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When we brought our daughter Stella home in August last year, everything seemed so tiny: her shriveled feet, the newborn-sized diapers, the crib next to our bed (which she never slept in). In no time – all the cliches are true – she is a solid mass in my arms, with a full head of curly hair at the nape of her neck. Sob. And what else has grown exponentially? The amount of Things take up every room in our house. Luckily, my favorite kids storage solutions are stylish enough to play anywhere. —Lindsey Mather, digital director
On board: Hide and seek
When we arrived from Manhattan, my husband and I reveled in the spaciousness of our first suburban home. But today, we’re bursting at the seams. The culprit: Stella’s toys (and books and sippy cups and bathing suits…), which quickly overflowed every box and basket we could get our hands on. In an effort to coexist more peacefully with baby stuff as we head into year two, I’ve been collecting ideas to improve our orderliness—and they’re all applicable to adult clutter, too.
Nine ways to get the chaos under control:
- My secret to keeping my bath tub tidy is a caddy. And why would I use a kid-friendly version when there’s this corrugated brass option (which is just as functional!)?
- Instead of plastic containers, I keep all of a one-year-old’s supplies (baby food bag lids, little baby nail clippers) in pretty little bowls, like this marbled tray.
- Changing tables are a temporary solution, but take up a lot of space in the meantime. Graphic designer Swantje Hinrichsen built one above her bathtub, complete with shelves And a peg rack – brilliant.
- A more elegant version of the canvas baskets often seen in bookshelf compartments, these wicker baskets also make it easier to find that toy (or tablecloth or charger) you’re looking for.
- Speaking of which, we have this bookcase in Stella’s nursery, but I’m thinking of moving it downstairs since that’s where we spend most of our time. It’s painted a muddy taupe so no one would guess it came from the kids’ section.
- If all else fails, reach for toys that can be used as decoration. This visually unobtrusive rattle makes both Stella and me happy.
- If I am really determined, I will follow Ciara Kenaston’s example and remodel our guest room so that it can also be used as a playroom, so that I close the door on the chaos. The decisive factor is …
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