Thanks to my post about Charlie mangling my issue of Real Simple, a generous coworker lent me her copy so I didn’t have to try and salvage a post from the shredded remains of my mag. Score! So without further ado (and without dog drool), here’s this month’s roundup:
1. Home: Wait, that was a closet? In honor of all things DIY around these parts, and of my love for small spaces, I’m sharing Real Simple’s article about small spaces turned fabulous. These redesigns show cramped and inefficient spaces that have been re-purposed to not only function better, but look better as well. I love this piece because I have quite the affection for small spaces. I think my fascination started when my parents were designing a house when I was in high school and purchased a book called The Not-so Big House. I became enamored with the pictures of great interiors, all perfectly efficient and beautiful. It was so refreshing to see a space that wasn’t in-your-face enormous like most of the new construction homes we see built today. That book started my love affair for interior design and small spaces, and this article is another notch in my love affair’s belt.
2. Editor’s Note. Now, this isn’t an article per say, but I have to point out how wonderful Real Simple’s editor is. I love her. I want us to be best friends and discuss design and organizational techniques over coffee. And I don’t even drink coffee. She writes little snippets of loveliness in every issue that probably go unnoticed by the typical reader. This month’s is a recap of her search for the perfect work bag – nothing extraordinary, but the way she writes makes her stories so relate-able and poignant. She often touches on her life, her children, the world today, etc. Every piece puts a smile on my face and makes me love her that much more… in a non-stalker kind of way, of course.
3. 4 Ways to Remake your Space. Why another article on home design? Oh, because I can, gosh darn it! I really have to applaud RS for showcasing great design for a non-design magazine. I love that they aren’t afraid of color (spoken by one true color lover) and can put out some really beautiful, eclectic room scenes. This article is no exception. They call out 4 basic ways to spruce up your space and then delve into the nitty gritty of how to make them a reality. The four topics are: Use color creatively, Perk up a neutral palette, Embrace black & white, and Aim for playfulness, not perfection. If these 4 points weren’t so wordy, I might just make them my personal mantra. I love all of the points they listed for everyday homeowners to try. Seriously, check this one out and take some of the tips to heart. You’ll be loving your space in no time. Here’s to another issue of RS in the future, assuming the pup isn’t on the warpath that day. Fingers crossed!
I did not realize “The Not So Big House” was such a big influence on your creative endeavors. Just for your readers to know, the second book, “Creating the Not So Big House”, played an even larger role in the design of our house. Maybe on another blog you could revisit the construction of this house in which you were the ” chop saw queen” for my brother the contractor. I am looking at the cypress ceiling that you helped construct as I write. It is perfect, as you and brother Bobby would only allow.
I must say that you are not the only one that loves the Editor’s Note! I read them first every issue. She always sets the perfect mood for the issue. I want to be her BFF too. Glad to know I’m not the only one!
Here’s to hoping mine is in the mailbox – that I haven’t collected in over a week.
Hey, I HAVE that book, “The Not So Big House”!!!! I got it a couple of years ago, and love, love, love it!!!