March 2019 – Design Dude's Life

Spring Cleaning for the Unorganized Dude

Alright dudes, we’re headed into springtime. That means it’s time to wake up out of that hibernation and get down to some spring cleaning. This may sound like the worst task ever, but you got this dude! Pop in those earbuds and play a hype playlist, because we’re about to do some work.

Put the D in Declutter

Now, let’s put the D in Declutter: Duds, Decor, and Digital.

Duds

Don’t be a hoarder, dude. It is time to recycle those old jeans and band tees you never wear, along with any other out-of-date clothes. I clean out my closet every spring to make room for new garb. Pro tip: if you haven’t used it in one year, you probably don’t need it. Resale stores will give you some cash if the clothes still have value. Otherwise, donating is a great way to let go and give back. For those dudes who still can’t part ways with their high school gym clothes, find a mediator! Invite someone you trust will be honest with you, sometimes you need that extra perspective telling you not to hold on to certain things any longer.

Decor

There is one “D” you don’t want: DUST. Take knick-knacks off of the shelf and witness the outline of dust that has collected. Once you wipe down your surfaces, evaluate the items and see if they are worth keeping or just outdated. Stick to the minimalist approach, and show off those items that really mean something to you.

This last decor suggestion with help you breathe easier, literally. Get a plant and place it in a spot with decent sunlight. It will clean the air in your space, and surely bring a fresh start into your home.

Digital

In 2019, one of the biggest forms of clutter we all have is in digital format. I spend plenty of time on my phone and computer but hardly ever find myself cleaning up my files. However, organizing a smartphone can be done in less time than scrolling through an Instagram feed.

The first thing to do is create individual folders for apps that are similar; such as productivity, finance, food, games, travel, photography and so on. When I begin to classify these apps, I notice the unnecessary and scarcely used ones. You guessed it, let’s delete those. This method can also be used for computer files that need cleaning up. Additionally, photos take up a lot of storage, so delete those blurry pictures and screenshots that have only been used once. For usable pictures, save them on an online storage platform to visit later. Get familiar with the Cloud and stop e-hoarding!

Do you have any other questions about decluttering? Reach out to the Dude at heydesigndudes@gmail.com for tips and design suggestions for any type of living space. Happy spring, and good luck with your organization goals!

Luxury Design for the Frugal Dude

Dudes, if you’re anything like me then you have an eye for the finer things in life. Much like Ariana, I see it, I like it, I want it…

But, then I check the price tag. And I put it back.

Those student loans are not going to pay off themselves, and unfortunately we aren’t all multimillionaires with the capability of buying whatever we want whenever we want. At least not yet…

However, just because you may not have an overabundance of money, does not mean that your living spaces have to look cheap. It is possible to show off your champagne taste without it looking like you’re on a beer budget. Here are a few quick and simple tips that can take your home from lame to luxe!

Keeping It Brassy

One of the easiest and low-cost options to kick up the classiness of your kitchen is to update your hardware. Knobs, cabinet handles, and drawer pulls are all small details that can have a large impact. So swap out your dull fixtures for ones with a high-end sheen. Brushed gold and brass fixtures are trendy, yet timeless, and they SCREAM luxe!

Throw in the Towel

An easy addition to make your bathroom look more upscale is to invest in some quality linens. Dudes, it’s time to toss those ratty towels that you stole from your college roommate and get yourself some crisp white, fluffy towels (like the kind you would find in a fancy hotel or spa). This will immediately give your bathroom a posh vibe, and your guests will get a more luxurious feeling from the space.

White and Airy

To boost up the “luxe factor” for your bedroom, keep the color scheme simple, light, and airy. A palette of clean, bright whites and soft greys is ideal here. Grey painted walls with a classic white trim is an excellent way to make the space look effortlessly upscale. Plush, all-white bedding will also help create that luxury hotel feel — and you will be the one getting a 5-star review!

Set the Stage

Want a simple way to dress up your dining area? Set the table! A staged tablescape will make this space feel much more elegant. I recommend buying some simple, white dishes paired with gold flatware. Gold is still a trending color, and a small investment that will show off some high-end style. Add a vase of fresh cut flowers (you can buy these cheaply from any local grocery store), and your guests will think that they are dining at The Ritz.

Crush It

Help your living room live its best life by adding some luxurious crushed velvet pieces. A contemporary velvet sofa, accent chair, or throw pillow will definitely elevate the space without breaking the bank. World Market carries a lot of on-trend velvet products that are inexpensive in cost but will look (and feel!) very upscale.

Cleanse Your Palette

For a truly elegant look, keep a simple color palette of whites and greys throughout your home. This creates a crisp, fresh feel that is seen in many luxury home magazines. Accent with trendy finishes, but in a low cost way — for example, a simple light switch made out of gold brushed hardware. Pick 1-2 complementary accent colors and use these throughout your home to keep a cohesive look. Adding too much color can start to feel shabby chic or boho, which is nice but a very different vibe than luxe.

If you want some additional tips to take your home decor from drab to fab, check out these two articles that I was featured in: Better Homes & Gardens and Reader’s Digest. And as always, feel free to reach out to me for some tailored advice on luxe design! Just ask your Design Dude at heydesigndudes@gmail.com.