seating." Known for using old roller can't live without them. Those are the skates to house CDs and the skate- things you keep." A sigh of relief can board that holds books below her be heard across the room. "But nightstand, I figured she was up to acquaintances, they come and go. my filing challenge, and could They're in good shape, but you really empathize with my disdain for metal don't need them. Put them in the bag cabinets. with the bow, they're going to your Smiling, as if she'd just won the lot- favorite charity. Strangers you simply tery, she rattled off solutions that even don't have room for in your life. I found fascinating. "Old luggage, They're torn, they're tattered. Throw wine crates, hat boxes, you can use them out." them all for storage, and if you stack It all seems to make sense, as long them in the right way, you've got an as she's talking about someone else's end table or a nightstand." What's problem. But when she looks my way that old saying? One per- and says, "Now let's talk son's trash is another one's about all that extra paper," treasure. While she's just as I found myself feeling pro- content to help her clients tective. My files, I thought, buy new things, Jeanine are crucial. And while my Matlow is clearly in heaven system may not look all at someone else's garage that pretty, when a client sale. calls, all they care about is But if you've got more that their work is at my fin- conservative taste or simply gertips. And as far as the want your ducks or, in this trade journals and maga- case, your clothes in a row, zines, let's not even go Cathi Lefton's Closet there, they're like food for stein Debi Wein Designs could be your anyone else. But remaining answer. "No matter what, calm, I try to concentrate no one ever has enough closet space. on what she has to say. "You're not Architects think about the way a the library. You don't have to be the house is going to appear, so there are master of information." beautiful angles; the problem is She suggests a rip-and-read system. they're creating those angles out of "Tear out the articles you want to what might have been your bedroom read and put them in a file that's closet." always with you. That way, when So once you've played Debi's you're waiting for a client or in a doc- Friends, Acquaintances and Strangers tor's waiting room, you can still be game and parted with the clothes that productive. And you've cleared all really weren't your friends, Cathi can those magazines out of your work install different levels and cubby holes space." to relieve anyone's clutter and, most All right, that I can handle, but the importantly, keep you from creating files are another story. While Debbie offered great information about color- more. "When there's a place for every- thing, you can find what you have. coding files and labeling them so you You have a place for your sweaters, so know where they belong, it was a lit- you can see that you already own four tle more than I could see myself put- great black ones." ting to use, so I decided to call some- Still not sure you're ready to one who could help me do the next become one of them? Rest assured, best thing — camouflage. even the experts admit, it won't hap- Decorating consultant Jeanine pen in one weekend. But Debi Matlow is known for her eclectic style, so much so she named her com- assured me that even a few minutes a day can make a difference. "I equate it pany, Conversation Pieces. But what to getting heavy. It took years to get drew me to her was the way she looks there and you can't lose it all at furniture. overnight." "I literally won't buy a piece unless With that information in hand, I it has at least two functions. Trunk placed a pile of magazines by the tables, apothecary tables, tables with front door — the first step on my two levels. I found this great old journey to losing the extra 10 pounds piano bench at a flea market and I I haven't been able to get rid of. What put it at the end of the bed. I use it Debi lovingly calls, "paper weight." 0 for storage, but it's also great for extra Son* vee gee944 Orchard Lake Pet Resort Dag Care, Overnight Care a Salon Animal Friendly Environment • Unrestricted arrivals & departures • We accommodate YOUR schedule • We accept all credit cards • Staff and facility is 100% smoke free Professional Grooming 7 Days a Week! ( 2 48)3 7 2-70 00 29229 Northwestern Hwy., [north of 12 Mile Rd., north of Sero's and Franklin Plaza] OFivetit'o Catetiag • Catetigg • Galata wiz* Mon Oliverio's • Peueltat Ckef Ptegkettt Entrees are now at Hello Deli & Strawberry Hill Market Out awe Th Yowto" 242 Telegfutpk Rd. • (248) 361-9435 "Rat Summer Pleasures/2002 ai 25