With the near approaching spring, the event of spring cleaning is almost at our door step. Depending on your personality,  you might look at it as an opportunity to get rid of all the clutter that piles up throughout winter and starting afresh, or you might look at it as something of a chore that you just have to tackle (myself belonging in the second group). No matter whichever group you belong, cleaning and organizing is something that everybody has to do one time or other.

In my opinion the way to get over the burden of organizing is keeping in mind some of the basic rules:

• Starting small, that way you won’t get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of the project. Cleaning and organizing even a small area like your kitchen counter or bathroom drawer will give you an enormous boost that will get you through the next bigger chore.

• Next put the most frequently used items in the most accessible place. Just because an item looks good on a higher shelf or a towel looks pretty when stacked up on the counter doesn’t mean it will work for you. You can only keep things neat if the organization method suites your lifestyle.

• Do it on a regular basis. That way things won’t pile up and the work will be more manageable.

• The last and most important rule in my opinion is the participation of all the family members in the process. If the whole thing has to be done by a single person, a whole house full of job becomes a big chore. Whereas the same job devided into small portions and tackled by different members make them easier and may be even enjoyable.

Hope this helps a little bit in the big event.

Would you like to share a small part of your home that you updated by adding simple touches?

The new banquette

The finished foyer

The foyer before renovation

Heart of the Home - The Kitchen

You’ll increasingly find that during family gatherings most everybody tends to hand around the kitchen. It may be your warm personality, the aroma of food, or just ever hungry people. To make the kicthen more family friendly and kid friendly try the following:

- Make sure the colors, be that on the walls or in your accent pieces, are warm and inviting
- Keep all unwanted items out of the way so that traffic flow is unhindered
- It should be a functional space where people have enough seating at the breakfast bar or breakfast table so that they can nibble on tidbits and keep the conversation going
- An upholstered banquette is a great seating option
- Keep some handy snacks ready and serve them in colorful and stylish bowls or plates

Cozy yet Elegant Look for the Family Room

The family room becomes the ultimate gathering place for the family after a delicious and sumptuous meal or a hectic day of skiing. This room needs to exude warmth and comfort without looking shabby, worn or frumpy.

- Invest in good quality sofas, loveseats, recliners, or chaise
- Soft, down-filled, colorful accent pillows will not only add style and color to the room, they will make the room feel more comfortable
- A soft rug that you can sink your feet into will give a feel of luxury
- Coffee table that you can put your feet up on and have ample storage in is ideal
- Black and white family photos around you will give the room a stylishly homely look