OVERVIEW and CLASS #1 : 

FORM AND FUNCTION: THE USE OF SPACE, FURNITURE SIZE AND PLACEMENT

The success of a room depends on both the form and the function of its many elements. The form refers basically to its appearance; the function refers to how it works, given its stated purpose. In this seminar the presenter stressed the function of the room first: Does the kitchen lend itself well to the efficient preparation of meals, cleaning tasks, etc.? Is there adequate storage? Quick access to necessary utensils?

If functionality is limited or lacking there, no amount of decorating (form) can make up for the kitchen’s deficiencies.

The attendees and the presenter then discussed furniture arrangement and the use of space using their homes’ rooms as examples. By drawing her particular furniture-arrangement problem on the white board, an attendee could receive alternative arrangements from both the presenter and the other attendees. In one presentation of this session the group moved to a room where the presenter suggested various options for the furniture placement and the reasons for them.

CLASS #2: 

BASIC STRATEGIES OF DE-CLUTTERING; PAPER PARALYSIS

Judging by the popularity of this session, too much stuff is a common problem for many! Starting by enumerating the myriad benefits of living with less, the speaker continued by describing the prevalent attitudes, the obstacles and excuses that stymie the effort to live more simply! Overcoming certain attitudes is often, for some, more difficult than the actual getting rid of the item. Given a five-step process to follow, attendees learn how to de-clutter anything from a drawer to a closet to a room. These same steps also can be used to de-clutter by category: clothes; books; toys; office supplies; CD and DVD collections and all kinds of papers. The session stressed the rewards of de-cluttering: space for the things you really use and love; more time to do what is important and enjoyable; saving money spent on generally unnecessary things for better causes.

CLASS #3: 

MUDROOM AND ENTRYWAY: PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS

Using a Power Point presentation, the two speakers detailed the requirements of both a front entryway (normally used by company) and a mudroom (generally used by family). While both share a similar purpose and essential contents, the entryway at the front door tends to be more polished than other entrances. The mudroom (or area) needs all the essentials of the front entryway plus it must meet the particular requirements of a given family. The topics covered included furnishings, lighting, storage, and flooring.The class stressed that the mudroom is a key area in the home in keeping the main part of the home clean and corralling all the family’s everyday paraphernalia: clothing, boots, shoes, hats, gloves, backpacks, etc. A well designed mudroom will lessen the all-too-frequent clutter and chaos of everyday comings and goings in the home.