Get Hooked
By: Pam Melton
“Goin’ South”, a 1978 Jack Nicholson movie with Mary Steenburgen, intrigued me with the efficacy of hanging things on the wall. Ms. Steenburgen’s character hung everything on her walls – even her dining chairs. I don’t know about you, but with a batting record of 2 out 12 domiciles (currently dwelling in one of the ten), I am officially Closet Challenged. No matter what kind of structure you call home, wall space is likely the most abundant surface. The trick is making the most of it.
I am especially bothered by the lack of a place for guests to put their outerwear. If you think getting hooked might work for you, there are several things to keep in mind…
1. No matter where you’re shopping, keep an eye out. You’d be surprised at where you’ll find cute little hooks. Even if you don’t know where you’ll use it, if it’s on sale – pick it up! A use will be found, believe me. 
2. Think of hooks as part of your décor – easier for a lot of us to afford than a framed print.
3. When looking for a place to put something – ask yourself, “Can it hang up?” If it can, a nail can be used until you find just the right hook. This strategy is especially helpful if kitchen and/or bathroom cabinet space is scarce.
4. Safety – when deciding where to hang a hook, keep in mind how people move in the area. Is someone likely to turn a corner and put an eye out, etc. I’ve used hooks in kids’ rooms for years without incident, so it can be done.
Go out there and Get Hooked. It’s inexpensive to try, has great utility and creates an instant conversation piece – be audacious!
