Design Notes
Do you find yourself facing these issues at home? Here are a few telltale signs that your home has more clutter than you realize.
- You are constantly misplacing things.
- Clothes hanging over chairs because the closet is so full
- You have multiple junk drawers in your home.
- You are embarrassed to have people visit you because of the piles they will have to step over.
- You don’t remember what your dining room table looks like since it became the home office.
Don’t panic if you can relate to one or all of these issues. Clutter can accumulate quickly and multiply even faster. But there is hope to get rid of the piles in your home. We will share some of our best tips and tricks categorized by the top three trouble spots in the home.
Home Organization In The Kitchen
Let’s start in the center of the home, the kitchen.
- One of the most common things to clutter a kitchen is paper, which includes all of those coupons and ads received in the mail, magazines you intend to read, or junk mail you haven’t thrown out yet. Even though it is thin, it can quickly consume the space needed. The best solution is to take a few minutes each day to go through and throw out what isn’t needed. Having a trash can nearby makes this task super easy. Many clients love the trash pull-outs built into their cabinets, ideally stored out of sight.
- Spices and oils are essential items used regularly, but storing them in a spot that is convenient yet won’t clutter the area can be difficult. Often, they end up in the small cupboard above the stove, on the counter, or in the pantry, which is located away from the stove. Creating a space such as a spice pull-out is a great way to keep these items close at hand while ensuring the kitchen counter remains clutter-free.
- Drawers are usually the culprit for hiding junk, including old appliance manuals, extra screws, and plastic bags. Setting aside a few minutes each week to go through the drawers and utilizing dividers for the remaining items can help create a clutter-free space.
Here are a few more tips on keeping your kitchen clutter-free from HGTV
Home Organization In The Bathroom
The bathroom is an essential part of our daily routine. It’s often one of the first places we go when we get up, and the place we take that last look before facing the world. However, this space can also cause some early morning stress if we cannot find the items we need because they are buried under piles of clutter. Here are some simple tips and ideas to keep your area clean and your mornings smooth.
- Arrange items by how often you use them. If you use a daily item, like your toothbrush or comb, place it in an easy-to-reach area on your counter or designate the first drawer for these items.
- Limit what is on your countertop. Frustration can occur when you constantly knock things off the countertop or can’t set something down due to limited space.
- For shared bathroom spaces, especially by kids, create a caddy for each one and store it under the sink or on a shelf.
- Have a designated spot for your items, such as hair care and toiletries. We have had several clients who included a docking drawer in their design, making it easy to have what they need within reach and a hidden power source.
Home Organization In The Closet
The closet is the place in the house where everything that doesn’t have a home ends up. Everyone dreads opening a closet where they know only a big mess awaits them. Here are some helpful tips to help you reclaim your closet so you can find what you need exactly when you need it.
- Double rods have several benefits. They give you double the space and allow you to group clothing together, say all your shirts or tops in one spot, instead of having to hunt through the entire closet to find one item.
- Keep the clothing you wear most often near the front or within easy reach. This will make getting ready for work much easier and save time.
- Drawers are a great way to store smaller items such as scarves, belts, and personal items. You can also add dividers inside to provide extra organization.
- Good lighting helps you.
- Decorative baskets or bins allow you to store larger items, such as blankets, on the floor of the closet. They also keep the space looking clean and provide easy access to particular items.
Home Organization In The Home Office
For the many who work from home, it is essential to have a designated space set aside, or else your dining room may become the default office. If you have an office, perhaps you struggle to stay on top of the endless paperwork that takes over your workspace, or you are frustrated because you have misplaced a vital document…again. Here are some of our best tips for getting back to a productive work environment.
- Designated spaces—These areas will ensure that things stay in their places. Have a place just for outgoing and incoming documents and another just for important folders. It is also a good idea to have a place just for supplies like pens, envelopes, stamps, and the very important whiteout.
- Phone charging station—This is an essential part of your office space because we rely on and use our phones for almost everything now. Having a way to charge your phone that is easy to reach will eliminate stress and keep your day running smoothly.
- Drawers are usually where everything ends up at one point or another. One way to manage that is by assigning different groups to each drawer—supplies in one, and personal items like chargers and planners in another. Knowing what is in each drawer will allow you to find things faster and more easily. Custom dividers can also add an extra level of organization by letting you keep little things close together but still separate.
Walker Woodworking The kitchen sink has often been used to describe someone who packs everything they can think of when going on a trip, but in reality, it is a vital part of the kitchen and one of the most frequently used elements. It’s how we maintain a clean environment as we wash our hands, food, countertops, and dirty dishes. Our entire meal prep revolves around the sink since it is where most of the food is cut and prepared to be turned into a delicious dish for the family, and all the pots are filled. With so much happening around the sink, and it fulfills many roles, the type you choose is important. It should have the capacity to do everything needed in one easy design, which is why Greenbrook Design is proud to be a dealer for the Galley Workstation, a company that has reinvented the sink. Let’s talk about what it is and why you should choose it for your new kitchen sink.
Home is more than just a place to prepare for the next day, to sleep at night, and to eat your meals. It is a place where memories are made. It is where you can take a break from your routine and do something fun with your family. While everyone enjoys gathering in the kitchen, it is not the most ideal area of the home to play a board game or watch a movie. Many homeowners enjoy the idea of having a separate area where the kids can play, or they can host a Super Bowl party. Carving out a place in the home dedicated to just fun is a great way to enjoy family time without worrying about making a mess. Let’s talk about some ways to build your home for entertainment.
Walker WoodworkingThe kitchen is the center of the home, which means it should be given good consideration when planning its layout. This is especially true when it comes to cabinet design. Closed, glass front, and open shelving are the options available for kitchen cabinets. Open shelving has become a popular choice with homeowners and designers alike due to the elegance and style it brings to the kitchen. Let’s talk about the benefits it can bring to your home and some helpful design tips.
Walker Woodworking The bathroom plays a key role in everyone’s morning routine, but more specifically, the bathroom vanity. It’s the place where the kids go to brush their teeth, fix their hair, and where all the necessities are stored. They can also maximize limited space and give you the storage you need, but how do you know which one is right for you? Let’s explore some of the common questions about bathroom vanities to help you find the perfect one.
Greenbrook DesignEnvironmentally friendly products are trending, and that includes the design world. More and more homeowners are looking for ways to lessen their carbon footprint, and companies have risen to the task by providing a large selection of products. Our showroom offers a variety of products sourced through multiple companies that allow you to get exactly what you need for your home while keeping Mother Nature safe. Let’s talk about some of the latest sustainable design trends that are now available to you and your family.
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