droolicious : storage solutions

BoConcept Storage Bed: Can I Get 3 in Kids' Size, Please?

Aaron Burgess — Wed, 06 May 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Unfortunately for the growing piles of stuff around your kids' current sleeper, the BoConcept Storage Bed is only available in queen size -- but, hey, if you're gonna spring for something deluxe in the kids' room, why not make it an 83" deep bed whose frame lifts to store everything from winter clothes to rainy-day toys? This goes without saying, but the BoConcept bed would be pretty great in Mom and Dad's room, as well.

$1,649 from BoConcept. [Outblush]

Vintage Steel Lockers, Reclaimed and Ready for the Playroom

Aaron Burgess — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:30:00 GMT

Perfectly suited for the family of 14 (or, you know, all of OctoMom's kids), this set of vintage steel lockers would also do just fine for your smaller family unit.

Featuring two larger rectangular lockers surrounded by 12 smaller cubes, the reclaimed, refurbished lockers are ready for everything from toys to art supplies to shoes and socks. We kinda wish there were some way to slap a padlock on each one, but considering the thing stands six feet high, you can always store off-limits items in the upper cubes to keep them from curious hands.

$2,495 from Sundance. [Uncrate]

In the Nursery: We Love Cloudy Days

elizabeth leach — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 16:00:00 GMT

This cloud shelf would be so cute in a nursery. I see it over a bed or over a dresser. Try it on a colored wall, like this one, so it can really pop. Shelf is created from heavy grade metal and is 6" deep with a hook.

Find the Cloud Shelf at Modern Dose for $54.

More Recycled Flip-Flop Storage from Viva Terra

Aaron Burgess — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:30:00 GMT

We flipped for Viva Terra's Flip Flop Bins a few months back, and not just because the bins' material -- recycled flip-flops -- put us in the mind of summer. Now the company has rolled out a circular companion to its rectangular flagship, and like their larger siblings, these bins would be a perfect addition to the mudroom, restroom, or anywhere else where a durable, easily hosed-down storage unit might come in handy.

Each set features two sizes -- a taller, thinner bin and a stouter, slightly shorter one -- and despite their relatively lightweight frames, both bins can handle all the kid-sized snow gear you can pile into 'em.

$94 (regularly $135) at Viva Terra.

The Greatest Storage System Ever Made (for LEGO)

Aaron Burgess — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:30:00 GMT

Box4Blox LEGO storage units have been around for a while, but as so many of us continue to stumble over (or, worse yet, step barefoot on) stray pieces from the holiday LEGO sets that've long since been broken down, these handy little boxes are worth revisiting.

Think of each Box4Blox as a strainer for LEGO bricks: Shake the top tray, and the smaller pieces fall through to the next level. Do the same with the second tray, and the next-smaller-sized pieces drop yet one more level. And so on. When all is shaken and sorted, you've got four neatly organized trays' worth of bricks -- or more, if you buy additional units.

Unfortunately, there's no Box4Blox solution for those odd-shaped, geometrically challenging pieces that seem to be standard in so many modern LEGO sets -- but if you can quickly put order to the gazillion other pieces that are littering the playroom, such quibbles seem minor.

$29.95 for one four-tray storage unit, or $59.90 for a double pack, at Box4Blox.

Keep Rooms Tidy With This Organic Storage Tower

Lisa Estall — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 12:24:00 GMT

Keeping toys stored away in an organized manner can be challenging when you have little ones.

I think this Jax Organic Storage Tower would look nice in the corner of a bedroom or playroom. The fabric is made of...

organic cotton and is stretched over the frame.

The dimensions are: W 14.5 x H 40 x D 16in. You do have to assemble it but once up, you'll enjoy a tidier space!

Price is $159.99 and sold at Oompa.

Window into the Great Toy Box Abyss

Lisa Mulcahy — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 13:28:00 GMT

There are two philosophies on storage and organization. In one camp are those that like to stash and hide and in the other camp those that like to see where everything is for easy access. Myself, I prefer to stash and hide, but here’s an affordable toy box for the other side.

With three separate compartments and a translucent front the See-Thru Toy Box, $129, was designed to keep digging to a minimum. The bottom of most toy boxes is a great abyss where Beanie Babies, scuba Diego and an assortment of happy meal toys mingle into one giant mess. At least this box will let you easily take stock of what’s in there.

In the Nursery: Introducing Orla Kiely for Target

elizabeth leach — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 19:00:00 GMT

I am so excited about the new designer collection at Target from Orla Kiely. Famous for her pop-like, graphic patterns with sophisticated and down to earth color combinations, Orla Kiely's new accessories can be a fun addition to your nursery.

In the collection will be shoe organizers, over the door organizers, tote bags, storage boxes and kitchen accessories for us parents. (yay!)

I hope my local Target will have a nice selection of Orla's new accessories. I've been disappointed in the past to see a designer's collection stuck on a small shelf in a corner of the store. Hopefully, Target won't disappoint with this exciting collection! Find Orla Kiely for Target in stores February 1.

(Thanks Apartment Therapy!)

In the Nursery: New Toy Storage from Oeuf

elizabeth leach — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 18:00:00 GMT

Oeuf's new Toy Storage is all about multi-functionality and thoroughly modern good looks. Bins can lay flat or swivel so kids can reach them easily. Dividers are removable and can be repositioned to store small or large toys. Toy Storage is part of Oeuf's Classic Collection.

The storage unit would work well in the kitchen or office, too. Available in birch or walnut. Toy Storage measures: 19"L x 31"W x 41.5H. Shop Oeuf. (Toy storage is $496)

Cupcake Storage Bags a Sweet Idea

Aaron Burgess — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:00:00 GMT

Besides keeping you constantly hungry for sweets, these cupcake storage bags from KangaRoom have enough space to sock away all the toys and trinkets your little sweetie can stuff into them. The "cake" portion of each bag zips open for easy storage, and the "icing" portion (which allows for separate storage) pulls closed with a cherry-topped drawstring. The medium bag measures 10" tall by 10" around, while the large one (which can also store its smaller sibling until you need it later) runs 13" tall by 12" in diameter.

$24.99 from KangaRoom.

Post-Holiday Toy Storage for Your Pirate Hordes

Aaron Burgess — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 16:30:00 GMT

With the holidays now a fading memory, the last thing many of us are thinking about is what new toys to buy. Finding a place to store all those new toys, on the other hand, may have just become a top priority, and Emma at The Toy Zone has put together an awesome round-up of some well-made wood chests to complement a variety of decorating styles.

My personal favorite -- even if it's out of my price range -- is Powell's oak and mindi-wood "Shiver Me Timbers" chest, accented with antique aged-brass-finished doubloon-style pulls and completed with a real working lock. Ships fully assembled, and at 44 pounds, it's a big'n.

$239 from Amazon.

Resolution Helper #8,357: A Place to Sock Away Those Wii Games

Aaron Burgess — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 21:00:00 GMT

When you're asking kids to make a resolution to clean up after themselves, it's always good to offer them a place to put their stuff -- and for those kids starting their 2009 commitments in the game room, KangaRoom's Gamer Pocket and Carrying Case should come in handy.

Designed for Wii -- note the eight remote and nunchuk compartments on the top section -- the case stores eight videogames in its interior and has room for cables, spare controllers and other accessories in its exterior pouch. Plus you can take it with you: Flip over the pouch, and the case converts to a portable carrier.

$24.99 from KangaRoom.

In the Nursery: Too Many Toys?

elizabeth leach — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 16:00:00 GMT

Did Santa bring too many toys this Christmas? If so, it may be a good time to look at storage options to put those toys away. This toy chest is so great looking, you could keep it in your living room. Not only does it double as a bench but this toy chest could also be considered a toy with two compartments for stuffed animals to hang out or sleep (or two compartments for storage).

The Mojo Toy Chest is from The Land of Nod for $299. Storage bench cushion is included in orange, lime or turquoise.

Toy Storage: Pretty in Pink

Cathy Hale — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 15:29:00 GMT

Looking for a luxurious storage solution? Take a peek at this beautiful Tufted Bench featuring soft foam cushions and tufted pink microsuede. Perfect for a bedroom or playroom, this bench will keep toys neatly tucked away.The dimensions are 37 L x 19 W x 17 H. Bench is one of many from the tufted furniture collection at The Company Store.

First Look: Muu Designer Storage Unit

Nicole Feliciano — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 19:54:00 GMT

Not ready for the toys to overtake your home? How about this slick new designer unit with custom decals to hide the playthings!

Despite our pleas, the grandparents, aunts and uncles inundate our kids every year with toys galore. Where, oh where do we put all these precious items of kiddie clutter?

Muu to the rescue. Just in time for the holidays they’ve designed The Sam Unit--a solution that meets our demanding standards. The open design is ideal for teaching tots to clean up after playtime. Even an 18-month-old can manage to toss a stuffed giraffe inside this spacious bin. The top shelf can be used for more precious items, like one-of-a-king Lego creations or handcrafted kindergarten art projects.

There’s loads more to love about the Sam Storage Unit ($595). First, it’s appealing to the eye. Second, the team at Muu is thinking green and sourcing eco-sound materials. Third, it comes assembled (Awesome! After assembling the tricycle we don’t have it in us to get out the Allen wrench one more time). And best of all, you can make it your own.

That’s right. Muu furniture can be personalized thanks to cool design panels. The “MuuPanel system” gives you personalization and flexibility. An elephant might be great for a baby but not so cool for an independent preschooler. Simply remove the magnetic panel and switch to a more appropriate (rock-n-roll perhaps?) look.

The Babble Review: StrollAway with Giveaway!

editors — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 18:29:00 GMT

Are you watching in horror as your urban dwelling turns into a Babies ‘R’ Us? There’s not much you can do about the crib, changing table, exersaucers and swings but the people at MetroTots found a solution for your new ride of choice - those big honking strollers. The StrollAway is a steel rack that simply slips over the top of your door - no complicated Swedish diagrams or fasteners. It also fits in nicely with your décor, assuming you too were issued stainless steel appliances with your apartment keys.

Short of renting a storage space for your baby gear, this useful space saver gets your stroller out of your way without causing a hallway turf war between neighbors. And we’re giving one away to a lucky reader! Send us a note at babblecontest@gmail.com with “StrollAway” in the subject line. Describe your most creative solution to baby crap storage and we’ll pick the best/worst/most entertaining idea to win a brand new StrollAway!

Buy it for $39.99 from MetroTots.