Ever since the birth of my first son Leo I’ve been very into organization. I always liked being organized, but it wasn’t until I was faced with the fact that we’d have to fit a child and all of his toys and gear in our tiny rancher that it became extremely beneficial. Now with our second son Beau’s arrival, it’s an absolutely vital necessity. I’ve found successful solutions over the four years that we’ve lived in the house and 2 1/2 years that we’ve had Leo. I’ve combined ideas found in books, online, and some I’ve come up with. One thing I’ve found is really important for me is not only that the system I establish works, but also that it is attractive.
While I respect the advice of organization greats like Marie Kondo, I realized that solutions like organizing things in shoe boxes has one major flaw – a shelf full of mismatched shoe boxes is not pretty, even if they do perfectly hold and sort your socks. It did not spark joy, at least for me.
One of the reasons this shelving unit looks so pretty? Matching magazine holders and a specific color palette. Granted my closet will never look like one out of a Martha Stewart magazine because I can’t discipline myself to only buy clothes in three different colors (that’s why magazine closets look SO good – notice they only use a few colors!)
The great part of of Marie Kondo’s method of using shoe boxes is that shoe boxes are free (excepting the shoes). Pretty matching containers alas, are not. So 2018 means that while I have a lot of our home organized successfully, I’ll now have to find a budget friendly way to make my organizing tools “pretty.” If anyone has any great resources for me to check out – I’d appreciate it!
All images via Britt & Co
Love the table and mix n’ match chairs in this Scandinavian beauty…
The salon-style wall and dark paint job makes this vintage-industrial dining room feel luxe.
A beautiful country dining room
I’m a big modern retro fan, but I don’t know if I could go this all-out modern retro…
A cheery and bright vintage dining room
Even though this is an open floor plan layout, the dining room is still visually divided from the living room.
I like the shelf above the bed
a nice, bright work space
very french chic with an industrial twist
the rug is a bit much for me, but I like that this room isn’t over-staged.
Here is the chair
Plants and a gilt mirror cozy up this space.
This interior is very industrial and takes it’s inspiration from a lab. There are lots of objects that could be paired with the chair to balance it in the space.
The palette in this dining room is very industrial – browns and grays, which visually supports the metal industrial lighting fixture.
Metal bins and open shelves ad an industrial touch.
The chair would look great in this workspace decorated with old wire hangers and baskets.
The chair would also look at home behind this antique industrial table used as a desk.
All of the above work spaces would be great fits for the chair.
Metal lighting fixtures and an industrial cupboard used as a credenza – all in cool grays, create a factory atmosphere.
This dining room is a good example of how to mix industrial furnishings in with other styles. The metal chairs and traditional wood pedestal table work together because decor is kept spare and minimal.
More environments where I could see the chair working.
The spine bookshelf really ads a modern look.
I like the striped bed!
The stool with the aged patina adds a “shabby” element to keep the space from being too “perfect” Victorian.
Gotta love the floor!
Here’ another example of a “shabby” piece of furniture that will keep a space from looking too fluffy. I really like the look of a filing cabinet or locker mixed in with victorian furnishings.
Mixing and matching throws and pillows on your seating will make the space cozier and “shabbier”
A modern chandelier like the one above is Victorian in shape, but the color and finish keeps the fixture from being too chintzy.
Victorian homes often feature gorgeous original wood architectural elements. If the wood is dark, a great way to brighten the space is to add a mirror with a bit of edge, like the one above
