How to make your living room feel less cluttered

Your living room is where you unwind, entertain, and relax. Yet with hectic schedules, especially for those who leave early and return late, it can easily become cluttered and chaotic. Clutter not only diminishes the aesthetics but also raises stress levels and makes small spaces feel even smaller. Decluttering enhances visual appeal and mental well-being with studies showing it lowers stress hormones like cortisol.

For Kenyan homes, weaving in local touches can make this practice both functional and culturally meaningful. Here are ten practical tips to help you transform your living room into a serene, organized retreat, even with a busy lifestyle:

Remove what doesn’t belong

Begin by asking yourself: does this item serve a purpose, spark joy, or hold real meaning? If not, it’s time to say goodbye. Letting go, whether by donating broken trinkets or unused books, reflects the Kenyan spirit of generosity and helps your space breathe again.

Sort, purge, and group

Empty each shelf or drawer, then sort what remains into categories. Use the “90/90 rule”: if you haven’t used an item in 90 days and aren’t sure you will, set it aside. Once sorted, group essentials, like remotes or chargers in baskets.

Clear and curate surfaces

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Resist the urge to fill every tabletop. Choose one or two statement objects, perhaps a beaded vase or a simple wooden sculpture and leave the rest bare. This minimalist approach quiets visual noise and restores harmony to the room.

Rethink your furniture

In compact apartments, let furniture do double duty. A storage ottoman can serve as seating and conceal blankets. Opt for sleek, locally-crafted wooden pieces that celebrate Kenyan craftsmanship while preserving flow and openness.

Embrace storage with style

Sisal baskets, kitenge-covered boxes, or handwoven purses conceal clutter beautifully. These locally made pieces are not only functional but also connect your decor to heritage, thus supporting livelihoods and cultural traditions.

Define zones thoughtfully

Arrange furniture to carve out specific zones, like a reading nook, conversation area, or workspace. Ground each one with a sisal rug, whose texture and warmth naturally delineate while adding a subtle local flavor.

Label everything

Labeling baskets might sound practical, but when done using attractive tags and patterns, it becomes a joyful little ritual. It helps everyone know where things go with minimal confusion.

Tidy up cables and electronics

Loose cables drain visual energy. Group them with ties or route them behind furniture. Keep remotes and chargers in a carved wooden or rope-wrapped box. This is a functional and stylish, way to enhance de-clutter.

Make tidying a daily ritual

Spend five minutes each evening to fluff cushions, and clear surfaces after every couple of days. This small daily investment ensures the room remains guest-ready and maintains a sense of calm.

Invite nature indoors

Introduce easy-care plants like snake plants to cleanse the air and your mind. Pair them with driftwood pieces or carved bowls for an earthy, artisan touch that connects your space to the land.