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Client Reveal :: Playroom and Guest Room Design

I’m so excited to reveal a recent design project for a family with two young boys. Originally the bedroom was designed for guests and had a queen size bed (bummed, because I didn’t get an image of the before!). Needing a place for the boys to play and guests to rest, my client asked me to create a space that serves as both a playroom and guest room.

playroom and guest room design // cristin priest // simplified bee

A white daybed with a pull-out trundle was paired with a custom headboard in a Duralee geometric fabric in cool shades of blue and green. It’s topped with a variety of pillows including Serena & Lily’s quilted Euro shams in navy/clover and Kuba pillow in navy.  The turquoise bed-cover with white contrasting welt was custom made durable sunbrella fabrics. The fabrics definitely set the room’s nautical color palette and we pulled out the lightest blue for the wall color (Benjamin Moore’s Arctic Blue).

daybed headboard in blue and green // simplified beeplayroom and guest room design // cristin priest of simplified bee

For the boys’ games, toys and Lego creations (remember this boy’s bedroom with Lego display?), I selected a pair of Billy shelving units from Ikea, had them painted in Benjamin Moore’s Galapagos Turquoise and backed in a green and white trellis pattern wallpaper (used in my own kitchen nook). Green felt bins were added to help coral toy cars, smaller games and Legos of course! Land of Nod’s tree floor lamp with movable lights serves as a bedside reading lamp.

ikea billy bookcase hack with wallpaper // simplified bee

ikea billy bookcase in playroom // cristin priest // simplified bee

For extra kid-friendly seating, a pair of turquoise poufs and crisp white garden stool were selected. Perfect for a game of Go Fish!

My client was thrilled with the result and that’s the best part.

Happy decorating,

cristin

*photography credit: Jenn Jacobson

 

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Read full story By on December 4, 2013 in baby and children, Bedroom, bedrooms, bookshelves, Boy, contemporary decor, DIY, ikea, interior design, Interiors, Playroom, playrooms, simplified bee portfolio, Tips/Tricks, wallpaper

Organized Travel

Whether I’m traveling for a weekend or for over a week, being organized is essential to making the trip go smoothly. I’ve always considered my packing techniques good, until I met Eagle Creek. The luggage company known for it’s functional, durable and flexible products, asked me pick out some items for review.  Without knowing much about the brand or products, I have to admit I was a little reluctant (I don’t review every product that comes my way!). However, I was pleasantly surprised with the high-quality and durable construction of the Eagle Creek products I selected – which makes this review sooo much easier!

packing for a weekend trip - Simplified Bee

I tested the products on a recent weekend trip. Here’s a look at all the items I needed to pack – I know, a girl’s gotta have lots of options!

packing system cubes for suitcase - Simplified Bee

First I selected the rolling, lightweight carry-on, Tarmac 22. Indeed at 7lbs 4 ozs, this is a light bag! Even though the luggage has an expandable main compartment, I also selected the Pack-it Specter Cube Set to help organize and maximize the space. The zippered pouches are very lightweight as well and I was amazed at how much I could cram in each! (kinda like the Chinese food takeout boxes!) I also love that they are water resistant! With the packing system, I was able to get all of my clothing (roll clothing for maximum efficiency), shoes and toiletries fitting perfectly in the main compartment.

padded front pocket - luggage review - Simplified Bee

I didn’t need it for this trip, but the front exterior pocket is padded – great for storing tablets and most laptops.

durable expanable luggage review - Simplified Bee

The coat keeper came in very handy and helped free up my hands. I also added a couple lime zipper pull not only for a fun pop of color, but to allow me to quickly identify my luggage in the future at those crazy baggage claims.

Although these products haven’t been tested long term, I’m not worried because Eagle Creek offers a lifetime warranty. Don’t you love when company’s stand behind their products like this? You’ll have to check out Eagle Creek.

If you’ll be traveling this holiday season, you may be interested in this archived article I wrote with more organized travel tips!

Bon voyage!

Cristin

*Disclosure: The travel products in this post were provided by Eagle Creek, however all opinions are my own.

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Read full story By on November 19, 2013 in Organization, organization tips, Organizational tips, product review, Tips/Tricks, travel tips

Getting Organized :: Mudrooms

We are sadly counting down the days until the kids go back to school (yes, we haven’t started yet!). As you know, there is a great deal of preparation that goes into getting children ready for the first days of school. Getting the kids organized also motivates me to tackle other areas of our home and has me dreaming of a room we don’t have. A mudroom. In California, we don’t need a space for snowy boots and over-sized coats, but it sure would be nice to have a drop zone for shoes, backpacks and sporting equipment.

Here are a few organized mudrooms that I’d welcome in my home any day!

hallway-mudroom-design

(image via houzz)

Love this hallway mudroom and all the natural light!

color coded mudroom organization

(image via houzz)

Color coding cubbies for family members is a great way to organize a mudroom.

custom built-in for mudroom

(image via BHG)

This mudroom’s custom cabinetry features open shelving, drawers and hooks. So beautifully functional!

fabulous mudroom design

(image via houzz)

I really like this mudroom with open shelving and shoe storage on the stone flooring.

Organizing your home too? Remember the first step is to declutter! Conquering clutter isn’t easy, but here’s questions to ask yourself when decluttering.

Happy Organizing!

Cristin

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Read full story By on August 19, 2013 in back-to-school, Interiors, mudrooms, Organization, organization tips, Organizational tips, storage, Tips/Tricks

7 Stylish Daily Planners 2014

disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links, which means Simplified Bee receives commission if you make a purchase using these links.

 

 UPDATE: Take a look at the new Stylish Day Planners 2015!

 

Keeping a calendar is a critical if not essential step in managing your daily activities and prioritizing your time. It’s also a great way to kick off a new school year and 2014 (I know! It’s not that far off!)  on the right foot. By logging appointments, events and assignments in a daily planner, you can reduce stress by knowing that you aren’t forgetting anything. When kept up-to-date, a planner allows you to find information quickly, prioritize effectively and schedule appointments on the spot.

Even with fabulous online calendar apps, I still enjoy writing down our household schedule in a  traditional daily planner. With so many super stylish designs available, the tough part is selecting one!
Stylish Daily Planners for 2014
Here’s my seven  favorite, stylish  daily planners for 2014:
most-stylish-daily-planner-2014Erin Condren’s Life Planner – known for it’s personalization (can add photos) and variety of colorful patterns
stylish daily planner 2014 // zig zag pattern by Jonathan Adler
Jonathan Adler’s 2013-2014 Agenda – because the zig zag pattern rocks!
Most Stylish Daily Planners 2014
Sarah Pinto’s 2013-2014 Academic Planner – known for it’s preppy style and perfect for students
Colorful Daily Planners by Lilly Pulitzer 2014
Lilly Pultizer’s Agenda (August 2013 – December 2014) – love the colorful, playful patterns and the large size. It’s a planner and notebook in one!
Stylish Day Planner 2014 // Gold Stripes
Whitney English’s Gold Day Designer (August 2013 – August 2014) – this super chic gold stripe planner is a limited edition, so act fast!
Stylish Daily Planners for 2014
momAgenda’s Mini-Daily (August 2013 – August 2014) – the compact design fits in most purses, backpacks and diaper bags which moms love.
simplified day planner / binder for 2014
Emily Ley’s Simplified Planner – for those who love binders… this planner you build yourself based on your lifestyle and needs.
time management quote // Simplified Bee
I also love this quote found on Emily Ley’s website stressing the need to prioritize and schedule time with loved ones.
If you can’t seem to find the time, here are some Time Management Tips that may help!
Happy Organizing!!!
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Read full story By on August 14, 2013 in daily planners, office supplies, Organization, organization tips, Organizational tips, Paperwork, time management, Tips/Tricks