Solution No. 2: Square It All Away
Which loose bits drive you to your wit's end? It varies by person, so Rebecca devised a customizable setup that works for someone with four sets of keys, five favorite gadgets, six magazine subscriptions -- or all three at once. A simple wire-screen panel holds smaller items, while a basket becomes your home's in/out box. The cubbyhole console keeps the larger stuff stowed -- at last, a proper place to stash your handbag!

Tools and Materials
Heavy-duty canvas stretcher bars, $5 each for 24-inch and $6 each for 32-inch, both utrechtart.com Handy Roll hardware cloth (wire screen), $9 per roll, hardwarestore.com
Cubbie console table, $1,590, mainecottage.com
Wire basket, $39, Moon River Chattel, 718-388-1121

Screen Organizer How-To
1. Buy four heavy-duty canvas stretchers at an art-supply store and a roll of wire screen. Assemble stretchers to form a frame. Staple screen along top face of frame. Repeat on bottom, pulling screen tight. Do the same with sides. Trim excess, overhanging screen to make even with frame edges. Spray paint or brush on semigloss latex. Cover small cans (mini paint tins work well) with contact paper and use an awl to punch holes near their rims. Hang with S-hooks. For keys, we painted the hooks and paired each with a medallion tied to the screen. Magnets keep notes and lists handy.