By Rita Wilkins The Downsizing Designer Baby boomers have always been known for doing it their way, so it’s not surprising that they are reinventing the way they want to live in their retirement years. As an interior designer for over 35 years and with baby boomers being my primary client base, I have assisted [...]
By Rita Wilkins The Downsizing Designer Perhaps it’s because I am now a grandmother that the subject of how to design a perfect space for your grandchildren in your own home has risen to the top of interior design topics that I have been talking about and writing about. Many of my friends, family and [...]
By Rita Wilkins The Downsizing Designer Have you found yourself asking what day of the week it is? After a year of wearing masks, not being able to travel to see family and friends, there’s no wonder it all seems like a big blur. And FYI, you are not alone! So many people I talk [...]
By Rita Wilkins The Downsizing Designer #1 Copying Others During the last 10 to 15 years, design influencers and manufacturers have been extremely successful in marketing their own unique “look”. - Martha Stewart, Pottery Barn, West Elm, etc. It’s great to use these for inspiration and even to use a few of their collection, but [...]
By Rita Wilkins The Downsizing Designer As a single mom who raised two teenage boys many years ago, I certainly heard many very creative excuses in my lifetime. Why homework wasn’t done in time… Why chores weren’t even started… Why mowing the lawn wasn’t nearly as important as talking to a girlfriend… In my own [...]
By Rita Wilkins The Downsizing Designer Have you ever wondered what your signature look is for your home and home office? Have your friends and colleagues ever commented about that look being “so you”, but you weren’t even sure what that “look” is? Maybe you’ve never thought about it or took the time to define [...]
By Rita Wilkins The Downsizing Designer I was with a client recently who was trying to declutter so she can downsize to a smaller home. In the midst of our conversation, she said, “I wonder if you could help me.” She walked me into her huge dining room, opened up a built-in cabinet that was [...]
By Rita Wilkins The Downsizing Designer Every good relationship starts and is built on trust. That includes the relationship you have with your interior designer. While it’s important to know and like your designer, trusting them to do what they do best and to always act in your best interest is key. Here’s my recent blog [...]
By Rita Wilkins The Downsizing Designer Have you inherited things from loved ones that are taking up space in your home or your garage that you don’t even like? Perhaps they were given to you or passed down from someone you loved and cared about. You feel very uncomfortable because you don’t even like it! [...]
By Rita Wilkins The Downsizing Designer There was a time when I honestly believed that if I had a bigger house, a nicer car, more designer clothes, and more beautiful stuff I would be happier. For those of you who know me or follow me, you may have listened to my TEDx talk, when I [...]
