5 Design choices that instantly make your home look more organized

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Do you ever feel like your home looks messy, even after you’ve put away the clutter, washed the dishes and vacuumed the floors? It might not be your organizing habits to blame. Your design choices could be the real culprit. Certain elements can make even the tidiest homes feel chaotic.

The good news is you don’t need a full renovation to turn things around. Small tweaks can make a big difference in how visually tidy your space feels.

Here’s how simple changes to your furniture, layout, color or decor can instantly give your home a more organized look.

1. Choose Furniture With Legs

Furniture that sits flush with the floor can feel bulky because it blocks your line of sight, making the room visually heavier. If you’re contemplating replacing your oversized couch or those heavy wooden chairs that are starting to feel like an eyesore, opt for pieces that show a little leg.

The exposed legs of a midcentury sofa or sleek dining chairs create a lifted look. This elevation tricks the eye into seeing the space as more open, and the added negative space helps a room feel airy and more put-together.

2. Think Vertically

The more objects on the floor, the more cluttered a space looks. That’s why vertical storage is a winner in tidy homes. Draw the eye upward with tall, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, vertical shiplap panels or pendant lights instead of bulky floor lamps.

Vertical lines naturally create a sense of order by guiding the eye upward, which can make the room feel taller and more organized. The more visible floor space you have, the lighter and airier your home might appear.

3. Use One Dominant Color

When every wall and piece of furniture features a different shade, the result is visual clutter, even if everything is technically in its place. Color drenching a room in light or neutral tones creates a sense of cohesion and calmness, which translates to clean and organized.

Don’t limit color to the walls alone. Paint the trim and ceiling in the same shade. The unity blurs boundaries to make the space feel more open and unified.

4. Simplify Your Decor when making design choices

Too many small items can feel overwhelming, as they often register as clutter, even when they’re cute or memorable. Instead of scattering lots of little decor pieces, opt for one or two large accents that feel clean and curated, possibly even bold.

A few oversized elements — like a statement art piece — can anchor the room and reduce the need for multiple competing decorations that overwhelm the eye with color and texture. If your gallery wall feels busy, consider swapping it out for a single large canvas. Replace those tiny trinkets collecting dust with a leafy plant or a sculptural vase to tidy the space instantly.

5. Skip the Curtains

This one might sound controversial — especially if you love dramatic drapes — but heavy, floor-length curtains can add visual weight. While they can help tie a room together, they also block natural light, which is essential for making a space feel open and roomy. Letting your eyes extend beyond the window may create the illusion of a larger room by expanding your visual field.

Try removing your curtains next time they need a wash — you might be surprised at how much brighter and more spacious your room feels without them. If privacy is a concern, consider room-darkening drapes, which allow in a bit of light but are opaque enough for your peace of mind.

Design Your Way to a Tidier Home

You give yourself peace of mind when your space feels tidier. Any homeowner knows when a home looks organized, it’s easier to live in. These design choices may seem simple, but they profoundly impact how your space feels.

So, before you reach for yet another storage bin, take a moment to look around. If your space feels a bit chaotic, ask yourself, “What can I remove or minimize from this room to bring more clarity and calm?” Chances are, the solution is already hiding in plain sight.

Evelyn Long is a recognized expert in organization and decluttering, dedicated to helping individuals create clutter-free homes and minds. She contributes her insights to publications such as the National Association of Realtors and Tidied by K, while also serving as the Editor-in-Chief of Renovated Magazine. Through her work, Evelyn inspires readers to embrace simplicity and efficiency in their everyday lives.