The next several weeks are devoted to making your days better. We’ll be solving problems, decreasing anxiety, making you look and feel better. It’s all happening here. And, it’s all happening thanks to the genius of local small businesses in the Poplin community. Welcome to another installment of, “In it Together.”

As I’ve mentioned in the blog, we’ve been doing some major repurposing over here. We turned our garage into my husband’s “loft like” office by cannibalizing lots of swanky furniture from around the house and building some tables with old doors and sawhorses. We reorganized our son’s room including repainting and putting up a mural on the wall. And, of course, we’ve been building planter boxes and more out front. The point is, we live for this stuff and now is the best time to do it. Not only does it make our space more appealing during Quarantine, but it also is a great way to be creative, productive and achieve flow. I heard from readers that this sort of thing doesn’t necessarily come naturally to everyone. So, I reached out to my longtime friend, Poplin client and genius Interior Architect and Designer, Amy May. Enjoy!

P.S. Next up, I’ll be guiding you through getting dressed everyday in Quarantine. See you Friday!

Reinventing Your Space With Amy May, Founder of May Designs

Greetings from the Nest!

If you’re like me, you probably never envisioned your home getting this much use on a continuous basis. You probably also didn’t think you’d be seeing the inside of your co-workers’ homes every day, either.

I’m Amy May, an Interior Architect + Designer. It’s my job to look inside the homes of other people every day, and this is all a bit strange even for me. So, I can only imagine how unusual it feels for you.

But this is actually an opportunity—being at home so much gives you the chance to figure out what you truly love about your living space, what you don’t love, and what changes will not only meet your needs, but re-energize your environment.

I’m here to help you on that journey. I’ve been creating uplifting environments for over 15 years through my Soulful Design process. I transform spaces to reconnect individuals and families with their homes, nurturing the mind, body, and spirit while also reflecting their personality.

I have been obsessed with homes and design since I was 12—So much so that my sister and I even shared a subscription to Architectural Digest as kids (being featured in the magazine’s December issue brought everything full circle for me.)

Now let’s talk about you. Whatever you’ve discovered that doesn’t work about your space, we can find a solution. Maybe the kitchen nook needs to be both an office and a learning center for the kids. Or your existing office needs to accommodate an additional work-at-home employee. Or you just want a more cozy, comforting space for watching Netflix. 

Just a few small changes can help you get more enjoyment out of being at home—for the next month and beyond!

ADD PERSONALITY

Does your space lack personality or need a little more “fun” added?

Does it feel like you’re living with hand-me downs?

I have a creative family— my father is a skilled carpenter that can make anything. Growing up watching him create beautiful things helped me to appreciate artisans in my own backyard. Supporting local artisans and artists is one of my passions. My love of collecting artifacts over the years has really paid off.  They still bring me joy when I see them, and they make each room a little more interesting. I’ve moved them around to different areas on occasion to change the mood and give them a new life (see tips on that in the next section).

Below are some of my favorite local artisans and online shops. Order now for instant gratification!

MOVE IT AROUND/REPURPOSE

After a short period of time we become desensitized to our environment. Meaning, we lose sight of what we enjoy the most as it starts to fade into the background. So, move things around to other rooms to give them new life! Let a new environment allow them to shine and catch your attention.

Furniture: Pull your sofa away from the wall and float it in the room. If you have matching chairs, split them up. Switch a living room chair with a chair you may have in the bedroom or other area of the house. If you really want to go crazy, rotate the room! Have fun with it!

Art: Do you walk by artwork in your hallway every day and don’t even notice it anymore? Then move it to your make-shift office behind your desk so it’s the background for your Zoom calls.

Pictures: Are the pictures on your bookshelf more than 5 years old? How about this Saturday you and your family look through pictures from your last vacation and select new ones to replace the old ones? Not only it is a fun activity to do together, but you’ll love having new photos displayed!

Pillows + Throws + Rugs: Switch them from your living room to your bedroom. Don’t worry about the paint color, just let your mind go crazy for a day and tell you it’s wrong. But you’ll discover it’s so right! Convince yourself you’re living on the edge and be daring. You can always switch it back later if you change your mind. The house gods will forgive you.

Seating arrangements: Does each member of the family have a certain spot? Switch it up! You’ll gain a whole new perspective when you sit down for dinner or gather around the TV. If you can’t bear to leave your favorite chair, then move it to a different spot in the room. Again, break the rules (there really are no rules!).

My temporary home office was created by moving the bed against the wall to treat as a day bed which opened up space for a table and chair. I switched up the pillows and moved in a piece of art that brings me joy. It’s the first thing I see when I enter the office, and it’s behind me on full display when I have my virtual meetings! Win win!

PLAN AHEAD

Have you been thinking about a future renovation for your home, but never found the time or energy to work out the details? Well, now you do!

Now that you’re cooking more frequently, start a list of what’s not working in your kitchen. What changes would make cooking and eating as a family more enjoyable?

Or do you need more personal space? Where in the house do you want to escape?

Is it time to make the basement part of the house rather than the dungeon? It could be a great place for the kids to enjoy. Or, make it a spare bedroom freeing up a room on the first floor for an office or escape room.

Have you dreamt of a long, hot bath as a way to be alone?

Now is the time to dream—and plan.

TALK TO A PROFESSIONAL

If you are considering changes to your home I’d be happy to schedule a call. We can go live if you want to show me around on video! We can talk about the process (design and construction), budgets, ideas, and answer your questions giving you the time to decide if it’s right for you!

I love what I do, and do what I love (that is literally written in my permanent office that I miss dearly). We’ll be spending more time at home in the coming months, and I want you to love your space. Change it up!

Let your home be Modern. Authentic. Yours.

Stay well. Live well. Be well.