What Do You See Upon Entering Your Home?
When you finally return home after a long day, the last thing you want to do is put everything in its rightful place. I used to kick off my shoes by the door, set my purse and keys on the kitchen counter, and drape my coat over a chair. This led to an accumulation of random objects in places they didn’t belong, and it bothered me to no end!
I realized staying organized gets increasingly difficult when you have a busy schedule, so having an area to unload all your belongings is essential if you want to seem put-together (even if you’re not.) In many cases, life in the city doesn’t come with a mud room, foyer, or a lengthy hallway upon entering. So how does one go about creating a space where everything is accessible, yet arranged in a way that doesn’t look cluttered?
“Aesthetics, comfort, and function are of equal importance in a home. ”
“How Do I Stay Organized?”
First, analyze what you put away or adjust immediately if company will be coming over. My mother always told us to clean like no one lived there, which sent us all into a frantic last ditch effort to get our lives together. If you can relate and you fret every time you entertain guests without much notice, just know that you can live in a way that doesn’t require you to spring up and start speed-cleaning at the first mention of someone stopping by.
What can be done with those everyday items you may be rushing to find a place for? Can they be displayed in a way that adds something to the room? Shelving, hooks, baskets, or decorative bowls might be a good option if that’s the case.
My Personal Solution
I found a small shelf with hooks and a catchall, so it can provide me with plenty of space to set down my things upon coming home. I bought it on Etsy, and it’s from a small shop located in Kyiv, Ukraine—Here is the link if you’re interested in buying a shelf that will help support Ukrainians.
The petite accent table is also nice addition, because beautiful items that serve a purpose aesthetically can be displayed, and other random items that would make the space look less tidy can be stored in the drawer. The basket can be used for umbrellas, beach blankets, sandals, or any other odds and ends.
I always find a place for plants in my home, because nature is the easiest element you can incorporate to make your home feel serene and lively.
If you drop your shoes at the door like I do, you can get a shoe bench that displays your shoes, or a storage cabinet that conceals them. I added a coat rack to my entry as well, which has made it easier to grab and go.
The Post-Pandemy Shift
Since the start of the pandemic, our living areas have transformed to become our offices, gyms, art studios, and more. If you don’t have much space to begin with, chances are your living room has become more of a flex space. This is great if you’re trying to keep your cost of living low and still have your home function in the way you need it to. This also means you may need to take extra steps to keep your space in order.
For people who work from home, a letter box or dedicated desk drawer would be an easy solution to tidy up your desk area. If you have exercise equipment that is easy to stow, devote a nearby closet for those sweaty dumbbells. If you have no closets to spare, other storage options include a credenza, storage bench, or bins that can be tucked away somewhere.
There are so many budget-friendly ways to make your space work better for you, and in design there is no wrong answer. It’s about what feels good to you and makes you comfortable in your home.
