​For this last de-clutter challenge I thought I would write a post on de-cluttering your kitchen. I am about to start the process of renovation my kitchen, so now is as good a time as any. For me a kitchen needs to be as functional as it is pretty. Before I begin I will start with the following:

This week’s Furniture and Finishes Friday is about Bar Cabinets and how you can use them to add interest, function, and character to the spaces you entertain in.

Over the next few months I will be sharing and presenting challenges to design a life to love. Join the fun, follow along, and share. Use the hashtag #elliemacdesignresolutionchallenge 

As some of you know I am a nomad of sorts. Next to creating, I would say traveling the world and meeting people from all walks of life is one of my favorite things. 

Which leads me to my next adventure. Right now I am gearing up to head to Dubai, UAE for the 2017 ING Creatives Festival. As I start getting things in order, I have decided to enter the Call for Creatives Contest to help cover some of my expenses. Fingers Crossed! I thought today I would share with you the story behind this fun little design: 

My 'Sixteen Pointed Doppler Star' is a mixed media piece. The colorful background is an intuitive painting I painted with florescent high flow acrylics. When painting in this style I let the paint guide me and let go of preconceived notions of what is supposed to be. There is no order. It is in this process, that order is created naturally. The title of this painting is 'Lady in the Light.' After careful observation you see a figure illuminated by light.

The graphic 16 pointed star digital overlay is representative of the many directions we are pulled in and  the grace and precision of the natural order of geometry.

I then created shrinking layers that have the shape of a camera eye. Looking in, looking out, moving away, coming closer, as the creative process does organically, mathematically, spiritually, and through many unexpected layers of twists and turns. That to me is the meaning of Making and Creating. 

This piece represents the creative process of coming from nothing to the light.
For more information about his event visit http://www.ingcreatives.com/

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If you are struggling with a place to start decluttering, find a sanctuary space. This is a place that once you have decluttered, you can retreat to. It can be a bedroom, your office, a sitting room, or even your kitchen table. Brainstorm:
-What is working/ not working for you?
-How do I want this space to function for me (and/or other users)?
-What makes this space speak to me? 
-Take an inventory of what you need to keep in the space. 
-Start decluttering!! 

​I have decided that after a year in my new studio space, the layout just isn't meeting my needs. So I set out to create more efficient work stations and better storage solutions. Here are a few ways I have decided to rework my sanctuary space:

This time of year we all start to think of a fresh start and what that means for us. Most people start with diet and exercise. But this year I feel more weighted down with clutter. Let the decluttering begin! 

This month I will be sharing and posting helpful ways to declutter your home, life, and come to a more organized fresh start. I welcome you to share your own declutter stories using the #elliemacdesignresolutionchallenge. 

Our first step in this new journey together is to:
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Grab a sexy notebook and take an inventory of what you need to declutter. Studies show that we are more likely to achieve our goals if we identify them and write them down. It is also very rewarding to look back when you are done o see how much you have check off and achieved. It also helps to hold yourself accountable. 

I always like to start with a fresh new notebook. There is something intriguing about a book of empty pages just for me to write in. And for a little extra pazzaz, grab a glittery gellyrol pen and add some sparkle to your journey. 

​Here is to a new beginning!