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.
Will kitchen islands go out of style? The answer is no. The kitchen island is often the focal point in the kitchen and one of the most sought-after features in a kitchen renovation; in fact, it is one of the most versatile areas in the kitchen. Need a place to do some homework? How about a family dinner or brunch? Looking for a surface where you can spread out when cooking? Some extra storage for large pots and mixers would be nice, too. All of this and more can be accomplished with a kitchen island; some might even call it a mini kitchen within the kitchen. This flexible workstation can be created to reflect any style, accommodate any size, and suit any need. Today, we want to answer some common questions about the kitchen island, explore the benefits, and explain why it will never go out of style.
As the COVID-19 pandemic slowly comes to an end, you may be ready to update your home and make a few changes. Perhaps being stuck inside during lockdowns gave you time to identify areas that needed cleaning, upgrading, or other home improvements. If you want to start rebuilding your house but aren’t sure how to get started, see how these tips can help, brought to you courtesy of Greenbrook Design.
Walker Woodworking When space is limited, it is valuable and greater thought is invested in creating a design that maximizes square footage to provide a functional space for the homeowner. Both manufacturers and designers alike are continuously thinking of new ways to give their clients the things they need, but using less space. One such item is the Murphy bed, yes, the one used in multiple comedy routines, but it has evolved into a stylish piece, yet remains as functional as ever. It is also comparable in price point to a traditional bed. Could the Murphy bed be the solution to your limited space problem? Let’s unpack exactly what it is and how it can help give you additional room in your home.
Walker Woodworking What to do when you don’t have the luxury of square footage? How can you create storage when there is not a lot of room, to begin with? Can you make small spaces work for you? These are good questions that we have helped our clients answer numerous times. While it may present more challenges than a larger home, it is possible to have the necessary storage for you to keep everything you need on hand. Small is not bad; in fact, it comes with multiple benefits, and a good design can help you maximize the space you do have to build a home that is exactly right for you. Let’s talk about some creative storage solutions for small spaces.
Walker Woodworking We always say details matter, and that goes beyond a project. Your home is filled with details that tell your guests who you are and what matters to you. Artwork, pottery pieces, and furniture are just a few things that give homeowners a chance to show off their style. Another area is hosting, and tablescapes have become a beautiful, fun way to share your own unique design choices with family and friends. Whether it is for a small gathering to enjoy time with those you love or to celebrate a special occasion, there are many ways to create the perfect look. By combining different colors, patterns, or materials, you can create a tablescape that will dazzle your guests, whether you prefer an elaborate or simple design.
Greenbrook Design