Making the Most of Family Space

This week on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, the conversation was about clutter, children’s bedrooms and cupboards. The programme explored how families can make the very best use of space at home helping to create a clutter free space — something we at Jali know a lot about.

Rethinking the Clutter-Free Home

Presenter Jane Garvey spoke with interior stylist Twig Hutchinson and author Julia Crouch about families and their living spaces.

Jane questioned the “strange, clutter-free homes” often shown in certain interiors magazine. She admitted she reads it because it amuses her.

She wondered how people cope in these very white and minimalist homes. With young children, she said, keeping everything so pristine seems almost impossible.

Is Open-Plan Living Always the Answer?

Interior magazines often feature open-plan homes. They show spaces where people remove walls to combine kitchens, dining areas and living rooms.

Many people see this style as the ideal modern home. Twig, however, has a different view.

Twig lives in London with her husband and three young children. Her top tip was not to create a house that is completely open-plan.

Instead, she explained that many of her friends were actually putting walls and doors back into their homes. They were keen to get more privacy and separation from the constant commotion of family life.

For many families, having defined spaces can make a home feel more practical, much calmer and a happier place.

Jali toy cupboard with doors and drawer storage

When it comes to toys and all the other paraphernalia involved in living with young children, Twig was equally forthright. “It’s very, very difficult. You have to be very disciplined and just basically put stuff away. It’s all right during the day if it’s all out and all over the floor. But I’m a great believer in having lots of cupboards,” because once the kids are in bed “…you just don’t want to see all their stuff.”

This is where we come in…

Jali bespoke cupboard with doors and drawers

Creating a Home That Works for You

At Jali, we believe everyone should have the freedom to choose how they their home is furnished. There is no single approach that is perfect.

Some people love a clean, minimalist style whilst others prefer a more exotic, decorative look. Both schemes can work beautifully.

Our design-it-yourself system gives you complete flexibility. You can create as much storage as you need, for wherever you need it.

Flexible Storage for Every Space

Choose cupboards that fit your lifestyle either large, small, or medium sizes. Design tall or short cupboards to suit and keep things simple or add more detail.

You can customise shelves to store everything from toys and games to everyday household things.

Our cupboards fit neatly into alcoves, awkward corners and wall spaces. You can also design freestanding units that can move easily from room to room if you might want them to.

Simple Ways to Control Clutter

Twig’s advice reminds us of two of Jali’s favourite tips for keeping clutter hidden and under control:

  1. Don’t put it down — put it away.
  2. Never go upstairs empty-handed.

Leah, Jali’s marketing manager, recommends both tips. She says they helped her manage the extra clutter that arrived when her two young children came along.

Make Tidiness a Family Habit

This approach requires commitment. Everyone in the household should play a part, as far as their age and abilities allow.

It also teaches children valuable habits from an young age. Even very small children can start to help — once they are old enough to walk and tidy safely.

These simple routines may even make life easier for their future spouses and housemates.

A Calmer Home, A Calmer Life

Leah believes that finding things easily and avoiding unnecessary clutter makes a huge difference to her mental health.

Tidiness may not be the most crucial aspect in life, but it can create a calmer and more peaceful environment at home. However many there are in your household, an organised space can help everyone feel more comfortable.

Listen to the Full Discussion

You can hear the full Woman’s Hour conversation on the Woman’s Hour website. Alos included in the programme, are a few honest stories about the challenges of family life — including the frustrations of trying to enjoy a tranquil bath when your children need the bathroom too.