apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time


#3 - Play Toy Storage

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Name: Mia
Child's Name and Age: Maya, 23 months
Location: New York, NY
Category: TOYS

Items used for the project and favorite part of the storage solution:
Two 7inch wide planks + brackets from Home Depot, about one yard of linen fabric (from an old stash I had), a staple gun, saw, screwdriver, drill, hammer, EZ anchors, screws, wood glue, some wood filler, paint and a paintbrush, 2 glass jars with good riveted lids from any finished jam, PB or whatever else might be a good size.

 
 

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My favorite part of this solution is the fun Maya has with the fabric, hiding under it and playing peek-a-boo, using it for fun in creative ways. The toys are ALWAYS covered and invisible since the fabric just falls. It is easy access without leaving doors open or lids up and it does not take up any additional space around it when open. The shallow space gives a good overview of what is there.

Best storage tip for families with children:
To keep it simple and organized. Nice boxes that can be put away under beds, on shelves (above doors, high in hallways etc.), in closets, book cases and if the boxes are really nice, left out in an unutilized space.

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Thanks for entering, Mia!

Tags

Storage Solutions 2008 - entries, storage, storage contest, toy storage

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Comments (5)

I love this, its very organic, as is your whole space. The reused jars are great, and just show that everything doesn't have to be new to function.

Love the "swing" too. Your daughter looks like she loves her space.

posted by Shalom on April 2nd 2008 at 5:37pm
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I like this! I appreciate the DIY that went into creating this unit and then infusing it with vibrant colors - making it more likely that Maya will help out in cleaning her toys. Great shot of Maya jumping in the air. On an aside, too bad I can no longer vote on this as I'm just now on the fourth day of the contest reading through all the entries. I'm a busy mom and often don't have time to read all my favorite blogs on a daily basis so I frequently have to back read. It is helpful to compare all the entries and wish we could vote on all the projects during the entire duration of the contest. Editors?

posted by r8ermom on April 3rd 2008 at 6:44am
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Love this! I'd really enjoy a house tour here... ;D You use color well.
Christina

posted by mamabythesea on April 3rd 2008 at 8:46pm
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Love the use of recycling and natural materials. And the swing is great!

Are the wood drawer things from IKEA?

posted by eeka on April 5th 2008 at 7:21am
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Thank you!
yes, the wood drawer things are from IKEA, a few years old though....... I've turned the drawers around since they have a hole cut out as handles, painted them and put on handles.
Wanted to mention the glass jars, since they are a very loved solution for small things such as collected nuts from the park or beans for challenging small hands. The lids are screwed into the bottom of a shelf, so Maya can (now days) unscrew the jar herself to get to the content, she LOVES doing this!

posted by miam on April 5th 2008 at 5:08pm
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