I am constantly wondering how I can collect so much stuff. This stuff lives anywhere and everywhere it can find shelter. The closets seem to be the main culprit for hiding and collecting, but it’s definitely not limited to just those nooks and crannies found behind closed doors. Bookshelves, table tops, and chairs tend to get cluttered with stuff everyday. And once the stuff begins to collect, things like keys start to go missing. I have decided I’m tired of living with clutter, even if my clutter is neatly stacked in piles. I went on a mission to find solutions to my most common organizational trouble areas, and I wanted to share them with you in case you are having the same issues.
The key for me was giving everything a home. And everything in my home needed a function. My entry way was the first area I wanted to tackle. That seemed to be the first place piles would appear. I realized that I had a console table with drawers that were being used as random catchalls or not being used at all, which quickly led to things getting lost. I identified what type of things were being collected and put them into piles, and then I designated drawers for each group. Out of site, but not out of mind. I had a drawer for bills, a drawer for personal mail, a drawer for magazines, and the top drawer is saved for the little items like pens and stamps. Those smaller things were usually the things you spend precious time searching your house for and can never find…at least not when you need them. This also opens up the table top to put out items that you want to look at everyday like bowls, table lamps, and maybe even a plant. Here’s a great example of a functional and beautiful console table. I wish this was my entry…maybe someday
Another great idea for creating storage without having to go out and buy all new furniture is to invest in some storage boxes. There are some really great options out there that will look as pretty as they are functional. You can get a variety of sizes, colors, and patterns, and really make them work with what you have in your home already. These are great for living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms and home offices. Well, really they are great anywhere you want to use them! AND, you can display them out in the open and make them part of your decor. They offer a great opportunity to add pops of color and pattern to an area which otherwise might be looking a little dull.
Another great idea is to use what you already have and create collections out of them. Stacking books by size or color can create a great visual element on your coffee table, console table, and shelves, and you will be able to find everything a lot more easily. You can use other items that have some weight, such as vases and bowls, as bookends This will create a very clean and organized look without needing to hide all of the clutter. You don’t want your house to look sparse and cold, so this a great way to add some life. Also, picture frames are a great way to introduce pattern and color, and they will give you a way to add a personal touch.
Here is an amazing example of books displayed by color. Not sure any of us have enough color variety and consistency to achieve this, but it’s still fun to see!
And this is a great example of making a space functional and beautiful
I could go on and on, but I think that’s a great start! Now, the trick is to keep this organized life up! I’ll keep you posted.
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