Happy Saturday! Grab a cup of coffee and snuggle up in your favorite seat of the house as we chat about all things home, life, and randomness.
Today’s Morning Coffee is going to be a little different than usual. Because today I want to continue a conversation that we started in Instagram Stories this week about functional vs. aesthetic organizing. I put up an open-ended question box asking viewers how aesthetic organizing made them feel, and the responses were so incredibly varied. And a little surprising, too!
So this morning I want to share some of the replies, then I’d love for us to continue the convo in the comments section. I am so interested in this topic and I plan on making some blog posts and videos very soon for both types of organizing methods.

Q: How Do You Feel About Aesthetic Organization?
“I like the look but with two small children it’s just impossible!” -Kim
“Perfect organization- just the thought of it- stresses me out.” -Lori
“It makes me feel more in control of my life when work and other stuff goes haywire” -Khaila
“I despise it! Real life isn’t picture perfect!” -Jen
“It makes me feel calm. I watch videos of it to relax.” -Elly
“Love it! But [it’s] not always possible with real life – so I find small areas to keep cute.” -Sarah
“Calm to watch and stressed to mimic.” -Mari
“It makes me feel calmer. I’m working toward it right now, but with two boys and a husband, four dogs and a chronic illness, I struggle with it hard. That’s why I follow you!” -Sarah
“Perfect organization = organization that makes sense for you/your household.” -Afshawn
“It’s sterile” – Shelley
“Definitely makes me feel calm but it has to be functional. If not, it gets stressful.” -Mansi
“Stresses me out! Because each family’s space is different so you can’t just copy and example.” -[Anon.]
My partner has ADHD so [aesthetic organizing] doesn’t work. I just make it as pretty as possible.” -Chelsea
“It stresses me out!” -Jennifer
“All those shows add bins to drawers with only a few things in them. If I had that little…” -Laura
Your turn! Share your thoughts below in the comments. These answers not only get a conversation going about what being Organized-ish really is, but it also helps me create more content tailored to your own preferences. And check back next week because I reorganized my bathroom two ways to show both styles on two different budgets. Can’t wait to see which one you like better!
Cheryl says
I organize first for function using whatever I have on hand – and usually fine-tune a few times until it works for us. Then I think about making it pretty – replacing the mish-mash of cardboard boxes with bins that fit the space better, match each other and are pretty.
But the label-maker gets a workout at every stage of the process!
Lela Burris says
Yes!!! That is the best system! Love that you recycle things you have first then replace later. That’s what I’ve always suggested to my clients too. Sounds like you’ve got a great method going!
Cassie W says
I organize to have it look good. Love looking at beautiful organized stuff. But, that does not mean my skills make functional. Functional is more important.
Lela Burris says
So true Cassie! It’s definitely a form of decorating and design, I agree with you. But I also agree that functionality is more important. You’re spot on!