Storage

Creative Book Storage Ideas: From Nooks to Staircases

Creating a Reading Sanctuary: One of the best ways to store your books is within a reading nook. In picture (1) you can see a little nook has been designed right under the staircase – this is a perfect spot for a nook because the sloping stairs makes the space feel cozy. Picture (2) shows a reading nook surrounded by books that looks out of a full height window. Another great way of using that awkwardly shaped space under the staircase is to fit book shelves there (3).

Decorative Book Storage Ideas: Picture (4) shows how a wiring spool can be turned into a side table with book storage. If you want to liven up your wall shelves, one way to do that is to put a frame around it (5). Or how about using alternative materials like a sliced up rock, reclaimed wood, or driftwood to create shelving (6). One DIY idea I’ll be trying soon is to create the countertop book stand in picture (7) – two slabs of wood with a concrete/stone base.

Framing and Function: One thing you can do with your books is use them to frame a part of the room like a doorway, or a window (8). Or how about creating built in shelves that also double as benches (9).

Out of Mind: A reading area with shelves filled with books is a stimulating space to be in. To create a more relaxing room, and at the same time store your books, use a curtain to hide away the shelves just like in picture (10). 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10

September 3, 2013 in Storage

Unique Ideas for Bathroom Towel Bars and Racks

Driftwood makes for elegant DIY bathroom towel bars and holders. There are quite a few ways to go about this. For example, fitting a long piece to the wall will create a bar to hang the towels on as seen in picture (1), or how about having some larger pieces leaning against the wall to act as hanger (2). Picture (3) shows some pieces of wood held together by cord. Or how about using a piece of drift wood as a back plate for some hooks like in picture (4). Another beachside, coastal style hanger idea is to use rope and hooks (5).

A ladder is a great way of hanging up towels in the bathroom (6). You can even find ladders that have shelves that can be used as storage for other items (Ideas for Decorating With Ladders).

If you looking for ways of hanging the hand towels around the vanity and space is an issue, look to put a towel rack underneath the sink (7). Or better yet, attach a railing to the front of the vanity (8). Another space saving idea is to fit rails to the back of the door just like in picture (9), or fit hooks underneath any cabinets or shelves.

Picture (10) shows a quirky way of creating some towel racks. Fitting hangers to the wall upside down lets you hang up a number of towels. 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10

Here are some other bathroom storage posts to get more ideas from:

May 28, 2013 in Bathroom, Storage

Design Guide: Bathroom Shelving Ideas Mood Board

Shelving in the bathroom is often overlooked, but it can play a big role in the style, decor, and how convenient and comfortable the space is.

Vanity Storage: A vanity with storage units underneath is great for saving space as seen in picture (1). Draws work well for keeping items separate and organized. Or like in picture (2) a curtain is an informal way of hiding the shelves.

The Mirror: If you have a small bathroom it would be best to get a large mirror with a great frame, instead of having one that sticks out and has a medicine cabinet behind it. Check out my post here for more mirror ideas: Designer Bathroom Mirror Ideas: From Lighting to Framing.

An Island: If you have a really large bathroom space, a great furniture piece to have would be an island (3). This is great for storage, lets you have countertop space, and makes everything a little bit more convenient.

Unique Ideas: Some unique bathroom shelving ideas include having a shadow box mirror like in picture (4), a portable shelf that can be used for the bathtub (5), or take a look at the shelves that divide up peoples bathroom amenities in picture (6). Another great and unique shelving idea is to instead of storing towels on a shelf or hooks, use a ladder (7). If you want to get crafty and go DIY, A Merry Mishap has a great tutorial on how to make your own ladder rack.

Decor and Style: One thing to remember is that your shelves and what you put in/on them can be a part of the bathroom’s decor. Rolled up towels, decorative items, glass jar containers, and plants can all be shelved and used to decorate the room. One way to do this is to have open shelves, or like in picture (8) have glass cabinet doors. These can also have lights in them to showcase the items even more. Other options when it comes to the cabinet doors is to have them completely covered, or have them frosted (9). 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9

May 23, 2013 in Bathroom, Storage

Vintage Storage and Organization Ideas

When it comes to storage ideas with a vintage style, some things to look for are pieces made out of metal (galvanized or with a porcelain enamel), wicker, or glass.

The Elegance of Glass Pieces

Storing anything in glass jars really recreates that vintage look and feel as seen in picture (2) – this is because we all use inexpensive plastic containers these days. In our vintage kitchen storage post we talked about how you can put your own vintage labels on these glass jars and containers to keep everything organized. Perfume bottles, mason jars, and milks bottles are some other glass storage containers that will look great up on a shelf.

The Porcelain Enamel Look

Metal containers with a porcelain enamel are good looking storage pieces to have too – just like the kitchen containers in picture (3). Galvanized buckets and tins as seen in picture (4) can be used to house plants, as trash cans, or just to group items.

Storing in Wicker Baskets and Trunks

Wicker and wire baskets (5) are great to have. Having a number of them side by side creates a decorative feature in the room. These baskets can be lined with a vintage patterned fabric or with a fabric that has a laced edge. Other unique vintage storage ideas include hat boxes as seen in picture (6).

In our vintage bedroom decor post we showed a picture of a birdcage being used to store books. These cages can also be used in the bathroom to house toilet paper rolls, in the living to house small plants, or again in the bedroom as a hanger for jewelry (7).

Wicker hampers and trunks are ideal for storing larger items like toys, pillows, laundry, or towels (9) (10). A good thing about them is that they are lightweight. In picture (11) a weathered painted trunk is being used as a side table. Trunks and crates can also be used as side tables, coffee tables, even shelving (12), or storage containers (13). Another storage idea for keeping large items like jackets in the foyer, shoes, or gardening equipment is a locker.

1. Suitcases: $83.30 Wayfair | 2. Pail: $72.33 Wayfair | 3. Wire Basket: $64.51 Wayfair

4. Set of 3 Crates: $26 Amazon | 5. Set of 4 Trunks: $248 Wayfair

6. Set of 3 Wire Baskets: $216 Wayfair | 7. Wicker Basket: $35.99 Amazon

8. Set of 3 Planters: $120 Wayfair | 9. Keepsake: $75 Wayfair | 10. Set of 3 Buckets: $62 Wayfair

11. Bowl: $40 Wayfair | 12. Enamel: $9.99 Amazon | 13. Jar: $16.50 Amazon

14. Bottle: $4.25 Amazon

Hubsch is a great Danish shop where you can buy vintage looking wicker baskets, wire baskets, bird cages, watering cans, and glass jars. The picture of the shelved wicker baskets above is from their Home Interior and Design catalogue.

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12/13