You might expect this to be a tutorial about organizing; instead, I want to explore organization as a form of art. A well-ordered space can be as beautiful and satisfying as a painting, offering calm and pleasure simply by existing.
The Beauty of Simplicity
I take real aesthetic pleasure from many corners of my home. Whether it’s a neatly arranged drawer, a labeled spice cabinet, a tidy pantry, or an entire room kept in order, the serenity of a clean, organized space is deeply calming.
Elana’s Pantry
Here is a quick snapshot of my pantry, the namesake of this site.
The jars hold dried herbs such as ginger, licorice, and dandelion; spices like cinnamon, star anise, and pepper; and other pantry staples including poppy seeds, dried orange peel, and whole stevia leaf.
Over the years I collected these jars, often finding them already attached to foods we loved. Some came from organic olives my boys enjoyed, others from almond butter or coconut oil. Save the containers you use frequently and, before long, you’ll have a coordinated set without spending extra money.
Elegant Simplicity
This is my mason jar cabinet. These are jars I bought intentionally and keep stocked for food storage, leftovers, and everyday organizing around the house.
I love the simple cabinet pulls shown here: they feel good, are easy to use, and their understated elegance complements the rest of the kitchen.
People often ask why I have so many mason jars. While some kitchens are full of mismatched plastic containers that require constant rummaging, I enjoy the accessibility and visual order of a dedicated cabinet full of glass jars.
Simple Spice Grid
My spices live in a drawer so I can see the tops of every jar at once. I label the lids so identification is quick and consistent.
A label maker makes neat, uniform tags, but neat hand-lettering is equally attractive. The drawer organizer you see was a custom build from a friend, but it’s a great DIY project if you like building things or can ask a handy person to create one for you.
There’s something rhythmically satisfying about the grid that holds these spices. It’s the most efficient system I’ve used and visually pleasing to boot.
Baskets for Laundry Room Shelves
These baskets on our laundry shelves are both beautiful and highly functional. I purchased mine years ago and they’ve held up well. I label each basket and use them to store everything from compost bags to stain-removal supplies.
My Kitchen
This photo shows a working kitchen: the counters have tools and ingredients out, which is exactly how a kitchen in use should look.
At the same time, the underlying structure of the space is simple and symmetrical. Symmetry brings calm whether I’m designing our home or styling food for a photograph.
I’ve always enjoyed creating spaces that are both highly functional and visually soothing. My taste has been shaped by experiences like Art History classes in college and the influence of people close to me who have strong design sensibilities.
Organization as Art
Art is present in everyday life when you choose to see it. Organization does more than create efficiency—it forms a quiet kind of beauty. What organizing approach in your home brings you the most calm and joy? Share your favorite technique in the comments.