Favorite Things #1

Being organized is something I strive for as a busy wife, mother, and small business owner. But, organizing my gift wrap items was not high on the to-do list! Until, I saw this neat idea.

Before I had wrapping paper and tissue under the bed, ribbon in a closet, and cards in a drawer. I dreaded having to pull together a gift because I had to spend time (something I seem to be short on) looking for all the items I needed.

I purchased this nifty pantry organizer at http://www.chefscatalog.com/ . The shelves are adjustable so you can make it work for all your gift decorating needs.

Not only do I have ALL my gift items together in one central location, but I can actually see what I have. Before I was digging around or had to remove ten spools of ribbon to get to the one I needed. Now, as I'm racing out the door I can quickly throw together the cutest little gift with ease!

Campus Office

We recently had the opportunity to assist in the redesign of an office at our local university. This particular office houses a campus ministry that works closely with many International students...

Before:

The need was clear...refresh the space...create an atmosphere of welcome for the students and the facilitators...and bring some desperately needed light into the room.

Our inspiration for the space came from two vintage cushions found in the original chapel...the beautiful brocade fabric had just the right amount of color...a perfect jumping off place for the whole room.

We pulled the wall color...a cool gray with a hint of purple and the key accent colors, cobalt blue and a fun tangerine from the fabric and used the same fabric to reapholster a pair of beautiful chairs that had been donated.

The deeper gray/purple band around the top of the room draws your eye to the thick molding that is a wonderful architectural feature of the room.

We tracked down a map in just the right colors for an artistic take on a typical world map!

Due to electrical restrictions we were unable to add any hardwired fixtures...so, we found these great lamps that give off a ton of light...as well as a ton of personality to the space!!

One of my favorite features in this space celebrates the diversity of those who frequent the office...a wall of clocks set to the time zones of the various cities around the world...a little bit of home and a lota bit of welcome!