INTERIOR REDESIGN FOR LIVING
25 Aug 2010 Leave a Comment
ReDesign Dilemma – Residential Office
This office was not functioning at an optimum level, nor was it as aesthetically pleasing as it could have been. Equipment was not easy to access and there was inefficient storage for papers and files. There was too much clutter visible when you entered the office, obscuring some of the beautiful pieces.
BEFORE - Residential Office 1
BEFORE - Residential Office 2
BEFORE - Residential Office 3
BEFORE - Residential Office 4
ReDesign Solution (note: only the Client’s existing belongings were used)
The gorgeous Old World antique writing desk was now taking center stage and was the definite focal point when you entered the room. In order to improve the function and aesthetics of this office the following steps were taken:
- The bookcase was moved to the side of the room and several books were removed and stored, making it possible to showcase some of the remaining books.
- It was now possible to move the writing desk further back into the corner and place the matching chair behind it.
- A smaller storage unit with doors was brought into the corner to store paperwork and files which served to clean up the visual clutter. This unit was also taller and the telephone was now at a more manageable height.
- Art work was exchanged to reflect more of an Old World nature in keeping with the style of the writing desk.
Overall the final outcome was a much more visually appealing space that showcased the beautiful antiques. Function was also greatly improved, not only making it easier to work, but the removal of items from the floor also made the room easier to clean.
Notes: To further improve this room – a more substantial (larger) art piece behind the writing desk in an Old World style would better balance the space. Present temporary placement of the picture is concealing a flaw in the wall.
AFTER - Residential Office 1
AFTER - Residential Office 2
AFTER - Residential Office 3
AFTER - Residential Office 4
AFTER - Residential Office 5
INTERIOR REDESIGN FOR LIVING
25 Aug 2010 Leave a Comment
ReDesign Dilemma – Guest Bedroom
This guest room had been used temporarily for a family member and was now being reclaimed as a guest room. Basically the room needed to be tied together and balanced.
BEFORE - Guest Bedroom 1
BEFORE - Guest Bedroom 2
BEFORE - Guest Bedroom 3
ReDesign Solution – (note: only the client’s existing belongings were used)
- In order to give the room a balanced look, the secretary desk was taken from the side and placed between the two beds.
- The matching bedspread and pillow shams were found and used, which served to tie the room together.
- Art work was changed and placed according to the new positioning of furniture.
- A plant was placed in the corner to add some interest to that area.
- The television/stand and the side table were decluttered, and a different art piece was placed over the side table which balanced that area.
Notes: To complete the space – the client will eventually update the bedspreads and window coverings.
AFTER - Guest Bedroom 1
AFTER - Guest Bedroom 2
AFTER - Guest Bedroom 3
REDESIGN STAGING FOR SELLING – BUNGALOW
25 Aug 2010 Leave a Comment
in ReDesign Staging for Selling
Staging Dilemma – Dining Room
Although this space was originally intended as a dining room, it was not being used as such. The owner was using her dining room suite in an area adjoining the kitchen. This could be confusing for potential buyers who would be looking for a designated formal dining space.
BEFORE - Dining Room 1
BEFORE - Dining Room 2
ReDesign Staging Solution – (note: only the client’s existing belongings were used)
- The hutch was moved to the living room area where it was used to showcase some special collections and framed photos.
- A taller hutch and the dining room suite were brought back into the dining area & the loveseat and sofa table were moved, effectively freeing up space around the dining room chairs & improving traffic flow to the outside balcony.
Potential buyers can now see how the space was originally intended to be used – as a dining room.
AFTER - Dining Room 1
AFTER - Dining Room 2
REDESIGN STAGING FOR SELLING – BUNGALOW
25 Aug 2010 Leave a Comment
in ReDesign Staging for Selling
Staging Dilemma – Living Room
There was ample center floor space in this room, but all the furnishings were pushed together around the perimeter, making it appear to be a very cramped space. The room did not have any real visual appeal.
BEFORE - Living Room 1
BEFORE - Living Room 2
ReDesign Staging Solution – (note: only the client’s existing belongings were used)
There were several pieces of furniture that switched places in this home. The main thing to point out here is that there is space between each of the furniture pieces, giving the viewer the impression of more space. Even though the sofa was moved further into the living area to accommodate the dining room suite, there is still a feeling of spaciousness in the room.
Notes: Although the owner of this bungalow was originally intending to sell her home, she was so happy with the redesignation of the space, that she decided to stay!
AFTER - Living Room 1
AFTER - Living Room 2
AFTER - Living Room 3
REDESIGN STAGING – RESIDENTIAL HOME FOR SALE
25 Aug 2010 Leave a Comment
in ReDesign Staging for Selling
Staging Dilemma – Living Room
This home had been on the market for over a year with high traffic but very little interest. The rooms had very little appeal and were not showing well. This living room looked large, but it had a very cold and uninviting look to it.
BEFORE - Living Room 1
BEFORE - Living Room 2
ReDesign Staging Solution (note: only the client’s existing belongings were used)
This redesign shows how much difference the placement of furniture and artwork can make to a space – the room looks so much warmer and more inviting. All the pieces of furniture are shown in their best light and when walking into the room a person immediately feels comfortable.
Although pairing these furniture styles is not ideal, it does work because of the way they are placed – each style has another piece in the same style offsetting it on an adjacent side of the room. Buyers could now see how beautiful the room could be, and could visualize their own furnishings in the space.
This home sold three days after it was ReDesigned!
AFTER - Living Room 1
AFTER - Living Room 2
REDESIGN STAGING – RESIDENTIAL HOME FOR SALE
25 Aug 2010 Leave a Comment
in ReDesign Staging for Selling
Staging Dilemma – Sitting Room
The styles of furniture in this sitting room were not a good blend, and the pieces were situated in such a way as to block the traffic of people who were interested in viewing this home. All in all it was not showing to its best ability.
BEFORE - Sitting Room 1
BEFORE - Sitting Room 2
ReDesign Staging Solution (note: only the client’s existing belongings were used)
- The loveseat in this room was moved to the family/TV room where the style was more appropriate for the space.
- A beautiful sideboard was put in its place that was a better match for the traditional chairs in the room.
- A cozy seating area was created in front of the fireplace to enable prospective buyers to envision themselves enjoying this space.
- A mirror replaces the artwork above the fireplace, visually expanding the space of this room.
- Plants are positioned around the room to add colour & interest.
The general outcome was a more visually appealing space where prospective buyers could move easily through the room, while still being able to envision themselves living in this home.
AFTER - Sitting Room 1
AFTER - Sitting Room 2
AFTER - Sitting Room 3
REDESIGN STAGING – RESIDENTIAL HOME FOR SALE
25 Aug 2010 Leave a Comment
in ReDesign Staging for Selling
Staging Dilemma – Home Office
Although there was enough furniture in this office, when you walked into the space it looked unfinished and boring. It was a good size for an office but the space was not being utilized efficiently.
BEFORE - Home Office 1
BEFORE - Home Office 2
ReDesign Staging Solution (note: only the client’s existing belongings were used)
- The sofa was much too large for this space and it was removed and placed in the basement family room. An easy chair was brought in from the living room and placed in front of the desk to provide seating for an office ‘guest’.
- The desk was moved out from the wall, turned to face the chair, and an office chair was placed behind the desk.
This is a more appropriate seating arrangement for an office, and buyers can immediately identify the function of the space as a formal office.
AFTER - Home Office 1
AFTER - Home Office 2
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZING (OFFICE) – Filing Room
25 Aug 2010 Leave a Comment
in Professional Organizing (Office)
Organizing Dilemma – Filing Room
It had become impossible to even get into this filing room, and if you were looking for something in particular, it was very difficult to find. With a lack of time and staff to create a proper filing system, people had given up trying to file things away, and instead everything was just stacked on the floor or randomly placed on shelves.
BEFORE - Filing Storage Room - Front View
BEFORE - Filing Storage Room - Side View
BEFORE - Sorting Process
Organizing Solution – (note: the only purchase required was several banker’s boxes)
- Any items that did not belong in the file room were removed and placed in their proper storage areas.
- The floor was completely cleared to make for easy access to the shelving.
- Certain financial and other records must be retained for legal purposes for a specified amount of time. Any paper pre-dating those requirements was purged & sent to a shredding company.
- Paper was separated into categories – e.g. financial / operational / marketing.
- Each category was sorted by subject and year, and boxes were labeled accordingly.
- Each category was shelved according to how often it needed to be accessed – e.g. ‘rarely accessed’ on top shelf & ‘regularly accessed’ on lower shelves.
- Staff was informed as to how they would maintain the space and continue with the new system – regular purging and filing was encouraged.
AFTER - Filing Storage Room - Front View
AFTER - Filing Storage Room - Side View
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZING (OFFICE) – RETAIL STORE
24 Aug 2010 Leave a Comment
in Professional Organizing (Office)
Organizing Dilemma – Storage Area
In a busy work environment there is limited time to devote to organization, and it doesn’t take long before things can get out of control. Disorganization is often a direct result of not having systems in place and/or not dealing with issues as they arise. The back work area in this retail store had become very disorganized. This creates stress, because customers may be kept waiting longer than necessary while you search for a product or sales aid. When staff must devote time to redundant tasks, their productivity is compromised, and when items can’t be found, it can also cause double buying which is not cost effective.
Before - Storage Area (Left Side)
BEFORE - Storage Area (Center)
BEFORE - Storage Area (Under Counter)
Organizing Solution – (note: only the client’s existing storage supplies were used)
- All items in the store were gathered together and grouped into categories.
- Within each category, all outdated or unnecessary duplicate items were discarded/recycled.
- Each category was organized according to the way staff accessed the items – some alphabetically, some by subject, and some by date.
- All categories were assessed to determine which items were most often accessed, and those items were placed in an area with the easiest access.
Follow-Up:
- The process does not end when you have put an organized system in place. Regular maintenance plays a very significant role in keeping the system organized – that is, you and your staff must commit to learning the systems and returning items to their proper place as soon as they are finished with them.
- If there is no incentive for individuals to do this on their own, consider having staff place used items in a designated area such as a shelf/box, and rotating the responsibility of putting those items away to a different staff member each week/month.
- Most importantly, acknowledge how much more efficient an organized work environment is, and that maintenance of these systems is a valuable use of your time, in order to maintain excellent customer service and to reduce staff frustration and increase their morale.
Note: To further improve on the appearance of this space, the client could purchase matching baskets or boxes to hold product brochures on the shelves.
AFTER - Storage Area (Left Side)
AFTER - Storage Area (Center)
AFTER - Storage Area (Under Counter)
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZERS IN CANADA – CODE OF ETHICS
11 Apr 2010 Comments Off
in Professional Organizing (Residential)
POC CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS
This Code of Conduct and Ethics is a set of principles and guidelines that each member of POC – Professional Organizers in Canada – agrees to adopt for the
exercise of judgment, self-restraint and conscience.
- I will provide to all people truthful and accurate information with respect to professional performance of duties and completion of contracts. When unable or unqualified to fulfill requests for services, I will make every effort to recommend the service of other qualified organizers and/or other qualified professionals.
- I will have empathy for the client and the assignment by practicing positive interpersonal and communication skills.
- I will respect the confidential nature of the client’s information, and will use proprietary client information only with the client’s permission.
- I will maintain an objective manner to promote and encourage the highest level of conduct and ethics within the organizing profession.
- I will seek to deal with other POC members, professional colleagues, suppliers and employees in a fair and equitable manner, and maintain the highest standards of personal conduct to bring credit to the organizing profession.
- I will deal openly with those areas that may be deemed a conflict of interest.
- I will protect the public against fraud and unfair practices, and attempt to eliminate from POC all practices that bring discredit to the organizing profession.
- I will make a commitment to possess and increase the required knowledge, skills and training to be proficient and relevant in the provision of services.
- I will extend these same professional commitments to all those persons supervised or employed.
- I will strive for excellence in all aspects of the organizing profession.
