store and conceal

Greeting Decoista's,

During the last week I've gotten various e-mails with all kinds of house-hold concerns.  One that struck me was a question about the reduction of clutter.  I hate clutter or things lingering in the open that should be put away or concealed with a sense of style and arrangement. My solution to this problem is the use of baskets.  Known to be one of the oldest art-forms, baskets serve a multitude of purposes.  In many cultures they're simply used to transport goods, but with the decorative styles, weaves, and forms, they can be used  in the home for accessorizing and/or practical uses such as storing things like dvd's, cd's, jewelry, magazines, flip flops, etc.  Many of the examples and styles are shown in the photo's provided.  These baskets are from all over the world and add texture and decoration to any enviroment.  Depending on where you shop they can be pricey, but many flea markets, antique shops, or even junk pits have them available.  Often, the merchant may be using them for their own display.  If you like what you see, don't hesitate to ask if it's for sale.  The flat circular baskets in the photos housing the dried cocoa shells and in photo 2, the vaze ensemble, were 1 euro each; purchased at a flea market in Guadeloupe.  They were being used to showcase jewelry and I just ask if the were for sale, et voila! I got both of them.  Don't sleep, my neighbors here in Guadeloupe, who assisted in helping us move in asked, "more baskets?" during the arduous task. They got the picture when they saw everything in place.  Have fun shopping and remember; whatever you buy, make it work. There's never room for waste.