We like to make the organizing process as easy as possible. That means, implementing systems that are simple to follow--and maintain. It's effortless to toss like items in their allocated basket (all without having to open a cabinet or unzip a bag).
Labeling is important so you'll be able to find items when you need them and put them back when they're not in use. Because baskets cannot be traditionally labeled, this decorative tag with handwriting on the reverse is a great way to identify what's inside.
DVDs, CDs and electronics are kept tidy and neat with the use of baskets. Because these baskets don't have a lid, you can easily locate what you're looking for.
If you don't have much of a pantry for dry storage, decorative baskets on the countertop keep your food looking organized.
Related Organizing Posts
- Color In The Kitchen: Store Tea Towels In A Basket
- Fabric Storage Baskets
- Pantry Organization: Storing Many Half-Empty Bags in One Large Container
[Images from almostbunnies]
100 DIY Ideas for the 3-Day Weekend
Danielle's Charming, Classic Walk-Up
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
White Enamel Flatwa...
How To Cook Fluffy, Tasty Quinoa
Perfect Summer Cocktail Recipe: Honey Bourbon Lemonade
I no. I really dislike this look. My friends and I call it "the mom-jeans solution". Especially the open topped baskets. If you are going to hide a mess you should at least put a lid on it.
kevoncubine - if i tried to organize with open baskets it would definitely look like 90's momjeans. but when its just one basket artfully placed just so (by someone with more artistic eye than i have), i think its chic - however i'm not sure how much organizing is getting done.
I love baskets- if you don't like looking into the open top, put them on shelves just above your eye level. I do this with all of my bath towels, rolled up on end.
I'm enamored with the first image- Is that a framed illustration from Angelina Ballerina? Perhaps Angelina's Birthday? Yay, children's book illustrations as art!
I disagree, kevoncubine. Open baskets do not necessarily have to look messy. Even if baskets are your aesthetic cup of tea, comparing them to "mom-jeans" is pretty condescending.
Yes, of course, this means that I use them. I actually thought this was pretty much a no-brainer, if you like the look.
Yes...I really like baskets and have quite a few. I find them interesting and useful. They hold a lot of my magazines and small collections when they're put away for seasonal rotation. I love the textural (sp?) and rustic look of them.
After fighting with my husband for 5 years about putting his shoes in the coat closet rather than under the credenza in the entry (exactly the same distance from the door), I am happy to try to get him to aim for a basket. It isn't the perfect solution but it is better than my alternative. I guess I am putting on the high waisted mom jeans!
I'm not a big fan of baskets as a whole. But I do have one soft stripey seagrass basket to drop sandals in by the front door and I really love it.
oh jeesh..mom jeans..hahaha..comparison..I know, I know...but I find myself 'sneaking' back baskets to put stuff in over time....uncovered, with nice vintage tea towel over it and all,but....there are super nice and cool baskets out there..made out of high tech looking material or 'low country' simple baskets..natural materials..just NOT plastic..like the HOT PINK plastic ones under my sink: )
I like the convenience of baskets, but I can never get them to work in my household. I realize now that part of the problem has been not labeling the basket, but there's also the fact that it's too tempting to drop anything you don't feel like walking to its actual place in any nearby basket, and they are too tempting to children. At least young children, who love the exercise of taking everything out of a basket and putting it back, but mostly taking everything out. And leaving it lying around.
Does anyone know what where i can find the glass, gasket bottles in the last picture? i live in hawaii and places to find things is limited, so online referrals would be really helpful! thanks!
shockthebourgeois-It looks like the framed illustration might be from The Brambly Hedge series by Jill Barklem which I love. They are little stories about mice. The detailed illustrations are wonderful!
It is brambly bunch!!! love them too!!!
Storage baskets are looking really great. You may also look Ballard Designs. They've quality alternatives.
I used to have a huge collection of really great baskets. At each of my yard sales (about every 3-4 years) I get rid of more. I still have a few but now they're starting to feel really dated. And they're taking up too much space...I'd always used them as storage and as nice touches here and there. Now they only ones I have patience for are the squared off versions that tuck neatly into a white shelving unit. And even those are getting a second thought now...I keep looking for validation to keep them...Yes, I wear mom-jeans...how'd you know!