Small Space Organizing VI

DO: KEEP BIG SURFACES CLEAR Nothing spells disorder like cluttered floors, tables and countertops. Tidy expanses help reflect light—which makes a room look bigger—are easier to use for their intended purpose and can be cleaned in seconds, so it pays to be diligent and prevent the pile-up. DON’T: OVERLOAD CLOSETS Most of us feel short on closet space, but often the real issue is that we’ve overstuffed them by stashing away things we rarely or never use. Do regular edits: Turn hangers backwards until you wear an item so you can easily identify what hasn’t been worn and could be donated. Stained or threadbare sheets and towels are still welcomed at many animal shelters. Put those fancy personal-care items you bought on sale into circulation before they expire. And voilà—you…

Crazy busy…? Make the start—and end—of each day less stressful by pulling together a clever catchall area to stash outerwear, exercise gear, purses, and more. With such a space, it’s more likely family members will keep themselves organized. (Think of the time you’ll save when kids can find their own backpacks!) Inexpensive hooks help keep garments wrinkle-free. Recessed cubbies hold everything from laptop bags to baskets that keep smaller items from getting lost. Add a bench to give everyone a comfy spot to wrangle shoes and boots. Fresh paint, colorful rugs, weatherproof flooring, good lighting, and personalized accent pieces make your entry as pretty as it is practical.…

Whatever we do, getting together as a family to watch a movie or play a game, welcoming guests into our home for food and fellowship, or curling up along with a book and a sleepy cat—we often do it in the living room. A space for both strangers and friends, the living room must wear many hats—and it must do so in style. Make room for all of the essentials (books, photos, and the remotes for all of the electronic equipment) as well as the frivolous (tchotchkes from family vacations and beloved antique-shop finds) and prepare to enjoy the good life! double agents Sneak in storage with hardworking furniture that has a split personality—in a good way!…

Pick an easy stencil pattern or a snazzy peel-and-stick wallpaper to transfer to the back of the shelving unit (removable shelves make this easier!), and then store selectively and display creatively. Here are fun ideas for making your storage look good: 1. LIKE A FINE RACK There are so many interesting wine racks on the market. Depending on your style, go with fancy iron scrollwork or an earthy natural wood. Either way, you’ll find your rolled-up magazines are a perfect fit. 2. TRIUMPHANT TRIOS Showcase decorative objects and mini potted plants in eye-pleasing groups of three. Add a small stick-on ledge for visual variation or build a display on a short stack of books. 3. COLLECTIBLE QUADRANT If you have a collection to display, keep similar items together in one area.…

A few years ago, Jennifer Maxcy and her husband, Mike, bought a house in need of TLC in an area where their new neighbors had horse stables and raised chickens. Although they loved the idea of the wide-open spaces outside, the 1,143-square-foot ranch was extremely dark inside—and its kitchen was a disaster. But because she isn’t easily discouraged, Jennifer set out to transform the one-story dwelling into a place where she wanted to live. Walls came down to create an open living space with sitting areas, a dining nook and a spacious-feeling kitchen. Glidden white base paint with no color added gave the existing wood paneling, tongue-and-groove ceilings, posts and beams a lighter look. Linoleum and carpeting went out the windows, literally, and were replaced by wide-plank, pale outfitted the kitchen…

The favorite gathering place, kitchens are multipurpose rooms that need to accommodate a family’s everyday and entertaining needs. They should be welcoming, and hardworking, with plenty of open surfaces for food prep, homework-doing kids, and elbow-resting guests. To keep the heart of the home beating strong, it’s important to include caches that handily hold things near where you’ll need them and display areas to personalize the view. Every kitchen has untapped potential, so take time to scrutinize yours to determine creative ways to amplify its storage capacity. EFFICIENT SETUP STRATEGIES THINK OF THE CHEF. Put pots and pans in deep pullout shelves next to the range or hang cookware from a ceiling-or wallmounted pot rack. HELP THE BAKER. Keep cookie sheets and cutting boards in vertical cabinets close to the…