Built-in storage is perhaps the best way to add some organization into your home.  It can provide all the storage you could need without taking up the space of a piece of furniture or storage unit.  Space that would otherwise go unused can become some of the most useful in your home.

Bookcases are one of the most commonly seen types of built-in storage.  They are an easy way to spruce up a large blank wall.  You’ll add a pop of color and interest and gain a huge amount of storage for the bookworm in your family.  Build them around a door or window to really make up for otherwise unused space.

A built in desk is extremely useful in a kitchen, library, or any space where you already have lots of cabinetry.  It creates a cohesive look in the room and provides lots of overhead and desk height storage.

Everyone dreams of a closet with extensive built in shelving, and it is actually an efficient and organized way to organize your closet.  When there are specific homes for shoes, sweaters, pants, etc. you will make the effort to put things back in their place and keep everything within reach.

For those who can’t get up without their morning coffee, this espresso bar is built into a small closet in the master bedroom.  While it could also be used as a small correspondence desk, it seems to fit the bill perfectly while housing an espresso machine on top and supplies in the cabinets beneath.  Decorative items in the glass cabinets tie it into the rest of the room.

These built in shelves use the space next to the stairs that would go completely wasted.  These collections add color and texture to what otherwise would be a blank wall.

These built in desks create a work space that is connected to the rest of the house.  It is the perfect dynamic for finishing up work from home as it allows the family to be together yet keeps the two desks separate.  When the work is done, the desks can be closed off by the large shutters.

Awkward angles of rooms that could be completely useless space are made entirely functional with the addition of a few bookshelves.  These could even make for an easy weekend project for the DIY-er.

Photos: My Home Ideas

Children’s rooms are one of the  spaces in your home that you can go absolutely wild with color and design.  They are a wonderful space for whimsy and fun, however there is one large obstacle on the way to creating the perfect space for your child: disorganization.  Children and their toys, games, and other accoutrement are inherently messy, so it’s our job to come up with ways to organize the disorganization and make the space look stylish at the same time.

Use calming, soothing colors like the light blue above.  The less active the color in the room, perhaps the easier the child will relax in the evening and fall asleep.  Accent the relaxing color with bold primaries to keep it kid appropriate.

Make sure that all the storage bins coordinate.  Try an earthy wicker, painted wooden bins, or a durable plastic like the ones above.  These are an easy way to bring a sense of order to a child’s room.  Even if there is chaos within the bins, the outside appearance is one of harmony.  Storage can be incorporated almost anywhere.  Find a bed with room for storage bins or turn the bottom shelves of a bookcase into storage disguised by a curtain.  The more colorful and playful that the storage looks, the more likely your child is to look forward to cleaning up.

Photos: House to Home, Ruby Beets, Real Simple, Real Simple, House Beautiful

Extravagant Closets are one of those interior spaces that we can never get enough of. Endless space for expensive shoes, shiny marble floors, and flattering lighting.  If only we could all live like movie stars.

Photo: The Nanny Diaries

Photo: Sex and the City The Movie

Though we may not all be so lucky as to have closets the size of a bedroom or enough shoes to fill an entire wall full, there are ways to make your closet so organized and pretty, that getting dressed will be simple indulgence every single day.

Photo: Real Simple

Take advantage of all of the organizational tools that are available at discount stores like Target.  Matching plastic hangers, clear shoe boxes, and hanging sweater organizers are all useful and attractive ways to give your closet a dose of organization.

Photo: Real Simple

Use pegboards to organize everything from belts to jewelry to scarves to any accessory that can hang.

Photo: Real Simple

Though shoe racks are functional and a great option for closet organization, a graduated shoe rack such as this gives a look of luxury and display to your prettiest shoes.

Photo: Real Simple

Adding a mirror and a place to sit can take a simple walk in closet from a normal space to a lovely dressing area.

Photo: Coastal Living

A chandelier adds a touch of whimsy and character to your walk in closet.  Even if your closet is small, a beautiful piece like this can make a huge impact.

Is your new years resolution to get your house in order? Are you trying to stay a little more organized this year?  Use the ideas below to incorporate creative and stylish organizational ideas into your own home.

Under the bed is a great place to store things as long as you keep it in order.  Rolling bins such as these are attractive and also functional.  They are easily accessible for reaching items in storage and can be moved for cleaning under the bed dust.

Install cubes on the wall in the bathroom for storage.  Towels and other bathroom supplies are within reach and take on a contemporary look.

For extra bathroom supplies that are not needed on a daily basis, install a hanging shelf above the door.  This creates an architectural look while adding several feet of extra storage.

A bench that opens is a spacious place for storing sports equipment, pet supplies, or toys.  When closed, no one would ever know how much is hiding beneath the seating.

Photos: Martha Stewart Living

Continuing on our kitchen theme from last week, today we’re going to look at helpful ways to increase organization in the kitchen.  With all the spices, pots, pans, and other cooking supplies that take up space in our kitchens, it’s no wonder that we often have trouble finding adequate storage and organization in our kitchens.  Below are some great ideas for sneaking a little bit of sanity into our homes.

If you find yourself entertaining guests often, open shelves can be a great idea.  It allows guests to find meal preparation and serving pieces without constantly asking you.  This makes life easier for both!

Small filing drawers are the perfect place to keep recipe cards in order and within reach.

Don’t underestimate the power of store bought drawer organizers.  This drawer uses organizers to store spices at an angle, making sure they stay in place with easily read labels.

Built-in cubbies are a practical and attractive way to store wine.  The perfect bottle will be right there when you need it.

With a little ingenuity, there are endless ways to incorporate storage that is both extremely functional as well as design savvy.

Photos: Traditional Home

With kids back in school and fall activities starting up, this is a great time to take a look at your mudroom.  Is it working for you?  Is it efficient and organized?  Does it help you get out the door in the morning or is it holding you back?

Photo: RemodelingCenter.com

When organized properly and used effectively, a mudroom can be a great place to organize all those things that would otherwise end up on the kitchen table or the living room floor.  However, you have to be careful that it does not turn in to a messy catch all room.

Do not overcrowd your mudroom with furniture.  A bench, a simple armoire, and a small table are all you need to outfit an extremely functional mudroom.  Built in cabinets, drawers, lockers, hooks, and shelves are lifesavers.  Each  member of the family can have an assigned area where their stuff is kept.  This prevents mix ups over binders, baseball gloves, and lunch bags.  Labeled shelves can also hold important paperwork that cannot be forgotten on the way out the door.  Hooks will keep coats, bags, umbrellas, and other accessories off the floor.  Make sure some hooks are low enough for children to reach.

Photo: PointClickHome.com

Flooring should be hard and durable.  Slate or ceramic tile can withstand the daily wear and tear that a mudroom sees.  Lighting should be accessible the minute you walk in the door so that you are not fumbling to put things away while reaching for a light.  A sink is a wonderful addition and can be used for clean up after gardening or sports so that you avoid tracking dirt into the house.  Also, if it is possible to add windows, go for it.  The more natural light the better.  A mudroom should be a place where you feel happy entering and leaving.

The most important thing to remember when setting up your mudroom is make it work for you.  If your household is centered around sports, then big bins will be more functional than wooden shelves.  If you have curious children and pets, then open storage may not be the way to go. If your needs are less utilitarian, then don’t be afraid to create a mudroom that is decorated for style like the room below.  Consider your household and make your mudroom work for your family and home.

Photo: Southern Living