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How To Master Your Move with DESIREÉSOLUTIONS

8/12/2019

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Edit Before Moving

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Spring cleaning shouldn’t just be limited to the Spring!  Before you move, go through all of your items and decide whether to keep, toss or donate. Look at each item— do you need this item and will this bring you joy in your new home?  If the answer is yes, pack it up! If the answer is no, it may be time to let go.  Doing things like checking your kitchen for expired foods/spices and donating old clothes you don’t wear will make your future move so much easier!  Devote your space to what you love!

Box By Category

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Once your items are edited, your future self will thank you for packing like items together.
For example, pack things like hanging clothes together, workout clothes together and swim all together — the list goes on! Remember, sort and pack “likes with likes.”  Seeing how much of each category you have allows you to designate a proper home for those items in your new space.
Categorizing this way will also help you locate those long lost items you’ve been searching for, and help you figure out whether certain things should live in different rooms entirely.

Pro Tip:  Pack what I call a "Move-In Box. This box includes the very first essentials you will need in your new home.  It is the last box to load on the truck, therefore the first box into your new home.  It should include the following: 
  • ​​Toilet Paper
  • Cleaning Products
  • Cleaning Cloths
  • First-aid Kit
  • Paper goods such as paper towels, plates, cups and disposable silverware.

Set Priorities and Unbox Accordingly

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Everyone needs a good game-plan.  What are the most important rooms in your house? What rooms will you be using the most, right off the bat?  Tackle those areas first.  
Pro Tip: Unpack your room first. If you are tired, nothing else in the house will function correctly. Follow by kids’ rooms, then the kitchen, then the rest of the home.

Break Down Boxes & Tidy Each Day

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It’s amazing what a little decluttering can do!  After each day’s unpack session, walk around your home and pick up all trash, empty boxes, garbage etc. and dispose of it before bed.  Your space will feel cleaner, more open and you’ll have less cleanup to do the next day!

When In Doubt, Call the Experts

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Picking a mover is hard, but after coordinating move after move, DESIREÉSOLUTIONShas a large database of the best movers around the country. No matter where you are moving reach out to us at desiree@desiree.solutions and we will handle your move and take that burden off of your plate.
Our services range from pack, relocation, to full unpack and everything in-between.
Organizing after a move takes a ton of energy, time, physical and mental strength. Here at  DESIREÉSOLUTIONS we take the burden off of you and make your organizing process a breeze — so you can spend more time doing what you love with the ones you love!
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LIGHTING IS EVERYTHING

4/17/2019

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TOP TRENDS IN INTERIOR LIGHTING DESIGN FOR 2019


SOFT GOLD IS THE NEW FINISH

Lately, there has been a spike in the popularity of soft colors. Homeowners have fallen in love with colors such as grey and greige (grey plus beige). Soft gold falls right within this spectrum of soft colors that work so well for contemporary decors. Soft gold falls somewhere in the middle of brushed silver and brushed gold. It borrows the soft matte finish of these two hues while bringing out the warmth and mellowness of gold. This also means that it can blend in with almost any kind of décor from modern urban to farmhouse.
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Soft gold lighting fixtures come in a variety of styles and designs. For overhead lighting, look for fixtures that accentuate the gold. You can also check for fixtures that complement the soft gold with other soft colors like grey or matte silver. Use soft gold lighting to attract attention to specific corners or areas of your living room.  Bright, brassy gold fixtures are still not very popular, perhaps because they remind you of your grandma’s house or because it tends to date a home which makes it an unpopular choice for resale.  Soft gold however will be around for quite a while.

REFINED RETRO & INDUSTRIAL STYLES

Industrial has always been about rustic finishes, neutral colors and an emphasis on metal.  Retro is making a comeback but in a different way. If you look at modern industrial lighting, there are some stark differences to what you know as traditional industrial. The best way to describe it is as an  ‘’upgraded industrial’’ or just modern retro.  Unlike the warehouse-like styles that are common with industrial style, we are seeing sleeker metals–richer and more varied tones and alternative designs. Shop around and you will find retro fixtures with finer details that look more like a form of art. If you were hesitant about introducing some industrial aspects to your home, the new modern look should help.
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Use modern retro lighting to create a unique twist to an area. These lighting designs are popular for places like the kitchen work area, above the dining area or as wall lighting. You can even use the fixture itself as a piece of art on the wall or the centerpiece of your home.  Do not be afraid of industrial. It is no longer the brutal, “unfinished” style that belongs to a niche group of people. With its updated look,  this style fits perfectly in any 21st century décor
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Vintage Edison-Style Bulbs

Vintage Edison-style bulbs add to the 2019 retro lighting trend with homeowners loving the nostalgic design of these fixtures. The rounded cone shape makes the bulbs especially homey and perfect for areas like the living area and kitchen.  Even better, you can get Edison-style bulbs in modern LED lighting. Get the LED variations if you want a fixture that will last longer and consume less power. But if you want the authentic retro experience, there are incandescent Edison bulbs still available in the market. The advantage of the incandescent variations is that they are less expensive, however you will replace them more frequently than their LED counterparts.
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 Vintage Edison bulbs are best used in enhancing a retro/industrial style. They can help add some warmth and soft beauty to industrial elements. For maximum effect, get a system of lights rather than single bulbs. For instance, a chandelier made with Edison-style bulbs or a row of connected Edison lights above your kitchen work area.  These lights are a great place to start if you are looking for a soft introduction to the retro style. They are not extreme industrial, have a certain comfy feel to them and you can find plenty of updated designs in the market.  Consider this style for your next remodeling project.
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Pick Your Palette

4/16/2019

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 5 Color Trends of 2019

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Last year was all about bringing an edgier palette into the home–with vibrant reds, modern metallics, and variations of the statement black accent wall. Unlike 2018's color trends, 2019 is taking a more mindful, lifestyle-based approach to the development of new shades. Most paint brands have released their colors of the year, including Benjamin Moore, PPG Paints, Sherwin Williams, and Pantone. From powerful aquas to soft terracottas, companies are connecting the dots between consumers' home lives, mental demands, and digital engagement, which inspired many of the color picks this year.
If you're looking to kick-start your home refresh by indulging in new hues, check out 2019's top color trends, along with how to use them in your own home now.
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1) Woodland Shades

“While nature is a common inspiration for home décor, in 2019 we will see a shift from oversized botanicals to the woodlands, with mushroom grays and fern-inspired colors. Mushrooms will also continue to be a key shape in the home. Their earthy color–gray blended with warm brown–gives off an old world, naturalist feel.

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2) Misty Blues

In 2019, we're going to see blues with a softened mistiness and haze. This moody blue has a calming grey undertone that promotes a more serene energy in the home. Seattle Haze, by Valspare is one of their colors of the year for a good reason. Consider painting the pantry the same color as the cabinetry for a cohesive look in your home.

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3) Hunter Greens

Hunter greens are a great choice for 2019. Hunter green holds a sultry and worldly value to it, it's intrinsic in nature and all of life. It's timeless in every respect, and works beautifully with natural elements and neutral tones. What i also love about this color is how seamlessly it transitions between millwork, walls, furniture and accessories. As an added bonus, because of its neutrality there's no definition of a home feeling more masculine or feminine; it's the perfect balance of each.

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4) Pale Pink

Pale pinks are prevailing in 2019 due to their neutral properties and compatibility with other shades. Monochromatic colorways–like this pink desert sand shade–will be popular in 2019. It can be mixed with an abundance of white or a lemon yellow for the ideal look. Pale pink is this year's grey. This trend  has staying power and where it has grabbed my attention most, is at the front door. Pleasant Pink by Benjamin Moore is a comfortably sophisticated hue that blends rose with peach and a touch of gray undertone that keeps it from looking too bubble-gummy or baby’s room. Antique brass metal hardware will give the color an aged quality that keeps it from looking too trendy.

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5) Almost Whites

There’s nothing more classic than an all white palette. And while pure white is a go-to for many homemakers, 2019 will be the year of “almost-whites.” These shades offer subtle nuances that adapt to different lighting, furniture, and surrounding colors. For those who crave a minimalist palette that still feels dynamic, an almost-white shade is the fool-proof choice.
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Basket Solutions for Your Home

4/14/2019

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Baskets are an essential part of everything I do from organization to design. There are shapes, sizes and colors to suite every style and need. Here are some examples of how baskets can provide three organization solutions for your home.
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Decorative Pillows

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Storing decorative pillows in a large basket, not only saves you space in your linen closet, it allows you to switch out your decor at a moments notice.

Throws

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There is nothing like being able to cozy up with a throw on a movie night or while binge watching Netflix. Easy access can be provided by a perfectly placed basket. 

Bath Towels & Essentials

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Towels in baskets are organized and aesthetically pleasing to the eye . You also tend to fit more rolled in a basket than folded on a shelf.
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The Lazy Letter

7/22/2018

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Since this particular trend began, I have watched it grow from a unique finishing touch in a perfectly designed room, to grossly overdone in a place that now sends so many messages, you no longer can be comfortable in such trendy chaos. 
Don't get me wrong; I love what I call "textual" design as much as the next person, however, be sure other design elements in the room convey the same message as you hang on the wall. Having said that here are some tips on how to make your room send your message with or without the sign.
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Gather​:
Place this sign and others like it  (home sweet home, welcome) in a room large enough to "gather," such as the dining room or living area. It may sound obvious, but I have seen it in hallways, entryways and yes even the bathroom (Um, no thank you). Also if this particular text or one similar is displayed, it is a good idea to have plenty of seating, lighting and for textiles to be cozy and inviting. Warm colors such as creamy white, shades of grey, or pale blues are the perfect wall colors that will make people want to stay awhile and feel comfortable.
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Label Decor: I have never been a fan of what I term "label decor" when it comes to rooms of a home. There are obvious design elements or appliances in your home that indicate that it is, in fact, a laundry room, kitchen or bathroom. Placing a sign which states the obvious, gives the home a "tour guide" atmosphere versus the welcome vibe that you want your home to project. My solution? If you must label a room, limit it to one. Hang decor that tells a story versus one that makes a statement. Sayings or poems that are room appropriate will engage your guests and leave more of an impact than a single word.                                                                                                                          
The 10 Second Rule:
When it comes to "textual" design in any given space, follow the 10-second rule to help gauge if you have overdone your word decor. What is the 10-second rule? It should not take you or your guests more than 10 seconds to read all signs in any one room. If you find it takes longer than 10 seconds, here are a few ideas to help rethink your design.
  1. Rotate your decor seasonally. No need to use it all at once.
  2. Replace wall decor with print on your textiles. Throw pillows bedding, etc.. This will deliver the same message, but with a different approach.
  3. Find art that expresses what you want to say in words. For example; "farmhouse." Why not find a vintage photograph in black and white of a farmhouse? This touch combined with galvanized pieces or chicken wire on a pantry door makes your space feel the way that your word sign is trying to achieve.
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Chalkboard signs are not only popular, but easily changed and updated. I love the simplicity of this framed chalkboard in this clean, simple office space.
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"Super Market" one of the most popular signs is quaint if done right. If you notice there are other signs in the room however it does not feel like you are bombarded with text.
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A simple phrase is the "bow on top" to a beautifully decorated dining room.
Above all else, create a space you love. A place that reflects who you are, what you value and one that feels like "home" to you. My last little bit of unsolicited advice, hire a professional if you need to. There is nothing wrong in asking for help, and getting the opinion of another set of eyes. Many times when it comes to our own homes, we know what look we want to achieve but are unsure of how to pull that look together through all design elements in the home. And like it or not, there is a "shame" placed on women for asking for help when it comes to issues regarding the home. Don't fall prey to it. Reach out, seek advice, take it or leave it. The ultimate goal is to create a place of love and peace for you and your tribe to dwell.
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    About Desireé

    With a passion to help simplify the lives of others, I seek to share solutions for life's tasks big or small through creative organization, practical, yet beautiful design and an attitude of conquering any project I take on.

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