Even a Compulsive Collector Can Be Organized

 

I began working with a professional organizer yesterday because my life seemed to be teetering on the edge of disarray!   I am really good at making the surface of my home look lovely, but there’s a lot that lies beneath the surface . . .

the decorologist

You have no idea what all is in those drawers . . .

In preparing for our next appointment, my head is spinning thinking of all my collections and what she is going to challenge me to part with.  Of course, this gets me thinking that I need to be even more mindful and creative in making those collections functional and beautiful, otherwise they may be headed to Goodwill!

source

I love cake stands and use them for parties and decor, but I recently found a few inspiring images for even more ways to use them creatively.  A cake stand is a perfect fit for this vanity area – it corrals perfumes and pretty bottles with style.

via Pinterest

 

 Even soaps and detergents look nicer on a small sink-side cake stand:

via Pinterest

I have so many vintage frames and vintage framed art that I don’t always have the wallspace for all of it them.  I LOVE this idea for repurposing a pretty frame as a vanity tray.

via Pinterest

There are waayyyy too many paint cans in my home, what with trying out paints and creating sample boards for clients.  It only makes sense that a Color Consultant should repurpose a few paint cans to use in her office!

via Pinterest

I featured this image a long time ago in this post about stylish storage, but I love it so much that I have to share it again.  Even vintage teacups can be functional if you can think outside the box a little.

via Pinterest

Ok, I’ve got to go and get ready for the next area of my house we will be organizing – my bedroom.  Stay tuned for exciting news about The Decorologist’s expanding services!

15 Comments

  1. amy@maison decor

    Send her over to me when you are done…I can’t wait to get your report!

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      can’t wait to regain control of my life ;P

      Reply
  2. Kelly

    Best of luck with the organizing! Maybe you need to move – that always helps me clear out the clutter. 😉 or you can just pretend you’re moving. It’s amazing how motivated you can get when the only option is, “If I keep it, I have to pack it, lug it around, find space on a moving truck for it, unpack it and find a new place for it.” is it worth it?

    Happy Friday, Kristie!

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      I am never moving, kelly – so I guess I’ll just have to pretend I am! You’re right – that’s very motivating!

      Reply
  3. Sheila Zeller

    Good for you Kristie! I love the photos you used… think I even re-pinned a couple of them the other day! The teacups are such a great idea, and so pretty… Looking forward to what comes next! Have a great weekend. 🙂

    Reply
  4. Kelley

    I found that reading Peter Walsh’s book “It’s All Too Much!” really changed my life regarding clutter and collecting things. I’d highly recommend it!

    One of the things he says about collections is that they deserve to be displayed with respect. If your collections are stuffed away in boxes, you should either display them in a way that honors them, or give them away to someone who can.

    Reply
  5. Michelle@Faith, Trust & Pixie Dust

    Ah, getting organized seems to clean out the cobwebs in the brain. These are great ideas for actually USING collections.

    Warmly, Michelle
    PS – I also have a cake plate fetish!

    Reply
  6. Patsy Oveton

    I love your use of cake stands! I used one once for a staging job — for toiletries in the master bath. I must say I’m not a collector. If I didn’t used it yesterday, it’s out the door. Have fun!

    Reply
  7. Holly

    I get anxiety just thinking about getting our basement organized. I always tell myself that when we move into a larger house it will be easier to stay organized, but I’m not convinced that is the case. Good luck and I’m anxious to hear about your new service. Have a great weekend!

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      holly – the bigger the house, the easier to let the stuff take over. because you keep thinking “i have plenty of room for this!”

      Reply
  8. Paula Van Hoogen

    OMGosh!Did you ever hit a nerve, Kristie! This has been the bane of my life—getting and/or staying organized. I think it bothers us creative types the most because we love beauty & order so much.
    I have had to pray about it MANY times. I find that cleaning out works best when I am RUTHLESS
    about releasing the unecessary things quickly…..before I get weak to hang on to my “blankie”‘
    if you know what I mean. I admire your transparency in sharing!
    Blessings, & kee

    Reply
  9. Paula Van Hoogen

    Somehow, pushed the wrong button—keep your “face like flint”— towards the goal, is what I meant to write!

    Reply
    • Kristie Barnett

      thank you for your comment and encouragement, paula! i am a highly productive person and i love beauty and order – but i have never been able to get my arms around this organizing thing, and it has cost me so much in frustration and time! i have committed to myself to get my home and business in order, which for me requires a professional to intervene and to teach me how to maintain a new lifestyle. this is going to be life-changing, and i can’t wait to share it with you all soon 🙂

      Reply
  10. Kelly

    I love your vintage frames turned into the beautiful trays! Very pretty!

    Reply

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