Simple Storage Solutions for 2011!

Happy New Year!!!  One of my favorite things about saying goodbye to year end is also saying goodbye to clutter and reassessing my storage needs.  As much as I love Christmas and its abundance of decor and festivities, I love to pack it all up, scrub my house from top to bottom and organize!  It feels like starting the year off on the right foot.

A common problem in many small homes is storage.  I love to see clever ideas for storage paired with displays and home decorations!

Photos Courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens

These ready to assemble shelves mounted to the wall provide storage for books, CD's and also add to the modern look of this home's decor.  The divided shelves make organization easy, but still look stylish!

We've all seen armoires used for storing many different items, but it looks like art in this glass fronted cabinet! Large prints, vases and books can be stored in this piece of furniture and look lovely.

I love re-purposed furniture!  It makes me feel frugal and clever.  This end table was once wooden closet shelving and now doubles as a craft supply area while CD storage sits on top!  Love it.

Alcoves are often considered troublesome decorating areas in a home.  This homeowner thought outside the box and installed shelving in this alcove.  A perfect way to showcase art and display collections that might otherwise be relegated to the attic.

Peek-A-Boo!  This old desk got a fresh coat of paint and some whimsical curtains and now doubles as a dining room buffet.  The hidden storage behind the fabric holds linens, serving ware and table decorations.

Using your imagination can be the key to organization.  This entry way is fun and creative with a few re-purposed items.  Old air vents were spray painted and hung on the wall to organize mail and letters to the teacher.  A drawer was turned on its side, nailed to the wall and now doubles as a key holder.  And the wooden sectioned shoe rack is neatly labeled for each family member.

Transform a basic table into a multi-use work station by hanging wine racks and baskets under the surface to hold utensils and build a larger shelf below to hold big items like mixing bowls.  Instant kitchen island!

This vegetable bin once held potatoes and onions but is now transformed into a bedside table that holds clothes, but could also be used to store toys or books!

Look for hidden treasures in your attic or at garage sales around town.  You never know what new piece you can reinvent to serve an altogether new purpose for the new year.  Now, go get organized!

~Amber