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closet makeover

Emily Oster

Closet-Before.jpg

This past Friday, I spent the day with my good friend, Jenn, reorganizing her closet. Jenn is a clothes person and she has some great pieces but they were getting lost (to say the least) in her closet. I will just say it how it is or rather was - her closet was a disaster. But I am very happy to say that after a few hours of work and a couple of purchases, it is a beautifully, organized space for her fantastic collection of clothing. Here is the play by play:

We began by taking everything out of the closet and removing the hangers. We needed to get rid of all the dry cleaner hangers as they are not intended for long term storage and tend to get stuck on things. I also wanted to dispose of all the color hangers and just use white ones. White hangers fade into the background allowing her clothes to stand out while color hangers tend to create more clutter (for men's clothes I would recommend using black or wooden hangers). 

Closet-InProcess-00.jpg
Closet-InProcess-01.jpg
Closet-InProcess-02.jpg

After removing all the clothes and shoes, we vacuumed, cleaned the shelves and sorted out the white hangers. I did a quick sketch with measurements and then we headed to Target and The Container Store to get a few key organizing pieces.  

Closet-Empty.jpg

The main area in Jenn's closet that wasn't being utilized was the tall space to the left and right of the built in drawers. I wanted to find something that would allow her to store her accessories (purses, belts etc.) but was narrow as the space is only 11" deep. We ended up finding stackable open bins and pairing them with a wireframe basket (both white). We also bought 180 white hangers (not that I was counting or anything). 

We returned to the house and began filling the closet. Clothes and purses were organized by color while shoes were sort and placed by frequency of use. When organizing heels, we discovered it is much more space efficient to put one shoe facing out and one shoe facing in. We also decided to store some of her winter items. Here is how it turned out!

Closet-After-01.jpg

art in the home

Emily Oster

Samantha French, oil on canvas, Breakthrough, 2012

Samantha French, oil on canvas, Breakthrough, 2012

While I don't think there are set rules or a step by step guide to creating a beautifully designed home, I do believe that art is extremely important. Unique, hand selected art (that is to say not mass produced by a big name retailer) goes a long way to give a home personality and character. It doesn't have to be high end but rather just something that catches your eye and you enjoy. So I want start featuring some artists here to encourage us all to value art in our homes. 

One artist that I really like is Samantha French. She is a young painter from Minnesota who now lives and works in New York City. Her work primarily is of underwater swimmers inspired by her memories of Minnesota summers. Here are a few of my favorites.

Samantha French, oil on canvas, Twilight, 2012

Samantha French, oil on canvas, Twilight, 2012

Samantha French, oil on canvas, Three Feet Below, 2011

Samantha French, oil on canvas, Three Feet Below, 2011

Samantha French, oil on canvas, Refresh, 2011

Samantha French, oil on canvas, Refresh, 2011

Realty Round Up: Glen Ellyn, Illinois

Emily Oster

As I mentioned last week, we were in the Chicagoland area this past weekend for a wedding (Congrats Ryan and Dana!). The wedding took place out near Joliet (for those of you who are familiar) with supporting events in the western suburbs near where Jeff grew up and where his parents still live. So I thought I would pick Glen Ellyn for this week's Realty Round Up . I have been to Glen Ellyn several times but usually just to catch a train into the city. Even though my visits are very quick,  I always notice all the cute homes and streets that surround the main town area. 

Glen Ellyn is located roughly 25 miles west of Chicago. The town is situated near Lake Ellyn, once a popular vacation spot for city dwellers, and has 29 parks, the Willowbrook Wildlife Preserve and access to the Illinois Prairie Path. It is known for having some of the best schools in Illinois making it a highly desirable suburb to live in. College of DuPage, the second largest provider of undergraduate education in Illinois with 26,000, is also located in Glen Ellyn. Local attractions include:
- Waterleaf Restaurant - located in the hospitality center at the College of DuPage, we had an outstanding meal here for this past Father's Day.
- Glen Prairie - I haven't tried this place but it looks very yummy with a locally sourced menu and appreciation for naturally grown products.
- Flour + Wine - this place looks really fun with a focus on wood-oven pizzas and wine. 

 

House #1: $0 - $250,000

information and images via Zillow

information and images via Zillow

This house has nice curb appeal that could be easily enhanced with just a bit of landscaping. It also seems to make good use of space and has two full baths which is often a rarity for a house of this size. 

House #2: $250,000 - $500,000

information and images via Zillow

information and images via Zillow

I love the exterior of this house and just look at all those windows! Also the location seems rather ideal as it is just a short walk to downtown Glen Ellyn. I also really like the small living area right off the kitchen. 

House #3: $500,000 - $750,000

information and images via Zillow

information and images via Zillow

Barely coming in on budget, this home screams stateliness. It has a great location, beautiful historic detailing and a large backyard so basically positives all around.  

House #4: $750,000 - $1,000,000

information and images via Zillow

information and images via Zillow

This home is not a walking distance to town but is actually in town which is pretty great. It also has a ridiculous master bedroom and bath, a completely finished basement and a wine cellar. 

Happy weekend!