Sisters Team Up to Provide Home Organization to Others

The article details a midcentury home renovation project in Seattle, undertaken by three creative sisters for their mother, Cynthia Chua. The property, identified by architect Sarah Smith of Best Practice Architecture and Julia Smith of Unique Art Glass, was purchased with the intention of transforming it into a forever home. The renovation involved extensive structural and aesthetic changes, highlighted by the addition of unique design elements such as fish scale shingles, vibrant paint colors, and custom stained glass windows. These stained glass pieces were designed by one of the siblings, showcasing a personalized artistic touch. The project reflects a collaborative family effort, leveraging the distinct skills of each sister. Sarah's architectural expertise guided the structural and spatial reorganization, ensuring the home met modern living standards while preserving its midcentury character. Julia's background in custom stained glass allowed for the integration of unique, handcrafted art into the home's facade, contributing to its distinctive and cheerful aesthetic. The decision to incorporate these specific design elements underscores a thoughtful approach to renovation, aiming to create a residence that is both functional and deeply personal. The home's exterior features, such as the fish scale shingles and punchy paint, were carefully chosen to revitalize the midcentury structure, giving it a contemporary yet respectful update. This blend of old and new design principles was central to the renovation's philosophy. The interior spaces were likely reconfigured to enhance flow and natural light, common goals in midcentury remodels, though specific interior details are not provided in this excerpt. The overall objective was to transform the house into a comfortable, stylish, and enduring home for their mother. This renovation serves as an example of how a family's combined talents can lead to a successful and meaningful home transformation. The article emphasizes the journey of revitalizing an older property through thoughtful design and craftsmanship, resulting in a residence that reflects the personality and collaborative spirit of its creators. The Seattle midcentury house, now adorned with personalized details, stands as a testament to the sisters' dedication and vision for their mother's long-term dwelling. #MidcenturyHome #HomeRenovation #SeattleArchitecture #FamilyCollaboration #StainedGlass #BeforeAndAfter #HomeDesign #BestPracticeArchitecture #UniqueArtGlass

This article details the transformation of a shared bedroom for two young sisters, Olivia (5) and Amelia (6), in a Montreal home, designed by their mother, interior designer Johanna Leung. The project, executed over four months, aimed to create a maximalist, modern English cottage aesthetic while maximizing space and functionality in a mid-century house with existing 1970s interiors. Leung's approach involved several hands-on updates, including two prominent IKEA hacks and custom decorative elements. A key feature of the room is the creation of a bed nook for Amelia within a formerly underutilized closet. Recognizing the closet's depth, Leung removed the surrounding drywall and constructed a built-in bed frame using 2-by-4s. This design incorporated pull-out IKEA toy boxes, which were then upholstered in fabric, to enhance storage. Above the bed, the original accordion-door recess was repurposed for additional toy storage, and shelves were added at the end of the bed for books, effectively transforming a quirky structural element into a functional and charming sleeping area. To compensate for the loss of hanging space from the closet conversion, Leung implemented another IKEA hack. She built a platform along an opposite wall and secured two IKEA Pax wardrobes to it. These wardrobes were then customized with decorative molding and DIY doors featuring fabric-adorned cutouts, giving them a bespoke appearance. Further enhancing the unique cottagecore theme, she crafted curtain panels from Zara Home bedsheets that possess a glow-in-the-dark feature. The layout of the 10-by-14-foot room was designed to provide individual personal space for each sister despite sharing. By positioning the beds in opposite corners, Leung created a central, clutter-free play area, facilitated by the built-in wardrobes. The room also features an eclectic mix of patterns, including large and small-scale designs. Notably, a bedsheet was used as wallpaper inside Amelia's bed nook, applied with liquid starch. The other walls showcase real floral wallpaper by Sandberg, unexpectedly paired with a strip of azulejo tiles, which Olivia, one of the daughters, chose. Additionally, the article highlights how Leung addressed builder-grade windows to align with the room's traditional aesthetic. She installed hinged shutters on the lower halves of the windows for light control and created cornices from plywood, 2-by-4s, and batting. These cornices were then covered with peacock-print upholstery fabric. Decorative details, such as hand-painted trim inspired by the Bloomsbury Group on Olivia's antique Facebook Marketplace bed and the wall's tile trim, contribute to the room's layered charm. A black-and-white striped awning with scalloped edges hanging over Amelia's closet bed, inspired by the movie _Ratatouille_, adds a whimsical, French-inspired touch, much to the children's delight. #IKEAHack #KidsBedroom #CottagecoreDesign #SharedBedroom #DIYHomeDecor #SmallSpaceSolutions #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #PatternMixing

The "Eleven Percent" series by Family Handyman highlights the significant contributions of women in the construction and skilled trades workforce, a sector where they currently constitute only 11% of the total. The series features 19 women who have excelled in various trades, sharing their journeys, challenges, and successes. One prominent figure is Celia Reyes, a welder who was inspired by her father's work with Union Pacific Railroad. Despite facing skepticism and being one of only two women in her initial class of 150 at Tulsa Welding School, she persevered. For the past 11 years, Reyes has worked for John Zink Hamworthy Combustion, welding solutions to minimize carbon emissions, and she also teaches welding at Oklahoma Technical College, emphasizing the satisfying nature of working with one's hands and building objects. Schannon Yodice, known as "That Tile Chick," grew up with tools but initially pursued a career in accounting, which she found unfulfilling. In 2017, she transitioned to general contracting with her fiancé and later specialized in tiling, taking over a master tile setter's client list upon his retirement. Yodice highlights the varied and continuously evolving nature of her work, which prevents boredom and fosters skill development. Lydia Crowder, a drywall contractor, discovered her passion for the trade after finding college wasn't the right fit. Her father, a veteran drywall professional, and his employees mentored her. Two decades later, Crowder runs her own company, appreciating the freedom and problem-solving aspects of her job. Through her Instagram account @DrywallShorty, she shares industry tips and advocates for inclusivity and knowledge sharing within the construction sector. Jessie Cannizzaro, a plumbing contractor, initially resisted following her father's footsteps in the family plumbing business. After studying veterinary medicine and business in college, a family crisis led her back to plumbing, where she rediscovered her passion. She leveraged her business degree to launch Milestone Plumbing in 2011, specializing in residential remodels and repairs. Cannizzaro actively promotes trades to high school students and even created a coloring book to introduce plumbing to elementary-aged children. Renee Wilson, an insulation contractor and owner, developed a passion for insulation from an early age, helping her father with his family business. She eventually took over the reins of Rockweiler Insulation, focusing on new home construction and retrofitting existing houses. Wilson emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and curiosity in any career, advising individuals to ask questions and engage with industry knowledge. Kat Christie, a residential handyperson and founder of She Fixed That, transformed her childhood love for tinkering into a professional career. After earning a Handyman Certificate Course, she launched her business in 2019, which thrived during the pandemic by addressing diverse home repair needs. Christie notes a strong demand for women in the handywoman niche across different regions. Soph Davenberry, a sheet metal worker, entered the trades after a liberal arts degree left them without immediate employment. An apprenticeship in sheet metal proved life-changing, leading to 26 years of expertise in sheet metal and HVAC. Davenberry later pursued a second degree in applied science with a focus on sustainable building, appreciating how their nonbinary identity allows them to bring diverse perspectives to their work. Kelly Gannon, a contractor and founder of Kreate Construction, discovered her aptitude for construction as a teenager. Starting with roofing, she gradually learned various aspects of construction, eventually establishing her own company specializing in residential repairs and remodeling. Gannon encourages self-belief, stating that individuals often underestimate their capabilities. D'ondra Howard, a furniture maker and founder of Workboots & Glasses, started woodworking as a hobby. Her custom furniture creations, initially shared on Facebook Marketplace, gained significant popularity, leading her to establish her business in 2021. Howard now creates a range of custom pieces and advocates for welcoming diverse perspectives and learning styles within the trades. Gabriela Narvaez, a general contractor and owner of Guild Properties, transitioned into construction after working in foreign service, non-profit management, and finance. Despite her diverse background, construction was a family legacy. Her high-end real estate development and construction firm, Guild Properties, reflects her passion for the industry, and she consults with DIYers through Matriarchy Build. Ami Feller, a roofing contractor and owner of Roofer Chicks, gained her initial roofing experience in college. After a period in corporate management, she returned to the roofing industry, first with her brother and then by launching her own company. Feller also runs a YouTube channel, @rooferchicks, providing educational content for homeowners on roof-related issues. Nhu Nguyen, an auto technician and restorer, initially explored various careers despite a childhood passion for cars. She eventually returned to the automotive world, becoming the first woman to earn Porsche Classic certification and a Red Seal Certified Automotive Technician. Nguyen works at Pfaff Tuning, a high-end independent shop, and maintains an active Instagram presence, sharing her "beyond dreams" experiences. Samira Kraziem, a construction project manager at Suffolk Construction, stumbled into the industry as a receptionist while pursuing a master's degree in speech pathology. Intrigued by the field, she switched careers and steadily advanced to senior project manager. Kraziem emphasizes the critical importance of technical knowledge across all trades for effective coordination and problem-solving. Greta Bajrami, CEO of Golden Group Roofing, immigrated to the U.S. from Albania at a young age. Inspired by her mother's resilience, Bajrami became an entrepreneur, leading a successful roofing and siding company and developing the Rootless app to connect people with trade careers. She was recognized with the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2023, attributing her success to her mother's lessons and the opportunities in America. Gretchen Avilés Piñeiro, a traffic engineer for the City of Madison, Wisconsin, chose her career based on a desire to ensure safe and efficient movement of people. She moved from Puerto Rico, falling in love with Madison's changing seasons, and finds her work important for the city's culture, contributing to a comfortable and safe environment for all commuters. Faye Hadley, an ASE Certified Master Technician, TV personality, and DIY automotive instructor, initially pursued a psychology degree from Harvard but eventually followed her true passion for automotive work. She owns Pistons & Pixie Dust, her repair business, and is a well-known figure on shows like "All Girls Garage" and "Motor MythBusters," as well as on YouTube and Instagram. Hadley emphasizes that car repair empowers individuals with autonomy and freedom. Tonda Thompson, a woodworker and general contractor, founded She Slangs Wood, a custom furniture business that also teaches woodworking skills to women. She views teaching trade skills as empowering, giving women confidence that extends beyond making money. Thompson advocates for community involvement and uses her platform to showcase her work and her students' achievements. Valerie Adams, an automotive mechanic, began her career almost three decades ago in high school. After a hiatus to raise children, she returned to the trade, working in an all-female auto shop and advocating for women in the automotive industry. Adams challenges employers to address workplace issues and value women for their skills, rather than perceived expendability. Samantha Pearl and Emily Pearl Reist, founders of My Handyma'am Home Repairs and Renovations, discovered their passion for home renovation during the pandemic. After undertaking several extensive renovation projects together, Samantha secured her residential builder's license, and they launched their business. They also created a Facebook group, "How to Handyma'am," to teach simple home projects and provide a forum for women's repair questions, highlighting the underserved niche of small problem-solving for homeowners. #WomenInTrades #SkilledTrades #ConstructionIndustry #FemaleEntrepreneurs #DIY #Welding #Plumbing #AutomotiveRepair #Woodworking

The article introduces Daphne Martino and Claudia Barroso, co-founders of M&B Design Studio, highlighting their journey into entrepreneurship as interior designers. Both women, having spent years assisting friends and family with design projects, decided to formalize their passion into a business once their children reached high school and college, providing them with the necessary time and space. Their motivation extends beyond personal ambition; they aim to set an example for their daughters, demonstrating that it is possible to pursue new career paths and achieve significant goals at any age. M&B Design Studio distinguishes itself through its commitment to honesty, transparency, and open communication with clients. This foundational trust is crucial for navigating design challenges and delivering spaces that are aesthetically pleasing and deeply meaningful to their clients. The founders emphasize that their path has involved considerable hard work and perseverance, acknowledging the inherent challenges and frustrations of the interior design industry. Despite these difficulties, they describe themselves as resilient, embracing both the positive and negative aspects of their work and striving to enjoy the process. Their families have been an integral part of their business, offering support with everything from physical help during installations to organizing project spreadsheets. This familial backing is presented as a key factor in their success. The studio prides itself on delivering thoughtful, timeless, and tailored designs that clients genuinely appreciate, reflecting their dedication to their craft. Beyond their professional lives, Daphne and Claudia share insights into their personal preferences and recommended activities in Miami. When friends visit, they curate an itinerary that blends outdoor exploration, culinary experiences, adventure, and relaxation. Their suggestions include a morning visit to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, followed by refreshments from Wayside Market. Sundays feature a stop at the Pinecrest Farmers Market for local produce and artisanal goods. A quintessential beach day in South Beach, complete with lunch at Joe’s Stone Crab, is also on the agenda. For a change of scenery and a more relaxed atmosphere, a trip to Ocean Reef is recommended for boating, swimming, and golf. Their itinerary also highlights Miami’s vibrant art and design scene, with visits to Wynwood for its street murals and creative energy, and the Miami Design District for its architecture, high-end shops, and curated spaces. Relaxation and rejuvenation are factored in with a spa day at The Standard Spa or Tierra Santa at Faena. Dining experiences are diverse and include COTE Miami for a Korean steakhouse, Bouchon Bistro in Coral Gables for French cuisine, and Queen Miami Beach for a glamorous dinner and show. Iconic local spots like Ball and Chain, known for its live music and history, are also included to offer a taste of Miami’s cultural heartbeat. The week concludes with drinks at Bellini at Mr. C Coconut Grove, offering a sophisticated end to their Miami tour. In acknowledging those who have supported their journey, Daphne and Claudia express profound gratitude to their husbands and children. They credit their families with unwavering support, encouragement, and understanding, which have been constant sources of strength throughout the late nights, early mornings, and significant milestones of their entrepreneurial endeavor. Their families are seen not just as supporters but as an integral part of everything they do at M&B Design Studio. #InteriorDesign #Entrepreneurship #FemaleFounders #SmallBusiness #MiamiLifestyle #WorkLifeBalance #FamilySupport #DesignStudio

This article provides insights from Diane Lowy, a professional home organizer, on essential kitchen organization products. With eight years of experience in home organization and a background as an office manager for prominent companies like Google and Chanel, Lowy emphasizes that kitchens are often the most challenging spaces to organize effectively. She highlights the diverse needs of clients, from those who cook infrequently and prioritize snack storage and easy cleaning to avid cooks who require quick access to spices and tools. Lowy stresses the importance of maximizing space and functionality, especially in smaller living environments common in New York City. She recommends a variety of products that she frequently uses in her client projects to achieve these goals. The recommendations include practical items like the Material Kitchen Base, a knife stand that combines tool storage with magnetic knife holding, and the Joseph Joseph DrawerStore Compact Utensil Organizer, which efficiently utilizes drawer space by stacking cutlery diagonally. She also suggests the Joseph Joseph Knife Organizer for additional knife storage in drawers. For sink areas, Lowy advocates for the OXO Rust-Proof Aluminum Suction Sponge Holder and the more aesthetically pleasing Glazed Pottery Shop Self-Draining Sponge/Brush Holder, noting their ability to keep countertops clear and tidy. For countertop efficiency, she recommends the Bisetti Dual Big Salt & Pepper Mill to combine two common items into one. Addressing waste management, Lowy discusses the challenges of trash and recycling in small apartments and suggests the Happimess Betty Retro Steel Trash Can or the iTouchless Motion Sensor 13 Gallon Trash Can, both designed for convenience and space-saving. To declutter countertops and improve pantry organization, she recommends the Yamazaki Tosca Vertical Bread Box for snack storage and the YouCopia Crazy Susan Lazy Susan Organizer for easy access to items in cabinets. Spice organization is also covered, with recommendations for the Crate & Barrel Bamboo Spice Drawer Organizer for frequently used spices and a Brother PT-M95 P-Touch Monochrome Label Maker for labeling less-used spices stored vertically. For those without drawer space for spices, the YouCopia Crazy Susan Two-Tier Turntable is suggested. Finally, for dish drying, she recommends the Five Two Over-the-Sink Dish Drying Rack for its space-saving roll-up design and the Dorai Dish Pad and Rack Set for its compact form and water-absorbing properties. The article emphasizes that these products contribute to a more functional, uncluttered, and easy-to-use kitchen space. #HomeOrganization #KitchenEssentials #SmallSpaceLiving #DeclutteringTips #StorageSolutions #KitchenTools #HomeDecor #FunctionalDesign

Parenting often involves managing a significant volume of children's belongings, including Legos, games, school supplies, figurines, and craft kits, many of which consist of multiple small parts. This presents a common challenge for parents: how to maintain an organized living space amidst the influx of kid-related items. This article addresses this issue by gathering insights from seven mothers within the community who are also recognized as organizing professionals. These moms share their preferred products and strategies to prevent their homes from being overwhelmed by children's clutter. The article provides a comprehensive overview of various storage solutions tailored to different areas of the home. For desk organization, Caroline Rodrigues of Merci Milo recommends Hightide’s Penco containers. These vintage-inspired caddies and bins come in various sizes, ideal for storing frequently used school supplies such as colored pencils, erasers, glue sticks, and scissors, helping to keep a child's workspace tidy and functional. For bedrooms, Erin Boyle of Reading My Tea Leaves suggests repurposing wine crates as low-profile storage solutions. These crates, when fitted with rope handles, can easily slide under bunk beds, providing accessible storage for toys and blocks while preventing pinched fingers. In the living room, Lindsay Downes from A Considered Home advocates for using coiled rope baskets from Target. These baskets are practical because they are soft, durable, inexpensive, and blend well with most decor styles. She emphasizes the importance of using individual smaller baskets instead of one large catch-all, and limiting the quantity of items accessible to children. This approach ensures that toys have specific homes, making cleanup and play more manageable. Alexis Kristiana of Liquid Gold Vintage discusses a Montessori-inspired closet upgrade for toddlers. She recommends using wood wardrobes with sections, combined with woven storage baskets, to keep items at a child's height, promoting independence while keeping less-frequently accessed items on higher shelves. For playrooms, Jennifer Borget of Cherish 365 highlights the effectiveness of IKEA Kallax shelving. Previously used for hidden toy storage, it now serves as an organized system for train sets, with different cubbies allocated for various track pieces like turns, bridges, and straight sections. This system facilitates quicker building and easier cleanup. For outdoor areas, Courtney Adamo of Babyccino Kids and In the Loop describes building a simple skateboard rack using the pegboard method. This solution, placed on a fence, provides an accessible spot for children to hang up skateboards, balls, Rollerblades, and scooters, preventing outdoor gear from cluttering entrances and decks. Finally, Lizzy Mathis of The Cool Mom Co recommends Pehr's pom-pom baskets for general odds and ends. These baskets are both aesthetically pleasing and functional for organizing toys, books, and blankets, underscoring the critical role of organization in a multi-child household. #KidsRoomOrganization #HomeOrganization #ParentingTips #StorageSolutions #ChildrensPlayroom #DeskOrganization #BedroomStorage #LivingRoomStorage #ClosetOrganization

Parenting often comes with an influx of children's items such as Legos, games, school supplies, figurines, and craft kits, many of which have multiple components. This article explores how parents manage to keep their living spaces orderly amid this accumulation. It gathers insights from seven mothers who are also organizational experts, detailing their preferred products and techniques for preventing kid-stuff overflow. For desk organization, Caroline Rodrigues of Merci Milo suggests Hightide’s Penco containers. These vintage-inspired caddies and bins come in various sizes and are ideal for storing frequently used school supplies like colored pencils, erasers, glue sticks, and scissors, helping to create functional workspaces for children learning remotely. In the bedroom, Erin Boyle from Reading My Tea Leaves recommends repurposing wine crates to create functional storage underneath bunk beds. These crates are low enough to fit beneath the bed frame and, with added rope handles, are safe and easy for children to slide in and out, providing a practical solution for toy storage where taller baskets might not fit. Lindsay Downes of A Considered Home shares her strategy for managing toys in the living room. She emphasizes that it's unrealistic to expect all children's items to remain in one designated area. Her solution involves using coiled rope baskets from Target. These baskets are lightweight, soft, durable, affordable, and blend well with most decor. She advises against using one large catch-all box, instead advocating for smaller, individual baskets to prevent clutter and facilitate easy cleanup. Limiting the quantity of accessible toys and assigning a specific home for each item helps children find, play with, and put away their toys more efficiently. Alexis Kristiana from Liquid Gold Vintage details her approach to a toddler-friendly Montessori closet. Her system is designed for simplicity, allowing her 1-year-old son to participate in organizing. She utilizes a wood wardrobe from Sprout, which naturally creates sections, and supplements it with woven storage baskets. Items are kept at her son’s height for accessibility, while blankets and sheets are stored on higher shelves, out of his reach. Jennifer Borget of Cherish 365 highlights the versatility of IKEA Kallax shelving for playroom organization. Initially used for general toy storage with soft cubbies, it has evolved into a more structured system for train sets. By dividing train track components like turns, bridge pieces, and straight pieces into separate cubbies, building becomes faster and more enjoyable, and cleanup is simplified. For outdoor clutter, Courtney Adamo of Babyccino Kids and In the Loop describes building a skateboard rack. This DIY solution helps organize skateboards, balls, Rollerblades, and scooters that tend to accumulate near back entrances. Placing the rack on a fence makes it easy for children aged 2 to 15 to hang up their skateboards, and she recommends using a pegboard method for keeping other outdoor supplies accessible. Finally, Lizzy Mathis of The Cool Mom Co suggests using Pehr’s pom-pom baskets for storing various odds and ends. These baskets are both aesthetically pleasing and practical for streamlining toys, books, and blankets, underscoring the importance of organization when raising multiple children. The collective advice from these mothers underscores the importance of thoughtful storage solutions tailored to children's needs and the specific areas of the home, emphasizing accessibility, safety, and ease of use to maintain a sense of order and sanity. #HomeOrganization #KidsStorage #ParentingTips #Decluttering #ToyStorage #DIYStorage #MontessoriInspired #KidsRooms #OrganizationProducts

David and Emma Engerer, a young couple, have embarked on a significant endeavor to revitalize the historic Stuart Neighborhood in Kalamazoo through the renovation and rental of its aging houses. David, 28, from metro Detroit, and Emma, 22, from Austin, Texas, met at a skateboarding contest in Houston and later married in October 2019. Their venture into real estate began after David's graduation from Western Michigan University, encouraged by his father to purchase and renovate older homes to generate rental income. The couple's commitment to the neighborhood is evident in their hands-on approach to renovations, with David performing most of the restoration work alongside Emma. Their efforts have been lauded by local residents, including Gary Wark, president of the Stuart Area Restoration Association, who notes the positive contrast with absentee landlords. The Engerers are part of a growing trend of younger individuals investing in the historic area, which boasts many houses dating back to the 1870s when it was a thriving community for businessmen and professionals. David emphasizes the importance of maintaining a vision for the properties' potential, despite the inherent challenges of home fix-ups. Their first acquisition was an American Foursquare stucco house at 821 Kalamazoo Ave., built in 1910. Originally a single-family residence, it had been converted into a duplex in the 1920s and suffered from neglect, including foundation, roof, plumbing, and electrical issues. Emma humorously compared it to the 'Money Pit' movie. Despite its condition, the house had existing tenants, and its structural integrity was surprisingly sound. This initial project served as a significant learning experience for the couple. Following this, the Engerers purchased two more 19th-century homes in the neighborhood, with plans for additional acquisitions. One of these is their personal residence, a 4,000-square-foot Queen Anne Victorian at 418 Stuart Ave., known as the French/Allen House, built in 1895. This house, rich in history with four bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, stained-glass windows, and a sweeping veranda, was originally appointed by Marshall Field. It was once owned by Dorr French, a justice of the peace and city attorney, and later by Harold Allen, vice president of First National Bank and corporate secretary for The Upjohn Co. They acquired this house in May 2020 at a reduced price, undertaking interior upgrades such as replacing old galvanized steel pipes and plumbing, replicating door moldings, and re-doing bathrooms, all while meticulously preserving the historic integrity. David expresses strong disapproval of renovations that strip old homes of their original charming features. Local historian Sharon Carlson, a resident of the Stuart Neighborhood, commends the Engerers' dedication, noting that landlords who live in the neighborhood tend to be the most effective. In July 2020, they bought another rental property at 500 Stuart Ave., a four-unit dwelling built by George Rickman in the late 1880s, one of three brick Queen Anne-style houses on the street. They are currently performing exterior and limited interior renovations, with more extensive work planned as tenant leases expire. This house, along with its neighbors, is distinctive for its brick construction, unusual for Victorian homes of that era. Emma, who initially had no plans to leave Texas, credits her move to Michigan to her relationship with David and a strong sense of divine guidance. She discovered Michigan's distinct seasons, a new experience compared to Texas. David's background includes a past as an aspiring professional skateboarder and snowskater, sponsored by Ambition Snowskates. He graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in exercise science, initially intending to become a physical therapist, but discovered a passion for home renovation after summer jobs involving repairs. David's father, a successful physical therapist and experienced home renovator, has been a significant mentor, guiding them with insights into making properties profitable and managing renovations. The Engerers emphasize that while financial viability is crucial for such projects, passion and vision are paramount. They plan to remain in the Stuart Neighborhood long-term, expressing their love for the community and its historical homes. #HistoricHomeRenovations #StuartNeighborhood #KalamazooRealEstate #PropertyInvestment #CommunityRevitalization #QueenAnneVictorian #OldHouseRestoration #RentalProperties #NeighborhoodDevelopment

ShelfGenie, a company established in 2000, offers personalized organizational solutions for various areas within a home, including kitchens, bathrooms, pantries, and closets. Owner Linda Creswell manages the Greater Houston franchises, focusing on enhancing storage and accessibility for clients. The company's methodology centers on a comprehensive consultation process, where staff spend between 90 minutes to two hours with clients to understand their daily routines, organizational goals, and specific home frustrations. Following this in-depth assessment, ShelfGenie develops a 3D design solution, which is then presented to the client for approval. Upon client approval, the custom order is sent to ShelfGenie's manufacturing plant in Phoenix, where products are built precisely to the design specifications. The installation process is typically completed within a single day. A notable innovation from ShelfGenie is the patented Glide-Around system, designed to optimize challenging spaces such as L-shaped corner cabinets. These cabinets often feature fixed shelves and blind sides, rendering much of their storage inaccessible. The Glide-Around system integrates the functionality of a revolving tray with shelves that rotate 360 degrees and drawers that fully extend, significantly improving usability and maximizing storage capacity in these difficult-to-reach areas. ShelfGenie's services also address the common problem of narrow, deep pantries and closets, where items often get lost or forgotten at the back. By implementing pull-out shelving, the company helps clients easily view, access, and manage all their stored items, preventing the accumulation of expired products like spices. This approach aims to create a more peaceful and organized environment, reducing the need to constantly sift through contents. The company extends its organizational solutions to individuals with mobility issues, such as wheelchair users, by designing bottom cabinets that are fully functional and accessible, which may even qualify for tax deductions, depending on individual circumstances. The emphasis on understanding client needs and offering tailored solutions is a key differentiator for ShelfGenie. Beyond immediate organizational benefits, installing ShelfGenie products can enhance a home's value, a benefit for both current and future homeowners. The company supports its products with a lifetime warranty that remains with the home even after it is sold, underscoring the durability and long-term value of their custom solutions. Potential clients are encouraged to explore ShelfGenie's website to discover how their specialized storage solutions can address various organizational challenges within their homes. #ShelfGenie #HomeOrganization #CustomShelving #KitchenStorage #PantryOrganization #BathroomStorage #ClosetSolutions #Accessibility #HomeValue

Emma and Graeme undertook a significant renovation of their 1780-built, four-bedroom detached cottage in Hucknall, Nottingham, transforming it into a modern, open-plan family home with a Scandi-inspired aesthetic. The property, though well-maintained, was dated, featuring numerous small, dark rooms, dusky pink carpets, patterned curtains, and a dark pine kitchen. The couple, with Emma being an interior stylist and Graeme skilled in DIY, decided to create a large open-plan kitchen, diner, and living space by knocking down walls, aiming to complete the major work before their first child arrived. The total project cost was £72,000. The renovation began with the demolition of internal walls to merge four smaller rooms into one expansive area. Graeme utilized a Room Sketcher app to plan the layout, and a builder friend assisted with wall removal and steel beam installation. Emma, inspired by a high-end kitchen design, achieved a similar look on a budget by collaborating with a local company, Inspirational Interiors. They opted for white Shaker-style units with a blue island, incorporating a custom double larder from what was intended to be a boiler box-in, and a built-in microwave in the island to maximize counter space. The dining area features a bespoke reclaimed wood table, replicating a Pinterest design, complemented by rattan pendant lights and Camaro LVT flooring with a wood finish and grey/blue tint. The staircase, initially problematic after wall removal, was custom-built by Graeme using timber for simple spindles, costing only £50, instead of expensive glass that would show fingerprints. The living room was designed with a darker palette, using Farrow & Ball's 'Down Pipe' to create a more formal, luxurious evening atmosphere. Graeme updated the fireplace with reclaimed brick, a wood mantle, and York stone, giving it a high-end look on a budget. Efforts to panel the room were eventually replaced by gloss paint on the walls to give the illusion of wood, and the dark wood window frames were painted white to brighten the space. In the master bedroom, Graeme installed timber panelling on the back wall, painted in 'Inchyra Blue,' while the bathroom, initially featuring a dated corner bath, was upgraded with a navy blue roll-top bath and a custom-made vanity unit crafted by the same furniture maker who built the dining table. The patterned floor tiles in the bathroom served as a focal point, allowing the rest of the decor to remain simple. For their daughter Arla's nursery, the couple attempted a painted wooden floor, which Graeme sanded extensively and filled gaps with rope, though in hindsight, Emma suggested carpet for practicality. Future plans for the property include renovating the rear garden, converting an outbuilding into an office and gym, and eventually transforming the double garage into a guest annexe, reflecting their long-term vision for the home. The project highlights how DIY skills, strategic planning, and resourceful sourcing can achieve a high-quality renovation at a reduced cost, illustrating effective ways to transform a dated property into a functional and aesthetically pleasing open-plan living space. #HomeRenovation #DIYProjects #OpenPlanLiving #BudgetRenovation #InteriorStyling #ScandiDesign #FamilyHome #CostSavingTips #PropertyTransformation

Dana Esser, an interior designer and creative, discusses her business, Dana Michele Design, and its profound impact on the daily lives of occupants in the spaces she designs. Esser highlights the significance of her work in creating therapeutic environments, such as offices for therapists and psychiatrists. These projects involved extensive research into layout, audio and visual privacy, color, texture, and furniture selections to ensure patients feel welcome, calm, comfortable, and safe. The insights gained from designing these therapeutic spaces are now applied to all her projects, ensuring they enhance the well-being of occupants and meet functional needs. Dana Michele Design distinguishes itself through an unwavering commitment to clients, with Esser acting as a 'client advocate.' With eight years of corporate interior design experience, she is now directly involved in every project, ensuring personalized attention and expertise for each client. The design process at Dana Michele Design integrates spatial intelligence with creative intuition, focusing on solving complex puzzles and understanding human needs to create spaces that resonate deeply. This process begins with in-depth client engagement to understand their aspirations and challenges, leading to designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also supportive of their present and future needs. Esser emphasizes the importance of professional integrity and personal well-being, stating a rule to only accept projects where her team is respected and valued, especially as a female entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry. Looking ahead, Esser plans to launch a non-profit arm of Dana Michele Design. This initiative will focus on community engagement by partnering with organizations that provide housing and support to vulnerable communities, aiming to create nurturing environments that empower individuals to thrive. The success of Dana Michele Design is attributed to human connection and the transformative power of thoughtful design, driven by a commitment to clients and the wider community. Outside of her professional life, Esser shares recommendations for enjoying Los Angeles with a visiting friend. Her ideal week would include coffee from Primo on Montana Street, brunch at Courtyard Kitchen in Santa Monica, leisurely strolls along the boardwalk, and beach volleyball. Nature excursions would involve hiking the Los Leones trail in Pacific Palisades for panoramic ocean views. Cultural experiences would include visiting the Broad or Hammer museum exhibits. Evenings would feature live entertainment at venues like the Hollywood Bowl or Aviator Nation’s Dreamland in Malibu, or attending a comedy show. Dining options range from Fia in Santa Monica to Osteria Mozza, followed by a night out in West Hollywood or Hollywood. Esser acknowledges several individuals who have significantly influenced her journey. She credits her family for providing essential physical and financial security and unwavering love. Her high school art teacher is recognized for channeling her creativity and introducing her to interior design at 16, a pivotal moment in discovering her passion. Lastly, she highlights the continuous inspiration, encouragement, and love from her closest friends, whom she considers her chosen family, calling them her backbone and biggest cheerleaders, especially when she experiences imposter syndrome. #InteriorDesign #CreativeEntrepreneur #TherapeuticSpaces #ClientAdvocacy #CommunityImpact #FemaleEntrepreneur #NonProfitInitiative #LosAngelesLifestyle #PersonalDevelopment