I haven't gone back to read the thread so I apologize if these are duplicated. A folder for every child: Got this from a friend, a light bulb moment. I use the kind that have a pocket on each inside flap. Mine hold, class schedules, sports schedules(also put on the calendar as needed) progress reports, eye examine prescriptions, summer camp brocheres, teacher names, classroom rules, student handbooks, etc, Anything that pertains to that particular child as far as paper (not important documents like birth c) that we may need or I am considering in the next several months. You could also store immunization records here. I love these. I have 3 children, only 1 at home. I still use this system for my older kids. A tuition bill, stray mail that can be handed over, list of doctors, SAT scores. The folders are in a verical sorter on the top shelf of a kitchen cabinet. If you use this system you need to figure out whether you want it easily accessible to your kids. Every once in awhile I sort thru and discard unneeded papers. My typical response to a query is "Look in your folder" Cubby or even a MAILBOX: Works in progress, papers back to school. Younger kids love having a mailbox. You can set them on a shelf. If you are so inclined, try to influence the school as to how they distribute paper. Several schools we have been in have picked ONE DAY. A large manilla like envelope with ALL the fundraising hassles, letter from principal, school newsletter, and in lower grades, communication from teacher, lunch order forms, child specific library fines, etc., etc. I know that on Wednesday I'll be getting the envelope. I can either deal with it then or have everything ready by launch time on Thursday. I think most parents are THRILLED to only have one day to sort thru all those forms. If you want more details on how our school works the system, let me know. A display area: A large bulletin board, refrigerator door, steel door to garage, etc. Each child gets one or an area of one. THEY rotate the things they are proud of. When the space is filled, then ... you keep, or toss. I remember tossing after the fact. I only got caught a couple of times! Good luck. This is a fun stage but sometimes so overwhelming. It does go quickly.

I think it is regional. On Gardenweb, white is very popular. In the suburbs here, distinct off-white and glazes are popular. In the city, dark stains, very dark brown, maroonish, black. Talk to a realtor, and also look at a lot of real estate online, particularly at new construction, houses that say "recently renovated", and houses that look heavily staged.

It looks like you prefer to have the right tool for the job, so you have lots of tools. :) I think that your storage pieces (hooks, wall hanger, etc...) are too small for the things they are holding. See if you can find a way to increase the space between hooks, get a larger rack for next to the light switch so that the things on the rack are inside the rack and not spilling over. Do you use those cabinets for storage or for things you use frequently? You shouldn't stress over this, I can see you have a baby and that means lots of work. But if you are in the mood to decorate as well as rearrange, try to add your favorite color, maybe in a way that defines an area for coats, an area for detergent storage, etc...And get hooks that are identical, maybe in the favorite color.

I think that you have some nice pieces but way too much furniture in the room. Try taking out the acrylic table, wicker chair, and the smaller cabinet next to your console table put the mirror, table lamps rug aside for the moment. I like your striped rug, but it needs to be in a hallway or entryway or at the end of a bed it’s not the right shape for your living room. Put your sofa facing the feature wall & console table, move your bench from under the window and place it where the sofa was and use it for your TV and a few decorative items. If possible I would suggest moving the white bookshelf that’s next to your console table .. maybe it could go opposite the other bookshelf or be used in another room? Then place your ottoman under or near the window and the armchair on the other side near where the wicker chair was. Now you might want to space out the artwork above your console a little and add some more colorful pieces in with it to give it more life, your mirror might even work in there somewhere just play around with it. Place some of your decorative vases on your coffee table and put a small table lamp on the console. You could try a black & white throw or pillow on your armchair to tie it in with your sofa and ottoman. I hope this helps you!