CasaSugar

12 Clever Yet Pretty Media Storage Ideas

Sara Yoo — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:00:32 PST

Thanks to the rapid proliferation of media technology, it can feel as though new gadgets are determined to overthrow our homes. We shove them in cabinets only to find cords sprouting from every hinge; we cringe at the futuristic flat screen looming over Louis XVI chairs. Make peace with your televisions, DVRs, game systems, and DVD players with these pretty and functional storage ideas that will make them feel just as much a part of your home's decorating scheme as your entertainment center.

Source: House to Home

8 Ways to Turn Storage Into Design

CasaSugar — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 06:00:23 PST

Rather than hiding extra clothes and accessories in boxes or drawers, why not opt for exposed storage that transforms into decor? You don't need to sacrifice style for function. Check out these eight great ways to turn your storage into design, from storage for shoes to dishes to linens.

Cleanup Time: 10 Fun Storage Bins For Kids

Nicole Abbott — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 04:13:09 PST

Clean up, clean up, everybody do your share! Mamas try their very best to keep things organized in the kids' rooms and playroom - but there's so much to be done that she needs a little helping hand. Get your tots to help out during cleanup time with these 10 adorable storage bins for kids.

Organize Your Life: 5 Kid-Friendly, Creative Storage Solutions

Kate Stahl — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 06:12:24 PST

With the amazing amounts of toys, clothing, books, and more that your little ones manage to collect, there's only one thing that can keep a neatnik mama sane: storage . . . lots and lots of storage. There are tons of options out there to contain all your kids' stuff, but the following five products will not only keep the clutter neat and tidy, they'll also appeal to your inner interior designer with sleek lines, inventive shapes, and cool concepts.

The Swiss Army Drive Packs 1 TB of Storage in a Pocket

Kelly Schwarze — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 07:49:27 PST

Introducing the Swiss Army knife that can make it through security and lock down every last digital photo, document, and video file. These days you need a little more in your pocket than a nail file and scissors, which is why Victorinox Swiss Army launched the Victorinox SSD storage devices.

Like many new products at CES, the SSD drive pictured above boasts major credentials, it's the world's smallest high-capacity storage drive available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, and one terabyte capacities. It comes with two interchangeable casings, one perfect for the plane and another that includes all the usual Swiss Army knife tools like a blade or bottle opener.

Exact availability on the cutting-edge knife drive isn't known, and it's speculated that it may cost close to $3,000 - yikes!

Worried that a flash drive of that size would be heavy and bulky? You'd be wrong. Check out the size in real life after the break.

6 Trends to Try From Serena & Lily's Spring 2012 Collection

CasaSugar — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:00:05 PST

Serena & Lily's Spring 2012 collection is finally here, and it's filled with gorgeous pieces that expertly meld global influences with modern aesthetics. Whether it's playing with mesmerizing geometric prints, island-inspired materials, or shiny surfaces, these trends can easily be adapted into any home environment. See which groups caught our eye and dare to try out a trend or two in your casa!

How to Store Small Kitchen Appliances

Diana Nguyen — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 05:00:41 PDT

Clean and ample counter space - the elusive ideal everyone, from the culinary genius to the working mom to the metropolitan gal, dreams about. While renovating your kitchen and adding more cabinetry may not be financially and spatially viable, more counter space on a limited budget can be within your grasp. Lo and behold, five ways to hide, store, and camouflage those mixers, microwaves, and more for clutter-free counters.

Transparency is convenient. Cabinets at counter level might fare better for appliance storage without the doors and hinges (like in this photo from Better Homes and Gardens). You'll be more inclined to scoot your heavy mixer in a nook rather than lifting or bending over to store it in a cabinet. If you don't already have open shelving, create some with Ikea Lack shelves ($7 each). Just make sure the shelves are near a socket, so you barely have to move the appliance.

Garages aren't just for cars. Appliance garages may take up some counter space, but they'll conveniently hide those unsightly metals. You can even paint the garages and add your own special pizzazz so that it blends into your kitchen seamlessly.

Keep reading for three more tips for clear counter tops and easy appliance storage.

5 Ways to Store Your Vinyl Record Collection

Kristy Korcz — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 03:11:16 PDT

Retro is in, baby, and if you've got a stockpile of vinyl records hanging out in your living room, why not store them in a more fashionable way than just sitting in a heap on your floor? These five shelves and cases should do the trick.

3 Chic Ways to Store Your Bike Indoors

Elka Karl — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 11:30:00 PDT

Now that we're heading into Summer, many of us are pulling our bikes out of storage or investing in a new set of wheels. There are so many chic bike designs on the market right now (I'm in love with my Public bike), and bicycling is a great way to enjoy the weather and get some exercise. However, many of us live in smaller apartments that don't have extra storage for bikes. Luckily, if you don't want to lock your bike up outdoors, there are some great options for hanging your bike up inside your home.

My favorite design by far is Chris Brigham's Bike Shelf. Chris notes, "While visiting many friends' small apartments here in SF and more so in NY, I noticed that there is a void when it comes to elegant bike management. Bikes always get in the way - either in the hall or leaning up against a bookshelf or something. So, I decided to design something to fix that problem." The Bike Shelf is available in solid walnut and ash at Knife & Saw ($300 for walnut, and $270 for ash).

I adore the shelf's simple, sleek lines, and beautiful wood. Here's a closer look.

Keep reading for two more options.

Small Space Saver: Draper Media Cabinet

Kristy Korcz — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 09:34:26 PDT

City living can come with lots of obstacles, one of which is limited space. Unless you've got the bankroll to afford your own condo or house, you're going to have to settle for small square footage. But if you're a gadget freak like we are, where on earth do you put all of your gaming goodies and your retro music collection? The Draper Cabinet ($249) may be just the thing you need. Not only does this midcentury modern-styled beauty come with a flip top so you can play your records without having to pull out your player, but there's also a place to store said records (with included wire dividers), then another side that would be perfect for storing your collection of video games or other gadget essentials. Plus, it's only 38 inches wide, so it can easily fit in the smallest of apartments.

Of course, you could make like its namesake and keep your liquor and glasses handy for those times you really just need a drink. Betty, get some ice!