Some projects are small, some projects are large. Some projects are fast, some projects take years.

As you will recall from previous posts (here and here), I have had the fortunate opportunity to participate in the Endicott Hotel renovation for the last year or so. At long last, our chapter has closed on this project and the happy tenants have moved in.

The images below capture the large unit (blues/green), the smaller unit (reds/orange), and the common areas we furnished/staged.

I know what you’re going to say… How’s the house coming along? My answer: Slowly.

The last month has been wonderful, getting settled in. Grilling dinner just about every night, hanging out, and loving life. Normally I would feel a sense of guilt for taking it so easy, but then I remember that we went from wedding planning straight into packing and moving. A month of reprieve was well deserved and much appreciated!

Now that I’m ready to jump into home improvement, I thought I would get my feet wet with a smaller project - styling the built-in bookshelf. To be honest, I was preparing for this to take the whole day. A bookshelf can be more complicated than it sounds. Yes, I am being totally serious.

I wanted the bookshelf to be functional (similar subject matter grouped together) but aesthetic and artistic too. Here are some images I used as “research”.

Source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

And now… Before.

and After.

Surprisingly it only took me 2 hours. The first of what will likely be MANY configurations.

First, I’ve got to say that I’m sorry for such a brief and ever-so-slightly lame post last week. Yes, things are busy but that is good! Today I thought I would offer a few snippets of all my “things in progress.”

Project 1: Front entry/laundry room renovation. This has been in design development for a while now, but it looks like construction is right around the corner!

Project 2: Kitchen reno. This active family can’t wait to tear down the wall currently separating their kitchen from the dining and living room areas.

Project 3: New office space. I recently helped a business get settled into their new office. These chairs worked perfectly with our palette.

Project 4: Another mudroom/laundry renovation. I have to admit, the storage solution for this mudroom is spectacular!

Project 5: Commercial restoration. This project has been under major construction since their groundbreaking ceremony I last posted on here. Today will actually be the first time the ladies and I have been able to enter the building for almost a year. Can’t wait to see the progress!

In other news… I’m working out. Excercise has always been one of those things that I’ve struggled to prioritize. With the wedding on the way, I have been following through pretty well on a morning exercise regime.

Source

I’ve been practicing up-do’s. With a DIY wedding, I figured it wouldn’t hurt to at least entertain the thought of doing my own hair. While I am not 100% which direction to take, it has been fun learning how to style my hair differently. You’ve got to check out thesmallthingsblog.com. She’s fantastic!

I have a super productive day on tap so it’s time for me to go. See you again soon!

Another hot trend you’ll see in 2013 is black and white. Don’t be fooled - this palette is not as boring as it sounds. Black and white can be glamorous, sophisticated, classic, modern, and easily adaptable by changing your accent color. But nevermind me, I’ll let the images speak for themselves…

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

This right here is super snuggly weather. And for super snuggly weather, you need super snuggly stuff. Check out these super snuggly shots

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4

… Sorry. No scary stories here. I’m a bit of a light weight when it comes to scary stuff, actually - always have been. On the other hand, I’m a regular badass when it comes to design. Here are some dark and stormy spaces in the spirit of All Hallows’ Eve.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Just so we are clear, this post has nothing to do with big hair or magic spells… A Pouf is defined as a “soft round or square seat with no back or sides”. These adorable little buggers are fantastic! and here are several reasons why. Not only are they adorable (as mentioned), but they are versatile too. Poufs can be used for additional seating as well as to rest your feet on. In some applications, you might even use one as a semi-sturdy side table. Poufs can be colorful, textural, and durable as they are generally made out of leather. Still need convincing? Poufs can also be used as storage! That’s right folks, storage. Traditionally, European countrys are slim on storage so they keep their off season clothes in these soft boxes. Love, love, love them.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Saturday was the big reveal for Building on Hope’s renovation of Girls, Inc. in Manchester. This was such an incredible experience for me to learn, give, and grow. Below is a snippet of the the program from the big day.

Thank you again to everyone involved. We made it happen as a team! I’d like to offer special thanks to Brushworks Painting, BSR Services, Ed’s Flooring America, JR Langley, Liberty Hill Construction, Harvey Construction, Rowland Studios, Surplus Office Equipment, Warrenstreet Architects, and Melissa Amorim.

Check out before and after pictures in the Gallery!

One project that has kept me pretty busy for the past few months (I hinted of it here), is with Building on Hope. This organization of volunteer design professionals has chosen Girls, Inc. for their latest and greatest non-profit renovation. While the whole building is receiving some major TLC, I am responsible for the storage closet - soon to be director’s personal office. Here is an image of how the plans are lookin’ so far.

This project is fast approaching with the ground breaking ceremony taking place today! Stay tuned for details on this major transformation.

Can you see what I see?

Here we are approaching the last few months of 2010. This is a time when many business professionals are looking back to reevaluate the year. Where did we succeed? Where did we fall short? What can we learn and apply for 2011?

Recently I read an article named “Clutter that Blocks Money”. This article discussed how an unorganized workspace can lead to inefficiency and chaos, which ultimately will get in the way of accomplishing our goals. A cluttered office will also buzz with negative energy. Clear the air (and your desk) to help your business blossom. Change doesn’t have to be drastic to bring remarkable results.

For help paving the way to your professional success in 2011, consider the help of a professional organizer.