When chaos reigns
Feeling suffocated by children's clutter? Rein in the
chaos with some simple storage solutions.
Every child needs a space to play; with forward planning it is
possible to accommodate child-friendly activity areas while
retaining your own grown-up identity. So how does one retain an
adult space while catering for the little one who has not yet
learned the subtleties of tidiness and organisation? The answer is
not a simple one: It is about making deliberate design choices and
planning spaces for that extraneous clutter. Spring is the perfect
time to reinvent your living space into one of functional style and
practicality.
Baskets and boxes with lids
This is a great place to start for those who are budget-conscious,
or want quick and simple solutions. There is an abundance of shapes
and construction materials, including PVC, plastic, wicker, cane,
and wood, with each having their own individual attributes. The key
to savvy storage is not only look, but placement: If you store
where the children generally play, then they are more likely to put
things away when they are done!
Floor-to-ceiling cupboards
A great investment, ensure that these are created with extra deep
shelving and doors so that the larger items can be folded and put
away out of sight. Locate children's items on the lower shelves and
your display pieces where little hands cannot reach! If it is not
practical to create cupboard spaces, open shelves are the next best
things - invest in good-quality boxes or baskets with lids; these
are practical and stylish and can hide a plethora of visual
headaches.
Wall-mounted storage
Buggies, umbrellas, boots, and ride-on toys all require space away
from the bedroom but with easy access. The hallway is the easiest
answer: wall-mounted shelves are effective, with space below for
shoes, umbrellas, and strollers. Pegs are a simple means of adding
interior detail, as are large baskets to house shoes and outdoor
toys.
Multifunctional furniture
Finally, there are those whose homes, due to house style and/or
budget, do not allow for ample shelving. In this case aim for
planned "functional furniture" purchases, such as a coffee table
with drawers. The options here are manifold, although quality is
key. Look for items that are safe, will not catch small fingers,
and, more importantly, will withstand the rigours of childhood
play.
From top, left to right:
Lowboy $1345 from Meluka (www.meluka.co.nz).
Baskets $44.95 from Trade Aid (www.tradeaid.org.nz).
Storage elements from $200 from Kartell
(www.backhousenz.com)
Cancun coffee table $999 from Freedom (www.freedomfurniture.co.nz).
Kirstin Bailey is the Director and Designer of Gorgi
New Zealand and is mum to three boys. Anna Church is Creative
Stylist and Designer of Gorgi New Zealand and is expecting her
first child in September. For more information visit
www.gorgi.co.nz
or email info@gorgi.co.nz
As seen in OHbaby!
magazine Issue 7: 2009
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