Organization is the first step in nailing your home décor. Minimalist storage solutions can help maintain your home’s aesthetic by reducing clutter and minimizing the visuality of items not frequently used. Once you are down to the essentials, storage becomes a quick process of consolidating your primary items. Organization comes easily when there are fewer items cluttering the space and promotes awareness of what you currently have in your home. Try implementing these minimalist tactics for each room of your home.
Kitchen
In most kitchens, there is no need to purchase additional organizers. Standard sized kitchens contain enough cabinet and drawer space for primary dishware and appliances. While seemingly helpful, storage organizers can create unnecessary clutter on the countertops and eat up drawer space. If you require additional storage for spare coffee mugs or Tupperware, it may be a sign you are holding on to too much. Limit the amount of dishware to what is needed for your household; if your family only uses ten plates between washes, it may not be necessary to hold on to twenty. Likewise, storing four muffin pans when you only use one or two at a time takes up usable space. For larger gatherings, have all your dishes pre-washed and ready for use, or implement disposable plates and silverware if need be. Once you have narrowed down your collection, store dishes and cookware in the drawers closest to their respective use. For example, house pots and pans near the stove and water glasses by the sink or refrigerator. This way you can keep track of your items and reduce excess.
Living Room
The living room is a gathering space for the entire household. Hence, the area is often left with miscellaneous items, creating a chaotic and disordered space. To combat clutter, limit living room items to things exclusively used by all family members. Furthermore, define the living room with a singular purpose. Exercise equipment or office supplies can impede on your interior design goals and the room’s function. For permanent items, apply practical designs to increase storage. For example, add a decorative chest or weaved basket for extra blankets and linens. If your living space is near a front entrance, adding hooks can reduce the gathering of keys, coats, and purses on the couch or coffee table.
Bedroom
The bedroom is often overtaken by scattered décor and clothing, threatening the atmosphere of the room. To combat clutter, implement multipurpose storage options. For small spaces, place a compact nightstand next to the bed to provide drawer and surface space. To increase square footage, add function to vacant areas. Hang your laundry bin or add hooks to the back of your closet door. Employ multi-functional furniture to create storage for knick-knacks and other trinkets. Under-bed storage containers and headboards with built-in shelving add valuable space to confined areas. For items you wish to display, floating shelves can enhance décor while simultaneously increasing useable storage.
Closet
Closet spaces can be disorganized and hectic. Nevertheless, closets can be easily arranged to suit your needs. For entryway/hallway closets, consolidate shoes on a shoe shelf or gather them neatly together on the floor; a row of shoes can be more appealing and easier to manage than a disorganized bin. Have a specific space dedicated to smaller items, such as gloves and hats, whether it be in containers above your hanging items or tucked away in storage containers below. If there is room, place a coat rack off to the side to hold frequently used purses and outerwear. If it is a bedroom closet, separate hanging clothing based on length and color. In smaller closets, hang compartment organizers as an inexpensive way to create functional space. If the space is a linen or storage closet, make sure you go through and discard unnecessary items before compartmentalizing them. Place sheets and blankets on the same shelf while confining unattractive miscellaneous items in the shelving above or in baskets below. Implement labels to maintain shelving organization and separation.
Office
Decluttering your office desk space can enhance its function and usability. Assign a role for each desk drawer or filing cabinet, and keep the space defined for the specific purpose. Condensing supplies will make it easier to organize items without much effort. Optimize space in drawers by reducing the number of excessive office supplies, such as paperclips or highlighters. If necessary, add storage dividers or compartments to sort remaining items. Once your desk is cleared of excess items, you can enhance your desk’s design by adding charming office supplies in place of useless décor for a practical style.
Often, storage is overwhelming due to leftover clutter. However, once you have narrowed down your essentials, organization is a relatively easy process of dispersing key items into the appropriate storage space. Implement these minimalist strategies in your home to increase utility and uphold your home design. 
Kate Bernicke
Home & Yard Magazine
