Having a designated space to drop things when you enter and to grab things when you go is one of the most functional (and necessary) things you can have in your home! I don't know about you guys, but I NEED a space to store ALL OF THE THINGS that my tiny humans have - from backpacks and lunchboxes, to jackets and sports gear, having a space to keep all of these things is super helpful in keeping a home organized. While many new construction homes have a mudroom, a space designed specifically to be a drop zone, having an extra room isn't necessary. Key to creating a drop zone area that is functional and that will actually be used, is the drop zone's proximity to the door you enter and exit most frequently. In all of the houses that we've lived in, we've entered through the garage door. Having an area right next to it where we can drop our things BEFORE we have the opportunity to set them anywhere else is crucial.

Here are a few things to consider as you start to plan/create your drop zone area:

1. Where is the best location of your drop zone?
2. What do you plan to keep in your drop zone?
3. How much storage do you need?

Pinterest is FULL of tons of incredible drop zone ideas - whether you're working with one wall, or an entire room, your guaranteed to find some inspiration.
Below are some of my favorite mudrooms/drop zones.

Aren't those all amazing??? Love all of the inspiration that is out there! If you want some more ideas, click here to check out my "Mudroom/Drop Zone" Pinterest board. Would love to hear how you've incorporated functionality and design in some of your spaces in the comments! 
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xoxo,
​Maggie

As I reflect on 2017, I literally am blown away by the many business opportunities I've been given. On September 3rd, I launched my Maggie Walton Interior Design , a dream I'd had for many years but, to be honest, had always been too scared to try. With the encouragement, support and gentle nudge of my wonderful husband and many of my incredible friends and family, I finally took the plunge, faced my fears, and did it! Boy am I thankful I did. The busyness these last 4 months have brought have been an incredible encouragement to me and confirmation that I made the right decision. 

While I've never really been one for making New Year's Resolutions, I do see great value in casting a vision for yourself and setting both reasonable and stretch goals that propel you towards your vision. I am DREAMING BIG for 2018, and the following goals are the starting point!

#1: Increase content posted on social media - This past year, the majority of my posts were design boards or before/after pictures for projects I was working on. While I definitely want to continue sharing all of the fun projects that I'm working on, I want to take it deeper than that. So much of what inspires me comes from other people and their homes! So many of the ideas that I execute happen because of inspiration I received from something or someone else. This year, I want to share with you things AND people that inspire me. I also want to take you with me when I am out shopping, either for clients or for my own home, showing you the entire design process, instead of just the final product. This will require me to get in front of the camera some (which scares me to death!), but I'm putting it in print - it's a goal for 2018!

#2: More collaborations and partnerships with small business owners - So much of the growth of my business occured because of word of mouth. My goal is to collaborate with at least 4 small businesses throughout 2018. I've got a fun collaboration/giveaway lined up for mid-January that I am super excited about and I look forward to partnering with others in the new year! 

#3: Expand the new-construction side of my business - There is something about creating a home from scratch that is so exciting. From trim, window, door and cabinet styles, to paint colors, lighting selections and tile/flooring, every single part of the building process is thrilling to me. Whether it is working with the homeowner directly, or partnering with builders local to the Granbury area to offer new-construction consults to their clients, this is an area of my business I would like to expand in 2018. 

#4: Retail??? - This is a STRETCH goal for me for sure, but I would love to open an online retail shop with found treasures that will bring character and personality to your homes. While I don't know exactly what this looks like, or what platform I might use, it is something I want to begin to explore Summer 2018. Stay tuned for more! 

#5: Finding a healthy balance - Growing my interior design business while also being a wife, mom to 3 boys, and full-time educator has required some sacrifice.  The first couple of months my business was open, I struggled maintaining balance. There was a sense of urgency with each new client, like I needed to meet with them within a matter of days or they might cancel on me! Silly, but there was still some fear that my business was going to fail! After 4 months of trial and error and finding what works and doesn't work for our family, I now am able to tell when there is too much on my plate. I've gotten much better at scheduling projects out over the month and forecasting completion dates throughout an extended period of time. I think balance is something all working moms struggle with and I find comfort in the fact that it's not unique to me. So maintaining a healthy balance and becoming a master juggler of all of the moving pieces of our wonderful life will continue to be one of my goals for 2018! 

Whew, I'm already tired just typing it all out! ;) But really, I am full of energy and excitement and mostly, gratitude. I cannot thank you enough for the kind and encouraging words and the unwavering support you each have shown me over the last few months. It means the world to me. Happy New Year my friends!! 

xoxo,
Maggie

Most of you who know me, or who've browsed my website at all, know my love for neutral paint colors. I love the way they brighten a space, oftentimes making a space feel larger than it actually is. Now don't get me wrong - I LOVE color and have advised clients to paint certain spaces a bright or deep color in their home. But generally speaking, I love the way a good grey or beige (or greige) can make a house look, AND I love that it allows for the furniture, art work, and decor that has been collected  over time and that has meaning to the homeowner to really POP!

For a list of my favorite neutral paint colors, click here. 

Choosing the right paint finish can be tricky!  Paint finishes range from "flat" or matte to "high-gloss" or shiny and are all wonderful finishes if used in the right location.  Flat paint has a chalky look to it with very little sheen.  With a bit more sheen and scrubbability, eggshell is easier to clean than flat paint. A step up from eggshell is satin, a paint finish that stands up to water better than a flat or eggshell finish. Satin is an ideal finish for the walls in high-traffic areas, or rooms where water is present. The semi-gloss finish is the best choice for areas that are cleaned frequently, such as cabinetry and trim, and it boasts a shinier finish, particularly in rooms with a large amount of sunlight. High-gloss finish is the glossiest of the bunch and is typically only used for a lacquered look on certain pieces of furniture. 

​As a rule of thumb,  the shinier the paint finish, the more durable it is.