I know how challenging it can be to keep your home organised and clutter-free. Mine is definitely messy more than it's tidy! With kids, work and other responsibilities, it can be hard to find the time and energy to sort out your stuff and create a functional and comfortable space. Recently I've been thinking alot about how to apply what I know about architecture into my home life. Honestly, I've probably been doing these things but I just never sat down and realised it. Architectural principles can be used to help organise and declutter your home! Yes! And I'm here to give you some inspiration for you!
1. Form follows function
A classic principle that we've all heard time and time again! It states that the shape of a building or an object should be based on its intended function or purpose. In other words, you should design your space according to how you want to use it. For example, if you want to create a cosy and relaxing living room, you should choose furniture, colours and accessories that suit that function. If you want to create a productive and inspiring home office, you should choose a desk, chair and lighting that suit that function.
You can apply this principle to organise and declutter your home by:
Identifying the main function or purpose of each room or area in your home
Removing or relocating anything that does not serve that function or purpose
Arranging the remaining items in a way that supports that function or purpose
Adding or replacing anything that enhances that function or purpose
2. Less is more
This is another classic principle that states that simplicity and clarity are preferable to complexity and confusion. In other words, you should
avoid unnecessary clutter and focus on the essential ones. For example, if you wa
nt to create a minimalist and modern kitchen, you should avoid cluttering it with too many appliances, utensils and decorations. If you want to create a rustic and cosy bedroom, you should avoid filling it with too many furniture pieces, fabrics and colours.
You can apply this principle to organise and declutter your home by:
Evaluating each item in your home and deciding whether it is necessary, useful or beautiful
Getting rid of or donating anything that is not necessary, useful or beautiful
Keeping only the items that are necessary, useful or beautiful
Displaying or storing the items in a way that showcases their beauty or utility
3. Balance and harmony
This is a principle that states that the elements of a design should be arranged in a way that creates a sense of equilibrium and proportion. In other words, you should avoid creating a space that is too crowded or too empty, too symmetrical or too asymmetrical, too uniform or too diverse. For example, if you want to create a balanced and harmonious dining room, you should choose a table, chairs and lighting that are proportional to the size and shape of the room. If you want to create a balanced and harmonious nursery, you should choose a crib, dresser and toys that are complementary in colour and style.
You can apply this principle to organise and declutter your home by:
Measuring the dimensions of your rooms and furniture pieces
Choosing furniture pieces that fit well in your rooms
Arranging furniture pieces in a way that creates visual balance
Choosing colours, patterns and textures that create visual harmony
Adding accents or focal points that create visual interest
Organising and decluttering your home using architectural principles can help you create a space that is functional, comfortable and beautiful. It can also help you save time, money and energy in the long run. Try these tips and see how they transform your home! Why not share some photos with me on instagram @motherarchitect #declutterlikeamotherarchitect
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