

3. Add color and coziness through pattern.

Patterns and lines have an influence on how comfortable we are feeling. However, it is suggested to only use a few patterns to manage the visual complexity of the environment. Visual complexity refers to the number of visual features present colors, accent colors and shapes in any given space.

When visual complexity is too low, we find it upsetting, sterile and can make us tense. The same feeling of stress can occur if the visual complexity of a space is too high, meaning there is too much clutter or a lot going on. It is important to figure out your own tolerance for visual complexity. However, don’t over think it! Just start decorating. You can always change it!

Mainly Curvy Lines = more comfortable, relaxed, decompress.

Straight/Geometric Lines = make us think of efficiency and moving. It is a good idea to place these in spaces you want to move more briskly and move along, like a laundry room.

4. Comfort decorating is all about nostalgia.

This past year has been hard on all of us, so reminders of loved ones, happy memories and inspiration from travel have become more important than ever.

Maybe you usually prefer a clean and clutter-free environment, but have found yourself putting more personal effects on display this year. They are reminders of what you value about yourself, what’s important to you, how you live your life and can make us feel safe. Don’t think your home needs to become tchotchke-central to invoke nostalgia. Instead try a few of these:

CREDIT: DUSTIN WALKER FOR LAUREL & WOLF

CREDIT: DUSTIN WALKER FOR LAUREL & WOLF

  • Family photos, home made pottery, an old trophy

  • It can apply to tactile objects as well in a sensory way, like a plush robe or a blanket knit by your friend and bring good memories.

  • Smells are powerful reminders of special memories. Including these can give you a boost. 

If you feel having these out are too busy or cluttered, try swapping them out every month.

  • Cuts the visual complexity

  • Refreshes your familiar environment, which we could all use

  • Gives you a feeling of control over your environment; boost mood, relieves stress from external factors

Find a way to bring nature into your home. A popular term this past year has been Biophilic Design, or the concept used within the building industry to increase occupant connectivity to the natural environment through the use of direct nature, indirect nature, and space and place conditions.

One easy way to achieve this is by adding plants or other references to nature. They don’t have to be huge, just something that serves as a reminder that you are not trapped. This could include artwork, wallpaper or a faux plant if you don’t have a green thumb. Natural or artificial light will also majorly impact our moods.

Final Reminder: There is no one way or wrong way or doing it. It’s all based on you and your needs!

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Designing with Living In Place in Mind

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We recently hosted a KB Tribe Chat discussing the topic of Designing with Living in Place in Mind. We are huge proponents of the Living In Place Institute's mission: providing professional education to make all homes safe, healthy and comfortable for everyone. In fact, a few of our offerings have become Certified Living In Place Products!

This Twitter discussion was so rich with important information, we wanted to share what we and other industry professionals had to say.

01. How would you define Living In Place? Do you know that it differs from other principles like Universal Design and Aging In Place?

So often do people lump all of these principles together, but Living in Place differs in that it takes away the focus on aging by striving to enable people of all ages and abilities to live their best lives in their home.

Photo Courtesy of @KBIS, design by Kendall Ansell Interiors

Photo Courtesy of @KBIS, design by Kendall Ansell Interiors

Pic: Kohler/Tiller Press

Pic: Kohler/Tiller Press

"A place where you can be yourself, ensuring the homeowner has a safe, comfortable, and stylish space that fits their needs and lifestyle at any age."

- @KBIS

“Living in place is not yet a well-known term for creating inclusive living spaces, but it ties in w/my Five Facets of Wellness Design, which include #Accessibility, safety & functionality for all. Handheld shower heads are an example.” - @JGWellnessDesgn, CKD; CAPS; MCCWC

 

02. Do any of you work with Occupational Therapists when designing a Living In Place space?

There will be a round table discussion during #KBIS2021 hosted by Living In Place on this topic! K&B Ergonomics From An Occupational Therapist and Designer Perspective - Mary Fisher & Monika Lukasiewicz | Register here: http://bit.ly/2YjnW5Z

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"Having a husband with a 3 level spinal fusion among other issues, we've received good tips from his Drs and PTs." - @SusanSerraCKD

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03. SAFE | Do you have any go-to products for clients who want to ease strain, limit reach and reduce dangerous clutter?

We offer a number of Certified Living In Place Products including our 5PD/5UPD, 582 ‘TheCurve’ BC Optimizer and Pullout Waste Containers that keep hazardous cans out of walkways and in the cabinet.

"Pull-downs, pull-outs, u-drawers & corner swing-outs are vital in cabinetry, plus handheld shower heads near seats. Floating vanities & wall-mount toilets are also really helpful. Reducing clutter means clear walk aisles/lower fall risk." - @JGWellnessDesgn, CKD; CAPS; MCCWC

"Pull-out cabinets are wonderful for ergonomic design in the kitchen. They reduce strain, reach, and clutter to a marvelous degree." - @2020spaces

"We remodeled our kitchen and kept a space for a wheelchair to left of drawers for plates within reach with @REVASHELF peg board system." - @pillow_goddess

 

04. HEALTHY | Ample lighting has a huge impact on not only safety, but also health. Do you take into consideration the effects of certain lighting on health when creating your design?

Ample lighting is important to ease eye strain when performing tasks, safely guiding homeowners in the dark and majorly affects our Circadian Rhythm.

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"As we age, it's harder to see so you can never have too much lighting! Under-cabinet lights are a must on a dark countertop" - @Stacy_Garcia

"Ample lighting in this office space prevents eye strain when working or crafting." - @WellbornCabinets

"#Lighting in the bathroom is important, especially when it refers to personal #health. The combination of natural light during the day & colored lighting, or chromatherapy in the evening can have a significant impact on our #mood & #wellness." - @AstonBath

 

05. COMFORT | How can you add comfort for all to a design without sacrificing aesthetic? (i.e. handrails, no threshold doors, door knobs)

There are plenty of stylish options that are also Living In Place friendly! Beautiful no threshold showers and multi-use grab bars are becoming a norm.

LIP+Emtek.jpg

Have you considered how hardware choices can affect those with arthritis? The good news is you don’t have to sacrifice chic designs for comfort, just simply think a little deeper when weighing your options.

“Lever handles for passage doors work better than knobs for arthritic hands and weak grips." - @Stacy_Garcia

Here is what to avoid:

  • Narrow Pulls (less than 3”) // Thick hands either won’t fit or can get stuck

  • Thin Pull Handles // Sore hands need thicker pulls to grab onto comfortably

  • Harsh Angles // Pulls with 90-degree angles can pinch sore hands

  • Cup Pulls // Cup pulls typically don’t have an adequate surface area to grab onto safely

  • T-Pulls // pulls with a bar that sticks out farther than the end screw mounts can snag clothes or be painful to pump into

  • T-Knobs // Knobs shaped like a “T” put too much stress on arthritic fingers

  • Small Knobs // Grasping a small knob is painful for large, sore hands

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"Incorporate these additions to match the style of the home. Sometimes people need assistance, but that doesn’t mean it has to clash with the design. Handrails can have character, too." - @2020spaces

"No threshold showers don't just offer a safer use of the space... we think they look cleaner and much cooler!" - @VilgHomeStores

 

06. Where do you get your inspiration for Living In Place Designs?

Interiors by Design's LaDonna Eriksen | via NEBRASKA-BASED FIRM COMPLETES A LIVING IN PLACE CONCEPT HOME

Interiors by Design's LaDonna Eriksen | via NEBRASKA-BASED FIRM COMPLETES A LIVING IN PLACE CONCEPT HOME

"The best place, aside from contemporary and historic design, is the clients themselves. Living in Place is part of a modern movement in design focusing on individual needs and wellness." - @2020spaces

"We get a lot of inspiration right here, on this chat. There's always great ideas for new products and ways of looking at design and function." - @WindowWorksUSA

"Working with different professionals give you great ideas on what is needed in the real world. I love to learn!" - @NancyYoungDsign, CKBD; CLIPP

Easy Home Organization and Storage Solutions with Rev-A-Shelf

With everyone stuck inside so much lately, many of us are using our kitchens for home cooked meals now more than ever. With that may come the discovery that maybe your kitchen isn’t as functional or tailored to your family’s lifestyle as you once thought. Whether its cluttered, overflowing drawer and shelving space or the frustration of not having the proper cooking utensils within reach, you’ve surely felt the pain.

Of course, now most definitely isn’t the time to be undergoing a major renovation or hiring a handyman to come into your home an install a solution. Luckily, Rev-A-Shelf has a number of simple products that can be easily installed by you and still make a huge impact in the functionality of your space.

Additionally, if you get stuck on an install, we’re there for you - virtually, of course! Our YouTube channel is full of helpful product installation and overview videos.

So, let’s cover a few easy to install products, some of which only take 4 screws to install!

Kitchen Base Cabinets + Drawers

Click on an image to be taken to the product page

Vanity Storage + Organization

Click on an image to be taken to the product page

Closet Accessories

Click on an image to be taken to the product page

The Baker's Kitchen Essentials

November is here, and I don’t know about you, but to me that means the start of the festive baking season! Scents of cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg in cookies, pies and crumbles are about to fill the air. Soon enough, Christmas cookies and other holiday goodies will be on the brain! Oaky, okay, maybe it’s a little too early for that.

For this upcoming busy baking season, we've rounded up our top product picks for a baker's dream kitchen, along with a few of our favorite recipes, too!

596 + 597 Divider Trays

Pictured: LD-597-18CR-1

Pictured: LD-597-18CR-1

Gone are the days of storing baking trays and tins under the oven or stacked in a cabinet. Let’s be honest, sifting through them all only to find the one you need is on the bottom is a loud mess. Our 596 and 597 Tray Dividers are a great solution to tackling this problem! Use one or more to create custom storage space in either wall or base cabinets. The 596 Series is available in 10" height while the 597 and LD-597 Series are available in 12" and 18" heights. Both are available in either chrome-plated or powder-coated white round wire.

447 Base Cabinet Pullout Tray Divider/Foil Wrap Holder

Pictured: 447-BC-5C

Pictured: 447-BC-5C

If you have some extra or unused space, or in the process of gathering ideas for a kitchen renovation, our 447 Series Base Cabinet Pullout Tray Divider and Foil Wrap Holder makes a great addition! This unit features a removable center divider, which gives you the option to create one large storage compartment or two smaller sections.

4SDI Wood Spice Drawer Insert

Pictured: 4SDI-24

Pictured: 4SDI-24

The array of spices that go into baking this time of year is what makes those treats so delicious, but all those jars can get out of hand quickly. Organize your spices like never before with our 4SDI Series. This trim-to-fit insert is designed for 24” or smaller base cabinet drawers and includes one rear compartment and up to three tiers of spice storage. Constructed of natural maple with simple drop-in installation for a timeless addition to your kitchen.

RAS-ML Mixer lift

Pictured: ML-WNHDSCOG-18FL

Pictured: ML-WNHDSCOG-18FL

This item is quite possibly one of the most raved about by home chefs and bakers. Ideal for a wide range of kitchen appliances, including: a mixer, food processor, blender, or toaster, this handy lift is easy to install and even easier to use. There are two solutions available: shelf included or hardware only (this option requires you to provide your own custom shelf).

- Now for the yummy stuff -

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Apple Cider Doughnuts

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The Ultimate Grilling Space

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Don’t have the tools to be this Summer’s grill master? Check out how you can win a complete grilling tool set at the end of this post!

Giveaway closed as of July 1, 2019

We’ve already covered getting your outdoor space ready for entertaining, now let’s get into prepping a Summer time essential: the grilling station.

Keep it Fresh

Coming from a big farming state, we are big proponents for growing your own produce, but that’s not always an option for some people. If anything, we suggest creating your own little herb garden. Fresh herbs really do take your dishes to the next level.

An herb garden really can be as simple as grouping together a few of your favorites like rosemary, mint and basil in a large pot near the grill. Not to mention these herbs are also great for crafting Summer cocktails! Take a little trip to your local home and garden store and fresh flavor will be ripe for the picking all Summer long.

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Clean it Up

It’s time to tackle cleaning up the grill! Here is what you’ll need:

  1. Clean rags/paper towels

  2. Rubber gloves

  3. Sponge/Brillo pad

  4. Grill Brush

  5. Glass Cleaner

  6. Dish Soap

  7. Warm water

First, you will want to run the grill for 10-15 minutes to loosen up any leftover gunk. After the time is up, let it begin to cool down and start scraping the top and bottom of the castings inside the grill with he flat side of your grill brush.

Grab your Brillo pad or sponge, dish soap and warm water and get to work on the grids! TIP: pre-soaking the grids in a bath of warm water and soap for an hour beforehand make the process MUCH easier!

Next, take your sponge and more warm, soapy water and begin cleaning the exterior of the grill to remove any residue from last year’s grilling.

Use your rags or paper towels and the window cleaner to remove grease streaks from both stainless steel and other exterior surfaces.

If your grill has a cabinet, be sure to clean out any leaves or cobwebs that may have accumulated over the colder months.

Remember to check the gas levels and refill the propane tank or stock up on charcoal!

Keep it Together

Now that everything has been cleaned, ensure all of your tools and ingredients have a proper place to be stored. Having your utensils and spices at the ready makes prep work so much easier. Plus, with not having to run in and out of the house, you’ll be able too keep your focus on safely manning the grill and monitoring your food.

Check out some of these items below:

Tools of the Trade

What good is all this information if you don’t have the right tools? Win a 21 piece stainless steel BBQ tool set on us! Just follow the simple rules below to enter:

  1. Head on over to our Facebook and/or Instagram and give us a follow!

  2. Find this post, like and tag a friend you’d love to have a Summer cookout with.

  3. That’s it! It’s just that simple.

This giveaway will be open to both Facebook and Instagram users, US and Canada residents only. Tag multiple friends for multiple entries. Giveaway closes on July 1.

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KBIS 2019 Recap

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The Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) is North America’s largest trade show dedicated to all aspects of kitchen and bath design. This annual show is truly where the heart of the industry is able to meet, collaborate and show everyone what they’re made of. Everyone here at Rev-A-Shelf and Tresco Lighting had an amazing show and are thankful for everyone who came by to experience our product line.

Couldn’t make it to the show? Well, you’re in luck! Here’s a recap of every exciting moment we were able to experience.

Overview

Show attendees explore our Transparent kitchen

Show attendees explore our Transparent kitchen

Our 2019 booth consisted of 12 unique displays to highlight the versatility and accessibility of our vast array of products, designed to seamlessly organize any room in the home.

Mixed throughout our displays were 15+ brand new and newly re-designed products. You can check out all of them at the bottom of this post!

Our two new show displays include our Grabill Cabinets kitchen and our luxurious Sollid Cabinetry master closet/coffee bar. Both of these displays are topped with beautiful Cambria countertops. What makes these newcomers so stunning are the two illuminated backsplashes using Tresco Lighting’s ETCH panel.

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Above is our Grabill Cabinets kitchen display with illuminated Decotone backsplash.

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Above is our Sollid Cabinetry master closet display with illuminated 3form backsplash.

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Also on display was this Cosma prototype light rail.

Want to see the entire booth? Check out our show recap video above!

Homes For Our Troops

On Tuesday, February 19th we held a special booth signing announcing a three-year national sponsorship deal to partner with the nonprofit organization Homes for Our Troops (HFOT).

Homes for Our Troops builds specially adapted, mortgage-free homes nationwide for severely injured veterans of post 9/11 to enable them to rebuild their lives. This agreement continues the partnership between our two organizations where we will work with HFOT’s veterans and general contractors to furnish all homes with cabinet storage and organization accessories, providing optimal accessibility for veteran home recipients.

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Living In Place

Throughout the show, our very own Shari McPeek, Advertising and PR Manager, and Mary Holz , OEM Channel Manager, gave tours of our Certified Living in Place Products including our 5PD Pulldown and blind corner units. The Living in Place Institute blends the best principles of aging in place, accessibility and universal design to make all homes accessible, comfortable and safer for everyone.

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Continuing our partnership with Living in Place, Our very own Michael Marcumwas able to sit on this year's Live Panel Presentations to speak about "Kitchen & Bathroom Trends for Living In Place" and "Ergonomics in ALL Kitchens for Living In Place.” Tresco’s Chris Tressalso sat on the live panel to discuss "Lighting & Color for Living In Place."

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#KBTribeChat

Every Wednesday at 2pm, we participate in a live Twitter chat called #KBtribechat where kitchen and bath industry professionals discuss trends and share knowledge. The KBIS chat is extra special because we all get to meet, participate together and walk through the show. Since we are a sponsor of the chat, Amber Fowler, Content Marketing Associate, was able to give a booth tour of our new products and answer questions from the 30+ participants.

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Tresco Lighting’s Top Project

Another exciting event is Tresco’s announcement of the first ever Top Project winner. Professional photography, a social media spotlight, a $500 Visa Gift Card and bragging rights were awarded to John Zembrodt of Stanton Millwork for his work on The Cincinnatian Hotel.

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New American Home

Last, but certainly not least, we were proud to inform all of our visitors of our numerous products featured in the off-site New American Home. The New American Home 2019 was presented by The National Association of Home Builders and the Leading Supplier Council members to showcase the technological advancements the housing industry has to offer. We are honored to have had some of our products showcased alongside names like Caesarstone, LG and Kohler. 

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Explore all of our new and existing products over at

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Customizing Storage for Each Kitchen Work Zone

by Linda Fennessy of Kitchen Magic

A kitchen zone is mainly defined by the appliances that are dispersed in the space: the fridge, stove/oven and sink areas. Moreover, these three zones are what make up everything we do in the kitchen, whether it be cooking/baking, cleaning up, washing, or eating. Now that we got that out of the way, let’s segment the 3 zones of kitchen storage.   

The Fridge // Kitchen Zone 1

The refrigerator sees a lot of activity, becoming a prime zone for these 3 purposes:

  • Storing leftovers

  • Eating + snacking

  • Accessing food + ingredients for meal prep

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+ Air tight leftovers keep food fresh for tomorrow’s school or work lunches. A storage container organizer will ease the pain or hunting down matching lids and containers.

+ Food storage wraps stored in an organized roll out keep them organized.

+ Placing glassware storage adjacent to the fridge will provide easy access to casserole dishes and lids custom made for leftovers, providing ease or reheating and serving leftovers. An accessible lazy susan puts these dishes at your finger tips.

Storing the staples used most near the fridge makes it easy to incorporate them as you get in and out of the fridge to prepare meals and snacks.

The Sink // Kitchen zone 2

The sink is a highly used zone, seeing the most traffic over other areas of the kitchen. An uncluttered kitchen is always a goal, but sinks should be the most uncluttered of all since its uses include soap detergents and food preparation. 

Discarding trash or recyclables can be a quick task when it’s adjacent to the sink. The best option is a pull-out version, integrated by matching cabinet doors.  

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+ Creating spaces for sponges, steel and other utensil cleaning items makes washing dishes and meal clean up a breeze. The Tip-Out Tray at your finger tips, keeps your countertops clean and clear.

+ Organized drawers dedicated to flatware, as well as cabinets designed to house dishware and cups, creating access between the dishwasher and everyday dishes will make putting away dishes less of a chore. The dish-peg drawer system keeps your dishes organized.

The stove // kitchen zone 3

Last but not least, the super busy range + oven area. If you have an open floor plan or a doorway from the kitchen to the dining room, it makes sense to locate the range/ovens nearby.

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+ The Pot/Pan Organizer basically eliminates you having to crawl into the cabinet to find a pot. Imagine a world with no clanging pots at the start of dinner prep!

+ The Cloud allows for smooth flowing glide out feature for small appliances. Place warming appliances like Crockpots, mixers and blenders in the ‘cooking zone’ zone.

+ Stowing away ‘flat items’ like muffin trays can take up precious real estate. Having these items together on their sides can double your storage space. These tray dividers are designed to do just that.

“Most kitchen consultants and designers will tell you, it’s not the space you have but how you use that space. Having quick access to your kitchen tools and storing them properly may make all the difference in how your perform in the kitchen.”
— Linda Fennessy, Marketing Manager with Kitchen Magic.