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1) Local food banks are in need especially this time of the year. Donating money helps them procure fresh ingredients for those in need and can be more helpful than any physical food donation. foodbankccs.org
2) The Trinity Center is one of the most hands on and helpful to help the houseless in the East Bay. They have multiple locations where people can be showered and fed and obtain necessities. trinitycenterwc.org 3) The Bay Area Womens and Childrens center (BAWCC) offers a variety of direct services that address immediate needs as well as long-term stability. They help to create public spaces for women and children as well as walk in clinics and for health and dental needs.bawcc.org 4) The House of Rabbit Society has two primary goals:
5) Contra Costa County Animal Services Department is committed to protecting the health, safety and well-being of all people and animals in our community through enforcement of state and local laws, providing compassionate care for every animal regardless of its temperament or condition, and reducing the number of animals that enter our County shelter. contracosta.ca.gov/7217/Get-Involved 6) Harvest Home Animal Sanctuary Our mission is to provide life-long care for our rescued animals, and to educate the public about humane animal care and practices. We rehabilitate, both physically and psychologically, mistreated animals and, if possible, we will find appropriate homes for them. In an effort to prevent further cruelty to these animals, we educate the public on caring for companion animals as well as on issues concerning farmed animals. harvesthomesanctuary.org/how-you-can-help/
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 Having a space away from the responsibilities of taking care of your home, family or career can be life changing. Whether you have the space to dedicate an entire room to yourself or not, we have some beautiful and fun ideas for you to incorporate into your home. 1. Zen Tea Garden  Whether you have a yard or a small balcony, an outdoor space where you can go to get away for some fresh air can seriously increase your happiness. Add soft textures like pillows, and cushions and some auditory experiences like windchimes to help you mindfully relax when you’re within that space. 2. Reading Nook  Maybe a space outside isn’t possible or the weather where you live is too unpredictable. This is where a cozy reading nook would come in handy! Setting up a cozy armchair or bench covered in blankets and pillows by a window is a perfect way to get some natural light while catching up on your reading list. 3. Napping Porch  WHat a choice term! How inviting would a warm nook in your house or covered porch with a daybed where you and your pets can rest easy and catch a few z’s. 4. Cozy Hammock
5. Creative Work Zone
6. Yoga/Meditation Shed This could be a great solution for those who have outdoor space but don’t want to be subjected to the ever changing weather. Build a shed and make it into a yoga studio or meditation space. 7. Window Seat Do you have an underutilized window area in your home? What would it take to make it a better and more comfortable space for yourself? Does it need to be altered or extra cushions added? Maybe all it needs is a refresh and a blanket. Either way, a window seat is great place to get cozy.
8. Thinking Chair  Sometimes all you need is a cozy chair. If the hammock sounded interesting to you, maybe trying a hanging chair to get the same feeling of weightlessness would be a great option for you. Those chairs are great for people that are sensory seeking and need a little movement to get the brain going! Would you try to put any of these in your home? Let us know in the comments below!
 Sinks are one of the most important and used appliances in your kitchen. When you want to get the right sink the first time there are 6 things you should consider when choosing one. 1. Sink MaterialThe material that you choose for your sink not only determines the aesthetic but also the durability. There are many different materials that can be used and some are more durable and easily cleaned than others. Stainless steel and fireclay are by far the most common as well as most durable and easy to clean. Materials like copper, quartz or other natural materials are popular with those who like to make a statement but can come with other traits like needing to be sealed and maintained due to oxidation or refinished due to the porosity. 2. Sink ConfigurationWhen determining how you want your sink to be configured you really have to consider your lifestyle. How many sinks do you need? With your sink, how many different areas would you like to have? Did you know there are sinks available with three separate areas that are made for people who prefer hand washing their dishes? There are many things to consider when figuring out this step. 3. Type Of InstallationNow that you have figured out how you want your sink to be configured, you need to determine how it’s going to be installed into your kitchen. There are undermounts, drop-in, integral, and apron-front sinks (commonly referred to as Farmhouse). The various options have different benefits and different costs. Drop in sinks are the most budget friendly due to having an easy install and working well with budget friendly counter materials. While on the high end of the price range would be the integral sink which is fabricated from the same materials at the surrounding counters and appears seamless. We usually suggest an under-mount or Farmhouse sink depending on the client's aesthetic. 4. Sink DepthHow deep your sink is relates directly to how much under the sink storage room you have. That usable space changes again when adding in a garbage disposal. These are all things to keep in mind so you’re not surprised later down the road. 5. Sink SizeThe next thing to consider before you’re finished picking out your sink is how wide you’d like it to be. The typical dimensions range from 24 inches to 36 inches. With this step you should consider the area it’s going in as well as how it works spatially with the rest of your kitchen. 6. Location, Location, Location.When placing your sink you want to think about how it interacts with your kitchen. You want it to be in a place that is next to the dishwasher if you have one, with ample foot traffic room, and ideally with a nice view of the things happening whether it be into your living room or yard. A good designer can make suggestions based on the way you and your family live. So now that you have picked out the sink for your new kitchen, what about the rest of the house? Do you need an interior designer? Contact us at Thomas Designs where we create comfortable, Eco-conscience interiors, remodels & additions that inspire you to live your best life!
 We often have our clients tell us the various ways our services are beneficial to them so what better way to convince you too! 1. Scale is wrong/ buying without measuringSofa too small for the room? Does the area rug have the wrong dimensions? Did the lamp look great at the store but seem out of place and too bulky in your home? Measuring items or even having digital mockups created for your space can be incredibly useful when designing your home. Having spacial awareness and the ability to pick the right items for your home is something interior designers practice all the time and will help guarantee everything fits perfectly. 2. Choosing Paint FirstInsider tip– choosing paint should be one of the last things that you do. Once you have found the core fabrics and textures for your decor, then you choose a paint that marries them all together. Interior designers will put together visual presentations of everything together for you so you can see how it all looks before you purchase. 3. Shopping From One StoreAs appealing as it sounds to go to one store and buy the full bedroom set, we don’t recommend it if you're wanting an eclectic space. Sourcing things from different manufacturers brings in a more curated feeling to your space. This is something interior designers are incredible at! It is our passion to know about different collections from different designers and brands to help aid in creating the home of your dreams. 4. Playing It SafeWhen decorating without an interior designer, it can be intimidating to purchase a big bold expensive piece without having a full picture of how everything will look. When you avoid going bold, you miss opportunities to be creative and truly show your style and run the risk of looking like every other house on the block. Talk with your interior designer about colors or textures that inspire you and they can start the hunt for your perfect pieces. 5. Making Too Many Bold ChoicesWith that being said, the choice to only make bold selections can create a chaotic energy within your home that might make it a bit hard to unwind. If you’re wanting a bold home, work with an interior designer to guide you in doing it tastefully. 6. Not Letting Go Of the PastThis one is hard for all of us at Thomas Designs because we are very eco conscious. It can be hard to let go of a perfectly good sofa when it doesn’t align with your design beliefs anymore but there are ways to go about it that can help with that. Reupholstering soft items with new fabrics not only breathes new life into your items but also usually employs a small business which is always something we love doing. Wooden items can be refinished or painted to match new designs. If it’s an item that just doesn’t go with the house anymore because of shape rather than color, donating to places like women's shelters to help them create new homes after escaping bad situations or giving things for free or reduced prices to college kids starting out can make those big changes a bit easier because it will fill your heart! We love getting to know you and figuring out what is best for your specific needs. Home should be where you feel most comfortable so we commend everyone out there trying to make that happen for themselves! But if you ever need any help, you know there is an interior designer out there waiting for your call.
Also read benefits of hiring an interior designer here.  With everything happening in the last few years, the request for updated alfresco dining areas has skyrocketed. These spaces are being created to be an extension of the home. Bringing the comfort of indoors to the outdoors. We put together a list of 10 beautiful ways you can add to or refresh your outdoor space.
2. Make It CozyAdding heaters to your outdoor area makes it more comfortable for more time during the year. Outdoor dining doesn’t have to stop when fall comes around. 3. Outdoor EntertainmentAdding speakers and or a projector can turn your house into THE hangout spot in any season. Watching a fun movie under a starry sky sounds like perfection. 4. Lighting
5. Herb GardenLimited space? Plant a vertical herb garden to bring some green in the area but also a fun summer project. Add the herbs you grow to your summer barbecues for an upgrade on that too. 6. Fire Features
7. Privacy ScreensWant your backyard to feel a bit more private? Privacy screens are an incredible addition that can help you achieve that. With a ton of incredible options to choose from, turn your outdoor space private AND fabulous. 8. Table DecorWhether you have a full dining table to set up or a smaller one, dress it up. Put beautiful potted plants, unique statues or art pieces to display in order to add some interest to the area. 9. BBQ Bar
10. RugsA little rug can go a long way. Use outdoor rugs that are water and stain resistant to protect your porch and gussy up the area.
 It is part of our mission to promote and use the most efficient home products as possible. Today we’re going to discuss High Efficiency or HE washers and dryers and the pros and cons to upgrading
Keep in mind, these are general statements about the technology and are not brand specific. The pros to a HE washer and dryer is that they are better for the environment than typical washer and dryers. They use less water, less energy, and less detergent and the reason is because the drum spins slower than a typical washer. All these things add up to cleaner clothing and less dirty water to process. There aren't really cons to the argument but there are things that must be noted. Due to the spin being slower, it takes a bit longer to wash and dry. Due to the slower spin, you actually need to purchase a specialized laundry detergent but these pods are better for the environment and use less soap. Beyond that, they typically cost a bit more than a run of the mill washer but the long term investment of helping out the planet while washing clothes we think is worth every penny. After looking at different sites listed below, our opinion is that they are worth the hype. Personally we use HE washers and dryers and love them! Pros Uses Less Water Less energy (by spinning slower) Less suds = better cleanliness Same cost per load Cons Takes longer to dry items Cannot dry certain things like water proof items Must use special detergent Initially more money than traditional washers but better investment in the long term The details: https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2014/09/the-pros-and-cons-of-high-efficiency-washers/index.htm http://www.the-eco-market.com/eco-friendly-washing-machines/ https://www.hgtv.com/design/rooms/other-rooms/beautiful-and-efficient-laundry-room-designs-pictures  Home is not just where the heart is but it’s also our sanctuary. With busy lives filled with work, travel and other life events, coming home to a house that feels chaotic adds undue stress. The TD team got together and came up with a few of our favorite ways to make your dwelling feel like a peaceful home.  1. Clear All Surfaces Daily.If this one sounds near impossible, the following points can help you, but we put this first just to say, when you have all of your different projects or chores out in the open, it is near impossible to relax with them in your face taunting you to do them. The truth about chores is they are never truly done and even if they are, the next day there will be something new to do. So how can we get all of our chores out of our face at home? Let's see the next point!  2. Invest in Organizational Systems.Small investment = problem solved. What are your home's biggest problem areas? Is it where the mail falls, your (fill in the blank) collection, or pantry? Or is it clothes piles in the bedroom and insufferable bathroom clutter? Be honest with yourself about where the pitfalls of your routine are and get serious about it. It can be as simple as needing more shoe storage and a catchall basket or maybe it means an addition or remodel.  3. Declutter Less is more. It is okay to move on from old decor, books, trinkets. Sometimes releasing the clutter of your life into the world where someone else can actually enjoy it is not only beneficial to you but also the other person! Items bring joy or frustration but not happiness. Ask yourself if the joy outweighs the frustration of too much clutter and see if you are able to let go.  4) Get Help If You Need ItSo, did you land on needing to upgrade your kitchen cabinets with more functional storage or perhaps you’ve decided you really need a professional organizer. No one is an expert at everything and we are not perfect. We often use the motto –Progress not perfection and sometimes we just need to call in the pros to help guide us through. Check out our blog on the benefits of hiring an interior designer here. If you don’t have time to read through the points I’ll share the main one: Hiring a professional sounds expensive but it is always less expensive not only with money but time if you do it right in the first place. 5. Bring the Elements In to Your Home
6. Clear Your Floors
 7. Use Softer LightingThis is one of our favorite tips! Overhead lighting can be so bright and unflattering, especially if you're in an office all day. Be caring to your senses when you come home and opt for a softer and warmer light. Use lamps/ candles or open windows and use natural light to brighten your days. Or you can add dimmers to your overhead lights so you are in control of how bright your room gets.  8. Use Natural ScentsIf you are a fan of scented candles, you may know that a lot of candles have toxins in them that are not all that great for you. Make sure the candles you’re purchasing are organic and have natural scents that come from nature. If you’re not a fan of candles you can use an essential oil diffuser which can have air humidifying benefits as well as making your home smell great. Or get creative and try boiling some of your favorite scents on the stove. A pot with an apple and cinnamon sticks boiled on low for a few hours will make your home cozy, while boiling lemons and lavender will make it fresh and feel bright! These are just a few of our favorite ways to create a more peaceful home. Keep it open, keep it bright, keep it clear, and ask for help if you need it. If you have any more suggestions let us know in the comments below.
 Updating the bathrooms in your home can be an expensive endeavor. Sometimes you are put in a position where the budget is not unlimited and you need to make some hard decisions on what to move forward with. The TD team put together a list of the upgrades that will not only improve but add value in the long term!
1. Custom Cabinets Custom cabinetry is something that is worth the cost because you are having something tailor made to your unique bathroom space. This can result in more storage and better usability all around– not to mention how beautiful they can be! 2. Integrated Outlets This is one of our favorite upgrades because you can never have too many outlets in your bathroom, especially if your sharing the space. While your custom cabinets are being designed, be sure to discuss places to put integrated outlets within your drawers. HOT TIP: Make sure you tell your electrician about it early on so they can plan accordingly. 3. Exhaust Fan This upgrade doesn’t sound too fun but boy oh boy can it make a huge difference in the function of your bathroom. If you don’t have an exhaust fan installed, consider putting one in. It will make post-shower time so much nicer as well as keep your bathroom dry and less susceptible to mold and mildew. 4. Large Mirrored Storage Cabinets I think we are all familiar with the small narrow mirror (“medicine”) cabinets of years past, but even those have been upgraded. Large Mirror Cabinets are not only so beautiful but functional and helpful in hiding little bathroom clutter. 5 .Skylights or Solar Tube If you are not a fan of having a big window in your bathroom, consider a skylight or Solar Tube. Not only do you get amazing spa like natural light, you remove the stress of having to deal with anyone being able to see you. If you live in warmer climates you can also have motorized shades installed just in case you need to close it up. Bathrooms should be serene and tailored to your space. These upgrades help with personalization but also add to the resale value. One thing is for sure–Everyone loves a nice bright well organized great bathroom!  Since the first modern landfill was opened in California in 1937, the United States has changed the way we deal with trash and unwanted household items. However, there is a better way. Instead of being part of the problem, you can be part of the solution by going green in your home decluttering efforts. Through small actions, such as using green cleaners and setting up neighborhood swaps, you can make a big difference in your home and community.
Forget Retail: Sale and Swap Every American creates, on average, 4.5 pounds each of trash every day. Much of this waste is made up of perfectly usable items, such as clothing, furniture, and appliances. When you have a house full stuff you no longer need, consider setting up a neighborhood swap or hosting a yard sale. A neighborhood swap shop, according to PlanetPals.com, is an excellent way to repurpose tools, food, office and school supplies, and sporting goods. It’s also an opportunity for you to get to know your neighbors and proves that one man’s trash is another’s treasure. Similarly, hosting a garage sale is an excellent way for you to turn your belongings into cash. Money Crashers’ offers advice on organizing a successful garage sale. Green Cleaning In addition to your overall decluttering efforts, you can keep chemicals and nonbiodegradable plastics to a minimum by utilizing green cleaning techniques. Homemade cleaners, such as these from Good Housekeeping, are non-toxic and utilize common kitchen staples, including vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda. A maid service, which costs between $117 and $225 in the San Francisco area, can help you tackle the initial interior cleaning. Discuss with your preferred service provider ahead of time your insistence on natural products. When You Can’t Reuse, Recycle There are untold billions of pounds of perfectly recyclable goods clogging up both landfills and the ocean right now. Aside from metal, plastic, and glass, you can recycle paper and cardboard, lightbulbs, batteries, and electronics. Waste Management reports that 29 percent of waste in the US comes from paper products. Invest in a photo scanner for pictures and documents and store these online, which will not only free up space but will reduce your environmental footprint. If you run a business or have an unusually large collection of electronics, contact your local green disposal company for options. Green Citizen in the Bay Area is one such company that accepts electronic waste and either dismantles and disposes of these items responsibly or refurbishes them for later use. By keeping electronics out of landfills, you not only eliminate mass but also reduce the number of harmful chemicals that leach into the surrounding terrain. Components of our smart devices and computers contain heavy metals, such as mercury and cadmium, that can have a long-lasting and far-reaching negative effect on the environment. Green Storage It’s not always feasible or desirable to get rid of everything. If you’re moving to a larger home or have a collection of heirlooms you would like to pass down to your children or grandchildren, a self-storage unit can help you keep your living space clean without giving up the things you love. However, make sure your storage unit is environmentally friendly by choosing an insulated facility and packing your possessions in sturdy, biodegradable cardboard containers. We only have one world. It is up to us to ensure that it remains beautiful throughout our lifetimes and for generations to come. Start at home by reusing and recycling where possible and maintaining your commitment to environmental sustainability when it’s not. Simple actions can make a big difference, and your good choices may create a ripple effect within your community. Image via Pixabay  House Rabbit society
https://rabbit.org/rabbit-center/ ASPCA https://www.aspca.org/ CCAS co.contra-costa.ca.us CCHS cchumane.org Rocketdog rocketdogrescue.org Bay Area Animal Rescue Crew Bayareaanimalrescuecrew.org ARF arflife.org |
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