Us Brits take pride in our homes – it’s where we hang our hats, the place we keep our heart, and there’s truly nowhere like it. But could it hold the secret to everyday mindfulness as well?
We certainly think so! After all, there’s no better feeling than coming home to a tidy house, where you’re free to cast aside the day’s worries, put on your comfies and flop onto the sofa as soon as you step through the door.
Well, here at DFS, we’re all about ensuring you get the most out of your home, from immaculate home offices to dazzling dining rooms. That’s why we’ve teamed up with mindfulness expert, Marianne Trent, to uncover the benefits of a clean home; and organisational expert, Sue Spencer, to reveal how you can do it yourself with ease.
We’re calling it ‘multifunctional mindfulness’, and we’ve got the lowdown for you, below.
First things first, let’s look at whether there’s any truth to the old ‘tidy home, tidy mind’ adage. Can a clean and clutter-free home actually lead to a calm and clutter-free mind?
We spoke to psychologist and mindfulness expert, Marianne Trent, about exactly that. And she revealed… it’s true! An organised and functional home can have a huge knock-on effect on our mentality.
“Our homes significantly impact our mental health and well-being. When our living space functions well, it supports a calmer, more organised mindset. For example, an organised kitchen reduces the mental load of meal prep. Simple changes, like labelled containers, drawer dividers, and clean countertops, can transform the kitchen into a space that supports rather than drains your energy.
Stepping through the front door should feel like shedding the day’s stress along with your keys and shoes. Organised entryways make coming home feel welcoming, allowing for a smoother transition from the outside world to your sanctuary. A well-optimised home nurtures not just physical comfort but also emotional resilience, giving you the headspace to focus on what truly matters.”
But it’s not all down to popping a ‘cereal’ label on a tub or sticking a coat rack in the hallway. In fact, we should be looking to create our own habits that promote organisation too!
“Improving functionality isn’t just about tidiness; it’s about creating habits that support mental clarity. Leaving post scattered or not tidying up can become repeated patterns that contribute to disarray. Striving to maintain standards, even when life gets busy, helps to reinforce positive routines that keep the home and mind running smoothly.”
So, there you have it! As tempting as it can be to chuck a letter on the coffee table or hang your coat over the bannister, taking those few extra seconds to deal with items properly when needed can make a world of difference in the long run. Fostering functional habits and creating practical spaces is the key to a more relaxing home.
Now we know the impact a functional space can have, let’s take a look at how you can create this within your own home.
Organisational expert, Sue Spencer, is on hand with some simple steps you can follow to keep your space clutter-free!
Whether it’s toys and books scattered across the living room, or overflowing wardrobes and crowded drawers in the bedroom, our homes have a lot of stuff to store.
But life happens and we can often find ourselves putting off cleaning until the next day, and the next day, and the next day… and before you know it, your spaces look like they’ve been hit by a particularly destructive tornado. So what’s the secret to keeping our homes that bit tidier during our day-to-day?
“The key to maintaining order in these spaces is using smart storage and multifunctional furniture. In bedrooms, ottoman beds are ideal for tucking away seasonal clothes, excess bedding, or toys. I always recommend using containers inside these storage pieces to make it easy to find items when needed. For the living room, shelving units can serve as bookshelves, paper organisers, and toy storage. Storing items thoughtfully will ensure everything has a home, making it easier to keep your space tidy and stress-free.”
Tired of crammed wardrobes making it impossible to find that jumper? Finished with stepping out of bed and right onto Lego? Well, check out our range of ottoman storage beds to give all those out-of-season clothes and stray toys a home of their own!
From an office, to a creche, to a puppy play area, our homes serve multiple purposes. So, let’s look at how we can make the space we have work for all of our daily needs.
“Combining the functions of different rooms allows you to create flexible, practical spaces that make better use of your home. You can create different ‘functional zones’ within a room by placing a shelving unit or open bookshelf at a right angle to a wall. This can serve as a divider, while also providing storage for books, photos, or ornaments that can be accessed from either side. But don’t forget to use vertical space too! Installing shelves up to the full height of your walls can dramatically increase storage.”
If you thought a bookshelf was just for books then think again – our bookshelves double and even triple up as toy storage, ornament display cases, and room dividers too!
We all have a drawer or cupboard full to the brim with endless allen keys, instruction manuals, and a few chargers that seemingly charge nothing in the house. But with a bit of TLC, you can transform this space into an organisational haven!
“Clutter hotspots can easily get out of control when items are placed there ‘temporarily’. The best way to tackle this is by completely emptying the space. Clearing everything out gives you a clear view of what’s inside, making it easier to identify what belongs and what has simply built up over time. This is your opportunity to declutter and let go of anything you no longer need. Then, decide what you will use the space for, giving it a defined function will help you to review the storage that’s needed to keep the contents of the space organised. Aesthetically pleasing storage containers like woven baskets or wooden crates not only keep things tidy but they also maintain a stylish, clutter-free environment!”
Now you know the relaxing, mind-soothing benefits a spot of organisation can have, why not check out our home storage furniture? The likes of ottoman storage benches are great in the bedroom or hallway to store bedding, shoes, or seasonal coats. But if you’re looking for a bit more storage in your living room, have a look at our stylish sideboards!
If you’re not quite sure how to tackle your tidying to-do list, take our multifunctional mindfulness quiz to reveal bespoke tidying tips that will help get you started.