What's in the Box

Remote controls are not attractive! My solution? Store them in a decorative box on the cocktail table.

 Organize your desk by keeping pens and pencils in a box.

Keep one on you nightstand for all you nighttime needs.

Create a spot for important papers and stamps and store it all in a box.

Keep a box in the kitchen for loose recipes and take out menus.

Bathroom Supplies

Bathroom supplies need all types of storage. Towels, toilet paper, soap, shampoo, makeup, shaving tools and hair dryers all need a place to go. Sometimes putting all these thing away in drawers or cabinets is the best the solution. But other people need to see their things out and on display. Here are some ideas for displaying your necessities in an effective way.

1. Trays-Mirrored, Lucite, Silver or Porcelain, trays are great for setting perfume, nail polish, make up or brushes.

2. Glass Jars-I love storing cotton balls and Q-Tips in glass jars. You can also store sponges, soap and hair ties in glass jars.

3. Baskets-Baskets are great when you want to store things on your shelves or counter top without seeing the contents inside. They also add a natural and spa like feeling to the bathroom.

4. Bowls and Boxes-Keeping your watches, jewelry or makeup in boxes or ceramic bowls is another option. They keep things together and organized while still within reach. Here are some images that use all these storage ideas.

Blanket Trunks

Who doesn't need extra storage? Whenever I design a new space for a client I am almost always asked to provide storage where possible. Whether its for toiletries, china or bedding, most people need an extra spot for their things. If the style is appropriate blanket trunks are a great place to store summer and/or winter bedding at the foot of a bed. It's great in a guest room too where if an extra blanket is needed in the middle of the night it's an obvious place to look. Here are two rooms that successfully use trunks at the foot of the beds.

Bulhon Design Associates

Sullivan Building and Design Group

Here's a selection of awesome antique and vintage trunks...

Antique Italian Carved Trunk

Faux Bamboo Chest

French Antique Traveling Trunk

Louis Vuitton Trunk

Moroccan Ironbound Coffer

Spanish Colonial Trunk