THE CASE FOR BASKETS
Take inspiration for storage in every room and create an appealing space for all your household essentials
In the past, the first of January signified the start of the decluttering and reorganising season. This year it seems the Christmas decorations have only just found their way back to the attic. My usual tradition of dealing with the overflow of junk around the house during the first week of January has been pushed back, but now I’m ready to tackle the clutter.
I have two small children at home, and I’ve found the best way to keep them from getting into things they shouldn’t is to make sure everything has the best home possible. That means items that get used regularly have to be headed back to a storage spot that makes sense, fits them, and can be popped away as soon as possible.
Baskets are the obvious choice in almost every situation, but I’ve become quite particular when it comes to the baskets I bring in. Baskets come in every shape, size, colour and pattern. But the trick is to find the right basket for the job.
Large baskets for blankets or extra cushions for the living room should be the prettiest of options you don’t mind seeing day in and day out. Big rattan versions are versatile (you could even pop a plant into one!) and fit in with most decor styles, but something with a fun pattern can liven up an otherwise simple space.
One of the best ways to mix up open shelving is to add a few baskets for hiding items that aren’t so pretty to look at. You can decant laundry pods (so long as they’re high up away from small kids) into a plastic basket, or store rags or tea towels in a woven basket.
Open up any of our presses and you’ll find a selection of baskets that help corral plastic storage containers, cookie cutters, or anything that would otherwise spill right out. When I need something for baking, I slide out the basket and use it on the counter until I’m finished.
When I’m done, it slides back in the press, saving me quite a lot of bending in the process.
Of course, throughout the year, belongings move around the house and new storage requirements become clear, so at this time of year, there is always a need for a beautiful new basket.