Beauty or Function?

Let's talk design.  When design is done right, it's really right.  

It is beautiful and functional.  Good design doesn't have to sacrifice beauty for functionality or vice versa. 

However, sometimes things so awry.  Take a look at this lovely bathroom counter.  It's really nice to look at.  

The counter top is a nice warm color and modern looking with wide a space for toiletries.  The lines are clean.  The bottom shelf allows for additional open storage space.   

Is it beauty and functionality at their best?

Sneak Peek: Before & After

Today I've been working on a BIG and exciting

 Before & After.  

Today's challenge:

• Clean out the 3 car garage (read: big with lots of stuff and inadequate storage facilities)  
• Make room for new shelving units, a cabinet, work benches, and tool holders

Tomorrow's Challenge:

• Create a better design for the new storage facilities
• Organize tools, toys, and sporting gear  (Oh, my!)

Here's the first look at one area of the garage

Before:

My parents gave us this old TV stand/bookcase years ago & we've been using it as a storage unit. 
Here it is partially cleaned out.

 I'm tired from all that moving and cleaning!  But, it's still not done.  

So, stay close for a great update tomorrow as we keep Getting it All Together.

Kitchen Shelf- Before & After

It's our first Before & After!

Before:

This time it's a kitchen shelf (that I embarrassingly admit is mine).

Notice that it has good roots- it was once upon a time pretty & organized.  But, over time the clutter bug has taken over.  Medications, papers, and junk- oh my!  So, let's talk about how we get to this:

After:

Take a deep breath & get ready to dive in!

1. Clear everything off and begin with a fresh slate.  You'll be surprised at the possibilities you can come up with once you have a clear surface.
2. Clean everything.  In this case-surfaces, glasses, and containers.  A kitchen accumulates grease over time, so use a good grease cutting product like Dawn (a little goes a long way), water, and a sponge.  Be sure to rinse thoroughly.
3. Admire how it sparkles again!  :)
4. Sort through the things that should be here and the things that belong elsewhere.
5. If it belongs elsewhere, return it to its proper home and it reunite with its family.
6. If it does belong here, decide if you like your current organization and design, or if it needs sprucing up a bit.  Play with your items and get creative.  Maybe a new look will also be more functional.
7. Put back only the essentials.  Bust the clutter bug!  
8. You did it!  Sit back, admire your hard work and appreciate how far you've come.  Great job!

Organization and design usually go hand in hand.

I think for a design to be truly beautiful, it also has to be functional, and that also means it's organized well.  If a kitchen is beautifully decorated, but you can't reach the plates or aren't inspired to cook, it's not designed well.

Good design inspires you to live and be creative in your space.  If your design doesn't fit you, change it.  Keep experimenting and you'll find what works best in your space and inspires you to Get it All Together.