If you’ve ever rediscovered a favourite vase, bowl or quilt cover that’s been been buried in the depths of your cupboards for months, you understand the importance of a well-organised house. Read more, ‘How To Create a Serene Home’. Not only does an organised interior make for a more visually appealing (and less stress-inducing) space, but it also makes everyday living more efficient. Here’s how to make the most of your space.
Get on top of that mess and get on top of your life. It’s such a great way to live.
Resist impulse and stopgap purchases. Instead, zero in on quality. Image via TineK Home ‘Slow’ A/W 2019 Catalogue
Buy fewer (and better) things
Resist impulse and stopgap purchases. Instead, zero in on quality.
Donate the stuff you don’t use
That includes unwanted gifts. Let someone else put your castoffs to good use. Read more, ‘Clean and Clutter-Free in 15 Minutes.’
Shop your own house
A surprising array of storage challenges can be solved with a well-made basket, tray, or hook—chances are, you already own many of the things that you need.
Steal ideas from organisational gurus
Experts, such as hoteliers and shopkeepers, know how to come up with novel, affordable approaches to storage.
Ditch the plastic
Seek out products made of sustainable natural materials, such as wood, glass, canvas, and ceramic. They’re better for the planet, and you won’t have to stash them out of sight. Read more, ’50 Things You Definitely Have at Home But Don’t Need.’
A surprising array of storage challenges can be solved with a stool, tray, basket or hook —chances are, you already own many of the things that you need. Image via TineK Home ‘Slow’ A/W 2019 Catalogue
Know what you’ve got
Ample storage is not necessarily a good thing. We’ve been conditioned to think that huge wardrobes are desirable, but they can actually encourage you to avoid pruning your belongings (and to lose track of what you have). Read more, ‘The Ultimate Decluttering Guide.’
Establish habits and routines that simplify your life
Always keep your keys and eyeglasses in designated spots.
Relax and make yourself at home
Too much enforced order is uninviting for occupants and guests alike; rooms are for living.
Rooms feel tidier when things are off the floor—especially in bathrooms, which tend to be small and call for wall-mounted storage products such as great loo brush holders, drying racks, soap dispensers, towel warmers and tooth brush holders that can all be conveniently hung up.
If you have a small kitchen, think in 3D. Walls aren’t the only places to hang things. Over-the-door racks and hooks can provide hanging storage opportunities, too. Wooden over-the-door-paper towel holders are a win-win.
Seek out products made of sustainable natural materials, such as wood, glass, paper and ceramic. They’re better for the planet, and you won’t have to stash them out of sight. Image via TineK Home ‘Slow’ A/W 2019.
In a super-small kitchen, ban big and bulky pieces. Try sourcing storage items that have slim profiles, like tie-rack-cum-utensils-rack and the thin, minimalist open shelves or floating shelves that ‘float magically mid-air’.
Store items in plain sight. Be tactical. Keep the most-used and attractive pieces in the open and stow the unsightly stuff behind closed doors. Just remember that whatever you keep out in the open should be neatly stored and appealingly displayed.
If your kitchen has very limited bench space improvise a larger work surface by covering the sink with a roll up dish rack or cutting board which can be stored away when not in use) and a cutting board when preparing food.
Mount racks from the ceiling (as opposed to upright on a wall) in order to create hanging space for pots and pans between the refrigerator and the vent hood.
