This weekend there were strawberries, asparagus, and wide-open peonies at the farmers' market. While I stuffed my goodies unceremoniously into a backpack, I couldn't help but wish I had a beautiful straw market tote à la my friends across the pond in Paris. In case you've got similar yearnings, here's a roundup of ten French market totes, perfect for carting home bundles of fresh flowers and cuts of stinky cheese...tous les deux.

Above: This classic Hand Woven Palm Carryall is available with leather handles in two lengths, from $59.95 at Kaufmann Mercantile.

Above: This Leather-Handled Market Tote has brighter orange leather handles; available for $39.95 from Greige.

Above: For a more daring pop of color, here's a Shopping Basket With Dark Green Handles; £40 from French Basquets.

Above: This French Market Basket with Two Handles, allows you to carry your tote in your hands or over your shoulder; available for $50 from Olive and Branch.

Above: If leather isn't right for you, you might choose this Rustic Market Basket with Twine Handles; available for $32 from The Market Basket Co.

Above: Another classic Basket Tote, this one has more slender handles than some of the others;  available for $34 from Greige.

Above: If you like the the look of a French market tote, but not the heft, you might like this Small French Market Basket; $24 from Olive and Branch.

Above: For a slight variation on the classic shape, here's the Square French Market Basket; $42.99 from Petite Provence.

Above: The La Vie Large Tote is rimmed in leather for a little extra polish; $64 from Abes Market.

Is canvas more your style? See 10 Easy Pieces: Springlike Canvas Totes.

Looking for a tote bag to use in the garden? See A Tote Worthy Garden Bag.

French fabric company Couleur Chanvre produces rustic yet refined linens made from unbleached hemp grown in France. Dedicated to green manufacturing (the motto is "beau, bio, eco"), the company achieves the natural palette through organic vegetable dyes. Prices start at €30 for a pillowcase; worldwide shipping available. To see the full line, go to Couleur Chanvre.

Above: A mix of pale pink and darker mauve linen sheets; prices start at €125 for a Drap Plat Chanvre Pur.

Above: Lace-edged linens are also available.

Above: A mix of navy, gray, and olive green: genius.

Above: The Hemp Apron is €57.

Couleur Chanvre also makes vegetable-dyed, organic hemp shower curtains in rugged earth tones.

 This post is an update; the original ran on February 18, 2009.

In need of extra storage for the summer? We just spotted these good-looking, compellingly priced jute bins from The Container Store. Perfect for storing swim gear and summer towels by the pool or for using indoors for coraling clutter. See below for pricing.

Above: Made from biodegradable raw jute fibers woven into rope and then stitched, the Small Jute Bin is 7 3/4 inches wide and 7 1/2 inches high ($14.99) and the Large Jute Bin is 11 1/2 inches wide and 10 1/4 inches high ($24).

If wicker is more your thing, check out these Storage Baskets.

Our love of the Swiss Army Cross blanket is well documented; lately, we've developed an obsession with the U.S. Navy blanket (best use of anchor motif ever). Here are a few sources:

Above: Faribault Woolen Mills U.S. Navy Blanket; $150 from Three Potato Four.

Above: The Foot Soldier Military Wool Blanket in navy and cream is $184.50 for a twin size from Faribault.

Above: A pair of vintage U.S. Navy Blankets is $130 from Etsy seller Lisa B. Retro.

Santiago, Chile-based textile designer Karen Barbé works as a freelance artist and sells her own whimsical textiles online. Her handmade collection is inspired by traditional crafts and everyday objects; here is a glimpse of some of her latest work:

Above: Embroidered Tea Towel #2 is made from hemp and organic cotton; $28.

Above: A corner of Barbe's studio.

Above: Potholders (set of two) are $22.

Above: Barbe holds workshops for local artists interested in learning the art of embroidery.

Above: Barbe with one of her Zigzag Bags; $32.

Above: Woven Cushion Col. 3 is made from wool and angora; $70. Several other colors are available.

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on June 4, 2012.

When we launched Remodelista a few years ago, it was almost impossible to source well-made, classic European-style household goods (in fact, I used to buy wooden brushes in London at Labour & Wait and carry them back in my suitcase). A lot has changed; West Elm, Williams-Sonoma, Terrain, Crate & Barrel, as well as a number of smaller online outfits now offer products from Germany, the UK, and Switzerland. Here are 10 products we own, use, and swear by at Remodelista:

Above: Made in Germany, the Toilet Brush Set by Redecker is $34 at the Joinery.

Above: The classic Wire Soap Dish from Terrain is $18.

Above: Organic Cotton Scrub Cloths are $20 for a set of three at Terrain.

Above: The Redecker Feather Duster is $24.95 at Crate & Barrel.

Above: The German-made Wesco Singleboy 3.4-Gallon Trash Can is $129.95 at Crate & Barrel.

Above: The German-made Dustpan and Broom Set by Redecker is $68 at the Joinery.

Above: From Germany, the Pot Brush is $4 (down from $6) at West Elm.

Above: The dark galvanized metal Redecker Wash Bucket; $18.95 from Old Faithful.

Above: The guys at Best Made Co. call the Italian-made Chore Glove "the best-fitting glove on the market"; $18 from Best Made.

Above: Made in Italy by a family-run company of woodworkers, the Four-Step Ladder is $129.95 at Williams-Sonoma.

Ideal for small-space living situations: pull-out ironing boards; here are five good options, from high to low (installation required).

Above: A custom closet with pull-out ironing board by Lisa Adams Closet Design.

Above: The Maytag LRC Pull-Out Ironing Board is a built-in ironing board; £199.99 from Range Cooker King in the UK.

Above: The Asko HiddenHelper Series Hl115W retractable ironing board is $549 Homeclick.

Above: The Rev-A-Shelf CiB-16CR Chrome VIB Series Pull-Out Close Depth Ironing Board is $126.70 from Build.com.

Above: The Hafele Ironifix Built-In Ironing Board is the latest model from Hafele; go to the company's website for more information.

Above: A Pull-Out Ironing Board from Closet Works.

Above: A Pull-Out Ironing Board from Wood-Mode Cabinetry; contact Wood-Mode for pricing.

Investing in a $8 clothing brush will pay dividends in the long run: It helps your clothes last longer and best of all: it will help lower your weekly dry cleaning bill.

Above: French company Andrée Jardin offer traditional handmade brushes for both clothes and shoes. 

Above: The Redecker Compact Lint Brush is $7.95 from Crate and Barrel.

Above: The Deluxe Round Dauber by La Cordonnerie Anglaise for applying shoe polish cream is $9 from the Hanger Project. It's available with a black or natural colored brush.  

Above: A pair of Cedar Wood Shoe Trees is $24.95 from Kaufmann Mercantile.

Above: A La Cordonnerie Anglaise Leather Pocket Shoehorn is currently on sale for $19.50 (down from $32.50) from a Suitable Wardrobe.

Above: The Laundress Mesh Laundry Bags for washing delicates are $9.95 for a set of two from Crate and Barrel. 

Above:  The Ikea Bumerang Hanger is $3.99 for a pack of eight.  

Above: Redecker Cedar Hanger Rings (thread onto your hanger hooks to repel moths) are $10 from Fellow Barber. 

Above: Wool Dryer Balls (set of three) from Crate and Barrel are $19.95. The balls are free of chemicals, reduce static clothing, and make a great substitute for dryer sheet.

Looking for more advise when it comes to your clothes. Check out our post, Expert Advice: 10 Wardrobe Maintenance Essentials.

Why does storage sometimes seem like the answer to all of life's woes? Maybe it's the promise that if we could just get our acts together we'd have time left over for more worthwhile pursuits—reading, hiking, cooking. Here are 10 closet systems we're admiring, from high to low (and in between).

Above: Designed by architect Piero Lissoni, the Moduli a Giorno sets the standard for masculine sophistication; go to Porro for more information.

Above: Are you the ultimate minimalist? The Ego Walk-In Closet designed by Giuseppe Bavuso for Italian company Poliform.

Above: Again with Italian architect Piero Lissoni: the wood paneled closet system for Porro; available through Graye.

Above: Seattle-based Henrybuilt offers made-in-the-US built-in and standalone wardrobes and closets. See more at Storage: Henrybuilt Wardrobes.

Above: The most elegant closet ever? We think so: the Anthea system from Boffi.

Above: The Hafele Elite Wardrobe system; high-quality components at a reasonable price.

Above: A reliable standby: the Rakks closet system.

Above: For a mid-range closet system, the Elfa range at the Container Store includes individual components and custom solutions like the Birch and Platinum Elfa Decor Master Walk-In Closet (shown above); $1,061.91 self install or $1,327.67 installed. For reach-in closets, consider the Birch and White Elfa Decor Classic Reach-in Closet Set (shown above), which measures 16 by 74 by 8 inches; $784.98 self-install and $981.36 installed from the Container Store

Discovered on Finnish blogger Naku's Bambula: copper hooks made from plumbing parts. For detailed instructions, go to Bambula.

Above: The hooks add a coppery glimmer to an otherwise neutral kitchen space.

Above: A bag of 10 half-inch Copper 90 Degree Elbows is $5.97 and a Copper Tube Cap is $2.62 from Home Depot.

Above: Naku sawed a wood dowel into discs that she fit into each pipe (not easy, but worth the effort). Lowe's has a good selection of wooden dowels.

Can't get enough of copper? See 50 photos of Copper Decor in our Gallery of rooms and spaces. 

When it comes to washing machines, are we biased? Yes. In our opinion, front-loading washers are it. Here are our ten picks.

In the five years since we last reported on front-loading washers, manufacturers have tackled the one big issue that plagued the machines: mold and mildew from standing water. They took the issue head on and created anti-bacterial surfaces, improved water drainage, and developed automatic door-propping devices. With that issue fixed and entry-level pricing at more affordable levels, what is there not to like about front-loading washing machines? They offer superior cleaning with far less water than the best top-loaders. They accommodate larger loads and achieve better moisture extraction in the spin cycle, which means shorter (and less costly) drying times. And they can either be put side-by-side or stacked with a dryer to save space. 

We've researched the current market offerings of full-sized (typically 27-inches wide) washers and used reviews, personal experience, and consults with appliance repair and sales experts to narrow our picks. All the offerings are Energy Star certified, have stainless steel drums, glass doors, and can be installed side-by-side or stacked for flexibility. 

Have a front-loading washer you love? Share your experience in the comments below.

(OK, we admit it, there is a downside: having to stoop down to access the machine. An accessory worth considering is a laundry pedestal with a drawer that raises your washer off of the floor to eliminate stooping and provide storage space for detergents or other laundry tools.) 

Above: LG front loading machines have the best repair record on the market. The LG SteamWasher Series (WM2650HRA) offers a 3.6-cubic-foot capacity stainless drum, nine wash cycles, and a steam option. We like LG's door plunger feature that secures the door in a slightly open position when not in use to allow the interior to dry and stay mold and mildew free. The direct-drive motor has a 10-year warranty, and the drum carries a lifetime warranty. Available in white or cherry red as shown; $895.50 ($805.50 for the white) at AJ Madison.

Above: The entry-level LG Front Load Washer (WM2250CW) has nearly all the same features except steam. Its drum is slightly smaller (3.5 cubic feet) and it has seven wash cycles. And it has the direct-drive motor and LG's warranty of 10 years on the motor; lifetime on the drum; $715.50. Both at AJ Madison. 

Above: What do you get with the top-of-the-line LG washer? The LG TurboWash Series (WM8000HVA) has the largest drum capacity on the market at 5.1 cubic feet. To get that capacity, the washer measures in at 29 inches, 2 inches wider than the standard washer size. It offers 14 wash programs, steam options, and a fast but effective cleaning cycle (LG claims it is 20 minutes faster than standard) that is super energy efficient. Available in white or graphite steel (as shown); $1,255 and $1,345 respectively at AJ Madison.

Above: The entry-level steam washer from Samsung offers eight wash cycles, including steam and sanitizing, an internal water heater for temperature control, and vibration reduction technology for super quiet operation. The Samsung Front Load Steam Washer (WF365BTBGWR) is $809 at Plessers.

Above: Samsung is known for pushing the technology envelope in the appliance department: case in point, the Smart Control app for the Samsung Front Load Washer (WF455ARGS), which allows you to monitor your laundry's progress from afar. The high-capacity (4.5 cubic feet) drum has a diamond-shaped drain holes to reduce fabric damage. Available in white or onyx; $1,169 and $1,259 respectively at Plessers.  

Above: The highly rated American-made Whirlpool Duet Steam Washer (WFW9750WW) offers a 3.9-cubic-foot capacity and 14 wash cycles, including steam and sanitizing. It offers temperature and load-size sensing technologies for efficient cleaning and water conservation $894.60 at AJ Madison. N.B.: See the Duet in Allison's Laundry Room.

Above: Also manufactured in Ohio by Whirlpool, the Maytag Maxima Series Front Load Washer (MHW6000AG) has a 4.3-cubic-foot capacity, a steam-for-stains option, and 11 wash cycles. Maytag has been working to repair its reputation and offers a 10-year warranty, a direct drive motor, and commercial grade parts. Available in white or granite; $984.60 and $1,074.60 at AJ Madison. Looking to buy "local"? See our round-up of American-Made Appliances.

Above: The Electrolux IQ-Touch Series (EIFLS55I) has a 4.07-cubic-foot capacity and a steam option among the 11 wash cycles. Its load balancing system means that it is especially quiet, a good choice if you need laundry near (or in) your bedroom; $899 in white and $1,073.70 in Mediterranean blue at AJ Madison.

Above: The GE Profile Front Load Steam Washer (PFWS4600LWW) offers 4.3 cubic feet of space and features like a Smart Dispense system, which holds up to six months of detergent and dispenses with each wash, plus an overnight cycle that washes and dries a small load in eight hours while you sleep; $1,409 (white) and $1,699 (champagne) at AJ Madison.

Above: The GE (GFWS260) Front Load Washer at 28vinches wide has a slightly broader girth than the standard. With that comes a 4.5-cubic-foot capacity, as well as steam and sanitizing cycles with 12 wash settings. Available in white, metallic, and red; $987.30 in white and $1,077.30 in the color options at AJ Madison.

No laundry room? See our ideas to Cleverly Camouflage the Washer/Dryer. 

Spotted (and envied) on the Style Files blog: a closet converted into a practical utility space, complete with a sink and homemade built-in shelving. Styled by Dutch interior designer Kim Timmerman, it's the perfectly ordered and sparkling extra storage everyone could use. Here, a look at the closet and how to recreate it. 

Above: A utility room that serves as a space for storing kitchenwares and washing up, it's tidily covered in white tiles and kitted out with shelves resting on brackets made from pegs. The same pegs are used as simple hooks over the sink. One of reasons the setup is so pleasing to the eye is its simple palette of black, white, and gray. Photograph by Louis Lemaire Fotografie.

Steal This Look with these elements:

Above: The American Standard All-Purpose Sink is designed be wall hung and measures 22 by 30 by 9.5 inches; $607.72 from Amazon. 

Above: The Elements of Design Vintage Wall-Mounted Vessel Sink Faucet with Double Cross Handles has a 9.75-inch spout reach from the wall; $97.47 in polished chrome via Wayfair. 

Above: Ikea offers several basic white shelving options. The Antonius Shelf is 31 1/8 inches wide and 11 inches deep; $5 each. 

Above: To create shelf brackets and wall hooks, consider Wooden Building Blocks or a Hardwood Dowel cut into the desired lengths and painted white. Drill a hole in the back of each, insert a screw, and attach to the wall using anchors. See our post DIY Instant Hallway Hooks Made from Blocks for tips.  

Above: The Kaico Coffee Pot by designer Makoto Koizumi is made in Japan of enamel-coasted steel with a maple knob; $130 from Emmo Home.  

Above: The French-made Staub Cast-Iron Mini Cocotte in matte black is currently on sale for $50 (marked down from $72) at Williams-Sonoma. Looking for more options? See 10 Easy Pieces: Cast Iron Dutch Ovens. 

Above: The One Gallon Amber Glass Jug with a handle and cap is $8.69 from My World Hut. 

Above: Ikea's handmade Lidan Basket comes with a loop for hanging; $9.99 for a set of two.

Above: These Scissors are made by a Chinese scissor and knife company in business since 1663; $12 from Brook Farm General Store. 

Above: Sized for ice cream, the Dessert Bowl in onyx is part of the Heath Coupe Line designed in the 1940s; $24 from Heath Ceramics. 

Above: The Ilse Container is an all-brass receptacle designed by Ilse Crawford for Georg Jensen; $275 via The Future Perfect. 

Above: Chicago artist Susan Dwyer hand builds ceramics, including this Large Light Gray Pitcher; $58 from Dwyer's studio, Up In the Air Somewhere.

If, like us, you love looking at storage options, peruse our image gallery of Laundry & Utility Rooms. Also see our post 10 Easy Pieces: Inventive Wood Wall Hooks. 

When interior designer Mikael Löfström set out to make a new class of household brushes, he turned to his backyard, the forests of Stockholm. "When thinking about brushes, I started with the possibilities in the nature surrounding us; for us Swedes, the woods and the forests are boundless," says Löfström.

A graduate of Lund University and University College of Arts, Crafts and Design in Stockholm, Löfström approaches design as an investigation. This particular study is about materials—Swedish foraged woods, like birch, beech and elm—and reused bristles that he salvages from other brushes. Keeping the materials clean and natural is important to Löfström; he washes and prepares each fiber before threading it onto its hardwood base. The brushes are in production at Löfström AB for €40 each and can be ordered by contacting info@lofstrom.se.

N.B.: Löfström's work, including the brushes, can be found at Mint Design in London, England, Tom Design in Torino, Italy, and according to the designer, the brushes may be available at Anthropologie in the US soon.

Above: The brushes make use of the natural shape of each branch. "They can be decorative," Löfström says, "or used as cleaning tools in the greenhouse, at the workbench, or by the fireside."

Above: The designs make use of bristles repurposed from old brushes.

For classic domestic science brushes visit our previous posts: Brushes Handmade in Buckinghamshire Since 1840 and Redecker Brushes from Germany.

I'm never going to be that person with a designated gift-wrapping room; I might, however, put one of these storage solutions to work in an unused corner.

Above: A back-of-the-door solution involving wall-mounted metal hooks and wooden dowels, via Arnelle Blog. Caroline Drake, the writer of the blog, used 3 1/2-inch zinc-plated Tarp Rope Hooks from Stanley Hardware ($1.17 each from Amazon) and Lowes' Wood Dowels cut to the width of her doors.

Above: The Wrapping Cart from Crate & Barrel is $159.95.

Above: Remodelista's own Francesca Connolly stores wrapping paper in a tall glass florist vase (you can see more of Francesca's Brooklyn Heights brownstone in Remodelista: A Manual for the Considered Home). Photo by Matthew Williams.

Above: The 50 Compartment Roll Storage Cart on wheels is designed for architects' blueprint storage (we'd use it for wrapping paper); $328 from ULine.

Above: A DIY Wrapping Station Project from Home Depot. N.B. Home Depot also sells the Martha Stewart Living 42-Inch Gift Wrap Hutch for $179.

Above: The Whitney Wrapping Paper Hutch from Pottery Barn is $399.

Above: The easiest route? Storing rolls of paper in a metal bin on wheels; for a DIY project, go to Chez Larsson.

Until now, the Miele-Dyson debate really was about whether you preferred the old-fashioned canister-style vacuum to the newer upright style. But an introduction from Dyson may tempt even hard-core Miele fans.

The Dyson DC39 has a radical new design in which key components, including the motor, are located inside a central ball for a low center of gravity, greater stability, and easy maneuvering around furniture and other obstacles. Couple that with its bagless approach, and you have a very technologically advanced machine. Miele, on the other hand, is known for its superior air filtration system (which is why the company has not embraced the bagless technology). Have a look below and decide for yourself.

Above: Remodelista editor Christine is a fan of Dyson. "They rethought the vacuum cleaner, how it works and how it looks," she says. The Dyson DC39 ($449.99) has a "triggerhead" tool that lets you adjust for different floor types at the handle—no more bending down to swap out vacuum heads.

Above: The Dyson DC39 Animal ($499.99) is specifically designed to pick up pet hair (nearly 40 percent of US households own a dog).

Above: My personal favorite is the Miele S2 Olympus Canister Vacuum Cleaner, designed for low-pile carpeting and smooth flooring; $329 through Amazon. Izabella is a convert; see Why I Love My Miele.

Above: The Miele Titan Canister Vacuum accommodates medium-pile carpeting with a power head that is designed for carpets; $599 at Amazon.

Some options at more affordable price points? See 5 Hard-Working Vacuums for Serious Cleaning. Which vacuum gets your vote? Please share your finds in the comments section below. Doing some New Year's tidying? See Expert Advice: Editors' Top 10 Cleaning Tips and Editors' Essential Cleaning Tools.

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on March 7, 2012 as part of our Channeling Downton Abbey issue.

My family of four lives in a sweet cottage built almost 100 years ago in the Napa Valley. It has great bones and many original features (double-hung single-paned windows, for instance.) Charming in the summer, it's chilly in winter. In our first December here, I quickly discovered a gaping gap under the front door that allowed cold air to rush in. Sealing up the house and keeping warm became a mission. Here are a few tips I learned along the way.

Above: A neon knitted Draft Extruder from Kolor.

1. They're low tech, but draft extruders are an easy solution and require no sticking to frames. Gray felt extruders are on my DIY list.

2. Rubber foam insulation tape: it's not glamorous, but it does the trick. I tracked all the sources leaking cold in from the outside and armed with a roll of white tape, sealed the gaps under the doors, the inner door frames, and the sections of the windows that were wonky. The tape typically comes in black, but if you have white frames, seek out some white foam. Sponge Rubber Foam Tape is available at K-Mart for $4.99 or Double Sided Foam Insulation Tape is $19.99 from Eco Foil.

3. In addition to tape, we added a white door seal bottom. Easily stuck to the bottom of the door, it adds an extra layer of insulation (and is barely noticeable). The Silver Cinch Door Seal Bottom is $10.47 from Home Depot.

Above: Not just for doors: consider DIY draft stoppers for your windows, such as the No Sew Hairy Draft Stopper. Spotted on the site Bag of Pretty, this is nothing more than a faux fur rug rolled up and placed at the base of a window pane or at the bottom of a door.

Above: A wool blanket repurposed as a window shade, made by Matt Pierce from Wood & Faulk for ReadyMade.

4. Keep the curtains. In a very impulsive but aesthetically-driven move, I took down all of the curtains with their heavy rails and replaced them with simple white roller blinds. The effect was a much cleaner, lighter look—and a heating bill that doubled. Yes, doubled. Love them or loathe them, curtains keep a house warm. My plan next winter is to install wool blanket shades using leather straps, like the design above, in all the bedrooms, then take them down when the weather gets warmer.

5. Heated Rugs: Decidedly low tech, a heated floor mat hidden under a rug is a great way to warm up a small space in a room. Cozy Winters offers Rug-Heat mats sized from 2 by 3 feet to 5 1/2 by 8 feet; prices run from $149 to $299.

Finally, It's not rocket science, but think about heating the parts of the house that you are actually using. Shut off any rooms that are not used, closing vents or turning off radiators. It's what people in castles and grand houses do. Still cold? I like the way the Japanese combat frigid winters by bathing in a scorching hot bath at the end of the day, a stress buster and an effective way to head to bed feeling warm.

What did we miss? If you have any ingenious solutions for keeping the house warm, please let us know in the comments section below. Thanks!

If you want to see more snappy ideas for living smarter, check out our 5 Quick Fixes posts.

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on February 2, 2013 as part of our On the Mountain issue.

Don't judge me by what I'm about to tell you, but when I painted my apartment white last winter, I just slopped the paint over existing dirt and dust. It felt criminal, but the act was a genuine two-for-one: a painting and spring cleaning combo. (I should also tell you that my apartment already had twenty-plus layers of paint, no doubt lead- and VOC-ridden, and I'm pretty sure other slapdash painters before me have allowed their own dirt to fossilize in the walls.)

I know it's been said before, but it's so true: a fresh coat of white paint does wonders for a room. Take this European laundry room; entirely white, it has affordable, customized storage solutions and an overall design that's accessible and replicable. Here are all the key elements needed to recreate the look—and to start the year with a truly clean slate.

Above: White walls and polished concrete floors serve as the backdrop for the all-white laundry room. Photograph from Living in Design Land.

Above: Ikea's Akurum Base Cabinet with Wire Baskets can be installed with or without steel legs and is part of the Ikea Akurum series of full kitchen cabinets; $183 each.

Above: The Vola KV1 Single Handled Faucet with a double swivel spout is $1,224 directly through Vola. For more can't-go-wrong faucet options see our 10 Easy Pieces post: Editors' Favorite Kitchen Faucets.

Above: The White Ceramic Soap Dish is £8 from the White Company. For more options, see 10 Easy Pieces: Best White Soap Dishes.

Above: The Sac à Linge Canvas is a white-painted canvas laundry bag that I own and love. The white paint gives the laundry bag more structure than your average canvas bag and there's a removable cotton lining; €64 from Lilis in France.

Above: Anthropologie's Chartreuse Waffle Towels range from $16 for a washcloth to $78 for a bath towel. Alternatively, Abyss & Habidecor's Super Pile Bath Towels come in ultra-saturated colors like Gold, Banane, and Sunset; $74 each from Gracious Home.

Above: Create a wall of open storage cabinets by using Ikea units such as this Akurum Wall Top Cabinet Frame, $49 each, or the Akurum Wall Cabinet with 2 Doors, $58. Ikea's in-store advisors can help you create a customized plan for your space.

Above: A longstanding Remodelista favorite, Ikea's Sockerärt Vase is made from enameled steel, and can be used as a pitcher or vase; $9.99 for the 6-inch-tall size,  $19.99 for the 12-inch size.

Above: A set of Two Nesting Rope Baskets are handmade from cotton rope; $165 from Marie Marie Knits on Etsy. Another option is Ikea's Komplement Baskets, square crocheted storage baskets, at $42.49 for a set of three.

Above: The Heritage Hill Glass Jar with Lid is meant for the kitchen but can be used to store powdered laundry detergent or clothespins; $12.95 from Crate & Barrel.

Above: The Miele Decor 24-Inch Washer (W3039i) can be stacked or placed side by side (as shown). Available only in white, it is $2,399. It partners with the Miele Decor Electric Condenser Dryer (T8019Ci), which offers 3.9 cubic-feet of ventless drying, flat controls, and a cabinet door panel; $1,999, both at US Appliance. For more options, see our post, Little Giants: Compact Washers and Dryers.

Above: The Drake Cord Hung Pendant Lamp is available in a variety of shade colors and customizable features (wire cage, wattage, cord color), starting at $109 from Barn Light Electric.

Above: A smart solution for finishing a basic folding table? Paint it white. The Flash Furniture's Rectangular Wood Folding Table is 60 inches long and 30 inches wide; $60.39 at Amazon.

Above: Ikea's Frajen Bath Towel is a good budget choice for stocking up. Made from a waffle-weave cotton, the towel comes with a convenient hanging twill tab; $4.99 each. For more ideas, visit our post, 10 Easy Pieces: Basic White Bath Towels.

Looking for a laundry room in a tight space? See 10 Clever Laundry Rooms, Space-Saving Edition. And for more laundry inspiration, see our recent Steal This Look: Tiny Utility Closet (Sink Included).

My own personal New Year's resolution has to do with laundry: perhaps with these products I can learn to embrace the process rather than avoid it.

Above: The Mid-Century Ironing Board made of natural ashwood is $199 from West Elm.

Above: Store laundry powder detergent in the Rectangular Yellow Bin with Lid; $19.95 from Crate and Barrel's Clean Slate collection.

Above: We'd use the White Porcelain Scoop from Brook Farm General Store for dispensing detergent; $39.

Above: For liquid laundry detergent, consider a Ball Mason Quart Jar; $19.95 from FB Studio via Etsy.

Above: The Handmade Wooden Clothes Horse is $227.24 from Not on the High Street. For something similar, consider the Wooden Clothes Dryer; NZD $145 from Everyday Needs. In the US, the Large Wood Drying Rack is $79.95 from Crate & Barrel's Clean Slate line.

Above: Brook Farm General Store sells a pack of 20 classic Wooden Spring Clothespins in a plain muslin drawstring bag; $12.

Above: The Homz Canvas Clothes Pin Bag is $5.79 from Ace Hardware.

Above: From Tangent of Sweden, sun flower and soy bean stain remover in a brown glass bottle. The company's Natural Laundry Potions are available from Tangent Garment Care directly; we hope they make their way to the US soon.

Can't get enough cleaning solutions? We're with you. Visit all our Cleaning Supplies and Domestic Science posts, including 10 Ways to Live with Less from Zero Waste Home.

The most effective way to corral daily wardrobe essentials is a clothes valet. A definite upgrade from the bedroom chair, a well-designed valet will keep all your accessories in one place. We are particularly drawn to this modern reinterpretation by Søren Rose Studio of Copenhagen and New York. Crafted from walnut or oak, the Gentleman's Valet is detailed with an upper and lower shelf and can even stand in as a bedside table. 

Above: Søren Rose Studio reinterprets the clothes valet with minimal and contemporary detailing. Available finishes include oiled walnut, oak, and black-stained wood.

Above: Used in a traditional way, the valet accommodates a jacket and a pair of trousers; it's 48 inches tall, 18 1/2 inches wide, and 14 inches deep. 

Above: A drop-in tray holds small accessories and loose change.

Above: Modern-day accoutrements like smart phones have been taken into account in the design.

Above: A shelf at the bottom is handy for shoes or even books. See Søren Rose Studio for direct purchasing information.

Short on space? Janet unveils valet-like efficiencies for tiny closets in 5 Quick Fixes: Closet Valet Rods and Hooks, for a space-saving wall-mounted valet, see A Valet for the Modern Age.

An old-fashioned laundry chute is the ultimate household convenience, but if you lack such a luxury, here are 10 standout laundry hampers that will do the trick.

Above: A daily workhorse singled out in the Remodelista 100 (see page 308 of our book, Remodelista, A Manual for the Considered Home), the Steele Square Carry Basket is available in a variety of sizes trimmed with gray or natural leather; pricing begins at $63.65 from Steele Canvas.

Above: The Woven Hamper, handmade in Senegal from cattail grasses and recycled prayer mats, is $145 from Brook Farm General Store; contact for restock and availability. Similar Senegalese Storage Baskets in white and natural are available in three sizes—marked down from $148 to $69.99 for the largest—at Serena & Lily.

Above: From The Laundress, Beckel's 100 percent unbleached cotton canvas catchalls come in two sizes: the Mini Hamper (16 inches high) is $32 and the Regular Hamper (24 inches) is $38; a Mini and Regular Hamper set is $63.

Above:The Marie Pi Laundry Hamper has a folding wooden frame that is easily stored when not in use; $210 from Emmo Home.

Above: The Laundry Box in a cotton linen polyester combination is a great budget option; $27.50 from Muji.

Above: A Wire Hamper with removable canvas laundry bag; $44.99 from Gracious Home.

Above: The Heavy-Duty Three-Bin Laundry Sorter on wheels is $59 from The Container Store.

Above: The tapered Wire Hamper with White Liner Set includes a canvas liner with a drawstring closure and carrying strap; $59.95 from Crate & Barrel. 

Above: The lifetime-lasting Danish Vipp 441 Laundry Bin in stainless steel on rubber casters is €399 from Connox.

Above: A good budget choice, the Umbra Round Crunch Can is $19.99 from Gracious Home.

For more laundry-related ideas, see our Laundry & Utility Room posts, including 10 Favorites: Space-Saving Laundry Rooms. Laundry potions we swear by? Have a look at our Domestic Science posts.

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on Feb 19, 2008 as part of our Laundry Rooms issue.