Rita Wilkins's Blog, page 50
March 30, 2021
What’s Preventing You from Upgrading Your Kitchen?
By Rita Wilkins
The Downsizing Designer
Over the course of my interior design career of 35 plus years, I’ve heard many stories about experiences clients have had with kitchen renovations. I’ve learned something from each of those conversations so I can better serve my own clients to help them plan and prepare ahead of time what can be disruptive, messy, and stressful. Because no matter what, a kitchen renovation is invasive. It’s invading the heart of your home, the center of all your activities.
It can be frustrating and overwhelming to just think about it so many people tend to put it off fearing the worst-case scenario.
Check out this blog post: Important Tips You Should Know Prior to Undertaking a Big Renovation.Ask yourself…
What Are You Missing by Not Upgrading Your Kitchen Now?
4 Reasons You Might Be Resisting A Kitchen Renovation1. Fear of repeating past mistakes A bad experience from a previous kitchen renovation.Selecting the wrong contractor again.Not getting professional assistance the last time.Thinking I could do it myself.Taking much longer than expected.Costing far more than I budgeted.
2. Overwhelmed by the processThe enormous amount of detail involved.The number of selections and coordination that needs to occur.There are so many decisions need to be made… will I get it right?The inevitable self-doubt… will the new plan work?The lack of knowledge about the process, resources, costs, etc.
3. It’s so expensive to upgrade a kitchen!How can I stay within my budget?How can I maximize my budget?How can I get the most of my money?What are ways I can get what I want without sacrificing quality or look?
4. It’s so disruptive and messy!
It takes so much time!It’s noisy!There’s dust everywhere!
If any of these objections to renovating your kitchen resonate with you…
you’re right!
Free Download: Designer Kitchen Tips
A kitchen renovation can be… ExpensiveDisruptiveMessyStressfulI would like to ask those of you who had have successful kitchen renovations…
now that you are enjoying your beautiful new kitchen, was it worth the effort, the cost, and the disruptions? Are you glad you did it?
Ask yourself, what are you missing by not renovating your kitchen now?
Why not start enjoying your new kitchen now?
If you have any questions or interested in doing a kitchen remodel, but have concerns, feel free to reach out to me for a complimentary 30-minute phone consultation, click here.
Having designed over 350 kitchens over the last 35 years, I am here to help you in any way to design and live the life you love!
The post What’s Preventing You from Upgrading Your Kitchen? first appeared on Design Services LTD.
March 26, 2021
When Is A Good Time To Downsize & Declutter?
Are you searching for something to help you feel more content with your life? Do you find yourself wondering if, perhaps, the answer lies in downsizing? I’m Rita Wilkins, “The Downsizing Designer.” If you believe it’s time to downsize your life, I can help you learn more about how to accomplish this goal.
When Is A Good Time To Downsize & Declutter?The choice to downsize & declutter your life is one that different people come to for different reasons. For example, you may consider downsizing if you…
Have an “empty nest.” Are moving to a new, smaller home. Are reaching retirement age. You’ve recently divorced. Your partner has passed. You are having financial hardship.The truth is, there is no one “right answer” to when you might consider downsizing. Downsizing is something that works for many different people for different reasons.
Downsize & Declutter Your Life And Upgrade Your Lifestyle When You Are ReadyIf you are going through retirement, an empty nest, or financial hardship, now might be the perfect time to consider downsizing and decluttering. Even if these do not specifically apply to you. You can choose to downsize & declutter just because you feel it’s the right time for you. When you decide you’re ready, you can find the tools you need in my Amazon best-seller book, Downsize Your Life, Upgrade Your Lifestyle. Learn how downsizing gives you more time, more money, and more freedom to do the things that make you happiest.
Rita Wilkins Offers Lifestyle Design And Interior Design ServicesDo you want to learn more about downsizing and decluttering? Call Design Services LTD at 302-475-5663 to discuss your design needs. You can also connect with me by following me on Facebook and LinkedIn. Would you like complimentary advice from the downsizing designer? You can schedule a complimentary 30-minute call with me today.
The post When Is A Good Time To Downsize & Declutter? first appeared on Design Services LTD.When Is A Good Time To Downsize?
Are you searching for something to help you feel more content with your life? Do you find yourself wondering if, perhaps, the answer lies in downsizing? I’m Rita Wilkins, “The Downsizing Designer.” If you believe it’s time to downsize your life, I can help you learn more about how to accomplish this goal.
When Is A Good Time To Downsize?The choice to downsize your life is one that different people come to for different reasons. For example, you may consider downsizing if you…
Have an “empty nest.” Are moving to a new, smaller home. Are reaching retirement age. You’ve recently divorced. Your partner has passed. You are having financial hardship.The truth is, there is no one “right answer” to when you might consider downsizing. Downsizing is something that works for many different people for different reasons.
Downsize Your Life And Upgrade Your Lifestyle When You Are ReadyYou don’t need any particular reason to want to downsize your life and upgrade your lifestyle. You can choose to downsize just because you feel it’s the right time for you. When you decide you’re ready, you can find the tools you need in my Amazon best-seller book, Downsize Your Life, Upgrade Your Lifestyle. Learn how downsizing gives you more time, more money, and more freedom to do the things that make you happiest.
Rita Wilkins Offers Lifestyle Design And Interior Design ServicesDo you want to learn more about downsizing and decluttering? Call Design Services LTD at 302-475-5663 to discuss your design needs. You can also connect with me by following me on Facebook and LinkedIn. Would you like complimentary advice from the downsizing designer? You can schedule a complimentary 30-minute call with me today.
The post When Is A Good Time To Downsize? first appeared on Design Services LTD.March 24, 2021
Trending: Smaller Homes and Spaces We Actually Use
By Rita Wilkins
The Downsizing Designer
Are you tired of spending money on things you don’t use?
The expensive little black dress you just got to have but you’ve never worn?
The timeshare you bought on a whim when you were on a vacation, but you’ve only used it twice in the last 10 years?
The big house that was once filled with kids and with all of their friends?
It’s an interesting thing how houses get larger while families get smaller, draining dollars from our budget every single month. Related blog post: The Benefits of Living in a Smaller Home Do you have rooms or spaces in your large home that you never user… or rarely use? Are these rooms filled with stuff that you never use… or rarely use?
Have you ever asked yourself just how much unused space you have in your home that you are paying for each month?
If you are like many Americans, likely, you are wasting valuable real estate space as well as money. All of these spaces we thought we needed when you bought are large house. What rooms are you not using or rarely using? Typically, the formal living room, formal dining room, 2-3 extra bedrooms, attic, and basements are areas that people don’t use well.
Have you ever asked yourself just how much space you really need… that you’ll actually use?
This is a highly individual and deeply personal question but is an important question to ask if you want to make sense of it all.
Why do we buy large houses?
…. When we only use 1/2 to 1/3 of them and yet we continue to have to pay for the unused real estate each month?
1. We are influenced by our culture.
More is more, bigger is better, and it conveys our status or level of success to our colleagues, family, and friends.
2. We’ve convinced ourselves we need the extra space for entertaining, for holidays, and for guests.
The reality is our formal dining rooms, while they are certainly festive and add a touch of elegance to our lives, the national average for people who actually use their formal dining rooms is 2-4 times a year. In terms of the extra guest bedrooms, the national average for overnight guests is also 3-4 times a year. Certainly, there are times in our lives that the size of our home is dictated by our life stage.
The young growing family with children.
Middle age family with active teenagers.
Empty-nest, kids have left the home that is now used by just two people.
Even though our lives have changed and we’ve moved on from having a larger house, many of us still hold on…
Even though we are using only ½ to 1/3 of the space…
Even though we are having to pay for unused or rarely used space…
Even though the big house is more of a burden to our time, energy, and budget…
Downsizing: Don’t know where to start?
Is it time for you to consider downsizing to a smaller home that better suits your current life stage and lifestyle needs?
Ask yourself these questions: When in your home…
1. Where do you typically spend most of your time?
A University of California study says that we spend 68% of our time in the kitchen and family room near food prep, eating, and TV. According to the same study, another 22% of our time is spent in our bedroom and bathroom.
2. What spaces do you rarely use?
Formal Dining Room?
Formal Living Room?
Guest rooms?
Basement?
Attic?
3. On a floor plan of your home…
With one color, color areas of your home that you use the most (kitchen, family room, bath, home office, formal master bedroom, closet, garage).
With another color, color the areas of your home that you rarely use (the dining room, living room, guest rooms, basement, attic).
4. Now, look at the percentage of used vs unused space in your home.
5. Calculate the cost of unused space.
Divide the total number of unused rooms into your total monthly housing expense to calculate the cost of unused space.
6. Weigh the cost and benefits of continuing to live in your larger house versus the possibility of downsizing to a smaller house where you will actually use all of your space and pay for only what you will use.
Bottom line:
The best solution is not always a larger home.
Do you need help with decluttering or downsizing? We offer a full range of downsizing and decluttering services. If you wish to discuss this, I do offer a 30-minute complimentary call. Click here to sign-up.
The post Trending: Smaller Homes and Spaces We Actually Use first appeared on Design Services LTD.
March 19, 2021
Downsizing When Moving To A Smaller Home
What if you were told that, by living with less, you could achieve greater happiness and contentment? I’m Rita Wilkins, “The Downsizing Designer,” and I have lived this experience. By downsizing my life to live with 95% less of what I once owned, I’ve found greater contentment in my life. Now, you can do the same.
Why Do You Need To Downsize Your Life?There are, of course, many reasons one might one to downsize their life. Perhaps you feel it’s just the right time to downsize. Perhaps there are upcoming events in your life that make you reconsider how many belongings you have.
Moving Into A Smaller Home Is A Great Time To Consider DownsizingOne of the many life events that could trigger someone to consider downsizing is moving into a new home, especially if that home is smaller. In fact, moving to a smaller home may be part of your downsizing process. Reasons to consider moving into a smaller home as part of your downsizing process include:
You have more space than you need. Your kids have left home, leaving you with an empty nest. You want a home that is easier to maintain. Moving Helps You Transition Into A Downsized LifeWhatever your reason, moving to a new home is always a time of transition. If you’re moving to a smaller home, you need to learn how to utilize less space better. Use moving as your chance to declutter a lifetime of objects you no longer need.
How do you begin decluttering and downsizing? Learn more in my Amazon best-seller book, Downsize Your Life, Upgrade Your Lifestyle.
Rita Wilkins Offers Lifestyle Design And Interior Design ServicesDo you want to learn more about downsizing and decluttering? Call Design Services LTD at 302-475-5663 to discuss your design needs. You can also connect with me by following me on Facebook and LinkedIn. Would you like complimentary advice from the downsizing designer? You can schedule a complimentary 30-minute call with me today.
The post Downsizing When Moving To A Smaller Home first appeared on Design Services LTD.Insights Gained from the High Demand for Multifunctional Furniture
By Rita Wilkins
The Downsizing Designer
As an interior designer and lifestyle designer for well over 35 years, I’ve seen many changes in our industry. I am always intrigued by the growing trends and changes that are almost always dictated by our ever-changing lifestyles. Because I get to work directly with my clients, I have the opportunity to listen directly to their wants, needs, and wish lists, reflecting how their lifestyles are constantly changing.
One of the most intriguing trends to me right now is the high demand and exponential growth of the multifunctional furniture industry.
What Is Multifunctional Furniture?1. It is a furniture that has more than one purpose and It transforms right before your eyes.For example:
A cocktail table that rises to dining height, standard to desk height, and then to standing desk height.A Murphy bed that folds back into the wall when not in use. Underneath the bed is a fold-out work table/desk/storage.2. It is a furniture that adapts to smaller spaces, yet fulfills multiple purposesFor example:
Dining room table that stacks into a wall as a credenza, but expands out to seat 6 to 8 people and then falls back into a credenza when not in use.
Image Credit: Overstock
What Is Driving the Demand for Multifunctional Furniture?Changing lifestylesMigration to cities and apartments (urban living).Downsizing to smaller homes/smaller spaces.Movement to minimalism/living with less.Demand for space-saving solutions when decluttering.
If you have recently downsized or moved to a smaller space, read this recent blog post: “Space Saving Ideas for Your Small Spaces”.
Types of Multifunctional FurnitureCocktail tables that become armchairs and side tables.Desks that transform from cocktail tables to dining tables.Chairs that converts from seating to bed to storage.Wall bed that adapts from bed to working desk to storage.Ottomans that transform into storage, table, and seating.
It’s not just furniture that is multifunctional. The adjustable lighting category is also expanding. Lighting can be pulled to where you need it when you need it.
The multifunctional furniture industry is evolving. As we work more from home, live in smaller spaces, our needs are dictating that furniture manufacturers design and produce furniture that meets our ever-changing lifestyles.
Check out my recent blog post: The Benefits of Living in a Smaller HomeIf you need any assistance with space planning and the use of multifunctional furniture, I’d be happy to help! Schedule your free 30-minute complimentary phone consultation, here.
Or if you prefer, I also provide online design consultations for any area of your home. Contact me at 302-475-5663 to schedule an appointment.
Download your free ABC’s of downsizing here.
March 12, 2021
Downsizing And Starting Over
Do you find yourself wondering what is missing in your life? Have you tried, and failed, to make yourself content by accumulating more and more things? I’m Rita Wilkins, “The Downsizing Designer.” I’m here to propose that perhaps the solution you’ve been looking for isn’t in having more things, but in having fewer things. Perhaps it is time to downsize and start over.
Give Yourself A Fresh Start By DownsizingI used to live in a large designed home filled with many beautiful items. However, I didn’t find happiness living this way. I only found the happiness and contentment I sought after downsizing my life. Now, I live happily with 95% less of what I once owned.
What Downsizing Your Life Can Teach YouYou may be surprised by how much your life improves by simple downsizing. You can really start fresh and start over. Here’s what downsizing can teach you:
More isn’t better. You don’t need expensive things to fill a void. You can enjoy life more by freeing up your time and money. You Can Start Over Any Time By DownsizingSometimes the best way to move forward is to start over. There are many reasons people might want to start over, including but not limited to:
Moving to a new home. Reaching retirement age. Having an “empty nest.”Regardless of your reason, if you’re interested in downsizing your life to upgrade your lifestyle, you’ll find the advice and guidance you need in my Amazon best-seller book, Downsize Your Life, Upgrade Your Lifestyle. Get your copy today and find the tools you need to downsize and start over.
Rita Wilkins Offers Lifestyle Design And Interior Design ServicesDo you want to learn more about downsizing and decluttering? Call Design Services LTD at 302-475-5663 to discuss your design needs. You can also connect with me by following me on Facebook and LinkedIn. Would you like complimentary advice from the downsizing designer? You can schedule a complimentary 30-minute call with me today.
The post Downsizing And Starting Over first appeared on Design Services LTD.March 5, 2021
Get a Jumpstart on Spring with a Decluttering Method That Really Works! (it’s called minimizing)
BY RITA WILKINS
THE DOWNSIZING DESIGNER
Spring is just around the corner. Our thoughts turn to being outside again, new beginnings, and a fresh start.
Our thoughts might also turn into the age-old custom of spring cleaning, giving your home a fresh, lighter, less cluttered look.
Have you ever asked yourself why you take time to clean, organize, and tidy up the same old stuff? Why you buy more pretty organizing bins and baskets for the same old stuff?
It’s like one vicious circle.
Organizing the same belongings over and over again.It takes time from your daily life, from doing things you would rather be doing.It creates more work and it’s redundant.This year, why not rethink spring cleaning… and instead, do a spring cleanout.
What if you got rid of some of the things that you keep reorganizing each year?
Things you never use or forgot you even have.Things you have multiples of.Things you don’t want, need or use anymore.What if you pared down your possessions to:
Only things you love.Only things you want, need, or will use.Check out our recent blog: How to Let Go of Sentimental Stuff
What if this year, instead of organizing your stuff, you minimize your belongings?
Rather than just rearranging, cleaning, and organizing the same stuff year after year, let this be the year you intentionally choose to declutter and live with less.
Room by Room, Week by Week Decluttering Method
By far, this is one of the best decluttering methods I’ve ever used and continue to use because it works! It works because it is slow and steady, and because it is intentional. You see small weekly wins that ultimately become big wins.
Face it! Decluttering is an emotional experience and it’s also physically exhausting.
When you pull everything out of a closet and you realize just how much you never use, you forgot you even had, and you are reminded of how much money you’ve wasted overtime.
It’s emotional, it’s overwhelming, and it’s exhausting.
But think of it this way
When you own less, you will have more time, money, energy, and freedom…To do more things you want to doTo be with your loved ones moreTo not have to organize the same stuff each year.How does the Room by Room, Week by Week decluttering method work?
List all of the rooms in your home that need decluttering.Prioritize the room or rooms you want to work on first, second, etc.What is the goal you want to accomplish in that room? What is your motivation for wanting to declutter this room? What do you want to “feel like” when you are done? (calm, organized, efficient)Pick one area of that room that you want to start. (i.e., closet, dresser, bookcase) Then set a time to complete your goal (2-3 hours).Remove all items from that area (clothes from the closet) and ask yourself these questions:Do you use it? Or wear it?Does it fit or look good on you?If not, place it in the donate pile. Item by item, place items in three separate piles, “donate, discard, or keep”.
6. Remove all items in the donate or discard pile. Put them in your car immediately to either be donated or discarded. And don’t create piles in your garage.
7. Schedule next week’s session and put it on your calendar. Pick the room and the area that you want to work on. Set the goal that you want to accomplish within 2–3-hour period. Set the timer to complete.
8. Move on to the next room.
The Room by Room, Week by Week method of decluttering will help you start to see progress each week. You will experience small wins that will motivate you to keep moving so that you can complete your decluttering project.
When you use this decluttering method, spring cleaning will take on a whole new meaning.
Big challenges reap big rewards.
What you will start to experience overtime is life-changing:
Your attitude towards stuff changes.You’ll be less inclined to buy more.You’ll become more intentional about what you want and need versus what you don’t want and need.You’ll develop a decluttering muscle that makes it easier to let go of your unneeded possessions.You will begin to experience the value of owning less so you can live more.Do you need help decluttering or downsizing? Check out my 6-week Decluttering Challenge. Click here to sign-up.
We offer a full range of downsizing and decluttering services. If you wish to discuss, I do offer a 30-minute complimentary call. Click here to sign-up.
The post Get a Jumpstart on Spring with a Decluttering Method That Really Works! (it’s called minimizing) first appeared on Design Services LTD.
Moving Into A New Home And Downsizing
Does your life seem too cluttered? Do you yearn for a life that is both simpler and richer? The solution you need could surprise you! I’m Rita Wilkins, or as some know me, “The Downsizing Designer.” I’ve learned that, through downsizing, I am able to lead a life that is more abundant by having less. Now I pass on the wisdom of downsizing and decluttering to you!
Getting Ready To Move Into A New Home?One of the best times to consider downsizing is when you’re moving into a new home. Why?
As you pack, you have to go through all your belongings anyway. Fewer things to move means less work for moving day. It allows you to have a fresh start in your new home. You Get More Out Of A Decluttered LifeWhen you choose to downsize your life and upgrade your lifestyle, you’re choosing a more fulfilling life. Our culture may tell us “more is better” – but that simply isn’t true. Think of the moments that bring you the most happiness. Now, ask yourself – are those moments of happiness linked to my possessions, or to the people in my life, quality time spend with loved ones, and living in the moment?
How Do I Decide What To Bring To My New Home?Downsizing may not be easy, but the results are worth it. By downsizing, you make room for more money, time, and freedom in your life. Allow yourself to make your life in your new home a truly fresh start. How do you decide what to bring with you when moving to a new home?
Focus on the essentials. What do you need to bring to your new home? Nix the clutter. What can you do without?Furniture, dishes, and other things that would be too much to replace should come with you. However, excess books, trinkets, and so on may not need to come with you to your new home. If you’re reading to downsize your life to move into a new home, consider buying my Amazon best-seller book, Downsize Your Life, Upgrade Your Lifestyle to learn more about downsizing.
Rita Wilkins Offers Lifestyle Design And Interior Design ServicesDo you want to learn more about downsizing and decluttering? Call Design Services LTD at 302-475-5663 to discuss your design needs. You can also connect with me by following me on Facebook and LinkedIn. Would you like complimentary advice from the downsizing designer? You can schedule a complimentary 30-minute call with me today.
The post Moving Into A New Home And Downsizing first appeared on Design Services LTD.March 2, 2021
How To Take Your “Cloffice” To A Whole New Level: Home Office Organizing 2.0
BY RITA WILKINS
THE DOWNSIZING DESIGNER
Can you believe that it’s been almost a year since the pandemic struck and we were all suddenly required to shelter in place and to figure out how to work and learn from home full time.
Most of us scrambled to find places in our home where we could set up a makeshift office, assuming it would be short-term. We worked on the kitchen table, on the dining room table, and some even discovered ways to carve out quiet spaces in their closets!
Many of you got really creative, removing closet doors, adding work surfaces, filing, and shelving to simulate an office cubicle. Some even got fancier. They painted their cloffice in a bold color or added wall covering to personalized it and make it their own.
But after a year of working in their cloffices or makeshift work areas, and after realizing how much they liked working from home and that they didn’t have to be in the office each day, many people have decided that working from home will be the new normal they choose in the future.
And they want to know how to design and organize a more permanent and workable HOME OFFICE 2.0: Check out our recent blog: Make yourself at home in your own home.
People are asking how to declutter their existing work environment so that they can create a more organized space that…has everything they need just like their former office.will help them be more productive, organized, and efficient.they will actually enjoy working in and being in so that working from home becomes a much better and more enjoyable experience.My Top Tips to Design Your Home Office 2.0
1. A Dedicated Space
Ideally, find a space in your home that can be dedicated strictly to work, one that you can close the door and separate your work life from your home life. This will help to improve work-life balance by creating a more organized and efficient space to work.
2. Ample Workspace
This should include everything you need to do your work in a more organize and effective manner: a desk, file space, storage space, shelving, and optional conference table and seating.
3. Proper Desk Height
Many have been working on portable tables or work surfaces causing back and neck strain because they have not been the proper height. A good desk height is between 29 and 30 inches. You might even choose to use an adjustable height desk for working and standing.
4. Proper Monitor Height
To avoid eye strain, your monitor should be at a level where you can look straight into the monitor while sitting.
5. Ergonomic Chair
Ideally, you can sit in this chair and try it to make sure that it fits you. It should be adjustable and your arm, when sitting should be level with your work surface and keyboard so as to avoid arm and neck strain.
6. Multiple Workplaces Within Your Home Office
In addition to having a good working desk, you might also have a return, small conference table and sitting area to help with not only productivity but also creativity.
7. Good Lighting
Often overlooked, improper lighting causes eye strain. It’s important to have good over-all ambient lighting, task lighting, and natural light. To avoid sun glare, make sure you have tiltable shades.
8. Decorative Finishes That Are Pleasing to You
Paint, wall covering, stain finishes, fabrics, and artwork should be pleasing to you. It is critical to creating a home office environment that you love going to.
9. Other Important Items for Your Home Office 2.0
A print/copy/scanner with good collating space and easy access to paper storage.A good microphone.A headset or wireless earbuds to zone out the noise.Good internet connection.Surge protectionGood back up to the cloud.People often underestimate the impact their home office environment has on their ability to work in an organized and effective manner. In addition to making sure that you have a dedicated home office it’s important to have a proper desk height and monitor height. The right ergonomic chair, good lighting, multiple workspaces, and decorative finishes that are pleasing to you will contribute to the kind of home office environment that is not only pleasing but also workable.
If you have any questions about designing and organizing your home office 2.0, I do provide virtual design consultation. Take advantage of a FREE 30-minute phone consult with me. Click here.
The post How To Take Your “Cloffice” To A Whole New Level: Home Office Organizing 2.0 first appeared on Design Services LTD.
