Creating the ultimate drop zone to set you and your family up for back to school success.

With back to school and back to work – it’s time to create the ultimate drop zone for you and your family and we’re here to help!

STEP 1 – EVALUATE YOUR STUFF

Think about the items that you’ll be putting in your drop zone. Is it just you? Need somewhere to place your keys and your work bag? Maybe you’ve got a pup and you need a new hook for his leash or a spot for backpacks, kids shoes and water bottles. Whatever your situation, it’s important to think about how you currently use your space in order to set up the right processes this fall.

Our client asked us to create a little more storage in her front foyer. She has three kids and the front closet just wasn’t cutting it. We set up this drop zone for her family with a bench and extra baskets they could use for shoes, mitts, hats or even mail.

STEP 2 – ASSESS THE WALLS

Do your walls look tired and scuffed? Is it time for a refresh? We suggest Pale Oak or Silver Satin by Benjamin Moore if you’re looking for something on the safe side. If you’re looking for something trendy – try adding Venetian Plaster or a Lime-wash (We love San Marco from Burlington Paint). Textured walls are really in right now. Wanting a feature wall? A vertical shiplap wall is always a good idea. Beefing up your baseboards and casings can really help update your space as well. We love adding details from Metrie.

STEP 3 – LAYER IN TEXTILES

Layer in the right textiles to warm up the space. We swapped out our pillows with new shams from Etsy and added a brand new rug. This rug is pretty and practical because it’s 100% washable! It’s an easy-to-clean two-piece system with a removable Rug Cover. It’s water-resistant AND stain-resistant and attaches to a nonslip Ruggable Rug Pad using the Cling Effect® technology. It looks amazing in our mudroom and is super cozy underfoot.

STEP 4 – ADD SOME WHIMSY

There are so many emotions when it comes to going back to school and back to work so let’s make it fun! We suggest personalizing some items to get the kids (and grown ups) excited to go back. Working with a designer you get to customize your space but we suggest taking it step further by personalizing the items that will go in your drop zone. I designed these water bottles, totes and even a calendar to keep everyone organized all from vistaprint.ca. They have so many organizing supplies and products that are really perfect for back to school.

That’s a wrap! Best of luck to everyone going back to the office or school. You’ve got this!