RVA Organizers Win National Award

Did you know there is a National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO)? This often comes as totally new information to people who don't already know me.

Richmond has a local NAPO chapter and I'm a member for my organizing company, Minima. Last Saturday, we were recognized at the 2012 NAPO Annual Conference and Organizing Exposition in Baltimore, MD via winning the 2012 Chapter Challenge Award for highest percentage of members in attendance. 18 of 21 were present - go RVA!


Enthusiasm to the max! (I'm on the far left, back row.)

While there is often a lot of competition within in an industry, NAPO Richmond has a unique chemistry of support. We work in a very collaborative fashion to help one another succeed and define our individual areas of expertise.

Kristen Ziegler

Grace Bonney in Manchester!

On Wednesday, November 16, queen of design blogging and all things DIY, Grace Bonney, will be in Richmond's very own Manchester at the Plant Zero Cafe. Founder of the amazing Design*Sponge blog, Grace will be hosting a morning of DIY and home design know-how with other local Richmond designers.


Virginia native Grace Bonney started Design*Sponge in 2004

There will be a choice of four seminars {Design Process, DIY Redos, Working with Color, & Holiday Floral Design} and then Grace will give a talk over lunch and a book signing! Tickets for lunch, two seminars, and Grace's speech are $27 and tickets for the lunch and book signing without the seminars are $17. Purchase your tickets here. Net proceeds will benefit the School of Richmond Ballet’s need-based scholarship fund.

I have to say, my heart shrank about 15 sizes when I realized I was going to be out of town at a conference for work on this day. Hopefully some of you can make it to this awesome event and report back! Thanks again to social media guru Christine Pizzo for the tip on Grace's Richmond appearance!

Christie Thompson

DIY Vol. II - Three Projects for Under $25

As the air gets cooler, there's nothing I crave more than to snuggle up in my apartment with a good beer and make stuff. This week I am going to show you three super simple and super cheap DIY projects that you could finish in less than a weekend.



1. Chalkboard Magnet for the Fridge
I know there's an app somewhere for writing the grocery list but I'd prefer to play with chalk while being productive. There is just something so nostalgic about writing on a chalkboard. To make your very own chalkboard magnet you will need a small piece of wood (or plastic), some chalkboard paint, magnet strips, and gorilla glue. I used one of the left over wood tops from my wine crate boxes for the chalkboard base. Make sure to sand the wood if you use an unfinished piece of wood so the chalk will erase more easily. Simply sand the wood (if necessary), paint with your chalkboard paint, and then glue the magnetic strips to the back of the board when the paint has dried. I tied a small string to a piece chalk and stapled that to the back of my board to keep the chalk handy. Stick to the fridge and start chalkin' it up! Total project cost: around $20 [Gorilla Glue - $5, chalkboard paint - $15, scrap piece of wood - free!].

Head over to Gungho Guides to read the entire post. Stay tuned twice a month for the rest of the DIY series!

Christie Thompson

Antiques in Manchester

Antiques in Manchester's first Saturday market, image via AIM's flickr.

This past Saturday I had the pleasure of visiting the first Antiques in Manchester (AIM) Saturday market. Antiques in Manchester is an upscale, open-air antique market co-sponsored by Micheal Sparks Design, Ghostprint Gallery and Maurice Beane Studios. From AIM's Facebook page, "Located in a covered walkway between period brick buildings, the venue has a distinctly European flavor. Exhibitors will be displaying a wide variety of quality goods including Mid-Century Modern, 18th and 19th century antiques, architectural elements, Art Deco, Primitives, etc." Each Saturday they will be open from 9 am to 4 pm under the covered walkway beside 205 Hull Street in Richmond's Manchester district.

I was excited to check out the market but honestly was skeptical about how affordable any of the items would be. I was pleasantly surprised at the variety of items and relative affordability of most of them. Furniture pieces ranged from $40 to $350, clothing items from $20 to $80, and small antiques were anywhere from $5 to $400. I imagine if you are a better haggler than me, you could probably talk some of these prices down too. There was something in practically every price range and some incredibly beautiful furniture pieces worth saving for. I will definitely be making a trip out there again soon.



Check out AIM's website and Facebook for previews of items they will have available each week.

Christie Thompson

Storefront Volunteer Thank You

As a follow-up to this event, Storefront friends and volunteers are invited to explore a partially renovated storefront at 122/124 E Broad St tonight from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm.



This event, co-sponsored by Douglas Development, Polis Ventures, There/Here, and Storefront, will highlight the great potential for architectural revitalization and new business use on Broad Street. Participants will be invited to engage the streetscape with their design and innovation ideas in an interactive photo exhibit of Richmond's downtown. Light fare from Comfort and beverages will be served.

Kristen Ziegler

I Spy DIY

For my inaugural Minimalist post, I decided to write about something that I am constantly dreaming up new ideas for: DIY projects. Living in the city on a tight budget and being surrounded by incredible designers and talented artists, it’s hard not to get a little jealous of the things you can’t afford. My solution: make it yourself. All of the projects I am going to show you cost me less than $50 each (and most of them less than $20!).

Unhappy Hipsters

Many of you have probably seen this site already. If not, have a look. It's a cynical/comedic take on modern life.

Kristen Ziegler

Virginia Modern

Virginia Modern is semi-new website/blog all about modern design in Virginia. Awesome! From their website:

"VA Modern was created in January 2011 to showcase and document architecture, art, and design throughout Virginia and into the extended Chesapeake Bay region. The site will evolve to become a collective source of well informed posts and resources on architectural design, architects, artists, businesses, and cultural institutions in the Mid-Atlantic, which contribute to or provide creative experiences to the public interested in a modern lifestyle."

In addition to cataloging VA's modern design, you can also find a listing of local architects and designers, modern furnishings, and related interests. (Minimalist is a featured interest - thanks guys!) Follow them on Facebook here.

Kristen Ziegler

Real Simple

If you enjoy reading Minimalist, you'll probably love Real Simple. From organizing tips to fashion advice, the writers have the know-how re: keeping things simple (and real, of course). I'm always certain that my life is about to get 10% better each time the 'zine arrives in my mailbox. I'd say that's a pretty good measure of its value.

Click here to subscribe and here to like on Facebook. Real Simple is currently running a 60% off cover price discount. Also, I received a 15% off The Container Store coupon in my most recent issue - awesome!

Kristen Ziegler

Grand Opening: Storefront for Community Design

Hooray! It's official! The Storefront for Community Design is open and ready to help you meet your design needs.

If you weren't able to make the event on Valentine's Day, the SFCD is now open Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 2 pm. Stop by to check out the new facilities and fill out a volunteer form! Not a designer? No worries! They're searching for volunteers from all backgrounds and occupations with a wide range of interests and talents.

Were you there? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Emily Jones

Storefront for Community Design

Richmond's very own community design center will open its doors tomorrow - Monday, February 14! From their press release:

"The Storefront [for Community Design] will offer affordable design services to Richmond residents that will improve our neighborhoods and business districts. Everyone who owns property in Richmond, from 'Ms. Jones' to 'Developer Jones', will have something to gain from The Storefront's programs. ... Community design centers in cities like Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Norfolk provided the model for this new organization which will offer services like schematic drawings for home projects, conceptual planning for commercial areas, community park planning, neighborhood facilitation and assistance working with City of Richmond agencies. The Storefront for Community Design is the result of the collaborative efforts of a committed group of civic and non-profit leaders, architects, elected officials, neighborhood residents, academic partners and city staff who wanted to bring need-based assistance to Richmond neighborhoods and business corridors."

Please join The Storefront from 10 am to 2 pm on Monday, February 14 for the grand opening and ribbon cutting at 1001 N 25th St, in the Church Hill neighborhood of Richmond. Visit The Storefront's website for additional information.

Emily Jones

DIY Origami Wall Art

Yesterday was Minimalist's one year anniversary - hooray! In honor of said anniversary, I offer this super cool post. Also, the team and I are getting together for an exciting brainstorming session tomorrow morning at Black Hand Coffee Co. Watch for some interesting new content in the coming weeks/months.

Alright, time for some DIY fun.

When my roommate moved out of our two-bedroom apartment about a year ago, the place felt a bit empty. I didn't want to go on a big spending spree to fill the gaps, so I got crafty. One of my favorite projects was the origami wall art that I created to replace my roommate's antique folding chairs in the dining room. Total cost? About $25. Much less expensive than buying art that would fit the scale of the space.

*ADD PHOTOS*

Mortise and Tenon

Check out this great interiors inspiration blog started by Minimalist contributing writer Emily Jones!

Mortise and Tenon

Kristen Ziegler

Tiny Fancy Cottage

While I don't love the fussiness of this home, I do enjoy the incredibly efficient use of space. Take note of the A-frame book shelves, loft bed and stair-as-toolbox hidden storage.

On Location: A Tiny Victorian Cottage

Kristen Ziegler

'Tis the Season for Fun Labels!

I once had an organizing colleague declare to me, "You can't be organized without a label maker!" To each their own, but I disagree entirely with this comment. I could be more organized with nothing more than a bike, the clothes on my back and no label maker in site - but that's for a longer rant. To be honest, I hate the things. My colleague's helpful comment came from the fact that I was always leaving the device at home on jobs. Looking back, I think that my forgetfulness was subconsciously deliberate, if that's not too much of an oxymoron.

Granted, label makers have their place in the world - plastic bins in garages, attics and closets, filing systems - general places where aesthetic is less of a priority and function leads the decisions. As a minimalist, I am all about form following function, but the goal is for all things to be beautiful - not function=ugly. And I am sorry, but those little ticker tape labels are Ugly (notice the capital U). If you have some beautiful examples of Brother label tape in all its glory, please do send them my way via email and I will post. Perhaps I am being too harsh.

Tiny-ness

While I don't enjoy the aesthetic of the particular "tiny house" featured in this article, I do appreciate the concept.

"Tiny House Movement Thrives Amid Real Estate Bust"

Also, tiny apartment for the day below, via Emily Jones. I would love to live in a space that size! Just the thought of all the purging gets me excited. Too bad the studios in Richmond somehow seem to cost $800/mo and up. Send me an email if you know of anything cheaper.

"125 Square Feet! Kristen's Minimalist Studio in Seattle"

Kristen Ziegler

Handmade Goodness

The holidays are here and this weekend officially kicks off the retail madness. Christmas has often been a stressful time for me because of all the "stuff". As a minimalist, there are very few buyable things that I feel I need, or even want. I did stumble across something that money can buy today in my quest for simplicity.

*ADD PHOTO*

This little plaque delicately solves the age old problem of having to ask people to please take off their shoes every time I have guests. I always feel annoying, so now this cute little sign can do the dirty work for me! Life just got a little bit easier, maybe 1%? It all adds up, I say.

I love raedunn's work. I stumbled across the San Fran ceramics artist while doing my search for "remove shoes signs" on Etsy, my favorite handmade goods website. Another favorite item is her fortune cookie ornament. What a great little gift idea!

Speaking of gifts, I fully recommend going handmade and supporting the arts community whenever possible. There's no better way to find a super unique and personalized gift. Richmond is having its very own Bizarre Market for the holidays as well. Currently being hosted on the upper level of Chop Suey in Carytown, find more information on the handmade fair here.

Kristen Ziegler

My One and Only

After reading through the program for the LifeEdited competition (mentioned in a previous post) I started to think back on old projects from architecture school. One of my favorites was a piece of furniture I designed and built during an industrial design summer lab.

At the time I was living in an old house with wonderful character on Roanoke St near downtown Blacksburg. My bedroom was very spacious (about 12' x 13') and had wonderful natural light. The space posed one major issue, however - there was no closet. Entering my third year of college and moving straight from the dorm rooms, I didn't have any furniture for storage either. I decided to make a design project out of the challenge and worked with my industrial design professor and the woodshop guys to make it a reality.

Crushed Canopies, Fall Fun!

A week of super awesome free/inexpensive events await.

1. On Wednesday, November 10, the Modern Richmond November Exchange takes place at 4917 New Kent Rd. A 19' x 95' house built on an "unbuildable site", designed by architects Douglas and Victoria Rixey, hosts this month's gathering for all who appreciate modern architecture and design. The Exchange begins at 5:30 and a $5 donation is appreciated.

2. Also on Wednesday, Gallery5 hosts Robert Andrew Chesnut from the VCU School of Religious Studies as he presents a lecture titled "Viva La Muerte: The Cult of Saint Death and the Days of the Dead in Mexico". The night also brings the flamenco guitar music of Franzig Rourke and a screening of Death, a short film by Matt Lively and Alex Germanotta. The night's festivities are free and beginning at 5:30 the bar will serve happy hour specials.

3. On Thursday, November 11, Homemade Knives, The Low Branches and David Shultz tame The Camel. Doors open at 7 and the show begins at 8:30. Enjoy some of Richmond's finest for $5!

4. Wrap up the week on Friday, November 12, with Jonathan Vassar & The Speckled Bird and The Low Branches (twice in one week!) at Sprout. Sprout serves delicious food and tasty beverages in their lovely Fan location. I love their mission (to bring responsibly sourced delicious food to the masses) and with more hits than misses, I've come to expect great food as well. The show starts at 10 pm with no cover, donations always welcome.

Emily Smith

LifeEdited Competition

This is a nice follow-up to the previous post from Miss Emily Smith. I stumbled across an awesome design competition today - thanks to one of my best ladies, Brenda. It's called LifeEdited [a tiny huge design contest] and runs from October 27, 2010 to January 10, 2011. The challenge is to "design a jewel box of an ultra-low-footprint apartment in 420 SF" in NYC for Treehugger founder Graham Hill. Some of the main goals include using one space for work/play/sleep/guests, digitizing everything possible, access versus ownership (Netflix, Zipcar, Airbnb, etc) and a general lifestyle of necessity (nothing extraneous). The grand prize is $10,000 cash along with a few other exciting treats like a Strida folding bike.

This is right up my alley. Man do I wish I had the time! Let me know if you'd like to collaborate - perhaps I could contribute to a team effort. My mind was racing with exciting ideas for minimal and space-saving design as I read the brief. I practice many of the habits described in the competition, such as a shoe-free home with a place at the door for storage. I call this "preventative maintenance". No shoes equals cleaning the floors every other week versus every week! I'm also in the process of digitizing my old film photos and recently digitized and recycled all of my old planners. Less is more, lovely people.

Kristen Ziegler