Basket Envy Turned Inspiration

Wire basket inspiration from Hunter's First Home.

We've always found that decorating the bathroom is the hardest part for us. There's minimal space for items and art work — we're also renters, so we can't paint or do any renovation. We're stuck with what we've got for now and we've been looking for inspiration on how to spruce it up a bit.

A few weeks ago we spotted the House Tour: Hunter's First Home: An Exercise in DIY. I was immediately attracted because our color palettes are much the same and we're soon to be first time home owners! I came across the bathroom and pretty much loved everything about it. Look at that medicine cabinet with no door and obviously, I especially loved the baskets.

We already have a painting and two small mirrors in our bathroom, so the space above the toilet has been taunting me for quite some time. As soon as I saw Hunter's baskets above his toilet, I knew that I wanted to try it. And believe me, it wasn't as easy as I initially thought it would be.

I searched on the internet, paid Lowe's, IKEA and Target a visit with no luck. I couldn't seem to find similar baskets to the ones in the photo — most likely because Hunter was lucky enough to find his in a Thrift Store! Finally, I went back to Target for something entirely different and found the baskets that are now hanging in my bathroom. They are a bit smaller than the ones Hunter found — but I like them. Who really needs 80 hand towels and wash clothes, we're fine with our handful!

We removed the handles from the baskets and used the slots to hang the baskets with nails. We usually have six wash clothes in the top basket and four hand towels in the bottom. We do actually use them, so after they've been washed we just replace it in the basket. We're slowly realizing that not only is it a unique and interesting element in the bathroom, but it also saved room in our very small linen closet that's located right outside of the bathroom.

What inspirations have you gained from House Tours?

Images: 1&4 Eric Cantrelle of Xdesign, Inc., 2&3 Kristen Lubbe

Comments (13)

Oddly enough I have two of the same baskets Hunter does, except mine have handles (also found in a thrift store, a buck each). I always thought they'd look cool on a wall.

Looks great. It seems like bicycle baskets would work well for this.

I have an old bicycle basket that i hung in my sons room to put blankets in. works great, love the look too.

I'd be concerned that the nails wouldn't hold the baskets up for long -- and that you'd need to use anchors or molly-bolts. Just wondering...

I have the same exact baskets but I keep mine in the garage to hold extra paper towels and toilet paper. I may be moving them now!

I like the effect, but the wire loops for the basket handles that are on the outside edge really bother me. Maybe consider folding them in with a good pair of pliers?

Where did you get the grey niche? Thanks!

I got pretty lucky on finding these baskets at a Thrift store and a then a good friend gave me 2 more, I use the others to hold records. You can see it in the office photos of the house tour.

They are vintage "locker baskets" if you search on ebay or etsy you can find them, they can be over priced though, considering I paid about two dollars for them.

I used two 50 pound picture hangers for each basket and I haven't had a problem with them staying up.

-Hunter

Hunter,
What store specifically did you get your baskets? I remember from your great house tour that you live in Baton Rouge (I feel like a stalker). I live in BR as well and regularly hit up Honeymoon Bungalow and Aladdin's Lamp. I've been out to Denham Springs, but find it all overpriced and not my style. I found a couple of great vases at St. Vincent DePaul. I can't afford Magazine Street in NOLA. My favorite antique stores are actually in West Monroe (Antique Alley).

Is there someplace around I'm missing? I'm willing to drive to find awesome stuff for great prices.

I got one from America's Thrift Store. The other two I got from my friend Kristen. She is also to thank for the Walk / Don't Walk Sign. I don't do much thrift store shopping or antiquing, but when she offered to give them away I quickly took them off her hands.

I try to keep things clean and simple and graphic but throwing in some vintage character is always a plus to compliment it.

I've been trying to figure out a way to keep my washcloths and towels close at hand rather than in my pantry. I was considering towel racks like hotels use, but couldn't find any I liked that were reasonably priced. Baskets are a great idea! If you want to go the wire or chrome route, I did find lots of vintage "locker baskets" on eBay and Etsy, as Hunter mentioned. I also found similar baskets at containerstore.com, organizeit-online.com and organizeit.com. Just search for "wire basket."