DECLUTTERING TIPS // THE EVERYDAY SPRUCE

 So in the spirit of decluttering the home and getting some order into my flat, I thought this would be a good one to share with you, while joining in with The Everyday Spruce thought up by the lovely ladies Heather and Sarah-Lou.

As I've mentioned before, our bedroom is fast becoming a dumping ground for those do it later projects or things that haven't quite found a home, and trying to work in chaos is not ideal. Over the last few weeks my desk space has got out of control and covered in clutter, and without any real storage solutions I found the piles kept growing. So after a bit of nagging pursuading from Paul I decided to take charge and declutter my desk to create a better working environment and less of an eye sore in the bedroom.

As you can see, the reality behind the lens is a complete mess, this is often the way when looking at people spaces on Instagram, all those neat and tidy homes when in reality you don't see all the clutter which has been moved to the side to achive the perfect pic. So after a quick trip to Ikea and a few hours of sorting and organising you can really see the difference.

Decluttering Tips:

1. Go through all your piles of papers and organise what you need and what you can bin. I bought these stand up files and used each one to seperate my magazines, paperwork and notebooks, by storing them on the shelf under my desk, it's allowed me to keep the desktop free but still have access when I need it.

2. Use boxes and containers with lids for you desk. I bought these stylish white and cork containers to keep my small loose bits and pieces tidy but still within reach. I've used mine for business cards, headphones, washi tapes, stamps, polaroid cartridges, candles and pens.

3. For larger items I bought an open storage container like this one, again in white to keep the desk looking neat and to tie in overall look. I've kept my holga camera, loose postcards, large parcel tape  in there, which if lying out on the desk would look messy but now is contained and accessible.

4. Rather than have different piles of magazines – as I do tend to hoard them – I have selected the ones I want to keep and made one pile with a photo frame on top. This makes it look more like a display and keeps everything neat and tidy, plus F is always cute to look at.

5. Find a stylish pen holder to display your items like these scissors and this letter opener. I love the shape and design of this desk accessory.

6. Add some green to your space. I love plants in the home so by adding a small green succulent in a pink pot it's added a splash of colour and given the space a personal touch.

Even though it's a small achivement, I feel like I have managed to regain some control and feel more organised now I have a clean and efficient space to work in, proof that decluttering can be quite theraputic. You can join in #theeverydayspruce by using the hashtag to your sprucing stories, tip and ideas over on IG.

I'd love to hear how you keep on top of your work space?

DIY TWO TONE TOY STORAGE BASKETS

I'm not sure what your house is like since the avalanche of presents at Christmas but ours is starting to look a little crowded, what with having to share my floor space with Optimus Prime and Starscream  – yes we have reached the Transformers stage of childhood – so in a vague attempt to carry on project declutter, I've been getting my DIY on.

Our flat has beautiful Georgian features with sash windows, marble fireplaces and ornate ceiling roses but when it comes to storage space it seems to be lacking some what. On the hunt for something to contain F's plastic tat delightful toys, I found these lovely water Hyacinth baskets which would look great in our bedroom. I've been eager to try out the dip dye/two tone basket look for a while now, so when I was given some Laura Ashley Furniture Paint to try out, I quickly got to work.

First I masked off the area I wanted to paint, got my brushes at the ready,  cracked open my tin of Pale Sabel Furniture paint and got started.

It didn't take long at all to paint the bottom half of the small basket and F even joined in for a little bit before he got distracted by toys and wandered off. I then painted the lid of the large basket, making sure on both to paint in-between the weaves. I chose white to try and keep the baskets looking light and I didn't even need to use two coats, one was enough.

Once dried, I filled the baskets with some of F's more bulky toys and put them in our bedroom as it's the largest space in the flat, plus the baskets look great beside the grey marble and blue tiles. I really love how simple this DIY project is and now I have my very own two tone baskets so another ticked off my wish list. 

I've now caught the DIY bug and my next project is to up-cycle a chest of drawers in F's room after sourcing some beautiful gold geometric handles. What's the one thing in your home you'd love to up-cycle?


*I was provided paint c/o Laura Ashley for this project. All words and opinions are 100% my own.

BASKET STORAGE FOR AUTUMN

Image via here 

Now the transitional season is in full swing and a crisp breeze is in the air, it's time to make a shift at home and create a cosy space. If you're like me, you'll find that soon the bed throws will be pulled out of cupboards to soothe cold toes and extra layers are needed to keep snuggly at night.

Rather than go full sprint into winter, autumn gives us a chance to play around with the spaces we live in most. October should be a time to go slow and embrace the seasonal shift, to let our bodies and minds adjust to the dark mornings and nights ahead.

An easy way to add an element of cosy to your home is to use baskets filled with snuggly blankets, cushions or throws. Not only does this create a welcoming touch for visitors popping round, but like a new mother nesting, it prepares us for winter. These woven baskets are ideal, their earthy tones and natural fibres give a sense of warmth and would look great by the side of a sofa, fireplace or bookshelf to emphasise the cosiness of your home.

I'm lusting over these Paniers Boule Ball baskets and this House of Rym blanket for winter.  If you want to add a personal touch then why not try your hand at dip dying a basket, creating a colour scheme that works with your interior.

What helps you prepare for the winter months?

For more inspiration why not check out my Interiors Pinterest Board here.