Storage and Display via BHG
Organization with Open Storage
I love storage that pulls double duty — beautiful and useful at the same time. From built-ins and freestanding units to simple open cabinets or a thoughtfully used blank wall, everyday storage can become an attractive feature in any room.
Open storage lets everyday items function as part of your decor. Use attractive versions of things you actually reach for so they read as design, not clutter. That doesn’t mean you should display unattractive or messy items — tuck those into a pretty basket or bin so the look stays cohesive while the contents remain practical.
BHG bookcase counter wall storage
I call this approach “Everyday on Display.” The goal is to integrate useful items into your home’s design without creating disorder. When you display things you love and use, you’re more likely to handle and care for them regularly, which helps keep spaces tidy and purposeful.
See Jane Work – Attractive Storage
Open shelving does not automatically mean dust and disorder. In many cases it creates accountability: when you see your things every day you’re more likely to maintain them. Closed cupboards and closets often become dumping grounds because they’re out of sight and out of mind, so open storage can actually encourage better organization.
BHG Room Divider Storage
This example functions as a room divider, storage unit, and display — three roles in one. That kind of versatility is what makes open storage so valuable.
Yes, it takes time to collect attractive baskets, boxes, and display pieces instead of hiding everything behind doors. But for many people that process is part of the enjoyment of home: curating functional items that contribute to the overall look while serving everyday needs.
Where to find attractive storage pieces: You can build a cohesive open-storage look with fairly affordable finds. Shops like HomeGoods, IKEA, Target, Pier 1, World Market, and craft stores offer baskets, bins, and displayable items. Collect pieces over time to create a coordinated, functional display.
BHG Scrabble Shelf Labels
With a little creativity, ordinary appliances and tools can become part of an attractive open shelf. Color, thoughtful arrangement, and simple labels turn everyday items into a visually appealing display. Presentation matters more than price; a well styled shelf can elevate modest pieces into decorative elements.
image: marthagayle via HGTV.com / Apartment Therapy
Even a blank wall can be put to work. A multi-panel display or large-scale art center is a practical and artistic way to organize children’s artwork, school papers, and other memorabilia. It turns everyday items into a cohesive wall feature while keeping things organized and accessible.