I don’t often write about organizing but I’ve spent the last several months setting up a second home…sort of. A combination of second home and short-term rental. This challenge has forced me to really think about organizing a space creatively AND attractively. And yes, it can be done.
We’ve all seen the fantastically drool-worthy and inspiring images on Instagram and Pinterest where each little item has the perfectly sized cubby or bin. This is NOT that article! Sorry folks. This is just a little more practical and (dare I say!) doable?!
Tip #1: Style Small Storage with Colorful Details
It goes without saying that as an Interior Designer, I value aesthetics – even inside a drawer or cabinet! A little thing, like selecting components for the inside of a drawer or cabinet that match the overall mood or style of the home, goes a long way to complete the feel of the home.
Decorating the inside of a closet with shelf paper or paint: A beautiful interior makes the simple act of opening that cupboard or closet feel like a treat! When we moved into our current home, I remember how white and sterile it was. I had NO idea at the time what direction I was going with color, so I painted the inside of my pantry a bright, apple green. It’s been 13 years and that color STILL makes me happy whenever I open the door!
Tip #2: A Place for Everything IS Luxury
For your linen closet, create a space for every item rather than letting it become a jumble. A linen closet with tidily stacked towels, organized sheets, and extra blankets makes doing the laundry easier.
In the kitchen, all of your dishes, glassware and serveware should START with a dedicated spot. Have extras? Set up a separate “entertaining” closet if you have the space. We did this in our home, turning a shallow closet into a home for all the entertaining items. We love this little luxury.
Tip #3: Give Personal Items New Life
What items are available to you to organize YOUR treasures? I’ve spent all of my years in business incorporating a client’s beloved items back into their home in unique ways. A collection of crystal pieces might go unused as serving pieces but will gain new life in the bathroom to house soaps, cotton balls, and other essentials, for example.
What items do you have around your home that might find new life as a way to contain what is otherwise a bit cluttered or disorganized?
Tip #4: Easily Organize Things That are Daily Essentials
For everyday essentials such as toiletries and cosmetics, I love the functionality of things that are easy to take out and put away. Remember back in college when we had those handled caddies? I STILL find these incredibly useful to organize all that counter clutter in the bathroom.
Pull it out when you’re getting ready in the morning and put it quickly away when you’re done. If you’ve got organized drawer space – use it of course – but if you don’t? These caddies are the best option. I also love this little make-up suitcase. The other bonus is these are easily washable…just pop them in the dishwasher.
Years ago I read a book that is still, IMHO the ultimate in-home organization – Organizing from the Inside Out by Julie Morgenstern. Ms. Morgenstern’s basic philosophy is that before you ever dig into a fancy organizing system, you take a look at HOW you live. This is a conversation I do with most clients when we begin a project that involves a total space makeover. Figure out first what you need and THEN make the decisions about how to make that need pretty!
In the business of design, the expression is “Form Follows Function” and it is nowhere truer than when it comes to organizing your space. Are you ready to blend style, function, and personality into your home organization? Then let’s chat!
