10 Natural Storage Solutions for a Country Home
Keep things neat and natural with smart but relaxed woven baskets
Jo Leevers
26 May 2015
Houzz contributor. I also write about interiors and houses for leading UK magazines and newspaper supplements. Recent work at www.joleevers.com
Houzz contributor. I also write about interiors and houses for leading UK magazines... More
Wicker, seagrass and natural-fibre baskets are easy on the eye as well as the environment. They’re a great storage option when you want to keep spare blankets, logs, shoes or bathroom essentials tucked away but always to hand. Available in chunky or close-knit finishes and a range of earthy colours, baskets are a fresh change from plastic – and will soon weave their spell on you.
Repeat key tones
This oversized log basket works in this space because it coordinates gently with the tones in the mantelpiece and ceiling beams. It keeps a unified look without being at all matchy-matchy, creating calm rather than dissonance.
This oversized log basket works in this space because it coordinates gently with the tones in the mantelpiece and ceiling beams. It keeps a unified look without being at all matchy-matchy, creating calm rather than dissonance.
Soften up boxy storage
This simple white storage unit could feel clinical and unremarkable, but a set of soft and tactile baskets creates an interesting contrast. Baskets are ideal for anything from clothes and shoes to paperwork. The mirror reinforces the look, adding the illusion of yet more shelves and baskets.
This simple white storage unit could feel clinical and unremarkable, but a set of soft and tactile baskets creates an interesting contrast. Baskets are ideal for anything from clothes and shoes to paperwork. The mirror reinforces the look, adding the illusion of yet more shelves and baskets.
Think tall
Stacking your loo rolls in a basket isn’t unusual, but you can still make a statement by going for a standout basket shape. This one is a quirky addition that works well in a tight space. You can fit in all you need, because it’s tall as well as good looking.
Discover smart ways to streamline your bathroom storage
Stacking your loo rolls in a basket isn’t unusual, but you can still make a statement by going for a standout basket shape. This one is a quirky addition that works well in a tight space. You can fit in all you need, because it’s tall as well as good looking.
Discover smart ways to streamline your bathroom storage
Bring beauty in at the back door
Shoe storage can be problematic, but is easily solved with pull-out baskets. Partner them with a run of smaller baskets for gardening or dog walking paraphernalia for a back door area or hallway in which you’ll be happy to linger.
Shoe storage can be problematic, but is easily solved with pull-out baskets. Partner them with a run of smaller baskets for gardening or dog walking paraphernalia for a back door area or hallway in which you’ll be happy to linger.
Learn to love washday
We can’t alleviate the boredom of those daily laundry duties, but when your day-to-day equipment and freshly ironed linens are stored in low-level baskets, it lightens the load just a little.
Check out more lovely laundry rooms
We can’t alleviate the boredom of those daily laundry duties, but when your day-to-day equipment and freshly ironed linens are stored in low-level baskets, it lightens the load just a little.
Check out more lovely laundry rooms
Tuck boxes into the eaves
A loft conversion provides a valuable extra bedroom, but storage that’s tucked into the eaves can be tricky. Built-in cupboards can be hard to access, particularly if there aren’t ample doors. An alternative is to leave the space uncovered and fill it with cool white wicker baskets. They are easy to get into and set an informal, easy-going style.
A loft conversion provides a valuable extra bedroom, but storage that’s tucked into the eaves can be tricky. Built-in cupboards can be hard to access, particularly if there aren’t ample doors. An alternative is to leave the space uncovered and fill it with cool white wicker baskets. They are easy to get into and set an informal, easy-going style.
Pick a similar weave
These baskets stack nicely on top of the twin wardrobes, and work well because they echo the wicker weave of the bed frame. While I wouldn’t usually recommend stashing your stuff on top of the wardrobe (a recipe for clutter), this is an exception, because the owner has thought about coherence and colours.
These baskets stack nicely on top of the twin wardrobes, and work well because they echo the wicker weave of the bed frame. While I wouldn’t usually recommend stashing your stuff on top of the wardrobe (a recipe for clutter), this is an exception, because the owner has thought about coherence and colours.
Add practicality to a bedroom
Whether you have a spacious bedroom suite with a dressing room area or a more compact space, it makes sense to have a receptacle for your daily laundry. Go for a quality-weave basket that works with your scheme. The natural tones of this one coordinate well with the greys and honey-coloured timber for a combination of function and style.
Whether you have a spacious bedroom suite with a dressing room area or a more compact space, it makes sense to have a receptacle for your daily laundry. Go for a quality-weave basket that works with your scheme. The natural tones of this one coordinate well with the greys and honey-coloured timber for a combination of function and style.
Branch out with houseplants
Even foliage can feel at home in a bedroom if it resides in a basket. Place an existing plant pot, sculptural driftwood or faux flowers inside a woven basket to create a natural vibe. The pale timbers, fabrics and headboard in this space are a good match for unstructured baskets; heavy, dark wood furniture would feel too formal for the mood.
Even foliage can feel at home in a bedroom if it resides in a basket. Place an existing plant pot, sculptural driftwood or faux flowers inside a woven basket to create a natural vibe. The pale timbers, fabrics and headboard in this space are a good match for unstructured baskets; heavy, dark wood furniture would feel too formal for the mood.
Mix functional and beautiful
A set of bespoke shelving wraps around this bedroom space, adding cosiness that contrasts with the huge windows showcasing views across the city. The owner has lined the shelves with favourite books plus a mix of decorative, bowl-shaped baskets and more utilitarian numbers, which are perfect for hiding away less beautiful items.
TELL US…
Do you use wicker baskets for storage? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
A set of bespoke shelving wraps around this bedroom space, adding cosiness that contrasts with the huge windows showcasing views across the city. The owner has lined the shelves with favourite books plus a mix of decorative, bowl-shaped baskets and more utilitarian numbers, which are perfect for hiding away less beautiful items.
TELL US…
Do you use wicker baskets for storage? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
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For a basket freak [moi], this idea book is heaven. And useful!
Thank you, Jo Leevers!
Haha - the images aren't exactly of 'country' homes - nonetheless, there are some inspiring ideas - thanks :).
Great article Jo! Big fan of the basket. Laundry baskets tucking nicely under sink unit in ensuite/dressing room. Goldsmith Ave Project.