Lucie Pitt, Author at Versa Style Design

May 31 2019

Organizing Your Home in 5 Steps

I confess that I am addicted to the process and rewards of organizing. While certain individuals are crazy about exercise or chocolate, I obsess over finding ways of restructuring items and spaces with style, functionality and flair! When I’m in a new environment, I constantly imagine new ways of optimizing the space and design so it’s more coherent, efficient and beautiful.

But if you’re not an organization addict, here are five winning strategies that I always share with my clients. They should motivate you into getting organized ONCE AND FOR ALL!

Step 1: Recruit help!

If you want to share the load, you must delegate certain tasks. Family members that contribute an effort in the de-cluttering of the space will be much more apt and motivated to maintain the new structure in the long run.

If you are single, go ahead and propose an exchange with buddies who also have the same objective. One week-end the team is at one person’s home and the next week-end at another’s, and so on and so forth. With this type of team rotation there is a momentum and more discipline to stick to the plan.

Step 2: Establish a schedule with a final date.

You will realize that you have way more possessions than you remembered!

Be realistic! Don’t underestimate the amount of prep time required for setting up your storage systems as well as the evacuation of items that will be recycled, sold, thrown out and given away. You will discover lost or forgotten items; you will be revising documents, and will be pulling out items that were stowed away deep within your pantry, cupboards and lockers.

Step 3. Prepare the evacuation

Define in advance where you will temporarily store everything you intend on giving away or selling. Prepare this zone with the adequate boxes, garbage bags and recycle bins. You also need to schedule the transportation of all items going to loved-ones, friends or charitable organizations.

Step 4: Clarify the purpose of each room!

Once you have established clearly which activities take place in this zone, withdraw every item that isn’t related or associated. By grouping objects together by category and by assembling them in the area they will be used in, we effectively eliminate a number of useless procedures. This process also helps in identifying what has become superfluous in our lives.

Some questions to consider: Have I used this item in the last year? Will this object contribute to a definite future project of mine? Do I need to consider letting go of certain unfinished projects?

According to the Pareto Principle, we use only 20% of our belongings 80% of the time, so it is highly probable that you will be left with items that should outright leave the premises.

Step 5: Cultivate the habit of handling an object only once.

Rather than transferring items from one pile to another and procrastinating in their inevitable treatment, develop the habit of immediately managing your documents and all other objects that accumulated into clutter.For example, upon arriving, open your mail and address each document; bills get placed in the ‘bills to pay’ file, envelopes and garbage go into the recycle bin, and other papers are immediately archived in an appropriate file for easy access and future retrieval.

Truly processing your mail every time you bring it in can take 5 minutes, but at least you banish clutter, disorderly piles and the endless searching of important documents. Managing your finances and paying your bills on time become much simpler when everything is in its place and on hand…bonus!

To conclude

Admittedly, we have trouble getting the job done because it simply isn’t enjoyable. One of the goals of this article was to offer you a small source of inspiration and a few strategies that have made a difference with my clients as well as in my own clutter.

Having said that, more and more individuals are consulting professional organizers either for the development of personalized storage solutions, or to receive help in the actual execution of certain tasks. According to them, the benefit of working with a pro far out ways the costs, and provides enough motivation and expertise to make a noticeable difference. Getting organized once and for all contributes to your quality of life, so don’t wait any longer!

You would like to adopt some of these ideas in your own space but you don’t know where to start?

Contact us to transform your home or office according to your style, your budget and your specific needs. By discussing your project we can provide you with relevant information concerning our services, the process and our design fee.

Click here to contact us.

Get Organized

May 12 2019

How to design a functional closet or walk-in

A well-designed closet or walk-in is crucial to eliminating clutter and maintaining organization in the bedroom. Good planning and observation skills will help you maximize every square inch of available space.

Modular storage, adjustable storage, shelves, drawers, rods, hanging storage, hooks: there is a whole range of storage solutions to optimize closet use. Here are a few ideas to help you make the choices that will best meet your needs.

Measure the available space

Measure and make a note of the size of each closet in the house: width, height, depth and the space taken up by shelves and doors. These measurements will help you decide how you can best make use of each closet.

Calculate the space needed

To determine the space you need, sort items into categories. Then, next to each item make a note of its approximate size; this will give you a fair idea of the space required. Remember to allow for 5 cm between pieces of clothing; lack of space and ventilation can lead to stuffy smells and unwanted creases.

The best space saving trick I use is: Double up your closet rods, one above the other, to double your hanging storage space for short clothes such as shirts and blouses;

If you don’t like how your storage space is organized, you probably won’t use it properly (i.e. put things away). There are different ways to store an item (hanger, basket, shelf), and your choices should reflect your personal preferences. Of course, take into account the item’s size, closet doors, etc.

Modular Systems

Durable, high-quality storage solutions such as modular systems are recommended if your needs, storage habits and style of clothes to be stored are fairly stable. You can have this custom designed and built. Prefabricated systems are also available in simple and easy-to-build solutions. You can maximize your available space and adapt the closet to accommodate the items you want to put there.

With this type of storage, you usually start with base units, the standard and corner units, which you can superimpose. To these base units and closet rods you can add drawers of varying sizes, stationary or sliding shelves, cubic organizers, doors and different racks for shoes, pants, jewellery and belts, etc.

Adjustable Shelves

Adjustable shelves provide maximum versatility. Because their configuration and design makes them easy to adapt to a given space, adjustable shelving systems represent a versatile solution that is ideal for rooms where needs are likely to evolve over time. Adjustable shelves are good value, easy to put up, very adaptable and require very few tools and building knowledge to install.

To conclude…

The modern closet has come of age. With the range of styles and storage solutions available, closets have become prominent features of a well-designed home. Take note: no more excuses for neglecting your closets!

You would like to adopt some of these ideas in your own space but you don’t know where to start?

Click here to contact us.

Get Organized

Feb 13 2019

Shelves and storage ideas for the home and office

Most of our rooms require clever strategies to organize clothing, books, files, important documents, kitchen items and electronic components. The problem arises when every surface becomes cluttered and we begin to feel overwhelmed!

We will have a look at some great shelving available in a variety of styles and for every budget. We will also have a quick glance at the major shelf categories so you can identify which type of shelf will best meet your needs. You will then be inspired with shelf ideas for every room in the house as well as the office. Shelves can be purchased off the shelf, ordered online or custom made, like these ones. These rustic industrial shelves were custom designed and built out of recycled barn wood and welded steel. They were then ceiling mounted.

Shelves and storage ideas for the home and office

Industrial shelving available
at Versa Style Design

Shelves are split up into 6 major categories

Free standing shelves (without a back panel)
Open shelves (with no door)
Closed shelves (hide-away storage)
Wall-mounted cubes and modules
Sliding recessed shelves
Custom built-in shelves

Free standing shelves

Without any back panels, open free standing shelves can also play the role of room divider.Light passing through the shelves into the other zone gives a much lighter feel than a solid division. The trick here is to avoid stacking and filling every shelf, maintaining a look that remains light, airy, paired back and roomy!

Open shelves

Open shelves can look great, but they can also be a problem. They must not be cluttered and disorganized. Here is a great looking custom built book-case that is fully open. Clients are always surprised when I suggest optimizing the wall space around a door. I believe it enhances the room architecturally and it adds valuable storage. Keep a little bit of empty space on the shelves to allow the items to breathe and remain un-cluttered.

Closed shelves

Closed shelves are perfect for quick and easy clean ups in kids’ rooms and play areas. Control clutter and keep them organized with all this hide-away storage. Make sure they can reach the shelves so they can learn to keep their play zone, school books and clothes organized as they grow older. Custom shelving is a great way of optimizing small and compact spaces. Notice the steps are also pull-out drawers.

Wall mounted cubes and shelves

Create a zone exactly as you like in the shape and configuration you require. Modular systems like these ones were designed to adapt to your needs and are available custom-built or off the shelf in a variety of finishes and colours. Even within a small zone, you can quickly and simply create your own shelving. Wall modules help you save precious space and can combine open and closed storage, depending on your needs.

Sliding recessed shelves

Recessed shelves are very high in demand for kitchens and bathrooms for clutter control. Hide away your cosmetics and cleaning products even if you have a compact bathroom. This custom recessed shelving was added at the end of the bath. You can also have recessed shelving made in the kitchen for your food, pots, spices and small cooking appliances.

Custom built-in shelves

These shelves are ‘built into’ the wall in between the vertical wall studs. You can also have built-in shelves surrounding your fireplace, near your bed for books and a lamp, as well as in the hallway for added storage.
Built-ins add instant style and elegance to a space. These are open niches for easy access, but many built-ins have nice doors with added moulding and chic handles.

Here are some more ideas to inspire you; shelves that work hard and look great in a variety of materials and finishes.

Office storage modules and shelves

When assisting clients with their office installations I often recommend wall mounted storage modules. It seems we are often lacking in floor space so getting things off the floor increases traffic flow and productivity. Evaluate what can be stored behind closed doors or drawers and what should be exposed on open shelving allowing for frequent and easy access.

Industrial style recycled wood shelves

Shelves for keeping the front entrance organized are priceless. These custom built recycled wood industrial style shelves (available at Versa Style design) were the perfect choice for a casual corner. Recycled and barn wood shelves can be ordered and built for every room in the home or office. They can also be wall-mounted with industrial pipes like these.

Open shelves for a teen’s room

We clearly see in this 3D rendering how shelving can be totally unique and personalized without being excessively complicated to build. Add a bit of strategically placed paint and you’ve got a great zone sure to impress every young spirited person around! Functionality and coolness combined!

The garage and workshop

In these zones, typically the priority is function over beauty. In this work and hobby zone we see a great combination of opened and closed shelving, all highly accessible. The units are purchased and placed strategically to fill specific functions. Notice how the open shelving in the centre doubles as a handy work surface, and how by placing a higher unit on each side you create a natural working alcove and a wall for hanging tools.

To conclude

I am leaving you with a purely inspirational photo to demonstrate how when we present a great idea to a half-decent handy-man we can create shelving that is truly unique, functional and great looking without being necessarily expensive.

You would like to adopt some of these ideas in your own space but you don’t know where to start?

Click here to contact us.

Get more ideas on shelves, storage ideas and tips for staying organized here:

Get Organized

Jan 25 2019

A well-planned home renovation

Have you been thinking of renovating but felt a little daunted by the process, and don’t really know where to start? Your home has a direct impact on your quality of life, so home improvement is not to be taken lightly or even neglected. On the contrary, proper planning will save you time and money in the long run. I cannot repeat too often to my clients: Renovating a house or condo with a happy ending requires careful planning right down to the smallest detail.

The home improvement projects most in demand by my clients are:

Kitchen renovations
Bathroom renovations
Basement renovations

I suppose it must be because they are such central spaces to family life,
and are high traffic as well.

Kitchen, bathroom and basement renovations are a smart investment

Good News! Kitchen, bathroom and basement renovations are what give home owners the highest return on their investment. If these spaces are properly done, you can get back as much as 75% – 100% on your money, if not more.
Real estate agents agree that a seller should concentrate on these three rooms to sell their homes. So even if you intend on living there for many more years, you know that the eventual market value will be considerably higher than it is now!

The 3 phases structuring a home renovation project

Phase 1: Dream

Because we all forget the daily irritations triggered by our dysfunctional spaces , and because we don’t recall all the nifty items we come across or read about, you should keep a running list of ideas and photos in a file, for months if need be! Sometimes it is easier to write down what is NOT working in our space before we can put a great wish list together.

You should surf the net and visit suppliers in order to familiarize yourself with new products and materials newly released on the market to make life easier, and more stylish! Purchase decoration magazines and visit inspirational websites such as Houzz and Pinterest and keep the photos that have elements that catch your sense of style or practicality. A picture is worth a thousand words.

Phase 2: Recruit and plan

Get help from an Interior designer

Interior designers are specialists in planning great interiors. They also provide technical plans, and supervise renovations but they have the added bonus of being creators of environments, personalizing spaces from a functional and practical point of view .

With the help of your designer, establish your priorities as well as short, medium and long term goals with a logical sequence to avoid back-tracking and undoing previously done work. This professional can also help you when comparing various price quotes and ensure the entrepreneur is conforming his work to the plans!

Choosing the right trades-people

Always get the name from a satisfied client, designer or architect for the right person for YOUR project. Every trade and professional has their strong points and specialties, so make sure the match is right. I always get a good grasp of a client’s plans before knowing which entrepreneur or contractor would be perfect for the scope and type of home improvement project.

They should be established for several years, and possess all the proper permits, insurances and industry requirements, as well as having worked on the same type of project as yours. They should provide a clear and prompt price quote, references, and a proper contract. Don’t forget to get your plans approved by your municipality before progressing. The municipal codes and regulations vary from one municipality to the next.

kitchen renovations, cabinet renovations

The right timing

If you are able, try to schedule these people well enough in advance (with a contract and deposit), or plan your home renovation project during a quieter time of year. The busiest times of year in the home improvement industry are spring and autumn.

During the hottest summer weeks they take their vacations, however, it is often too quiet in this sector of activity in the colder winter months after the holidays. From January through March these trades are often looking for work, so it’s a good time to book them and perhaps negotiate a better price. They want to work, they are passionate and they are excellent!

Phase 3: Action

Ordering

With your designer and entrepreneur, consider the waiting times for each order to avoid unnecessary delays, and coordinate this aspect carefully. For instance, the floor covering must be delivered and installed before the kitchen cabinets or that new bathroom vanity.

To conclude

We can clearly see all the benefits to a well-planned home renovation project. Apart from the aesthetic side, renovating even just a room will introduce greater comfort, a higher level of security, a practical and functional living space, and generally improve every family member’s quality of life.

Statistics have demonstrated that certain home improvement projects increase the market value of the property.
Now all that remains is for you to dream of your new living or work space!

Kitchen Renovations

Basement Renovations

Bathroom Renovations

You would like to adopt some of these ideas in your own space
but you don’t know where to start?

Click here and we will respond within 24 hours.

Sep 27 2018

Kitchen counters and how to choose one

A new counter will instantly elevate your kitchen, as well as increase the value of your home. Kitchen counters have developed over time, and are now designed to adapt to your lifestyle and budget.

Are you looking to change your kitchen counter but don’t know where to start? Here are the main considerations that will help you select the best countertop for your kitchen.

Determine how the counter will be used

In a perfect world, a kitchen counter would possess durability, easy maintenance, water, heat and stain resistance, affordability and a nice look to top it all off. Unfortunately, the reality is quite different.

No material is perfect and everyone has their own criteria and preferences. Each person prioritizes certain aspects that will be more important than others in their selection process.

Some will favour price or ease of maintenance whereas others will prefer something that looks good or is very durable. Also, in order to help you determine which characteristics are most important to you, ask yourself what type of use you will make of your counter and in what type of environment it will be installed.

Will you cook a lot on its surface? Do you use Turmeric or other saturated spices? Are there children working on an island counter? Are you willing to spend a lot of time and effort to keep it looking nice and clean?

Defining the budget

This is the most important step of the process. Your budget is what will help you make your dream a reality. Essentially, it will allow you to know if you have enough money to do what you want and if not, to determine which compromises you will have to make to reach your goal. Even when you think you’ve found the perfect countertop, if it doesn’t suit your budget, you will have to find another alternative.

Elaborating your budget will also help you decide how the countertop will be installed. You could install it yourself or hire a designer with their supplier and installer to do the job. It’s up to you to see which option best suits your budget, your expectations and your manual skills.

A budget includes all materials, the cut, delivery and installation. If you install it yourself, you must also take into account the price of renting tools if you don’t have the right ones.

Choosing the right materials

There are many different options for kitchen countertop materials available on the market. Even though none are perfect, you will definitely find something that lives up to your expectations. In order to avoid useless spending and future regrets, take your time when making a choice.

Compare prices and check out the specific characteristics of each material. Visit the stores where they sell these types of products or Versa Style Design’s Montreal showroom, to compare the qualities, colours and prices. The more time you invest in this step, the more likely you are to be satisfied with the result.

Laminate counters

Standard laminate is a sandwich of kraft paper impregnated with resin and topped by a decorative layer of melamine paper glued to a particleboard substrate. Only drop-in sink installations are possible with this type of counter. Available in a wide range of finishes, laminate can imitate the appearance of other materials, which makes it possible to enjoy the look of more expensive materials without the associated cost.

Laminate Counter Benefits

Affordable
Versatile
Durable
Wide range of colours and patterns available
Impact-resistant

Drawbacks

Only moderately heat and scratch-resistant
Joints are visible
Damaged surfaces are more difficult to repair

Maintenance

Clean with a mild soap

Wood counters

Hard woods such as yellow birch, white oak, teak, maple and cherry are the preferred wood species for work surfaces. A butcher’s block-style countertop is a chef’s dream, and is made by bonding together 3″ or larger laminated strips of unpainted wood. There are many shades of natural wood possible, making wood an ideal material to harmonize with the rest of your kitchen decor. Since wood is prone to water damage, avoid using wood for surfaces around the sink. Wood works very well in combination with other materials. A drop-in sink installation is necessary.

Wood Benefits

Authentic visual warmth
Versatile
Timeless character
Suitable for all decors
Can be repaired easily
Naturally water-resistant teak is an ideal wood for around the sink.

Drawbacks

High-maintenance
Scratch and impact-sensitive
Heat-sensitive
Shows knife marks
Expensive
Requires sealants

Maintenance

Prevent marks by cleaning up spills immediately
Apply a mineral oil to protect the wood every three months
Sanding and re-oiling will bring back its original look

Stone, quartz and solid-surface counters

Experienced professionals are required to install stone countertops and solid surfacing, and they must also make the necessary openings for the sink and faucets. Stone slabs are pre-cut and solid surface materials are made to order. Under-mount sinks can be installed with stone and quartz-surface.

Stone Benefits

Durable, elegant, unique and high-end
Easy to clean
Highly heat-resistant
Slabs can be cut to fit the size counter you want

Maintenance

Sealants must be applied to most natural stone
Colours are irregular, varying from one slab to another
Heat-sensitive
Periodic maintenance is required
Granite countertops must be installed over a plywood base
Expensive

Drawbacks

Clean with a mild soap

Quartz Counter Benefits

Requires less maintenance than slab stone
Water-tight and durable
Consistent colours
Anti-bacterial
Non-porous so sealant is not required
Heat, stain and scratch-resistant

Drawbacks

Expensive

Maintenance

Clean with a mild soap

Solid Surface Counter Benefits

Offered in a wide range of colours
Highly resistant to stains and abrasive products
No visible joints

Drawbacks

Expensive
Not very heat and scratch-resistant

Maintenance

Clean with a mild soap

Concrete counters

Concrete countertops are available in three types. First among the options are custom precast slabs, which begin with taking the measurements of the countertop area, then building a mould. Once it has been fabricated offsite, it is then transported and installed in the kitchen.

Another option is “pour in place” countertops, which are exactly what they sound like. This type of concrete countertop is poured on the spot over a concrete board or plywood surface that covers the cabinets underneath with a moulding for the edges. The last type is the simplest and entails using pre-manufactured slabs and having them fitted.

Concrete counter Benefits

One of the most malleable materials from a design perspective
Can be pre-formed or poured on the spot
Heat and scratch-resistant
Colours and finishes easily customized
Metal and glass fragments can be added to the mix for decorative appeal

Drawbacks

Must be reinforced with steel and polypropylene fibre to prevent cracking
Stains easily so must be sealed properly
Base cabinets may need structural reinforcing
Must be reinforced with steel and polypropylene fibre to prevent cracking
Colour changes over time with a patina
Expensive

Maintenance

Wipe surfaces clean immediately

You would like to adopt some of these ideas in your own space but you don’t know where to start?

Click here to contact us.

Step 1: Recruit help!

Step 2: Establish a schedule with a final date.

Step 3. Prepare the evacuation

Step 4: Clarify the purpose of each room!

Step 5: Cultivate the habit of handling an object only once.

To conclude

Measure the available space

Calculate the space needed

Modular Systems

Adjustable Shelves

Shelves are split up into 6 major categories

Free standing shelves

Open shelves

Closed shelves

Wall mounted cubes and shelves

Sliding recessed shelves

Custom built-in shelves

Office storage modules and shelves

Industrial style recycled wood shelves

Open shelves for a teen’s room

The garage and workshop

To conclude

Kitchen, bathroom and basement renovations are a smart investment

The 3 phases structuring a home renovation project

Phase 1: Dream

Phase 2: Recruit and plan

Get help from an Interior designer

Choosing the right trades-people

The right timing

Phase 3: Action

Ordering

To conclude

Determine how the counter will be used

Defining the budget

Choosing the right materials

Laminate counters

Wood counters

Stone, quartz and solid-surface counters

Concrete counters

Versa Style Design Lucie Pitt

Interior Design & Renovations

Design Blog

Versa Style Design
Lucie Pitt