Terry McDaniel

Small Space, Big Style

Small Space, Big Style: Creative Design Ideas for Tiny Homes and Apartments

Living in a small space doesn’t mean sacrificing style or functionality. With some creative design ideas, you can maximize your space and create a home that’s both stylish and functional. In this blog post, we’ll explore some innovative ways to maximize space and create functional and stylish living areas in small homes, apartments, and tiny houses.

Think Vertically: When it comes to small space design, thinking vertically is key. Take advantage of your vertical space by installing shelves, cabinets, and wall-mounted storage solutions. This will not only free up floor space but also add visual interest to your walls.
Multi-Functional Furniture: Multi-functional furniture is a must-have in small spaces. Look for furniture pieces that can serve more than one purpose, such as a sofa bed, ottoman with storage, or a coffee table that can also be used as a workspace.
Use Mirrors: Mirrors can help create the illusion of more space by reflecting light and creating depth. Place mirrors strategically to make your space appear larger, such as on a wall opposite a window or in a narrow hallway.
Creative Storage Solutions: In a small space, storage is key. Get creative with your storage solutions by using under-bed storage, hanging organizers, and even using the space above your cabinets.
Bold Design Choices: Don’t be afraid to make bold design choices in a small space. A bright accent wall or a unique piece of art can add personality and interest to your space, without taking up too much room.
Embrace Minimalism: In a small space, less is often more. Embrace minimalism by paring down your belongings and keeping your decor simple and streamlined.

Full Length Mirror

Bookshelf

Under bed storage

Nesting Tables

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Storage Ottoman

Drop Leaf Table

Increasingly Popular…Open Shelving

Picture from Houzz, Covenant Kitchen & Baths, Inc.

Open shelving has become increasingly popular in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. It adds a stylish and modern touch to any kitchen, and it’s a great way to display your favorite dishes and cookware. In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of open shelving and provide tips on how to make the most of this trend in your own home.

First, let’s look at the pros of open shelving. One of the biggest advantages is that it can make your kitchen feel more spacious and open. With no cabinet doors to block your view, your kitchen can feel brighter and more inviting. Open shelving also allows you to display your favorite dishes and cookware, adding a personal touch to your kitchen decor. It can also be a great way to show off any unique or antique pieces you may have collected over the years.

However, there are also some potential cons to open shelving. One of the biggest concerns is the need for constant upkeep. With no doors to hide your dishes and cookware, you’ll need to keep them organized and tidy at all times. This can be a challenge if you have a lot of items or if you’re not naturally neat and organized. Another concern is that open shelving can be a dust magnet, which means you’ll need to clean it regularly to keep it looking its best.

So, how can you make the most of open shelving in your home? Here are some tips:

Use it strategically. Instead of replacing all your cabinets with open shelving, consider using it in a specific area or as an accent. For example, you could install open shelves above your sink or around your range hood.
Keep it organized. Use matching or coordinating dishes and cookware to create a cohesive look, and arrange them in an aesthetically pleasing way. Consider using baskets or containers to corral smaller items.
Mix it up. Don’t be afraid to mix open shelving with closed cabinets for a more balanced look. You can also mix and match different types of shelving, such as wood and metal, for added visual interest.
Embrace the imperfections. Open shelving is meant to be lived in, so don’t worry too much about minor scratches or scuffs. They can add character and charm to your kitchen.
Have fun with it. Experiment with different ways to style your open shelves, and don’t be afraid to switch things up from time to time. It’s a great way to express your creativity and add a personal touch to your kitchen.

Open shelving can be a stylish and functional addition to any kitchen. By following these tips, you can make the most of this trend and create a kitchen that’s both practical and beautiful. So go ahead, give it a try, and see how open shelving can transform your space!

Shelves Wall Mounted

Wooden Beads

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Floating Shelf

Decorative Bucket Set

Cookbook Stand

Wooden Sign

3 Tips for outdoor Spring Cleaning

Clean Outdoor Furniture: Take the time to clean and refresh your outdoor furniture. Wipe down any surfaces with a gentle cleaner and wash any cushion covers according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If your furniture has been outside all winter, you may also want to inspect it for any damage or wear and tear.
Prune and Trim: Spring is the perfect time to trim back any bushes or trees that have overgrown during the winter. This will not only keep your yard looking tidy but will also promote healthy growth. Remove any dead branches or plants to prevent disease from spreading to healthy plants.
Repair and Maintain: Check your outdoor tools and equipment such as your lawnmower, grill, and irrigation system. Make any necessary repairs or maintenance to ensure that they are in good working condition for the upcoming season.

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Daylight Savings

A story….One year, a family was preparing for the daylight saving time change. They had carefully set their clocks forward one hour before going to bed, so they could wake up at the correct time the next morning.

However, when they woke up the next day, they noticed that all of the clocks in the house were showing different times. Some were an hour ahead, some were an hour behind, and some were just completely wrong.

Confused and frustrated, the family started arguing about who had set the clocks incorrectly. They checked the internet and realized that daylight saving time was indeed supposed to start that day.

After a few minutes of investigating, they finally figured out what had happened. One of their children had been playing with the clocks earlier in the day and had accidentally changed the time zone setting on the clock in the living room.

So while all of the other clocks in the house had been changed correctly, the living room clock was still displaying the time from a different time zone. As a result, all of the other clocks in the house had been thrown off and were showing the wrong time.

The family couldn’t help but laugh at the silly mistake and quickly fixed the living room clock. From then on, they made sure to double-check all of their clocks before the daylight saving time change to avoid any more confusion.

Digital Alarm Clock

Black Wall Clock

Retro Wall Clock

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Planning your Spring decor

Some tips for decorating your home for spring:

Bring in some fresh flowers: Spring is all about new beginnings and fresh starts. What better way to welcome the season than with a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers? You can choose from a variety of spring blooms such as tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths.
Use bright and pastel colors: Spring is a time for light, bright, and airy colors. Swap out your dark and heavy winter decor for lighter and brighter colors like pastels, whites, and yellows. You can add throw pillows, curtains, and rugs in these colors to brighten up your space.
Add some greenery: Spring is a time when plants start to come back to life. Add some greenery to your home by placing potted plants, succulents, or a small herb garden on your windowsills or kitchen counter.
Swap out your bedding: Put away your heavy winter bedding and replace it with lighter fabrics such as cotton or linen. You can also add some spring-inspired prints like floral or gingham to your bedding.

Just a few ideas to help you decorate your home for spring. Remember, the key is to keep things light, bright, and airy to create a fresh and inviting atmosphere that welcomes the new season.

Lucky You Flowers

Creative Co-Op Spring Shop

Wood Chain Link

Creative Co-Op Spring Shop

MIULEE Shop

Cooling Pillow

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A few ideas to step up your mudroom

A mudroom can be a great addition to a home, especially for those who live in areas with inclement weather. Here are some reasons why:

Storage: A mudroom is a great place to store shoes, boots, coats, hats, and other outdoor gear. This keeps these items out of the way and prevents them from cluttering up the rest of the house.
Organization: With proper storage solutions, a mudroom can help keep your outdoor gear organized and easy to find. This can save time and reduce stress when trying to get out the door in a hurry.
Cleanliness: A mudroom can help keep dirt, mud, and other outdoor debris from being tracked into the rest of the house. This can help reduce the amount of cleaning you need to do and keep your floors and carpets looking nicer for longer.
Convenience: Having a dedicated space for outdoor gear and equipment can make it more convenient to come and go from your home. You won’t need to worry about forgetting something or searching for misplaced items.

Overall, a mudroom can be a great addition to a home, especially for those who spend a lot of time outdoors or live in areas with inclement weather. It can provide storage, organization, cleanliness, and convenience, making it a valuable space in any home.

There used to be a closet in the middle of the wall, we took out the closet and added the built-ins.

Rubber Boot Tray

Storage Baskets

Briwax Original Furniture Wax

Hooks

3 Tips for Spring Maintenance on your house

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

Inspect and Clean Your Gutters: During winter, your gutters can get clogged with leaves, debris, and snow. It’s important to clean them out in the spring to prevent water damage to your home. You can use a ladder to reach your gutters, but if you’re not comfortable with heights, it’s best to hire a professional.
Service Your HVAC System: Before the warm weather arrives, it’s important to have your HVAC system serviced. This includes cleaning or replacing the air filters, checking the refrigerant levels, and inspecting the coils and condensate drain. This will ensure that your system is running efficiently and effectively to keep you cool during the hot months ahead.
Power Wash: Use a pressure washer to clean your outdoor surfaces such as your deck, patio, driveway, and siding. This will remove any dirt, grime, or mildew that may have accumulated during the winter months

Gutter Guard Mesh

Getter Gutter Scoop

Gutter Cleaner

Furnace Air Filter

Greenworks Pressure Washer

High Pressure Soap Applicator

Garage Organization: a Bike Wall

An organized garage can make your life easier and more enjoyable by providing you with more space, easier access to your belongings, and a safer and more attractive environment:

More space: An organized garage allows you to make better use of the available space. By having a system in place for storing items, you can maximize the amount of usable space in your garage.
Easy access: With an organized garage, you can easily find the items you need without having to search through a cluttered mess. This can save you time and reduce frustration.
Improved aesthetics: An organized garage can be more visually appealing than a cluttered one. By using storage solutions such as shelves, cabinets, and hooks, you can create a more streamlined and tidy look.

We used the Rubbermaid FastTrack Garage Organization System:

Vertical Bike Hook

Organization System Rail

Utility Hooks

All in One Rail Hook Kit and Tool Organizer

Wire Mesh Basket

Vertical Ball Rack

Rubbermaid Garage Organization Store

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4 reasons you might want to add ceiling fans to your home

Ceiling fans can provide several benefits to a home, both in terms of comfort and energy efficiency:

Improved air circulation: Ceiling fans can help circulate air in a room, providing a cooling effect in the summer and distributing warm air during winter months. This can help make your home more comfortable and reduce the strain on your HVAC system.
Energy savings: By using a ceiling fan, you can raise your thermostat setting by a few degrees without sacrificing comfort. This can help reduce your energy bills and save you money in the long run.
Style and design: Ceiling fans come in a variety of styles and designs, which can add an aesthetic appeal to your home. They can complement your existing décor and be a focal point in the room.
Increased home value: Installing a ceiling fan can be seen as an added feature in your home, which can increase its overall value. It may also make your home more appealing to potential buyers if you plan to sell in the future.

In general, ceiling fans are a great investment for any home. They provide a range of benefits, from improved comfort to energy savings, and can be a stylish addition to any room.

These are the two we have in the kid’s rooms:

Hunter Dempsey Indoor Ceiling Fan

Dempsey Noble Bronze Low Profile Ceiling Fan

Hunter Fan Company

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Outdoor Landscape Lighting

Landscape lighting can increase the value of your property. A well-lit and beautifully landscaped yard can make your home more attractive to potential buyers and increase its overall value. This is especially true if you invest in high-quality, energy-efficient lighting options

Landscape lighting can highlight the beauty of your landscaping and the architectural features of your home. You can use accent lighting to draw attention to specific areas, such as a garden or water feature, and create a stunning visual effect. It can also create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for you and your guests.

What we used:

LEONLITE 8-Pack Dimmable LED Landscape Spotlights Outdoor

Waterproof for Outdoor Path Sidewalk Driveway Walkway

LEONLITE Store

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