Home Organization Ideas: Up and Away - iVillage

50 Unique Home Organization Ideas chimes

Want to get organized without sacrificing style? Get all the ideas you'll need (plus product picks!) for every room in the house.

(52 Photos)

  • 1 of 52

Home Organization Ideas: Up and Away

IPC+Syndication

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

IPC+Syndication

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

Getty Images

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

Corbis

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

Corbis

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

IPC+Syndication

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

Red Cover

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

IPC+Syndication

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

IPC+Syndication

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

Red Cover

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

IPC+Syndication

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

Red Cover

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

IPC+Syndication

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

Red Cover

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

Corbis

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

IPC+Syndication

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

Red Cover

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

Red Cover

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

Costa Picadas/DLux Images

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

IPC+Syndication

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

Getty Images

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

Getty Images

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

Douglas Friedman/GMAImages. Designer: Cove Landing Antiques

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

IPC+Syndication

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

Corbis

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

Red Cover

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

Corbis

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

IPC+Syndication

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

Red Cover

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

Corbis

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

Corbis

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

IPC+Syndication

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

IPC+Syndication

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

Red Cover

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

Getty Images

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

Getty Images

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

Red Cover

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

Red Cover

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

Getty Images

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

Red Cover

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

Corbis

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

Corbis

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

Red Cover

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

Red Cover

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

Corbis

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

Getty Images

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

Red Cover

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

William Abranowicz / Art + Commerce

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

William Abranowicz / Art + Commerce

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

Red Cover

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

Red Cover

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

iVillage on Nov 3, 2012 at 3:38PM

Inspiring Kitchen Designs
starts in 3 seconds
More

Home Organization Ideas: Up and Away

Installing a wall-mounted cube shelving system gives plenty of space for storing odds and ends in assorted containers.

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

Home Organization Ideas: Orange Pop

Painting the interiors of shelves a bright orange highlights the shapes of white ceramics and storage containers.

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

Home Organization Ideas: Modern Library

An expansive shelving system dominates the look of this masculine, modernly furnished living room.

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

Home Organization Ideas: Flexible Arrangement

Modular shelving can be adjusted and rearranged according to your specific storage needs.

Rectangular Ice table, $2,381 at Hive Modern. Similar shelves: Elfa components at The Container Store.

 >>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

Home Organization Ideas: In the Box

Open shelving is kept neat and tidy with uniform storage containers.

Kassett Series boxes and magazine holders, $4 to $13 at Ikea.

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

Home Organization Ideas: Surround Yourself

Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves contain novels and other tomes in one place and create walls that are visually stunning.

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

Home Organization Ideas: Steel Logic

Industrial elements—a factory chair, metal file cabinets and a lab-style desk—contrast nicely with a pair of upholstered chairs in this masculine study. Plus, the desk's cubbies help keep paperwork and magazines organized.

Similar chair: Park Avenue Bergere, (price upon request) at Hickory Chair.

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

Home Organization Ideas: Lively Display

Covering the back of an antique sideboard with bright, modern wallpaper makes a cheerful place for displaying office supplies.

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

Home Organization Ideas: Three Cheers

Scalloped wooden drawers look sweet tucked under a bed and provide ample storage in an underused space.

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

 

Home Organization Ideas: Basket Cases

Wall-mounted cubbies fitted with baskets keep hats and other outdoor items organized.

Similar Shelf, Entryway Shelf in Cream, $229 at Pottery Barn. Similar Basket, Large Seagrass Storage Basket, $25 at Cost Plus World Market. Similar Bench Cushion Fabric, Criss-Cross Navy Fabric #672453, price available upon request at Waverly.

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

 

Home Organization Ideas: Save the Date

Creating a giant monthly calendar on a chalkboard-paint wall helps everyone stay on schedule.

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

Home Organization Ideas: Mix It Up

An impressive white shelving unit adds an unexpected element to a dining space and provides the perfect spot to store large serving dishes and cookbooks.

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

Home Organization Ideas: Showcasing Sets

Open shelves proudly display a museum-worthy collection of white ceramics.

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

Home Organization Ideas: Country Living

Built-in shelves provide the perfect space to display an eclectic collection of international treasures.

Similar tablecloth: Victorian Heart Vintage Modern stripe tablecloth, from $6.95 at The Country Porch. Similar mirror: Uttermost Walton hall mirror in Gold, $151.80 at CSNMirrors.com.

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

 

Home Organization Ideas: Book End

Storage is tricky in a long, narrow space; columns of built-in bookshelves at the end of the room are an ideal design solution and attractive look.

Three-Leg Ant Chair in Black, designed by Arne Jacobsen, $427 at Hive Modern.

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

 

Home Organization Ideas: Color Combinations

Under-bed white wicker baskets nicely conceal toys, books and other childhood favorites.

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

 

Home Organization Ideas: True Blue

A large coffee table with cubbies makes for a perfect side table and a place to stash trinkets and toys.

Hemnes bed frame, $199 at Ikea. Similar table: Hermnes sofa table, $169 at Ikea. Similar pillow: Heart pillow, $49 at Room and Board. Alvine Flora cushion, $24.99 at Ikea.

 

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

 

Home Organization Ideas: Color Coordinate

Keep books neat and tidy and within reach with an open-front storage bench.

Marta bed in Blue, $249 at Total Bedroom. Similar bedding: Marimekko Madison Persimmon twin duvet, $79.95 at Crate & Barrel. RiverRidge kids’ storage bench in White, $99 at Target.

 

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

 

Home Organization Ideas: Patchwork Effect

Mix bedding in different patterns and shades of blue for a homey and whimsical look.

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

 

Home Organization Ideas: Pretty in Pink

Small baskets tucked here and there (and everywhere!) can make a big difference in your clutter.

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

 

Home Organization Ideas: A Little Hang-Up

Chaos is tolerable when it’s confined to a long, colorful pegboard. A bench covered with pillows doubles as storage and seating.

Similar bench: Madison 60-inch lift-top storage bench, $199 at Home Decorators Collection. Similar hooks: Spectrum 82200 seven-peg wood rack in White, $14 at Amazon.

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

 

Home Organization Ideas: Well Contained

A busy family requires structured storage with room for everything from sports equipment to mail. Use baskets and bins to corral papers, toys and balls in an open cabinet.

Similar cabinet: Circo bookcase in White, $90 at Target. Similar hooks: Eames Hang-It-All Rack by Herman Miller, $179 at Room & Board.

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

 

Home Organization Ideas: Shipshape

Glass-door cabinets keep the kitchen feeling light and airy. Plus, it means you can find what you're looking for, without all the searching.

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

 

Home Organization Ideas: Out on Display

Instead of hiding dishes and pots in cabinets, hang wooden floating shelves on a brightly painted wall and display everything in neat stacks.

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

 

Home Organization Ideas: High Contrast

A mirrored chest hides clutter and a pedestal sink boosts the glamour of a sleek black-and-white bathroom.

Similar chest: Mirrored lingerie chest, $789.90 at Horchow. Gatco accordian wall mirror in Chrome, $127.92 at CSN Mirrors.

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

Home Organization Ideas: Playful Hideaway

For the best use of space in a narrow room, install captain beds with underneath storage and arrange them head-to-head along one wall.

Orleans Twin Quilt in Lemon and Blush, $128 at Garnet Hill. Similar sham: Dottie Standard Sham, $24 each (regularly $35) at PBTeen. Echo Green Chair, $79.95 at CB2.

 >>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

Home Organization Ideas: Gridlock

If your kitchen has limited cupboard space, hang your own floating shelves.

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

 

Home Organization Ideas: Heavy Metals

A recessed oven area with subway tiles matches the industrial style of the kitchen’s stainless-steel elements.

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

 

Home Organization Ideas: Mix Master

Dishes don’t need to match, but a common palette or pattern will ensure that they coordinate and look cool (not like clutter).

Terramoto ceramics at Coastline Imports. Similar ceramics: Polka-dot ceramics at Emma Bridgewater. Chantal ring bowl, $36.95 for a three-piece set at Amazon. Similar shelf: White shelf kit, $14 at Aubuchon Hardware. 

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

Home Organization Ideas: Sky High

Shelving built up to the ceiling creates a grand display for oversized vases.

Similar light: Alico Pendina Newton 120V pendant light, $309 at American Home Plus. Similar vase: Glass bud vase, $33 at Wendy Gee.

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

Home Organization Ideas: Overhead Storage

When cabinet space is lacking, a long row of ceiling-mounted pot racks creates additional storage space for cookware and baskets.

Maple ceiling pot rack, $50 at Crate & Barrel. Farm table, $675 at Trailer Park. Tuscany bench, $199 at Home Decorators Collection. Copper saucepan, $30 at JCPenney.

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

Home Organization Ideas: Accented Space

Look for a bedframe with built-in drawers to maximize storage space. A lidded bench at the foot of the bed creates room for extra blankets and linens.

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

Home Organization Ideas: Display Worthy

Tuck shoes away in an open storage bench.

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

Home Organization Ideas: Orange Crush

A brightly colored storage bench keeps toys hidden, while a poppy board is great for displaying works of art.

Fargglad chair, $15 at Ikea. Similar desk: Leksvik children's table, $50 at Ikea. Similar ottoman: Storage ottoman in Orange, $229 at P’kolino.

Home Organization Ideas: Build Up

Floor-to-ceiling shelving provides plenty of storage for children's toys.

Similar chair: Kritter children's chair, $13 at Ikea. Similar shelving: Cameron wall desk system, $1,459 at Pottery Barn Kids. Similar storage bin: Hot pink cube bin, $10 at Land of Nod.

Home Organization Ideas: Color Story

For a customized look, work a bit of DIY magic and paint furniture and wooden storage containers in coordinating hues.

Terje folding chair, $15 at Ikea. Knuff magazine file, $10 for set of two at Ikea. Similar desk: Jonas desk, $129 at Ikea. Similar lamp, Mad White desk lamp, $70 at CB2.

Home Organization Ideas: Warm and Inviting

Forget hiding the toys. Here they are integrated into the decor.

Matine toile drape in Marigold, $89 at Pottery Barn. Similar sofa: Brentwood sofa in Arden Chocolate, $1,239 at Ballard Designs.

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

Home Organization Ideas: Down by the Sea

Towels tucked beneath the sink are both organized and chic.

Similar sink: Conical Bell Vessels above-counter lavatory at Kohler.

 >>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

Home Organization Ideas: Rock-a-Bye Baby

A rocking chair and daybed near the crib ensure that you're prepared for middle-of-the-night cries and early morning wake-ups. This daybed has under-frame storage for an extra touch.

Classic crib, $890 at Oeuf. Similar rug: Twist and Shout rug in Multi Bubblegum Pink, from $149 at Land of Nod.

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

 

Home Organization Ideas: Wild Thing

Bold textiles, like an abstract animal-print rug and bright floral bedding, liven up a white bedroom. Baskets in open shelving keep things neat.

Similar crib: DaVinci Alpha 3-in-1 stationary crib, $170 at Babies R Us. Similar changing station: $230 at Oeuf. Similar bedding: Organic Stepping Stone Blossom fitted sheet, $60 at Chulamama. Similar rug: Zebra rug in Orange and Natural, $995 at Jonathan Adler. Small Lined Makati basket in Natural, $25 at The Container Store.

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

 

Home Organization Ideas: Soft Pile

With limited space and lots of supplies, bathrooms require thoughtful storage solutions. Here, open, built-in shelving means everything is stacked within easy reach.

Large glass apothecary jar with lid, $28 at Save on Crafts.

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

 

Home Organization Ideas: A Delicate Balance

Maintain a sense of proportion without making a room look overly symmetrical. Here, a pair of floor lamps flank the sofa, while mismatched tables and chairs face off.

Similar tables: Peekaboo clear nesting tables, $199 at CB2. Similar chair: Chair 1846-01, at Lee Industries. Similar chair: Concorde chair, (price available upon request) at Baker Furniture. Flokati high-pile rug, $80 at Ikea.

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

Home Organization Ideas: Tunnel Vision

For a combined office and playroom, use similarly shaped furniture for a cohesive look.

Speja tunnel, $20 at Ikea. Eames molded-plastic side chair in White, $249 at Design Within Reach. Similar kids' chairs: Medium plastic classroom chairs in Blue with Chrome Frame, $24.50 for set of four at GlobalIndustrial.com. Similar table: Here There Anywhere play table, $119 at Land of Nod.

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

Home Organization Ideas: Cloud Cover

A repeated cloud motif is reflected in this room's soft blue and white palette. The small storage cubbie keeps things organized.

Similar bookshelf: Expedit shelving unit, $99 at Ikea. Similar storage cubbie: Bratt Decor Blu storage cubbie, $878 at All Modern. Similar storage boxes: Bigso Bold Box in Blue, $18 at The Container Store.

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

 

Home Organization Ideas: By the Books

A library wall filled with your favorite titles gives a living room a personal touch.

English roll-arm upholstered daybed, starting at $3,415 at Restoration Hardware. Similar chandelier: Gold Empire-style chandelier, $99 at Gallery 803.

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

Home Organization Ideas: On High

A box shelf makes use of extra wall space when the room is small.

Similar crib: DaVinci Alpha mini rocking crib, $150 at Target. Similar mobile: Cotton Tale Tiger Tale musical mobile, $24.75 at BabyEarth. Similar shelf: Large open cube in White, $35 at Target.

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

 

Home Organization Ideas: Red Stripe

Bold graphics—stars, stripes and skulls—and bright colors play off a sleek white cabinet and shelves.

Similar rug: Sveje rug in Red/White, $13 at Ikea. Domoor cup in White, $18 at Droog. Similar globe: Silver Ocean 12-inch globe, $99 at Kikkerland. Similar side table: Vitra metal side table, $550 at All Modern.

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

Home Organization Ideas: Animal Print

Have fun with window treatments—a colorful pattern can set the tone for the rest of the room. Plus, look for a crib with extra drawers below.

Flat Roman shades in DwellStudio's Gio Lemon, $230 at The Shade Store. Dots Petal large rug, $550 at DwellStudio. DwellStudio for Target Silver Lake Convertible Crib 2nd Edition in Natural/White, $300 at Target. Vitra Model A cork stool, $405 at Design Public. Saucer lamp, $269 at YLighting. 

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

 

Home Organization Ideas: A Place for Everything

Tall bookshelves with bins keep a play space tidy.

Similar bookcase: Billy bookcase in Birch Veneer, $70 at Ikea. Similar chair: Triumph lounge chair, $229 at CB2. Wilson U.S. Open Jumbo Tennis Ball (nine-inch, basketball size), $20 at Walmart. Similar tricycle: Italtrike 10-Inch Touring Classic tricycle, $80 at Toys R Us.

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

Home Organization Ideas: Flower Child

Mix soft '70s inspired designs, like a shag rug and a beanbag chair, with contemporary pieces for a fresh look.

Similar rug: Ultimate shag rug in Orange, $129 at Home Decorators. Louis Ghost armchair, $410 at Design Within Reach. Similar beanbag: Hybrid Floral Anywhere recycled beanbag, $119 at Pottery Barn Kids.

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

Home Organization Ideas: Warm and Inviting

Cozy up a living room with warm yellow curtains, a patterned taupe sofa and soft cream colors.

Matine toile drape in Marigold, $89 at Pottery Barn. Similar sofa: Brentwood sofa in Arden Chocolate, $1,239 at Ballard Designs.

>>See all Home Inspiration Galleries

More Home Inspiration Galleries
  • Join
  • About iVillage
  • Message Boards
  • Contact Us
  • Advertising Info
  • Jobs
  • Sitemap
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • AdChoices
© 2000-2013 iVillage Inc. All rights reserved. A Division of NBCUniversal