Room-by-room: Achieving a more organized home
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Our most lived-in rooms are often the most susceptible to clutter. From overflowing bookshelves in the living room to stuffed cabinets in the kitchen, the disorder can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, there are easy solutions to clear the chaos and restore calm. Here are our top tips for organizing the central spaces in your home, room by room.
1. Living room
This space often serves a myriad of functions: it’s where we relax, entertain, and sometimes work. Because of this, it can easily accumulate clutter — think remote controls, blankets, books, chargers, toys, and more. Here are three ways you can keep it in order.
• Clear horizontal surfaces: Resist the urge to fill your coffee table, side table, or credenza and instead keep surfaces clear (with the exception of intentional decor). Research shows this reduces mental load by minimizing visual stimuli for your brain to process.
• Designate a drop zone: To help keep those surfaces clear, create a dedicated home for often-used items. The easiest solution? Baskets: opt for various sizes to corral blankets, magazines, toys, and more.
• Add storage: Built-in bookcases, custom cabinetry, or shelving will help you conceal electronics, games, and everyday items. When everything has a place, your space will immediately feel more organized.
2. Kitchen
One of the busiest rooms in the home, the kitchen often needs the most help. And with the right design solutions, you can get more out of your existing space.
• Go vertical: Unleash the possibilities by just looking up. Adding floating shelves to an open wall can create a focal point while adding storage without a footprint.
• Make the most of your pantry: Taking advantage of every inch in this hardworking space improves organization and efficiency. A custom solution can truly optimize the space — think floor-to-ceiling shelving, open-top drawers, deep cabinets, even a dedicated coffee station.
• No pantry, no problem: A custom cabinet design is one way to create a freestanding pantry that can include adjustable shelves, drawers, and even lighting or power solutions.
3. Bedroom
Your bedroom should feel like a retreat — not a catchall for laundry, tech, or other miscellaneous items. Clutter in the bedroom can affect your ability to relax and recharge, so clearing it is crucial. Here are three ideas to consider:
• Assess your closet: Is it serving your needs? If you share the space, are there dedicated areas for both of you? If not, it might be time to consider a custom closet solution or wardrobe for additional storage.
• Filter clothing by season: Reduce visual overload by swapping out clothing each season. Move anything you won’t wear again until the temperature swings into a separate space (like a basement, attic, or garage) to make room for items you’ll reach for every day.
• Embrace accessories: Once your hanging items have been edited, look at your dresser or closet drawers. Drawer inserts create effortless organization for socks, sunglasses, jewelry, and more. LED push- or motion-activated light strips instantly brighten the space and allow for easier clothing selection.
