SPRING CLEANING: TIPS FROM A PRO

SHOP JAMIE'S PICKS THAT ARE BOTH FUNCTIONAL AND DECORATIVE!

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Not sure what to do with all of your spare time while quarantined? We sat down with professional organizer, Jamie Grunfeld of Better Than B4, who shared her top 5 tips for Spring Cleaning! 

 

1. ORGANIZE BOOKS BY COLOR 

We love organizing books by color, especially in kid’s rooms and playrooms. Color coding books for kids is a great way to help them take part in keeping their personal space organized. It’s a simple system for them to follow and easy to keep things looking neat. We love incorporating decorative items like bookends to complete the look in a decorative way while still serving a function. 

Photo: Courtesy of Interior Designer, Hilary Matt

 

2. THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX! VERSATILITY IS KEY, USE UNCONVENTIONAL ITEMS TO STORE EVERYDAY PRODUCTS.

One room in the house that I think everyone can agree could be a bit bigger is the bathroom. Whether or not you live in the city, space can be extremely limited in bathrooms. Usually you are reduced to just a simple cabinet or vanity space so when it comes to buying accessories it’s important to be smart about the items you are using. Think about using products beyond their suggested use. For example, we love using a classic decanter to house mouthwash. Make sure to go for a glass or lead-free decanter that you can store in, like this one! Again, this way you have something decorative but equally as functional.

The kitchen is another place where there never seems to be enough space! With a chic egg shaped vessel, Mood by Christofle is a striking accent for your home that organizes your flatware at the same time! 

 

Remember that china you registered for that you have yet to pull out? Pull out your accent plates and use to organize your jewelry OR shop some equally cool and vintage inspired plates here! 

 

Photo: Courtesy of @secretsofahostess

 

3. ALWAYS HAVE SOMETHING TO HOUSE YOUR "ORGANIZED MESS"

You can never go wrong with a good catch-all tray. This is the cheat sheet of organizing those little odds and ends that never seem to have a “home.” Put one by the front door to throw your keys in or have one by your kitchen sink to remove your rings when you wash your hands. They offer a level of design and personality and are  great for small items that you can never seem to find.

 

One of my favorite items to have in an apartment or house is this sleek acrylic box! I love how it's functionality changes based of off of the clients lifestyle or needs. For example, it can be used to stack nail colored nail polish, coffee pods, jewelry and makeup! It is such a unique way to really add that special touch. 

Photo: Courtesy of Interior Designer, Emily Del Bello

 

4. GO FOR FUNCTION ABOVE ALL ELSE

I think one misconception of organization is that everything has to be PERFECT, and that is not the case at all. When purchasing items for your home, think of what will be useful. The most important quality in the products you buy is function. We love small dishes and boxes because they can be used for so many different things from jewelry, office items and car keys. They work in just about every room in the house. They hide the little things that you may not always want out and can be moved from room to room seamlessly. We LOVE this remote control holder, mostly because the most asked question we all hear on a daily basis is “where is the remote?!” Well, now not only does it have a home, but it’s much more sleek and stylish than the item itself. And it can double as a small ring tray or jewelry holder.

5. DON'T FORGET TO SPLURGE ON THE ITEMS YOU USE THE MOST

When it comes to the items you use everyday, whether that be a utensil holder in the kitchen or a magazine holder in your office, buy something that makes you happy to use and look at. A big part of organizing is the relief and happiness it gives you when a project is complete. Don’t underestimate the joy an AERIN envelope box can give you, because if it is something you are seeing on a daily basis, it has the power to change your mood!