A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING
It’s time to get organised
WORK IT OUT
In a home office area, it’s important to limit distractions. Stacks of loose paperwork will make your space feel chaotic, so choose a desk with just one or two drawers to resist the urge to squirrel away letters and bills. For smart home office storage, try Muji. To boost concentration, position your workspace close to natural light and invest in a top-quality desk lamp.
Walls painted in Portland Stone Dark (upper), Invisible Green (middle) and Livid (lower), all from £47 for 2.5L matt emulsion; floor painted in French Grey Dark floor paint, from £72 for 2.5L, all Little Greene. For a similar desk, try made.com. For similar lighting, try Heal’s
CALM AND COLLECTED
It’s easy to create a relaxed, well-organised sitting room by making a few swaps. Choose furniture that has more than one use. A coffee table with a hidden shelf, for instance, lets you keep magazines, remote controls or an extra set of specs close to hand, while a footstool with built-in storage can become a home for things you don’t need to use every day. Instead of a traditional bookcase, consider wall-mounted shelves. They save valuable floor space and can become an interesting focal point in your room. Keep clutter to a minimum, but don’t be afraid to accessorise: pretty cushions, cosy throws and a display of fresh flowers will always make a space feel welcoming.
CLEVER CABINETS
The key ingredient to an organised kitchen? Storage space. Aim for an equal number of drawer units as cupboards to ensure room for utensils, china, glassware, pots and bulkier items. Take advantage of high ceilings by opting for double-height cabinets. A butcher’s trolley works well in smaller kitchens, especially a design with drawers as well as shelves – try the options at Ikea. For everyday items that work best close at hand, invest in attractive storage jars. Bespoke kitchen, from £45,000, Blakes London
BREAKFAST SPOT
Make mornings easier with a ‘coffee nook’, a dedicated cabinet in the kitchen to house your breakfast essentials. When not in use, your kettle, espresso maker and collection of mugs will be hidden away behind the doors for a more streamlined look.
Cabinets, part of the Alderley kitchen in Bone, from £15,000, Kitchen Makers
BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Adding smart storage containers is an inexpensive way to organise your existing drawers. Consider decanting spices, grains and pulses into jars and arranging them in a clear order side by side. As there’s no awkward stacking, everything will be more accessible. It’s a quick fix you’ll appreciate every time you open the drawer.
POP storage containers, from £5 each, OXO at Dunelm