Date:  December 21, 2010  |  

“I encourage my clients to organize the clothes in their closet by color, which may seem simple but will actually save time and money. Not only will it help to simplify dressing each day, it has the added benefit of making you aware of the colors of your clothes. Next time you go shopping, you might think twice before purchasing that seventh blue sweater!”

Ashley Carson, interior designer and personal organizer

Anything and Everything Design, Conway

“Try decorative boxes as a stylish addition to open shelves and as a useful way to organize smaller stuff. Can’t find time to complete a project? Stow the loose parts in these boxes so you have everything you need when you tackle completion.”

Julie Wait Fryauf, ASID

Julie Wait Designs, Rogers

“Rather than cluttering your refrigerator door with school notes and lists, create a multi-colored memo board and assign each member of the family a particular color so they know right where to look for their information.”

Meridith Hamilton, CKD, allied ASID

MLH Designs, Little Rock

“Color coding can be a big time saver. If you get frustrated searching for the right keys, make them easy to identify with different colored caps. And when making out your grocery list each week, use four different colored pens: green for produce, red for fresh meat and deli, blue for dairy, and black for canned goods and other items found in the center of the store. Save time by going to each area only once and getting every item you need.”

Jenna Ruhe, professional organizer

Simple Spaces, Fayetteville

“You use your closet at least twice a day, and you’re more likely to keep it orderly if it’s a space you enjoy. Why not paint it your favorite color? You’re the only one who sees it and it doesn’t have to match the rest of your home—make it personal.”

Nila Ciesiel, senior design consultant

Closet Factory, Little Rock

“My tendency is to keep rooms neutral and use color most effectively with art, artifacts and accessories. However, in a child or teenager’s room, a playroom, or a laundry room, I say the sky is the limit. When you use color for shelving and storage, you can create a huge feeling of fun, with order as its purpose.”

Ken Kimberling, interior designer

Kimberling Interiors, Little Rock

“Turn kids’ clutter into a room cleaning game. Buy multi-color storage bins, add matching color labels on toys, and have your child match and stow their items. As the kids grow, the bins can be used to organize for school: finished homework, projects to be worked on, test prep and more.”

Andrea Cornwell, ASID

iSpace, Fayetteville

“Your garage is often the first space you see when entering your home. Color can help make it feel harmonious with the rest of your house. Use a decorative floor coating for an attractive garage floor that is easy to clean and maintain, enhances lighting, and leaves you free from worry about stains and spills.”

Gene Webb, owner

NWA Garage Solutions, Rogers

“Use color to organize a tired set of office or playroom bookshelves by arranging books in groups according to the colors of the rainbow. Your eye naturally organizes shapes and objects using the rainbow spectrum, so this simple, fun way to make your shelves pop is also incredibly pleasing to the senses.”

Katie Buchanan, professional organizer

littlerockpaperscissors.com, Little Rock