But, what if you wanted to take your decluttering to the next level by followingtips from minimalists? It’s why minimalist spacesfocuses on essentials, but it starts with knowing what’snotan essential. Want more cleaning and organizing tips? Desiree Burns Interiors “This isn’t all books, but this is most,” Barkey says. Instead, we focus on getting books from our local library. Our kids love it!" Grace Cary / Getty Images Jones always gets rid of extra decor or trinkets after a big declutter....

But having a trulyminimalist homecomes down to much more than design choicesit’s also about keeping each room clutter-free. Meet the Expert Nina Lichtensteinis a New York-based home designer specializing in minimalist, nature-inspired spaces. Want more cleaning and organizing tips? Charlie Interior Design “Cardboard boxes, packing peanuts, and bubble wrap add up quickly,” she says. “Paper clutter is one of the biggest culprits of chaos,” Lichtenstein says. “That chipped mug or broken phone charger youve been meaning to fix?...

Milk and Honey Life Hosting this holiday season? Then you’re likely facing the dilemma ofholiday cleaningtoo. Here’s what you should focus on. Milk and Honey Life The first thing on that schedule? Purging your food cabinets three weeks before the holiday, according to Mock. But it’s a good rule of thumb to clean and reorganize more than just the food. Emily Henderson Design/ Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp Want more cleaning and organizing tips?...

Here are seven ways that pro cleanersget ready for their own guestsbefore the holidays. This should go beyond your regular everyday decluttering. Want more cleaning and organizing tips? The Spruce / Jason Donnelly This will help make a good impression on your guests before they even step foot in your home. This is a must! Consider adding an air freshener or some seasonal candles to keep the bathroom smelling fresh....

Want more cleaning and organizing tips? “I can spot right away when someone is keeping everything within arms reach,” she says. Overflowing counters, she explains, often suggest someone has run out of storage elsewhere. The Spruce / Brie Goldman Andre adds that when someone does have too much stuff, it’s important to address that issue first. Even buying the properbins and basketscan only do so much. A common mistake is bringing in storage solutions before decluttering since it won’t optimize your space....

Here’s what professional organizers throw away every spring. After that, it all gets donated back out into the community." Then, replace what you need accordingly. The Spruce / Meg MacDonald Want more cleaning and organizing tips? It’s time to give those tight or itchy sweaters a new purpose in life. As a bonus, this will alsomake room in your closetfor any warmer-weather clothes you’ve been stowing away. The Spruce / Michelle Becker...

It looks, well, empty. As counterintuitive as it sounds, the opposite is actually true according to the decorating pros. Want more design inspiration? Mia Karlsson While the bed looks finished, it could be contributing to making your bedroom look unfinished. Empty walls contribute to an unfulfilled sense of space. If there are no wall decorations, a bedroom can seem stark and uninviting, says Floros. Vicky Floros Styling Tip Wall decorations aren’t limited to art....

If your central hub has been feeling less than open and airy lately, don’t worry. That’s whymeasuring your living roomfor its dimensions is crucial whenbuying your next sofa. And size doesnt always mean comfort either," says Cerminara. Interior Impressions Lots of Decor We know it’s easy to get carried away on decor shopping sprees. However, the more decordisplayed in your living room, the more stifled the space will feel. “I believe in ‘less is more,’ especially in smaller spaces....

Here are seven common culprits and tips to bring life into your living room. Choose one main element to emphasize and build your decor around it. Adding a statement mirror or large framed artwork can instantly draw the eye and give the room more structure. Photo by Westend61 / Getty Images Want more design inspiration? Furniture Is Too Small Small or undersized furniture can make even a well-decorated room feel sparse....

Luckily, many of these problems can be easily fixed once you know what to look for. “These designs often overwhelm the space and appear outdated rather than timeless.” Instead, bring your kitchen into the modern era with sleek lines and slim profiles. Mint Images / Getty Images Want more design inspiration? High-gloss, speckled granite countertops exude an era of ostentation rather than contemporary refinement," he says. “Their busy patterns can feel heavy and visually chaotic....

They actually provide numerous benefits to your sink beyond a simple clean-up. Want more cleaning and organizing tips? There are a few limitations to this, such as pasta or other starchy foods like potato peels. The Spruce / Lacey Johnson The Spruce / Ana Cadena The Spruce / Sarah Lee The Spruce / Meg MacDonald The Spruce / Lacey Johnson

Meet the Expert Oversized Furniture Bedroom design should be big on comfort and relaxation. Most rooms can not handle a huge boxyplatform bedwith a four-post design and bulky headboard, she says. Want more design inspiration? KatarzynaBialasiewicz / Getty Images Tip Floating wall shelvesallow for added storage without sacrificing floor space. But choosingalllow-profile furniture and decor can throw off the visual effect of the space. Tall plants, floor lamps, and vertical artwork all do this really well, she says....

But sometimes, even the best intentions can result in a space that feels less polished than youd hoped. Ahead, they share the biggest offenders, plus, share expert tips for what to do instead. Want more design inspiration? Joe Schmelzer / Getty Images Instead, try mixing styles like the firm Tyler Karu does in the eclectic dining room above. “Its perfectly okay to pair a fancy designer chair with a flea market find....