Inside design: Peri Wolfman

S@H: What are some of your favourite organizational tools?
PW: Baskets are great. You can never have too many. In fact, I always suggest buying more than you think you'll need because inevitably you'll need them. But the key is to buy baskets that are all the same size: a stack or line of identical baskets just looks better, less cluttered, than an assortment. In my home office, I have a row of baskets on display under my desk used to house everything from files and bills to paper-clips. Baskets can even be used to house hanging files. And they don't have to be wicker; there are great wire mesh and even leather baskets that look modern. I also like large canvas totes for storing magazines and books. I order mine from L.L. Bean because they're the perfect size and you can even have a custom label -– "books” or "files” -– embroidered on them. You can stow the bag beside the bed or carry it down to the den. It looks chic and it's practical.

S@H: You're expert at making better use of lost spaces in the home.
PW: That's right. I love draped tables, for example, because you can build shelves right into the table, and the fabric hides everything. In my living room, I have a draped table that stores all my gift wrap. My guests would never know. I also suggest that people make use of vertical space. If your ceilings are high enough, consider triple-hanging clothes in a closet or building a shelf above the clothes rail for storing suitcases or shoeboxes. I also like to put a shelf for towels above the bathroom door; it's unused space that can be reclaimed. Finding these spots to store things makes staying organized easier -– and that makes life so much easier.

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