How to Design a Clean Room

Even furniture can double as storage.

Designing a clean room is an easy task when you remember one simple word: storage. Whether you are looking to design a kid's room, an office or your kitchen, any room can take on a clean design with the right storage options. Moreover, with the affordable, fashionable storage options available today, your room will not only appear clean and neat, it will look modern and sophisticated. Here's how to go from cluttered to clean in a few easy steps.

Instructions

1. Move all the items in the room you are looking to design into another area of the house where you can sort them into categories.

2. Take stock of the items that came from the room you are designing. Put everything into categories. Determine which items belong in that room as a part of the decor, which are essential items that you want in the room but out of sight, and which should be relocated to another area of the house.

3. Put the decor items back into the room. Determine whether certain items can be replaced with more storage-efficient options. For instance, ottomans that have an inside storage compartment can be stylish and functional.

4. Take another look at the items you want back in the room, but hidden from sight. This will help you determine what type of storage you will need to purchase. Make a list of the storage you need.

5. Go shopping! There are several stores that cater specifically to designer storage. With your list in hand, pick out the items that fit your new room design and can accommodate the list of items you want back in the room. From decorative boxes to shelving and other containers, choose a variety that works for you.

6. Configure your new storage pieces in the room. Use this time to ensure that your room is not overfurnished. Make sure that the storage is appropriate for the room's size. Once your storage is in place, you can bring your items back in from the other room and hide them all away from sight. Now you can keep your room clean and still have access to everything you need.

Tips & Warnings

• For kids' toys, such as stuffed animals, consider a decorative shelf that gives the room color.

References

• HGTV: Make the Most of Your Space