An ode to (obsessive compulsive) neatness

Confession time: I’m a bit of a neat freak. My entire wardrobe is colour-coded. So is my linen closet. As are the lunch-box cupboard and spice rack. Everything has a place and my helper Lizzie knows better than to put things in the wrong place. As a concession to hubby’s tendency to collect unopened post, five-cent coins and restaurant mints, there is one bowl on the kitchen counter for him to dump “stuff” in. One bowl. That is it. Poor man.

Seeing untidy clutter – even in other peoples’ homes – makes me instantly anxious. And as pretty as shabby chic is, I can’t bear the thought of having dented, slightly rusted metal or chipped, peeling paintwork anywhere near me. I’ve been called “anal” and “obsessive compulsive” and, while the therapists among you are probably hoping I’ll seek treatment, that’s just how it is. As an example, this ladder makes me very uncomfortable – and I’m comfortable with that!

So this post is all about tidying up. Putting things away. Making space. Minimising clutter. Creating order. Letting the style shine through the accumulation of stuff.

Don’t get me wrong here. I like having stuff! I collect jewellery and wine glasses. I still own every book I’ve ever read, and I hoard my decor mags. But these things are all organised and out of the way. All the flat surfaces in my home are covered with coloured glass goodies, framed photos and pot plants. It’s just they’re all carefully curated displays.

As far as my home office goes, I dream that one day it will look something like this …

While the large desk that I share with hubby is far from messy, the clever ergonomics of this shrine to industrious creativity really appeal to me. I appreciate that there are no messy cables dangling down behind the desk. I’m in awe of the inspired use of the limited space. (And I’m just plain envious of the glitter ball light.)

As far as “one day when I’m big” aspirations go, this kitchen is also on the to-do list:

Instead of haphazardly cramming all this beautiful glassware into a cupboard, the owner found the perfect place to display it: on shelves in front of the window. The light still streams in – in fact, I’d imagine that at certain times of the day it’s even brighter as it refracts through the glasses and bowls – and the room is cleverly uncluttered. Simple. Practical. Pretty.

The organisation in this kitchen is astounding! Everything the cook needs is easily accessible and even the recycling bins have their own, carefully thought-out space.

Hmm. Which makes me think that perhaps my own kitchen needs to be rethought. If anyone needs me, that’s where I’ll be …