In this design series, A Space For Being, interiors expert Leanne Moore explores what it takes to transform a house into a home. Follow along for more tips and tricks for creating your dream space, including cleaning hacks and the best plants for indoors. Previously, Leanne shared advice on how
Turning chaos into clarity
One of the most important things about a great home is not its decor, or how big it is, it’s the way you organise yourself and how you run your life. Being organised stops you from wasting time trying to find things and frees you up for the fun stuff.
The solution to a messy home is having a storage system for every room: the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, laundry, living room and dining room. Putting systems in place to streamline your day will be one of the best time investments you’ve ever made. Creating a home that combines style and efficiency will enable you to easily find everything and make quick decisions.
Follow the expert advice in this room-by-room guide for an orderly home and organised life.
![The key to an organised home is ensuring everything has a designated place. Photo / Getty Images](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/CWALIV4JUJBELDWX4RQ2QVEDZM.jpg?auth=4f76e7c95cb6c707958ac4993864962ae0d775dae2198f3df31e7048cf938132&width=16&height=10&quality=70&smart=true)
Divide and conquer
The secret to transforming your kitchen into a streamlined social hub is creating a carefully considered place for everything. It’s worth putting some time and care into developing storage solutions for your kitchen. When your kitchen is organised, you can enjoy the process of making a meal for your friends and family without the hassle of having to search for ingredients and equipment.
Start with some airtight containers and glass jars in various sizes, then allocate at least a couple of hours to complete the job. The main benefit is that once your kitchen is stylish and functional, you will be able to easily see everything, which cuts down meal prep time.
When you’ve got your cupboards and drawers sorted, create display storage by arranging attractive ceramic bowls, baskets and jugs with everyday essentials on your countertop.
Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.![Drawers play a pivotal role in decluttering spaces. Photo / Cave Bureau](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/SNXVZ3U2XVFHLHVNU6DVXZWVP4.jpeg?auth=2eec77a5395cb26d80242f98b7a3e2c4d889c99dca4c2828436ab9df91199a03&width=16&height=24&quality=70&smart=true)
Hide and seek
Drawers are your friend when it comes to banishing clutter. They come in all shapes and sizes and are whisper-quiet these days, thanks to soft-closing technology.
In your bathroom, keep the small number of products you use on a daily basis close at hand. Store items you use less frequently somewhere that’s easy to access but not prominent. There’s nothing worse than rummaging from one end of a cupboard to the other just to find products that should go together.
Keep such items in a storage container or basket, arranging like with like. Trays are also handy for clustering objects with similar uses in one spot. As well as enabling easy access, it also helps prevent you from buying duplicates.
In your bedroom, stash plastic storage boxes under the bed — this is a great spot for out-of-season clothes. Make good use of hooks — they’re incredibly handy. Attach them to the back of a door or inside your wardrobe. They are especially good for hanging scarves, belts and necklaces.
Use the top and bottom shelves of your wardrobe to keep bags, hats and storage boxes filled with items you rarely use. A tidy and clutter-free bedroom promotes rest and relaxation.
![Open shelves offer an opportunity to showcase curated collections tastefully. Photo / Getty Images](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/ID2KJ7U7G5FXLH3EYCZ3PFMPUY.jpg?auth=bcc52ce2d3a71e3df025715b1e19351ed97b8bf78d74a5db413722d1b1dc25b8&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Shelf life
Are you a magpie with a lot of stuff stashed away out of sight because you think it’s too unattractive to be on show? If you have open shelves, use them for neat, well-ordered collections. Pieces you’ve gathered over time can make an interesting and eye-catching display if presented in the right way.
Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.There’s an art to displaying a collection attractively. The key is grouping tonal colours together and arranging like with like, such as a collection of glass vases, ceramics or books. If you’re really enjoying the process, you could sort your books by colour-co-ordinating the spines.
Floating shelves above a sink in the laundry are the perfect place to store your washing basket and peg container. Add another shelf for an attractive house plant. There’s no reason why your laundry can’t look good, too.
![Maintain comfort in living and dining areas by investing in furniture pieces that offer both storage and style. Designer sideboards and vintage cabinets are perfect for concealing clutter while adding character to the room. Photo / Cave Bureau](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/FLFQHLYSKFG4BPYNDLU77APE2U.jpg?auth=3d34b1bc95ebb966edf833148dbba44bd9a876ba1bde66ef17cf115c3aa9ef30&width=16&height=24&quality=70&smart=true)
How to stash your stuff with style
The living and dining rooms are where we gravitate to for rest and relaxation, so ensure these spaces exude comfort, not clutter. If you don’t have built-in storage, a designer sideboard is ideal for storing plates and glasses, or even a vinyl collection.
A vintage cabinet is equally handy to hide away throws and cushions, ready for a seasonal swap every few months.
Built-in storage can skilfully combine form and function, such as shelving for books and treasures. Keeping your home clutter-free is an ongoing process. You’ll need to find storage solutions for new things that inevitably creep into your home.
The most important principle to hang on to is that there must be a place for everything – and everything returns to its place. Once you’ve achieved what you consider an organised home, sit and drink it in. Enjoy the serenity that these stylish storage solutions will bring.
More expert interiors advice
From decoration tips to home inspos, and more.
How to decorate your home like a pro. Follow along for more tips and tricks for creating your dream space at home, including savvy storage solutions, cleaning hacks, and more.
A transportive Akaroa home inspired by coastal France. Natural materials and traditional elements added classic seaside style.
Give your living room a low-cost makeover with loads of style. Make the most of the hardest-working room in the house.
How can I prevent myself from becoming a hoarder? Home storage and organising expert Hannah Stickland gives one reader a containerful of advice.
How to create a stylish home office that works for you. The key is great storage, good light and a thoughtful tech set-up.