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The Design Inspirationalist

~ Inspiring Ideas | Spectacular Creations

The Design Inspirationalist

Author Archives: melissaoconnor

Sound in Color: Beat Strings – Love Lust Wonder

23 Tuesday Jul 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Color Inspiration, Sound in Color

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Tags

beat strings, blue, clouds, color palette, colors, gray, hues, love lust wonder, music, ocean, palette, pink, pop, sea, yellow

I started listening to Beat Strings back in 2006 when this album came out. There was just something about their music that made me happy. It was uplifting and dynamic, and in many colorfully created. The album cover was a great first impression as well.

With its saturated hues and delicious texture, the artwork pops right off the page and hooks you in. From the blue skies to the red and pink sea, the colors seem to blend into each other like their melting. With a painterly style and comedic feel, it brings a nice introduction of what is to come. An album will with poppy sounds that will make you smile.

Sound in Color: Beat Strings - Love Lust Wonder

Inspiration Photo Friday: Birthday Love

19 Friday Jul 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

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best friend, birthday, celebrate, celebration, friends, getting old, life, love, youth

So, my 33rd year is coming to an end and soon I will be 34. Tuesday is my birthday and I am excited to celebrate this weekend with my best friend Meg and her daughter Leona Faye, as well as with my husband Dan. The girls arrive this evening from Jersey and I can’t wait. It really sucks not being able to see your bff as much as you would like to. Every couple of months she visits, even though Jersey is right next door. With her being a busy Mom and life keeping me busy as well, its just hard to get together more often.

I plan to relax with my girls and have a nice weekend together. On my actual birthday, Dan and I just plan to have an early dinner. Nothing crazy. It’s funny how time really flies by. As the years pass, I am even more thankful for the things I have and the people in my life that I love. And even though there always seems to be something that stresses me out or tries to bring me down, I rise above and make the best out of what is given to me. I am very excited to see what this next year holds.

I thought it would be appropriate to share a photo of myself on my 1st birthday. It was taken by my mother in Brooklyn, at my Uncle’s house. This is seriously one of my all time favorite photos of me of when I was a kid. And believe me, there are tons. All my mom and dad did was take pictures of me. It was a hot summer day and I was surely baring it all to stay cool. Regardless of the weather, I had my party hat on and was ready to go.

The next few days are a countdown to 34 years on this Earth. It’s great to see me at 1 and realize all I have accomplished and experienced up until now. To think I am still moving forward, beep beeping my way through life, truly makes me smile. Happy Birthday to me!

Inspiration Photo Friday: Birthday Love

 

 

Conquer the Clutter

18 Thursday Jul 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Everyday Design, The Home

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

better homes and gardens, cleaning, closet clutter, closets, Clutter, organization

Conquer the Clutter

I have always been a neat freak and loved organizing whatever I could get my hands on. Seriously, I could organize all day! Now I know there are a lot of people out there that just aren’t good at keeping things tidy or don’t feel they have the time to do so. But there are many ways to easily keep your home in tip top shape, you just have to give some of your time and focus.

I think one of most important areas that need to be organized are closets. Just because the space is behind a door, doesn’t mean its not important. In fact, if you have crowded closets that don’t use the space properly, it will show all over your home. Once your closets and storage spaces are in great shape, you can figure out where other items you need to stow away can go. It also helps you realize what other places in your house can be used in the same way.

Since the closet is a good starting point, I wanted to share some really good inspirational tips and images to give you a head start and lead you in the right direction. Every few months its good go through the house and make sure everything is where it should be. Then tidy up and clutter that needs to be addressed. If you follow this rule, you shouldn’t have any spaces that are out of control.

Using the inside of the door to keep items contained and easy to access is a great way to utilize the space to its full potential. This can be for shoes, hats, belts, ties, jewelry, anything that isn’t very bulky. Also, installing a double rod for clothes will allow you to store more of your wardrobe in an organized fashion.
Conquer the Clutter
Photo Credit: Better Homes and Gardens

Conquer the Clutter
Photo Credit: Better Homes and Gardens

Putting small lights in the closet really helps to see everything at night, especially if you don’t have a light source nearby.
Conquer the Clutter
Photo Credit: Better Homes and Gardens

If you have a large closet or even a walk in, take advantage of the space and set it up as if its another room. Arrange everything so its easy to see and within an arms reach. For the things that are a little higher, like seasonal items you don’t need much at the time, keep a little step stool or ladder nearby.
Conquer the Clutter
Photo Credit: Better Homes and Gardens

Conquer the Clutter
Photo Credit: Better Homes and Gardens

Really think about the items you are storing and what containers would work best. Boxes, shelves, and drawers for sweaters work well because they should be folded, cubbies and clear boxes for shoes, and rods at various heights help to organize clothing by color or style. If you have the room, add a mirror or even a small dresser. The more you can fit, the less furniture you need to have in your bedroom. At least then you can focus on the fun pieces for the main space.
Conquer the Clutter
Photo Credit: Better Homes and Gardens

When setting up drawers, think about using items that separate certain pieces. This way  your dresser won’t be a mish mash of stuff.
Conquer the Clutter
Photo Credit: Better Homes and Gardens

Conquer the Clutter
Photo Credit: Better Homes and Gardens

Conquer the Clutter
Photo Credit: Better Homes and Gardens

Use the space to fit your needs. If you would like certain areas to photos, a calendar, or important info, you can use cork on the back of doors. If you have the room, hang a small cork board or black board on the inside wall or on the back of the closet door.
Conquer the Clutter
Photo Credit: Better Homes and Gardens

Conquer the Clutter
Photo Credit: Better Homes and Gardens

No matter what you are storing in there, all these great tips apply. Whether its a hall, bedroom, or office closet, you should be able to easily find what you are looking for when you open that door. And if the space makes you smile, than that’s an extra bonus. Here are some more closets that are sure to inspire you to get organized. Now get to work!

Conquer the Clutter
Photo Credit: Clean and Scentsible

Conquer the Clutter
Photo Credit: Elle Decor

Conquer the Clutter
Photo Credit: Families in the Loop

Conquer the Clutter
Photo Credit: Arianna Belle

Conquer the Clutter
Photo Credit: The Container Store

Conquer the Clutter
Photo Credit: Deliciously Organized

Conquer the Clutter
Photo Credit: Furniture Fashion

Conquer the Clutter
Photo Credit: Off Boulevard

Digital Album Sale!!

17 Wednesday Jul 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in News, Shop Gray Star Design, Shopping

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Tags

album sale, digital custom album, gray star design, wedding, wedding album

My birthday is next week and I am starting to celebrate by offering specials in the shop. Today is an early sale on select digital albums with 20% off!! This deal only lasts today so get those photos ready and come on by. Looking forward to working with you!

{All photos for order must be submitted by the 18th and the album must be finalized, approved, and ready to print by the 21st.}

Digital Album Sale!!

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