When it comes to interior design, clutter is often seen as the enemy. However, it's important to find a balance between functionality and aesthetics. Joanna Gaines, renowned design expert and co-host of HGTV's "Fixer Upper," has some valuable advice on how to handle clutter in your home, especially if you have kids. Her solution is simple: embrace the clutter and use it as decor.
Gaines suggests anticipating the clutter and incorporating it into the design of your space. Instead of trying to hide or get rid of it, embrace it and find creative ways to make it part of the overall aesthetic. For example, kids' toys can be displayed on shelves or in baskets as decorative pieces. This not only keeps the space organized but also adds a playful and personal touch to the room.
By reimagining clutter as decor, you can create a more relaxed and organized living environment. It's all about finding the beauty in the chaos and making it work for you.
To learn more about Gaines' design tips and tricks, visit her Magnolia blog.
Plan for the clutter
Let's face it: if you have kids, there's going to be clutter in your home. Joanna Gaines suggests embracing the mess and incorporating it into your interior design vision. Gaines likes to have plenty of storage space, but she also likes to leave some of the clutter out for decorative purposes. This strategy is useful for fully sharing your space with children — allowing the home to serve the functional needs of a child's lifestyle and let their taste and personality shine through the decor — after all, they're members of the household, too.
When it comes to organizing clutter, there are plenty of creative ways to turn it into decor. Whether you're dealing with your kids' toys or your own miscellaneous items, you can transform them into stylish displays. For example, choose eye-catching toys like a toy truck or a colorful Lego set and use them as statement pieces on shelves or tables. Even stuffed animals can be turned into cute decorations. Additionally, consider mounting a bulletin board in your living room or play area to showcase drawings and craft projects instead of letting them pile up. Joanna Gaines, a well-known designer, suggests creating a designated work area for your child with jars of Legos, paper, markers, and a space to hang their artwork. By incorporating these ideas, you can organize your clutter while adding a touch of style to your space.
According to a recent report, clutter in households can be transformed into visually interesting decorative pieces. This concept applies to both households with young kids and adults. For example, large jewelry collections can be organized and displayed on jewelry trees, serving as a sparkly decoration for dressers or bathrooms. Similarly, messy office supplies can be creatively incorporated into the space, turning them into eclectic decorative statements. By making these simple changes, frustrating clutter can be transformed into visually appealing and functional elements in the home.