A custom designed built-in bed can be the perfect solution for an architecturally awkward bedroom or to gain additional storage or extra floor space in a small kids or guest room. Not to mention, who would not love curling up in a cozy nook?

Lin Ellis is one of the principals of Running in Stilettos, a full-service lifestyle management, personal concierge, event planning, home organizing & design & property care firm covering the southern Lake Norman area. Running in Stilettos is proud to be members of the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce, National Organization of Professional Organizers & the International Concierge & Lifestyle Management Association.

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Open shelving in kitchens has been gaining in popularity over the past several years. Substituting some shelving for upper cabinets, can really open up your kitchen and make it feel more spacious. The trick to making it work is to style the shelves with kitchen essentials that are regularly used and to be vigilant about keeping free of clutter ~

Lin Ellis is one of the principals of Running in Stilettos, a full-service lifestyle management, personal concierge, event planning, home organizing & design & property care firm covering the southern Lake Norman area. Running in Stilettos is proud to be members of the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce, National Organization of Professional Organizers & the International Concierge & Lifestyle Management Association.

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The color yellow is associated with happiness, optimism & clarity. It is a color that signals activity & energy. A dose of yellow in an interior, or exterior, space can punch things up unlike any other color ~

Lin Ellis is one of the principals of Running in Stilettos, a full-service lifestyle management, personal concierge, event planning, home organizing & design & property care firm covering the southern Lake Norman area. Running in Stilettos is proud to be members of the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce, National Organization of Professional Organizers & the International Concierge & Lifestyle Management Association.

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There is a song from the Broadway show, The Boy from Oz, called “Everything old is new again”. That’s true for so many things in life and certainly true in design. Case-in-point is black and white checkerboard floors; this classic flooring evokes memories of retro 50s kitsch or grand Hollywood Regency and is, at the same time, fresh, modern, and so 2012.

First seen in 17th century paintings by Johannes Vermeer ~

And, whether marble, ceramic, linoleum or vinyl, black & white checkered floors work in a multitude of interior spaces ~

Lin Ellis is one of the principals of Running in Stilettos, a full-service lifestyle management, personal concierge, event planning, home organizing & design & property care firm covering the southern Lake Norman area. Running in Stilettos is proud to be members of the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce, National Organization of Professional Organizers & the International Concierge & Lifestyle Management Association.

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Banquettes were big in the 50s; they were a fixture in kitchens as well as diners ~ although at the time they were more likely to be referred to as a booth ~

Well, banquettes have come a long way ~ they are a cozy, space-saving way to add a touch of personality to your kitchen or dining space. And, if properly designed, can even add additional storage space. Here is a little banquette inspiration ~

Lin Ellis is one of the principals of Running in Stilettos, a full-service lifestyle management, personal concierge, event planning, home organizing & design & property care firm covering the southern Lake Norman area. Running in Stilettos is proud to be members of the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce, National Organization of Professional Organizers & the International Concierge & Lifestyle Management Association.

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I was just asked the other day, what are my favorite home design & entertaining blogs. And, as the current year winds down, the media always loves to give us lists, I am going to follow suit ~ below are the links to a few of my favorite blogs.

No matter how busy I am, daily I pull up Young House Love ~

This blog follows the lives & renovation projects of full-time bloggers John & Sherry, their toddler, Clara, & Burger, the dog. Self-professed over-sharers, John & Sherry’s posts are inspirational, detailed & full of heart & family joy.

In no particular order, here are the links to 3 other blogs I read on a regular basis.

Hostess with the Mostess is a fabulous blog about parties & entertaining ~

Decor8 is written by American, Holly Becker, who moved to Germany 2 years ago with her husband. This change in continents has definitely influenced her blog ~

zsa zsa bellagio is a image driven blog about fashion, design, beautiful photography & whatever else inspires her ~

There are so many other talented bloggers ~ the web contains a plethora of images & inspiration & I discover new sites daily.

From my laptop to yours, I wish you the happiest of holidays!

Lin Ellis is one of the principals of Running in Stilettos, a full-service lifestyle management, personal concierge, event planning, home organizing & design & property care firm covering the southern Lake Norman area. Running in Stilettos is proud to be members of the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce, National Organization of Professional Organizers & the International Concierge & Lifestyle Management Association.

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