A Tisket, a Tasket

Whether large and round or small and square, woven, wicker or splint style, baskets are Tara Crabtree’s favorite accessory, and she collects all varieties. Here is just a sampling of the handy ways she uses these versatile vessels in her Russellville, Kentucky, home for practical and decorative purposes:

Floral foundations.

Whether hosting a loose bouquet of silk or dried flowers or camouflaging a vase full of fresh blooms, small and medium-size baskets can serve as ideal foundations for petite arrangements or larger dining room centerpieces.

Handy hideouts.

Stash miscellaneous small items in baskets to keep a space free of clutter without disrupting the

design aesthetic. Station some in the bath to hold toiletries or towels, in the office to collect writing supplies or reading materials, and in the kitchen to contain utensils, spices or cookbooks.

Stowaways.

Big baskets are perfect for storing and displaying large textiles, such as quilts, coverlets, pillows and other linens—making them functional as well as decorative.

Just for show.

Call attention to the shapely form and texture of baskets so they can be appreciated on their own merits. Take advantage of ceiling beams, peg rails and wreath holders over doors to exhibit favorite examples.

Fabulous frames.

Position a large tobacco basket or other flat basket on a wall and use it as a decorative shelf to showcase a piece of artwork or a small collectible.

Colorful stacked firkins balance the larger cupboard in the opposite corner of the dining room. A close friend crafted both the hanging shelf and dining table from reclaimed wood. A collection of pewter, including candlesticks, a fruit platter and a pitcher filled with flowers, make for a pretty centerpiece when arranged on a runner, while dark Windsor chairs offset the red and auburn hues of the room.

Below right: A large basket hanging on a wall in the front hall makes for a clever nook in which to display a framed sampler or other favorite piece. Stacked boxes add visual interest in addition to surface space for exhibiting a special trinket or antique. 27

Right: A portion of Tara’s prized ironstone collection lines the shelves of an antique cupboard in the front hall, where she intersperses larger pieces, including a platter, tureen and pitcher, with smaller dishes, both stacked and displayed upright, for balance and symmetry. Folded linens on top of the cupboard and a woven basket provide a textured touch.

Below: A small primitive bench, peg rack and wood sign lend the front hall a simple country air. Baskets, crocks and a firkin serve as both storage and decoration. Textiles flow from the peg rack to offer a touch of softness and movement to the scene.