Hang-ups

Have to confess, there was a time when you could barely see my living room walls; if I could put a nail through it, or find a gizmo to attach it to, everything  got hung up. Not sure where this obsession came from, but I think, initially, it was because my house was small, and I wanted to display my ever-growing collection of vintage hats and clothing. But, honestly, I also know that I saw my walls as an endless opportunity, a blank space just waiting to be decorated.

Years later, I continue to cover my walls; moving things around to fill a corner that needs a little something, or hanging a new item that I might find at a flea market. I justify my actions by telling myself that there is a practical side to what I do, and that I am providing homes for things that otherwise would be lying in a cupboard, unappreciated. And, with that delusional thought, here are some of my favorite "hang-ups" for you to share.

Unfinished Wooden Peg Hooks, like the ones in the main photograph (above), can be used to hang just about anything. Easily painted or stained to match your home, I have used them for handbags, coats, towels, necklaces, scarves, clipboards, belts etc. (Found in most craft stores and Flea Markets). 

Safety Cup Hooks are larger than regular cup hooks, and have clever little spring-catches at the top that prevents the cup from falling off. Find them at your hardware store, or on-line. (I have had mine for over 20 years now, and they are still as good as new). 
                          


Binder and Bulldog Clips. So much stronger than you think, and only limited by your imagination. Here, they have used them to hang boots and label baskets, making a great entrance-way look organized and stylish for very little money. 



And, finally, one of my favorites, the cork-board. Perfect for inspiration, miscellaneous business cards or just a few things you want to
keep, but don't quite know what to do with.....


 

Furniture Maneuvers

A desk in the office, a dresser in the bedroom, and a hutch in the dining room. This is the way most of us live, and all of them are perfectly logical choices, but what if we decided to change it up a little?

Redesigning a home is so much more than moving furniture and displaying your favorite things. It’s about seeing what isn’t there, and imagining what could be. To believe that a piece of furniture has a single place and purpose is  limiting its use, and denying you and your home a whole lot of fun (and function).

When you take a piece of furniture out of its natural environment, not only does it continue to be useful, but it also appears more important, and the room that it is moved to becomes far more interesting. Take the photograph here for example; if that desk were in an office, it would look very pretty (but obvious). By placing it in the Living Room it continues to be a very practical piece, but it also brings an extra dose of personality to the corner.

To be fixated on what we “should” do, restricts what is possible. Why not:

- Have a desk by a window in your kitchen, a corner in your Living Room or on your sun porch during the Summer?

- Move a hutch or china cabinet into a large master bedroom or family room. Display your family treasures in it, fill it with books, or take out a shelf and tuck a small television inside.

- Use an end table, or vintage trunk, as a nightstand.

-  Put a dressing table by the front door. The mirror is perfect for last-minute-checks, and the drawers can store gloves and hats.

When you have time, take a few moments to think about your furniture – they are, after all, the ultimate working accessory.

Thanks to Janie Hirsch for the beautiful photograph (check out her portfolio, it is very inspiring).