How to Use Baskets for Storage and Style

BASKETS HOW TO USE THEM FOR STORAGE & STYLE

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Baskets have always been a part of our lives. We humans have favoured them to carry and store our belongings because the beautiful natural fibres they are crafted from are readily available, strong and long-lasting.

Handcrafted the world over, the feeling of culture and expression also makes baskets work well in our homes. They introduce elements of storytelling and texture, thereby adding layers of character and style.

When it comes to storage, the possibilities are endless. Handmade woven baskets carry out a variety of household duties with aplomb. Over time, their use often changes as our household layouts, needs and taste shift. So in this comprehensive guide, we’ve shared some of our favourite ways to use them at home and work, breaking them down from room to room.

We’ve also included practical tips from Australia’s leading interior designers from our latest eZine, plus some useful care instructions so that you can enjoy using these quality handmade pieces in your home for years to come.

COVER Woven Pot - Large LEFT Woven Pot Duo

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Room by Room

B AT H R O O M S

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Practical and decorative tips to help you store all of your bathroom and beauty products in style.

KITCHEN & DINING

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How to use baskets for storage, style and entertaining in one of the busiest rooms of the house.

L I V I N G S PA C E S

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A common-sense approach to using baskets for a quick tidy of these well-used rooms.

E N T R Y WAY S

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Create a warm welcome with baskets featuring in your entrance.

BEDROOMS & GUEST ROOMS

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Simple storage ideas for those extra pillows, books and jewellery that sits by your bedside.

PLANTS IN POTS

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Embellish your favourite plant by using baskets - a touch of natural style.

WO R K & C R A F T R O O M S

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Tidy space, tidy mind. Basket tips to help you arrange a neat, tidy and productive workspace.

CHILDREN’S ROOMS & NURSERIES

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Bring these rooms to life and keep them easy to manage with a variety of different-sized baskets.

H OW T O C A R E F O R J U T E B A S K E T S How to make the most of quality baskets with a few common-sense care suggestions.

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RIGHT (clockwise from top) Minikin Bowl - Natural & Jute Bowl - Natural

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“We always specify baskets” C AT H E R I N E H E R A G H T Y, I N T E R I O R D E S I G N E R - PA G E 5 0

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Bathrooms P R A C T I C A L & D E C O R AT I V E

Choosing a quality laundry basket to hold your clothing between washes is a great investment. You may also like to add a variety of different-sized baskets to store make-up, jewellery, accessories, skincare and cleaning products. Use them to keep these items close at hand, but out of sight, so it is easy to keep this busy room clean and tidy.

Place a basket solo or group them together to create ample storage under a counter or on an exposed shelf.

While appearing decorative, this clever tactic will help to conceal toilet rolls, hairdryers and rolled towels.

Because bathrooms are full of hard surfaces, a basket will also bring a much-needed touch of texture.

Left to right: Sona Square Basket & Jute Laundry Basket - Natural

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Clockwise from top left: Small Sona Square Basket Duo Laina Basket - Natural Trio of Round Grass Baskets - Low 9

LEFT (left to right) Minikin Bowl - Natural & Small Sona Square Basket Duo RIGHT Seafarer Laundry Basket - Natural

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Arrange a laundry basket and smaller basket side by side so you can separate delicate items as you go.

For more tips, read How to Use Baskets in Your Bathroom in our online journal.

LEFT Jute Laundry Basket - Natural RIGHT Laundry Basket - Charcoal

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Kitchen & Dining ADD A TOUCH OF TEXTURE

The kitchen is one of the most well-used spaces in the home so it is handy to keep things in easy reach.

Use medium-sized bowls to store your weekly fruit; produce for cooking like onions, ginger and garlic or a lovely fresh bowl of citrus. Taller baskets will store and display the cooking tools you use most regularly.

And think about a well-placed basket for holding a plant or herb pot.

Like to entertain? Carry plates, utensils and linen to the table in a basket when dining with friends - also great when serving larger crowds buffet-style.

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Round Natural Jute Placemats x 8(in lidded basket) & Jute Macrame Table Runner

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LEFT (clockwise from top) Small Jute Basket - Tray, Round Natural Jute Coaster Set x 8, Round Natural Jute Placemat Sets x 8 (both in lidded baskets), Minikin Bowl - Natural, Small Jute Basket - Tall Square & Small Jute Basket - Short Square ABOVE Trio of Round Baskets - Natural

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LEFT Small Jute Basket - Tray & Small Jute Basket - Short Square RIGHT Trio of Round Baskets - Natural & Small Jute Basket - Tall Square

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We use baskets in a couple of ways in our work.

The first is for storage solutions in spaces that require a new element or change in materiality.

The other way we use baskets is to add a layer of texture to a space. The relaxed, handmade quality of baskets can transform a space from feeling ridged to inviting and comfortable.”

GEORGIE SHEPHERD, GEORGIE SHEPHERD INTERIOR DESIGN

Large Jute Basket - Natural x 4

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georgieshepherd.com.au ∙ @gshepherdinterior

To learn more about Georgie and her work, read In Conversation with Interior Designer Georgie Shepherd of GSiD on The Dharma Door Journal.

Georgie’s images by Christopher Morrison Photography LEFT Large Jute Basket - Natural x 4 ABOVE Sona Rectangle Basket - Large x 2

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Living Spaces MADE EASY

Homelife can be busy and the simple act of living creates a spread of belongings in no time. Children’s toys, clothing, books and more utilitarian items like TV remotes and devices can quickly overtake an otherwise harmonious space. Developing an easy approach to keeping these items in check is a good way to restore a sense of balance.

Positioning a beautiful basket in every room sets things up for a regular declutter. By placing baskets throughout the house – under the coffee table, in your children’s rooms, next to a reading nook – they stand ready for you to gather scattered items as needed.

Large Round Jute Basket - Natural

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Your lounge room is one of the most popular spots to read, relax and enjoy watching some TV or a movie. It’s handy to have a few quick-tidy options to hold spare cushions and throws, magazines and toys. Place a basket alongside a comfy couch or armchair to keep them close.

Or if you have a coffee table and prefer things out of view, nestle a lower basket under your coffee table. Baskets are also a really attractive way to store firewood and kindling.

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LEFT Woven Pot - Large ABOVE Small Rectangle Jute Basket - Natural

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LEFT Seafarer Basket - Large RIGHT (clockwise from top) Small Jute Basket - Tall Square, Small Jute Basket - Tray & Seafarer Basket - Small

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For smaller items such as remote controls, place them in a small, low basket as a permanent fixture on your coffee or side table. A grouping of baskets can straddle functional and decorative items.

For more tips on how to use baskets for style and storage in your living spaces, read Tidy Your Home with Style in 5 Minutes Using Jute Baskets on the journal.

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ABOVE Boda Basket - Natural RIGHT Large Jute Basket - Natural

Entryways G I V E A WA R M W E L C O M E

A gorgeous entryway is a great way to greet guests and provide you and your family with that warm ‘welcome home’ each day. This is the spot in your house where first impressions are made. It’s also a high traffic zone – the most obvious place to drop shoes, bags, scarves, hats and keys – so it works well to integrate practical storage elements that can also play a part in the overall decoration of the space.

Groupings of baskets on your chosen console, a small stool or a seating bench are the ideal spot for keys, saving you that last-minute rummage to find them each time. Small woven baskets are also a great way to display collections of objects that tie in with other elements in the space that speak about your own personal history, like photos.

The entrance to your home is the obvious place for everyone to drop items like shoes, bags and umbrellas.

Positioning one or a few quality baskets by the door will help to keep these items in check and add a rich, artisanal feel in the process.

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For more tips on how to use baskets to style and entry, read Entryway Style Tips to Create a Warm Welcome on The Dharma Door journal.

LEFT Woven Pot Duo & Trio of Round Baskets - Natural ABOVE Jute Laundry Basket - Natural

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Whenever I style a space, I’m always looking for natural materials and textures to create a layered look. Natural jute baskets provide a warmth and character that only comes from natural fibre and the big bonus is that they’re also functional...

In our living room, we have a beautiful bookshelf that is styled with ceramics, books and artworks above, and the lower shelves have baskets with kids toys and blocks. They allow us to use the space as a family room and still allows a cohesive overall look.”

K A R A D E M M R I C H , K YA L & K A R A

Small Jute Basket - Natural x 4

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To learn more about Kara’s approach to styling her home, read How Kara Demmrich Uses Baskets in her Modern Coastal Home on The Dharma Door journal.

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ABOVE (clockwise from top) Small Jute Basket - Tall Square, Small Jute Basket - Short Square & Small Jute Basket - Tray RIGHT Small Jute Basket - Natural x 3

kyalandkara.com ∙ @kyalandkara

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Bedrooms F O R YO U A N D YO U R G U E S T S

Small baskets are a quick-tidy option for jewellery, hand lotion and phones that you like to use or place close each night. Small enough for the bedside table, these woven baskets can add a subtle, decorative touch to your room of rest. If you have little visitors in the morning, placing a basket by your bedside creates the perfect spot to store children’s books and toys. Rotate the contents regularly to keep things interesting!

Guests coming to stay? Make them feel welcome with a basket containing some of the things they will need during their stay. A basket on their bed with a towel, hand towel and handmade soap are just the ticket.

Seafarer Basket - Large

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Extra cushions and throws or a selection of books and magazines currently on your reading list can be kept within easy reach in a large basket by your bed. This makes things easy when you are making your bed and getting ready for your day and also makes sure these items are kept off the floor during the night.

To glean more bedroom basket storage tips, read Tidy Your Home with Style in 5 Minutes Using Jute Baskets on the The Dharma Door journal.

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Large Jute Basket

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LEFT Jamina Basket - Natural ABOVE Minikin Bowl - Natural

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Plants in Pots N AT U R A L S T Y L E

Indoor plants help to blur the boundaries between hard surfaces - making things feel more grounded and harmonious. Indoor plants help to blur the boundaries between hard surfaces - making things feel more grounded and harmonious. A well-placed plant can provide a focal point in a larger laundry basket, particularly when it sits in an obvious sightline such as by a window or at the end of a hallway.

Group plants in baskets and complementary pots. Or you might like to stagger pots on the floor to work with those on a nearby sideboard. Keep things visually appealing by experimenting with combinations of texture, colour and form. And play with heights to create interest. Mix things up by combining plants and baskets with other natural forms, such as branches and raw, decorative items. Or create a vignette of small plants and mementos to cultivate meaningful arrangements in your home.

Read Decorate Your Home with Plants to Create Your Own Indoor Sanctuary on The Dharma Door journal.

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LEFT Woven Pot Duo & Trio of Round Baskets - Natural ABOVE Woven Pot - Large

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LEFT (clockwise from top) Small Jute Basket - Tray & Small Jute Basket - Tall Square ABOVE (clockwise from top) Woven Pot Duo & Minikin Bowl - Natural

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Work & Craft T I D Y S PA C E , T I D Y M I N D

A clean and clear workspace provides valuable headspace and in turn, better workflow. Although every activity will present different needs with regard to storage and the types of objects we need close at hand, these items can usually be sorted into books, paperwork, technology and a few sentimental or decorative touches.

It is helpful to group items accordingly. From there, your storage needs should become visually apparent: remove the bits and pieces you don’t need, place others that don’t need easy access in storage cupboards and shelves and leave the rest in front of you to determine the best way to display or store them on your desktop or open shelving.

Use baskets to store a daily notebook, small electronic device and any paperwork that needs tending to, clearing these items away regularly to keep things in order. Baskets are also a great way to store journals, resource material, inspiring books and any craft projects you have in progress.

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LEFT Trio of Round Baskets - Natural ABOVE Sona Rectangle Basket - Large

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One of the best things about working from home is the ability to create a relaxed, nurturing environment that is true to your own personality and style.

For more tips on how to arrange and style a workspace at home, read 4 Tried and True Tips for Working from Home on the journal.

LEFT Trio of Round Grass Baskets - Low ABOVE Sona Square Basket x 2

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We always specify baskets for our interior styling clients. They are a must-have for us in certain scenarios. They are the perfect item to add texture to a space, use as a laundry basket or use as children’s toy storage so living spaces or bedrooms don’t have to feel overrun and cluttered. Small baskets are ideal for use in bathrooms for storage of toiletries, for shoe storage in entryways and mudrooms and to create scale, variation, storage and texture for styling open shelving.”

C AT H E R I N E H E R A G H T Y, T H E S TA B L E S

Small Jute Basket - Tall Square & Round Natural Jute Coasters x 8 (in lidded basket)

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Catherine’s images by Nat Spada of The Palm Co.

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thestables.com.au ∙ @the_stables_

LEFT & ABOVE Small Rectangle Jute Basket - Natural

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Kid’s Rooms & NURSERIES MADE SIMPLE

What makes a wonderful children’s room? A place for play, nurturing and rest, children’s rooms and nurseries are where friendships are formed, secrets are hatched and dreams held. On one hand, these rooms need to offer peace and tranquillity. On the other, fun and imagination.

And at the heart of it all, a child’s room needs to function well so that everyone can easily place things and put things back in order as needed.

Having an obvious home for all of your children’s belongings will also help you to teach your children how to look after their belongings and enable them to easily practice their tidying skills over time.

We recommend a wide variety of baskets for this purpose: small baskets on change tables and drawers for hairbrushes and ties, tall rattles and skincare; low baskets to store and display collections of toys such as small cars and wooden miniatures; and large baskets for much bulkier items like soft toys and dress-ups.

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LEFT Large Jute Basket - Charcoal ABOVE Small Jute Basket - Short Square & Minikin Bowl - Natural

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Place cushions, throws and books in a basket by an armchair or bed to make cuddles, reading time and playing on the floor a little more comfortable for everyone.

For more tips on how to incorporate natural storage options into a child’s room, read Storage & Decoration Ideas for Children’s Rooms & Nurseries in our online journal.

LEFT Small Rectangle Jute Basket - Natural ABOVE Small Jute Basket - Tray & Small Jute Basket - Tall Square

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How to Care for Jute Baskets

Investing in a quality, handmade basket is the first step to using these pieces for a variety of storage and decorating purposes. With a little regular love, you can enjoy yours for many years to come.

We always choose the highest quality blonde jute for our baskets, however jute will darken with too much exposure to the sun, so be sure to keep it clear of harsh rays. If you’re planning to put a potted plant in your basket, place a tray in the bottom that is larger than the pot to catch any excess water.

To clean your basket, we suggest you occasionally take it outside on a dry day and shake it to dislodge dirt and dust particles or you might prefer to vacuum your basket. Keep in mind that jute is prone to mould if it is left damp for prolonged periods. Blot water-based spills with kitchen paper or an absorbent cloth as soon as possible and allow your basket to dry thoroughly before using it again. Do not rub stains or spills from your basket as this may spread the stain and loosen the jute fibres. And if you are using your basket to store a potted plant, be sure to add some absorbent layers and a generous water tray to prevent moisture from seeping into the basket’s fibres.

For more care tips, visit How To Care For Jute Baskets on The Dharma Door Journal.

LEFT Short Round Jute Basket - Natural ABOVE Large Jute Basket - Natural

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Meaningful Making E N J OY L I V I N G W I T H T H E S T O R Y O F T H E S E B A S K E T S

The Dharma Door was created in 2004 to empower as many people as possible out of the cycle of poverty. We work towards this by partnering with non-profit organisations that support the talented fair Trade artisans who make our collection of quality natural homewares.

Sometimes they choose to work from home, where they can also care for their family and tend to daily chores. Although highly skilled, they hail from the poorest and most disadvantaged communities, so access to education, training and health care has been very limited.

Handmade – from start to finish – our baskets have been designed to stand the test of time. These items are part of a larger collection of wall hangings, tableware, decorative items, bags and accessories that all carry the same intentions.

By working with The Dharma Door, these women are breaking this cycle by using their traditional weaving and craft skills. With support from our partners, they are able to better safeguard their family’s health and education and build a brighter future for the next generations.

Artisans work alongside other women in shared community workspaces.

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