Neatify Me

Time is probably the one thing we all lack in today’s world. There aren’t enough hours in a day to finish all the tasks and reach all the goals, not to mention do all the chores that keep piling up. The best way to approach this is by observing and noting down everything you do during your day and then after a week or two check your results to see what can be changed. Sometimes it is just a matter of getting your priorities right, other times you might need to consult an expert to help you become more productive.

One of the key elements of functional interior is flow. In other words, the way you move through space. Your home is full of different rooms and areas which connect and must do so functionally. Think of it this way, you don’t want to bump into furniture or go out of your way to get from one room to the next. Sometimes you can make an easy fix by rearranging furniture, but sometimes it takes more than that. If you feel like you don’t have a good flow in your home, you can always consult an expert who will help you find a solution.

Pantries should be organized well sorted spaces where you keep all the items you need in the kitchen but not on a daily basis – this is the reason why they tend to get cluttered and messy. Since it is almost the end of January and the first weekend of February is coming soon, it might be a good idea to sort out what you have and need and use and what you should let go. First off, clear the whole pantry. After that group similar items and then assess each group of items until you are left with a comfortable amount of items. Rearrange them by the frequency of use and the two step rule and soon you will have a neat pantry that you always wanted. Another step toward neatness!

Workspace in bedroom is not ideal but can work very well for you if done right. Lack of space in the living area or an awkward arrangement of furniture that cannot be further rearranged are all good enough reasons to look for that space in your bedroom. The main rule is to keep it simple, do not overcrowd or clutter with too many items, try to keep most work stuff hidden while not in use. Also remember, if possible, to have a light source from the left if you are right handed and from the right if left handed.

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Minimalism in interior design is stripping down space to bare essentials. Minimalist spaces are devoid of anything unnecessary, you have just the items you really use and need. The main idea is that less is more, that way the items you own stand out with their clean lines, neutral colors, and basic textures. On the other hand, maximalism is a complete opposite to minimalism. In maximalism more is more, everything is over the top, textures, colors, shapes, everything goes, every space gets filled, all knickknacks and collections displayed. Although maximalism is something that most people lean toward, minimalism is getting more and more popular as a way of living – getting rid of anything unused or excess. As total opposites, both are hard to maintain and mostly depend on the amount of storage space, so most homes are somewhere in between minimalist and maximalist.

There are six main kitchen layout types: single wall, galley, L-shaped, U-shaped, peninsula, and island. Even within the limits your kitchen space has, the possibilities are endless and it is hard to decide which one would be right for you. Therefore, you should use the kitchen work triangle principle and also arrange appliances and cabinets by the order of usage. If all this seems confusing and overwhelming, just consult a professional who will come up with the best possible kitchen layout for you.

Mirrors are a great way to bring light into a room and visually enlarge it. The idea is to put a mirror on a wall opposite to the light source to add sunlight to a room, or on a narrow hallway’s wall to deepen the space and add interest in an otherwise empty area. A mirror doesn’t have to be full length or cover an entire wall, a frame can also add an accent and create some space for storage. Floor standing mirrors often have storage space behind them which makes them convenient for entryways – an easy and neat way to get ready before heading out for a day.

The key to wardrobes and closets is to work with what you have. If your storage space is limited, you should try limiting your collection as well by turning it into a capsule wardrobe. You don’t need a shirt in every color and every pattern there is, try limiting them to a number which can cover all your work and leisure needs. Make a list of every piece of clothing you own and then mark just the items you actually wear, you might be surprised how few items you really need. Neatness is just an added bonus to the well curated wardrobe which you will get to enjoy.

Sometimes your living space will not fit every piece of furniture or storage container that you desperately need or want – a perfect moment to start using your imagination. You can reuse anything you already own, or you can go out and buy something that might not be used for that specific purpose but it fits and looks good. The only rule is that it has to fit and serve the purpose you assigned. The best way is to search online to get some ideas, or get a measuring tape and start browsing the shops. Soon you will start getting even more creative ideas that will help you create the home of your dreams.

When dealing with kids rooms, the most important is the storage. Children require a lot of storage space and containers for all their toys and knickknacks so their rooms tend to look overcluttered if there isn’t enough. The solution is to think vertically – provide enough shelves, stackable storage bins, and wall hangers so they can store their belongings neatly.