soft storage baskets

I like these Jenna Rose storage bags because they don't scream "a child lives here."

I can't resist this felt bucket with squirells on it from tinydecor.

brilliant bookcase

I thought I was being clever when I told my husband to build in a temporary shelf for little baby books. I'm stealing this idea and putting my husband to work modifying our shelves. I hate the dead space that the little books leave.

This is the Nurseryworks Storytime single and double bookcase.

PB storage cubes

I am a sucker for storage cubes you can sit on. These are the latest offering from Pottery Barn ($45).

august cookie - fave

Cookie magazine is a fun read. Though I do have to shake my head at them this month for the cover which promises 21 decorating ideas on a budget p. 34, p. 78. When I think budget I don't think $2777 chair, $85 stuffed animal and fabric for $115 a yard budget. This is a $10,000 toddler room (that's just the stuff they listed).

Cookie transformed a bland built in office into a lively storage area. I love the cable rug from West elm. Even I want to roll on it. The leather handles from vandykes really add style. I love the lovely mix of orange, red and hot pink. It gives the room energy. Cookie installed fabric-covered cork panels in the cubbies. Fabulous idea.

eiffel book case

We are knock on wood going to have another baby next March. So I am pondering a move to a two bedroom which seemed like it would solve all our space issues. No more toys in the living room - hooray! My daughter and the new baby will share a room. Then it occurred to me. When the baby is napping during the day, and my daughter is up she isn't going to be able to play in her bedroom. I'm still going to have to have toys out.

I think eiffel book case by argington is a perfect solution for toy storage in the living room. Bonus -it's a nice piece of modern furniture that isn't 2 grand ($630). It's available in four finishes: white, birch, walnut or red maple. You can also make it "two-tone" by selecting different finishes for the doors and case.

Unless she wants to play with her toy kitchen. Maybe we'll put that on casters?

build a closet

I'm pulling all my favorite storage ideas from my design file this week. This is from a bedroom designed by Nate Berkus for O At Home, Fall 2004. Never let yourself be hindered by a rooms lack of closet space. When I clipped this I loved the mirror doors. Now I'm imagining them covered with tiny little fingerprints. The purple did inspire our repainting the "hallway" which is now home to a cupboard filled with my daughters dresses, shoes, toys and bath gear.

When you break this idea down, it's basically a box (wood & drywall) with doors, trimmed with molding. Nate created sections for the clients work space, entertainment center and clothes storage.

alternative closet

One more reason to love Domino magazine. This storage solution is from designer Adrienne Neff and was featured in the October 2006 issue of Domino.

I see this as a do-it-yourself project. Closet companies will charge you a lot of money for laminate shelving that you're going to be hiding behind curtains and a shade anyway. Plus, they won't hang the curtain or shade for you. I use to design for a custom closet company so I'm going to let you in on all you know in designing a closet. Here are the rules:

1. Hanging clothes require 24" of depth. In this situation the side panels next to the bed should be 24" deep so the clothes don't extend beyond it. You don't want to be pearing into the closet from your bed.

2. Folded clothes and shoes only require 12" deep shelves. Don't go deeper than 16" or you'll find you're neat stacks will turn into messy piles.

3. Double hang clothing for maximum use of space. Measure your longest shirt and build to that height (usually at least 36"). Hang pants folded over a hanger so they take up half the space. Long dresses and coats eat up a lot of space. If you must, make a taller section for them, with shelves above - make this a shared space with any long items your spouse has.
4. Put in a bottom shelf to help with keeping dust off your clothes.

5. Personally, I prefer to put shoe shelves on their own or above a section of hanging clothes. Many designers put them on the bottom, but then you're head goes into your clothing as you rummage for a shoe!

6. Drawers require some carpentry knowledge and a lot of measuring to get right. Consider integrating a few store bought drawers if need be. Check out West Elm, IKEA and The container store.

Neff used a roman shade above the bed, and suspended the curtains on a track mounted behind a 12" high valance to create a finished effect.

metal bucket heaven

I love metal party tubs. I look at one and think icy cold bottles of lemonade and beer on a hot summer day. Someday when I have a place to put one I'm getting one from The Machbeth Collection. They have bar none the best selection of buckets, tubs, trays, containers and lunchboxes. There a ton of amazing patterns to choose from, as well as mongramming options.

Today, I am loving these patterns best.





The window boxes would make a stylish planter for any porch. Just the right size for your kids to tend to.

curtained bookshelf

It is so important to have a place for all those toys and books that your child can access easily (so they can learn to put them back). I think this is a great solution for when that space has to be in your adult living space. Let's face it, we don't want to look at toys round the clock. This bookshelf is fitted with a tension rod and curtains that can be easily closed at bedtime.

This was designed by Carrie Naumann for a bakery-inspired theme girls room and featured in Better Homes and Gardens storage for kids' stuff 2007. Borrow the idea and transform a plain bookshelf by trimming the edges with molding that suits the decor of your abode. Hardware stores offer a great array of simple to ornate molding. At the moment, I would paint the cabinet the color of the walls and make bold patterned curtains.

candy jar containers

Pottery Barn is right, these are "perfect for kids’ spaces – from the nursery to the playroom – and great for holding cotton swabs, crayons, treats or toys. The snug gasket top provides an airtight seal. 5 x 8 x 8.5" h." They are available with navy or red lids only. That's nothing a can of spray paint can't fix. $12 each. I just thought they were cute.

Bookcase office-craft center

If you are a crafter like me, or if you want a home office that you can keep from tiny prying hands this is a great do-it-yourself project from Martha Stewart. It barely takes up any space.


I have a wonderful desk and cabinet my husband built for us otherwise I would build one myself (my husband would build for me, that is). I am taking inspiration from the tin bins and plastic containers and how wonderfully organized they look. I find it calming.









Here a few sources for some of the storage containers:
Plastic bead containers can be found at Widget Supply
Beautifully patterned file folders and magazine holders at The Paper Source or See Jane Work







I love the idea of framing a swatch of wallpaper with molding, though I don't care for the one Martha chose. There are a lot of amazing papers to choose from these days. Check out the papers at
ferm Living
Mod Green Pod
Fabric is a less expensive alternative with practically limitless options. I like Amy Butlers fabrics at the moment. My favorite site to peruse fabrics is purl soho. If using a fabric I would attach it to a thin particle board first to prevent sagging.
For building instructions visit bookcase armoire how to on Martha's website.

Lewis Cube

I want four of these bunched together in the living room instead of our hated pine coffee table. We've been dying to get rid of it but we haven't found anything with enough storage in it to be able to trash it. Husband can certainly make the box and wonderbar! they sell just the slipcovers for $24. That's so much better than 4 x $179. Ouch.
Sadness. Garden Gate Green is no longer available. Navy and red don't work for us. I still think this cube is fab. The slipcovers are removable, a necessity. These would be great for hiding, I mean storing toys.
I must say this photo is so nicely styled. The yellow accents in the carpet and the hot pink flowers are just gorgeous with this green. If I close my eyes I'm on vacation at my dream beach cottage. Love when a photo can do that.

lovely storage baskets

Love these catch and carry baskets from lucyandmichael.com. They are big enough for lots of stuffed animals or finally, a place to put all the balls, balls, balls. A little pricey, but so nice to look at.

Via Boxes

I'm filing these boxes in my someday file. Maybe they'll make a bed. Maybe an arts and crafts station. Maybe toy storage... I love the different shapes and colors. My favorite part is that they can be reconfigured as kids grow. That's a must for us. Plus, they are eco-friendly to boot.

P'kolino Play Ottoman - Storage

A little too expensive for me at $189.00 but these P'kolino ottomans look great. They are upholstered with a soft (supple they say) vinyl so I imagine they are pretty kid friendly. The top flips over and converts into a seat or table. I'm into orange at the moment. The more I think about it.... I could stuff them with my babes stuffed animals which are overflowing her storage basket at the moment. This looks nice enough to be in the living room. It could be extra seating when we have people over.... Where is that tax rebate check?