HYD Blog
thoughts on dwelling
As a perfectionist, and an organizer, I needed to hear that. I think often we can get overwhelmed by finding the perfect container or absolute best possible way to organize it, and while those things are important, it’s even more important to get started and do something rather than nothing.
Welcome to the lovely home of Blair and Debbye . I had the pleasure of sitting down with my “aunt-in-love” Debbye in November to talk with her about her home and what it means to both she and Blair. If you ever get the chance to visit, upon walking in it feels like a home away from home, a respite, and the kind of place that you could easily curl up on the couch and get lost in a book or a conversation. Enjoy this unique home tour.
Our lives are so very full of stressors, and the constant pressure to go, Go, GO onto the next thing that by the time the day is over, we are completely spent and left feeling empty and exhausted. One way to help encourage ourselves to more actively take care of ourselves, is to create a place in our home that enables us to quickly and easily do just that.
One of our favorite things to share on the blog are home tours. We decided to do a little virtual “home tour” with our own team members. So, enjoy these two!
Kathie’s home.
How long have you lived in your home?
- almost 10 years
What does "home" mean to you?
- Cozy and comfortable. A place where anyone can come in, drop their coat or bag, have a seat and be at ease.
How would you describe your style of decorating?
-HA! A total mismash! I’ll say “eclectic” : )
Did your style happen organically or was it a process of figuring out what style means to you? Has your style changed over time? Do you have any favorite stores or shops for furniture or home decor?
- My style definitely happened organically. I like older things; antiques, things from my grandparents or my parents, family photos, jewelry or other meaningful objects. I also like books and candles and bright colors and repurposed furniture. I like what I like and I know it when I see it! I enjoy putting a collection of objects together in a way that pleases my eye and warms my heart.
Kathie’s home.
When people come into your home, what do you hope they feel?
- Haha, I think I already answered that in a question above without meaning too.
Do you have a style or home philosophy?
- If something brings me joy (if I like something), it stays!
Kathie’s home.
Kathie’s home.
How is your home an extension of yourself or of your family?
- I am a very friendly, outgoing person and I love it when people feel comfortable and at home in my space.
Do you have a favorite room in your home? A favorite piece of art or piece of furniture?
- My house is small so the main room includes the entryway, the living room/den and dining room (all in a 12x16 space). It is the hub of our home. You can’t get to a different part of the house without going through this space. I love it! It’s comfortable, “lived in” and casual. There is nothing fancy about my house (except for the vintage crystal chandelier in the tiny kitchen)!
What do you love most about your home?
- The thing I love most about my home is it’s cozy yet energetic feel. It’s not a large home so right away when you walk in, it feels intimate, not vast. It also (pre-Covid) was a gathering place for my teenage kids & their friends so it was always bustling with voices, music, calls for snacks & reactions to the latest teen drama! I loved it all & can’t wait for the time when my small house is busting at the seams with energy & activity!!
How would you describe your relationship to your belongings?
- There is very little in my home that doesn’t have a special memory or meaning. I choose to surround myself with things I enjoy or make me feel love or joy or the warm spirit of the past.
Kathie’s snowy home.
What do you love about working with HYD clients?
- I am always so honored/privileged that someone would allow me into their home; their personal, intimate space. I love reinforcing that with taking care in my work and showing the clients that I respect them/their possessions and appreciate their trust. I also really love packing up a good ol’ china cabinet full of breakables! Putting everything from the cabinet into neatly stacked boxes with everything safely packed inside. :)
How long have you lived in your home?
- a little over a year
Kayla’s home.
What does "home" mean to you?
- a place of comfort, peace and people close to me
How would you describe your style of decorating?
- a combo of all depending on the room - is that allowed? :/
Did your style happen organically or was it a process of figuring out what style means to you? Has your style changed over time? Do you have any favorite stores or shops for furniture or home decor?
- I'm just relearning my style. I tend to fit into the space I've been given as opposed to renovating. But, with the new home, I have enjoyed making each room my own.
Kayla’s home.
When people come into your home, what do you hope they feel?
- Relaxed/Comfortable
Do you have a style or home philosophy?
- All to feel welcome!
How is your home an extension of yourself or of your family?
- In one way, we are all about family and relationships- so, we love to host. In another way, you can see what is important in my life by what you find in the home as well.
Do you have a favorite room in your home? A favorite piece of art or piece of furniture?
- More so when complete, but it is my art/office/exercise room. There is and will be many things that express who I am and what is important to me in that room.
Kayla’s home
What do you love most about your home?
- Relationships and bringing people together
How would you describe your relationship to your belongings?
- I take good care of all things and several hold memories, so they are treated well. I do, however, try to remain distant from all material things because I know they can all be gone in an instant. Also, I love the idea of simplicity.
What do you love about working with HYD clients?
- I love the relationships with the clients, as well as being invited into their homes/lives for a period of time. On another note, I love to help bring peace into their lives, and just HELP in general in any way.
Kayla’s home— and kitty!
Does your home suffer the curse of small closets? We are here to tell you that hope is not lost!
Cramped spaces make it harder to access and see what we have and keep it organized. With closets, this can be an even bigger mess because if we can’t access it, that also means it’s harder to put clothes away, which leads to us living out of the laundry basket. But there is a solution out there!
As always, we love a good product that is worth the investment, and Elfa Closets are one of those life-changing products.
Recently, we worked with a client who moved into a one bedroom apartment that only had one, relatively small, walk-in closet. The client was worried about how to access and display her clothes in both a functional and visually appealing way— and would it all fit in the small closet?
We recommended the Elfa System and she decided to give it a try.
Elfa Closet Systems are made to be designed to your needs. You can purchase items individually, or you can design a closet based on your space.
What we love most- is that it’s SUPER user friendly. On their website, click on the “Design Center” tab. This will open up with the start of your closet remodel journey. After putting in a few measurements, and asking a few questions, Elfa will generate a suggested closet model that you can then customize based on your needs.
Do you have more shoes? Add some shoe shelves. Not a lot of shoes, but have plenty to hang? Add an extra row of hanging bars. The design is sleek and customizable in colors too!
Now you might be thinking— that sounds great, but it’s probably hard to install and requires some hard labor.
That’s the absolute best part of this set up— it’s super simple to install and set up! Here’s how it works:
it ships to you with everything you need ( with the exception of a drill, and level.)
When you open the boxes, there are instructions with each wall labeled A, B, C, D.
Following the instructions for each wall, install the anchor rail across the length of each wall. Congratulations, the hardest part is over!
Once the anchor rail is in place the vertical bars just wedge into place on the bar can slide to their needed positions on the wall. After that, it’s just a matter of hooking the shelves into the vertical anchor bars, and following the design you created.
Once it’s completed, you have an amazingly accessible closet installed and ready for you to hang your clothes, and shelve your shoes. AND if you ever decide you want to change it up, you can! If you decide you wanted your shoes on the other side of the closet, you can move them! Want to shift everything over, you can!
The client we were working with was beyond pleased with how her new closet turned out, and was amazed that everything fit, it wasn’t cramped, and it looked visually appealing too.
While this system is an investment, it makes life so much easier and keeps us from living out of the laundry basket.
Want to get started planning your dream closet? Click here to get started.
Meet these INCREDIBLE additions to our already powerhouse team!
We’d like to introduce you to four new, beautiful faces behind the hard work and unique presence of our services here at HYD. What a gift to bring to you the diversity of style, backgrounds and personal touches that each woman offers.
Andrea
A former business owner, Andrea now spends her days working as a real estate agent here in Knoxville. Consequently, she has an incredible eye for home and design along with innate organizing skills as well.
Current Fave Spot in Her Home:
MY BACK PORCH
What She’s Currently Spinning on Repeat:
BIG WILD
Brittany
Moved to Knoxville from Colorado at age 12, and has called it home ever since. She and her husband have two little girls, which they adore. She works part-time as a labor & delivery nurse at UT. As you can imagine, she's quick on her feet and can come up with organizing ideas in the midst of life’s chaos.
Current Fave Spot in Her Home:
HER LIVING ROOM (WITH A GOOD BOOK)
What She’s Currently Spinning on Repeat:
NEED TO BREATHE
Delyn
Delyn is a Knoxville native, and after several moves in her childhood, she married, and moved back home. Her life spent packing and unpacking has honed her skills for move management and deepened her love for organizing.
Current Fave Spot in Her Home:
MY NERD ROOM (FANDOMS FROM FLOOR TO CEILING)
What She’s Currently Spinning on Repeat:
HANS ZIMMER
Grace
Grace comes to us from years as a freelance television producer who has worked on countless home and food shows and has a fantastic eye for organization and design.
Current Fave Spot in Her Home:
MY BACK PORCH- EVERY SEASON
What She’s Currently Spinning on Repeat:
THE ROLLING STONES
We’re so happy you’ve had the chance to meet our growing team! You can read more by clicking on their photos.
And thanks for the great photos Suzy Collins Photography!!
Somewhere in the back of one of your closets or in the basement, there might be some boxes of cassette tapes, slides, and more just waiting to be taken out and remembered. The problem is, we have made so much forward progress with technology, that we might not have a way to actually listen to or watch those tapes!
Wil Davenport is the man with an answer to that exact problem while also helping you invest in yourself, friends and family with his company More than Memories (MTM). Wil works to do three things— Preserve, Create and Communicate.
Preserve- MTM will digitize and enhance old media such as home movies, slides, printed photos and documents, 8 and 16mm film reels, cassettes, records, and more.
Create- MTM also makes video slideshows for all kinds of occasions including Memorials, Anniversaries, Birthdays, Church events, Retirements, Christmas, and Easter.
Communicate- MTM also interviews people to help them communicate their values, faith, and stories to those they care for and love.
PC; Texture Photo
Wil is a one-man team, and works hard to “give folks back a better treasure than they started with.” Wil has several sample videos on his webpage and Facebook page that show just how much time he puts in each and every memory.
He finds his work the most rewarding when he can help people share what’s most important to them, and spark meaningful conversation from videos and memories. He says: “Without a doubt, my favorite part of the job is getting to know new people. I love it!”
““Without a doubt, my favorite part of the job is getting to know new people. I love it!””
Help You Dwell absolutely loves sending our client’s Wil’s way. So often we find ourselves between a rock and a hard place when it comes to sorting through memorabilia. They are precious memories, but so often they remain in their box unwatched, under-appreciated and, frankly taking up space we need for other things!
Wil can bring all those memories to light, while also helping us keep them organized in a way we can actually get them out and appreciate them. (And the digital copy takes up much less space!)
“If you want to know what Wil Davenport strives to be known for, it can be summed up in three short phrases: integrity filled, a great encourager, and kind. The husband of Celeste Davenport and the father of Kaleb, Elise, and Nika, Wil seeks to serve and exceed the expectations of his customers. He is also an avid Duke basketball fan.” —More than Memories Webpage
What Wil does is more than memories, it’s about human connection and celebrating life every day! He loves helping you be the family hero who took the time to get those precious memories preserved and enhanced.
If More than Memories sounds like it might be just the thing you need, or a perfect gift for a loved one, Wil would love to hear from you! You can call More than Memories at (865) 414-3954 or reach him by email at MoreThanMemoriesTn@gmail.com.
1. The paper pile on your kitchen counter?
You can sit down this Saturday morning and go through it. Trash, File/Put away, To do. Those are you three categories. Then:
Toss the trash
File the keepers
Put the hammer where it belongs
Pay the bills or fill out the forms
2. The bags or boxes of items to be donated?
You can make one more 15 minute round through the house, add a few more items to the bag, load them in your car Friday morning and drop them off on your way to the grocery store or on your lunch break.
3. The toy room overflowing with unneeded toys that other kids would love?
You can grab your kiddos on Saturday afternoon, tell them they have a special opportunity to let go of their toys for other kids less fortunate by picking out 5-10 toys, place them in a box, and the nice men & women at the closest donation site of your choice will take care of the rest.
4. The bathroom closet/medicine cabinet with expired meds, unused beauty products, and scattered items?
You can get a trash bag to fill with the unusable items, purge any products that friends or family might like, and see what’s left. Once you know what you have, it’s easy to pick up containers like these from Target to contain items just the way you need and add a label to the front to make things easy to find!
Here are four little ways to make a big difference in your living space. They may not seem like much reading them on this blog, but trust us, we have experienced it personally and with clients time and time again.
Remember it only takes one little rock to start an avalanche. Who knows what organizing one small space in your home or workspace could lead to?
As always, if these tasks sound just like what you need but time is limited, HYD would be honored to help you along your journey to order in your space.
image via Apartment Therapy.
One of the joys of our current techie age is that we have the ability to always be connected. The ideas, images, and inspiration at our fingertips is endless and boundless. This can be incredibly inspiring and also dangerous. Pinterest, Instagram accounts, and countless blogs have us drooling and dreaming of all the beautiful images we scroll through.
As professional organizers, we spend a lot of our time in clients homes. We get to see the style, design, and taste of each unique client. We've been blown away by traditional southern charm, mid-mod eclectic decor, and everything in between. Your home is a collection of the things you love, memories made, and pieces you need for function and practicality.
image via Design Sponge.
We're going to let you in on a little secret.... we struggle with the strong temptation to envy others homes, to compare our things, and to wish for something other than our own.
It is such a balance to enjoy beautiful inspiration while also loving the state of our own homes as they are right now. It's fun to dream up new decor ideas, color schemes and arrangements of furniture. We've come to find, follow and love a handful of incredible interior design and home decor businesses online.
Here's your warning; before clicking any of the links below... be prepared. Don't get sucked in! Your real life house, street and neighbors are the real deal - they are better than any staged and styled image. Remember we are real people, with real stories, and real budgets and real limitations. If your home doesn't look like an Anthropologie magazine - it's ok & join the club.
image via Schoolhouse Electric.
However, we do love these sites. They are packed full of images of creative combinations of styles and tastes. Most rooms and homes that give us all the heart-eyes have a few components that we can recreate in our spaces. Look for patterns you like, colors that inspire you, shapes of furniture that fit your taste, room layouts that would be suitable for your space, and details that you can bring to life on your own.
Happy browsing! Here's a little tip: set a timer on your phone for a reasonable amount of time to spend looking through images and blog posts, so you don't miss out on the real life happening around you.
Most people prefer comfort and routine. We build our lives around convenience and always strive to find the easy way out of demanding situations. Nonetheless, life often has a way of challenging us with overwhelming tasks, and moving is among the most common ones. While, in most cases, there is no avoiding it, there are ways to make moving less nerve-wracking. Packing your entire life and relocating to an environment where everything is unfamiliar can take a tremendous toll on your emotional well-being. Because of that, it is not something you should take lightly. These 5 ways to make moving less stressful can help you keep your sanity through the process and maybe even find some joy in it.
The key to tackling any major task is thorough planning. Although this step is often unjustly neglected, its benefits are undeniable. Even if planning is not your forte, know that winging a complex project is seldom a good idea. Putting everything on paper can help you visualize and conquer the most dreadful and headache-inducing issues. Whether you decide to write down some basic steps on a post-it note or do an entire inventory of your home, remember the more organized you are, the smoother the transition will be.
Dedicating each day to packing a different room or doing a few smaller tasks is a smart way to start. Putting together a to-do list will ensure you don't forget anything along the way. Additionally, checking off the tasks you've finished will give you a sense of achievement and a burst of encouragement that will help you power through. Oh, and make sure to gather all the moving supplies before you start doing anything - this alone should dial down the stress significantly.
When trying to make moving less stressful, one thing many people decide to do is hire professional help. These days you can find anything from packing assistants to professional organizers and movers. Whether you're too busy to deal with the moving process on your own or preoccupied with kids and pets, hiring professional assistance will surely take an enormous load off your back.
However, since moving is by itself already a bank-breaking experience, it's understandable if you can't or don't want to splurge on added luxuries such as professional movers. Still, don't despair. The next best option is your friends and family! You might have to bribe them with cookies or dinner, but your move is guaranteed to be less stressful and more entertaining. Just make sure not to get distracted by reminiscing about the happy memories you've collected in your old place.
One of the biggest reasons why people consider moving stressful is the fact that they have to deal with a lot of things. Just think about it - you have to pack, protect, transport, unpack, sort, clean, it's no wonder you're overwhelmed! There is, however, a simple solution to this predicament. Downsizing your possessions while packing will immensely alleviate your headaches. Going through the trouble of packing things you don't use or need is pointless and potentially expensive.
If you're struggling to find the courage to get rid of some of your belongings, remember that doing so will save you time, energy, and resources. And if that isn't enough, know that your donations will help those in need, and you'll use fewer supplies which will make your move greener, so you can relocate and be kind to the environment at the same time. You'd be surprised how much single-use trash one move can create, so working toward a green relocation is something to be proud of. You might even earn a few bucks if you decide to sell some of your belongings. It's a win-win situation either way!
Another way to make moving less stressful is to stay on top of cleaning. Not many things are as frustrating as thinking you've finished all the work, only to realize you have yet to clean the entire house. If you leave cleaning for the last minute, you risk doing more work as days of accumulated dust, dirt, and trash are much harder to deal with, especially when you're already exhausted. Instead, try to clean as you go. If needed, wash things before packing and clean any mess you make right away. Once you're finished with a room, make sure to vacuum, mop, and do anything else necessary. Not only will this speed up the packing process, but your move-in will flow much smoother as well. Remember that a few smaller tasks are always less of a burden than one huge task. Your future self will be thankful!
Moving is a process you probably want to be over with as soon as possible. It's understandable considering lots of nuisances and hard work you have to deal with while knowing there's a new house waiting to become a home on the other side. However, this is not the time to neglect your health, as this can only make the process longer and more strenuous. No matter how much work there is still to be done, always make time for good sleep, healthy food, and plenty of self-care.
Since cooking is likely not something you will want to do every day, consider meal planning. This will ensure you have access to balanced meals without going through the hassle of thinking about what to eat and how to make it. Reward yourself when you finish stressful tasks by recharging your batteries. Whether it's a walk in the park, a movie with your loved ones, or a delectable dessert you've been craving, these small pleasures will keep the stress at bay and help you keep going.
While there is no guarantee that you will be able to avoid stress entirely, applying these ways to make moving less stressful can't hurt. Pressure and anxiety are a big part of our life, and it's crucial to try to minimize them when possible. Just remember no situation is permanent and that good things are waiting for you once the stress passes.
Doing Dishes 1912 Washington Pike Knoxville, TN
If you’re a new friend of Help You Dwell or new to Knoxville, welcome! Let us introduce you to one of our incredible local resources… Doing Dishes, a pretty little shop selling vintage, antique, and collectable china by the piece.
One of our favorite parts of owning and running a company is working with other small businesses around town! We’ve been so amazed by the local companies and business owners we’ve met over the past 7 years. It is so important to us to partner with folks who serve our clients needs. We were delighted when we discovered Doing Dishes and have grown quite fond of owner Flanders Setchel and Lola Marie- the shop pup!
We sat down over the weekend to learn more about Flanders and her journey to quickly becoming Knoxville's dish queen.
With one of the most interesting career paths of anyone I've ever met, Flanders has been a florist, gardener, server, real estate agent, jewelry shop owner, certified egg handler on a chicken farm, horse trainer, organic veggie farmer, and was a singer in the band the "Red Hot Mammas and Sultry Ladies" that covered torch songs from the 30's and 40's. Flanders came to Knoxville in 2012 by way of Rough and Ready, CA (yes--- that's really the name of the town!!). Doing Dishes became a reality about 1.5 years ago and has quickly become Help You Dwell's go-to spot and highest recommendation to clients who are looking to sell china and dishware. Flanders has been collecting china since the mid 80's and started selling it in '92 to support her dish buying habit. She comes by her love of dishes naturally-- her mother Doris (who you can often find in the shop) designed a line of china for the Carmel Valley Ranch Resort in the 80's. If you think Flanders sounds interesting, you should ask her mom about the time she almost adopted an elephant.
When asked "Why dishes?" she says "For the sake of entertaining. I have a deep affection for feeding people. I love gathering a few friends and setting a beautiful table. The different textures, colors and flavors set the mood for an unforgettable event." Flanders states that she always has 5 sets of dishes at the house at any given time in order to host a variety of different kinds of meals. There's a great quote that she stands by, "I'd rather eat a hot dog off a beautiful plate than beef wellington off an ugly one."
Flanders hosts at least 2 dinners a month and enjoys gathering an eclectic group of people for a beautiful meal and an exchange of ideas. She loves hosting conversations between people who might not ordinarily sit down at the same table- people with different ideas, political views, and backgrounds. For Flanders, setting a beautiful table and using beautiful dishes is a celebration of hospitality. In fact, she mentioned that she ended up selling some of her living room furniture to accommodate a larger dining room table so that she could host larger crowds. Her largest dinner party ever? She recalls a large party back in CA where some 250 people showed up--and who can blame them: her dinners sound idyllic!
So what is "Doing Dishes"? It's a little piece of dish-heaven on earth. If you are looking to buy or sell China, this is the place to go. She offers dishes for every price range and even has a dollar table. In addition to beautiful dish ware, Flanders stocks locally and regionally made goods like soap, stained glass pieces, and other gifts. She will be crafting gift baskets for Mothers Day as well! You can find out more about Doing Dishes on the Facebook Page or you can stop by the shop: 1912 Washington Pike Knoxville, TN 37917 (open Thursday-Saturday).
Flanders and Doris: We can help!
Our team would be honored to help you organize your family keepsakes and collections. We love to help folks find meaningful places to donate or consigned their treasures.
Transplanting yourself and your family to a new home is hard enough. Add plants to the mix, and it gets a little more challenging. But you don’t need to abandon your plants when it’s time to move.
Here are five tips to help you move those plants to your new Tennessee home:
The plants you grew in Colorado or Missouri may not fare well in Tennessee. They may also carry pests that could be harmful to soybeans, cotton, wheat, and Tennessee's other major crops.
The Department of Agriculture has a list of regulations covering which plants you may bring into the state. Indoor plants are generally okay, as long as you have repotted them in fresh, sterile soil.
Some plants could be confiscated if there’s a chance they carry any of the following pests:
Brown garden snails
Boll weevils
Emerald ash borers
Fire ants
Pine shoot beetles
Several plants are banned because they’re invasive to Tennessee’s ecosystem and are known to carry harmful pests. Banned plants include:
Tropical spiderwort
Autumn olive shrub
Thorny olive shrub
Bloodgrass
Chinese privet shrub
Honeysuckle
Purple loosestrife
Multiflora rose
Tropical soda apple
Pruning is an excellent way to keep your plants healthy. Remove any dead leaves, weeds, bugs, and other hindrances, so your plants are fully prepped before the move. Don’t drown your plants, but gradually add a little more water than normal, so they’ll retain it during the uprooting process.
The next step is to pack your heavy pots and transplant your botanicals in plastic containers. You’re already going to be doing some heavy lifting, so why not make it easier on yourself? Replace old soil with fresh, sterile soil and water thoroughly. Gently press around the soil to get rid of possible air pockets. Perform a final watering to ensure the plant doesn't lose any moisture due to evaporation.
Moving by car? Never put your plants in the trunk. This could prevent them from getting the proper airflow and all that rocking could damage them during the ride.
Load your plants last so they can be tended to first once you arrive at your new home. Pack tools such as a misting spray for hydration. If you are staying in a hotel, bring your plants inside with you -- leaving them in your vehicle overnight in extreme temperatures could kill them.
Traveling by plane? TSA guidelines allow you to bring plants as a carry-on or a checked item, as long as they fit under the seat or the overhead bin. Your plants will need to go on the conveyor belt and through the X-ray machine.
When you arrive at your new home, prioritize your plants and tend to them immediately. Remove any dead appendages. New environments can be stressful, so if you see some wilting that occurred during the move, don’t panic! This is normal and means your plants need some extra TLC during this period of adjustment.
The fun part comes next: Figure out where you want to place your plants, so your new home reflects your personality.
If you are replacing or adding to your plants in your new home, you have plenty of native Tennessee plants to choose from, including wild geraniums and Virginia bluebells. These flowering plants will be easier to care for since they’re used to the climate and growing conditions.
Settling into your new home often means redecorating or purchasing some new greenery as indoor plants or for your yard. This is a great excuse to visit your local nurseries and expand your gardening family.
Can’t take your beloved plants with you? Gift them to your family, friends, or neighbors. If you’re feeling generous, donate them to your community. Are you in a community of plant lovers? Organizing a plant swap could be a neat way to say goodbye to an old friend and make room for a new one. And don’t worry - there are so many lovely plant shops in Knoxville - you’l find some new plant babies soon!
Plants at 214 Magnolia by Suzy Collins Photography.
We can simplify the moving process.
Call us at Help You Dwell at (865) 245-9080 or email info@helpyoudwell.com !
Let’s get your extended consult on the calendar.
Thanks to our guest contributor Linda. Linda Zhang has moved across the country six times in the past 20 years. When she isn’t redoing one of the rooms in her own house, she is writing about home decor and other real estate issues.
One of our favorite things to share on the blog are home tours. We decided to do a little virtual “home tour” with our own team members. So, enjoy these two!
Allison’s home.
How long have you lived in your home?
- 18 years
What does "home" mean to you?
- Coziness, comfort, and a place to reflect the personality of the owner
How would you describe your style of decorating?
- Combo of 50s-60s vintage, comfortable basics, and slightly trendy colors and decor
Did your style happen organically or was it a process of figuring out what style means to you? Has your style changed over time? Do you have any favorite stores or shops for furniture or home decor?
- It has been a process, and I am always changing things. I have a "style" now, but it has progressed over the years. Redecorating and rearranging breathes new life into a room for me, so rooms get makeovers every few years. No favorite shops other than Home Goods/Marshalls, Bargain Hunt, and Target. I always say that I don't find my furniture, my furniture finds me. Lol
Allison’s kitchen.
When people come into your home, what do you hope they feel?
- I hope people feel that my home style reflects me. I like for people to ask me questions about things I have, since there are stories behind many of my items. I love to have items that have significance - like it belonged to a family member, or I got it from the estate sale I hosted for a friend, or my husband and I found it on a trip, etc. I also hope they feel like it's a comfortable home. They can touch things, they can sit down wherever. They can go look in my fridge or pantry without asking.
Do you have a style or home philosophy?
- Keeping "white space" in every area. I feel like there always needs to be some empty spots for things to go - empty space in my pantry, closets, on my countertops, etc. I never want anything to be completely full because it's too visually busy for me.
Do you have a favorite room in your home? A favorite piece of art or piece of furniture?
- Favorite room would be my living room, as it has a ton of natural light, and most of the other rooms in my house are darker. Favorite furniture is the master bedroom furniture - it came from an estate sale of an older lady I'd known since I was little. I had always HATED the furniture in our bedroom that belonged to my husband in college. When we stumbled across this furniture, it changed my life!! I love it every time I look at it.
What do you love most about your home?
- Our new outdoor living space, and our neighborhood, as we have a close-knit group of friends.
Allison’s home.
How would you describe your relationship to your belongings?
- Very little is permanent in this house, other than very special things (like furniture that has "found me"). I know I like to redecorate, so I prefer to buy cheaper trendier decor because I know it won't be around forever. My mantra is that if I haven't used it in a few years, and I can replace it for less than $30, it's going. In the event I ever need it again, I can either borrow it, or repurchase it. If I repurchase it, it will probably be a better version of the one I had before!
What do you love about working with HYD clients?
- I love making a difference for people. I love seeing that look of "YES!!" on their faces. That look of relief that says "thank you so much for doing what I hadn’t done on my own!”
How long have you lived in your home?
- 13 years
What does "home" mean to you?
- Home is where I feel completely comfortable and where I am surrounded by the people who love me unconditionally.
How would you describe your style of decorating?
- I would say my style is transitional, with a hodge-podge and kid-friendly flare. ☺ I tend to gravitate toward comfort and function over style. If I could completely redecorate my home starting from scratch, I would definitely incorporate more bohemian decor. I love the warmth, color and eclectic vibe of this style.
Did your style happen organically or was it a process of figuring out what style means to you? Has your style changed over time? Do you have any favorite stores or shops for furniture or home decor?
- My style has definitely changed and evolved over time. I used to think that everything needed to match and coordinate perfectly, but now I find my eye gravitates towards a mix of styles, colors, and textures.
I love browsing Home Goods, World Market, and just recently discovered Nadeau.
When people come into your home, what do you hope they feel?
- Comfortable, warm and relaxed
Liz’s living room.
Do you have a style or home philosophy?
- Since I’ve worked for HYD, I have definitely become more of a minimalist in my home philosophy. Less stuff and less clutter gives me room to breathe and enjoy my home even more.
How is your home an extension of yourself or of your family?
- I love a framed photo and my home is full of them showcasing so many of my favorite family memories. My various arts and crafts from over the years can also be seen displayed around our home.
Do you have a favorite room in your home? A favorite piece of art or piece of furniture?
- I have two favorite rooms. The living room is where my family spends the most time together and the bonus room is where I get lost in my love of crafting.
What do you love most about your home?
- I love the open floor plan and the coziness it brings. I l also love our big backyard which feels like an extension of our home.
How would you describe your relationship to your belongings?
- Unless the belonging has strong sentimental value, I don’t get too attached to my possessions. When purging my belongings, my biggest hurdle is letting go of how much I paid for the item, even though I no longer have any attachment to the item itself. I find this takes practice- the more I do it, the better I am at letting go.
What do you love about working with HYD clients?
- I love helping HYD clients feel a sense of accomplishment, whether that’s in organizing a small area or tackling a big move. It’s easy to get stuck inside our homes and not know where to begin making changes. Each time I go into a client’s home, I hope I can provide encouragement and a gentle push in the right direction.
We’ve said it before, but we’ll shout it from the rooftops- we have the most incredible team. It’s what makes Help You Dwell the dynamic, thriving, and unique service provider we are.
Thanks for sharing your homes & hearts with us Allison & Liz.
Do you take lots and lots of photos and videos on your phone? You’re not alone. It is such a benefit to have high quality cameras on hand all the time. But, what do you do with those photos that accumulate to an overflowing gallery? Avoid them no longer - here are 3 ways to regain control over your photos & video gallery on your iPhone. Those moments and snapshots we capture can carry a lot of meaning, but only if we sort through the clutter that can get in the way.
