Design Psychie: Back to School Organizing Tips!

Its time for the Back To School hustle and bustle and with that means, clutter, excitement and never ending scheduling. Eek! It can all be so over whelming. So here are some tips to help you take control and have a more stress free school year.




Time Management: One of the most common stress contributes is not planning enough time for events and tasks in our schedule. BUT here is a wise old trick, set all the clocks in your house 10 min ahead and next thing you know appointments are kept and dinner is on time. It really works.









Command Center: Creating a space that everyone in the family has access too can help communication and reduce conflict. Hang a calendar that allows everyone to put events up and be aware of what other members of the family are doing. A chalkboard in this area will is a great way to pass on messages or ideas. Also find a way to organize all those papers that come in via mail, school announcements or fliers. Whether it be file folders, or baskets, each paper should have its place, bills, permission slips etc. Try to live by the rule that once you open it, only touch it once. So if it is an event announcement, write it on your calendar and then through it away. This will help reduce clutter everywhere.



Drop Off Point: It's 3pm and next thing you know, kids are running through the door all excited about their day and while you want to hear all their stories, you are busy picking up shoes, jackets, and backpacks that have been strung through the house. Creating a drop off point near the entrance the kids use the most, will help them keep all their belongings neat and organized. Assign hooks and baskets for each individual and next thing you know you are enjoying the company of your children rather than cleaning up after them.

Design Spotlight: Getting to Know Brooks!

As always, it's a pleasure to be invited into your home each time that you visit our blog.  After all, home is what we're all about.  With that being said, I'd like to introduce myself to you.  My name is Brooks Ballard.  I hail from the delightful little town of Smithfield, Utah.  While growing up I was consumed with art of all kinds and a love for architecture.  A week was fruitless if it passed without me drawing blue prints and rearranging my bedroom.  I relocated to Utah County in 2004 to attend Utah Valley University.  I began studying behavioral science and got a job working as a counselor in a residential treatment center for at risk teens.  I was introduced to Deanna Yocum by a mutual friend shortly after moving to Provo.  It took me nearly 4 years to convince her that I was the guy for her.  We married in 2008.  After 5 years of marriage and several hundred bottles of crazy pills, we have 3 beautiful children and a dog; Macie, Jonah, Rhodes, and puppy Bernie.  

I have learned that environment plays a large role in the health of the human psyche.  Throughout my time as a counselor and interior decorator I have witnessed first hand the change that washes over clients who cleanse and beautify their environment.  Overwhelmingly, my students who return to a home that is in order have a greater margin of success.  I want everyone to have a house in order.  Like many of you, I need my home to be a sanctuary for my children.  I need to create an environment conducive to their success.  I believe that the greatest teaching takes place within the walls of our homes.  My children will learn that their home is a place of refuge from the storms of life.  I hope that they can extend a hand to others and pull them to safety.  I know all of you share this same desire for your homes and family.  My vision for the The Grande Design is to offer everyone the opportunity to have interior design services in their price range; whether it's taking what is already yours and giving it new life or a fresh start entirely.  Let us help you get your house in order.

End of Summer Sale!


Trends We Love: Pattern Your Organizing!

One trend we love here at the Grande Design, is using non traditional supplies to create great design. Awesome patterns can be found in everything from wrapping paper to tape. So here are a few ideas to brighten you home and put a little pep into spaces you want to keep organized.

First Patterned Trend We Love: Washi Tape!
It is great to use for scrap-booking and other crafts, but can also be an easy way to help organize your closet. Just pick a few patterns you like, designate each one to a certain type of clothing, i.e. long sleeves, short sleeves, formal etc. Then wrap tape around the top of the hanger. Once inside your closet it will be easy to identify which is which with just a quick glance. No more shoving a pushing things out of the way!


Second Patterned Trend We Love: Scrapbook Paper!
Think out side the box. Scrapbook paper and a mod-podge have been long time friends and have been joining forces to add fun to many things. In our next tip we have added scrapbook paper to boring old paper boxes to help our organizing look a lot more exciting. Simply trace cut the scrapbook paper to fit the out side of the box. Adhere with some mod-podge and add some lettering for a fun way to label. Now you will have a decorative spot to put all those papers that clutter your kitchen counter or office.


Our Last Patterned Trend We Love: Wrapping Paper!
Not just to be use to conceal presents anymore. We took an old mass produced bookcase and revamped it by adding some great designed wrapping paper to the back panel. It was as easy as removing the backing, using some spray adhesive and reattaching the back panel to the frame. This easy project took a quick 30 min. but added so much to the craft room. A great idea for a kids room or a reading nook.



Easy Living & Design: Design High


 I often have friends and visitors to my home ask how it is possible to have a decorated home when the bulk of the occupants are under the age of 3!  My answer is acclamation.  The more exposure your children have to “things,” the less curious they become.  For safety sake, you do need to baby proof your home; but baby proof doesn't have to mean style proof.  


Think lofty thoughts.  Create vignettes in high spaces like a mantle.  The kiddies will have a difficult time accessing areas out of reach.  Rather than a formal fireplace screen, opt for a barrier of cleverly placed suit cases and bird cages; or any other bulky, safe decorative items.  Decorations like these make it more challenging for little ones to find their way into a potentially dangerous fireplace.  Parents sacrifice many comforts for the sake of their children...  Style doesn't have to be one of those sacrifices.  Now that's easy living!