Maximize vertical space
Take advantage of wall height by adding tall bookcases, cabinets or shelves, or by hanging hooks for jackets in the hallway, clothing and toys in a child's room or pots and pans in the kitchen.
Keep traffic paths clear
Avoid bumping into furniture by creating an efficient layout with direct paths to commonly used zones and leaving enough space around each piece of furniture.
Control clutter
Get rid of items you no longer need or use, deal with paperwork as it comes in, file important items in labelled folders or boxes, and return everything to its original place when you're done with it.
Add storage
House like items – such as cleaning products or bathroom supplies – in labelled boxes or plastic bins, and for particularly unkempt areas purchase storage options like an over-the-door rack to get shoes off the floor, or a closet-size second shelving unit to stash seasonal clothing.
Create a nook
If you don't have the luxury of a separate office or study, add a desk in a corner of a bedroom or living room, preferably under a window to take advantage of the natural light and to keep your back turned from distractions like the TV and bed.
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6 Comments
I had left a comment for suggestions in another area of here but , got not response.Maybe someone here can HELP!!! I am moving into a smaller apartment form the (main) floor of a home that I am now in.I have 2 questions for any help.(1) Would putting a sheet on the smaller wall in living room work? I can't paint so wondered if that may work? (2) Was wondering if putting placemats at the backspash in kitchen work? I want SOME color in the place.Apartments are bland and unless by some miracle painting is NOT an option! So, does this solve color pallette problems? Will it work in the long run? How would I pin these up to stay up if this happens? Gues,I had more questions than teo....lol... Anyway if anyone can answer me I would greatly appreciate it!! And thank you ahead of time!!!
hi. I am not sure of the sheet but maybe drapes or framed posters to add colour. For the backsplash, I have hung colourful dinner plates behind stove and matching dessert ones around the counter. These can be found at Value Village or other second hand stores. Hope this helps. Good Luck.
instead of just putting up a sheet, if the walls are o.k. but just bland...you could maybe take the sheet and cut it into 3 long strips. Keep the top and bottom hems and slide dowels through them. Have someone finish the sides for you if you don't sew. Hang them up like long banners. If you use a sheet that has the colors in that you like, it would look quite modern. I have also seen them do this on Cityline with wall paper. Don't stick it to the wall, just use the dowels in the same way. By the way the plate idea for the kitchen sounds real good. May do that one myself. Hope this helps.
To add drama or colour to your walls in either circumstance mentioned I would consider the new modern wall decals that are temporary and can blend in or add graphic intense colour. Check out "blik" decals on homedepot.ca Good luck!
All of the above ideas sound great. I was thinking about wall decals too. If you can't find one you like, I've made my own custom designs out of drawer liner from the buck store. It's plastic with a sticky backing, and typically the glue is strong enough to stick, but not so strong that it'll damage the wall when you remove it. It's a good idea to do a spot test in an inconspicuous area first since different products will have different glues. I love Monkey Hooks for hanging just about anything, they hold a ridiculous amount of weight, especially considering the tiny hole they make. They may come in handy if you are planning on hanging something larger/heavier to spice up that wall, or in general. They're available through Lee Valley. When I first moved into my house, I wasn't ready to decide on a permanent backs-plash. I came up with an idea that worked well for me, and I don't think I want to change it for a while yet. I bought 5 large identical melamine trays at Winners/Homesense with a design that I liked. I used "L" hooks to support the trays about 2" above the "rim" of the counter. The trays add some colour to the room which I can change easily. They are spaced evenly apart and each tray is held up by 2 hooks. I actually use some of the trays to bring food outside in the summer, but mostly this serves as storage for the trays and decoration for the kitchen.
All of the above ideas sound great. I was thinking about wall decals too. If you can't find one you like, I've made my own custom designs out of drawer liner from the buck store. It's plastic with a sticky backing, and typically the glue is strong enough to stick, but not so strong that it'll damage the wall when you remove it. It's a good idea to do a spot test in an inconspicuous area first since different products will have different glues. I love Monkey Hooks for hanging just about anything, they hold a ridiculous amount of weight, especially considering the tiny hole they make. They may come in handy if you are planning on hanging something larger/heavier to spice up that wall, or in general. They're available through Lee Valley. When I first moved into my house, I wasn't ready to decide on a permanent backs-plash. I came up with an idea that worked well for me, and I don't think I want to change it for a while yet. I bought 5 large identical melamine trays at Winners/Homesense with a design that I liked. I used "L" hooks to support the trays about 2" above the "rim" of the counter. The trays add some colour to the room which I can change easily. They are spaced evenly apart and each tray is held up by 2 hooks. I actually use some of the trays to bring food outside in the summer, but mostly this serves as storage for the trays and decoration for the kitchen.