Top 15 'Order-as-Ornament' Organization Hacks to decorate and De-Stress Your Busiest Rooms this weekend - Goh Ling Yong
Let's be honest. Take a quick look around your busiest room right now. Is it the kitchen, with its collection of mail, appliances, and half-finished projects on the counter? Or maybe the living room, where throw blankets, remote controls, and kids' toys seem to multiply overnight? For many of us, it’s the home office, a space that’s supposed to foster productivity but often becomes a testament to our chaotic to-do lists. This visual noise isn't just messy; it's a low-grade, constant source of stress.
We're often told that organization means hiding everything away in sterile, plastic bins. The goal is to make things disappear. But what if we flipped that idea on its head? What if your organization system could be a beautiful, integral part of your home decor? This is the core of "Order-as-Ornament," a design philosophy that merges function and beauty, turning everyday storage into a statement of style. It’s about creating a home that not only works better but feels better, too.
So, clear your schedule for a few hours this weekend. We're going on a mission to transform your most-used spaces from stressful to serene. Here are 15 "Order-as-Ornament" hacks that will help you decorate, declutter, and de-stress, proving that a well-organized home is a beautiful one.
1. The Art of the Tray
Look at any styled coffee table or nightstand in a magazine, and you'll likely spot a tray. This simple tool is a designer's secret weapon for a reason. Trays work by creating intentional boundaries. They take a random assortment of items—a candle, a remote, a small plant, a coaster—and visually group them into a single, curated collection. Suddenly, what looked like clutter now looks like a deliberate vignette.
The key is to choose a tray that complements your room's aesthetic. A sleek marble tray can elevate a bathroom counter holding perfumes and lotions. A warm, rustic wooden tray is perfect for corralling remotes and a vase of flowers on a living room ottoman. By the front door, a small, metallic tray can be a chic landing spot for keys and sunglasses, preventing them from scattering across the first available surface.
2. Decant and Display
Your pantry and bathroom are prime candidates for this transformative hack. Walk through your kitchen and notice the visual chaos of branded packaging—bright colors, clashing fonts, and different-sized boxes all screaming for your attention. Now, imagine decanting your pantry staples like pasta, rice, flour, and coffee beans into uniform, beautiful containers. The effect is immediate: calm, cohesive, and incredibly chic.
This isn't just for the kitchen. In the bathroom, replace branded plastic soap dispensers with elegant amber or clear glass pump bottles. Swap the cardboard box of cotton swabs for a small lidded glass jar. Bath salts look like a spa treatment when stored in a beautiful apothecary jar. This small effort removes the "visual noise" of advertising from your personal spaces, creating a serene, hotel-like atmosphere.
3. The "Library Look" for Books
Your book collection tells a story about who you are, but a messy, disorganized bookshelf can just look chaotic. Instead of letting them languish, turn your books into a major design feature. The most popular method is organizing them by color, creating a stunning rainbow effect that acts as a focal point in any room. This works wonderfully in creative spaces and adds a vibrant, playful energy.
For a more minimalist and serene approach, try grouping books by neutral tones (whites, creams, grays, and blacks). Another high-design trick is to turn the spines inward, showing only the uniform color of the pages. This creates a textured, sculptural look that is incredibly calming. Whichever method you choose, you're transforming your bookshelf from simple storage into a piece of intentional art.
4. Woven Baskets as "Chic Catch-alls"
Baskets are the ultimate workhorse of decorative organization. They are perfect for hiding the things you need to access regularly but don't necessarily want to look at. Think extra throw blankets in the living room, your kids' brightly colored toys, or the pile of shoes that always accumulates by the door.
The magic of a woven basket—whether it's made of seagrass, jute, water hyacinth, or rattan—is the texture and warmth it brings to a space. A large, sturdy basket on the floor can hold a surprising amount of clutter while looking like a stylish, intentional decor choice. Place smaller matching baskets on the shelves of a console table or bookcase to organize magazines, electronics, or craft supplies.
5. The Vertical Advantage with Floating Shelves
When you're short on floor space, think vertically. Floating shelves are a minimalist and versatile way to add both storage and display space to any room. Unlike a bulky bookcase, they have a light, airy feel that can make a room appear larger and more open. They are the perfect canvas for practicing the "Order-as-Ornament" principle.
Use them in the kitchen to display your favorite mugs, small plants, and jars of spices. In the home office, a long shelf mounted above your desk can hold stylish pen cups, file holders, and a few personal objects. In a living room, use a set of picture ledges to create a rotating gallery wall of framed photos, art, and small decorative items. The key is to resist overcrowding them; leave some "breathing room" around each object to maintain a curated look.
6. Command Central with a Stylish Pegboard
The humble pegboard has received a major glow-up. No longer confined to the garage, modern pegboards made of high-quality wood or sleek metal are a fantastic organizational tool for a home office, craft room, kitchen, or even a child's bedroom. Their beauty lies in their complete customizability.
A pegboard system allows you to create a personalized layout of small shelves, hooks, cups, and holders to fit your exact needs. In a home office, it can get all your stationery and supplies off your desk, freeing up valuable workspace. In a kitchen, it's a brilliant way to hang utensils, mugs, and small pans, turning everyday tools into a functional display.
7. The Jewelry Tree
If your necklaces are constantly tangled and your favorite earrings are always going missing, it's time to rethink your jewelry storage. Instead of hiding your beautiful pieces away in a box, put them on display. A sculptural jewelry stand or "tree" turns your accessories into a piece of functional art for your dresser or vanity.
These organizers come in all shapes and styles, from minimalist metallic T-bars perfect for bracelets to brass stands shaped like tree branches for hanging necklaces. A small, beautiful ceramic dish with a central post can be a perfect home for your everyday rings. This not only keeps your pieces organized and accessible but also reminds you to wear and enjoy the beautiful things you own.
8. Elevate Your Entryway
The entryway sets the tone for your entire home. If it's a chaotic jumble of coats, shoes, bags, and mail, that stressful energy will follow you inside. Creating a designated and beautiful "drop zone" is a game-changer. This doesn't require a grand foyer; even a small wall space can be transformed.
Install a stylish wall-mounted coat rack with a built-in shelf. This provides a place for coats and bags, while the shelf can hold a decorative bowl for keys and a small plant. Add a sleek, modern umbrella stand and a durable but attractive doormat. By giving every item a specific, elegant home, you stop clutter before it even has a chance to start.
9. The Curated Kitchen Counter
The kitchen counter is often the busiest surface in the house. It's a magnet for clutter, which can make cooking feel like a chore. The goal here isn't to have a completely empty counter, but a thoughtfully curated one. This is a principle Goh Ling Yong often emphasizes: your environment deeply affects your mindset, and a clear counter fosters a clear mind.
Start by putting away any appliances you don't use daily. Then, create a functional "vignette." Lean a beautiful wooden cutting board against the backsplash. Group cooking oils and vinegars on a small tray or lazy Susan. Corral your most-used utensils in a heavy ceramic crock. Add a bowl of fresh fruit for a pop of color. This approach keeps essentials at hand while making the space feel clean, intentional, and ready for creativity.
10. The Rolling Cart Revolution
A stylish, multi-tiered rolling cart is one of the most versatile pieces of furniture you can own. Its mobility means it can adapt to your needs, serving different functions in different rooms. The slim profile allows it to fit into tight corners and small spaces, providing a ton of storage without the bulk of a traditional cabinet.
Use it in a living room as a chic bar cart, styled with your favorite glassware, spirits, and a cocktail shaker. In a home office or craft room, it can be a mobile station for printers, paper, and supplies. In a bathroom with limited storage, a rolling cart is perfect for holding towels, toiletries, and extra toilet paper. Choose one in a finish—like gold, matte black, or a fun color—that enhances your decor.
11. Stack and Style with Decorative Boxes
We all have them: the miscellaneous items that don't have a clear home. Think stray cables, old photos, important documents, or stationery. Instead of shoving them in a drawer, contain them in a set of beautiful decorative boxes. These are not your average cardboard moving boxes; look for ones covered in linen, faux leather, or beautiful patterned paper.
A stack of two or three coordinating boxes on a bookshelf or console table adds height, color, and texture while completely concealing the clutter inside. A single, high-quality lacquered box on a coffee table can be the perfect hiding spot for remote controls and coasters. They are a perfect example of storage that doubles as decor.
12. The Tiered Tray Triumph
Similar to a rolling cart, a tiered tray maximizes vertical space, but on a much smaller scale. It's a charming and effective way to organize small items on a kitchen counter, desk, or bathroom vanity. The multiple levels allow you to group and separate items, making them easy to see and access.
In the kitchen, a rustic two-tiered tray can create a beautiful coffee and tea station, holding mugs, a sugar bowl, tea bags, and small spoons. On a desk, it can wrangle small office supplies like paper clips, sticky notes, and stamps. In a bathroom, it's a lovely way to display soaps, lotions, and rolled-up washcloths for a spa-like feel.
13. The "One In, One Out" Rule with a Decorative Twist
Decluttering isn't a one-time event; it's an ongoing process. To make it feel less like a chore, integrate it seamlessly into your home. The "one in, one out" rule is simple: every time you bring a new item (like a piece of clothing) into your home, a similar item must leave.
To make this process elegant, designate a beautiful, open-top basket in your closet or bedroom specifically for donations. Having an attractive, visible "outbox" serves as a gentle reminder and makes the process of letting go feel more intentional and less like an obligation. When the basket is full, you know it's time for a trip to your local donation center.
14. Cord Control with Style
In our hyper-connected world, "cable spaghetti" is a major source of visual stress. The tangle of cords behind your TV, under your desk, or next to your bed can make even the most stylish room feel messy and unfinished. Taming this digital clutter is an instant aesthetic upgrade.
Thankfully, there are many stylish solutions available. Look for a sleek cable management box (often made of wood, bamboo, or fabric) that can house a power strip and all its connected plugs. Use leather cord ties to bundle up extra length. For a more permanent solution, adhesive cable clips can guide cords discreetly along the back of furniture, rendering them almost invisible.
15. The Bedside Carafe and Book Stack
Your nightstand is the last thing you see before you fall asleep and the first thing you see when you wake up. A cluttered, chaotic nightstand does not set the stage for restful sleep or a calm morning. Curate this small but mighty space with both function and beauty in mind.
Limit yourself to the absolute essentials. Create a neat stack of the one or two books you are currently reading. Use a small dish or tray to hold your phone, glasses, or watch. The ultimate "Order-as-Ornament" touch is a beautiful glass carafe with a matching cup for water. This simple addition feels luxurious, encourages hydration, and eliminates the need for a half-empty plastic water bottle.
Your Beautifully Organized Home Awaits
The journey to an organized home isn't about achieving a state of sterile perfection. It's about creating a space that feels like a true sanctuary—a place that supports your well-being, calms your mind, and inspires your creativity. By embracing the "Order-as-Ornament" mindset, you transform the mundane task of organizing into a joyful act of decorating.
This weekend, don't try to tackle all 15 hacks at once. Pick one or two that resonate most with you and the room that needs the most love. Maybe it's decanting your pantry staples or finally styling that entryway. You'll be amazed at how a few small, intentional changes can have a massive impact on how your home looks and how you feel within it.
Which one of these hacks are you most excited to try? Share your weekend organizing projects in the comments below—we'd love to see how you bring beauty and order to your home
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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