After completing the KonMari® process, Laurel Tincher realized her work went far beyond organizing. It was mentorship. Clients weren’t just looking for someone to tidy their homes; they were seeking clarity, calm and a sense of control during moments of transition. She opened her home to share her experience with Kona Coast Magazine.
My home is a living example of how the KonMari Method® works in real life. I’ve completed the process with my own belongings, and over the past year, I’ve also guided my mom through it, category by category. After relocating to Hawaiʻi from the mainland and spending time settling in, we both realized that some of what we brought with us no longer aligned with the life we’re living here. That realization became an invitation, not simply to declutter, but to choose what truly supports how we want to live now.
The KonMari Method® organizes by category rather than room. We began with clothing, then moved through books, papers, miscellaneous items and finally sentimental pieces. Each stage built clarity, confidence and emotional momentum, which you can see reflected in the spaces photographed.
The first and most foundational step of the process is the closets. Clothing is where we learn how to listen to our intuition and reconnect with our sense of joy. We gathered every clothing item in one place and evaluated each piece individually: what feels good to wear in this climate, what supports daily life in Hawaiʻi and what no longer serves us. What remains is clothing that fits our lifestyle now: breathable, comfortable, fun and functional. Everything has a clear place, is easy to see and easy to put away. This sets the tone for the rest of the home and the decluttering process.
The bedroom reflects calm, rest and clarity. Here, the philosophy is about creating a space that supports restoration. Surfaces are kept minimal, storage is purposeful and only items that contribute to a sense of peace remain. This is where you really feel the mental ease that comes from reducing visual noise. Nothing here feels accidental; it’s all been chosen.
The pantry is a great example of organizing miscellaneous items with intention. After living here for a year, we noticed which tools, ingredients, and systems we actually use and which were simply taking up space. The pantry was edited to focus on what supports daily cooking, entertaining and enjoyment, with clear categories and visibility. It’s functional and calming. When everything has a place, cooking becomes easier and more joyful, not overwhelming.
Some of the photographs show trinkets, decorative objects and art pieces. This stage of the process can be challenging, but it is incredibly important. These items tend to accumulate quietly over time. Each piece was examined intentionally. What remains are objects that truly spark joy.
You’ll notice certain items intentionally left out on display, such as coffee table books, art pieces, and meaningful objects. These weren’t forgotten; they were chosen deliberately. In the KonMari Method®, we don’t hide what we love; we give it a place of honor. These pieces reflect who we are, what inspires us and what we want to be reminded of daily. The home feels personal without feeling cluttered.
The final category, sentimental items, is where everything comes together. By now, it is much easier to identify what truly matters. We were able to keep meaningful items without being overwhelmed by them. What remains is a curated collection of memories that feel supportive, not heavy.
Overall, our home isn’t about minimalism for its own sake; it’s about intention. Every room reflects the same philosophy: choose what supports the life you want to live, let go of what doesn’t, and treat your space as something that works for you. It’s not just about tidying, it’s about creating a home that feels aligned, peaceful and full of joy.
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Each stage built clarity, confidence and emotional momentum, which you can see reflected in the spaces photographed.