Forget the Open Floor Plan--It's Time to Bring Back Walls

1. Make a Clean Sweep Start your spring porch refresh with a spring cleaning. Wipe down or wash off the ceiling, walls and corners to get rid of dirt buildup, grime and cobwebs. Follow up by thoroughly cleaning the flooring. While you’re at it, check windows and doors for any needed repairs. You might want to refresh the caulk, replace hardware or sills, repair screens, or clean or update light fixtures or door hardware. Tackle any paint or stain touch-ups now as well. You’ll have a clean canvas for adding furnishings and decorative touches as well as a bright and welcoming space where you can enjoy the upcoming warm weather. Harrell Remodeling, Inc. / Design + Build 2. Bring Out the Color Take your cleanup a step further by refreshing your paint or changing the color. A fresh coat of paint on the door and trim or a new color on the flooring or stairs will brighten the entire space. If you’re not ready for exterior painting, think small. Painting a chair or table can go a long ways tow

Declutter First I recommend decluttering items you no longer want or need before you reorganize or remodel your kitchen. Cluttered cabinets may be deterrents for putting things away properly, which can then contribute to your kitchen running inefficiently. Dura Supreme Cabinetry While you’re decluttering, take note of the items that remain. Think about what you use most often and be sure to reserve prime spots for them. Sort your items into categories: cooking utensils, baking tools, food storage containers and bags, seasonal items and so on. Each of your kitchen categories will need housing, preferably in separate, dedicated spaces. Consider which categories are used most frequently, such as flatware, plates and mugs, so you can store those items within easy reach. Remember to also take into account proximity to your dishwasher. For example, a prime cabinet that’s close to the dishwasher may be best for storing relatively heavy plates and bowls. Visualize Your Kitchen Goals Next, cons

Readjust to In-Person Learning If you have children who have been learning remotely and will resume full-time, in-person classes this fall, consider how to transition them smoothly and regain your space at home. You may have purchased a lot of supplies and equipment — extra paper, pens, pencils, art supplies, glue, scissors and more — to manage home-schooling during the pandemic. These items that normally would stay in the classroom may now be taking up significant space in your multipurpose home. Organize these items, starting with “shopping” from your stash and pulling out those necessary for the upcoming in-person school year. Lindye Galloway Interiors It may be premature to get rid of all home-schooling supplies, since the coronavirus hasn’t been completely contained yet and guidelines could change. It may be wise to prepare for potential stay-at-home orders again if cases continue to surge. But you can still organize and pare down your items. Depending on their condition, consider

Decluttering your home is a satisfying but time-consuming project. What you may not realize ahead of time is that sorting through your belongings can bring up a number of emotions, from guilt to nostalgia to feeling overwhelmed. These emotions are a completely normal part of the decluttering process. Keep in mind that the act of getting rid of things you no longer need can ultimately be very freeing. Read on to understand six emotional challenges that may come up as you declutter — because knowing what to expect can make the process easier. Anna Wilson Interiors 1. Fear That You May Regret Letting an Item Go Fear can cause you to hold on to unused items that you think you might need someday. But often these items no longer have a useful function — outdated or ill-fitting clothes, sports equipment you no longer use, crafting supplies for projects you’ve abandoned, extra towels and bedding that may be stained or worn and that you never use. These items usually sit untouched in closets, b