We all have 'things' that we need on a weekly - often daily - basis. They're functional but oh so unattractive. How to hide them is always a creative challenge. Try these tips.
1. Charging station: For phone chargers and I-pods and the like. Most console tables and nightstands have power outlets behind them. If they have a drawer, drill a hole in the thin back, mount a power strip inside the drawer, and run the cord through the hole to the power outlet. Plug in your devices, close the drawer and everything's out of sight. Some devices produce heat, so beware, but often only need 2 hours to fully charge. Of course, you can buy this item as well....
2. Mail storage: Whether it's in an office or left in another room, this 'clutter' element is much-needed and out of sight can often lead to forgetfulness. A simple habit of always placing it in the same location will help you determine whether the storage is a simple decorative folder, an attractive letter sorter, or a closed box.
3. Keys, wallets and change: Your partner come home from work, his pockets are full...after unloading keys, change, a money clip and other paraphernalia, there is a pile of stuff in the kitchen, entry...somewhere. Hiding in a drawer is a reasonable idea, but a more practical solution is a small box or flat canister that works with your decor and is easy to access; on the kitchen table, on the counter, in the entry, or by the bedside.
4. Toilet paper: One of the simplest and aesthetically pleasing storage solutions, for those small baths without room for a cabinet, is a lidded box sitting along the toilet tank. Where possible, a great wall-mounted cabinet will hide many rolls, cleaning supplies and hand towels. If you don't have a tank, add a small glass shelf and then your pretty storage box or basket.
5. Laundry: Some homes have a laundry room that hides baskets and sorting. If you don't have a dedicated space, try something other than a wicker hamper...how about making an old dresser into a laundry hamper by joining the drawers together and creating ONE deep one? This takes a bit of doing, but if you can update and re-purpose that old dresser it can serve as a great hallway piece...add a lamp and art...voila.
6. Toys: A great idea for toys is a dual function ottoman/storage cube. They are inexpensive ($50-100), come in squares and rectangles, the cover is light enough for most 5 year old's to lift, and they can be used as seating also.