Spring Is Coming

Dear Readers:

I am cautiously optimistic that spring is around the corner; I even heard a rumor of the appearance of crocuses. Of course this time of year inspires people to behave irrationally, often concerning their homes. Take spring cleaning, for instance. Personally, I like to avoid this at all costs. There are, in fact, some things that seem like a really good idea, but which one should never do. Here are a few of my favorites:

o     Never take off your cushion covers or slip covers and throw them in the washing machine, (unless of course your daughter wants to use them in her Barbie house);

• Never refinish an inherited piece of furniture unless you are sure it’s not valuable;
• Never wash mini blinds in the tub;
• Never wash prefinished wood floors with water,(the cracks between the boards have not been sealed);
• Never spray clean fabric flowers;
• Never deep clean good upholstery yourself -- get a professional;
• Never scrub laminate countertops will anything stronger than a nylon scrub sponge; and
• Never repaint walls and woodwork when all they need is a good cleaning.

On the other hand, now is the perfect time of year to:

• Straighten all of your cockeyed pictures;
• Rearrange the furniture;
• Roll up and store your heavy carpets;
• Purchase a cheerful new bed ensemble;
• Indulge in some potted spring flowers;
• Lighten up your window treatments;
• Wash your patio furniture and BBQ grill;
• Switch around those tired old accessories;
• Change your throw pillows;
• Consider summery slipcovers; and
• Purchase thirsty new towels, a wonderful shower curtain, and pretty new table linens.

It’s also a really good time to get outside and just forget about your house. Enjoy the warmer weather. M.A.K.

Landfill as the Ultimare Organization Solution

Dear Readers:

It’s time to clean out my studio for spring. I just got back from buying a paper shredder and seven plastic organizers. What I need are seven human organizers. I really have the best of intentions, and I’ll buy anything. It’s the commitment that’s lacking. You would not believe the amount of paper and samples a design firm generates. My assistant and I are literally buried.

Here’s my latest strategy: hide everything in the bins until I have a few spare hours to sort, shred, and toss. (That should be around June.) The only drawback to my camouflage plan is the old ”out of sight, out of mind” problem. What I really need is a place for everything. Alas, that also requires time and planning, both at a premium these days.

Perhaps the best home for everything would be the dump. Throwing everything out would be very liberating. Having had a dumpster for a few months while under construction for an addition was fantastic. I highly recommend it for motivation.

Wish me luck with my spring cleaning!

M.A.K.

Spring Cleaning

Dear Readers:

It's finally spring, after one of the worst winters in memory! Of course this time of year inspires people to behave irrationally, often concerning their homes. Take spring cleaning, for instance. Personally, I like to avoid this at all costs. There are, in fact, some things that seem like a really good idea, but which one should never do. Here are a few of my favorites:                                                        

• Never take off your cushion covers or slip covers and throw them in the washing machine (unless of course your daughter wants to use them in her Barbie house);
• Never refinish an inherited piece of furniture unless you are sure it’s not valuable;
• Never wash mini blinds in the tub;
• Never wash prefinished wood floors with water, (the cracks between the boards have not been sealed);
• Never spray clean fabric flowers; and
• Never deep clean good upholstery yourself -- get a professional;

On the other hand, now is the perfect time of year to:

• Straighten all of your cockeyed pictures;
• Rearrange the furniture;
• Roll up and store your heavy carpets;
• Purchase a cheerful new bed ensemble;
• Indulge in some potted spring flowers;
• Lighten up your window treatments;
• Wash your patio furniture and BBQ grill;
• Switch around those tired old accessories;
• Change your throw pillows;
• Consider summery slipcovers; and
• Purchase thirsty new towels, a wonderful shower curtain, and pretty new table linens.

It’s also a really good time to get outside and just forget about your house. Enjoy the warmer weather. M.A.K.