Step #1  F – File it

If it comes in the mail, if you need to hold onto it, if you want to keep it for future reference, file it. And file it now. Today! Otherwise it will sit in a pile and the pile will grow and grow until you can’t remember what it is anymore. We’ve all been there. All those coupons we swore we were going to use only to find them buried between 8 pounds of Restoration Hardware catalogs. We get eagerly excited to see our dear little discounted friend again, only to realize… yep, it expired a month ago! No bueno. Identify a designated area in your home (where you stack your mail often works well) where you will sort through things like mail, bills, medical records, legal documents and all that paperwork that comes home from school and start sorting.

As for all those loose items like gift cards, reward cards and coupons? Use an errand planner or business card file concept that keeps things all in plain view. I’m not proud to admit that I’ve found myself at the cashier stand at Target only to walk away realizing I had a gift card hiding in my wallet somewhere that I could have used. Ouch. You been there too? If you can’t see it, you don’t know it’s there. Time to get organized.

Step#2   A – Act on it

Do you need to pay it? Return a call? Email it to someone? Act on it now and then file it or throw it away. Cross it off the list and be done with it. Take a few minutes to take care of those important little things so you don’t forget to do it. Don’t put it off! If you are one of those people who come back to it over and over again, act on it first thing in the morning before you start your day. Resist the temptation to check emails and social media. That can all wait. Get your head on straight and knock those lingering tasks off your list before today’s curveball gets thrown your way. You’ll be glad you did!

Step# 3   T – Toss it

Why are you keeping this item/bill/record/etc? Is it truly necessary for the future? Will you need it in 6 months to a year? If so, then File it! And, file it within your system. If not, shed the weight! Here’s a great flow chart you can refer to…

Keys to Success

–          A label maker. Everybody can use a label maker at some point or another. They’re awesome, they’re helpful, and they’re downright fun to use! I like the Brother P-Touch personally. Everybody needs a Bro-tha!

Ahhh, the look of labels. You can officially uncross your eyes!

–          Virtually file. Bank statements, utility bills, etc. can all be stored on your computer. Get rid of unnecessary paper waste, go green, and save these to your computer. For other task management systems like to-do lists or recipe storage, try an app that works both with your computer and your smartphone, like Evernote or Wunderlist. Toss that extra paper into the recycle bin and enjoy your extra shelf space.

–          Compartmentalize – in other words, contain yourself! Stores like The Container Store are around because they are downright awesome. Stack of magazines? Tuck them into a basket and keep them current! If you’re holding onto it for one measly article, clip that article, file and store. Kids toys? Group those in stacking baskets.

Organize that junk in your drawers into neatly divided sections with Lucite drawer inserts. Clarity is key. You can compartmentalize but if you can’t see it, you may not know it’s there. I’m a big fan of clear dividers for this reason! All of a sudden you can find your paperclips, stapler, post-its, tape, makeup, etc. You can find things in record time, and if things are lying around on the counter, you have a designated well-organized space to put them.

–          Treat yourself to stylish and fun organizational accessories that make you smile. Bright colors, a dose of sparkle, whatever it may be, if you love the way it looks, you will definitely be more committed to using it! See Jane Work is a fave staple of mine that offers it all – a hip, thoughtful collection of goodies sure to help you organize your desk and your life.

Everything deserves to have a home within your home, it’s that simple. Cheers to getting FAT in 2015!

xo,

Emily

The post Get Organized with FAT- File, Act, Toss appeared first on Emily LaMarque Design Studio.

Unload, unburden, get rid of stuff. Edit, edit, edit.

#1 Put It Away

Start with the easy things- all that holiday garb. Nobody wants a Christmas tree in their living room come March. No one thinks your blow up lawn Santa is cute after January 2nd and Christmas lights are not meant to be left strung up year round. Bottom line, none of this is adding anything to your post-holiday curb appeal. Take that Target gift card Santa gave you and treat yourself to some color coded bins (red and green for Christmas, orange and black for Halloween, etc.) to store your holiday items so they are easily recognized and accessible.

#2 Throw It Away

If your singing holiday angel now croaks because she was dropped on floor one too many times, get rid of it. If there are too many glitter infested ornaments leaving slut dust all over your floor, think about eliminating some, I mean, how many can you really have? If things break or no longer work or just start to look like a collection of junk, edit them down.

#3 Donate

Goodwill, Salvation Army- get that tax deduction before year end! Still worried about “giving” something sentimental away?  Why not give it to a family that can truly use it if you aren’t?

#4 Edit, edit, edit

I often hear, ‘I don’t like it, but that’s worth a lot of money!!’. It’s only worth something if you sell it. If you don’t like it, it’s not worth anything to you! If it truly is worth something, cash out and move on! Ebay, craigslist, garage sale, antiques road show, whatever, but don’t keep it just because someone might potentially pay you something for it, especially if you don’t like it.

My recommendation is that if you haven’t worn it or used it in 1 year, really evaluate if you have use for this item? If not, set it aside. I like to keep a running giveaway bag at all times in the closet in the guest bedroom. When I come across clothing, toys, books, whatever that I am no longer using, I put it in that bag. I would say that I add to the bag at least every week. I’m not a hoarder but I’m certainly not a minimalist either. Bottom line is that we accumulate, and at some point some things have got to go! It’s truly amazing when you clear out things and literally create more space in your environment, how you feel that you have created space within yourself and your mind as well. I am rigorous with clients about getting them to declutter, donate, filter, and once they literally unburden themselves of things, they always tell me how much better they feel in their mind as well.

Lastly, note that everybody has some sentimental items that might be seen as ugly, or useless, or inconsequential. You have them, I have them, we all do. I’m not saying to get rid of anything ugly or old just because it’s not currently en vogue or because your stylish neighbor poo-poos it. Just carefully select which items you choose to surround yourself with. Surround yourself with things that are a reflection of the best side of yourself and if that’s all stuff from your great-grandmother, so be it. But if something is useless or bothersome, or ugly to you, then part with it and leave it at that. Stay tuned for our next post on getting organized and staying organized in the new year! Happy New Year and here’s to shedding those empty calories Design Dish style!

xo,

Emily

P.S. Check out this hilarious little stand-up clip from the Tonight Show where Jerry Seinfeld all about how we accumulate ‘stuff’!

The post Project Undecorate appeared first on Emily LaMarque Design Studio.

But since we are not actually using fruit to decorate, just color inspiration, here is how you can work with cranberry in a living space. When working with a bold color, it is important to keep balance in mind so as not to overwhelm. You can go big, but it must be done right. Since it is a vibrant, rich color, it must be carefully integrated.

So let’s indulge this cranberry crantasy, shall we? Here are some of my favorite cranberry-hued rooms to get your juices flowing (pun intended).

Here the bold cranberry wall makes a big impact, especially with it’s high gloss finish. It’s rich and seductive, but this hue can be a great choice because it’s not either too masculine or too feminine.

Cran adds quite a bit of drama to this spa retreat. The chandelier adds the right touch of glam it needs to balance the wall color and otherwise modern and sleek bathroom fixtures.

This red bathtub accented with red wallpaper is a more subtle approach, but an effective balance. Clean without overwhelming.

The office desk takes center stage as a cheery pop of color as the red tones are also reflected on the wall art to keep it all in balance.

I particularly love this cranberry lacquered dresser. Note the subtle soft blue accents that keep everything in balance against this bold statement piece. It works in perfect harmony and although it’s a very bold furniture choice, it doesn’t feel shocking, it feels bright, fun and maybe a bit unexpected which is the goal.

And speaking of blue, these lovely walls adds a perfect contrast to the red-toned curtain treatments and accessories.

So now that you’ve seen some of my favorite uses of cranberry from around the internet, here is how I would use cranberry in a living space. I give you, the Crantastic Bath…

First of all, I love the gold fixtures with this color! Ok, well duh, I did pick them. But they do add warmth and shine to enhance our fave seasonal hue. By using subtle accents like the red accented wallpaper and accessories, it compliments without taking over the space. You are left with a clean, chic powder room that is not the least bit short on glam, yet not too dramatic either. All about balance, right?

So go for it and gussy up your space… or keep the Crantasy alive and dream about it some more, I won’t judge. Happy Holidays!

xo,

Emily

The post Fruit with Punch: Cranberry Style appeared first on Emily LaMarque Design Studio.

White goes with everything, obviously, which makes it an easy color choice. Christmas is always so traditionally red and green that for me, it’s a bit ho-hum and not enough ho-ho-ho. So in the spirit of white christmas style, here are some of my favorite living spaces from around the web that enliven the season in a new and inspiring way.

Cottage chic…

The whites are fresh, chic and dreamy, and the vintage vibe makes this room one cozy retreat. Simple yet elegant without being fussy.

Here is a similar white christmas dining scape that has rustic cottage style. This space has a very organic feel, using natural textures to bring the outside in while adding a subtle dose of metallic sparkle.

And this kitchen is slightly more elegant, yet still rustic and organic with that cozy cottage vibe with the beamed ceilings and natural cabinetry.

Parisian penthouse…

If your style is a bit more romantic and antique chic, then this tablescape is sure to delight! I love that they used ivy as garland and really let the grandeur of the space speak for itself. Beautiful!

Modern farmhouse…

Venturing into a completely different look is this modern farmhouse Christmas. It’s still mostly white with traditional brick fireplace, yet those pops of red make it look clean yet rich. The pillows feel a bit Scandianvian in design, and I love the large pom pom fringe. And ohhh, those white paper trees on the mantel, soooo purdy!

And speaking of Scandinavian, well, it wouldn’t be a white Christmas without these lovely contributions…

I don’t think I’ve made a paper chain since I was a kid, but what a welcome way to bring on the Christmas count down!

I love the use of sheepskin as chair covers here.  It adds coziness to the otherwise minimalist vibe that is oh-so Nordic.

Modern Minimalist

Dreamy dangling white prisms, aka, modern snowflakes!

Boho-ho anyone?

With a slightly more bohemian flair, this room adds a healthy dose of free spirited color against the white walls and flooring.

I love this twig tree! It nearly looks like driftwood, which would be a great addition to a coastal christmas home. This one is still bohemian with almost a modern cabin flair. Which brings me to….

Modern Cabin…

Now this is an A-frame I could live in while soaking up all that winter white.

And finally, some transitional takes on Christmas for you, chock full of mid century influences… my fave!

How about these gold prism ornaments made out of pipe cleaners? Get the clever and easy DIY tutorial for them, here.

I’m loving the white, black and gold glam Emily Henderson recently posted for TargetStyle. And that magical touch of teal really livens up the space. Just enough glitz and glow and still feels like coming home for christmas.

….And may all your Christmases be white….

xo,

Emily

The post White Christmas Style appeared first on Emily LaMarque Design Studio.

PANTONE just announced Marsala as it’s new Color of the Year for 2015. Now hear me out, I LOVE COLOR. I am completely color obsessed to a fault. I could literally eat color with a spoon! But the Marsala take over in my inbox and social media feeds left my head spinning this morning, and let’s just say, it was not what I’d call a “good buzz”.

Marsala- Pantone Color of the Year 2015

I’m sure there will be rave reviews in the beauty and fashion world which sets the major color trends, and that’s fine and dandy. Coated skinny jeans? Yep. Anything in suede? Great. Lip gloss? Sure, why not? But for interiors? Well, I have to keep it real and to me, this color is just…. well… heinous. It’s a bit dull and falls short of sophisticated in comparison to the vibrant color selections from Pantone seen in previous years. Actually, to me, Marsala fell somewhere between the burgundy brown lipsticks from Revlon’s yesteryears circa 1990 and vintage mauve hued Victoria’s Secret catalogs. Mauve, muted, brown, blah… aka, dated, done and uninspired.  I truly don’t feel that this color adds any value that a rich brown or garnet couldn’t do in its place.

Anyone remember Revlon’s “Toast of New York?” When she was all the rage, I was just getting into my awkward teenage years, and therefore discovering how (or how not) to apply make up, so I was all about this color, complete with even darker lined lips thanks to Drew Barrymore and her display of this shade, daisies and black ribboned chokers. This era was grunge, goth and apparently… marsala.

Anyone remember these vintage VS babes? Ha! And yes, that wall color looked just like Victoria’s Secret retail stores in the 80’s and 90’s too. Remember it? Marsala was the old “Love Pink”, they just didn’t know it. Don’t even ask me who they’re calling or if I think that phone works…. but yes, they just might be on the other end of that 1-900 number… ya never know.

So now that I’m older and wiser I’m not afraid to go against this color trend. I really wouldn’t mind if this color blew away as quickly as it came in with all the 90’s resurfaced fads that go along with it. It seriously boggles my mind and makes me start thinking about how and why Pantone selected this color because it certainly wasn’t because it was favorable for interior design! Ok, rant over.

Here are the color palettes Pantone recommends with their new hue. Maybe it’s me, but I’m just not feeling it.

So then, how can you make Marsala work in a color scheme? Since I have to work with design challenges all the time, here is my version on a color palette including this hue. I think grounding Marsala with primaries like bold orange and deep blue round it out in a way that is not as dull and flat.

What are your thoughts? Would you decorate your home in Marsala? Or is it best left on your lips and hips? Let me know!

xo,

Emily

The post PANTONE Color of the Year 2015- Marsala appeared first on Emily LaMarque Design Studio.