Happy Holidays from The House Therapist

Photo Courtesy of Alec Marshall Photography

Wishing all of my family, friends, business associates, and blog followers a very happy & healthy holiday season and all the best in the coming new year! Thanks for all of your support for the past year or more!

2011 was a challenging year for many of us and I, for one, am looking forward to a new and fresh start in 2012. 

I'll be making some changes to my business and will be pursuing something new and different, although I'll have the opportunity to combine my love of antiques, art, fine craft, decorating, and floral design into a new position which I'll be starting in January, 2012. I'll still be available on a limited basis for "House Therapy" sessions -- home organizing, color consultations, small redecorating projects, and interior re-design for local area clients. 

My interior design business, Ceil Petrucelli Interiors, will be closing effective December 31, 2011, but The House Therapist will still be available on an appointment only basis. There will be changes to my website as well. My other blog, Ceil Petrucelli Interiors Blog will shut down on December 31, 2011, but The House Therapist blog will remain in place as I continue to share tips, information, resources, and reviews of favorite books.

I'll still be writing articles, and my art and craft work will be available at The Bennington Arts Guild, located in downtown Bennington, VT and through Studio Club Artworks, located on Route 7 in Pownal, VT.

I'll post an announcement in January once everything is "official." Thanks for your support and for reading my blogs! Happy New Year!

Thanks!

Creative Storage Ideas

Courtesy of My Home Ideas

If there is one thing we all seem to need more of, it's storage. No matter how large or how small our homes are, it always seems that there is never enough storage for all of the "stuff" that we seem to accumulate. Even people who are very organized and clutter-free need storage. Speaking from experience, many of my interior design clients who are organized and have homes free of clutter are those people who have learned to use their available storage to the best advantage. A place for everything and everything in its place.

Many of my clients have asked me to help them find additional storage options in their available space, and many times, we've had to get creative when space was lacking. Here are a few ideas to help you add some storage to your home without spending a small fortune for custom built-ins, custom closets, or expensive storage pieces.

First, you have to decide what goes where. What do you really need in each room? Once that's been decided, it's time to start looking around your home for areas where storage can be utilized.

High Storage - Many times when we think of storage, we think furniture, closets, and cabinets. But we often have several square feet of vertical space in a room that goes unused. Think about adding additional shelves in your closets or is there unused space above kitchen or bathroom cabinets that can be utilized? A friend of mine in NYC has some really nice baskets with lids which she keeps on top of her kitchen cabinets. She stores various serving pieces and seasonal items in the baskets.

Low Storage - In many homes, space under the bed goes unused. I personally do not like to store things under the bed because it's bad feng shui and does not allow the flow of chi. However, if your space is very limited there are lots of under bed storage options such as drawers, containers on wheels, and containers specifically designed for under bed storage. If your bed is too low, there are risers which can be used to give your bed some extra height. A decorating tip from me - if you plan to store things under your bed, use a bed skirt to hide things.

Skirt the Issue - A skirted table can also provide storage and make use of otherwise wasted space. There are also tables with shelves which are designed for extra storage. Even if you have a small table, you can expand the available space and surface area by adding a plywood top cut to the size you need. Then cover with a pretty table skirt, and voila! Extra storage and a nice decorating element, too. I have an old rectangular worktable that I picked up at a flea market which I covered with a custom fitted table cover and use it beside my bed as a nightstand, and store things underneath it.

Double Duty or Multi-Purpose Pieces - These are my favorites, especially for small spaces. When you're looking for furniture, think double or triple duty. An ottoman with storage is an obvious example, as are coffee and end tables with drawers or shelves. Console or sofa tables with shelves or drawers are also great to have. A sleeper sofa or a daybed with a pull-out trundle is also great for overnight guests. In a mudroom or entry, a bench with a lift top seat or a piece that serves as a bench plus coat rack with hooks or pegs.

Behind Doors - There is a lot of potential for storage on the back of every door. In the bathroom, it can be more than just a hook to hang your robe. You can attach towel bars behind a bathroom door, or you can hang a shoe organizer and use it for toiletries or bath items. Most of these organizers have several pockets that can be used for storing hair care items, toiletries, etc. Get creative and use it in your closet for things other than shoes.

Hanging Wire Baskets - These are usually a 3-tiered design and can be used in your kitchen, bathroom, or utility room to store a wide variety of items. I've seen them used in a kid's room to store or display stuffed animals, too.

Wine Racks - These are great for storing things other than wine bottles! I've seen one used in a bathroom for towels. Just roll them up and put them into the wine rack. You can get several towels into a smaller space, and you'll also get a nice decorative element as well.

In Between Space - This is a little trickier, but don't forget the space between studs in your walls. You can remove the drywall and add shelves for extra storage. But be careful when doing the work so you don't accidentally cut some wires or pipes! If you don't like exposed shelves, add some doors or shutters, or put a wall hanging over the opening to cover the space.

Double Hang - Did you know you can double your closet hanging space by adding a lower rod to hang your shorter items like blouses, jackets, shirts, and even pants and skirts? This is pretty easy to do and usually the second rod is hung about forty inches up from the floor.

Garage and Utility Room Storage - Consider installing deep shelves up above the doors. You can also use large hooks mounted on your garage ceiling or walls to store bicycles and sporting equipment. There are also peg rack systems and metal shelving systems designed specifically for garage and utility room storage that are not that expensive or difficult to install.

Kids' Rooms - You can get very creative and inventive when it comes to your kids' rooms. How about an old locker or two painted in a fun color? You can often find them at school surplus sales or flea markets. For their beds, there are lots of options available with built-in storage. Or, bunk beds with a desk built in underneath. Toy chests can do double duty as extra seating, and you can add a comfy seat cushion.

Under Stairways - Depending on the type of house and construction, you can sometimes find unused space under stairways or even under the eaves to add storage space, shelving, or even a little closet. I was in a home recently which had a tiny powder room tucked in under the stairs. It was an older home and the powder room was added several years ago. Very functional and very cute.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. For more ideas, there are many books and on-line resources available, not to mention magazines and TV shows. Sometimes, just one small idea will spark several new ones. Don't be afraid to think outside the box!

Another Great Find! Oriental Rugs

I've been a long time fan of Oriental rugs and have often used them for design inspiration when decorating or redecorating a room for a client. Sometimes, we'll use a rug already owned by a client and rework the new furnishings around an existing rug. Other times, I may find a great-looking rug and we'll use colors in the rug to develop a color scheme for the room. Or, we'll select a rug that helps to tie all the elements of the room together. 

To clarify the term "Oriental" - Oriental is a term used to refer to rugs made in a wide geographic region from the far east in China to the near east in Turkey and North Africa and everything in between in the Middle East. Persian rugs, Turkish rugs, Caucasian and Central Asian Rugs, Pakistani and Afghan rugs, Chinese and Tibetan rugs all fall into this category. Oriental rugs are generally handmade, either knotted or woven, of traditional materials such as wool and silk with indigenous design patterns that have been around for centuries in their respective regions. The beauty of these rugs is that they can bring exotic far off places into your home.

When shopping for area rugs, I try to shop local area resources first. But sometimes, I have to rely on my on-line resources as well to find just the right size, shape, color, style, design, etc. I recently discovered eSaleRugs.com and was very impressed with their selection, prices, and customer service. They have a great website which is pretty easy to navigate and they often have some great sales and promotions. 


This week’s sale on eSaleRugs is 25% Off all rugs, valid through September 14. The Goodbye Summer Sale is a great way to redecorate your home to add extra warmth or brighten up a particular room for the coming fall and winter season. Try a Persian rug for rich elegance, a Modern rug to brighten up an otherwise spare room, a Traditional rug for timeless style or an Oriental rug to bring in a touch of the exotic.

They have a great selection of rugs to choose from and they also offer free shipping and free 30-day returns.

I'll have another post soon with some of my favorites from their website. Happy redecorating!

My Latest Great Find!

I'm always on the lookout for great looking storage pieces - either for myself or to recommend to clients. I'm in the process of doing some renovations to a partially finished laundry and storage room which I'd also like to use eventually as a workroom for some of my art, craft, and sewing projects. 

I've been trying to find suitable storage solutions for my huge inventory of art & craft supplies, fabrics, trims, paper, ribbons, and all the materials I collect for my mixed media collages. I happened to get a newsletter from Somerset Studio, a long time favorite magazine which specializes in the art of paper and mixed media, and saw a link to The Original Scrap Box, a scrapbooking storage system with fold out table and cabinets for the home. The scrap book organizing armoire converts into a storage craft table for the home. It also offers shelving, racks, carry totes, ribbon boxes, and a variety of other storage components for sewing, crafts, art projects, and more. They have several different styles to choose from, and the pieces come in either stained or painted finishes, and they also offer a few wood options as well - maple, oak, and cherry.

The website also has several videos which show the various storage systems in action, which is very helpful because you can see how they all work and how all the parts and pieces fit together. Once I saw that, I was able to make a decision pretty quickly about which one would work best for me. Now, all I have to decide on is the color or stained finish! Oh, and finish the room so that I can start using it as a bona fide workroom!

Special offer to my readers  - if you use "100ship" you'll get $100 off the total shipping price of any purchase from The Original Scrap Box!

50 Hassle-Free Steps to a Healthier Home

Courtesy of This Old House

I'm always on the lookout for tips, ideas, advice, and guidelines to keep my home healthier and hazard-free. I don't have kids, but I do have pets (and that can be a whole other topic to cover in the future) and keeping the house clean, fresh, and healthy can sometimes be a challenge with three dogs and a cat. 

Most of my clients have children or grandchildren, sometimes multiple pets, and are environmentally conscious, too. So, I'm always looking for ways to help my clients have homes that are not only beautiful to look at and live in, but are also healthy, safe, and family and pet friendly, too. I recently came across an article on one of my favorite websites, This Old House, and wanted to share these tips with you.

50 Hassle-Free Steps to a Healthier Home 

Our homes should be our havens, but too often our homes are harboring hazards we're not even aware of. Here are a few tips and ideas to help keep your home healthier, safer, and more wholesome for yourself, your family, and your pets.

Entryways

1.      Keep pollen out. Shake or brush items outside; keep wet wipes handy to clean pets' fur and feet; don't hang laundry outside during prime pollen season.

2.      Add mats to both sides of the door. This will help to keep out dirt, as well as allergens, bacteria, lawn chemicals, etc. Use washable mats whenever possible and clean regularly.

3.      Air out dry cleaning. Try to take off plastic bags before you put the clothes away. Dry cleaning solvents are often potent chemicals. If your clothing has a strong chemical odor, air them out before putting them away. Better yet, try to find a dry cleaner that uses organic products.

4.      Establish a no shoes indoors policy. Keep a basket of slippers or "indoors only" shoes in a basket by the main entry.

5.      Install vent fans in crawl spaces. Keeping the humidity level low prevents condensation and the spread of  musty odors, mold, and helps to curtail allergies and asthma. Find a fan that is designed for crawl spaces.

6.      Create a pet checkpoint. Treat dogs and cats with a monthly flea and tick repellant and check them for ticks and fleas before they come back into the house (if possible). Try to avoid flea and tick collars which contain pesticides, can be irritating to your pet's skin, and can rub off on kids and furnishings.

Kitchen and Pantry

7.      Caulk holes and crevices so that disease-carrying mice, bugs, and other critters stay outside.

8.      Filter your drinking water. Carbon filters - whether a pitcher, tap mounted, or under sink model - can cut levels of lead, chlorine, and other chemicals in your drinking water.

9.      Change refrigerator filters before their expiration date. If your fridge comes with a water dispenser, change the filter every six months.

10.  Toss cracked cutting boards. Opt for a cutting board made from hard maple or hard plastic so germs and bacteria don't have a place to hide.

11.  Clean prep surfaces regularly. Scrub those cutting boards with hot, soapy water after each use.

12.  Use your range hood when you cook. It'll reduce cooking related air pollutants, including carbon monoxide. Clean range hoods and filters regularly.

13.  Seal stone countertops with a product low in VOC's

Living Room

14.  Ban smoking indoors.

15.  Open a window and let in some fresh air (unless you are battling pollen).

16.  Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. High efficiency particulate air filters are best for sucking up dust, dust mites, pet dander, and fleas. Use a crevice tool and upholstery brush on chairs and sofas, and brush attachments are great for getting rid of dust on lampshades and drapes.

17.  Add some live houseplants. Plants can help to neutralize formaldehyde (sometimes found in furnishings and paints). Good choices include spider plants, peace lilies, philodendrons, English ivy, Boston ferns, and bamboo palms.

18.  Clean hardwood floors often using a mild vinegar and water or lemon oil and water solution. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners.

19.  Sanitize hand held devices. Cordless phones, TV remotes, computer keyboards, etc. all harbor bacteria, germs, and viruses.

20.  Hire a chimney sweep. Regular maintenance on your fireplace and chimney helps lower airborne particulates and reduces the risk of carbon monoxide building up.

21.  Loosen grime with steam. Steam appliances rely on water alone for cleaning.

22.  Shop for furnishings and finishes that have low or no VOC's.

Bathroom

23.  Replace failing or cracked tiles to discourage mold and bacteria buildup.

24.  Dehumidify. Run the vent fan after every shower to prevent mold and mildew.

25.  Avoid using cleaners with ammonia and chlorine. And remember never to mix the two!

26.  Sanitize faucets where germs and viruses collect. Use a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution or use wipes that kill viruses.

27.  Swap out vinyl shower curtains for washable nylon or cotton.

28.  Avoid chemical grout cleaners.

Playrooms/Kids' Rooms

29.  Vacuum, dust, and damp mop regularly.

30.  Test suspect paint surfaces for lead.

31.  Sanitize doorknobs and toys which can harbor germs and viruses.

32.  Install linoleum, cork, tile, or stone instead of vinyl or carpeting. Unlike vinyl, natural materials contain no phthalates and will collect lest dust than carpeting.

33.  Look for chemical free furnishings.

34.  Avoid furnishings and clothing with stain-resistant coatings if possible.

Laundry/Pet Area

35.  Decant kibble into sealed containers to keep vermin at bay.

36.  Opt for paper or plant-based kitty litter.

37.  Nip fleas naturally and launder your pet's bedding regularly.

38.  Make sure that your clothes dryer vents outside and clean the vents regularly to reduce lint build up and a potential fire hazard.

39.  Wash sheets, duvet covers, and mattress pads weekly to keep dust mites under control.

40.  Upgrade to a steam washer.

Bedrooms

41.  Let your bed air out before you make it each day.

42.  Screen out pollen. If you have a window air conditioner, clean the filter often.

43.  Stop using moth balls which contain possible carcinogens. Instead, opt for cedar chips.

44.  Use dust-proof covers on pillows and mattresses to keep dust mites out.

45.  Swap out wall-to-wall carpeting for hardwood and washable area rugs. This will help to reduce the build up of dust, dander, and other allergens.

Basement

46.  Check for radon. This odorless natural gas can go undetected for years. Use a radon test kit every few years and after any work is done in your basement.

47.  Schedule an HVAC checkup to make sure furnaces, boilers, and air conditioning units are in good working order, preventing carbon monoxide build up.

48.  Clean or replace your furnace or forced air system filters regularly.

Garage

49.  Take inventory and safely dispose of any half empty containers of paint, anti-freeze, motor oil, pesticides, etc. that are no longer usable.

50.  Set up to work outside and wear a mask as needed if working with any chemically treated lumber or products that contain formaldehyde or other chemicals.

You can have a well kept home and take care of your health, too. For more tips and information about keeping a healthier home, visit www.thisoldhouse.com

Ceil Petrucelli is an interior designer, decorator, and home organizing consultant based in Bennington, VT. She owns Ceil Petrucelli Interiors and The House Therapist and can be reached at ceilpetrucelli@comcast.net or her website www.CeilPetrucelliInteriors.com

Things Usually Look Worse Before They Look Better

Courtesy of My Home Ideas.com

I have a confession to make. When it comes to my own "major" home improvement projects - whether it be redecorating, reorganizing, or remodeling -- I have a tendency to put things off. 

I usually have a good reason -- lack of time or lack of extra money. But it sometimes comes down to lack of motivation, lack of energy or just being too complacent - for lack of a better word. After doing various types of home improvement projects for clients, the last thing I want to do when I get home at night is work on my own home improvement projects. I'd much rather spend time doing other things.

Then there is always the "mess" factor to deal with when starting a project. You know - moving stuff around, emptying the closets, going through drawers, ripping up carpet, prepping the walls and/or ceiling before actually painting. 

I'm not talking about the smaller projects which can get accomplished in a few hours -- I'm talking about the major projects --like repainting a room (or several rooms), replacing old carpeting with new flooring, completely reorganizing a walk-in closet, updating a room with new and/or different furniture and accessories, remodeling a kitchen or bathroom. But even some of the smaller projects take some time, effort, and planning as well as some psychology. 

My major stumbling blocks (aside from the financial one) seem to be dealing with the "mess factor" while the project is underway and the "start-stop" nature of most of my DIY projects because who has hours or days of uninterrupted time to work on this stuff? (Oh, and the three dogs and a cat underfoot).

To be honest, some of these projects will eventually require the services of a pro - and thankfully, I've worked with many good tradespeople over the years. But in the meantime, I'm doing a lot of the prep work myself to save a few bucks.

 

I decided to take some of my own advice to deal with my own personal "home improvement" stumbling blocks. And you know what? It actually helped me to refocus, take things one step at a time, and not make myself feel bad because I didn't get everything done according to my original schedule. Life happens -- when all is said and done, if I take time to think things through, develop a plan, then work at it one step at a time, things will eventually get done. 

And if things look a bit messy in the meantime, I keep visualizing what it will look like after the new flooring goes in, the rooms are repainted, and I'm cooking a fabulous Italian meal in my new kitchen. It may take awhile, but it'll get done!

10 Small Changes That Can Yield Big Results

 Photo Courtesy of BHG.com

Spring is a great time of year to make a few changes around your home. Here are a few ideas that can yield some instant results and make a major impact, too. Are you pressed for time or on a budget? These are 10 quick, easy, and low cost ideas that can give your home a fresh new look with a minimum of effort.

1. First impressions count. Paint your front door a new and different color! Add a new doorknocker and add a seasonal wreath or other arrangement that says "Welcome!" Add a few pots of flowers or window boxes to your front entry. You can also replace that old doormat with a new one.

2. Inside your home - Clear clutter from surfaces. The easiest way to give a room a fresher look is to clear away anything that clutters up your space. It's time to let your rooms breathe!

3. Pare down on accessories and knickknacks. A few well chosen accessories nicely displayed will make more of an impact than a bunch of knickknacks scattered on every available surface.

4. Ditch those tired and dated dried floral arrangements, wreaths, centerpieces, etc. that are past their prime. If they are more than a couple years old, have lost their color and freshness - it's time to replace them with live healthy plants, fresh flowers, or a single orchid or bamboo plant. A simple and elegant silk arrangement in a beautiful container would also be lovely.

5. Replace a tired and dated bedspread with a fresh new comforter or quilt. Add some new sheets and pillows. (You can donate some of your old bedding to the local animal shelter!) On a budget? Local area discount and department stores often have special sales or have "bed-in-a-bag" ensembles for very reasonable prices. Favorite resources for moderately priced bedding include The Company Store, Linen Source, Pottery Barn, and Country Curtains.

6. Replace those frilly and ruffled curtains and pillows that were so popular a few years back with something more simple and tailored. Replace the ruffled curtains with simple panels or Roman shades for a more tailored and classic look. Favorite resources for ready-made curtains and drapes include Country Curtains, Smith + Noble, Pottery Barn, and JC Penney.

7. Paint is an easy and fairly low-cost way to transform a room or a piece of furniture. Don't have time to do a whole room? Paint one wall as an accent and see how that can become a focal point. My favorite paints? I usually spec out Benjamin Moore or Sherwin-Williams, but there are other good brands available.

8. Have a favorite lamp or light fixture that looks dated? Replace the lampshade for an easy fix or paint the base a different color. There are lots of options to choose from. Local resources for me include The Lighting Place and Lake's Lampshades.

9. An old sofa or chair can be updated quickly with a new slipcover. There are many options available from inexpensive to custom-fitted. Sometimes a slipcover can be a temporary solution until you can afford to buy that new sofa or chair. Or just add some fresh new throw pillows!

10. Replace an old and leaky faucet in your kitchen or bathroom with a newer model. You can also replace your shower heads with newer models. Most will also help you save considerably on water consumption!

These are just a few tips to get you started. For more ideas, there are lots of on-line resources, magazines, and books available -- not to mention all the home improvement shows on TV!

Ceil Petrucelli is an interior designer, decorator, and home organizing consultant based in Bennington, VT and is the owner of Ceil Petrucelli Interiors and The House Therapist. She can be reached at ceilpetrucelli@comcast.net