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How to Organize: Overstuffed Drawers

Allegra Muzzillo — 2011-03-29T08:07:00 00:00

Filed under: Storage & Cleaning, Storage & Organization, Cleaning

Neat freak? Live in a big house? I bet you still have drawers jammed with so much stuff that it's hard to close them. Here's why our drawers get full, how to organize them, and ultimately, break the cycle.

Open a drawer, any drawer, and it begins: the futile sorting of a vast sea of mate-less socks, or the sight in a kitchen drawer of not one, but five, cherry pitters. No wonder we're always struggling for more drawer space. We have too much stuff, and we're always jamming that stuff into drawers. Either we're filling them until they can't shut, or we need crowbars to pry them open.

Photo: Corbis

We spoke to Sam Gosling, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, and Erica "The Spacialist" Ecker, a NYC-based professional organizer, to find out why many of us live in hoarder mode -- and how we can break clutter cycle.

WHY DO WE DO IT?
Well, for several reasons.

Ecker believes our drawers get jam-packed simply because we make conscious decisions to avoid editing their contents. "It's much easier to go do something else more enjoyable than to sit down and sort out a messy dresser, says Ecker. And as we continue to put off these necessary edits (while accumulating more things over time) drawers will naturally overfill.

And what about the notion of seeming like we're fated to repeat this collecting/overstuffin/editing behavior time and again? Hold on to your hat. We may just be. Gosling maintains that the items we keep hanging around in our personal spaces serve three fixed functions, which ultimately say a ton about who we are (total twist-tie junkies, perhaps?).

1. Identity claims. These items are "the statements we make to ourselves -- and others -- about the person we are in order to feel like ourselves. We tend to hold onto these things long after they have functional use," says Gosling.
Example: A home office file cabinet chock-full of report cards and medals from your winningest hockey intramurals.

2. Feeling regulators. "We keep them around because they get us pumped up, help us concentrate and make us think of happy times," Gosling says. They make us feel secure, relaxed and comfortable.
Example: A closet drawer filled with every moth-eaten sweater you wore throughout the 8th grade.

3. Behavioral residue. This echoes Ecker's idea that we're not deliberately overstuffing our drawers, but that the mess is just "an unintended consequence of our day-to-day actions" -- just "a byproduct of our lives."
Example: All the weird cooking gadgets we dump into our kitchen island.

WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT?
If many of us are pre-wired for lives bursting with disordered drawers, can our time here be made more manageable?

Yes, according to Ecker. And thank goodness for gurus like her. Ecker's number-one editing rule of thumb? "The things you keep in drawers should always reflect your current lifestyle, and there should a little extra breathing room in them for more things you'll add later -- as far as two years down the road, ideally," she says. Sound too far outside your comfort zone? Just think about how tedious and time consuming any repeat edits will be.

And speaking of comfort zones, Ecker warns against pushing yourself too far, lest your drawers snap right back into a shambles. "Embrace your laziest self. It'll produce your best system," she says. "Some clients won't ever fold their shirts. Fine. Then throw them in a drawer unfolded. At least they're all in there together." Those clients certainly know their limits but are able make Ecker's systems work for them.

When Ecker is hired to revamp drawers she frequently uses the following tactics, all of which she says can work for nearly anyone, regardless of his/her organizational awareness.

o. Assign the "most valuable real estate" to the items you use most often. Meaning: The stack of guest quilts taking up space in your linen closet? Keep one or two handy, and relegate the rest to the attic, please. Everything you use on a daily basis should be easy to locate, and within immediate reach.

o. Set up clear divisions of space. These will help you take advantage of every inch of a drawer. Drawer dividers help corral bras, tights, socks, shapewear and underwear and enable you to see exactly what you have. Shallow and deep drawer organizers are good solutions in junk drawers, when odds and ends don't match and things tend to get thrown in willy-nilly.

o. Store like items with like items. Workout clothing gets one drawer. Underthings do as well. Don't mix pants with shirts. Make a rubber-band ball; stow loose paper clips in one compartment, next to your stapler and letter opener. Your toothbrush, floss and toothpaste go in the same area, too.

o. Install hooks once drawers are stuffed to the gills. Use walls, the backs of cabinet and closet doors and any other spaces that are being underutilized. (Hooks work exceptionally well for kids and men, too, who often find the "putting things in drawers" concept challenging.)

We know that unless you hire a professional organizer, some of these tasks may still seem daunting. Realize that the only solution to a successful edit isn't a weekend-long free-for-all.

"Take it slow and steady," says Ecker. She happily told us that "30 minutes after work, there, and two hours on a Saturday, there," produce the same results as a 12-hour marathon. "Plus," she adds, "You won't burn out or resent the process either." Hopefully. Good luck and god speed, organizers.

For more great ShelterPop stories, don't miss:
Brighten Up Your Hallway
Rescue Your Recycling Area
How to Organize a Closet: The Fun Way

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Living Room Decorating Ideas: Eclectic

Allegra Muzzillo — 2011-01-26T13:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Your Home, Living Room

If you're a world traveler or flea market shopper extraordinaire who likes to mix things up, the third installment of our living room decorating series -- the eclectic aesthetic -- is for you. Previously, we looked at traditional and contemporary living room decor.

While eclectic design is more conducive to you collectors out there -- it's not bound by strict rules dictating adherence to specific genres -- there are still formulas to live by, lest your space wind up looking like Sanford and Son's junk shop. Read on for ways to make your layout and décor sing in perfect harmony.

By incorporating bold colors and a cool mix of decorative accessories and furniture -- all representative of different styles and periods -- this eclectic living room strikes just the right balance. Photo: Joseph Pubillones

Eclecticism is arguably the most misunderstood style and the trickiest to successfully achieve, even for designers. "It's not a frenetic mishmash of furniture and accessories but rather a carefully edited mix of pieces that actually go well together, regardless of their eras," says Florida designer Joseph Pubillones.

Start by pairing up pieces and color schemes that seem dissimilar. Sometimes the boldest risks -- like beige bookshelves with an orange background or a high-backed Mission-style chair flanked with two skirted robin's-egg slipper chairs by the fire -- end up looking gorgeous. Photos: tvr, Amish-Made, Unique Interiors, Williams-Sonoma

Use too many decorative pieces and you'll weaken the room's impact; you need to strike a proper balance. Filling your space with things you've collected from different yard-sale excursions won't cut it, either. "Just because you like something doesn't mean it will always work in your space," says Pubillones. "Aim for a cool blend of fine-tuned glamor and comfort. Like a good cocktail, it's all in the mix."

For Pubillones, the element of surprise is key in making an eclectic room cohesive. Utilize unexpected pops of color. Or through process of elimination, try creating bold yet complementary combinations (neutral beige with, say, orange and purple) to get accustomed to mixing opposites. Once you've mastered that, gradually incorporate whimsical pieces. "Like a Mission style chair with an unusually high back, or one that's suspended from the ceiling. Or pair a contemporary pendant lamp with two traditional slipper chairs" says Pubillones. Try thinking outside the box. To get an idea of what he means, check out the montage above.

The height and scale of the larger pieces give the earthy textures (sisal rope, wicker) and modern lines (rectangles, cylinders) a cohesiveness among more traditional details, like the tufted upholstery and traditional wall-frame molding. Photo: Joseph Pubillones

Furniture scale is also a very important component. Pubillones doesn't recommend coupling dainty French Provincial chairs with, say, a hulking squared-off couch. "Think more along the lines of a tufted floral sofa with a solid, no-fuss contemporary chair," he says, "But above all the stylizing, a living room should be comfortable."

Although these patterns may not seem a likely duo, a throw pillow covered in the tropical fabric at right would perfectly complement the small-scale print on the welcoming occaisonal chair at left. Add some striped black-and-white drapery to the mix for even more interest. Photos: Room & Board, Needpillows.com

Add warmth by creating one coffee table from two smaller tables. "And maybe you don't even need to own a sofa if it suits your lifestyle; a whole living room full of club chairs could very well be what gives it its eclecticism," he adds.

A substantial bronze sits atop a chunky Lucite pedestal, striking a near perfect dichotomy. Photo: Joseph Pubillones

While he says he's a staunch advocate of creative tension, (such as the heavy sculpture atop the Lucite pedestal, shown at left, for example) Pubillones thinks it helps to approach designing an eclectic room as if it were one big art installation, "so it doesn't end up looking like a thrift shop," he says.

All elements should heighten, enliven and complement. But when you're working with prints and patterns, that's often a challenging concept. The designer doesn't recommend displaying two small-scale prints next to one another -- or pairing florals and plaids. Rather, he advises choosing different-sized patterns and then fiddling around with their placement. "Try a large pattern on the drapes, a medium one on a throw pillow or two, and a tiny, clustered print on a smaller accent chair," says Pubillones.

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Living Room Decorating Ideas: Contemporary

Allegra Muzzillo — 2011-01-19T11:04:00 00:00

Filed under: Your Home, Living Room, Projects, Furniture

Characterized by clean-lines, neutral palettes, nature-inspired textures and no-fuss accents, contemporary style is all about simplicity. Last week, we focused on traditional style. Next Wedneday we'll offer tips on decorating an eclectic living room.

Contemporary design -- not to be confused with modern, which leans more toward the austere and minimalist -- is really more a back-to-basics approach.

Multiple seating arrangements -- uniform in height and style but varying in color -- add warmth and hospitality to a contemporary living space. Photo: Shane Reilly

Think simple lines and uncomplicated shapes and patterns. Fabrics (wool, linen), rather than ornate appointments and bold colors on walls, bring in texture and warmth. So before you go with the Royal Flush, take heed: "Too often, people rely on paint as a standalone tool, which is often a big mistake. It's just one of many ways to contemporize a space, and it should always work in concert with everything else," says Shane Reilly, an interior designer and founder of Decorati.com. Think of the room as a composition in color: Start first by choosing a palette -- not a wall color -- and go from there.

Photo: Design Within Reach

When choosing furniture, focus on the sofa. Since it's the largest piece in the room, it's the biggest style indicator -- it sets the tone. "Invest the majority of your budget there," says Reilly. "And steer clear of sofas with rounded, wing-like arms and skirted bases. Choose one with straight, angular arms (or no arms at all), a linear back and a tailored base."

Since most contemporary sofas tend to be extra-deep and closer to the floor -- 14 to 16 inches versus the standard 18 in most sofas -- the rest of the room's pieces should also be of comparable height. Consider the Bantam sofa in Alabaster Honey, $1980, Design Within Reach (shown above).

A soft-top ottoman is used as a clever alternative to a standard wooden coffee table, inviting guests to take a seat when space gets tight. Photo: Margot Hartford

"The most successful contemporary layout omits inessential items, stresses comfort and hones in on how people truly live today," says Reilly. "The living room should be an adaptable space. It's where we relax, work -- even eat." Today, Reilly says that furniture and accessories in quintessentially contemporary spaces are smaller in number because they've actually gotten larger in scale.

"With this scheme, it's not about over-decorating; it's about having fewer, edited down pieces that become really important as a result. To make boxy lines feel cozier, she says, "invite conversation and drop an occasional chair into the mix. If it's small enough, it can even touch the couch." And forget the ho-hum 'coffee-table-in-front-of-the-sofa' setup; try an upholstered ottoman instead. "It's a warm touch, because guests can actually sit on it in a pinch, unlike a coffee table," she adds.

Photos: Serena & Lily, Kenneth Wingard, Arteriors, Justice Design Group

Although lighting is one of the most important features of a space, it's often what people think of least. "It shouldn't be an afterthought. A poorly-lit living room with zero decorative lighting at eye-level feels just like an airport," says Reilly. She sets the mood with clean-lined fixtures that feel heavy and substantial. Lamps made with unusual (slate, stone), often organic (cork, driftwood) materials and techniques (oxidized alloy) are engaging above all else, and they're really essential in making the contemporary living room come together. "Just choose something interesting," says Reilly. "It doesn't have to be expensive."

For more living room decorating inspiration, don't miss:
Why We Love Country Style Now
New Home Technology Products Will Dress Up Your Living Room
Decorating a Fireplace Mantel: 5 Easy Ideas

Check this video out for a modern living room makeover!

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Living Room Decorating Ideas: Traditional

Allegra Muzzillo — 2011-01-12T09:01:00 00:00

Filed under: Your Home, Living Room, Furniture

If you're thinking of decorating your living room (or re-decorating) but don't know how to get started, a flip through one of the shelter mags may only confuse you more. We make things simple with a living room decorating series broken down by style. First up, traditional.

Are you leaning toward traditional furnishings but your prized Saarinen Tulip table isn't going anywhere? Did you always picture decorating your space with richly-hued Baroque furniture, but you end up buying clean lines and muted tones? Whether you're a real wild child (patterns, patterns and more patterns), or you've got more traditionalist sensibilities (good book by the fire, anyone?), it can be challenging to create a look that's cohesive, let alone apropos of your personality and lifestyle.

Rich finishes and sumptuous, dark leather appointments convey opulence and transcend trends. Photo: Kenneth Brown

Don't sweat it: We spoke to several designers and asked them to break down what it means to decorate a traditional living room. Don't worry, there's a way to work in other design sensibilities, like modern and eclectic, but first let's stick to the basics. Here's what makes a traditional living room tick and tips for how to pull it all together.

Often seen as the safest choice in design, the traditional style implements classic appointments (solid wood furniture, rich finishes, sumptuous upholstery, dark colors) that transcend trends. But, if you're not careful, this style could have one drawback: It can easily fall into the matchy-matchy trap, says designer and host of HGTV's Redesign, Kenneth Brown. "The biggest challenge lies in mixing pieces that don't look exactly the same, because traditional interiors should always have a 'gathered over time' look. Be cautious of buying sets of anything."

Photos: Ethan Allen, Restoration Hardware, Broyhill

According to Brown, four key pieces that really make the traditional living room come together are: A large sofa, two matching chairs and one large, wooden coffee table. For example, as shown above, Ethan Allen's Modern Glamour Adler Coffee Table, $729, Restoration Hardware's Belfort Wingback Chairs, $699 to $999, and Broyhill's Austin Sofa, $1089. While there are countless ways to arrange this grouping, Brown suggests creating two, even three, seating areas if you're lucky enough to have a large, open space. They'll allow guests to have intimate conversations or be part of larger discussions and activities.

When it comes to smaller rooms, Brown says most folks gravitate toward smaller furniture. "Believe it or not," says Brown, "to make a small living room appear bigger, fill it with larger-scale furniture. Just use fewer pieces."

A large couch, a wooden coffee table and two matching occasional chairs round out the traditional room. Photo: Kenneth Brown

Brown insists traditional needn't mean stuffy. He weaves interest into the mix via patterned accent pieces (chairs, drapes), deep, warm paint colors and tactile, textural materials (leather, silk). "I've also been using antiqued-bronze finishes on mirrors and lamps, which adds a hint of Old-World charm," says Brown. He suggests bringing in a few oversize (22 inches versus the standard 18-inch fare) throw pillows in comfy fabrics: "If you can afford down pillows, all the better. Their softness will make the room feel welcoming and relaxed," he adds.

Brown suggests creating a wall "collage" in a traditional living room -- a blended showcase of similarly presented varying pieces -- to convey sophisticated opulence and a sense of history. Over the sofa, try hanging five to seven works. "They can range from landscapes to portraits to pen-and-ink sketches," he says. "Think of the entire collage as one piece, and keep frames evenly spaced."

Photos: Bellacor, Porter, Crystorama

He likes pairing linen liners with dark or rubbed-gold finish wood frames. As for lighting, Brown layers the room with table lamps and floor lamps, and accentuates artwork with picture lights. "And chandeliers, not recessed lighting," he adds. We like the traditional lamps shown above, from left: Bellacor's Medora Resin Table Lamp, $118, Gracious Home's Porter Brass Floor Lamp, $460, and Lamps Plus's Crystorama Seven Light Gold Leaf Looped Arm Chandelier, $670 (no longer available).

Brown also sees an area rug as essential in anchoring a sitting area and feels it's a "great opportunity to pull the whole room together -- from colors to patterns."

For more living room decorating ideas, don't miss:
-IKEA EXPEDIT, 5 Different Ways
-Love a Vanilla-Scented Home. You're Not Alone
-Decorating a Fireplace Mantel

Want more living room decorating ideas? Check out this great video!

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Magic Tricks: Make a Ceiling Seem Higher (or Lower!)

Allegra Muzzillo — 2010-12-16T11:52:00 00:00

Filed under: Your Home, Living Room, Projects

Whether you feel like the roof is closing in or you can't evoke even a remote sense of hominess due to those sky-high ceilings, stay calm. We've got the fix.

There are some homes with ceilings so low that you feel claustrophobic just standing still. And believe it or not, there are folks out there who have ceilings so high that it's a problem, too (yes, yes, like our friends who are "too thin," we don't feel that bad for them. But decorating either type of room can prove be pretty trippy, to say the least.

Although the crown molding and baseboards are in contrast with the wall color, the eye still can't tell where the lower-than-normal ceiling ends and begins in this Brian Patrick Flynn-designed hallway. The high-gloss sheen also bounces light around the windowless space. Photo: Sarah Dorio

HOW TO "HOIST" A LOW CEILING

Low Ceiling Idea #1: Use Paint (and Finish) to Lift Ceilings and Walls
You may have heard it before but we'll say it again: Paint is by far the easiest and least expensive way to revamp a room -- with astonishing results. Use it in a low-ceiling-ed space and the payoff is extra-sensational. Here, three paint techniques to employ:

- Paint the ceiling a luminous metallic hue, such as bronze, silver, gold or nickel. "Light just bounces right off of it, opens up the room and makes the ceiling look as if it goes on forever," says Chicago-based interior designer, Jessica Lagrange. (Need the paint? Ralph Lauren has an extensive line of shimmering metallics -- from Faded Peony to Turquoise Sea.) Better yet, "To make a ceiling look like one of Miles Redd's glass-like lacquered walls, coat any type of finish -- flat, eggshell, metallic -- with high-gloss poly-acrylic," says Brian Patrick Flynn, aka the Décor Demon and lifestyle blogger for HGTV's Design Happens. "It doesn't smell and dries in minutes."

- Coat crown molding and the ceiling with the exact same color used on walls. "Contrasting colors on all three pinpoint, rather than downplay, exactly where a lower-than-normal ceiling begins and ends," says Lagrange.

- Make the ceiling smaller by extending wall paint well past the architectural line where both meet. "Choose a point anywhere from five to eight inches from where ceiling meets wall. Measure, then tape off, a running border along the ceiling diameter. Paint the taped-in area with a lighter color; choose a darker hue for walls. Frank Lloyd Wright did this all the time. It tricks the eye into seeing a higher ceiling and taller walls," says Flynn.(Doing the opposite of this works in making a ceiling appear shorter, too. Just measure and tape off about one foot past where the natural line of a high ceiling ends. Paint everything above the line a dark color, and everything below a lighter one.)

Low Ceiling Idea #2: Be Attuned to Furniture Proportion
As a rule, low ceilings should beget lower profile, smaller-scale furniture, says Lagrange. Choose uncomplicated pieces with vertical, tailored lines. Also pay attention to your home's architecture, says Flynn, "Furniture should always be proportional with ceiling scale." Say your home is a traditional Tudor, characterized by small rooms and low ceilings. Choose shorter wingback side chairs instead of standard-size ones. "Be sure they're just tall enough to lean on; four-foot high furniture may be too tall in your home," says Flynn. Also, keep every piece the same basic height and you'll further call attention away from a short ceiling.

Low Ceiling Idea #3: Fool the Eye with Accessories and Artwork
Mirrors? Check. Window treatments up to the ceiling? We're up to our eyeballs in that advice.

- A lesser known stylist's trick is to set out a tall urn or vase filled with seasonal grasses or blossoming branches. It adds super-oomph and hides flaws (read: low ceilings) in small spaces by really slowing down the eye's movement and pacing it while it travels gradually from the floor, to mid-room and then up to the ceiling, says Flynn.

- Create an impactful salon-style art wall. "It keeps the eye moving around the room, never focused on the shape or height of your ceiling," says Lagrange. Whether you're creating a ceiling-lengthening vertical display or an off-kilter floor-to-ceiling grouping in one corner, space each piece evenly -- or else the arrangement ends up looking chaotic. Make a template before you get started, suggests Flynn.

A dark hued ceiling, large low-hanging chandelier and ornate medallion help make a grand Jessica Lagrange-designed dining area feel cozy and intimate. Photo: Tony Soluri

HOW TO "SHORTEN" A MILE-HIGH CEILING

High Ceiling Idea #1: Drop Lighting Down to Meet You
Try tall torchieres arranged among furniture, a large pendant lamp hung over a dining table or a statement-making chandelier suspended at precisely the right height. They should be closer to the furniture than to the apex of the ceiling to create balance in high-ceiling-ed rooms, says Flynn. Even better? Up and down-lit fixtures. They keep the eye focused on the room's midsection, rather than its rafters. If a fixture isn't long enough, invest in an extension rod (or two!).

High Ceiling Idea #2: Use Bold Colors and Big Patterns
Utilize printed wallpaper and daring hues in areas where you'd like to evoke a sense of warmth and intimacy. "Large-scale patterned wallpaper and dark, dramatic paint colors on ceilings and walls draw the eye downward and make a cavernous space feel cozier," says Lagrange. Highlighting architectural accents such as crown molding, trim and wainscoting with a color that stands out against your wall color is yet another clever way to steal the spotlight away from a soaring ceiling.

High Ceiling Idea #3: Add Structural Elements
Put up some trim. Chair rails, a 2-foot baseboard, beadboard paneling, decorative ceiling medallions, ultra-thick crown molding -- you name it. And if you (and your wallet) are so inclined, you could add some gorgeous wood coffers or dark-wood ceiling beams, says Lagrange. Not only will they physically bring ceiling height down, but they'll add texture to break up the large expanse. Floating planes (basically extended squares of drywall added to the existing ceiling) are another way to add onto the ceiling structure and are especially useful when someone has a towering solid-concrete ceiling that's impossible to run electricity through.

Looking for more ideas on how to improve your space?
Getting Light Just Right
Magic Tricks to Make a Small Room Seem Larger

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Magic Tricks to Make a Small Room Seem Larger

Allegra Muzzillo — 2010-12-09T12:08:00 00:00

Filed under: Bedroom, Your Home, Living Room, Furniture

Are you short on square footage? Maybe, like many of us, you're stuck with a fraction of what you'd like. But that doesn't mean you can't fake it with some magic tricks...

If you've been feeling down lately about the size of your home, take heart. Follow these failsafe designer tricks and we guarantee you'll stop crying about your spatial shortfalls and start making the most of what you have.

Keep walkways free and clear, match window treatments to wall color and group accessories together to create the illusion of more space. Photo: Jillian Harris

Small Room Idea #1: Mind Your Accessories
Take stock of the small pieces you love and group those prized possessions in clusters, rather than scattering them all over the room. Do you have a collection of vintage trophies? Give it more visual impact -- and give your space some breathing room -- by arranging awards together on one side of (not across) a fireplace mantel or end table. And remember: While it's okay to show your mementos, just don't put them all out. "Too many knickknacks read as clutter. They just tighten up small spaces even more," says Jillian Harris, interior designer and host of ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." Try adding and subtracting pieces from your current layout. If an item's absence bestows an airiness you've been missing, pack it away and live without it for awhile.

Small Room Idea #2: Utilize Color and Patterns
While most space-challenged folks instinctively play it safe with neutrals and solids, designers agree that a blast of blue here and a shock of chevron print there will keep eyes moving around the room. "Stripes and patterns of varying sizes command attention, give a small room depth and erase its constrictive outline," says interior designer, Christopher Coleman. But experiment with scale before reupholstering the couch: Harris suggests starting with, say, a herringbone wingback side chair and going from there. Pair it with an oversize houndstooth ottoman, then drape it with a delicate plaid throw. And if you decide you want a jewel-toned bedroom, try choosing window treatments in a similar color to your wall paint. It prevents sight lines from splitting up unattractively.

Don't be afraid to play with color and pattern; armless, organically shaped furnishings also keep the eye moving around rooms that are short on space. Likewise, a glass-top table allows light to filter through -- almost as if invisible. Photo: Christopher Coleman

Small Room Idea #3: Arrange and Choose Furniture Wisely
You know by now that you get get extra legroom via multipurpose pieces with hidden storage. But it's not just what you have, It's where you place it. Blocking walkways is by far the biggest floor plan no-no. A close second? Cutting off the precious view into and out of your home. Aim for an unbroken, natural flow by moving furniture away from windows and doors and closer to walls; the room will look larger when more of the floor is visible. Coleman dislikes blocky, right-angled furniture and favors curvier, more organically shaped pieces: "They make small rooms seem cavernous because their lines go on forever. Plus, they're far more versatile than plain old squares and rectangles." Another Coleman trick? Choose armless slipper chairs and sofas -- the abrupt horizontal lines of the arms can interrupt the room's flow and add needless weight. Another great space saver? Nesting coffee tables. Better yet, find some in acrylic or glass -- any piece that allows light to filter through it also gives the illusion of more space.

Small Room Idea #4: Use Lighting to your Advantage
Lighting small spaces can be tricky. It's not just about the types of fixtures you use, but the kind of light they give off, too. Choose a bulb that's too warm and an already-cramped space can feel even more claustrophobic. One that's too blue can make your living room feel like the set of "Grey's Anatomy." Harris suggests testing out bulbs in a small entry first, as it's often a place that sees little light. "After trying eight bulbs myself, I like GE's Daylight CFL bulb the best," she says. "It's the closest thing to natural light and doesn't make the space feel too cold." Likewise, keep the same intensity in the fixtures throughout the room so there's a sense of evenness. Otherwise, you'll only draw attention to darker or lighter corners and recesses, further calling out the room's flaws and Lilliputian dimensions. Try to invest in multiple lamps of the same style, too: Coleman often uses four floor lamps of equal height (a little taller than the couch's height) in small rooms so that the eye moves around them.

What are your magic tricks for dealing with a small space?

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5 Things You Can Do (Today!) to Add Color to Your Living Room

Allegra Muzzillo — 2010-10-04T12:01:00 00:00

Filed under: Color, Your Home, Living Room

Who says you can't resuscitate a color-deprived living room in a day? We've got some living room color ideas that will only take a little time -- and ingenuity.

Take a look around your living room. Are you a bit...underwhelmed? Chances are, all the room needs is a quick pick-me-up to regain its this-is-the-room-I'm-proudest-of-please-sit-and-stay-awhile status. And adding color is arguably the quickest and most cost effective way to give your living room the boost it deserves.

Just check out this room featured on Apartment Therapy -- full of living room color ideas. Nearly all of the color was incorporated through the use of vibrant accessories -- the rug, the wall art, the knick-knacks. Isn't that something you could do in a day? Why, yes.

Photo: Apartment Therapy

We spoke with decorator extraordinaire Eddie Ross about how to incorporate a few living room color ideas into your space, and he gave us five ingenious ideas. Read on for his juicy trade secrets.

1. Intensify artwork
Weary of color? No need to go all out for significant impact. Eddie often swaps out staid, white picture frame mats for brightly-hued stunners like an 11-inch by 14-inch pre-cut mat (for an 8 x 10 print) in deep yellow or china red from GoldenStateArt. "Colored mats add sophisticated, understated pops," he says. "You'll find so many fun options that nicely complement something simple -- like a bright turquoise mat for a black-and-white etching -- on a quick trip to Hobby Lobby or Michaels."

2. Embellish window treatments
A little ribbon goes a long way. "To add color quickly and inexpensively, buy a yard or two of grosgrain trim from a store like M&J Trimming, and attach it to the bottom edges of existing drapes," says Eddie. "It's a really luxe-looking upgrade and a trick lots of designers use." Use Dritz's Stitch Witchery bonding tape ($3 for 20 yards) to get the job done fast; the heat of an iron is all you'll need to permanently unite two fabrics.

3. Transform lampshades
Blah white shades are a dime a dozen. Instead of keeping yours status quo, Eddie suggests buying an affordable cotton shade, like IKEA's Asele ($15), and coating it with latex, spray paint or pretty paper (with spray adhesive). "Pull a vibrant color from the carpet or walls," suggests Eddie. "A black lampshade would look so chic with a Kelly green-painted interior." You might consider adding spray-mounted paper borders along the top and bottom edges for added color and a high-end decorator feel. Eddie shops The Accessory Store for a wider selection of shades and lighting supplies.

4. Adorn flat surfaces
One of Eddie's tried and true stylists' secrets involves sprucing up unassuming coffee or end tables. Measure the length and width of each table and order a piece of tempered glass, cut to size, from a professional glasscutter. "People always think it's so expensive, but that's only when you're talking beveled edges and special detailing," he says. OneDayGlass charges about $28 for a clear tempered-glass 2 ½ foot-by-1 ½ foot pane with a standard-seamed edge. From there, you can either create a stunning back-painted glass effect by spray painting just one side of the pane, or simply slide a yard of graphic fabric underneath for a quicker boost. Sharon's Antiques Vintage Fabrics sells kitschy geometrics and 1950s and '60s prints for a song -- from $18 a yard. Eddie puts clear adhesive protector-tabs (about $2 for 20), like the ones found at FactoryDirectCraft, on each corner to ensure glass stays put and doesn't scratch.

5. Brighten the ceiling
Sure, anyone can slap a few coats of latex on the walls (or furniture) and call it a day, but there's something much more satisfying -- and clever -- about a room that reserves paint for accents rather than focal points. Eddie likes to save gentle bursts of color for ceilings: "In an all-white room, a very slight tea green, robin's egg blue or pale purple-y orchid color would look just beautiful on the ceiling -- it's using paint in a different way, and it's so unexpected."

Need more decorating advice? Check out our Decorating Styles 101 series. Or see Lemondrop's take on shabby-chic decorating.

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Dos and Don'ts of Custom Framing

Allegra Muzzillo — 2010-07-14T08:38:00 00:00

Filed under: Your Home, Living Room, Projects, Furniture

Artist David Marty's oil landscape, Veiled Valley, is highlighted with a flax-linen liner and a detailed wood frame. Photo: Larson-Juhl.

In addition to protecting artwork from pests, dust and dirt, the right frame not only complements a treasured piece, but makes it look all the more beautiful.

Whether you're displaying little Billy's latest pièce de résistance, or showing off an Old Master painting, selecting the right frame can be challenging. While most of us have little problem choosing the correct size (give or take a couple inches), if you're like me, a few of the other framing basics remain elusive, too. What about style? To mat, or not to mat?

We recently asked Steve McKenzie, president and CEO of the century-old custom framing company, Larson-Juhl, to shed some light on the subject. Here, he gives us the bottom line on custom framing.

How do I choose the right style?
"Always be respectful of the work of art: Frame for the work itself. After all, the main goal here is to make it look great regardless of where it's hung. A frame plays many roles: At best, it creates an interesting dialog with a room's decor. At worst, it can overpower or detract from the piece. But sometimes it's good to think outside the box. I love seeing contemporary works in old frames and vice versa; it brings a powerful energy to the work, and the room, you wouldn't necessarily expect."

A traditional frame pairs well with the modern Goldfinch Aqua, by Thomas Paul. Photo: Larson-Juhl.

How do I determine mat size?

"I generally recommend a 2 1/2-inch to 3-inch border around artwork, which provides breathing room, and gives the eye respite. Anything narrower than that looks awkward. That said, large mats often bring prominence to smaller works. A good rule of thumb? Make the mat 1 1/2 times larger than the width of the frame. And never, ever cut a mat that's the same size as the frame or the molding. That looks strange, too."

Is a mat always necessary? When can you just skip it (if ever)?
"A mat serves three purposes: First, it shapes the way the eye sees the work. Second, it influences the way we perceive and appreciate the work. And third, it offers protection, structure and preservation. But say you're framing something that doesn't have much value per se, like a large poster. There, you could incorporate spacers [instead of a mat], which separate the work from the glass. [A mat is also considered a spacer.] Generally, most things need mats -- especially works on paper -- save for works with frames smaller than two inches wide. And you'll need linen liners [strips of fabric that act as mats] on oil paintings because you're not using glass. Without that protection, a mat will absorb moisture and get really dirty."

Can a frame ever be a statement piece?
"It's fine for frames to elevate a piece's importance; most people actually under-frame. And that sends the message that you're not proud of the work. Give it some thought: Ask yourself what the frame will "say" in the space where it'll be hung. A frame can make a big decorative statement, like a sumptuous Aubusson rug or a Louis XV chair upholstered in a wild patterned fabric. It's wonderful when a frame positively influences how you feel when you walk into a room."

When should it be something you hardly notice?
"Never! It's crucial. And if chosen correctly, it will always enhance the piece it displays."

What about hanging pieces together? Should all the frames match?
"With groupings, there should definitely be one unifying element. Maybe it's the same artistic subject matter, or the same color frame, or a similar frame finish, or mats of similar widths. Just be cognizant that each piece is cohesive with the next. It's definitely a challenge: Few designers can pull off eclecticism. But generally, using the same color mat on each piece always works well in wall groupings."

Any suggestions for framing on a budget?
"While I'm really inspired by the way department stores like IKEA have really democratized design, I'd still suggest going with a professional framer (unless you don't plan to have a piece for long). A good one will recommend budget-friendly alternatives that don't skimp on the quality of the glass and the mat. Maybe there's a similar, more inexpensive finish in one size down? Can we pass on the anti-glare glass? I like to think of a frame as the ultimate 'little black dress.' Choose wisely, and buy the nicest one you can find. With any luck, it'll be with you for a long, long time."

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American Style Defined

Allegra Muzzillo — 2010-06-30T16:07:00 00:00

Filed under: Your Home, Fun Stuff, Holidays

We got answers from all over the map. Photo: Getty Images | Photo Illustration by Katie Bennett.

With July 4th fast approaching, is there any better time to talk American style?

When it comes to American style, it's tough to identify key design elements that can be seen across the country because as you've probably noticed, interior design varies a whole lot from region to region. So, we tapped into a few of our nation's most talented interior designers -- all based in different parts of the country -- and asked them to share what's what when it comes to home design in their region.

Find yours, then tell us below: Do you agree?

Here, their thoughts:

A guest bedroom personifies the freshness of California style. Textural elements -- a natural sisal rug, shimmering grasscloth wallpaper and a sea-coral mirror -- add interesting touches of the area's natural landscape. Photo: Massucco Warner Miller

In the West

"Fresh color palettes and vibrant patterns make Western-American homes special -- they just have an extra-crispness and freshness you don't see anywhere else. California style specifically is a great gauge for what you normally see out west. Here, rooms are comfortable and inviting, and are often characterized by big doses of eclecticism and personality. Unusual, interesting and eye-popping pieces are a must, whether they're beautifully-shaped chairs, quirky works of art or groupings of remarkable things brought back from overseas trips."
--Julie Massucco, Melissa Warner and Carrie Miller, Massucco Warner Miller Interior Design and Decoration (San Francisco, California)

A four-season porch on Lake Minnetonka helps a Minnesota family feel closer to nature -- even in the most inclement weather. Photo: Martha O'Hara Interiors

In the North

"We northerners are infatuated with being outside 12 months of the year; we're not afraid of the cold. The way we build and design our homes reflects our desire to be in harmony with the outdoors. Screened-in porches, sun rooms, conservatories and big outdoor fireplaces all help us extend our outdoor time. Look outside of any typical northern home and you'll see really gorgeous vistas -- lakes, wooded areas, manicured lawns -- that we show off with floor-to-ceiling walls of windows. Our furnishings focus more on comfort and a bit less on formality than those you'd typically see down south, or on the eastern seaboard. I look for every piece to say, 'Sit down and put your feet up!' We're casual and comfortable -- never intimidating or overdone."
--Martha O'Hara Martha O'Hara Interiors (Minneapolis, Minnesota)

The mix of design styles (baroque, contemporary, mid-century) and tactile fabrics make this calming Midwestern bedroom very approachable. Photo: Summer Thornton Design

In the Midwest

"Midwestern expression is usually driven from a traditional core: While we like to build on familiar things, it's the mix of rough and polished, high and humble, that makes our design approachable (yet never boring). Chicagoan design and architecture in particular, are great examples of quintessential Midwestern-American style. You'll often see Victorian, gothic, mid-century and modern buildings all within the same neighborhood; homes in most other cities mainly share a single prominent characteristic. Midwestern design has always embraced eclecticism -- as does America as a whole -- and successfully mixes different cultural and global references together to make one cohesive space."
--Summer Thornton, Summer Thornton Design (Chicago, Illinois)

Mini Queen-Anne-style setees, over-scale damask wallpaper and a balloon valance in corduroy are all fitting nods to tradition in this p
playfully adult little-girl's room. Photo: Tria Giovan

In the East

"Eastern-US style is clean and refreshing, and characterized by the utilization of traditional elements in non-traditional applications -- basically a call-out to our Yankee ingenuity. Our rooms are no longer fussy and pretentious, but casually chic with a focus on livability versus high style. They tend to incorporate relaxed colors and one or two brief nods to our heritage as well. The fact that Granny's old rocker isn't too precious to repaint and reupholster is a testament to our growing eco-consciousness and can-do attitude. Swags are long gone."
--Amanda Nisbet, Amanda Nisbet Interior Design (New York, New York)

Olive crewelwork fabric and sleek, lime-colored vinyl bring in texture and interest while antique and classically-inspired furnishings give this dining area timeless Southern appeal. Photo: Tobi Fairley Interior Design

In the South

"There are as many variations on Southern-American style as there are recipes for a good batch of chicken and dumplings. But what they all have in common is a deliberate use of color, a confident mixing of patterns and a feminine sensibility. All of these qualities make southern style warm and inviting -- a place that feels like home and really makes you want to stay awhile. Rooms in the American South aren't unlike America itself: No matter how clean-lined or collected they happen to be, they're created with love and appreciation for those who visit the space now, and for many years to come."
--Tobi Fairley, Tobi Fairley Interior Design (Little Rock, Arkansas)

We love all the differences -- and common threads! -- that make up American style all over. Tell us where you are and what American style means to YOU in the comments.

You'll see more 4th of July ideas on ShelterPop next week but you should also see the fantastic things going on at Holidash!
Craft a 4th of July Flower (Adorable)
Throw a Retro 4th of July

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Buzz: iPhone Apps For Decorating

Allegra Muzzillo — 2010-05-26T13:50:00 00:00

Filed under: Your Home, Fun Stuff, Design, etc, News & Trends

Kitting out your new place? Re-doing your current one? There's an app for that.

We scoured Apple's iTunes store and distilled hundreds (upon hundreds) of useful apps into six of our latest faves for decorating, all under $5. Warning: Proceed with caution; there's some high addiction potential here.

Mark Lewison

BEST FOR: PLANNING A REDESIGN
Home Interior Layout Designer:
Mark On Call by Mark Lewison
$3 (at left)

Upload photos of your space, and execute your next project with the help of a detailed visual plan. Customizable elements (generic, architectural, living, dining, bed, bath, kitchen) can be moved from room to room, and layouts can be saved for later use. Out shopping? Take a photo of your favorite finish, fabric, rug or flooring material and "skin" it onto any surface to preview before buying.

BEST FOR: CREATING A PALETTE
ColorSnap by Sherwin-Williams
Free (not shown)

See a color you love? Capture it with your camera; this app will sort through its 1,500-color library and select the shade of paint that's the closest match. Develop a custom palette, get suggestions on complementary hues and fine-tune brightness and saturation.

Black Mana Studios

BEST FOR: PLAYING HOUSE
Home 3D by Black Mana Studios
$5 (at left)

Everything you need to build your dream home-from the initial floor plan to furnishings. Insert rooms, furniture, fixtures and appliances, and see everything in three dimensions. Mix and match wallpaper, paint and flooring materials: Literally anything can be switched, flipped and modified.

BEST FOR: FURNISHING YOUR SPACE
ShopStyle
Free (not shown)

Features a wealth of bed and bath products, tableware, furniture and home decor-all searchable by brand, size, color and price. Peruse items from hundreds of retailers, including Design Within Reach, Pottery Barn, Room & Board and Williams-Sonoma. Save favorites, then share via email or Twitter.

HGTV

BEST FOR: SEEKING EXPERT ADVICE
HGTV's Staging & Property
Free (at left)

Get complimentary advice and learn valuable tricks of the trade, straight from the network's seasoned pros. Before-and-after slideshows and video clips from hit programs like Designed to Sell, Curb Appeal, and My First Place help you fabricate your ideal space, keep up with trends and identify your own personal style.

BEST FOR: HUNTING FOR TREASURES
Christie's
Free (not shown)

Browse through the renowned auctioneer's 450-plus sales in more than 80 departments, including fine and decorative arts, photographs and collectibles. Looking to figure out what something's worth? Try finding comparable, recently sold offerings by ogling the company's extensive results listings.

Get more of our favorite design apps then tell us! Are there smart phone apps you use for your cell phone? Comment below to let us know which ones you love.

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Trendspotting: Housing Works' 6th-Annual Design on a Dime

Allegra Muzzillo — 2010-05-25T13:35:00 00:00

Filed under: Color, Fun Stuff, Design, etc, News & Trends

The outrageously patterned bench, rug and plywood flooring in Nathan Thomas' booth were prime examples of risk-taking at its best. Photo: Allegra Muzzillo

There's no better place to spot design trends than this annual charity event that gathers together some of today's leading interior designers.

Design on a Dime is an annual fundraising event for Housing Works, one of the country's largest grassroots HIV/AIDS service organizations. Each year a group of designers creates room vignettes in which every item is for sale with the proceeds going directly to Housing Works. This year's event raised $700,000 and provided endless hours of inspiration for design lovers.

During this year's Design on a Dime event, we couldn't help but notice a few congruities among the 50-odd room vignettes. Although some of the old chestnuts (deer antlers, animal skins) still made cameos, it's still nice to see some fresher things coming our way. Could they be mini-trends in the making? We think so!

SPOTTED: Strong Geometrics
Triangles, rectangles, polygons and zigzags abounded at this year's show, making cameos on walls (Juniper Tedhams' blown-up tribal patchwork), chairs (bargello patterns on several hundred vintage occasionals) and floors (from checkerboard linoleum to cubist carpets).

Kristen McGinnis deftly displays a pleasing cube-on-cube dichotomy. Photo: Allegra Muzzillo

Kristen McGinnis's expert juxtaposition of a sculptural gray cube on that graphic rug made for a vignette-within-a-vignette.

Buzz Kelly Interiors takes to the walls with an all-encompassing stripe. Photo: Allegra Muzzillo

We particularly enjoyed how Buzz Kelly spiked sharp, EKG-esque lines across his three walls.

Boffo's one-of-a-kind pieces were composed of reclaimed-wood shipping palettes. Photo: Allegra Muzzillo

Another standout? The Boffo booth: The Brooklyn-based design team's handmade reclaimed-wood furniture (also gaining in popularity) was a gorgeous pastiche of rough-hewn diamonds and chevrons.

SPOTTED: Pattern on Pattern (on Pattern)
Though the act of pairing patterns is hardly a new design concept, a good mixed prints scheme always pushes the envelope a bit. This year, every risk seemed to pay off -- in spades.

From the wall coverings down to the bedding, Kim Hull's pattern layering made her little girl's room apropos, yet not too cutesy. Photo: Allegra Muzzillo

Kim Hull's charming little girl's room struck near-perfect harmony in which her mod fabrics set an appropriately playful tone without heading into cloying territory.

Who would've expected such unabashed eclecticism from Laura Kirar for Traditional Home? Photo: Allegra Muzzillo

And Laura Kirar's Traditional Home booth was a daring blend of bold colors and, ironically, a shining example of eclecticism at its best. The scheme's sassiness and unpredictability was a welcome surprise.

SPOTTED: Whimsical, with a Surreal Twist
Old is certainly new - and vice versa. We saw a strong, anything-goes sentiment at this year's event, which we totally loved. And it got us thinking about how we've been seeing a refreshing shift toward the tongue-in-cheeky lately.

True to form, Derek Warburton glams it up in his La Vie En Rose-inspired room. Photo: Allegra Muzzillo

While daredevils like Derek Warburton (above) and Nathan Thomas (below) went for an enjoyable over-the-top approach, other designers, too, worked in whimsical -- even surreal -- elements. (Ty Pennington's huge saddle horse, anyone?)

Nathan Thomas' booth is at once deliciously juvenile, traditional and surreal. Photo: Allegra Muzzillo

Maybe it's because everyone's "gone thrifting," or there's just a newly found affinity for quirky, slightly off-kilter things? Or perhaps it's all a sign of renewed optimism?

Todd Romano flanks a Roy Lichtenstein print with shadeless Christopher Spitzmiller lamps. Photo: Allegra Muzzillo

Whatever the catalyst, a new sense of adventurousness seems to be taking hold. And we like it. A lot.

Did you attend this year's Design on a Dime event? What trends did you spot? We'd love to know!

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On the Hunt: The Perfect Ottoman

Allegra Muzzillo — 2010-05-19T13:09:00 00:00

Filed under: Shopping, Your Home, Living Room, Design, etc, Furniture

West Elm's Dhurrie Poufs. Photo: West Elm

Eleven footstools for every taste and budget.

I've been growing increasingly dissatisfied with my couch. The reason? No place to rest my tired tootsies after a hard day's work. Since there's no way I'm getting another Barcalounger (long story), and because my L-shaped dream sofa is still just that, I started thinking about ottomans. It turns out there are tons of excellent choices. I've hunted down the most unique footstools, hassocks, poufs and ottomans, and uncovered these 11 kick-back-and-relax-worthy winners. Hope you love them as much as I do!

Above: Dhurrie Poufs, $200 to $350, West Elm
Somehow it's not an oxymoron. In cozy sheepskin, soft suede, durable hemp, and hand-loomed Dhurrie fabrics.

Mosaik

Blue Moroccan Leather ottoman
$249
Mosaik

Pre-stuffed and hand-stitched, it's a superb way to inject a cerulean pop to a drab room.

2Modern

Gus* UpCycle ottoman
$425
2Modern

Wake up and smell the coffee! No two are alike: Each cube is made from a different repurposed jute sack.

Grandin Road

Kilim Foot Stool
$99
Grandin Road

Right off the Silk Road. Another one-of-a-kind option--but with a 40- to 100-year-old provenance.

Design Within Reach

Miss Rio Ottoman
$350
Design Within Reach

Used Brazilian flip-flops are reincarnated to form this fringed, whimsical pouf. Perfect in a kids' room or on an outdoor terrace.

HSN

Upholstered Skirted Storage Ottoman by Carleton Varney
$170
HSN

Definitely Granny, but in a good way. The top of this traditional tuffet detaches to reveal hidden storage for crosswords, needlepoint, your chocolate stash, you name it.

Novica

Woven Black ottoman by Wayan PJ
$202.50
Novica

Its sturdy teak-wood base is lashed with wide strips of expertly-woven leather; I'd choose it for a sophisticated sitting-room setting.

Target

Lips ottoman
$40
Target

Uber-sassy and satisfyingly plush, this plush pucker would make a cheeky statement in a tween girl's bedroom. Consider it a conversation piece.

Horchow

Lipstick-Red Tufted ottoman
$839
Horchow

A bold, reproduction antique, this piece screens formal elegance. Red rayon-velvet sits atop a carved beechwood frame -- waiting at the ready for any one of your Gone With the Wind moments.

Meijer

Woodstock Adirondack teak ottoman
$31.49
Meijer

Who says Adirondack furniture needs to go outside? We think this (affordable) mid-mod-style gem would look great indoors too.

Crate & Barrel

Blake ottoman
$329
Crate & Barrel

This model is beach-y and relaxed, with a nice flared leg. And you'll be reclining with a clearer conscience, too: Its teak-wood frame is culled from a sustainably-managed forest and cushions are composed of soy- or plant-based polyfoam.

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Spring 2010 Handmade Cavalcade

Allegra Muzzillo — 2010-05-03T14:53:00 00:00

Filed under: Fun Stuff, Crafts & Projects, Design, etc, News & Trends

A lovely recycled-plastic crocheted doily greeted visitors at the entrance. Photo: Allegra Muzzillo

A report from the {NewNew}'s Spring 2010 Handmade Cavalcade at Brooklyn's Berry Park.

Yes, it's safe to say...Crafting is cool again. The word no longer conjures up macramé plant hangers, paint-by-numbers vistas, or cheesy looped potholders. For the past 10 years or so, the world has seen a renewed interest in all things DIY, and this resurgence is undeniable. In fact, since Etsy.com's debut just five years ago, its sellers have seen unprecedented gains in 2009: $181 million (up from $88 million in 2008). All during one of the worst economic downfalls since the Great Depression, no less.

This past Saturday, Etsy, together with The {NewNew}, a group fostering solidarity and increasing exposure among Metro NYC-area crafters, held its well-attended Handmade Cavalcade. Over 25 vendors offered up locally designed and produced goods including everything from home décor and accessories to jewelry, lighting, paper goods, and *yum* baked goods, too.

Joyella Designs featured repurposed dishware fashioned into an attractive compote. Photo: Allegra Muzzillo

The event was held at Berry Park, a relatively new Williamsburg, Brooklyn biergarten with a spacious roof deck overlooking the Manhattan skyline. The day? Beautiful. And the vendors? Extremely talented by any standards.

Walking into the bar, we were touched by the obvious camaraderie and unbelievably polished displays. NYC is really cooking up some great stuff! We spoke with our favorite vendors, and asked them all one question: How do you think the handmade craft movement is changing design, and impacting how (and what) people are buying?

Here, their artful answers:

Jenny Topolski shows off her beehive lanterns, octopus-tentacle sconces, and ceramic dishware and jewelry. Photo: Allegra Muzzillo

"People are now going further to seek out unique goods. Now, consumers care more about where and how something's been made; they aren't necessarily looking for the most inexpensive items anymore. Large retailers are tapping into this, too: They're hiring independent designers to create custom lines for their stores. It's been wonderful seeing pieces by my talented, hardworking friends sold in smaller, downtown boutiques and in nationwide chains."
-- Jenny Topolski, designer and artist

A colorful layering of laser-cut felt trivets by peppersprouts. Photo: Allegra Muzzillo

"It's now so much easier for crafters to develop and produce their products, gain exposure and find buyers. So many of the resources and production methods available to me now weren't available three, let alone 13 years ago. People can now see and buy handmade goods in real time, and designers can release their creativity and find tangible success doing so."
-- Jen Pepper, peppersprouts

Luise Stromberg uses post-consumer recycled paper for her punctured lampshades and greeting cards. Photo: Allegra Muzzillo

"I feel like I'm part of a community -- a group of like-minded individuals who value what I value. There's also more of an awareness and appreciation of the time and effort going into making something from scratch -- and certain people are even willing to pay a little extra for it. Love goes into everything I make. And you don't do this kind of thing unless you really love what you're doing."
-- Luise Stromberg, warpeDesign

Miniature Rhino offered up DIY zodiac embroidery kits, recycled paper goods and collected ephemera. Photo: Allegra Muzzillo

"Virtual marketplaces like Etsy give legitimacy to what I love to do. Because really, I'm just one girl who's working out of a room in her apartment...It's given me a real platform."
-- Jessica Marquez, Miniature Rhino

Tanya Mauler's handmade pillows incorporate traditional sewing techniques, such as smocking. Photo: Allegra Muzzillo

"Many big-box retailers are appropriating the 'handmade look' to their mass-produced items, which is good and bad. While it downplays the process for those of us who work really hard, there's also a real push toward individuality. Traditional techniques [like the smocking seen in some of her handmade pillows], passed down for generations, are now being adapted for modern-day designs. I see more and more of these techniques being utilized in ways they weren't originally intended."
-- Tanya Mauler, Luck x4

What about you, dear readers? Have you attended this or any of The {NewNew}'s past events? If so, tell us what you think! Or, just tell us how you think the handmade craft movement is changing design, and impacting how (and what) people are buying?

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