When you are looking for ideas on how to store or display your things, look for ideas the professionals use then imitate their methods.
A few days ago, I pointed out in Container Confusion, that when you are getting organized it is better to hold off on buying containers until you know exactly what you are looking for. So lets say you followed the DRASTIC method and are now stuck on the Contain step. Somewhere out there you will find an example that was professionally, specifically, and optimally designed, but available to you for free.
Here are a few places you can look:
- Niche stores. Visit book stores to see how they showcase books. Visit Music stores and see how they manage their media collection. Pay attention to the storage solutions your local craft store utilizes for supplies that are similar to yours. Shops like Bath and Body Works will give you artful ideas for personal products.
- Decorator showrooms. Visit the showrooms of shops specializing in home decor. This would include furniture stores, Professional decor showrooms, cabinet shops, and window displays at chain stores such as Pottery Barn or Pier One.
- The charming shop you love to peruse. We have several shops in the historic district I am drawn to like a kid to candy. The minute I walk through the door, I feel like I have crossed over into a dream. Everything is so charming and cozy. If a shop does not come to mind, find one or several.
- Online. On the internet, stylists for bigger companies have spent hours and lots of money to optimize the pictures to catch your eye and make the sale. Do a search for your item. Really study the pictures.
- And of course, storage and container specialists. But do not just quickly grab up the first thing you see. Break down the details of the suggested solution. Are there things you see that you could imitate using a more creative approach?
When you are on these excursions, it will be very tempting to purchase all kinds of things you do not need. All of these places are trying to make a sale. Like I said before, they have spent a lot of time and money to find the ways to make sure that you will. Try to stay focused. Remember you are looking for ideas. I suggest you leave your wallet at home or take a friend along with you. Pick the friend that holds you to task, not the one that encourages you to splurge because you deserve it.
The thought of imitation does not only work for storage and display ideas. Remember when I confessed about my kitchen dish towels that I had realized restaurants also use white towels? There are lots of practical professional solutions for you to apply to your home.
Where else can you think to look for solutions for us to imitate? Take a minute to share your ideas with the rest of us in the comments. Or tell us how you have done this in the past.
photo credit: bg_os
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I would love to find a way to organize my garage and also make it look like it had a professional makeover. You see the ads in magazines where the makeover your garage and it looks like a showroom. It would be great to have a garage that looks great and inviting to come out play or work on a project. I also have an idea to make it more kid friendly and be able to do crafts and art projects in the winter time. Lot’s of ideas, I just need to start. Have you ever updated a garage or helped organize for storage and kids activities?
There are lots of practical or appealing things in those pictures you can imitate without simply investing in the specific systems. Have you ever noticed that the walls have been painted white or a bright color? Most of the floors are darker than regular concrete. Everything is elevated off of the floor. Lots of vertical storage so the room and worktops are clear. And the use of cabinet doors not only conceals, but it means fewer visual breaks/stops as you look around the room. The same reason wiring and plumbing are usually hidden (or at least not photographed) in the after shots.
If you are setting it up for a kids space, take a look at the activity centers in their classrooms and sites/shops that cater to teachers. You will find tons of age appropriate ideas to break down and imitate from individual products to work flow layouts that encourage participation.
Garages are big jobs, but you always find so many interesting things! I like having the additional workspace the nearby driveways provide. And kids spaces are always lots of fun. But their spaces usually have the most tweaking as time goes by – they change and grow so fast!
Getting started is almost always the hardest step. If you can’t find time to do the whole project, I suggest you schedule a regular appointment with your garage on your calendar. Just take it one bite at a time and you will reach your goal before you know it.
I’d love to hear your ideas. Better still maybe you could share before, during, and after pictures! Maybe you would even consider writing a guest article on your experience when it is done?! Good luck with your garage!