Liven up your living space

Your home’s living spaces (living rooms, family rooms, and rec rooms) are where you gather with friends and family to spend time together catching up, playing games, or watching sports or other entertainment.

Because clutter can quickly build up in these areas, let’s take a minute to consider how to keep them organized and ready to receive guests in a moment’s notice.

First, declutter the space. Toss broken items, out-of-date catalogs, magazines more than two months old, ratty blankets, and games/puzzles missing pieces. Set aside items for donation such as unwanted furniture, books, DVDs, electronics, games, and décor that is no longer your style.

Next, consider where to store the things you’ve decided to keep. Storage in these public spaces should be attractive and fit the décor. Consider good quality rattan, wicker, or cloth baskets or bins.

Items that pull double duty, such as storage ottomans for blankets or children’s toys, or coffee tables with drawers perfect for stashing items in a hurry, are always useful.

Utilize tall shelves or cabinets for books, board games, puzzles, framed photographs, plants, and special collections. Be sure to include boxes or baskets on the shelves for stashing extra candles, gaming equipment etc.

For frequently used items that are always kept out use a tray or shallow basket to corral remotes, coasters, tissue, and more.

And finally, don’t forget a big open-top basket for pet toys!