Top Tools, Tips & Trends

The latest must-haves for your home.

By: Berit Thorkelson

Take this quiz to find out:
1. Which phrase best describes your junk drawer?
a. No such thing as a junk drawer in my home.
b. It’s a mess by definition.
c. Which one?

2. Those ticket stubs, programs and scraps of memorabilia are:
a. Nothing but clutter, really.
b. Sorted, but still a work in progress.
c. Priceless. Every darn bit of it. If only I knew which cardboard box they were in.

3. The mail’s arrived. You:
a. Open it, then recycle, shred or file. Immediately.
b. Put it in its designated spot.
c. Set it, um, wherever.

4. Do you own a labeler?
a. People survive without one?
b. Nope.
c. Yes, but I have no idea where it is.

5. Your dining room table is:
a. Ready, with a centerpiece, at all times.
b. A stuff magnet, but it doesn’t get too out of control.
c. Under there, somewhere!

RESULTS
Mostly As: The Neatnik. Well, you certainly have things under control, don’t you? As long as you’re taking time to smell the roses, you’re in great shape. Congratulations!
Mostly Bs: The Waffler. Sometimes you have it, organizationally speaking. Sometimes, you don’t. A few key systems and you could have the Neatnik thing down. Just don’t let things slide in the opposite direction.
Mostly Cs: The Pack Rat. Sounds like you could use some help. Try tackling things in small, manageable doses, and consider calling in a professional organizer. It’ll be worth it!

Gadgets for comfort and convenience
Foster that weather obsession with the 5-Day Wireless Weather Forecaster by Brookstone. Real-time local weather reports are transmitted directly to the unit, automatically—no downloading or connecting required. It’s easy to read and slim, with a built-in stand, plus magnetic backing for optional fridge placement; $85 at brookstone.com or Brookstone stores.

Eliminate a few charger cordswith WildCharge, a new
wireless charging device. Plug in only the charging pad, then drop in three to five WildCharge-adapted devices; $60 at wildcharge.com, with adaptors sold separately.

You’re always headed toward harvest with the AeroGarden Pro 100, which produces herbs, greens, tomatoes and more right on your kitchen countertop. NASA-tested aeroponic technology eliminates the need for dirt, which means no weeds or pesticides—or gardens. Low-watt grow lights automatically turn off and on to simulate the sun, and the appliance even reminds you when to give it a little water and nutrients. It’s fast, too. Twice the speed of dirt-based growth; $169.95 online at aerogrow.com or at nationwide retailers including Linens ‘n Things, online at lnt.com.

Grilling need not be weather-dependent with Breville’s
new Ikon Grill. It sports removable, dishwasher-safe,
nonstick plates and a patented floating top that adjusts to six different settings—so it’s easy on delicate foods like fish. On the bottom, use the flat plate as a griddle, or the ribbed plate, angled, to drain off fat; $149.99 online at brevilleusa.com or
at Williams-Sonoma stores.

Gracious Guest Room
Welcome visitors with open arms (see page 13 for more tips). “When friends and family travel from afar, they deserve to be pampered,” says Ann Fox, cofounder of the catalog boutique Room Service Home (RSH), roomservicehome.com. A few of the newest products to make overnight visitors feel at home:
Cozy comforts. Always keep a robe in the guest bedroom or bath. (See fresh, pretty versions at anthropologie.com). “A cozy throw at the foot of the bed is a must,” Fox says.
 
Welcoming details. Tie bath towels with a ribbon. Hang a
house key on a special hook. Fox recommends having a candle, such as RSH’s wild currant-scented Silver Initial Candle,
lit upon your guests’ arrival. “Of course, there should be fresh flowers,” she says.
 
Personalized touches. Create stamps and custom postcards online at sites such as zazzle.com and keep them on the dresser.

Space-creating ideas for the bathroom
Typically, it’s the smallest room in your home. So even a little bit of bathroom clutter goes a long way. Professional organizer Ellen Damaschino of Neat (neatorganizer.com) offers some expert tips on capturing more space—or at least feeling like you have.
 
Contain it. Use baskets or pretty trays on counters to contain items you use every day.
 
Move up. Choose under-the-sink organizers with adjustable shelves or pullout drawers to maximize space. Try stacksandstacks.com for ideas.
Divide and conquer. Use plastic dividers, such as cutlery trays and expanding organizers, to keep items in drawers neatly segregated.
Slim down. If cabinet space is at a premium, unpack goods and place them in small plastic or glass jars from specialtybottle.com. Just make sure to label everything so you’re clear on what’s what.

Feel good. Leave some space for a scented candle, a pretty jewelry box or a dish of favorite soaps from sudsysoapcakes.com to help you enjoy your space. It’s the first place you go in the morning and the last place you visit at night.

Natural Accents
Good news: The latest, greatest eco-friendly textiles don’t sacrifice one ounce of style. Peruse these options and start saving the earth, one recycled-silk sham at a time.

A sustainable night’s sleep: Rest easy when bedding choices range from inexpensive all-natural bamboo-fiber sheets (at bedbathandbeyond.com) to 600-thread count organic cotton Italian milled linens (at annasova.com). Also look to gaiam.com for a large selection of organic bedding.
 
Earth-friendly footing: Beautiful area rugs that are easy on the conscience come in fabrics including vegetable-dyed Turkish wool and reclaimed T-shirts. Check out eco-terric.com for fabulous designs.
Eco-chic shades: Hand-loomed silk, river reeds and bamboo are popular options. Start with thewovencompany.com, hfshades.com and windowdesigner.com to quickly add charm to any room.
Natural touches: Decorative, environmentally-friendly pillows and throws come in materials such as hemp, linen, organic cotton, recycled wool and postindustrial recycled polyester. Explore balanced-design.com, kstudiohome.com and vivaterra.com for a range of options.