Organize in Style

Tricks to Getting Your Clutter to Look Good
by Jane-Marie Bloomberg

As you clean up your clutter and organize your home, you may end up editing a lot. BUT if the "keep" stuff doesn't find an aesthetically pleasing home, it will still feel like clutter. Here are some quick tricks to getting more out of organizing:

• Contain It: Use containers for everything that can't be put in closed storage - a decorative basket for keys or decorative bowls for miscellaneous pill jars, lotions and other bathroom counter clutter.
• Balance It: Symmetry is used frequently in designing - apply it to organizing as well. For example, flank an entertainment unit on BOTH sides with IDENTICAL lidded storage chests or baskets to hold blankets, toys, pillows. Add custom decorative liners in a coordinating pattern and one basket won't seem so out of place.
• Work It In: Pick containers that go with your decor - dark wicker baskets to match wood tones in your living room, acrylic boxes in mod colors for kids' rooms.
• Move It Up, Not Out: Take advantage of walls and work them into your storage system. Above a desk mount shelving from floor to ceiling, or build shadow boxes over the toilet to store necessities.
• Build It: If you are truly overwhelmed with clutter, take a look at your existing space - do you have built-in storage? You may have to just bite the bullet and add some - it will help increase your home value too.
• Repurpose It: Use straw dispensers to house food items, cotton balls, art supplies, etc. (commercial supply stores are great places to check out).

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Jane-Marie Bloomberg
Embellishments DESIGN STUDIO
ph: 612-251-6512
fx: 952-937-6954
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