I work on the theory that if you've got a lot of interesting stuff to look at, no one notices the house is a total mess. And stuff is neatly stacked and shiny surfaces are fairly often shiny. (It helps the illusion.)
Stuff expands to fit whatever space is available.
My other theory of housekeeping can be summed up in one word: tarps. Lots of things can be tarps -- tablecloths, bedspreads -- as long as they look nice and cover things us.
There is NEVER enough work surfaces or shelving for books.