Entryways for Fall

As the seasons change and the colors start to pop let's talk about spicing up the WELCOME area of your home: the entryway. No matter how big or small, formal or informal, adding some seasonal personality to the entrance of your home will bring that festive Fall feeling we have all waited all summer to enjoy!

First things first, lets begin with what already exists in your space and tidy up our "palate." Start by analyzing the furniture in the area. Take stock of how items are being stored in, on, or under the furniture pieces. Clear out seasonal summer accessories (i.e. expired sunscreen, old or broken sunglasses, sun hats, sandals, etc). Store these items or discard if they will not weather another year. Next, give the area a good cleaning to prepare for the next season of storage and decor. Once the area is clean, bring in this season's necessities like a warm rain jacket, your favorite scarves and hats for chilly mornings, and your coziest pair of boots. This is where a piece of furniture with drawers is ideal for storing small autumn accessories such as gloves, pet sweaters, and your favorite chap stick!

Fall Leaves Coir Doormat // World Market

Now for the fun part, you have curated and cleaned and are prepped for the cooler days and now it is time to celebrate with the fabulous colors of this season. We like to think that the entryway actually begins just outside the front door. We love a splash of Fall foliage on the porch or on the door. This creates the first warm welcome as you or your guests approach your home. This can be done using a fall wreath, a bouquet or two of mums, and maybe some pumpkins. This does not have to be much, just adding a splash of color outside to welcome the season and your guests. If you are just feeling extra warm and spicy you can add a beautiful seasonal welcome mat like this one from World Market as well!

Once you enter the home, the "simple splash" approach still applies. We love pumpkins, gourds, and your favorite fall foliage strategically placed around the room. A tiny pumpkin on a key tray, a bouquet of vibrant leaves or flowers on a table is all you need to add that little festive pop to brighten up this area. We love how Julie over at Little Farmstead embraced the simple beauty of this season by showcasing her fabulous boots alongside some precious pumpkins. We think this is a "gourdgeous" combination :)

Feeling inspired? Need a little help? Well we would be delighted! Check out our October promotion below to find out how to let us Help You Dwell....for less :)

Image: Little Farmstead

** Also, this month HYD is offering an entryway/mudroom organization and refresh for a discounted rate of $75 for 2 hours. We'll help you rethink the way you use your entry way or mudroom... including furniture, storage, and decor.  This is a great time of year to show this area some love, with lots of friends and family sure to be visiting your home for the holidays!
More details by emailing katie@helpyoudwell.com or calling 865.245.9080**

goodbye shame

There is one thing that is sure to keep all of us right where we are today and to keep us from any forward motion in our lives. It's shame. 

Inspirational image via @brilamberson 

There is nothing productive about shame. It keeps you hidden, stuck, embarrassed, and far from opportunity and growth. So many people we know: our neighbors, family members and friends can easily get caught in house-shame. Here are some lies that shame would have us to believe: Your home isn't as beautifully decorated as it should be, your kids rooms are too messy to invite friends over, you could never host a dinner or party in your space, people would not respect you if they saw inside your house, there is no hope for people like you... I'm sure we could each rattle off many more lies that shame tries to keep us trapped in. Shame tries to put all the weight on our weaknesses. 

Spoiler alert - it's all lies. Shame is just a big lie. No matter how chaotic your calendar, closet, garage, purse, or your work desk is... it can change. (Insert hope!) Remember, we own our things, they do not have power to own us. It's time to make a power play and return power to the rightful owner- you! You have the capacity and ability to make things different. Little by little, progress is possible. Getting started is usually the most difficult part- it takes some serious courage and here are two other things that will be key to moving out of shame and into action. 

Inspirational image via @lisaclowstudio

Inspirational image via @azford 

A humble perspective will go a long way when you decide to tackle an overwhelming task. Your "whole house" is a daunting and unrealistic goal for today. Small steps and little actions can snow ball into a great wave of order and organization in your life. Just pace yourself! Forgive yourself when certain areas or projects take longer than you intended. Make small goals and celebrate the completion of each one, they really do each matter. 

Inspirational image via @thenester

A kind friend is one of the greatest tools to bring with you on your journey from being stuck to making progress. Someone who will speak truthfully and also be sensitive to your emotions in a process like purging is so helpful. Look for these valuable qualities in a friend: someone who is able to laugh at unexpected finds, willing to grieve with you over painful memories, not afraid to remind you how many pairs of toe socks you already have. There is something magical about walking through a challenge with a dear friend - it eases the load and makes it a little more bearable. Accountability for keeping up with your journey to freedom from disorganization is another reason to bring a friend along. You aren't alone with your shameful thoughts, you have an ally to work through your thoughts with. 

It is one of the greatest joys we experience with our HYD clients when we see the weight of shame lifted as they start to see hope in their situation. We get to bring practicality, a plan and fresh perspective to places that are sources of stress and frustration for our clients. We carry hope and creative organizational ideas into closets, rooms, homes and workspaces that disorganization previously claimed. 

---

Challenge yourself today to identify an area of your home that brings up shame and create one small goal to accomplish this week. You can do it. Shame is a liar and you are capable. And if you want professional help, we would be humbled to walk alongside you on your journey to organization. 

Welcome to Parkridge!

      A few weeks ago we had the privilege of sitting down with Rebecca Loy for an awesome Parkridge Home Tour. If you are unfamiliar with Parkridge, it’s a small historic neighborhood just east of downtown Knoxville. Filled with character, community gardens, and a good dose of grass roots movement, Parkridge is home to people from many different walks of life.

     Rebecca and Steve moved into Parkridge almost 9 years ago and haven’t looked back. Having always loved the idea of front porches, neighbor drop bys, and foot traffic, Rebecca was ecstatic when she realized that within 3 weeks of moving in, they had met more people in Parkridge than they had met in the many years they had lived out in the suburbs. Interestingly, Rebecca pointed out that American architecture today and for the past several decades has had a hand in keeping people to themselves, the disappearance of the front porch, and the introduction of the fenced in yard, all of which make it difficult to meet the people around you. Steve and Rebecca were looking for a place where people were out and about and after driving and walking around Parkridge, they found that the diversity and the neighborliness of the community were just what they were looking for.

Back fence in the alley way behind the Loy house. Dinosaur mural by

Tell me about the history of your house.
The home was built in 1889 and F.E. McArthur was the original owner. The home itself was designed by famous architect George Barber and cost a whopping $2,975 to build. Kent Kendrick: a local contractor, bought it around 2006 and converted it back from three apartments into a single dwelling. He did a great job of keeping historic elements but also created a great flow in the downstairs layout/floorplan. It’s more open feeling than many of the other Victorian homes in the neighborhood.

Picture from "Victorian Cottage Architecture: An American Catalog of Designs"

Picture from "Victorian Cottage Architecture: An American Catalog of Designs

What styles of homes/decor do you gravitate towards?
Ironically, I don’t really like Victorian style (which makes up a large part of Parkridge homes). I’m more drawn to the paired down, shaker style. I love simple lines and neutrals and tend to bring color in through accents. I’m definitely more of a stripe person than a curve/flower person.

Did your style happen organically or was it a process of figuring out what style means to you?
I’ve always liked the simpler stuff. Steve likes all the ornate stuff. Somehow it works itself out.

What is your favorite part of your home?
The front porch! It has become a gathering place for neighbors. I love that people feel permission to come up on a porch without a formal invitation.

Do you have a favorite thing in your home?
2 pieces of art come to mind: The Kathie Odom Painting above mantel and the
Sarah Shebaro painting in the living room.

Kathie Odom painting above mantel

Sarah Shebaro painting

Do you collect anything?
Metal Trays, tea pots, and pitchers. I’ve been collecting tea pots and pitchers for 20-30 years. I love the utility and function of them but also that they are decorative and pretty. I started collecting trays when we moved into this house.
Also, somehow we’ve started a Starbucks mug/shot glass collection from every city we have been to.

Teapot and Pitcher collection

Kitchen collections: Trays, bottles, post cards

What does home mean to you?
To me, home is people. It’s a family. If I was homeless, my home would be the tent with my people in it.

When people come into your home, what do you hope they feel?
I hope they feel at home. My house keeping style is somewhere in the middle. I don’t want people to be afraid to sit down for either reason— you don’t want things to be too nasty and also don’t want them to be too fancy. (Hilarious and so true) If you have a living room is should be lived in.

Dining Room with stain glass inlays

Office area

Living Room

How is your home an extension of yourself or of your family?
I think our home is kind of the stage where we get to be us. The home is the primary place where people experience you. Your home is the most useful tool for inviting people into your life. We rarely have a week where we don’t have extra people here for dinner or stopping by to sit on the porch.

Steve and Rebecca Loy

Pear tree in the front yard

Raised beds in the front and side yard are home to tomatoes, peppers, and all kinds of herbs

Green peppers

A big thank you to Rebecca for sitting down with us, sharing her thoughts, and letting us into her piece of the world!

Say HELLO to Erin!

Erin & her boyfriend. 

“Write a blog about yourself,” they said. “It’s no big deal,” they said.

But it IS a big deal. This is a new beginning for me, and it. is. big.

Hi, I’m Erin, and I’m new here.

Some background about me and my journey. I was born and raised in Knoxville along with my younger brother. Momma has always been a nurse, and Daddy has always been a teacher. I was always careful , I always followed the rules, and I always made safe and calculated decisions. As a child, I thrived on peace and order in my life.

Erin & her family. 

After high school, I made the safe and predictable decision, for me, to attend college in pursuit of a career in disability services. After graduation, I dabbled in the workforce a bit before seeking the comfort of structure and routine that I knew would be found within a graduate program. Thanks to one of my graduate school professors, I found myself working in a  full-time position as a disability counselor in a college. This was a dream job in my field with a salary and stability. At this point, I expected to follow in the steady footsteps of my parents and retire from my first and only "real career." 

Well, after a few years in this “dream job," I woke up to the realization that I had completely worn myself out. “This can’t be it," I thought. "I deserve to be passionate about my career too.” So I decided to expand the parts of my job that I really liked and, in doing so, turned them into a side hustle by opening a home and office organization business. I was still working my full-time job and, now, organizing on the weekends. I felt like I had finally found my purpose! And yet, while I loved the work I was doing, the reality was, my business was failing. After a summer of soul-searching, I took a leap of faith and reached out to the team at Help You Dwell. After meeting with them, I knew I was on the right path. I joined the HYD team, closed my small business, left my salaried career, and I’ve never felt this free. 

Erin's guinea pig - Prints. 

Did I mention that I’m not a natural risk-taker? Transitioning from the steady career I had always  been working towards and, instead, jumping into something new was terrifying. But, for the first time in a long time, I feel like I am exactly where I am supposed to be. Working with families and helping them lift the burden of clutter and disarray gives me life. God has allowed my passion to meet its purpose and it is a wonderful place to be. 

books, books & more books

DECIDING WHICH BOOKS TO KEEP

Photo via bookriot.com

Consider these questions when sorting through which books you'll keep and which you are willing to part with: 

• When was the last time I read this book?

• Will I read it again?

• If it's a cookbook, do I use it? Hint: the presence of food stains indicates a keeper.

• Is the book a classic?

• Does the book have specific value — is it a signed copy, first or collectible edition?

• Is the book out-of-print or hard to replace?

• Do you have mulitple copies? (Just keep one)

• Do you have an electronic version of this book? (Let the paper version go)

• Is this a book I've borrowed and need to return?

WHAT TO DO WITH BOOKS YOU'RE LETTING GO OF

• Donate to: Friends of the Knox County Library, KARM, The Salvation Army, local churches

• Specifically gift relevant books to: family members, neighbors, co-workers, or friends.

• Recycle: if a book is beyond repair & has seen better days

• Consign: your books at McKay's Books

WHAT'S ON OUR BOOKSHELVES

• Chasing Slow, Erin Loechner

• The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, Marie Kondo

• domino: Your Guide to a Stylish Home, Editors of domino

• The Nesting Place, Myquillin Smith

STYLED BOOKSHELVES

Photo via designsponge.com

Photo via designsponge.com

Here's a fun video showing a few different ways to style your own bookshelf. And a cute infographic drawing of the different styles! 

It's all in the details: A downtown home tour

After having lived in their awesome apartment for about 2 years, Crista and Liam have hit the sweet spot--settling into a space that feels uniquely "them" and easy to enjoy. After living in South Knoxville while in grad school, they made the switch to downtown dwelling and haven't looked back. Crista loves the excitement of downtown living where you can walk or ride your bike to endless shops and restaurants, walk or ride the trolley to work, and can always find something to do in close proximity. After a year and a half living in the Firestreet Lofts, they moved to The JFG building which was home to a former coffee roasting business and feel like it's the perfect fit. Initially, it seemed that not having a yard was the only downside to living downtown but Crista and Liam now have a plot in the Old City Gardens where they are part of an awesome community of downtown dwellers and business owners that grow their own produce and herbs just down the street. Crista and Liam have been very intentional and thoughtful about the purchases they have made over the years and have learned that when you live downtown in a smaller space, you have to get serious about what you love and what is just taking up space. "We've found that buying things for the person you want to become,if you are not in the process of becoming that person, just leads to regretted purchases." Purchasing items that you love and that serve a practical purpose in your current space and life will keep you from the spontaneous buys that clutter up your home.

Crista and Liam's home & style philosophy is based on the quote below:

“The details are not the details, they make the design.”

— Charles Eames

In reference to the quote, they add that it's honestly a sentiment you can apply across your whole life. Whether in reference to work, attire, or home decor, in each area the details make up the whole. Paying attention to the small things makes the big picture so much better!

Living Room

Dining area

How would you describe your style of decorating?
I wouldn't necessarily put my style into a category— it's more of an approach. I’ve always been interested in interior decorating. Even as a child I loved looking at decor magazines and always had a file of clippings pulled from various places. I was always dreaming about ideas and re configurations. Functionality of space is really important in decorating— it has to drive how you fill a space. It can be a big challenge living down town with little closet space and small kitchens etc. We are slow to buy things and always take into account the quality of an item. We like to mix and match lots of different styles and era’s of furniture for a more unique look. We want to buy things that are not disposable— things we intend to keep for a long time. One of the things we really pay attention to in order to make sure things stay cohesive is color— we gravitate towards blues and grays with pops of red. We try to buy used or antique furniture and decor except for big investment pieces like our bed. We are always willing to wait longer to save up for items we really love and cherish. A few of Crista and Liams favorite local treasure troves are Mid Mod Collective and Willow Creek Antiques.

Master Bath

You have some really amazing pieces in your home, what is your relationship to your belongings?
Neither of us are super sentimental. The only things that we couldn't part with are family heirlooms. We have tried to do a good job with not attaching too many memories with “stuff”. Everything in our home has a function or a significance and we love it all but we aren’t tied to it in a way that allows it to have control or ownership over us. That being said, we have a few favorite items that would be hard to let go of. When Liam was born he was gifted a set of Silver ware from his grandparents with a really unique "H" monogram. (Liam's last name is Hysjulien) It's a beautiful set that we only use on special occasions. We try and form traditions around the items we love most. Another of our favorite possessions is our marriage certificate. We had everyone in attendance sign it saying that they would support our union and observed our marriage. It's a constant reminder that we have a wonderful community supporting us along the way.

Painting by Earnest Lee

Liam and Crista's marriage certificate

Purchased at Lox at a First Friday Art Sale

Do you have any collections?
Baskets, dishes, and trays. We are very into corralling things to so that our surfaces remain clutter free. We definitely aren't minimialists which can sometimes feel sterile but we've found that clutter can be physically and emotionally overwhelming so we try to keep things simple. We love that our home feels lived in and representative of who we are.

Do you have a favorite piece in your home? Does our cat;Panda count? Favorite Room? Our bedroom. We have these amazing giant windows that make our room feel like an urban tree house.

Panda the cat in the master bedroom

Crista and Liam in front of the avocado tree that they grew from a sprouted pit 11 years ago when they first started dating.

What is your favorite thing about your home/why do you love your home?
 Truely--Who we share it with! Aside from that, It feels like the right space for our needs. The windows and the natural light are pretty incredible as well. We also love the high ceilings and the openness of the floor plan.

Guest Room

Master Bedroom

Master Bedroom

What does home mean to you?
We are home bodies so we spend a lot of time here. It has always been important to us that our home feels comfortable and happy to be in.

When people come into your home, what do you hope they feel?
I hope they feel how we feel— relaxed, cozy, and calm. We want the space to be used and enjoyed; comfortable. We love that our space is easy to rearrange and make conducive for all kinds of events.

Entryway

How is your home an extension of yourself or of your family?
Our home is definitely a collaborative outcome. We’ve thought about everything that occupies space here and both have really enjoyed the process of curating an apartment that feels true to us. A lot of our belongings are representative of specific trips and memories. It’s a space that we genuinely feel satisfied with.

Floor plan: 1100sq ft (2bd/2bth) Source

Interested in where certain items are from? See the purchase list below. A big thank you to Crista and Liam for opening up their home and sharing their journey!

Master Bedroom

• Bed: Room and Board

• Duvet Cover: School House Supply & Electric Co

• Sconces: Urban Outfitters (similar here)

• Painting: Katie Zickefoose

• Wooden Side Table: Antique Outlet Mall in Townsend

• Kantha Quilt: Indio in Durham, NC

• Large wardrobe: Antique Tobacco Barn in Asheville, NC

• Mirrored Dresser: Antique Hand-Me-Down

Master Bathroom

• Chicken Art by Ernest Lee, folk artist in Columbia, SC

Spare Bedroom/Bike Room

Iron Bed: Goodwill (modified for structural support at Ironwood Studios)

• Lamps: Rivermill Antique Mall in Townsend (rewired and shades from Calloway’s)

• Square Table: Also from Rivermill Antique Mall

• Martha Washington Sewing Cabinet: Blair House Antiques

• Blue Pillow: Citizen Supply in Atlanta, GA

• Wooden Shelf: Salvaged, as in literally picked up from the side of the road

• Black and White Photo: Kudzu Antiques in Decatur, GA

• Dolly Parton Print: Haypeep (was part of the SGC International printmaking conference held in Knoxville in 2015)

Entryway

• Metal Cabinet: Salvaged

• Yellow Dresser: IKEA

• Bookshelves: IKEA

• Rug: Antique Hand-Me-Down

• Chicken Art by Ernest Lee, folk artist in Columbia, SC

Living Room/Kitchen

• Couch: Room and Board

• Record Holder: Mid Mod Collective

• Rug: IKEA (similar here)

• Coffee Table: Abode (used to be on Market Square)

• Side Table and Long-Armed Lamp: Design By Conran Line at JC Penney

• Lamp with Beige Shade: Etsy

• Red Book Shelf: Antique

• Bar Cart: Friends Antiques

• Cat house: Amazon

• Table and Chairs: West Elm

• Beige Chair: West Elm (similar here)

• Basket: Max Studio

• Navy Floral Chair: Retrospective Vintage Store

• Black and White Print: UT Print Sale, Allegedly by Jack Neely

• Bergen Print: Antique

• Hutch: Antique Hand-Me-Down

• Kitchen Side Shelf: West Elm

• Kitchen Island: Coldstream Market

• Tablecloth: Etsy

• Semi-Circle Wooden Cabinet: Uptown Market Antiques, Wilmington, NC

Let's school this...

Such a bittersweet time of summer for all the mamas and papas of school-age kids out there. It's gone by so fast in some ways and in others, we cannot wait to get back into the rhythm of school. We totally get it. In an effort to make the next couple weeks move in the right direction with the least amount of stress, we've put together a few ways to get yourself and your kids ready to roll come that first day of school.

1. Get online and find the supply list.... today!
Most schools now post these on school websites, school Facebook pages/groups, etc.
And in Tennessee, this upcoming weekend, July 28-30 is tax-free weekend! While on the school website, check for meet-the-teacher dates and orientations too!

2. Pull backpacks, lunch boxes, water bottles, and lunch box containers out now to assess their status. Lots of these items are already on sale during the "back to school" season and can be great to purchase on tax-free weekend if needed.

3. Spend 15-20 minutes with your child in their room and take a quick assessment of clothes for the early fall and shoes. So often our kids are in sandals or barefoot all summer and we don't realize they've outgrown all their close-toed shoes, which many schools require kids to wear.

4. If you haven't already, be sure your kids immunizations are up to date. Most pediatricians and family physicians know what is required for each school in your area. If you're not sure, you can always call the school to confirm.

5. Take your kiddo(s) on a "date" sometime between now and the first day of school. Try to be intentional with them and give them the opportunity to talk about what they're looking forward to in the upcoming year and what they may be anxious about. This 1-2 hours could mean the world to them as you prepare as a family for what lies ahead.

It's not rocket science to get our kids ready to get back in the classroom but it is good to have a few reminders, especially for us who have older school-age kids and might be slippin' a bit (like me :).
Hope this list helps you and if you have any tips to share, we'd love to hear them and so would our readers! Comment below...

pantry inspiration

When you're in a space that makes you feel happier, you tend to feel a little more inspired...and maybe even a little more motivated. Let's talk about a tidy pantry. I don't know about you, but when each kitchen utensil, appliance, and food item is in it's rightful place, it motivates me to not only eat healthier but to spend more time in the kitchen! 

Today we are sharing a few ordered pantry images to inspire a happier pantry.

Switching your stock pantry items into glass jars is a great way to display your food. The task may seem daunting, but once the chore is complete your pantry will instantly feel fresh and your food can easily be located in just a glance. 

Another great way to freshen up your pantry is to store items such as onions and potatoes in decorative baskets or accessible bins. Also, try putting your fruit in wire or mesh containers. 

Grab a trash bag, a few air tight containers and start creating a happier pantry! Who knows, you may be so inspired that you'll also organize your refrigerator!

Stay tuned, our Interior Designer is upgrading her pantry. More to come soon! 

ultimate summer organizing playlist

There is something magical about the way music can ease a difficulty, bring enjoyment to a challenge and just make you feel good! We've compiled a little "summer organizing jams" playlist to share with you. It's a hodge-podge mix of some good tunes. Take a listen! 

What are some of your favorite genres, artists or playlists to listen to while working on a home project?

Happy listening! 

money saving tips

Everyone loves saving a little money here and there, right? Check out our Money Saving Tips so you can start saving today!

Bottled Water: Spoiler alert: there is really NO difference between filtered tap water and bottled water. If you do prefer bottled water, buy a reusable glass bottle and refill it with filtered water! Bonus: less waste!

Mani/Pedis: Invite the girls over and do them yourselves.

Hair Treatment: Talk to your hairdresser about simpler ways to maintain your hair color or ask for partial coloring vs. full coloring. 

Cleaning Supplies: Dusting spray, Glass cleaner, Shower cleaner, Counter-top cleaner, Door knob cleaner. They are all essentially the same thing. Create your own cleaner with vinegar and water - vinegar cleans everything!  For wood, add a solution of water, olive oil and lemon essential oil. The olive oil seals the wood and the lemon essential oil still gives you that fresh smell. Bonus: These DIY's create non-toxic cleaning supplies!

Car-Wash: Even if you have to bribe your kids into vacuuming the car, cleaning your car at home is an easy money saver. 

Laundry: Switch your fabric softener out for reusable Woolen Dryer Balls. 

Landscaping: Mow your own lawn, plant your own flowers, rake your own leaves.

Individually Packaged Food: Buy in bulk! To create an easy-to-go snack, package your food into individual Tupperware that you already have on hand! You are literally paying for stuff you throw away when you buy individually packaged things! (ex: applesauce packages vs. buying a big container of applesauce that can be packaged in reusable containers)

Disposable Kitchen-Ware: Reuse, reuse, reuse. Use your actual ceramic dish ware and simply clean them and reused. Also be mindful of paper towels, plastic bags, and plastic baggies. There are other alternative options available that can be used time and time again.

inspiration vs. envy

image via Apartment Therapy. 

One of the joys of our current techie age is that we have the ability to always be connected. The ideas, images, and inspiration at our fingertips is endless and boundless. This can be incredibly inspiring and also dangerous. Pinterest, Instagram accounts, and countless blogs have us drooling and dreaming of all the beautiful images we scroll through. 

As professional organizers, we spend a lot of our time in clients homes. We get to see the style, design, and taste of each unique client. We've been blown away by traditional southern charm, mid-mod eclectic decor, and everything in between. Your home is a collection of the things you love, memories made, and pieces you need for function and practicality. 

image via Design Sponge. 

We're going to let you in on a little secret.... we struggle with the strong temptation to envy others homes, to compare our things, and to wish for something other than our own. 

It is such a balance to enjoy beautiful inspiration while also loving the state of our own homes as they are right now. It's fun to dream up new decor ideas, color schemes and arrangements of furniture. We've come to find, follow and love a handful of incredible interior design and home decor businesses online. 

Here's your warning; before clicking any of the links below... be prepared. Don't get sucked in! Your real life house, street and neighbors are the real deal - they are better than any staged and styled image. Remember we are real people, with real stories, and real budgets and real limitations. If your home doesn't look like an Anthropologie magazine - it's ok & join the club.

DESIGN SPONGE.

APARTMENT THERAPY.

SCHOOLHOUSE ELECTRIC. 

image via Schoolhouse Electric. 

However, we do love these sites. They are packed full of images of creative combinations of styles and tastes. Most rooms and homes that give us all the heart-eyes have a few components that we can recreate in our spaces. Look for patterns you like, colors that inspire you, shapes of furniture that fit your taste, room layouts that would be suitable for your space, and details that you can bring to life on your own. 

Happy browsing! Here's a little tip: set a timer on your phone for a reasonable amount of time to spend looking through images and blog posts, so you don't miss out on the real life happening around you. 

Planning a Summer vacation

Image by Hope Stanley

Summer is officially here! Over at HYD we try to think of ways to help you stay organized not only in your homes, but also in making plans!

Our quick guide to planning your summer vacation is just a simple way to stay on top of things while you're enjoying the warm weather.

Step 1: The details

Image by lacqueredworld

Image by paperscribbles

Plan ahead, pick your dates and ask off work.

Figure out a budget and then decide what kind of vacation you would like to take. Looking for an adventure? Maybe you want to explore a city you've never been to or maybe you'd like to do some back packing or head to the beach.

Once you've decided on what kind of vacation you would like to take, think through who you would like to go with. Is it a family trip? A trip with friends? Maybe you want a nice getaway with your significant other. Make sure you are on the same page about budget, location, and agenda with all parties involved. While your idea of a vacation may be mostly relaxing, some people love to pack lots of activities in.

When figuring out where you will stay, we recommend checking out air bnb or vrbo which can often save you more money than staying at a hotel depending on where you are going. They are an international company! It can be really nice to have a full kitchen if you don't want to have to pay to eat out for every meal. Do some research on neighborhoods in the place you are visiting. Think about whether you want beach front, walkability to restaurants and activities, kid friendly spaces etc.

Step 2: Planning your schedule

Image by Texture Photo

Big Sur

Cafe No Se Image by frybydesign

Depending on the nature of your vacation, you may want to plan a lot of it out, or you may like to be more spontaneous and plan very little.  If you are going to the beach, your days may be spent mostly on the ocean or laying in the sun. However, if you are exploring a new city, you will have to plan ahead.

Where to eat: One of our tried and true tips on restaurant hunting (bear with us.. this might sound ridiculous but it honestly never disappoints) is to google "hipster guide to {whatever city you are visiting}". Those hipsters sure know how to eat is all I'm saying. Often times, the search results will come up with restaurants, interesting shops, and local tips on neighborhoods to check out and how to utilize public transportation. If you plan to eat in and have access to a kitchen, try researching local farmers markets and small locally owned grocery stores to have a more authentic experience of living in town.

Activities: This will largely depend on who is on this vacation with you. Many cities have free events in the summer time like concerts in the park, first Friday art crawls, or discounted museum days. Looking at local event calendars is a great way to see what's happening around town while you are there. Think about taking a cooking class (especially if you are somewhere overseas) or a swing dancing lesson. For kids, many art and science museums have great children's corners. You could also check out local parks or ask around about a swimming hole or public fountain that allows play.

Step 3: Packing

Image by InsideWanderer

Print all necessary paper work for travel and stay. Make sure you have access to online tickets as well. It's always a good idea to let someone back home know your itinerary, how to reach you, and who to call in an emergency. 

Suitcase: Make sure to check the weather as close to when you will be there as possible and remember to look into night time temperatures as well as many places have major temperature drops once the sun goes down. We recommend packing around a certain color scheme so that it's easier to mix and match outfits to cut down on the volume of clothing that you lug around. If you focus on basics and items that can be dressed up or down, it's easy to pack jewelry and accessories to change the feel of an outfit. Make sure to pack shoes that are comfortable!

Carry on: BOOKS! If you are a reader, bring a kindle or other reading device so that you don't have to cart around a library :). Journal and a pen (I never regret jotting down daily memories from my travels). Lotion, chapstick, a few healthy snacks (to avoid exorbitant airport prices), earbuds, phone charger, laptop (or not), and ear plugs are essentials.

Step 4: Enjoy!

P.S. If a summer vacay doesn't fit into your schedule or budget, consider a stay-cation one weekend and get out and do things around your own city that you normally wouldn't. Sometimes a stay-cation is just what the Dr. ordered :)

summer survival tips

School's out for summer...The kids across Knox County are cheering for full days of play and fun, while parents have a new duty of planning summer activities and being prepared for whatever the fun days might hold! Here are a few ideas to help you be extra prepared: 

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Image via Yummy Mummy Club blog.

• In the car...

You never know what you (or your various passengers) might need. This pop up organizer has a place for everything. Consider keeping the following items on hand: paper towels, bandaids, umbrella, trash bag, activity books, bungee cords, sunscreen, nonperishable snack, and a beach towel. 

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• In the garage...

Coming home from trips, pool days or picnics - the garage sometimes becomes the landing place for these items. Having a trash can and recycle bin will help with efficiently clearing out the trash before taking bags into the house. Keeping Clorox wipes near by to wipe out coolers after being used, will keep them from getting nasty over time. Make it a priority to always wash the wet bathing suits & towels from a trip immediately. Rinsing off any items with sand or dirt on them will save you from future mess! 

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Image via Market Square Farmer's Market instagram.

• In the kitchen...

It seems like everyone is snacking more than ever in the summer. After a successful trip to the Farmer's Market, fill up a bowl with your fruit for anyone to grab on the go. Granola bars, PB&J, hummus, nuts are great snacks to grab on the run. If you have kids, designate areas for their snacks and drinks, separate from what you are using to cook meals to avoid confusion or clutter. Having paper products for an impromptu picnic will allow you to spontaneously decide to take your meal outdoors, and provides a quick and easy clean up. 

everyone meet allie, our newest teammate!

I am so excited to be working with Help You Dwell. I am an organizer at heart and have been exploring the world of perfecting, rearranging, and reordering for years, so what other job could suit me more? I began dabbling in professional organizing this year when I started my company Settled Spaces. I couldn’t believe that this was an actual possibility for a job. I'm glad to now share my love with the team at HYD. 

Being young and out of college, I am glad that organizing has given me the ability to combine a profession with a lifestyle. I’m happy to begin my career life working in an environment that engages my strengths and pushes me to grow in them. Helping others experience harmony in their lives is the most joyful part of organizing to me. 

Okay, a little bit about me: I love dancing and I love seeing movies IN theaters.

Allie & her family at her wedding. 

Someone once asked a group of us, “What is your favorite place in the whole world?” People said their grandparent’s house, the ocean, or the mountains. My favorite place in the world? The dance floor. I don't know of any other place where I feel so alive and full of joy, fully in the present moment, loving life, and so happy. Seriously! As for movies, I was totally conditioned by my parents to love them when I was young, since they would often go see movies back to back and my mom would arrive an hour early “to get good seats”. 

My need for perfection and order can sometimes be my greatest fault. However, as it goes, it’s also one of my greatest strengths. It’s something that has always been within me. I was a gymnast, so we were literally scored from the perfect 10.0 and received deductions for moves that weren’t perfect: a wobble, a bent leg, a wrong step, a fall. Also, when I was young, like the other HYD ladies, I would consistently be changing the floor plan of my room, the system for my dresser and getting rid of the junk that was under my bathroom sink. Basically, perfection is in my DNA. 

Allie and her husband Taylor. 

Again, SO thrilled to be working with this company and thankful for all that they stand for : ) 

six changes you can make to feel less stressed

Have you ever come home from a stressful day of work and needed to escape? Maybe you already stay home and need a space to feel at ease. We've got six changes you can make within your home to help you de-stress. 

1. Add Plants: 

Decorating with plants not only adds life and freshness into your home, but by bringing nature inside, you will instantly feel a since of calmness. For Air-Filtering plants, be sure to check out this post!

2. Let More Natural Light In

By opening up your curtains, you are letting more Vitamin D into your home. Vitamin D aids in a stronger immune system and is proven to make you happier. Cozy, warm rooms can be calming, but when you need a 'pick-me up',  be sure to let some light flood in.

3. Add in Calming Colors

Colors such as blue, violet, pink, and green are known to help calm your mind. Whether you choose to paint your walls a calming color, or simply add in art or accessories, these colors are sure to sooth your mind and create a since of calmness within your home.

4. Create an area of Peace

From answering e-mails after hours to checking off a to-do list, your mind is constantly running. To create an area of peace, pick at least one place inside your home that you set aside for only non work related activities. Your brain needs a space where work isn't done so it knows to shut down and relax. 

5. Get Rid of Clutter

Easier said than done! Luckily, you have HYD to help you with this task. Getting rid of physical clutter also rids your mind of clutter. Taking time to put things away and clearing your space will help put your mind at ease and make your home feel more put together. 

6. Put away the Electronics

Scrolling through social media may ease your mind for a short time, but it is also known for making you feel more anxious and depressed. Give your eyes a rest by mediating, tending to your home and/or garden, going for a walk, or taking a bath. The list is endless if you'll only put your phone away, shut the TV off, and explore what's beyond your doorway.

A historic home tour

Our latest home tour is full of history and heritage. We had the privilege of touring the lovely home of Megan and Caesar Stair in Old North Knoxville last week. The Stair's moved in, in 2010 and have wasted no time making it home and bringing it to life in new ways.

The home design is by famous architect George Barber and was built in 1898. It's original owner; W.T. Lang, was the foreman at Brookside Mills a textile mill that was one of Knoxville's largest employers in the early 1900's.  The home was christened "Pinecrest" when it was built and the name block still remains in the yard. The guest house behind the home was added later and was originally built to house the 100+ cats that belonged to Mrs. Lang who ran a cat orphanage of sorts. The home was at one point split into 4 apartments but has now been lovingly restored back to it's original use--a family home.

In February of 2010 with snow covering the grounds, the Stairs had their first walk through and immediately fell in love. Megan says she was drawn in by the beautiful woodwork, character, and the hallway/landing in the upstairs which she immediately pictured her family making use of. Another thing Megan loves about the home is how the kitchen and tv room are tucked away towards the back of the house. While the front of the home is very open and conducive to large gatherings, it's nice to have the more functional/every day use spaces tucked in their own corners.

One of my favorite things that Megan said during the home tour was that each house has it's own style and when you move into a home, you have to be intentional about "honoring the house". Megan has done a great job of blending both antique and modern pieces throughout her home in a way that feels seamless but eclectic at the same time. When I asked Megan about her style of decorating she shared that a lot of her furniture pieces have been passed down from family members or are items that have been brought back from travels. She has several really neat pieces from Morocco.

That wallpaper!!! all the heart eyes

These beautiful built in's covered the master bathroom and closet.

Megan's favorite kind of decor is art. The house is full of paintings, sculptures, mixed media and sketches. When I asked if she had a favorite piece of art she pointed out a piece by her brother, local artist Ryan Blair . (pictured below) She has several of his paintings and mixed media displayed but this one is her current favorite.

Megan's favorite piece of art. Mixed media by Ryan Blair

The Stair's recently renovated the kitchen and did an incredible job! The kitchen is Megans favorite room and she noted that she spends a lot of her time there. The kitchen is a great example of how Megan has blended modern,updated looks with the age and style of the home itself.

I asked Megan what "home" means to her and her response was simple- "a place where I can be comfortable". Her hope is that others feel the same way when they come into her home. Megan's home is a really great representation of so many people that she loves, from her brothers art to furniture that other family members have made, to projects that Megan has taken on herself, the Stair home is truly a work of love and one that has turned out beautifully!

One of the things that we (at HYD) get asked often is "How do you go about decorating a home?" Megan had some great advice to speak to that. Megan's philosophy is that she has to love an item to purchase it. When it comes to art, she looks for things that move her deeply. She thinks creatively and saves up to invest in pieces of furniture that are quality and will stand the test of time. There are seasons of life where you use what you have, you make things on your own, you gladly accept hand me downs and then over time you figure out what you love and replace the things that were place holders for the time being. Megan is a big proponent for finding your own style and while sometimes you need the help of a designer, at the end of the day she recommends settling with what feels most natural to your own taste.

Thank you Megan for opening up your beautiful home and sharing your style tips with us!

cord control

We all have cords we use every daily. These essential pieces of technology can get lost in the bottom of our bags, tangled together, or lost very easily. Think through the various cords you might need on any given day: headphones, phone charger, computer charger, and many more. If we aren't careful about how we store our cords - they can get the best of us, cause frustration and take unnecessary time to deal with. 

Solution: Cord Tacos. 

These hand made leather "cord tacos" have been the best fix for my cord disorganization. The two sizes are helpful for the different cords we need to keep with us. Not to mention, they are so pretty! 

Joyner Avenue was at the Retropolitan Craft Fair last weekend along with other makers and artists. They have a passion for their goods and make beautiful and functional products in Asheville, NC. 

Check them out! 

View more products by Joyner Avenue. 

mother's day gift guide

Mother's Day is coming up. We've thought through some ideas of how you can treat your mom this year. Our hope is to encourage you to give gifts of meaning and purpose, that really add value to mama's life. We hope an idea below will be perfect for the mother(s) in your life! 

something pretty.

• Ashley Addair's art @ Rala's First Friday event
• Native Map Knoxville neighborhoods map 
• Noonday Collection earrings & bracelet

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something practical.

• iphone charger key chain from anthropolgie 
• tile mate key finder from amazon 
• Handmade stationary from Lisa Clow Studio 

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something personal. 

• Cold Gold leather painting workshop at the Hive with mom
• Floret flower seed collection to plant with mom

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something to pamper and empower her.

• glowing body yoga studio class pass 
• Wild Lavendar Spa facial treatment
• Help You Dwell gift card of 3 hour value, to be used as she desires! We can help rearrange a challenging space, organize a closet, design and hang a gallery wall, bring order to the pantry, set up a new room, and so much more. Possibilities are endless and mom will enjoy our organizing services in a way that is unique to her needs. Give the gift that will free her up, instead of add more clutter to her life! Contact us with any questions regarding this special. 

Treat your mama to something special this Mother's Day! 

*Blog Image from Terrain

donations 101

Once you've purged, it's helpful to know which organizations locally need which specific items. It's empowering to know your donation is going to a purposeful cause and is serving your local community. We've put together this resource of where to donate specific items!

Household Items-
KARM: drop off and pick up available
Ladies of Charity
Angelic Ministries

Antiques, vintage furniture & historic building materials-
Salvage Shop

Clothing & accessories-
bare.Thred: Exciting things ahead... Be on the lookout for information regarding donations on June 1. They repurpose clothes and aim to reduce clothing waste in Knoxville! 

Bikes-
Kickstand
DreamBikes

Medical Equipment- 
East Tennessee Technology Access Center

Books-
Friends of the Knox County Library

Arts & Craft Supplies-
The Basement Community Arts Studio

Eyeglasses-
The Lions Club
Volunteer Ministry Center

Construction & Building Material-
Habitat for Humanity

Please share other specific donation spots in Knoxville that you know of! 

*Blog Image from Native Maps. 

DO'S & DON'TS OF DECORATING

We don't believe in following the rules when it comes to decorating, but there are a few do's & don't that can help transform your home into something you truly love. Below are a few tips & tricks to help you get started!

Grab your favorite art piece and accessories and curate a space that's your own! If you are needing help filling in the pieces don't forget to check out The Spring Flea happening this weekend at The Hive!

Still having trouble taking your space to the next level? Our Interior Designer will be hosting a workshop on April 29th to help you create a beautiful + functional space. 
REGISTER here today!

The Art of Design: creating beautiful + functional spaces

Workshop: Presentation to get to know the designer, plus tricks & trips on how to create beautiful + functional space. This is also the perfect time for any questions you may have for the design services HYD provides & your to-do list.

To-Do: Upon registering you will be given a questionnaire to help the designer with your wants + needs for the space. You will also need to provide photos of your space. (these can be sent via email.)

Take-away: Once the workshop is done, you will provide your questionnaire sheets and photos to the designer. She will then get busy creating a layout + comments and recommendations to help you achieve your goals for the space provided.