With that said, I am honored to be able to reveal interior designer, Dawn D. Totty’s “mystery makeover” of the CAC, which is located in Jasper, TN.

The facility had the award-winning designer’s attention, as soon as she learned of it.

“In a nutshell, I found out about this facility and it really weighed on my heart to elevate and beautify the space, so that it would be much more child friendly and welcoming.  I set up a meeting with Gene Hargis (Chief Detective of Marion Co.).  I went in for our meeting, offered to waive my service fees and to do my own fundraising. He jumped at the opportunity,” reflected Totty.

When she entered the center, she observed dark gray outdoor carpet from wall to wall, along with brown walls.  There were multiple fluorescent light fixtures and four large conference tables in the main area.  Her wheels were already turning.

As this project is so near and dear to her heart, Totty spent five months doing exactly as she said she would do. Through her own fundraising efforts, she was able to raise $24,000 for the project.  With services combined, it was $50,000 redesign.

She strived to create a center that would be both comforting and uplifting, as those who enter need a safe place of healing.  Time and time again, it was confirmed that God had orchestrated the project.

Dawn was also able to recruit some fantastic artists, donors and general helpers to make her vision come to life.  Day after day, the center continued to transform into a brighter, friendlier, more calming space.

Through a generous variety of donations, Dawn’s design skills, and other helping hands, the vision has been achieved.

“Designing and being project manager for the CAC has taught me a multitude of lessons – particularly lessons in human nature.  I’ve learned that generally people are kind and generous. When people heard about these hurting children, they were happy to assist me in so many ways – they volunteered their time and monetary donations,” she continued.

After five months of hard work, Dawn revealed the makeover to the CAC staff.  As one might guess, they were blown away.

Now, Dawn and the CAC crew look forward to the big grand opening event which will take place at the Center on Friday, May 29.

Even as she goes forward and returns to her usual work, the CAC project will remain in her heart and mind.

“Everyone was a child once.  Some have had a beautiful, childhood experience, but others have not. My main objective is in some small way to restore some joy for these sweet children – joy that has been lost through abuse.  Creating a calm and happy healing environment is a good place to start.  This is the biggest and most important project I’ve ever completed in my career since the day I started working at 16 years old.  Designing the CAC will forever be in my heart.” concludes Dawn.

About the Children’s Advocacy Center:  The CAC which has been in local operation for 4 years serves severely abused children, both male and female, from the ages of 2-18. Children from Jasper, as well as surrounding Middle TN areas come to the non-profit center as a safe place for counseling and healing.  It is comprised of several board members, along with Gina Presto (President), Gene Hargis (Chief Detective of Marion Co.) and Kathie Tierney (Jasper Chamber of Commerce President), leading the organization.

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About Dawn D. Totty of Dawn D. Totty Designs:

Dawn D. Totty is an innovative Interior Designer focused on service, customization, enhancing property value and affordably designing spaces to reach their full potential.  Whether a home or business renovation, she has been successfully meeting individual needs and bringing personal visions to life, everywhere she goes.  As a self-described “problem solver,” Totty consistently saves her clients time and money, while reflecting their personal styles at affordable rates.  With a background which began in the New York Fashion industry, Totty has been designing people, places and spaces for 23 years.

In the past year, Dawn’s designs have been featured in over 50 publications, including House Beautiful, Realtor.com, Reader’s Digest, City Scope, Chatter (Times Free Press), Stir Magazine (Sherwin Williams) Vie Magazine, American Farmhouse, and Contemporary Stone + Tile DESIGN. Most recently, Dawn was named the “Best Interior Designer” in Chattanooga’s 2019 “Best of the best” awards.

To keep up with Dawn D. Totty of Dawn D. Totty Designs, “like” her Facebook page and follow her on Instagram.

The post Dawn D. Totty Reveals “Mystery Makeover” of Children’s Advocacy Center appeared first on Homestead Holly.

When Dawn first proposed the topic of “bedroom clutter” affecting one’s sleep, I felt both excited and convicted at the same time.  My current struggle in our own master bedroom is that it doubles as our nursery.  (Yes, I can see you cringing).  However, with our home setup, it is simply the most ideal situation for us.  We have a fairly large two story home, and our master bedroom (with the awesome closet is located downstairs).  All of the other bedrooms are upstairs, and I simply do not want my baby far away from us at night.  Therefore, I have had to do some serious improvising. While I am somewhat proud of the finished product, it doesn’t mean that I am completely satisfied either. Still, I’ve noticed with every single purge I do, the more peacefully I sleep.  Dawn’s tips also continue to help me create a more soothing sleep space day by day.

The picture below is Dawn’s work (not my bedroom), just so you know…

Let’s just say that this interview with Dawn has inspired me yet again!  So now, without further ado, let’s hear from our favorite design expert (Dawn D. Totty of Dawn D. Totty Designs):

“When you follow the clutter trail, it will almost always lead to a lack of storage or not knowing how to organize,” shares Totty.

“Your bedroom is where you begin and end your day, so it is vital that you have a peaceful clutter-free sleeping environment,” she adds.

Now, here are a few pro organizer tips to de-clutter your bedroom according to Dawn D. Totty of Dawn D. Totty Designs:

“Designers are all about creating functional zones or areas designed for specific uses – such as the corner of the room reserved for a small desk/office, make up station, as well as dressing and sitting areas, etc.  Compartmentalizing each area of the room will keep the room functional, as well as organized,” reveals Totty.

“Go vertical and as far up to the ceiling as possible, with built in or open concept shelving, to accommodate books, hats, baskets for accessories etc., she continues.”

“The average size of a queen bed is about 6’x5′ in diameter, so take full advantage of all of the space underneath your bed! Plastic bins, baskets and roller drawers are perfect for storing sweaters, boots, coats and hats.

So, where can we turn to get some of Dawn’s recommended items?  In a word:  Houzz.

“This set of 2 under drawer on rollers from Houzz can help utilize the space under your bed, as well as be aesthetically pleasing.  There are 12 different colors to choose from,” suggests Totty.

“Storage benches, chests and upholstered ottomans such as this moroccan gray lift top upholstered storage ottoman makes for easy access to blankets, sweaters and bed linens, as well as additional seating.  It is under $200 and saves space when placed at the foot of your bed,” continues Totty.

Now, let’s talk laundry.  Eek, yes….laundry.

“Laundry can be a major source of clutter.  If you have an accessible laundry bag placed on a hook on the back of a closet door you will eliminate floor clutter.  The Dll Bath Mesh Laundry Bag (Gray) can be purchased on Houzz for just $22.69,” reveals Dawn.

The use of hooks don’t just pertain to laundry, however.

“Hooks placed near doors for easy access for frequently used items such as a handbag, jacket, or keys, will make life easier and more clutter free.  This set of 4 Elios Hooks can be a great asset in minimizing bedroom clutter,” she adds.

Hanging organizers hung on a bedroom closet rod will accommodate belts, ties and scarves and keep them all together in one specific place. Houzz also features a plethora of options for hanging organizers.  The iDesign Scarf Organizer is just one of many.

What about those every day essentials that get all mismatched and disorganized in our dresser drawers?  Well, Dawn has a solution there too.

“Drawer dividers will ensure your socks and under garments will always be organized and neat.  This Traci Bamboo spring loaded adjustable drawer divider comes in a set of 4,” shares Dawn.

Some of our other spatial friends?

“Baskets are the best kept trick for just about everything storage related. They can slide under a bed, or be kept at the bedside for remotes, magazines or an extra blanket,” explains Dawn.

“Also, anytime you can get a nightstand with drawers and shelves, those will be far more functional vs. a small table,” she adds.

The Winsome Wood/Curved End Table/Night stand with one drawer is a simple, yet excellent example of what Dawn is referring to.  You can currently find it on Houzz for just $63.45.

Organizing, maximizing, decluttering and accenting our spaces is not an overnight project.  However, it is one of the most important projects we can partake in.  There is no better time than now to start creating a peaceful slumber space.  (Wishing you all a whole lot of undisturbed and restful sleep.  Stay well, friends)!

To keep up with Dawn D. Totty’s latest projects and design tips, follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

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About Dawn D. Totty Designs

Dawn D. Totty is an innovative Interior Designer focused on service, customization, enhancing property value and affordably designing spaces to reach their full potential.  Whether a home or business renovation, she has been successfully meeting individual needs and bringing personal visions to life, everywhere she goes.  As a self-described “problem solver,” Totty consistently saves her clients time and money, while reflecting their personal styles at affordable rates.  With a background which began in the New York Fashion industry, Totty has been designing people, places and spaces for 23 years.

In addition to her aesthetic talents and undeniable creativity, lies the mind of an entrepreneur.  She’s a real estate investor with a highly favorable track record.  She has been known to consistently make sizeable profits off of her investments as she has a trained eye for what potential buyers look for.  From homes, to business environments, Totty’s designs have been positively impacting lives both personally and professionally.

In the past year, Dawn’s designs have been featured in over 50 publications, including House Beautiful, Realtor.com, Reader’s Digest, City Scope, Chatter (Times Free Press), Stir Magazine (Sherwin Williams) Vie Magazine, American Farmhouse, and Contemporary Stone + Tile DESIGN. Most recently, Dawn was named the “Best Interior Designer” in Chattanooga’s 2019 “Best of the best” awards.

The post Is Bedroom Clutter Compromising Your Sleep? (With Interior Designer Dawn D. Totty) appeared first on Homestead Holly.