Cleaning and Storage

Over the weekend I got in some major downtime, but unfortunately I can sometimes be a little type A, and also did some major cleaning and organizing.  It seems that when I slow down, I try to tackle those tasks that I normally put off.  In my cleaning frenzy I found this amazing thing called a Swiffer Duster.  I know, I know, it's been around for awhile.  I come from a tradition of using the same types of cleaning products that I've always used and not buying into a lot of fad cleaning items because they never work for me.  Well, I can tell you that the Swiffer Duster is AMAZING!!!! It literally sucked up all the dust in my house.  Usually, when dusting it seems like I am just moving the dust around or sending it back into the air to then settle again where it was before. Not this time!  It literally took me minutes to dust every surface of my home.  I'm in love.

Along with my dusting revelation, I also realized that I need to figure out a different way of organizing my cleaning products.  I'm embarrassed to admit that they are just sort of shoved in a bucket under my sink.  Here are some wonderful ideas I found around the web that I think will help to get me started.

The hooks on the door, or some type of door shelf would be helpful for smaller brushes or drying gloves.  There is also not a lot of space under my sink so taking advantage of the height of the cabinet would be a great idea.  The installation of a tension bar for spray bottles is really creative, but I'm afraid those bottles would get in the way of the stuff behind it (could be annoying).  I think the biggest success would be the sliding shelves.  That way I can easily access everything without having to reach all the way under the dirty kitchen sink. I can get an inexpensive plastic 14" Pull-Out Basket System at the Container Store for around $17.99 or I can spring for the more expensive Chrome 2-Tier Sliding Organizer (pictured above) for $75.  Decisions, decisions.

images: xeteraman, martha stewart, better homes and gardens, apartment therapy, taylor gifts, amazon

Organizing your Bookshelf

Recently, I came across the set of images above in the Ballard Design catalogue and was excited to see that they did an exercise illustrating the many ways you can stage a bookcase.  For many of us, the thought of having a decorative as well as functional bookcase is a little wacky.  If you are like me, my bookshelf actually has books on it.  In fact, it's packed.  Creating a visually inviting bookcase is quite the task, but with some editing, and some curating, it is completely possible to get the look you see in catalogues.

Here are a few quick tips to get you started:

1. Empty your bookshelf and start with a clean slate.  While you are pulling off books try to evaluate if they are worth keeping or donating.  As long as you are moving things around this is a perfect time to do some spring cleaning.

2. Add books to the shelves editing as you go.  Try to organize them by size and subject.  Also, try to place some vertically and horizontally to add visual interest.  Don't be too symmetrical.  It looks more spontaneous when a stack of books is uneven.

3. Do not fill all of the space with books.  A third of the shelf should be a decorative accent of some kind.  Try mixing in framed photos, art, collectibles, and small decorative boxes to add some variety.  Be mindful of colors you are using, textures, and shapes as they can add or detract from the overall look.  


4. Use a discerning eye.  Step back frequently to assess what you have done, double checking that it feels balanced yet unpredictable, full but uncluttered.

Here are other great examples of successful styling to give you some ideas and get you motivated.

 Lili Diallo

Lonny Magazine

Phoebe Howard

 

Carrier and Company Interiors Ltd

Annsley McAllee

Suzanne Kasler