May 30
seen from Bulgaria
seen from Canada
seen from China
seen from Bulgaria
seen from Malaysia
seen from Malaysia
seen from Spain
seen from Canada
seen from Australia
seen from China
seen from United Kingdom
seen from South Korea
seen from Germany
seen from T1
seen from Bulgaria
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from Bulgaria
seen from United States
seen from United States
Mid-sized transitional open concept living room library idea in beige with ceramic tile flooring
Old England Grown New
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Article",
"headline": "",
"description": "",
"articleSection": "lifestyle",
"keywords": "\"10 Essential Tips for Creating a Minimalist Living Space That Enhances Your Well-Being\"",
"datePublished": "2026-02-02T16:46:56.523253",
"dateModified": "2026-02-02T16:46:56.523272"
}
Expert commercial remodeling in Cumming, GA. Specialize in industrial additions & warehouse renovation with tailored, high-quality solutions
A well-designed commercial space can boost productivity and leave a lasting impression. If you're considering commercial remodeling in Cumming, explore tailored solutions that align with your business goals. Learn how to optimize your workspace with innovative designs and efficient layouts.
Episode 049: Organizing and Functional Spaces with Diane Lowy
HOLISTIC SPACES PODCAST, EPISODE 049
ORGANIZING AND FUNCTIONAL SPACES WITH DIANE LOWY
UPDATE! new GIVEAWAY!
I want to share a new giveaway for the podcast! We're giving away another 15-minute Mini podcast feng shui consultation (to be aired on a podcast), similar to the one in Episode 030: Attracting a Successful Career, a Mini Consultation.
Note: You can remain anonymous if you wish!
To enter, you must leave a review on iTunes, then follow up with your email to [email protected]. Between now and August 31st, everyone who enters will be entered into a raffle for the free podcast consultation!
To leave a review
Click HERE to open the Holistic Spaces podcast in iTunes and select "View in iTunes"
Select "Reviews", "Ratings and Reviews" or "Customer Reviews" (depending on your device), and select "Write a Review."
Don't forget to select a star rating as well before sending!
Find additional help on the Apple support page!
Don't forget to email us your review to be entered!
This month on the podcast, I'm excited to sit down with organizer and creator of "apartment solutions," Diane Lowy. Diane works at New York at Home to help New Yorkers create functional, organized spaces that help their lives to flow more easily, kind of like we do with qi! Also, check out this month's My Favorite Things, where Diane suggests some great options for getting organized for the school year and / or busy season!
Apartment functionality
How functionality relates to organization
Benefits to having a functional, organized home
Clutter and stress
Getting rid of what no longer serves you
The idealized self vs. the actual self
Accepting who you are
Knowing when to get rid of things
Organizing the right places
Organizing closets for work / school
Reducing clothing decisions
Back-to-school tips
Thanks so much to Diane for sharing these wonderful tips on organizing your space! A holistic space is almost always an organized one. :) Did you learn any new tips on how to manage your space? If so, let us know in the comments!
Sign up for our Holistic Spaces newsletter for monthly tips on feng shui and holistic living that we don't share on the blog!
If you have specific questions, let us know, and we'll do our best to answer them on the blog as part of our Q&A Sunday series. Or, if you'd prefer a private or immediate answer, schedule a 15-minute consultation call!
This is the last month for our giveaway, so please be sure to review the podcast on iTunes if you're interested, and let us know! We'll add you to our list of potential winners, and you could be our next mini-consultation feature!
Finally, if you haven't been to our Patreon page, check it out! We appreciate any help you can give to keep the Holistic Spaces podcast alive and ad-free!
Don't forget to tune in next month when we chat Kid-Smart Spaces with my friend, Magalie Rene-Hayes!
Diane Lowy has managed the New York spaces for diverse brands such as Google and Chanel. She also has a technical background from her years working on historic restoration projects in Central Park and at Columbia University. She studied installation art (a combination of sculpture and architecture) at Bard College with a focus on the way spaces can evoke emotions. She also studied construction project management at New York University.
Helping groups of professionals use the same space in many different ways inspired her to apply this strategy to homes in order to identify small adjustments that can have a big impact. Read more about her at newyorkathome.com.
Tune in September 11 for the next Holistic Spaces Podcast, Kid Smart Spaces with Magalie Rene-Hayes
NEW EPISODES OF THE HOLISTIC SPACES PODCAST WITH ANJIE CHO ARE AVAILABLE THE SECOND AND FOURTH MONDAYS OF EVERY MONTH.
DON'T FORGET TO ALSO TUNE IN SEPTEMBER 1 FOR OUR NEXT EPISODE OF THE ASTROLOGY & FENG SHUI MINI-SERIES!
Small Spaces ~ Functional Spaces!
Even the smallest spaces can prove to be functional spaces. The key in dealing with small spaces is streamlining, assigning it a function and maximizing the square footage available. Workstations are easy spaces to create almost anywhere. Landings, nooks, open, large closets and even kitchens. Storage:
• We’ll start thinking vertically again! Bins: Pile them high and label them for easy access
• Closets: Installing two (2) to four (4) horizontal rods instead of the typical long horizontal rod will double or even quadruple your hanging space. Unless you are fortunate enough to own a bevy of ball gowns (and use them!), the smaller rods are a perfect solution. Between you and me, ball gowns should have their own private space anyway.
• Shelves for shoes, belts and hand bags keep the space organized, tidy and readily available. Bay Windows: A beautiful, architectural element to any space but people often wonder what to do with the somewhat awkward space left over. Forego the array of tropical plants we often see and consider a reading area with two small, comfortable chairs and a functional table. Better yet, a reading nook with a custom made (a simple d.i.y. project) with all your favorite books housed underneath and a cozy cushion on top for you and not your plants, to bask in the sun. If the window is in a spare bedroom why not add a day bed for little ones visiting with their parents? A Small Entry Way? This I can relate to. With a small closet and narrow entry way numerous guests arriving at the same time can prove challenging. A narrow bookcase, turned on its side and dressed up with cushions provides bench seating and a place for storing shoes and boots! In The Kitchen: • Lacking counter space? Rolling bakery carts can provide a great workspace and double purpose as a serving cart when guests arrive.
Don’t be afraid to leave your dishes and glassware on display if cupboard space is lacking. There are great decorative shelves out the made for just that!
• With many apartments/condos being built with galley kitchens, break out the barstools and try countertop eating. This element is quickly becoming a part of every day design.
• A small, 2-seater dining table (preferably round as it takes up less space) is also great for coffee and reading the morning paper.
• Consider custom booth seating (similar to what you see in restaurants) for larger families. Booths take up wall space versus floor space and the tables can be moved and used at different angles. Custom Furniture: Do not overlook custom furniture out of fear! It is not significantly more expensive and contrary to big box furniture, custom furniture is built to last! Having worked as a Sales Manager for a custom furniture manufacturer and assisted with restaurant, commercial buildings and hotel designs, buying direct from the manufacturer is any designers dream! Small Space Hints: There are many companies designing for smaller spaces now. Here’s what to look for: • Living Room: Forego bulky furniture as this take up more space. Look for clean lines and low back furnishings. • Televisions: Flat panels, installed directly on the wall save valuable floor space. No flat panel? Install a low corner cabinet to house bulkier televisions. • Bedrooms: Use gorgeous shelves, installed at the appropriate height instead of night stands. Invest in a tall armoire with both doors and shelves instead of long dressers. Armoires are also great for hiding entertainment equipment in the bedroom such as televisions (a bedroom no-no!) and CD players. • Children’s Rooms (Teens too!): Shelves, shelves and more shelves. Decorative baskets or funky containers installed directly on the walls. These hold small trinkets and toys leaving the floors clean, and keeping you from stepping on them in the middle of the night (we’ve all experienced that!) They are also great for portable game players, CD’s, magazines and IPODs. Age appropriate loft beds with a workstation underneath are great for school aged children and teens. Lastly, remember that furniture does not always need to be placed along your walls. Really it doesn’t. Play with your space, you’re bound to be pleasantly surprised.
We love the functional spaces!!
>>View more<<