Organizing

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Decorating Guides → Organizing

Mood Makers: Boost Your Home's Usefulness and Beauty

You can add storage, organizing and cooking assets without sacrificing an ounce of style these days — just follow these tips from a pro

Kristie Barnett June 25, 2012

Comment16

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William Morris famously said, "Have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." Being a realistic Interior Decorator, this is one of my favorite quotes. Making your space both beautiful and functional can be a challenge, but it is an attainable goal. With a little planning and foresight, your home can be both practical and pretty.

Crisp Architects

Integrating a mudroom into your home is a must nowadays if you have the space — especially if you have children. A cubby and some hooks for every member of the family gives everyone a place to stash the things they take in and out of the house on a daily basis. Use color and pattern in this area so you aren't sacrificing pretty for practical. The two can coexist!

Two Ellie

Don't fret if you can't do a built-in. There are lots of options for freestanding mudroom furnishings that will tie in with the style you've set for the rest of your home.

David Sharff Architect, P.C.

With all the high-end options available in the latest kitchens, it can be hard to choose where to sink (no pun intended) your money. If you are more interested in enhancing the function of your kitchen than in having the latest and greatest upgrade, double ovens are fabulous for most homeowners who love to cook. Forget the pot filler and prep sink; double ovens are definitely the most functional addition you can make in a kitchen.

Patti Ogden Design

Think about how to marry beauty and function in your cooking space. A countertop appliance in a great finish or color doesn't need to be hidden away when not in use. The same is true of glass canisters and porcelain bowls.

Cornerstone Architects

If there are rooms in your home that you seldom use, think about repurposing them. Increase the function of your formal dining room by making it do double duty as an office, a library or a homework area. It can still look great and serve your needs.

See how to repurpose your dining room

Stacy Jacobi

Do you have an extra-wide hallway? Maybe you could install bookcases or cabinetry to increase the function of a previously unused space. Books grouped artfully can be beautiful, especially when you remove the outer covers.

Knickerbocker Group

Even in small homes, there may be untapped storage potential that would add to the functionality of your space. Like under the stairwell, perhaps. Attention to the details of the millwork makes this both useful and lovely.

Smith & Vansant Architects PC

Even the bottom of a staircase can be more functional when shelving is installed. Cookbooks, along with baskets for holding crafts and supplies, can be stored here for easy access.

Woodmeister Master Builders

Building in drawers under the eaves or in a knee wall niche provides storage and function. Just don't forget to add pretty drawer knobs and a few nice accessories to add to the beauty of the architecture.

Tell us: We'd love to hear your ideas for improving the functionality while retaining the beauty in your home!

Comment16

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Comments (16)

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Michael

Very charming ideas!

Like January 6, 2013 at 12:12PM

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PRO

Mackin Drafting & Design

Kristie, a lot of great ideas for all budgets. I particulaly enjoyed seeing the second picture of the mudroom, something most people could envision in their home.

1 Like January 15, 2013 at 10:14AM

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aef1981

Lockers for entryway off of garage.

Like December 22, 2013 at 6:12PM