Parent Time

When Today’s Parent asked readers to name their top three clutter zones, they pointed to the tsunami of toys in the living room, the pile of permission slips and bills covering the front-hall table or kitchen counter, and the tangle of DVDs, remotes and Game Boy controllers in the family room. Then we asked interior designers and organizing experts for smart solutions that make family living (a llittle bit) more calm — and a lot more chic.

Put toys in their place

The living room should be a sanctuary, especially for tired parents, says Alain Courchesne, interior designer and co-founder of Igloo Design in Montreal. Use these tips to keep toy clutter out of sight and off your mind.

1. Buy multi-tasking pieces. Ottomans with storage can do triple duty as extra seating or as a table with a tray on top. You can even group several with mix and match fabrics.

2. Set limits. Too many shelves, cubbies and baskets invite too many toys, says Amy Stein, interior designer and founder of 60 Grit Design in Vancouver. Identify one or two stylish storage areas for kids and redirect the rest to their rooms.

3. Create a system. “I place large wicker baskets with handles at the top and bottom of the stairs and get my [four-year-old] daughter to put toys there when she’s done with them,” says Kim Anstey, a professional organizer and owner of Finally Organized in St. John’s. “At tidy-up time, all I have to do is carry the full baskets to her room.”

Buy Safe! Choose ottomans and cubes with removable lids or replace regular hinges with spring-loaded versions or lid supports. Drill holes in or near the bottom for air circulation too.

Originally published in Today's Parent, January 2008