I was reading recently online and discovered an old picture of Helen Ballard Weeks' workspace (above) -filled with gorgeous French Antiques that undoubtedly influenced her famous catalog. It got me thinking about work spaces in general. I tackle many home offices in my work as a home stager. I help build many offices in my work as a decorator. Your workspace/home office/study area can be as personal a space as your bedroom. It should be treated with similar reverence; a place of collection, a spring board of inspiration, a reflection of all you accomplish in your day and manage in your daily life.

One of the biggest issues my design clients have is figuring out how to configure their furniture in each room of their home. Often, what clients picture in their head doesn't come out the way they'd imagined. That's when I get called in to help. Here are some basic design rules that I often share with clients to help them avoid hurdles in the layout of their rooms.

1. Decide what the Focus of the Room Is

Almost every living room has at least one natural focal point. If yours has a fireplace, that will no doubt be it. In some bachelor pads we've decorated clients have requested their media systems be the focus of the room. In any case the room is arranged around whatever is determined as the focal point. And the determined area can be highlighted to really stand out -like a fantastic pair of drapes framing a spectacular view, or a hand made media cabinet housing a giant television. No matter what the area or object is, making the focal point dynamic will naturally drawn every eye in the room.

2. Create a Conversation Area
Some house come equipped with these - a sunken conversation pit (my 1959 house has this and we love it), a built in banquette. But if your house does not have a designated easy to identify hang out area you'll need to arrange your seating to encourage easy conversation and living in a specific space. U-shaped areas are my ideal. A sofa and a matching pair of chairs can also establish the perfect U-shaped configuration. I also love to use upholstered cubes in living spaces which adds additional seating for larger groups.

3. Think in Odd Numbers

Three throw pillows are better than two. Three objects on a table are more interesting than two (think candlesticks). One amazing vase makes a bigger statement than 4 so-so ones.

4. Make the Most of a Small Space

People often make the mistake of think small furniture is for small spaces. But this can make your room actually look smaller. Fewer pieces that are bigger can create the opposite effect. A giant framed mirror that fills up a whole wall in a small bathroom suddenly transform the room into a grand space. A sectional sofa, while larger than a couch offers more seating and actually works to fill in space that would otherwise go unused (when there's not room for a sofa and a chair). A front entry area that is too small to accommodate a table cab often benefit from a narrow bench rather thanking left empty.

5. Group Furniture Wisely

Be sure you living room chairs and sofa are grouped close together. Otherwise, anyone walking through the living room will be forced to cross between those who are seated and interrupt their conversation. A reading chair placed by a bookshelf can create a whole new area in a room. Bed frames that utilize the largest wall in the bedroom allow for end tables and often create more space in the room. Avoid blocking windows. Natural light goes a long way in home design.

Simplify, Revive, Renew.

While the kids are outside....
Why don't you take the time to pitch out the clutter from their rooms. What soiled clothes can be turned into rags or given away now that the school year is ending? I have a particular pair of pink Capri's I've been eying as my new dust rag that is full of my 1st grade daughter's art room painting projects. Her love of Fairy figurines has also ended and I have the perfect 4 year friend that has been dreaming of more fairy dolls. My daughter has also learned to read and her old picture books she has outgrown can also be gifted to her 4 year old friend.
I always feel bad just throwing things away when I Spring/Summer clean. So, gifting to friends is a great idea. Unnecessary clutter can also be translated in terms of its purpose. Old wrapping paper makes a terrific banner palette on it's white reverse side for my daughter and her friends. Off it goes to her craft area where it will be used, enjoyed and then recycled after time.
Clean out your kids bathrooms. My seven year old no longer needs diaper cream or swim diapers. Unopened products can be donated to local shelters or given to child care facilities like churches and nurturing centers. My daughter no longer wants anything pink so away with the plethora of pink headbands taking up space under her sink! Her friend will love these too. So get busy! But take some time to relax too. Cleaning one cupboard a day is a heroic feat. Reward yourself with a sunset walk or a beautiful summer view. Remember -Simplify. Revive. Renew.

When I am prepping houses for sale or helping clients re-design their homes I often notice they have overlooked including outdoor areas on the to do list. These are important areas in the life of your home. My work focuses on lifestyle in Southern California and outdoor spaces often act as full functioning rooms for nine months out of the year. Buyers and guests visiting your home during these fair weather months will surely enjoying the outdoor spaces you have created just as much if not more than your inside living areas. Look around your yard and/or patio and see how you can improve the aesthetic of your outside space for summer. Here are some of our top tips:
-Does your outdoor furniture have outdoor cushions? If so, what condition are they in? Replacing or cleaning existing outdoor cushions can give your old dining set a fresh facelift for summer. If buying new pieces don't feel you have to be too matchy matchy. Just as you plant your garden with complimentarry colors, buy cushions that play off one another useing different patterns and textiles that coordinate to add extra depth visually to your seating. I love to use outdoor throw pillows in the back of regular dining chairs. Guests appreciate the extra cushioning (especially if they're short!) and it adds an inviting look of comfort to the table.
- Weed plant beds and re-fresh the mulch! A clean crisp plant bed creates that fresh feeling for your yard and new mulch will prevent new weeks from quickly growing. I also like to add beautiful rocks that I find around Ojai as a garden border or as an interesting natural design element. Largeer rocks also make beautiful stepping stones and stairs on terraced areas.
-Clean your outside barbeque area and entertaining space. Nothing is worse than having someone cook for you in a filthy from winter outdoor kitchen. Consider investing in a barbeque cover next fall to make spring/summer clean-up less work.
-Re-oil outdoor wood furniture and accesories. Teak Oil, Tong Oil, Linseed Oil are some commonly used conditioners for outdoor wood. A staging trick is to use an SOS pad on the wood first which removes some of the winter weather wear. Do this a day before oiling so the wood can dry completely. And when you oil be sure to do it out of the direct sun for better results.
Happy beginning of summer! Simplify. Revive. Renew.