Guest Picks: Dual-Purpose Items for Fall Streamlining
Remote controls, mail, power cords, keys, loose change — do any of these things drive you batty because they are scattered all over tables and countertops? The perfect (and stylish) solution are these horn-covered boxes. They hide a multitude of sins (or at least your partner's clutter).
Reversible. They had me at reversible. A woman doesn't like to be too predictable, and I tend to love something that I can just flip over to create a fresh, new look. I actually own this gorgeous quilt. One side has beautiful and slightly girly details like flowers and dainty graphic patterns, while the other side has bold stripes that instantly update and change the whole feel of the room. Take it from me, this one is a keeper!
I may or may not be slightly drooling over this stool. I have a great bar area in my kitchen, but it's desperately in need of a couple of new stools. Not only does this style come in several nice colors, but it has that trendy industrial look that I've been craving lately. Oh, and did I mention that the seat height is adjustable? Perfect for short kiddos and tall husbands alike.
I can't explain just how much I love the idea of an adjustable lamp. This one adjusts for all of my evening fall projects that need direct task lighting, as well as big get-togethers that need a soft glow for the entire room. Plus, I love the cute, mod styling too.
When I am organizing, I find that I can't ever have too many bins, boxes and storage containers. These unique and attractive wood crates also come with bright orange casters and handles, making them easy to transport.
Flip it — that is, if you get tired of looking at one of the sides. These reversible pillows in soft linen come in packed-for-punch hues that instantly update a room, twice!
I'm going to be perfectly honest with you: I have a bit of a ladder addiction. Not only are they cute and will help you reach things, but you can also hang pretty items like soft throw blankets on them for display and storage at the same time! Even better, they make fantastic space-saving solutions for towel storage in tiny powder rooms.
I'm going to tell you a secret. I have a mail-clutter issue in my home. When I found this box, I knew right where I wanted to install it: on the side of the kitchen island, where the mail can sit for days on end. (Not that there's anything wrong with that.) (I lied. There is something wrong with that.) Now it will have a place, and it shall be put into that place.
This cutting board has enough "wonderful" to make a foodie weep joyful tears. That might seem a bit dramatic, but check it out: It has a hole to sweep tomato stems and onion skins into as you chop, and (wait for it) a pull-out drawer for easy emptying. So not only can you cook like a gourmet chef, but you can clean like Martha Stewart too.
I am head over heels in love with this table. They call it the "secret stasher." The top lifts for hidden storage, and there isn't anybody who can't appreciate that! It's also big enough to play four rounds of Monopoly on.
Hot apple cider and spiced lattes are right around the corner. I tend to sort of go on mug overload with small people in the house wanting hot chocolate in their very own special mugs all day long. I love the idea of keeping the oft-used items handy and working them in with the decor as a cozy display.
I am always so drawn to items that are high in function, hide clutter and look like a statement piece. These storage cubes come perfectly sized for sports equipment, backpacks, coats and all of the other hard-to-organize, daily-use items. My favorite thing is that you can add a customized nameplate to the front, making organization a (cute) snap.
I've been eyeing sectionals lately because I have two children that are becoming long-legged loungers. I need more space at affordable prices, with removable slipcovers for cleaning maintenance. The slipcover on this one is easy and fairly affordable to change out for other colors if you get tired of the look.
This is a genius idea: a rolling cabinet door that hides the television when not in use! I have been wanting one of these for years. And that gorgeous finish will only add textural interest to your room.
This cabinet has a double-duty secret: Not only do the shelves adjust and the doors close to hide clutter, but the shelves also have slats that perfectly stack and store wine bottles for your entertaining needs. Of course, you can use them for other items like pretty dishes or linens too.
This is a cheese board and a serving tray with a chalkboard surface. It's perfect for when you want to get all fancy and show off a little.
I use a step stool in the kitchen and pantry a lot, and so do my kids. The problem is that stools get in the way when not in use, and you tend to bang that really tender part of your shin on them constantly. Not the case with this streamlined, lightweight folding step stool. It can stand up on its own without leaning against anything, so you can tuck it away anywhere.
Seating and storage — my favorite! This bench mimics the look of an antique and has a great little drawer for keys, mail, dog leashes, whatever. Plus, you can easily slide a crate underneath with shoes, hats, gloves or other seasonal items.
I recently used one of these for an ordinary (and ugly) can light above my sink, and it worked like a dream! It adds major function and style in one easy move.Next: September Checklist for a Smooth-Running Home
I am always on the lookout for side tables. Incidentally, I am also always on the lookout for the perfect tray. I mean, everything looks better and more orderly on a tray — not to mention how easy it is to serve snacks and entertain with one. This table is the best of both worlds. The pine side table has a simple design, and the tray is removable. I'll take it!
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