Think of this living room reorganise as a chance to update furniture, throw out junk and perhaps consider a new layout. Our resident expert Natalie Jane shares her top tips on how to get you started
A good place to start is by decluttering your living area. After that, it’s time to reorganise the items you have decided to keep. Have you thought about what is working in the space and what is not? Remember to keep what is working and change what is not. Creating practical homes for frequently used items will make it easier for everyone to put items away. This is also a fantastic time to review your furniture – have a bit of a reshuffle to create better functionality and flow if necessary.
Store items at their point of use, eg store DVDs and PlayStation equipment in the entertainment cabinet; books, photo albums and decorative objects on floating shelves or shelving units; games in a freestanding unit or in the entertainment unit if you have room; serveware and accessories (placemats, platters, coasters) in a unit close to the table; and if your kids like to do homework at the dining table, create a place nearby for those items too.
Create baskets for individual family members (name them if necessary) to encourage them to be responsible for their own stuff. Every item needs a home; just be careful not to overstuff storage areas as accessing items will then become tricky. Work with the natural flow of your family when placing or creating storage areas. Restyle shelves and other surfaces so the space reflects you and your family and feels warm and inviting.
Top tips
- Rearrange furniture to create better functionality and flow.
- Create practical homes for frequently used items.
- Store items at their point of use.
- Don’t overstuff storage.
- Create individual baskets for family members to encourage personal responsibility for their belongings.
- Restyle to create a space you love.
Words by: Natalie Jane from Be Organised
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