Use a vintage-looking table for entertaining essentials.

A well-stocked drinks cart is a sure sign of a home for grown-ups. Peruse thrift stores for a small cart that will hold bottles and glasses in a corner of your living room. Liquor bottles are often brightly coloured and fun to display.

Arrange cocktail items on an ornate tray.

No space for a bar cart? A console does double duty as a bar with a collection of accessories at the ready, corralled in a simple gold tray for easy access during cocktail hour.

Store quirky collections in clear vessels.

Elevate the mundane by putting a bowl full of matchbook memories on display — part art and part storage.

Clean up desk clutter with vintage candy dishes.

Home offices and work spaces can get out of hand, but keep a few old candy jars — available for a song at your local thrift shop — on hand for small items like business cards and paper clips.

Use display cases to organize groupings of accessories or jewelry.

Keep small items tidy — and unscratched — in see-through display cases. They keep clutter contained, but allow you to see what's inside.

Collect colourful trays to showcase pretty bottles.

A bedroom console is the perfect spot to set a large tray in a bright hue. Keep other boxes and baskets neutral to let the tray take centre stage. Arrange a few everyday items for easy visibility.

Display often-used items within easy reach.

Use smaller trays, like this eye-catching pewter one, for storing everyday toiletries and jewelry. Closed baskets are better for items not used as often.

Embellish linens with ribbon on open shelves.

Take a page out of a stylist's book by bundling extra coverlets with satin ribbon tied in bows. Exposed shelves can be used for practical storage, but make an effort to keep items tidy.

Line shelves with wire baskets for easy visibility.

Vintage wire baskets are the epitome of form and function: their contents are visible at a glance, and they are easy to tote to other rooms when filled with cleaning supplies or extra toiletries.

Mix-and-match baskets for visual appeal.

Instead of matching baskets, combine different colours, textures and materials to add interest to open shelving. Label items with cards and ribbon for an elevated look.

Transform a utilitarian basket with a linen liner.

Give tired old baskets a new look with simple fabric liners. Store them on the floor here and there for magazines, remote controls or toys.

Stack boxes from large to small.

Even if you want to store smaller items away in boxes, create visual interest by stacking them in a place of prominence. A tiered tower of worn antique boxes calls attention to the detail and natural warmth of the wood.