Posted by
Mia Rodak, Website Manager
Friday, February 12, 2010 2:03 PM EDT
A couple of weeks ago Alicia wrote this great post about her favourite kids' rooms. I loved it because I have a kid! And she has a room! And although she just turned two last month, somehow we've accumulated at least 20 years worth of her books and toys, crammed in various places around my snug little downtown condo. Frankly, she's taking over. And I love her, but she can't have all that space! Needless to say, I've got storage on the brain and wanted to take this opportunity to share some of the desperate solution-based research (read: online shopping) I've been indulging in over the last little while.
Just so you know, I take a lot of pride in my girl's room and want to avoid filling it with utilitarian shelves, crates and hooks. Creative, playful and imagination-inspiring (in the kid) solutions are more my style, and though some of these are not the most affordable options, I do think their basic idea can provide you with a good starting point. The most important thing is to have a clear idea of what you want. Once you have that, there are options at every price point to realize whatever you decided upon.
Benches and Toy Boxes
Clockwise from top left: Turner Toy Chest, Pottery Barn Kids; Oeuf Classic Toy Store, Ella and Elliot; 3 Cube Bench, Land of Nod; Fuji Toy Box, Ella and Elliot
A sturdy, classic toy box will not only serve a most utilitarian function in your child's room, but if you spend a little extra for a nice touch like monogramming, it will become a treasured heirloom as well. The Oeuf Toy Store is simply beautiful and functional design and, particularly if you have room at your entrance way, a bench will make bundling up easier and tidying up a breeze.
Shelves
Clockwise from top left: Oeuf Classic Mini-Library, Modern Karibou; Under the Big Top Storage Tent, Land of Nod; Classic Shelving, Pottery Barn Kids; Catalina Magazine Rack, Pottery Barn Kids
Shelves in various sizes are a necessity in all rooms, but especially crucial in a kid's room. I love the big top tent for an affordable option that can easily hide what's stored behind, and because shelf space is usually at a premium in a child's room, the pretty display ledges from Pottery Barn Kids are a great way to showcase keepsakes and treasures.
Baskets and Bags
Clockwise from left: Canvas Storage Collection, Pottery Barn Kids; Nod Canvas Carry All, Land of Nod; ; Rattan I Am Storage Collection, Land of Nod; Dwell Studio Storage Bin, Modern Karibou
I'm obsessed with sturdy yet flexible cotton and canvas bags. They can hold so much more than a square basket or box, fit into almost any available nook of space and are easy to transport from one area to another in your home. The smaller canvas tote from Land of Nod is perfect for transporting and storing library books. Of course, the classic look of rattan baskets can do no wrong and look lovely and gender-neutral enough to work in any nursery, be sure to invest in the liners though, or clothing and delicates will snag.
Hangers, Hooks and Pegs
Clockwise from top left: Flower Hang Ups, Land of Nod; Bagis Childrens' Coat Hangers, IKEA; P'Kolino Clothes Tree, P'Kolino.com; Polka Dot Hooks, Pottery Bark Kids
In my house clothing, shoes and purses are becoming major players in the way my daughter entertains herself, so having some items accessible for her to dress up in or use on her dolls is the best way to avoid her pulling out every item from her neatly packed and well organized drawers. Hang some favourites on fun hooks that are reachable by tiny hands and you might save yourself a lot of refolding in the future!
Fun and Creative
Clockwise from top left: Fabler Anka Wall Pockets, IKEA; Sabrina Elephant Basket, Pottery Barn Kids; Pack Your Bags Mini Suitcases, Land of Nod; Stack-A-Buddies Storage Unit, 1888Toys.com
This one is a no-brainer. Find some cute and creative ways to store toys, especially things that appeal to your kids, and tidy-up time will suddenly become a whole lot easier. What kid won't want to toss their favourite plushies into that elephant? And the stackable circus is basically a toy in and of itself.