Toy Storage Solutions
The Eco Look
by Joya Logue, posted on May 16th, 2012 in home, Style
The other week I showed you how we’re reclaiming the living room. However, I realize my style may not be your style. So I thought we’d explore a few different ‘looks.’ Today I asked my crazy creative friend Joya, who has wicked good taste and three active boys how she’s managed to curtail kid/toy/art projects/life-with-kids clutter. Here’s a peek at her finds for the home. xo Jen
I have three boys ages 18mos to 9 years, so we have a varied level of kid stuff throughout our living space. From baby toys and books, to nature collections, art supplies and sports gear.
We have lived in various sizes and styles of homes over the last few years and I have been on a continuous hunt for storage to make sure our living space continues to reflect our style. A few key rules we live by to make this easier:
1. less is more
2. toy & storage design matter and
3. all kids, no matter what age, like to have something of “theirs” to play with in almost every room in the house!
Additionally, with a newly walking toddler, I have to make sure storage is soft and safe for him to move about. So there are a lot of baskets & totes (not just your typical ones either) in our home. Here are my current solutions to keeping things tidy, accessible to the kids and our living space stylish:
1. Large canvas tote bags add style to your décor/room. We throw baby toys and small books in these and they can then easily transport to another room and hang on hooks out of the way.
2. Fabric basket boxes are great for my school age boys to hold their books, sketch pads,nature guides and binoculars.
3. In the kitchen, we store “play kitchen toys” in this stacked basket from Ikea. My little one loves to unstack the baskets and look inside.
4. We keep a low, sturdy shelf, in the philosophy of montessori, accessible for my little one in the kitchen (where I spend most of my time). We keep the items on it minimal and purposeful.
5. Art supplies can be stored in a vintage utility cart.
6. Sports gear fits nicely in a stylish hamper.
7. Finally, my older boys like to collect bits of nature and bring them inside. So with a few vintage glass domes (the kind typically used for cheese) we have created a designated place for their nature display. These also make a great centerpiece on a kitchen table.
