Do you know that one of the keys to an organized home lies in its interior design? That’s right! Sometimes, despite continuous efforts at organizing your spaces, you may feel frustrated at not seeing the desired results. This is probably because your home’s interior design does not take into account your lifestyle and needs.
As professional organizers, we have helped many families build systems around their current interior design, instilling functionality into spaces and ensuring clutter is removed. However, even when the interior design is eye-catching, if it doesn’t complement your lifestyle or serve its true purpose, you are bound to live around a mess that may never seem to go away.
Hence, if you are doing the interiors of your home (or renovating), we have some essential tips that should be communicated to your interior designer, so that you have a well-organized, easy-to-maintain home for a long time. Let’s go!
Purge before you begin
You have a blank canvas, and before you add elements to it, purge! Address each room to decide what items add value to your life. Donate, sell, or discard items that no longer serve a purpose. A clutter-free canvas provides a solid foundation for implementing effective storage solutions.
Invest in multi-functional furniture
Think versatile. Choose furniture that maximizes functionality, i.e. it serves more than one purpose; such as a sofa that can transform into a guest bed, or ottomans with hidden compartments. These pieces not only look eclectic but are great space savers and help keep your living areas tidy.
Customize storage solutions
Your family is unique and so are your storage needs. Analyze every room vis-à-vis what you own and want to store in the rooms. What you need are storage solutions tailored to each person(s) using a particular room, and how that room will be used. For instance:
Kitchen – Figure out your habits and patterns. Instead of random drawers, would you prefer your spices to be on a rack? How high should the shelves be for you to conveniently store and reach for items? Would you enjoy having a coffee station? Examine minor details such as the depth of the shelves, where the groceries would most likely be kept, what tasks you intend to do in the wet area, etc. Invest in drawer dividers, pull-out trays, and labeled containers to keep utensils, pots, and pantry items in order. Instead of following trends, customize built-in shelves and cabinets so that every inch of your kitchen is used optimally, but without crowding.
Wardrobes – Aim for a functional wardrobe against a fancy one. Incorporate hanging space for clothes, as this usually gets little importance. Examine your footwear, accessories, and even make-up to ensure you create dedicated spaces for all these. You don’t want your essentials to get lost on open-ended shelves. Measure the depths and heights of shelves to complement your needs and ensure easy storage and accessibility.
Dining/Living area – The key phrase here is ‘dedicated space’. All little objects need a space of their own – think remotes, keys, medicines, tools, paperwork, cutlery, linen. A dedicated space for the ‘little things’ goes a long way in keeping living spaces tidy.
Kids’ room – A room that’s often overlooked or overdone. Kids have specific needs and their storage and layout should be functional keeping these needs in mind. Plan a room that a kid can grow into, and not just think about the present. Provide ample space for books and recreational items, and some free space for moving about and for friends to hang out.
Utilize vertical space
Floor space can be limited, especially in an apartment. In such cases, look up! Vertical space offers a wealth of storage opportunities. Install wall-mounted shelves, cabinets, and hooks to keep frequently used items within easy reach. This not only adds visual interest to your space but also prevents clutter from accumulating on surfaces.
Implement a color scheme
Now, what does color scheme have to do with an organized home? In fact, quite a lot! A cohesive color scheme helps maintain a calm and organized atmosphere. Choose a color scheme thoughtfully to visually declutter a space. Opt for light, neutral tones to create a sense of openness and tranquility, and introduce pops of color strategically to draw attention to specific areas.
Structure your environment
While it’s challenging to designate zones for different activities when you live with children, having a structured environment can work wonders in keeping a home organized. A designated reading space, entertainment zone, play area for children, etc. helps prevent the mixing of items and create a more systematic environment.
In the chaos of modern living, maintaining a clutter-free and organized home can feel like an elusive dream. However, with the right interior design strategies, it's possible to create a space that not only looks stunning but also maximizes storage and functionality. As professional organizers and decluttering experts, we've witnessed the transformative power of well-thought-out design in countless homes. We hope these valuable tips will help you achieve harmony in your living spaces, and promote a sense of order and well-being in your daily life.