I am all about pretty things that are in order. That is definitely what lights me up! Decluttering and order also play a huge part in how I parent and how I lead. In fact, it has changed my life and provided so much more clarity. So much so, I thought I would share some of my tips with you. Hopefully, you can find some of these things helpful to boost your mood and clarity too! I think we could all use a little joy injection into our day!
Color Coded Book Shelves – Ok, I know some of you will debate and say, “But how do you find anything?” The truth is, I just know my books really well and what color they are so I have no trouble finding them. However, it does take some getting used to but it is oh so pretty and is a conversation starter which often leads to laughter and joy. Now, that is a reason to go out and color code your bookshelf! I organize them by color and by zones. For example, I have a color coded non-fiction and fiction zone, research material, and professional reading.
Pillows – I have pillows on all of my chairs and they are fancy, colorful and non-expensive. Yes, just like my home, they get thrown on the floor but they bring an instant pop of color and freshness to your office. The kids love them! They even use them as a comfort tool when they are feeling a little off. Win-win with pillows!
Fake Plants – I know that I should have said real ones but let’s face it, I struggle with keeping them alive. So….fake plants it is! Adding some greenery to your school in common spaces or your office always instantly adds an earthy element to a pretty sterile canvas. We need to jazz up our schools any way we can!
Diffusers – If you are smell kind of a person, then you know all of the odd smells that pass through your halls in a day. I always have a diffuser going in my office to help combat the stinky odors and they instantly perk me and whoever walks through my office up. They are also therapeutic. Not to mention, diffusers are conversation starters too. People always want to know where the pretty smell is coming from! My favorites are: Peppermint, Yoga, Liquid Sunshine, and Happy Place are some of my favorites.
Fancy Folders – I know we are going more and more digital these days but fancy folders and folder holders are a cheap way to boost the decor in your office or classroom. They add the instant boost and are very useful for storing loose papers or files of any sort.
Clear, Shallow Trays – you can buy these trays in all sorts of sizes and shapes at a Dollar store or at the Container Store if you want to spend more money. I use all different sizes in my drawers to hold pens, sticky notes, paper clips, etc and they really help to give everything a home so they are easily accessible.
Decorative Boxes – I use these for storage and they are a life saver. Teachers use them in classrooms as well to store stuff and they can really make a huge difference in decor. Not to mention they hide the clutter! We all know how clutter can play a major part in overwhelm and feeling unorganized.
Fancy (but Cheap) Carpet – If you have awful colored carpet (like I do) then a cheap, but fancy rug will go a long way to cover it up and make it look cleaner.
Children’s Art and Children’s Quotes In Fancy Frames – Kids can make some pretty amazing things and so often, all it needs is a pretty frame to make it a work of art! Kids love to see their work on the walls!
Now that you have a few of my tips to up your leadership decor game, you can start to feel a little lighter a more joy about the space that you work in. It really does affect your mood, your energy, and other people as well! Be sure to share pics of your new decor in our private facebook group called Principals and Leadership! Happy decorating!
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Even If You Miss..... 