Friday I'm In Love: #3

Catalogs from both Pottery Barn and West Elm arrived in my mailbox this week -- with lots of gorgeous items and good tips inside! Some of my favorites are the focus of this week's Friday I'm In Love.

From top left: West Elm items: wire mesh trash bin $39; curved storage basket $54; modern weave storage collection $39-$89; small rectangle lacquer trays $32 (plus $7 for monogram);  wire terrarium $49-$129. Pottery Barn items: beachcomber tray $31; savannah recycling bin $79; toscano wire basket; and green mercury glass bud vases sold out :(

Baskets are the kings of storage (and they are currently 20% off at Pottery Barn!). In the above collection of images, I love the mixture of natural and industrial provided by the juxtaposition of the seagrass and metal baskets. This provides a good sense of balance, and contributes to a more harmonious home.

As you can see above, when it comes to baskets, I like to have a variety of sizes. A bird's nest-sized basket can contain remote controls in the living room, or makeup brushes or wash cloths in the bathroom. The metal trash can would double as fantastic storage for bottled water or bags of chips in the pantry. Larger baskets like the curved storage basket or savannah recycling bins (which roll!) can hold bulkier items like blankets & pillows, toys, games, or sports equipment. Let your imagination (and the needs of your own home) be your guide!

Trays are another fun option for additional storage. These brightly colored ones from West Elm can be combined & stacked for some bright pops of color, or used on their own. Trays are great for corralling loose items like papers, as well as grouping like items. Use a tray for all of your morning coffee needs, or create a pretty vignette with crystal and candles for Valentine's Day decorating. The best part of trays? They are totally portable so you can easily move it out of the way as needed. 

Ultimately the reason for baskets, bins, and trays is not to stash your stuff (although that works in a pinch!) but to create a soothing visual palette. Seeing a row of similar looking baskets is more calming than looking at a jumble of things, all differently shaped and sized. 

I am also digging terrariums right now for the exact opposite reason. They are such a fun way to bring the grounding elements of nature indoors. Seeing the soil beneath the beautiful green plant reminds me that spring is right around the corner. Big bummer about the green mercury glass bud vase collection, though. Between when I started this post last night and today, they have sold out.

Happy Friday! Have a great weekend!