Who says storage solutions have to be square and boring? Modern-twist’s PJ Pocket Pillows look like ordinary pillows, but untwist the lid and there’s ample storage for toys, CDs, knick-knacks and other household oddments. Inspired by the design of a Japanese anemone box (traditionally used to store family heirlooms), the pillows come in a 13” hexagonal shape in various abstract fabric designs that would look great in the living room or the bedroom.

A smaller but similarly conceived item is the Hide Box. Also inspired by a Japanese design, this one’s just 3” wide - perfect for storing jewelry, coins, keys and the like. It opens up like an accordion and is made of luxe, handmade, woven cotton fabric.

Modern-twist founder Kat Nouri tells us that their product line (2½ years in the making) was a hit at the recent New York International Gift Fair. “I’ve often been told that I was too picky and way too detail-oriented, but that’s precisely the market I was aiming for, to do it just right,” she reflects. So far so good - Modern-twist products have been picked up by retailers across the US and online retailers too.

The PJ Pillow costs $105 while the Hide Box is $26 (from Velocity Art and Design). All Modern-twist products are made by manufacturers that share their values in respecting the environment, workers and consumers. Modern-twist also donates one percent of profits to OnePercentForThePlanet.org.