Keeping it Realtor

Bath Stool made from Bamboo

The last thing you want to do is throw out that lovely smelly stuff you got at Christmas just because your bathroom hasn't enough storage space.  Then there's the spare candles, books and ehmmm all that waxing paraphernalia!  Also,if you're thinking about  getting some new storage you'd want something to match that fab bamboo bath bridge (you know the one with the wine holder). 

Well if you were thinking about all that then here's the very thing for you.  It's a bamboo vanity stool with storage compartment. 

 Handy storage and a seat when all that waxing is being done!  Is that just me?

Storage baskets at Habitat

If  you've decided to follow my lead and clear out all your old unwanted  "stuff" then you'll be needing some good storage boxes for the remaining good stuff you want to keep!  Here's a couple of nice storage boxes that are on sale at Habitat.  They're good sizes too and because they're woven you can see what's in them.  On the Habitat site they're calling them kitchen baskets but I think they'd be useful anywhere in the home. 

Painted Toy Box

More storage solutions,  and this time it's for the little people.  They'll love to help you clear up and put their toys away in this fab painted toy chest.   It would make a colourful and fun addition to any nursey and the painted animals are so cute. 

By the way the little people will only love helping you put away their toys until about the age of two, after that they're all about mess!   Enjoy it while you can. 

PS.  This funky toy box originally cost £80 but it's on sale at the moment for £24. 

Byeee....

Tree Coat Rack - Very versatile

I've thought about having a coat rack in the vestibule of my house on and off for years now but I've never found anything that was stylish enough.  Most coat racks look fine when they're standing empty but put a couple of coats on them and they usually look a mess.  Also, they're not handy for the little people because the coat hooks are usually at adult level. 

However, I changed my mind as soon as I saw this  tree coat rack which is not only stylish but with it's staggered "branches" it's ideal for the little people too. 

I've  got a glass door in the vestibule and this fab coat rack would look very dressed up at  Christmas with some twinkly fairy lights wound around it! 

Wash Day Containers

Just have a look at what I found for storing washing powder or washing tablets.  In cream enamel these useful containers certainly look the part and will help to keep washing powder contained and dry.  The large size container comes with a handy scoop. 

                                                                                                                                                       

                                                 

I'm after the smaller washing tablet container as without fail I always seem to make a mess of the cardboard box lid when I open it and I usually  end up having to rip the lid off altogether.  I'm also hankering after the enamel peg bucket just because it's as cute as a .....peg bucket. 

Bedroom Storage - Blanket Box

Now here's a blanket box that I'm really lovin' at the moment.  This lovely wave trunk is made from solid reclaimed elm and has brass fittings.

I especially love the shaped lid which means that not only do you get extra storage you also get some comfortable seating.  So, less clutter and more space in the bedroom. Throw out that old bedroom chair and position this wave blanket box at the end of the bed. 

This is quite a large trunk at W129 x D45 x H46cm and looks great either stained or natural and it would fit in with most bedroom schemes.  It would look fab with the Marimekko bedding set. 

Mackintosh Blanket Box

Inspired by the design of Charles Rennie Mackintosh this handmade blanket box is available in two beautiful finishes and is decorated on the front with handmade ceramic plaques in crackle glaze cream.  There's a waxed polish finish and a French style hand painted finish available and I'd be hard pressed to say which one I like the most.

I have long admired the designs of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and occasionally when in Glasgow shopping I have lunch with my family in The Willow Tea Rooms in Sauchiehall Street which Mackintosh designed from the outside to the inside.  He even designed the waitresses' dresses. 

This simple Mackintosh blanket box is really quite stunning and can only get better looking with age.  Hmm I'm liking the sound of that!

Bedroom Storage

I've been looking at some storage for the bedroom.  I've always had a  hankering for a walk-in closet where there would be a place for everything and everything in its place but I doubt I'm going to get that anytime soon!  However, I have found a really nice hardwood storage bench which can hold a whole lot of "stuff" and can be dressed to match the bedroom.  I like that this storage bench is off the floor which although adding storage still gives the illusion of space.  Nice eh?

Christmas Tree Storage Bags... until next year

Well that's Christmas and New Year over for another year and I hope like me you had a great time.  The only annoying thing about Christmas and New Year is putting on weight is clearing away the Christmas tree and decorations and that's where this storage bag comes in handy.  It fits most artifical trees and has a zipped pocket for lights or decorations. 

Or you may want to try this niffty Christmas tree storage bag.  All you do is arrange the storage bag under the tree during set up and then cover the bag with a tree skirt.  After Christmas gently pull the bag up over the tree and it's ready to clear away.      

Also these clear view storage bags are great for Christmas tree baubles and will mean the husband will spend less time in the attic next year searching for the Christmas ornaments.  They'll also keep all the ornaments together which can't be bad as I've just found a lovely black glass tree that I bought for the table this year and forgot about.  I'm clearing up early this year because I want the house back to normal before I re-start work.  It's not bah humbug, it's just that I've got lots to do and anyway I need to make room for the exercise bike!

Bookshelf ..........not magic.

Up until kids started queuing for the latest Harry Potter books I thought that all they did all day was mope about and play computer games.  I'm glad to have been proved wrong on that one. It's heartening to know that reading is still a passion for many children.   I would love to be proved wrong on the kids are untidy theory but I guess until they all master the wingardium leviosa spell that isn't going to happen.  However, this quirky bookshelf  may go a long way to help them clean up their room and keep a cool image.  This  Sticklebook bookshelf will hold approximately 13 average sized paperbacks and gives the illusion of a row of books being suspended on the wall.  So now the kids can amaze their friends with their cool bookshelf and keep the floor and surfaces free of paperbacks. Now that's what I call cool.