Here are a few tips…

• Bins and boxes are better than shelves. Open-top bins, boxes or crates are best for toys.  Why?  It makes it much easier for kids to just toss in the toys.  Plus, toys are still in sight — important for kids who worry when their favorite things are behind closed doors or in closed drawers.
• Keep bins and storage cubbies low and within reach of little hands.
• Relax! In the beginning, avoid rigid rules like all the blocks must go in THIS bin, and all the dolls must go in THAT bin.  You’re just setting little ones up for failure – and setting yourself up for frustration.  Focus on establishing the simple habit of picking up toys, period.  You can work on Martha Stewart-style organizing later.
• Mix it up. Provide a variety of storage options to complement bins. Plastic tubs are great for tiny toys.  Laundry baskets are an easy solution for balls and sports equipment (the vents allow for air circulation, too!).  A small hammock makes a fun bed for stuffed animals.
• Give kids a role in deciding what goes where.  Does it really matter if the blocks are on the left side of the room and the Legos are on the right?  Let kids have a sense of ownership in the process, and you may find they’re more enthusiastic about cleaning up.

There are so many options for storage and organization. Keep it fun and keep perspective – all kids can learn to love putting toys away!

You’ve heard of Spring Cleaning but have you heard of Fall Cleaning?  Spring isn’t the only time of the year for a thorough home cleaning session. Autumn is perfect for storing away all the accumulated summer-specific items–like outdoor sports gear, toys, and clothing–and bringing out the cold-weather essentials–snow shovels, heavy coats, and driving gloves. Putting in the work now will make for a much more organized and pleasant end of the year, especially during the holidays when home organization may be the last thing on your mind!

We’ve put together a list of essential cleaning tips for both indoors and outdoors  to help you prepare for the cooler days ahead:

• Clean and store outdoor items you no longer use during Fall and Witner – patio furniture, umbrellas, children’s summer toys, etc.
• Check caulk around windows and doors. We wouldn’t want to lose heat from those pesky gaps!
• Inspect external doors and garage doors. Do they close tightly? Install weather-stripping, door thresholds if needed.
• Wash exterior windows now while the weather is pleasant to avoid a shiver-filled cleaning session later.
• If you have a chimney have them  inspected and cleaned if necessary.

Indoors, the general idea is similar to our Spring Cleaning tips with a few additions:

• Prepare the kitchen for holiday cooking and get-togethers by organizing and cleaning kitchen cabinets, baking supplies, pans, and equipment. You may also want to do a spice and seasoning inventory to determine what needs to be restocked.
• We prefer heavier fabrics on our bed like cotton flannel and wool. This is a great time to start the bedding transition by slowly incorporating these types of sheet into your bedding. Launder your summer bedding and prepare it for storage.
• During Fall and Winter, our homes are a lot more sealed off to the elements than usual. Ensure that your primary heat sources are clean and replace the filters of any air purifiers or humidifiers so that the air inside stays as clean as possible.
• In addition to bringing more cool-weather clothes into your closet, now is the perfect time to evaluate your entire wardrobe and determine what pieces can go. What items shouldn’t be reintroduced next spring? Are there any overworn or out of date items that can be donated?
• In terms of decor, we love the use of warm colors like deep reds, browns, and orange during this time of the year. If you like to decorate seasonally, this is the perfect time to introduce those elements!

Have any more cleaning tips for this season? Let us know in the comments below!

This lamp from Cottage and Bungalow is made from recycled and reclaimed boards from Indonesian wharves, hence the name Fisherman’s Wharf Table Lamp. We love the simplicity of form, easily blending in with a cabin-type atmosphere or a seaside retreat.

This gourd lamp is so fun and versatile. We can picture it lighting up the corner of a comfy study or livingroom but it’s playful shape lends itself to being perfectly suited for a nursery or children’s bedroom, too! (via Candelabra)

What a wonderful and unique way to light up your bedside or reading nook! The bulb sits covered on a on a mango wood base as if it were a piece of fragile art. We love the idea of using an antique radio, Edison, or Victorian-style bulb so their glowing filaments are on display. (via Terrain)

Pairing these hammered metal bases with their nickel patina along with a cream linen shade makes these great accent lamps for a bohemian or ecclectic den or bedroom. Their unique textures will definitely grab the attention of guests – perfect talking-pieces! (via The Company Store)

Truly one of a kind. This handmade mini jar table lamp by Mark Schilling consists of a deep red stoneware body with poured on dark brown glaze. Warm, inviting, and its small size is super adorable!

Solid walnut legs, a natural linen shade, and cloth-covered cord make this a great lamp for all you modern and minimal-minded decorators out there. (via Ample Furniture)

For a sure-fire showstopper, look no further than the Set Lamp from Emonili. This industrial-style lamp is made from reclaimed motorcycle parts, finished to look like a true antique. We especially like the mesh wire over the bulb – it’s sure to create some striking light patterns!

We enjoyed this home tour on The Nester! Clearly Angela is comfortable with color – showcasing an array of eclectic accessories within every room to create a casual, boho vibe. We love that her personality shines through with every piece!

• We were so excited to be included in the first season of Gordon Ramsay’s Hotel Hell! We donated $75,000 worth of sheets to create a more comfortable experience for the guests of the Cambridge Hotel in New York. We loved reading this blog post on Derryx about their experience there and were thrilled that they loved our sheets!

• We don’t know about you, but summer always has a way of causing us to eat a little healthy and be a bit more active. Now that summer’s on its way out we’d like to keep our healthy streak year-round! This recipe from Sprouted Kitchen is a delicious option for casual, friendly, and healthy get-togethers!

• Malin Elmlid’s apartment, as featured on FvF, is truly bursting with life and light! Potted plants, flowers, and fresh fruit line the shelves while the decor remains understated yet chic. Check out the accompanying interview where she speaks about how she finds happiness.

• During the end of August through the first weeks of September, you’re bound to know of someone heading back to school! Young or old, we’re sure that they’d appreciate this adorable bottled school supply gift featured on Givers Log.

I love the Moroccan feel of these poufs. And the silver and gold ones…so swanky! (Via Table Tonic)

I have seen a lot of poufs, and this one is truly unique. Hand-knitted roses adorn this gorgeous piece from MYK. Such a piece of art!

I have to show some Etsy love… and Aletafae makes it so easy to do! These white and yellow poufs are so fresh!

This little girl is just as cute as can be. And so is the pouf she is sitting on! I love the neutral color as well as the standout design of this pouf from Live Life in Lime. Feminine and romantic!

I can’t get enough of these rope poufs! The solid colors will match any décor, won’t distract from the focal points of the room, yet will still add a unique texture to the space! (Via The Company Store)

Ahhh – I can’t stop looking at this! So, so fun! This would be perfect in a kids room, craft room, or a room in need of some serious color! (Via MYK)

Here’s another colorful treasure! How cute is this pinwheel pouf from Brynnan Gilgour? Plus, at only $35 it is definitely one of the more affordable poufs out there!

Lastly, let’s take a  step away from the loud and colorful with these classy poufs — definitely compliment-worthy! Perfect for a sophisticated man cave or office, these are a splurge but will last a very long time! (Via School House Electric)

Each week, we round up our favorite posts dealing with all things comfort. Share some finds of your own in the comments below!

• Swing arm lamps are such useful and versitle lighting options for the home. They can be adjusted to perfectly light your living room wall hangings, bedside reading, kitchen cabinets and so much more. If you change your mind and decide you’d like to light something else nearby, the flexible arm allows you to do just that! Not convinced? Take a look at the extensive interior photos compiled by Angie Helm of Angie Helm Interiors.

• Nam Dang Mitchell is a Calgary based interior designer with an amazing sense of style! Her rooms utilize lots of neutral colors yet still manage to be bold, luxurious, and inviting. Check out her website for her impressive portfolio and an inspiration board that we can’t get enough of!

• It’s not secret that we’re fans of DIY decor posts – especially if they contain lots of photos! Check out Yellow Brick Home‘s DIY chair re-upholstering post. They’ve turned a 2-dollar chair into a sleek and sophisticated centerpiece!

• Summer doesn’t officially end until the September 21st! Grab a blanket, some snacks, and take some time to savor the warm outdoors with a picnic involving the bright and delightful Peach, Tomato and Basil Summer Salad from A Couple Cooks.

• Speaking of the outdoors, here’s an easy, adorable lighting option for evenings on the patio from One Charming Party. All you need are a string of Christmas or wedding lights, spring flower cupcake liners, and pretty washi tape to create these illuminating floral bulbs.

You spend a lot of time making sure your décor is just right, so why sacrifice when it comes to a dog bed? How cute is this personalized dog bed from Old Bits of Wood?

I love Duvet Covers…especially when they come in dog-friendly form! This blue damask cover slips right off of a cover insert for easy washing! Stylish and practical—the best combo! (Via My Spoiled Doggie)

For the dogs that won’t settle for anything but the best—this is the bed to get! Posh, stylish, and fit for the canine royalty in your life. (Via Petsmart)

Many dog owners want a dog bed, but nothing that will draw attention. If that is you, this is the perfect option! Comfy for your dog, neutral for your décor, and easy to slip under a couch or into a closet. (Via Orvis)

I am in love with this pattern from Wag.com! So colorful and fun! Why not bring some personality into your dog’s bed as well as yours?!

You spend much of your summer days outside, relaxing in comfy chairs and sipping lemonade. Bring that comfort outdoors for your dog too! This beautiful adirondack pet bed will last you years and is sure to be your dogs favorite outdoor spot! (Via The Company Store)

When you turn the thermostat down at night and jump into your warm bed, make sure your puppy is cozy and warm, too! This heated dog bed from Cozy Winters will keep your pup warm on even the coldest nights!

When my family was training our puppy, we put him in a crate at night and when we were away. It’s safe to say that it was not his favorite spot. However, if the crate was this comfortable, I think it would have been a different story! Make your puppy’s crate a comfy bed with this crateware set from Petsmart. How great is the vibrant red color?!

I may have rolled my eyes at this one…but I had to include it! A bunk-bed?! Hilarious but awesome. Thank you Lazy Bonezz for stepping out and creating this funky and over the top dog bed!

Getting organized in the bathroom doesn’t have to mean white plastic shelves or cramming more stuff into your medicine cabinet. Here are a few tips that boost your storage sense and add to your bathroom’s style sense, too:

1. Tight on space? Floating shelves make great use of wall space and keep things off tiny countertops. Place just a few items on each shelf for a clean, uncluttered look.
2. Put color to work. Light paint colors on the walls and bright chrome accessories will help a small bathroom seem larger and more spacious.
3. Make use of overlooked space.  Add hooks to the back of your door, or place a kitchen pot rack in an unused corner.
4. Look beyond the big box stores. If you think all the storage products at the big linen stores look similar (that is, boring) bring in pieces from elsewhere in your home or office and repurpose them for your bath. A wooden desk organizer from the office can be painted white to become a vanity organizer. A kitchen hanging rack for cookware can hold towels or bath accessories. A chrome desk lamp looks uber-stylish moved onto the bath counter.
5. It’s OK to put things on your counter — if you’ve got plenty of counter space, and you do it with style. Scattering a variety of baskets or dishes on your counter can give a sense of style while giving order to things like soaps, hand towels, accessories, and such. Add a couple of framed photos of friends or loved ones, for a personal touch.
6. Got a free-standing pedestal sink? Add a skirt in a colorful chintz and you get a sweet cottage-style design element and some hidden storage. Simply purchase a couple yards of fabric and attach with adhesive Velcro® tape.
7. If you’re a neat freak and you can invest in some pretty matching towels and such, consider open cabinets or shelves. There’s something about a lovely stack of freshly laundered towels that gives the feeling of a spa or fancy hotel bathroom. Either way, the mood can be inviting and sophisticated.

Each week, we round up our favorite posts dealing with all things comfort. Share some finds of your own in the comments below!

• Decoratualma has put together a perfect set of photos that capture the beauty of decorating with white – with pops of brilliant color throughout, of course! White is the go-to neutral for us because it pairs perfectly with any shade.

• Looking for a DIY project for the weekend? Try the super simple No-Sew Burlap Bedskirt from StyleBerry Blog! Bedskirts add so much more to the look and feel of your bed and are also a great way to hide any of that underbed storage. The burlap in this example adds a lived-in and rustic touch the overall look of the bed but we imagine that it can easily be swapped in for a similar fabric of your choice.

• Here’s a crowd-pleasing desert to enjoy on a warm summer’s day: chocolate chip cookie ice cream bars! It’s compact, no-fuss, and totally easy to assemble. head over to Pinch of Yum for the recipe and amazing photographs that will have you drooling.

• We’ve always been fans of Jenna Sue‘s design projects and her latest has got us itching to refinish our own cabinets! Check out her post for step-by-step photos. The final product is something to be proud of and works well within her office space. The addition of texture wallpaper is genius!

• This small space featured on Design Elements is so peaceful, light, and airy. We love the combination of hard, sleek architectural lines with the soft and naturalistic decor. There are so many details to take in with each photograph. Truly inspirational!

How gorgeous is this Duvet Cover from BHDecor?! The mix of blue, gold, and white creates a truly regal look! The reverse side is aqua and gold damask which is sure to make a statement!

Design studio Prince Reth created this duvet cover for Urban Outfitters and I am loving it! Both sides are very colorful, yet very unique and present a completely different feel.

If you asked my friends to make a list of my favorite things, I can guarantee they would all include Target. I love Target. And I love this reversible quilt. One side will bring subtle color into your room, while the other will set a neutral tone. The perfect option for those who like to tone it down every one in a while! (Via Target)

This duvet cover from BHDecor is so much fun! But what sets this apart is that it has modern vibe while at the same time it looks casual and comfortable. I find that is a hard combo to find! Plus, this duvet cover has lollipops on it—so sweet! (Pun intended)

For those of you who love printed sheets or colorful decorative pillows, this solid reversible comforter would be the perfect complement! You can easily change the color scheme while not clashing with your patterned accents! Plus the lofty down of this comforter will keep you nice and cozy! (via The Company Store)

Two absolutely gorgeous duvet covers in one! On one side, the neutral background makes the rich colors really pop for a unique bohemian look. Reverse the duvet cover and voilà, a sophisticated and romantic look with gray and white medallions. (Via Amazon)

Anthropologie is known for creating unique clothing, but that uniqueness is also present in their bedding. This quilt is one of a kind with so many unexpected details. The reverse side offers just as much character. Thank you Anthropologie for delivering once again!

We could spend our entire day on this porch! If you have ample porch space, try decorating it as you would a living room. This allows you to easily and comfortably move parties and get-togethers outside. The bold colors, patterns, and funky accessories in Nancy Pearson‘s design make this a perfect place for a summer party.

Working with less space? No problem! Add two stools and a small table to create an intimate area for a morning cup of coffee or a glass of wine with a view.

Don’t fret over making sure every piece in your outdoor furniture collection matches. Mixing it up creates a relaxed and casual setting. If your space is covered, bring in some indoor accessories and nicknacks that you love for a more personal atmosphere.

We love this semi-enclosed balcony! It may be small on space but it’s certainly big on comfort. Check out this post on Shelterness for even more photos of cozy balconies.

Never miss the opportunity to incorporate plants. After all, this is where they’ll thrive! We love the more-is-more approach taken on the balcony below from Design Sponge. Even more examples can be found here.

Minimal and no-fuss. If you’re looking to create a space for sheer relaxation don’t be afraid to include only the necessities.

Bright color truly shines under the sun. For an outdoor space meant for entertaining, use color to your advantage!

We love the worldly quality of the decor on this NYC rooftop space. It’s as if we’ve walked into a secret garden with treasures from around the globe.

Here’s an outdoor space to envy. Strategically placed walls, canvas screens, and plantings break up this minimal rooftop space and create “rooms” for you to choose from.

Each week, we round up our favorite posts dealing with all things comfort. Share some finds of your own in the comments below!

• Trinkets galore! Hirona Matsuda uses found objects to create miniature scenes. Her artwork incorporates all kinds of treasure: plastic chips, lost buttons, rusty bolts, tiny toys, broken glass, bicycle gears, bottle caps, an more – all displayed within her home studio. We love the casual and familiar vibe they add to her interiors as featured on FvF.

• Need an idea for a unique hostess gift? Look no further! Check out these DIY teacup candles featured on Cupcakes and Cashmere. They’re quite simple to make and they’re 100% customizable! Choose the perfect teacup (or any sort of cup, really), your giftee’s favorite scent, and you’re guaranteed to light up their day!

• Have a side chair in desperate need of sprucing up? Why not reupholster it? Adding a new layer of fabric in your favorite pattern is almost always a sure-fire way of turning a mediocre piece into a fabulous one. Check out this step-by-step example from Sas Interiors for instructions and inspiration.

• Visit The Sprouted Kitchen for a yummy summer dessert recipe and equally mouth-watering photos to accompany it. It’s blueberry season where we are so there’s no excuse not to try this dish!

• Clean, fresh, and glamorous. Those are the words that come to mind when perusing the portfolio of interior designer Greg Natale. He mixes traditional and modern pieces to create truly unique and bold looks that we just can’t get enough of.