Life, Styled
Organization is a key part of a successful life. You make a plan, you know what you need, and how you will accomplish your goals. This strategy requires you to lay everything out so you can be prepared, which is why people love apps that help them stay on track or write it down in an old-fashioned paper planner. An organization can also infiltrate multiple areas of life, such as time management and home layout, meaning it has made its presence known in the design world. More and more designers are seeking ways to integrate organization into their designs, to the extent that a new term has been coined to describe this approach: organizeology. Let’s unpack what organizeology means!
What Is Organizeology?
Simply put, organizeology is the blending of organizing and design. While the primary focus is on closets and garages, the concept can also be applied to other areas of the home. It is the process of analyzing a space, taking inventory of what’s there, evaluating the homeowner’s needs, and creating a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. A good designer will be able to assist you in this process, helping you create a specialized plan that works exclusively for you.
Why Does It Matter?
For some homeowners, it might be hard to understand why organization matters at all. Not everyone is OCD or feels the need to have everything in their place. While this may be true, no one enjoys spending extra time looking for something they need just ten minutes before leaving for work, or feeling frustrated due to a lack of functionality in the home. Organization matters because it ensures that the things you need are where you need them when you need them.
Benefits Of An Organized Home
Organization yields numerous benefits both in the home and for the owner. Some of the benefits of an organized home include:
- Reduced stress
- Maximized space
- Better focus
- More creativity
- Function
- Time saved
When the home is organized, your stress levels are reduced due to the easy accessibility of your things. Knowing where everything is means you don’t have to be frustrated or anxious because you can’t find something, such as your laptop case or an important business report. It is also a tremendous timesaver, and since you are not spending time looking for misplaced items, you can spend it with your family instead. An organized workspace, such as a home office or craft room, provides a greater ability to focus on the task at hand, resulting in higher productivity and creativity. For those with limited square footage, implementing organizational methods in your home can create more functional space. A well-thought-out home gives you peace of mind and ease of use for everyone.
How To Have Organization In The Home.
Most of us love the idea of an organized home, but get stuck wondering where to begin. Design and organization can work hand in hand with a little good planning. When planning to transform an area from regular to organized, keep these features in mind:
- Drawers
- Dividers
- Baskets
- Hooks
- Wall space
- Furniture with storage
Designers are learning how to use features in the home to help homeowners stay organized. In areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and closets, one of the most valuable assets is drawers, which vary in size and depth. Drawers can store dishes, towels, and even larger items easily, while also making it simple to get in and out. Dividers are perfect for keeping stacks of papers organized, as well as bills, kitchen platters, bakeware, and craft items, all ready to be used when needed. Baskets are perfect for storing large items such as blankets neatly in bedrooms and living rooms. They can also be used in bathrooms under floating vanities and in closets for kids’ toys and shoes. Hooks are an essential part of mudrooms, closets, and garages as they can hold towels, backpacks, coats, sports jerseys, lawn tools, and much more. They keep things off the ground, avoiding a tripping hazard, and in arm’s reach when they are needed for a quick grab. Wall space and furniture are also great ways to maximize square footage, plus they can serve a dual purpose. Wall space is simply a blank wall, ready to be utilized. Think built-ins by the fireplace mantel or underneath the staircase. Both areas are perfect for storing books, creating a reading nook, or even making a wine cellar. Furniture that allows you to store items like blankets, family games, or even photo albums provides a better space. Think about coffee tables with drawers, sideboards, or hollow ottomans. Your home was meant to be a place of calm, and one that is organized can do just that for you.
Maintaining An Organized Home
There are not too many things that can outdo the feeling of success than looking at an organized area of your home. There is a sense of pride when we see everything in its proper place, but if we are not careful, the home can become messy again. By putting things in place for organizing your space, there is a high chance that it will stay that way, keeping your home running smoothly and clutter-free. Some tips for keeping it organized would be:
- Don’t let paper pile up
- Put it away when you are done
- Declutter the counters daily
- Leave the room with something to put away
- Keep everyone involved
Often, it is the little things that end up becoming a bigger problem later, so deal with them right away. Mail can quickly pile up on the counter, so make sure to go through it every day, discarding the junk and placing the bills in a designated area. Before leaving a room, take a quick look around to see if there is something you can take with you, such as a book or sweater. When you are finished with something, be sure to put it back as soon as possible. Make sure to involve everyone in the household, after all, they live there too. If everyone does a little to keep the house organized, it will be more likely to stay that way for the foreseeable future. Maintaining an organized home is not difficult when it is broken down into manageable tasks that can be done in short bursts of time. Working together makes it easier and helps everyone feel more at ease.
Walker WoodworkingOne of the main questions asked during the design meeting is what color the owners want for their kitchen cabinets. Were they looking to do a natural wood or a color instead? While many will opt to do the wood, many enjoy adding a splash of color to their kitchen or mixing and matching. It is a great way to break up the area and create a focal point, but with so many options available, how do you know which one is right for you? While it is up to you in the end, there are three colors that have stood out for some time and will most likely continue to do so. White, gray, and blue remain high on the selection chart, so let’s talk about these popular colors and why they may be the right fit for you.
Walker WoodworkingWhile the kitchen was often viewed as the place where food was merely prepped and served, it has transitioned into a command center as people gather to talk or enjoy a snack while getting some work done. Layouts have slowly shifted to accommodate this change, which has produced the open concept. This floor plan allows families to stay connected even when they are doing things in different areas of the home. While not as popular as it was in the 1990s and early 2000s, many families still choose this floor plan because of their desire to stay close to their family and guests. Today, we want to discuss the open floor concept, the elements that make it up, and if it is the right fit for your family.
Greenbrook DesignYou have just waved goodbye to your last child as they head out to college. While you adjust to not having kids in the house, you also begin to realize that you now have more space, but you’re not sure what to do with it. There are many ways to reuse the space, expand existing spaces, or make room for something new. Let’s take a look at the design possibilities available to you.
In the second of our three-part series on selection tips, we want to focus on tile. Backsplash, shower walls, and flooring are just a few of the many uses for tile since it is beautiful, durable, and timeless. Sometimes considered a small part of the design, it has the potential to make a big impact on the design. Here are some helpful tips when choosing tile.
While cabinets tend to be the focal point of the main spaces, such as kitchens and bathrooms, it is the details that add the final touch to the design. The selection process can be one of the highlights of the design phase, but it can also be overwhelming with multiple styles, colors, and options. In this three-part series, we want to give our best tips for the top three categories of selections and help make this as enjoyable and simple as possible. Our focus today is hardware.
