Monday, January 10, 2011

Knock Knock! Home tour with Joan Koplin

We couldn't think of a better home to tour at the beginning of a new year than the home of Joan Koplin. Every time I visit her home I am astounded at how crisp and clean it feels. Her house is the epitome of organized and clutter free, with style to boot. Thanks for having us over, Joan!

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(Remember Dana's D-I-Y acorn wreath? Don't you love the colors Joan chose for hers?)

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How do you keep your house neat/tidy/free of clutter? You are so organized. How do you do it?

Let me make one thing very clear: my house is not always tidy. I don't pretend to have a clutter free home...but I am one of those strange people whose sanity is irrevocably connected to a clean home. With that being said, balance is the key because what child wants a neurotic mother hurriedly cleaning up behind them everywhere they go?! I have a few areas in my home that I allow to be messy any/all the time. One of those places is a closet under the stairs. I recommend finding a place in your home that is semi tucked away, if possible, that you can allow your children to play and keep messy. I tell my boys there are rooms in the house that are Mom's and that need to stay fairly organized/free of toys and that they have their own space to make a mess/play. Ultimately, children need to make mess/play/be creative and that's okay. I attempt to keep the rule of "let's clean up this mess before we start a new activity, okay?" That helps keep the mess to a minimum (usually).

In terms of organization, it is an ongoing effort. The bills, papers from school, lego pieces, nerf gun bullets, candy wrappers, and crumbs never go away. The way I combat the onslaught of "stuff" is by regularly throwing away/donating/recycling things so that I don't spend my days putting things away that we don't even need or care about. Keep what you use and pass on the rest.
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Did you make those fabric canvases? How did you do those?

My husband actually made the frames and covered them with canvas himself (so crafty and clever) for my birthday a few years ago. He bought some one by twos, cut them flat (no angles involved) and put them together with a staple gun. Then he wrapped them with canvas material purchased at a fabric store. In the past I've painted them various colors and have settled on the loud patterns that you currently see...but its a great way to switch up the art in your home. You find a new fabric you like--buy it, wrap, and staple it to your frames. It changes the whole look of the room for very little money.


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Tell us about that cool yellow canvas above your bed!

I'm glad you asked because the yellow canvas has a story. My husband found a large, painfully hideous painting in the dumpster of our friend's apartment building. It even had a tear in it. His eyes were filled with the possibilities of the 1980's pastel painting and all I saw was garbage. It sat in our garage for six months when I had an epiphany (I know I'm being mildly dramatic here)...all I need to make that horrendous excuse for a painting into something desirable is a few yards of fun fabric and a staple gun! So, that's the story. I found the yellow material at IKEA, no less, and with a few dozen staples, WHA-LA!


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Where do you get your home inspiration?

The style of my home is constantly evolving. I don't feel particularly consistent in the way I decorate. I think that is what makes my home interesting (at least to me). Often I get caught up in worrying about labeling my style and being consistent when really I don't think that matters. Allow yourself the freedom to enjoy an uber modern couch flocked with pink flower embroidered pillows from your great grandmother. So, in answer to your question: I'm inspired everywhere I go. I enjoy elements of a variety of home styles, although clean and simple appeals the most. As you can see, IKEA is an integral part of my home. A lot of that has to do with budget, of course but also their mantra is minimalism and making space functional. What's not to like about that?

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(Pennant Banner How-To HERE, Embroidery Hoop Art How-To HERE)

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Classic Joan, always a realist, included a pic of their game closet to prove that she and her house aren't perfect. Ahh...we love you, Joan! Thanks for inviting us in!

3 comments:

Abbie said...

the last picture is my favorite:)

so clean and tidy and fun. love it!

Kristyn said...

I agree, so clean and uncluttered, my favorite kind of place!

I have loved every one of your home tours!

Generic Viagra said...

I love your sober taste of fashion! please post more photos!