Tips when designing your house - from a Professional Organiser
Are you in the midst of designing your dream home? Have you just gotten the keys to your new house or BTO flat? Or maybe you’re just thinking about how to redesign your home as you have a new family member on the way. As you work on designing each space, it's crucial to consider their functionality in order to keep your home orderly and tidy. Here are some tips from a professional organiser's perspective to ensure your home not only looks aesthetically pleasing but is also practical for your family.
1. Determine the Purpose for Each Area of the House
Before diving into interior design, take the time to define the purpose of each area in your home. Whether it's the kitchen, living room, bedroom, or study, understanding how you intend to use each space is essential for effective organization. This initial step lays the foundation for efficient space planning and ensures that every corner of your home serves its purpose. Make sure you plan ahead (how many kids you intend to have, would your parents be staying with you in the future...) and also imagine yourself and your habits (do you usually take your keys out and place them somewhere or leave them in your bag…).
2. Make a List of Your Inventory and Categorize Them
Before finalising your interior design plans or purchasing furniture, work on an inventory of your belongings. Categorise items based on the areas of the house where they belong. This step not only helps you when you finally move into your new home, but also ensures that you design storage solutions that cater to your specific needs. Pay special attention to big bulky items (ladders, humidifiers, vacuum cleaners, large pots and pans, sport equipment…) as you will need to ensure you have the right storage solutions for these.
3. Plan for a Dedicated Drop Zone
One common pitfall in home design is overlooking the need for a dedicated drop zone. Everyday essentials such as keys, mail, bags, cardigans and jackets can quickly accumulate and clutter up your space if not properly managed. Incorporating a designated drop zone near the entrance of your home ensures that these items have a designated spot to "land," keeping your tables and countertops orderly and neat.
4. Design Based on Needs First, Then Wants
It’s key to strike a balance between functionality and aesthetics. While it's tempting to prioritise visual appeal, it's essential to design your space based on your practical needs first. Consider your family – your furniture should be child-proof if you have young ones or if cleanliness is a priority, consider storage solutions which are covered. By focusing on functionality, you'll create a space that not only looks beautiful but also enhances your day-to-day life, giving you more time to enjoy the things that matter.
The most common challenge faced by many homeowners: inadequate shelving and storage spaces, leading to cluttered homes. This is why we created our Storage Planning and Cabinetry Evaluation (SPACE) service, aimed at minimising renovation regrets for home owners.
Key features of our SPACE service include:
Needs Assessment: Understanding your organising style, preferences, goals, habits and day-to-day needs to create a customised flow that suits your family.
Reviewing Interior Design Drawings: Drawings done by your interior designer or contractor will be reviewed based on overall layout, flow and dimensions.
Virtual Consultation: We’ll discuss proposed recommendations and alterations to your interior design drawings in a finalised plan which you can then take back to your interior designer or contractor for fabrication.
With our SPACE service, you can rest assured that your home will not only look stunning but also function seamlessly to meet your practical needs.
Need help? Reach out to orderly for a SPACE service and minimise your renovation regrets!
