Exploring Decorex: Where Design Meets Organisation

Last month, we spent a day at Decorex, the renowned interior design exhibition held at Olympia London. Although the event is primarily aimed at interior designers, we were excited to attend — not only because of our shared background in interiors, but because design plays such an important role in how we approach organisation at The Organised Atelier.

For us, a beautifully organised home is not just about function; it’s about creating spaces that feel intentional, elevated, and deeply aligned with how you live. Decorex offered the perfect opportunity to step into the wider world of interior design and see what’s inspiring the industry today.

A Creative Crossroads in London

From the moment we entered, Decorex was buzzing with creativity. We wandered through aisles of emerging designers, established brands, artisans, and makers — each bringing something unique to the conversation around how we shape our homes.

We had the chance to chat with designers, explore new materials, and learn about distinctive craftsmanship we rarely get to see up close. These interactions gave us a deeper appreciation for the design community working behind the scenes to influence how homes look and feel.

Design Trends That Inspire Organisation

One of the most interesting parts of the day was seeing the up-and-coming design trends that will be shaping homes over the next year. From textured finishes and warm neutrals to sculptural accents and quietly luxurious details, many of the themes resonated with our own approach to organising.

We’re constantly thinking about how the systems we create can blend seamlessly into a client’s aesthetic — enhancing their space, not competing with it. Decorex reaffirmed what we believe: thoughtful organisation and beautiful design truly go hand in hand.

A Day of Inspiration

Being at Decorex allowed us to get out and about in London, reconnect with the design world we’ve always loved, and find fresh inspiration for our work. It reminded us how energising it is to step outside the day-to-day and immerse ourselves in the creativity happening across the industry.

We left with new ideas, new connections, and a renewed excitement for integrating design and organisation in a way that makes everyday living feel both functional and beautiful.

Resetting After the Holidays: Organisation Advice for a Year of Calm and Order

The lead-up to Christmas is one of the most chaotic moments of the year. While it’s filled with festive joy, family time, and perhaps one too many baubles and bubbles, by the time January 1st arrives many of us are ready to crash — both physically and mentally.

The house feels fuller than usual, routines have slipped, and the quieter weeks ahead often have us spending far more time indoors. It’s precisely at this moment that the act of packing away Christmas decorations presents a unique opportunity: not just to tidy up, but to reset your home for the year ahead.

At The Organised Atelier, we see this mid-winter moment as a powerful (and often overlooked) window to gently clear clutter, restore order, and create spaces that feel calm, supportive, and easy to live in.

Start With the Festive Reset

Taking down Christmas decorations is often done quickly — boxes out, everything packed away, job done. But slowing this process down slightly can make all the difference.

As decorations come down, ask yourself:

• Does this still feel relevant to how we live now?

• Has it been used, loved, or missed this year?

• Is it worth storing for another 11 months?

Be selective. Letting go of tired, broken, or unused festive items reduces what you store — and what you’ll need to manage next year. Fewer boxes, fewer decisions, less visual noise.

Edit What Accumulated Over the Holidays

The festive season has a way of bringing more into our homes — gifts, packaging, novelty items, extra kitchenware, toys, and well-intentioned purchases.

January is the ideal time to gently edit:

• Toys and games that no longer hold interest

• Kitchen items used once but not reached for again

• Clothing that doesn’t suit your current lifestyle

• Decorative pieces that feel more “seasonal clutter” than joy

This isn’t about being ruthless — it’s about creating breathing room.

Focus on the Spaces You’ll Use Most

Winter naturally draws us inward. We spend more time at home, often in the same key zones, which means these areas benefit most from a reset.

Consider starting with:

• The kitchen — clearing surfaces and cupboards creates immediate calm

• Living areas — reducing excess throws, cushions, and piles restores balance

• Entryways — simple systems for coats, shoes, and bags set the tone every day

Small changes in these high-use spaces have a disproportionate impact on how the home feels.

Create Simple, Sustainable Systems

January organisation works best when it’s realistic. This is not the moment for overly complex systems or perfection.

Instead, aim for:

• Clear categories

• Easy-to-maintain storage

• Homes for everyday items that make sense to how you actually live

If a system feels hard to maintain in winter, it won’t last long-term.

Let Calm, Not Perfection, Be the Goal

A mid-winter reset isn’t about transforming your home overnight. It’s about removing friction, reducing visual clutter, and creating spaces that support rest, focus, and daily life as routines resume.

When your surroundings feel calmer, it becomes easier to:

• Ease back into structure

• Feel more grounded at home

• Start the year with intention rather than overwhelm

A Gentle Start to the Year Ahead

Clearing away Christmas is more than a seasonal task — it’s an invitation to reset. By letting go of what you no longer need and bringing order back into your home, you create space not just physically, but mentally as well.

Need help getting started, feeling inspired, or simply want support organising things before they’re stored away?
Get in touch to book a consultation and let us help you reset your home with calm and intention for the year ahead.

Back to School, Calmly: How to Organise Family Schedules (and Mornings) Without the Chaos

We can’t tell you how many mornings start with the same questions echoing through the house:
Who’s in PE kit today? Who has violin — and when is the swim kit meant to be brought in? Is pick-up at 3:30 or 5:15?

As the school term gets underway, many families struggle with back to school organisation — particularly managing schedules and routines. Between school schedules, after-school activities, childcare, work commitments and household routines, it’s easy for mornings and evenings to feel rushed and reactive.

At The Organised Atelier, we believe calm comes from clear systems that support real family life — not from doing more, remembering more, or striving for perfection. With the right structure in place, even the busiest weeks can feel manageable and far less overwhelming.

Start With One Shared “Source of Truth”

The most common issue we see with family schedules is fragmentation. Information lives everywhere — school portals, WhatsApp groups, emails, handwritten notes, and multiple calendars — and no one is quite sure where to look.

The first step is choosing one central place where all key information lives.

This might be:

• A shared digital calendar

• A visual family calendar displayed at home

• A simple weekly spreadsheet

The format matters less than consistency. Everyone in the household should know where to look — and trust that it’s up to date.

Digital Tools That Genuinely Help (When Used Simply)

Technology can be incredibly supportive when it’s used intentionally and kept uncluttered.

Skylight Calendar — A Visual Hub for Family Life

One of our favourite tools for busy households is the Skylight Calendar. This digital wall calendar syncs with your existing calendars and displays the week or month at a glance — making schedules visible and shared for the whole family.

It’s particularly helpful for:

• Families juggling multiple children and activities

• Homes with nannies or shared caregiving

• Reducing daily questions around timing and logistics

🔗 https://www.skylightframe.com/products/skylight-calendar

Cozi Family Organiser — Straightforward & Reliable

Cozi is a long-standing family organiser app that combines calendars, lists and reminders in one place. It’s simple, practical, and works well for families who want everything contained in a single app.

🔗 https://www.cozi.com

Best for:

• Shared family calendars

• Shopping and to-do lists

• Keeping plans visible across devices

Google Calendar — Simple When Used Well

A shared Google Calendar can be incredibly effective when kept high-level and organised.

We recommend:

• Colour-coding by child or category

• Using it for time-based commitments only

• Avoiding too much detail

🔗 https://calendar.google.com

Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Simple Spreadsheet

For some families, a weekly or termly spreadsheet works better than any app.

A simple spreadsheet allows you to:

• See the entire week at a glance

• Track drop-offs, pick-ups and responsibilities

• Spot clashes before they become stressful

• Adjust week by week as routines evolve

We often suggest printing this and placing it somewhere visible — the kitchen, utility room or home office — so it becomes part of daily life rather than another screen to check.

Sometimes, old-fashioned systems are the easiest to maintain.

Organising School Uniforms & Daily Kits for Back to School

Schedules only work when the physical side of school life supports them.

A few systems we consistently recommend:

Create “School-Ready Zones”

• One clearly defined space per child for:

  • Uniform

  • PE kit

  • Swim kit

  • Sports or activity bags

• Hooks or open baskets work better than drawers for daily use

Prep by the Week, Not the Day

At the start of the week:

• Check the schedule

• Pre-allocate PE kits, swimwear, or activity clothes

• Return everything to the same designated spot

This avoids last-minute searching when time (and patience) is limited.

Use Visual Cues

For younger children especially:

• Label baskets or shelves by activity

• Keep kits visible rather than hidden

• Store “special day” items separately so they’re easy to grab

When children can see what they need, mornings run more smoothly.

Build Routines Around the System

Once your schedule and storage are aligned, support them with small, repeatable routines:

• Packing bags the night before

• Laying out clothes in advance

• A weekly check-in to review the week ahead

These habits remove daily decision-making and reduce mental load for everyone.

Let the System Evolve

No family schedule stays the same. Activities change, children grow, and routines shift.

If something feels difficult to maintain, it’s usually a sign the system needs simplifying — not that you’re failing. The best organisation systems are flexible, realistic, and easy to adapt as life changes.

Calm Isn’t About Doing It All

An organised family schedule doesn’t mean every moment is filled or every day runs perfectly. It means everyone knows what’s happening, when it’s happening, and what’s expected — without stress or constant reminders.

When schedules and spaces work together, mornings feel calmer, communication improves, and home life flows more easily.

Need help setting up family schedules, organising school routines, or creating systems that actually work for your household?
Get in touch to book a home organisation consultation and let The Organised Atelier support you with calm, functional systems tailored to how your family lives.

Luxury Travel Packing Essentials: How to Stay Organised on Holiday

Annual family Christmas in New York? A much-needed dose of winter sun in the Maldives? Whether you’re skiing in St Moritz, sunning in Providenciales, or packing up the car for a cosy Cotswolds holiday, travel often means juggling multiple climates, destinations and people — sometimes all in one trip.

At The Organised Atelier, we believe calm travel starts before you leave home. With the right organisation systems in place, your suitcase becomes intuitive, accessible and easy to maintain — allowing you to reach for what you need without unpacking everything along the way. Below, we’re sharing our favourite elevated travel organisation essentials to keep your holiday packing beautifully in order, wherever the season takes you.

Packing Cubes: The Foundation of an Organised Suitcase

Packing cubes are the backbone of a well-organised suitcase. We think of them as portable drawers — each category has a designated place, making it easier to pack, unpack, and repack throughout your trip.

They’re particularly useful for:

• Multi-city travel

• Packing for different climates

• Family holidays where multiple suitcases are involved

Our Go-To Picks

July – Packing Cubes 
Clean, modern and beautifully made, July’s packing cubes strike the perfect balance between luxury and practicality.

Away – Packing Cubes for Kids
Waterproof and durable with a quiet, premium feel. These cubes maintain their shape well and are ideal for longer trips and add a pop of fun in your suitcase.

Tropicfeel – Smart Packing Cube 10L
Perfect for carry-on only trips or city hopping, these compression cubes reduce bulk while keeping categories neatly separated. A great option for ski trips or layered packing.

How we use them:

• One cube per clothing category (daywear, evening, loungewear, ski layers, swim)

• One colour or monogram per family member

• Smaller cubes for children to keep outfits grouped and easy to access

Clear Zip Pouches: Calm Category Control

Clear zip pouches are one of our most relied-on travel tools — especially when travelling as a family. While simple, they are incredibly effective for category containment.

They’re ideal for:

• Swimwear

• Medications and first aid

• Chargers and small electronics

• Snacks, goggles, hats or ski accessories

Being able to see exactly what’s inside means no rummaging, no repacking, and no frustration.

Our Preferred Sources

Muji UK – Clear EVA Zip Cases
Minimal, functional and well-made, Muji’s clear cases feel intentional rather than disposable and work beautifully inside both suitcases and carry-ons.

Clear Zip Pouches (Various Sizes)
We often use a range of sizes so each category has its own “home” — particularly helpful when packing for children.

Tech & Charging Organisation: Less Scrambling, More Calm

Loose cables are one of the quickest ways for a suitcase — or hand luggage — to descend into chaos. A dedicated tech organiser keeps everything accessible, protected and easy to find.

Our Favourite Options

Bellroy – Tech Kit / Tech Kit Compact
Understated, beautifully designed and highly functional. These kits hold chargers, adapters, power banks and headphones in one streamlined case, making airport security and hotel unpacking far simpler.

Native Union – Tech & Charging Organiser
Design-led tech accessories that feel elevated and intentional. Their organisers and charging kits are ideal if you want something functional that also looks considered.

Universal Travel Adapter
We always recommend one shared family adapter stored inside the tech kit — particularly important for international and multi-country travel.

Additional Travel Organisation Essentials We Always Recommend

These thoughtful extras make a noticeable difference, especially on longer trips or family holidays:

• Shoe & Laundry Bags
  Keep worn clothes or bulky footwear contained and separate from clean items.

• Family Document Pouch
  A single place for passports, boarding passes, insurance documents and travel confirmations.

• AirTags for Checked Luggage
  Added peace of mind when travelling internationally or checking multiple bags.

Calm, Organised Travel — Wherever You’re Headed

Whether you’re travelling with children, hopping between cities, or heading somewhere far-flung for the holidays, thoughtful packing systems allow you to move through your trip with ease. And if a Christmas staycation is in the cards this year — whether you’re hosting at home or simply carving out time to rest and recalibrate — these elevated travel essentials also make beautifully practical gifts, even for the most organised jet-setter in your life.

One-Day Unpack in Primrose Hill: A Wardrobe Worth Showcasing

How we transformed a fashion lover’s new home — in just one day.

Moving into a new space is always exciting, but for one Primrose Hill client — a true fashionista with an enviable collection of clothing, shoes, and handbags — it also meant facing the daunting task of unpacking and organising it all.

With a new flat featuring beautiful built-in wardrobes and generous storage, the foundations were ideal.
She simply needed a thoughtful system to bring it all together — quickly, beautifully, and intuitively.

That’s where The Organised Atelier stepped in.

A Fast-Paced, One-Day Transformation

We approached this project with precision and pace — unpacking and styling an extensive wardrobe in a single day.

From the moment we arrived, our focus was on creating structure without sacrificing style.
Shoes were grouped and displayed to highlight her remarkable collection, while handbags were arranged by size and use — transforming storage into subtle display.

Every rail, drawer, and shelf was mapped out with intention:

• Everyday pieces arranged by tone and texture for visual calm.

• Eveningwear and statement items separated and elevated.

• Accessories and seasonal pieces contained elegantly, ensuring everything had its place.

The result? A wardrobe that feels both personal boutique and perfectly practical.

Where Style Meets System

What made this project special was the client herself — a woman with incredible taste and a clear sense of her personal style.

Our role was to bring that personality forward through organisation:
to turn her new wardrobes into spaces that celebrate her love of fashion while keeping her daily routine effortless.

By the end of the day, every shoe, bag, and garment was perfectly placed — ready for her to enjoy, wear, and admire.

Because sometimes, all it takes is a single day to turn a new house into a home — and a collection into a curated story.

Creating Space for What Matters

Whether it’s a one-day unpack or a full-home move, our process blends efficiency with elegance — creating systems that support your lifestyle and reflect your style.

📩 Get in touch with The Organised Atelier to learn more about our one-day unpack services.

Our First Industry Event: Highlights from the Home Life & You Show

Back in October, we had the pleasure of attending the Home Life & You Show in London — one of the biggest and most inspiring events in the home organisation and interiors calendar. As a new business, it felt like the perfect moment to immerse ourselves in the wider industry, meet the people shaping it, and explore the innovations elevating how we organise and live in our homes.

Freshly welcomed as new members of APDO (Association of Professional Declutterers & Organisers), we were especially excited to visit their booth. It was wonderful to connect with fellow organisers from across the UK, learn more about the community, and begin building new relationships. We even took part in the APDO “How Fast Can You Organise the LEGO” challenge — a fun (and surprisingly nerve-wracking!) moment to show off our skills under pressure. The warmth, openness, and shared passion for helping people create calmer, more functional homes made us feel immediately at home.

As we explored the show floor, we discovered an inspiring mix of small home-grown businesses, clever new organising tools, and established brands showcasing the latest products in home improvement and interiors. From beautifully designed storage solutions to innovative tech supporting everyday living, it was exciting to see how much creativity goes into making homes more intuitive, joyful, and functional.

One of the standout moments of the entire show was the opportunity to see Marie Kondo speak live. Her gentle, thoughtful approach to creating joyful, intentional spaces has influenced so many of us in the organising world, and hearing her in person felt truly special.

Attending the Home Life & You Show was the perfect way to mark the beginning of our journey with The Organised Atelier. We left feeling energised, connected, and even more committed to helping clients create systems that bring clarity, ease, and beauty into their everyday lives.

We can’t wait to return next year — and hopefully with even more friends in the organising community by our side. A special thanks to APDO for making us feel so welcome into the organising community!

A Subtle Refresh: Creating Calm in a Beautiful Family Home

Not every project calls for a full overhaul — sometimes, it’s about the edit.

Our St. John’s Wood based client, whose home already exuded warmth and style, reached out for a gentle refresh: a few key cupboards in the kitchen, master bedroom, and children’s room that had started to feel a little unruly amidst daily life.

Together, we refined rather than reinvented — restoring order, flow, and that unmistakable sense of calm that comes when every item has a home.

In the kitchen, we focused on efficiency and aesthetics: aligning categories, containing loose items, and creating intuitive zones for everyday cooking and entertaining.

In the master bedroom, we introduced subtle systems to support the rhythm of her mornings and evenings — from jewellery trays to a more intentional wardrobe layout.

And in the children’s room, we built practical yet beautiful containment for toys, books, and clothing — easy for little hands to maintain.

Sometimes the most rewarding transformations are the quietest ones.
A touch of structure, a dash of styling, and a renewed sense of ease in the spaces that matter most.

Ready to refresh your own home?
Whether it’s a single cupboard or a full household project, The Organised Atelier brings a refined, design-led approach to creating space for what matters most.
📞 Get in touch to schedule your consultation.

Creating Space for a Growing Family in St. Johns Wood

A nursery designed to make room for two.

When Danie and her husband reached out to us, they were preparing for the arrival of their second child — and their St John’s Wood rental flat wasn’t quite ready to welcome a new baby.

Their toddler son’s bedroom felt cramped and cluttered, with awkwardly shaped rooms, underused closets, and overflowing shelves. Like many growing families, they needed more than space — they needed a system.

That’s where we stepped in.

From Cluttered Corners to Clever Solutions

Our first focus was the closets. The existing built-in shelving wasn’t serving the family’s needs — in fact, it was creating more chaos than clarity.

By removing the fixed shelves and inserting temporary dressers inside each closet, we introduced essential drawer space and a clear division of storage: one side for their son, one for their soon-to-arrive daughter.

Every inch now works harder — beautifully and practically.

Taming the Toy Explosion

The open bookshelves were overflowing with toys, books, and keepsakes — all without structure.
Using a curated selection of baskets, bins, and bookstands, we transformed the chaos into calm.

Now, every item has a home — making it easier for their son to play, tidy up, and grow in a space that supports his independence.

A Nursery with Heart

To bring warmth and personality to the room, we added soft baby-animal wall decals — a small change with a big impact.
The result? A space that feels intentional, inviting, and ready to evolve as the family grows.

Because sometimes preparing for a new chapter means more than decluttering — it means creating space for what matters.

Expecting a new arrival or simply need a home reset?
We help families reimagine their spaces with practical systems, soft design touches, and zero stress.

📩 Get in touch with The Organised Atelier to learn more.

Marylebone Move: Turning Chaos into Calm

The Challenge

How we helped a busy couple unpack and create order across their new London home.

Moving homes can feel exhilarating — and exhausting.
When this Marylebone couple reached out to us, they had just moved into a beautiful three-bedroom home and were surrounded by boxes, travel bags, and an overwhelming to-do list.

Between demanding careers and frequent international travel, finding time to unpack — let alone create systems that would actually work — simply wasn’t realistic.

That’s where we came in.

Four Days to Functional

Over the course of four focused days, The Organised Atelier turned the couple’s new space from a maze of moving boxes into a calm, intentional home.

Our brief was clear:

Make the space liveable, intuitive, and tailored to their lifestyle — quickly.

We began with the kitchen, often the heart (and chaos) of a move. The cabinetry had tricky depths and uneven shelving, so we implemented modular drawer inserts, custom-fit baskets, and zones for daily-use items.
Now, every utensil, plate, and pantry item has a designated place — designed to keep up with their busy rhythm.

Bedrooms that Breathe

Next, we turned our attention to the main bedroom — a serene escape for two people constantly on the go.
By introducing thoughtful drawer dividers, concealed storage for travel essentials, and seasonal wardrobe rotations, we created systems that make dressing and packing effortless.

No more rummaging before a flight — everything is visible, folded, and ready.

Bathrooms & Beyond

Bathrooms can be deceptively complex, especially in central London flats where cabinetry is limited.
We implemented tiered drawers and under-sink organisers to maximise every inch while maintaining a clean, minimalist aesthetic.

The result: easy morning routines and streamlined storage — even in tight quarters.

Workspaces that Work

The remaining two bedrooms were repurposed as dual home offices, designed to support productivity and balance.
We applied OA’s same design logic — visual calm, practical order — to each workspace, incorporating labelled storage and desktop containment that blends function with elegance.

For a couple constantly moving between time zones, coming home to clarity was essential.

Creating Space for What Matters

By the end of the week, the home was no longer just unpacked — it was organised with intention.
Every drawer, surface, and cabinet now supports the way this couple lives and works.

Because at The Organised Atelier, we believe moving in should feel like a fresh start — not a fresh layer of stress.

Planning a move?
We help you unpack, settle, and style your home so you can focus on everything else.
📩 Get in touch with The Organised Atelier to learn more about our move and unpack services.