Clutter Free Living: Part 2

Today’s post is another gem from our Frockstar™ Jess Lively! Since launching her blog in 2009 as a place to share her journey towards a more simplified and intentional life, Jess went on to launch Business with Intention – through which she offers one-on-one consultations and workshops with her Chicago clients. Read on for another great post from Jess or follow her on Facebook and Twitter!

As promised, I have captured a few of the ways that I keep clutter to a minimum in my living room and kitchen. Though my apartment is not large, the tricks below help things seem intentional and decorative when they are mostly just clever ways to store items I need and use on a daily basis.

And in case you haven’t caught the tips from my bedroom, be sure to check them out too.

These books help to distract from the ugly electronics. Stacking books among the Tivo and router makes them seem ever so slightly less utilitarian.

Instead of wasting space in my kitchen storing glassware I used a tray from CB2 to display them alongside the adorable chevron decanter I received from Cathy.

The black blanket in the basket doubles as a clever distraction from the board games stored underneath inside the basket.

The wine crate on the bottom shelf (free from Binny’s) holds my linens. The pillow on top keeps things looking more organized than they really are.

All catalogs and reading material get put on this stack. (Chevron tray from Tilly Maison.) I love trays – they make objects instantly look more important and intentional.

This is the lowest shelf on a bookshelf in the entryway. The ceramic boots (a gift fromMichelle) are perfect for umbrellas and pashminas.

The middle shelf in the entry has another Tilly Maison tray perfect for keys and wallets. Coupons sit in a vintage goblet.

For those who aren’t super organized, trays are perfect. Trays like this used for stashing stuff effectively contain the mess and leave surfaces clutter-free.

At the top of the bookcase my daily purses sit ready to go.

My kitchen table also doubles as my kitchen’s island. I like having these two hard placemats side by side as a runner during the day. Then come meal time they are easy to pull apart for individual use.

Here are three great tips:

1. A cake stand doubles as a pretty fruit and veggie tray.
2. A vintage coffee tin with a glass jar inside stores my silverware — saving drawer storage for knives.
3. A vintage pitcher holds cooking utensils right were I need them – next to the oven and stove.