Systems For a Well-managed Dwelling
I am an architectural design writer who often focuses on how environment can affect behavior. Before consulting privately, I received my MA in writing and ran a design boutique in Los Angeles.
I am an architectural design writer who often focuses on how environment... More »
No matter what your dwelling size, or how many (or few, say, only you) are in your household staff, you can keep a well-managed home through systems. Sometimes interpreted as a bland, systems create a more professionally-run living arrangement and are often the ways by which we create ritual in our lives.
Of course this time of year is an era for renewal, for rethinking our lives and how we want to live. When the environment surrounding us runs efficiently--almost begins to run itself, in a way--we can flow through our daily activities more smoothly and focus on larger things.
Of course this time of year is an era for renewal, for rethinking our lives and how we want to live. When the environment surrounding us runs efficiently--almost begins to run itself, in a way--we can flow through our daily activities more smoothly and focus on larger things.
KEEP THE KITCHEN CONSISTENT. Kitchens, especially smaller ones, are usually full of activity. Keep the commotion moving along smoothly by creating not only consistent places for your cooking materials, but places for setting out plates to fill or your buffet service, or your coffee. Think in terms of stations.
FILE THINGS AWAY. Even if your professional life stays at the office, keep the business of life organized through filing cabinets, or attractive bins that can be discreetly stashed. Keep an in-box (which could as easily be a vintage basket or anything equally attractive) to stash the random must-get-to items. File bills. File old letters. File successfully-executed holiday menus. Never have to search for anything.
CREATE A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING. As you can see, a well-created space doesn't have to be large to be efficient and beautiful. This pantry area, carved out of the side of a room, holds a plethora of items as well as an additional work/serving surface. Know the place for everything so the getting and putting back is subconscious and quick.
A head-long view into this custom pantry.
by Stylish Spaces
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ACCUMULATE THE TOYS. No matter how large or small your space, unorganized toys can overtake a dwelling. Create a concentrated space for your child to go to for independent play. Categorize and make easily-accessible their play materials, hang their costumes, line up books along the floorboard--whatever works for your space and allows for your child to get out, play with, and put back toys with ease. Integrate toys into other areas of the house by placing them in discreet bins and shelves. (For more ideas, go to http://www.bonbonliving.com).
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by Aurelio Vazquez
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| The space and the toy accumulation doesn't have to be large to be magical and managed. |
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by Aurelio Vazquez
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| THINK UNCONVENTIONALLY. Sometimes the best solutions are the most unexpected ones. (For instance, I just carved out a more efficient workspace for myself by clearing out and taking the door off of the hall closet just outside of my bedroom.) Look at what isn't working in your space, take a step back, and ask yourself what would happen if you completely changed things. |
MAKE YOUR BATHROOM A SPA. Putting conscious effort into your bathroom not only makes it a more aesthetic, relaxing place to be in, but also creates a more efficient daily routine.
MAXIMIZE YOUR STORAGE. In every room in the house, storage can help categorize your environment into infrequent and frequent uses, and keep clutter at bay.
APPLY THE 2/3 RULE. In a recent ideabook, I mentioned the 2/3 Rule, where you replace a supply when it is 2/3 depleted. You'll never find yourself short of what you need. When your stash of hand soaps is down to one, but two more and never catch yourself dismayed with dripping dirty hands.
Comments
diva2009 Great ideabook. I'm so lazy but need to start organizing my place...
3 years ago · Like
phoenix_feather I'm in love with the living room book storage...what fun! Will you please do a feature on creative book/library storage around the house?
3 years ago · Like
Anita I love think unconventionally - what a fabulous use of space for books or even boring household filing! With thanks, Anita -ecofriendly@trinature.com.au
3 years ago · Like
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