Years ago, after modeling in NYC, another Ford model and I put our experiences together and started "Re-Imaging Consulting." The focus was teaching people to dress, eat, walk, talk and behave. As much as personal closets were prime for de-cluttering and riddance of too much stuff, most of these same clients needed an over haul of their kitchens. I was always drawn to that part of the home. Years ago, I had first hand tutelage being around my friend Martha Stewart and also working with her as a stylist. I had admired her ability to organize and multi-task. Sometimes, part of my job was in cleaning out her pantry or freezer, restocking it with fresh product and labeling everything. In the Westport kitchen, she had wide drawers that, when pulled out would reveal everything. Nothing was hidden. Nothing was without intention.
In cooking out of clients' kitchens, I often have a yearning to help simplify their lives with more accessible items and organization. Now I am back to re-imaging and de-cluttering again. I travel with my housekeeper, Veronica or my apprentice/assistant. I assess, she cleans. I shop and she puts it back together again.
My friend Tina has little personal time heading up Pathfinders at Duke Oncology (www.cancer.duke.edu/pathfind). With a "new" old house that can be a haven for meetings outside Duke's hospital environment, a place to host dinners and just hang, it now feels like a real home. We have christened it "The Sunflower Cottage." Sunflowers always face the sun and as Tina, they radiate light. Here are a few sample photos of Tina's darling yellow cottage in Trinity park; the clutter and the result:
