The New Year is well underway and it's time to get organised for the long year ahead.

The best way to stay organised is to have a home for everything and make sure all the family members know where to put things. Paperwork is the easiest to get out of hand and inspite of the digital age, we still have loads of paper floating around: homework, newsletters, invitations, bills, shopping lists, insurance papers, etc, etc.

Many of our homes have a dedicated study or at least a study nook and ideally, this is the best place for all the paperwork. But it doesn't always work that way. We need things on a daily basis and therefore want them close at hand. But how do we make the paperwork fit into our décor?

Storage! That's the key - somewhere to keep the items until required. Stationers and book shops have a great range of boxes, folders and document holders in all sorts of colours and textures and these can be used in various rooms to house a number of papers and other items. Finding little spots for them in the kitchen, family room, dining room or even the bedroom can make life so much easier.

An empty drawer could be converted to a filing drawer with the use of suspension files and folders. Blackboard or magnetic boards could be hung behind a door in the kitchen and create a great visual as well as holding those all-important invitations and To Do Lists.

Window seats are great for storage too. The cavity under the seat can be put to good use housing things that aren't needed on a daily basis such as board games, photo albums or last year's school books.
Another favourite of mine is the hinged ottoman. Ottomans are such versatile pieces of furniture and can be used as footstools, extra seating or coffee tables. Why not choose one that has storage inside and fill it up with children's books, colouring pencils and other craft bits?

And don't forget the space on your walls. Magazine racks that hang on walls can be used for homework folders or books and will create colourful wall art as well as being practical. Or install a floating shelf or two above a desk, cupboard or television.

There are numerous opportunities to create storage nooks in your home. You just have to decide what you want to store and where and set about finding some unused space in furniture, walls and alcoves.
The year ahead will be so much easier if you can quickly put your hands on what you need.

Article by Jennifer French, Interior Decorator and Colour Consultant, Inside Out Colour & Design
www.insideoutcolouranddesign.com.au
Phone: 0401 440 088

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Home Work Areas
Whether you work at home or have homework to do here are some neat storage and filing ideas.

RoomIt Up (RIU) range of desk sets $24.95
Nextra St Ives Village Newsagency, 9449 7565

Innovative storage folders for bills, warranties and manuals. Plenty of pockets all marked by category, $24.95.
Nextra St Ives Village Newsagency, 9449 7565

RoomIt Up (RIU) range of folders and organisers $6.95 to $29.95 as featured.
Nextra St Ives Village Newsagency, 9449 7565

Arch lever folders in all shades to suit your style.
Nextra St Ives Village Newsagency, 9449 7565

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Versatile linen – beautiful and practical

Selma – a cotton voile "bed scarf" that can be doubled as a beach sarong or pashmina. Throw available from $99.95 and available in cushions, European pillowcases and standard pillowcases.
Sheridan, 9144 5316

Haden knit – available in White, Anthracite and Pomegranate. Throw, cushions and European Shams are the perfect accent in any room.
Sheridan, 9144 5316

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A place for everything
- With versatile uses and decorative appeal

Blanket boxes such as this wicker trunk from Collage, provide excellent storage for blankets, towels, linen, toys and much more. Grey rattan hamper $179.99. Sheridan Oceanside beach towel $59.95.
Collage Homewares new and on consignment, 9144 1687
Sheridan, 9144 5316

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Take me to Paris
– fun storage ideas featuring Parisian scenes and evoking a time of glamorous travel

Large square trunk $99.50, Small suitcase $48, Make up case $34.95.
Collage Homewares new and on consignment, 9144 1687

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Bathroom and laundry ideas

Hand made rattan from Myanmar (Burma)
Laundry basket/clothes bin $59.95
Magazine holder $35.95
Apple Basket $77.95
Sorrento Homewares and Gifts, 9144 1799

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Fun ways to store small items – evoke a holiday feel every day!

Large beach case $28.95, Small beach case $22.95, Cottage boxes $12.95, $21.95 and $29.95.
Collage Homewares new and on consignment, 9144 1687

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