Do you ever tend to flock towards a certain type of style. Maybe you always fall in admiration with a long sleeve red dress, or those bright colored tennis shoes, or even the champaign colored cars. Well, for me it's wood in a home or office space. It looks clean, organic, it's easy to work with and walk on, and most importantly a timeless material for design. As an Interior Designer I am always on the lookout for the subtle changes in design trends, that may lead into something big and truly beautiful. Recently the look I've been seeing, more and more, is wood (on floors, with cabinets, as countertops, chairs...etc), with black and white pairs (used as furniture, decor, backsplashes...etc). So today I bring to you some images, that I love, of this classic trend.

Is this trend something you love, something that you could use, or maybe it's something that inspires your for your next DIY project? Always keep in mind, if you need help with your next black, white and wood DIY project be sure to contact me, I would love to help beautify your space!
 

At our house, my husband and I are consistently having guests over, because we love it! We love having people, that we love, in our home. The spirits are high, everyone gets a chance to get to know each other a little better, and you get to share a slice of what your home life may be on a regular day (no matter how crazy that may be). However, there is a major turn-off to having guests over, and that's preparing your house to look guest worthy, a.k.a. clean. 

Over the past two years, my husband and I have lived in a small 700 square foot apartment, one bedroom and one bath (luckily it's a mostly open floor plan). So, I have acquired some tools and furniture pieces that help me easily store, hide, and prepare slowly for my guests. Ideally, I have a mostly clean house over the week, and I just have to run around the house like a mad woman for about a half hour to find the little things I'd been putting off.

What you'll need ASAP (you may have most of these):

• Extra Key (Depending on how long they stay, they may want to come or go as they please)
• Extra Toiletries (because guests forget things)
• Razors (or spare heads, to replace the used)
• Enough Toilet Paper
• Spare Towels
• Spare Pillows (pick at least two)
• Quilt or Blanket
• Storage Bins/Baskets/Racks..etc (You need one for each category of item: Shampoo's, Shoes, Blankets, or anything else that is stored in the dark "junk drawer" or thrown on the floor)
• Towel Rack
• Spare, and freshly washed, sheets
• Night light or lamp (in the same room your guests will sleep in-as to avoid accidents)
• Quick or Easy to Find Munchies (For Breakfast, and snacks).
• Broom or vacuum 
• Mop 
• Cleaner
• Candle/Freshener/Incense/Essential Oils (something that smells fresh)

To prepare for your guests think EYES and FEET. You look with your eyes (obviously) and you walk with your feet...no brainer right? This is the key to "fooling" your guests into believing you always have an extremely clean home. Clean what you walk on, and clean what you first see (or what's at eye level). Use the bins to your advantage while doing this!

1. FEET. 5-15 minutes. Start off by clearing the floor of any major objects, like children's toys, towels..etc. Then sweep your floor. (Depending on your house size this should only take you this long).
2. FEET. 1-5 minutes. Move shoes into a bin, organize them into a corner, or store them in a closet.
3. FEET. 1-5 minutes. Have a "designated" space for their shoes. If you don't your guests will have their stuff anywhere that looks natural to them. A shoe rack, or shoe bin where other shoes are clearly seen is a good indicator of where they need to put their stuff. If you don't already have a way to store shoes, IKEA has a great and contemporary way to arrange them.
4. EYES. 5-10 minutes. Clear the countertops. Depending on how clean you normally are, this could take some time. I put books, notepads, pens and misc. papers into a bin, laptops on my desk, pans under the oven, and food in the cabinets. 
5. EYES. 1-5 minutes. After the counter is clear, make sure it's clean. A Clorox wipe, or a spray and a small washcloth will do. Quickly run your hand over the countertop, and wha-lah! 
6. EYES. 0-5 minutes. Sheets should already be on the bed, or displayed nicely on the bed, along with your spare pillows, and your spare house key. 
7. YOU'RE READY!
8. Once your guests arrive, explain where everything they may need to know is located (toiletries, towels, food...etc).
9. Enjoy your time with your guests.

If you have a guest bedroom, you can take extra measures by checking off this checklist to ensure your visitors thrive in your home.