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By candace kramer, June 16, 2011 12:03 pm

Just wanted to pop in and do a quick post about what’s been going on at Windermere this week – It’s Community Service week where the whole team over here does our bit to help out!

This year, I’m heading up the program and I’m so happy to be helping out a wonderful local organization – Community Warehouse. This volunteer based organization helps low-income family turn their houses into homes by providing home goods such as dishes, glasses, pots and pans, sheet, blankets, towels etc. Here’s a list of exactly what is needed and what they do not accept.

Locals have been going through their households, cleaning out what they don’t need and dropping off goods at the Lake Oswego Windermere office. It’s been fantastic seeing the residents really pitch in and donate some great items! We only have one more day – so go thru your stuff and see what you can part with. It’s a win win. You get a more organized house and the great feeling of helping those in need!

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By candace kramer, May 13, 2011 2:45 pm

Just because you are downsizing doesn’t mean you have to get rid of your favorite antique pieces! With a little creative thinking and good space planning those beloved hutches, chests, secretaries and bookcases can come along with you. They often provide ample storage, which is key in a downsized home and they almost certainly hold memories and special meaning – so bring them along! Let’s peek into the home one of my own “downsizers” and see how she incorporates her much loved, large scale pieces into her 1,800 sq. ft. abode.

Oozing with European style and opulence, this client plays with scale and challenges her space by not being shy about large pieces. Balancing light and dark prevents the room from feeling heavy. High ceilings and ample natural light makes the space appear larger.

An antique silver tray adds sparkle to this tufted leather ottoman…

By creating stylish vignettes, she tells a story and creates layers of personal interest with her collections.

This majestic hutch is right at home in this open floor plan.

And who would have guessed that this painted bookshelf would fit perfectly into this hallway! A great place to grab a good book and smile at family photos on the way to bed.

An eclectic sitting room is full of antique finds. The different styles blend effortlessly, resulting in a room full of character and warmth.

So, don’t get rid of all your favorite pieces, thinking you must go buy a complete set of small-scale furniture for your new downsized home. Mix it up, keep what you love, get rid of what doesn’t work, play with scale and create balance within your new rightsized lifestyle.

Need help? I’m here for you!

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By candace kramer, May 4, 2011 11:31 am

I have begun to meet up with several of my 555 residents to document some of their downsizing solutions. It has been so much fun re-connecting with them, touring their homes and having them share their downsizing stories with me.

One of my favorite solutions that I have seen is the closet office! In a smaller living quarters, sometimes the office space is the first to go but with a little creativity, one can put that workspace back into the plan! One of my “downsizers” did just that!

By lining the space with shelving and inserting a desk top she has given her husband a workstation that didn’t originally fit into their home. The best part – when it gets messy she can just close the door!

Here are some other fabulous closet offices…

traditional home office design by media and blogs iheartorganizing

eclectic home office design by san francisco photographer Ed Ritger Photography

traditional home office design by san francisco architect Rossington Architecture

traditional living room design by new york interior designer AMI Designs

home office design

traditional home office design by charlotte interior designer Ana Alicia Wilmer Vacalis

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By candace kramer, April 25, 2011 1:03 pm

In many downsized homes, bathrooms inevitably get smaller too…so how can you make them appear more spacious? The answer : get that vanity up off the floor. Wall mounted sinks and storage not only make the bathroom easier to clean they visually trick the eye by revealing more floor space – instantly the room feels more open! The vanities at our 555 townhouses are all like this and people always wonder why…it’s smart design!

For more inspiration, check out this fabulous round-up of “floating” vanities…

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By Ivette, April 13, 2011 4:49 pm

Hi all,

My name is Ivette and I’m guest posting on Candace’s blog today.

She sent me out on assignment yesterday! Where? On a huge, red, London-esque double-decker bus, of course! Yup, at 10 am me and a gaggle of Windemere real estate agents boarded the cherry red bus for a royal real estate tour. Like most places, Lake Oswego is aflutter with talk of the upcoming Royal Wedding, so why not view homes via a Brit approved bus! We sipped mimosas and watched the gorgeous scenery of West Linn, Oregon City and Lake Oswego whizz by.

Our first stop was Candace’s listing…a lovely home in West Linn…click here for the listing info and more pics.

From house to house we traveled, up winding hills and over bridges, laughing at the crazy hair pin turns and gasping as our big red bus careened down hills and narrow passes. The sun finally made an appearance and brightened the experience. Each home offered something different – a beautiful view, a glamorous bathroom, a slice of history. It was a lovely way to spend a few hours and I felt lucky to get the chance to go!

Here’s a little slide show of the tour…

Here is a list of the homes we toured with corresponding links…

1. 1494 Skye Parkway, West Linn MLS# 11184239

2. 4145 Horton Rd. West Linn MLS# 11333578

3. 2510 Oregon City Blvd. West Linn MLS# 10075196

4. 812 John Adams St., Oregon City MLS# 11591359

5. 3520 Riverknoll Way, West Linn MLS# 11482902

6. 1956 Cheryl Ct. Lake Oswego MLS# 11437047

7. 2070 Ridge Point Dr. Lake Oswego MLS# 11665122

8. 1196 Fairway Rd. Lake Oswego MLS# 11086534

Go take a peek at these gorgeous homes! Thank you Candace, for sending me on this adventure.

I had a blast!

xo,

p.s. Looks like the bus was spotted around town (it’s kinda hard to miss) and was featured on KATU…see here!