Clean Up Your Spring Cleaning Plan In Los Angeles
Even though spring isn't a very drastic transition from winter weather in Los Angeles, this is still the time of year to get organized. Residents of The City of Angels are known to nest, so rather than just tidying up the clutter, invest the time in organizational elements that can help keep your abode in working order year round. Consider the following five concepts to ease the cleaning process this go around.
Very Spicy
Keeping your spices all together and within reach, but still orderly, can be a tall order. One way to conquer this conundrum is to buy a medicine cabinet in the architectural style of your choice to hang above the sink like a piece of art. That's what Los Angeles interior designer Paul Jackson does to keep the parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme in one place, yet still out of sight until needed. If this appeals, visit a vintage store or thrift shop for something unique. Consider seeking out this architectural mainstay at St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop.
St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop
210 N Ave. 21
Los Angeles, CA 90031
(323) 224-6280
www.svdpla.org
Hours: Mon to Sat—9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sun—9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Related: Best Ethnic Grocery Stores In The Valley
Under The Bed
A bed isn't just for sleeping, especially for those Angelenos who have figured out that including a platform as part of this necessary piece of furniture means much more room to store all sorts of stuff. Murphy beds do the trick for very limited space, as do beds that sit on risers for a couple inches of heightened storage beneath. Also, beds with built-in drawers and shelving can not only handle fresh linens, but books and knick-knacks as well. Certain Southland folks have the expertise to construct such a custom bed with this type of storage, while LA Contempo offers some ingenious ways to enjoy this unique furniture combination already manufactured and ready to go.
LA Contempo
11312 Hartland St.
North Hollywood, CA 91605
(818) 763-8835
www.lacontempo.com
Hours: Mon to Fri—9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat to Sun—10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Clean It Up
Not every kitchen sink is equipped with a counter, especially in older Los Angeles apartments. If that's the case for your abode, turn this ugly looking space into a lovely place to put your collection of cleaning supplies by adding a small curtain to fit around the piping. Pick a fabric that's not only striking, but suitable for your color scheme as well. For the best selection by far, go downtown to comb through the thousands of offerings at Michael Levine.
Michael Levine
920 Maple Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 622-6259
www.mfabric.com
Hours: Mon to Sat—9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sun—11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hiding A Secret
Give yourself more space for keeping important objects protected and away from the public eye. Many opt for a traditional safe, however some take a sneakier route by installing a real life secret hiding place in the form of a standard bookcase. Consider a bookcase with a fake bottom shelf reached only from the back of the cabinet and reconfigured to act as a disguised drawer. To find a reputable carpenter who works your area, check out the Regional Council of Carpenters for the right person to conjure up this very tricky, yet secure organizational option.
Regional Council of Carpenters
533 S Fremont Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 385-1457
www.swcarpenters.org
For The Dogs
Having a pooch or two in the household means putting up with lots of extras, such as chewies and stuffed animals galore, all of which find themselves strewn throughout the house. Round up these doggie accessories and stick them in a kid's toy chest for further use when not in play. Cute versions of this practical item can be found at Dragonfly DuLou.
Dragonfly DuLou
2066 Hillhurst Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 665-8448
www.dragonflydulou.com
Hours: Mon to Sat—10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun—10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Related: Best Dog Parks In LA And OC
Los Angeles freelance travel writer Jane Lasky, contributes to publications such as Travel + Leisure, Vogue and Esquire. Her weekly sojourning column ran in 40 newspapers for 20 years. Jane is anything but an accidental tourist. Check out her articles on Examiner.com.
