interiors: corralling the mess

I'm a big believer that everything in your home must have a purpose. A house is for living. 

Bathrooms and kitchens, without a doubt, are the biggest test in this arena. There are so many necessities. Necessities that can't always be tucked out of view. And I have seen many a picture perfect kitchen in design magazines, with cleaners in refillable, design quality containers. But, really, who is doing that? Not me. 

My workaround is to group things on small, cute trays. I bought this cheap, plastic Hawaiian print plate as part of a set for picnicking years ago. Though it never made it out of the house, it now serves as a gathering place for all of my cleaning necessities (and is easy to throw in the dishwasher when it shows a little wear and tear). This cleaning vignette is a charming solution, if I don't say so myself.

My cleaning favorites include Mrs. Meyer's Lavender Liquid Dish Soap for those hand-wash-only dishes, Method Sweet Water hand soap, Crate & Barrel's Basil & Pear Counter Spray (smells oh so good), and J.R. Watkins Natural Apothecary Creme de Citron lotion (because hands always get a little dry post-dishes).