Design and organizing: An ideal match
When you think of your dream version of home, it looks like different things for different people. However, if you close your eyes and picture it, it’s probably beautiful and tidy. One of the core tenets of our designs is function, because your home should work for you. Nicole sat down with Janet Bernstein, founder of The Organizing Professionals, to talk about design and organizing as well as how they work together to create that ideal home.
Design and organizing Q&A
Q: Thanks so much for taking the time to talk with us, Janet! My first question is, “do you think design and organizing need to work hand in hand?”
A: Oh, absolutely. The most beautiful kitchen, bath, or dressing room can still be challenging if it’s not designed from a functional perspective. For instance, a kitchen is fundamentally a workhorse. If it’s laid out simply from an aesthetic standpoint, it can be very challenging to organize well. A strategy that takes into account how the client will use it is essential.
Q: I love to hear that, because we believe that your home should work for you and that concept informs all of our designs. What advice would you give to designers?
A: Ask the right questions. A family with young children uses their home much differently than an empty-nester couple, even if the two homes are identical. The best way to ensure that the client loves their home day-to-day is to get very specific about what they need from it. My team is currently handling a lot of whole-home unpacks from moves, and we want to set the new homeowners up for success. The thought process behind what will go where has to be really intentional. For some that means storing dishes and flatware in a lower cabinet or drawer so that the kids can help set the table. For others, it’s devising stylish storage in the powder room in the absence of a vanity because it’s where they’ll fix their hair and makeup before jumping on a Zoom meeting. It’s less about giving them a Pinterest-worthy pantry (although we do that!) and more about creating solutions that will be easy to maintain.
Custom kitchen organization by Glenna Stone Interior Design
Pull-out laundry room drying rack by Glenna Stone Interior Design; Photo by Rebecca McAlpin
Q: Where have you seen spaces get more attention in light of the pandemic?
A: This one is probably obvious, but home offices. There’s been a transformation of other, lesser-used rooms into permanent office space. It’s not just about having a desk, chair, and good lighting. Clients need a designated spot for office supplies – imagine being in the middle of a meeting and your pen runs dry. A lot of clients are now using printers at home as well, so ink and paper need to be stocked. Designers are getting really creative with home offices and we love having the opportunity to work with beautiful built-ins and furniture pieces to create solutions on an everyday level here.
Office solutions by The Organizing Professionals
Q: If you had to pick a favorite room or space to work in, what would it be?
A: Closets! I love every aspect, from maximizing every inch right down to using matching hangers. It’s really fun to see what the client loves and find a way to use that to make them happy. If a client has a fantastic shoe or bag collection, I think of it as wearable art. They may only wear those Manolos once or twice a year or carry that fabulous vintage evening bag on certain special occasions, but creating a display in their closet or dressing room gives them a little moment of joy whenever they see it. This isn’t exclusive to women, either. I’ve had male clients who feel this way about their ties or watches. I’d say that these spaces are so personal and so unique, and I love being able to tailor it to each person.
Kids’ closet by The Organizing Professionals
Sweater organization by The Organizing Professionals
Q: Okay, last question. Is there any advice that you would give to clients before they reach out to you?
A: I truly believe the collaboration between client, designer, and professional organizer produces the perfect trifecta. We enhance the designers’ end results with beautiful organizational systems that are easy to maintain. Often the client doesn’t have time (or desire) to unpack intentionally after renovation. That’s where we at The Organizing Professionals shine!
Thank you so much for your time, insight, and expertise, Janet. We look forward to working with you in the future!
Header image: Wynnewood dressing room by Glenna Stone Interior Design; Photo by Paul S. Bartholomew
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Glenna Stone Interior Design is an award-winning Philadelphia interior design firm serving Philadelphia, the Main Line, and surrounding cities. Utilizing her background and training in interior design, architecture, and engineering, Glenna specializes in creating interiors for residential and commercial design settings. We invite you to visit our website, view our portfolio, and catch up on the latest interior design concepts on our blog!
