'The affordable items that will help you hide your kid's mess in the chicest way.'

So, I love a minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired home.

You know the ones — all clean lines, neutral tones and absolutely zero evidence of children.

The problem? I have three boys under seven who seem allergic to putting anything away and are convinced every room is perfect for impromptu ball games.

My Instagram 'saved' folder is full of serene, clutter-free spaces. My actual home? Well, let's just say there are more textas than throw cushions, and half of them are those scented ones (who invented those anyway?).

But I've discovered something: the secret to maintaining the illusion of a grown-up space isn't about fighting the chaos, it's about hiding it in plain sight.

Watch: The 7 different types of lunchbox parents on This Glorious Mess. Post continues below.

Enter my latest discovery: a $7.50 metallic spot ceramic vase from Kmart that looks like it belongs in one of those impossibly perfect home tours, but actually houses an impressive collection of markers, pencils, and yes, those banana-scented textas my kids are obsessed with and which seem to have multiplied now that school is back.

It is basically magic. Image: Supplied.

And because one clever storage solution is never enough when you're dealing with three boys who treat tidying up like an optional life skill, I've also found this $13 resin pebble bowl that now corrals all the small toys that previously attacked my feet during morning rushes, as well as playing cards that are often thrown all over the floor.

This resin bowl looks waaaay more than $13. Image: Supplied.

Here's what I've learnt about fake-fancy storage:

• Stick to neutral colours (beige, white, grey). When all your storage pieces are in the same colour family, even scattered toys and craft supplies look like part of your intentional design scheme, rather than evidence of the morning rush.

• Stick to organic shapes. Think curved, uneven, natural-looking pieces. Bowls that look a bit handmade, vases with irregular edges, or anything that doesn't scream 'perfect symmetry'. Why? Because when you inevitably stuff them with 47 pencils and three half-completed craft projects, they still look intentionally artistic rather than obviously overfilled.

• Choose pieces that are actually sturdy. Because ball games will happen, no matter how many times you say "not in the house!

Other budget-friendly hacks I've discovered:

• Old candle vessels make perfect LEGO containers.

• Woven baskets with lids are your best friends.

• Clear containers are the enemy, embrace the opaque life!

The best part? When people come over, they actually think I'm one of those super-organised mums who has their life together.

Little do they know there's a collection of lonely puzzle pieces hiding in that chic ceramic vase.

More great statement pieces to hide kids' clutter.

Isla 2 Tier Shoe Cabinet, $49.

No more shoes by the door! Image: Kmart.

White Linear Vase, $15.

For the hiding of all of the little 'things'… Image: Kmart.

Round Herringbone Paper Rope Basket, $29.

Herringbone-chic! Image: Kmart 

Drum Pot, $12.

Works for plants… and hiding knick knacks! Image: Kmart.

Round Braid Rope Basket, $19.

What toys? Image: Kmart.

What are your go-to hiding hacks? Share in the comments below!

Feature Image: Supplied.