how to choose ecofriendly home decor

How to Choose Eco‐Friendly Home Decor.

However you’re looking to improve, update, or add to your home decor (whether it’s with a new carpet, new curtains, or new coffee table), there are several choices you can make to keep your home eco-friendly. An important first step is to research which product materials to avoid and which to favor. From there, you can lower your decor’s environmental footprint even further by debating where to shop and what to shop for. Additionally, thinking about your own energy usage and how certain decor can affect it can further reduce your impact on the environment.







Method 1 Being Selective with Your Decor’s Materials.



Avoid plastic. If you’re concerned about the environment, treat plastic as your #1 enemy. Whether you’re looking for a new lamp, flooring, or furniture, scratch any products made from this material off your list. Expect plastic to have wide-ranging consequences on the environment. For instance.

The chemicals in plastic are poisonous to wildlife. This is a particular threat to marine life, which are more likely to ingest plastic.

Plastic debris in oceans and waterways provides transport for both plants and animals. This can introduce invasive species to new environments with devastating results.

Plastic can endure for centuries or even millennia with prolonged negative effects on the environment.

Nearly 10% of all oil production is devoted to the manufacturing of plastics.



Be discerning with fabrics. Any time that you use fabric to touch up your home decor (such as with curtains, bedding, throw pillows, or rugs), check which materials are used. Expect some fabrics to be non-biodegradable. Additionally, be aware that some are highly consumptive of energy during production and/or otherwise harmful to the environment in less obvious ways (such as utilizing pesticides during production).

Fabrics with negative impacts on the environment include non-organic cotton, nylon, polyester, rayon, and non-organic wool.

Sustainable fabrics include bamboo, organic cotton, hemp, linen, and organic wool.

Also be aware that dyes, bleach, and formaldehyde are often used in the production of fabrics, which should also be avoided.



Favor sustainable non-toxic materials. Whenever you purchase new home decor, consider both the before and after for each product. Choose materials that cause minimal negative impact on the environment both in terms of production and future impact, like wood, metal, and glass. Whether you’re looking to paint a room, carpet a floor, or just buy a picture frame, research your options and become an informed consumer.

Recycled materials (such as plastic lumber) are also a popular choice, since they often use relatively little energy to make without bringing any new harmful materials into existence.



Method 2 Lowering Your Decor’s Environmental Footprint.



Shop for durability. Whether you’re picking out new furniture, redoing your floors, or painting your bedroom room a new color, think long-term. Recognize that constantly updating or replacing your decor will have negative consequences on the environment, even if you’re using eco-friendly materials. Avoid impulse shopping or immediately going with what seems like the cheapest option. Instead, make choices that will satisfy your tastes for years to come and invest in decor that will last a long time. For example:

Say you want a new armchair, but your current budget is limited. Although you may be tempted to go with the cheapest option available, wait it out and save more money for a future purchase, since a cheaply constructed chair will likely break down in a shorter amount of time. This will increase your footprint with physical waste plus more energy consumption through production and transportation.



Shop locally. Between globalization and online shopping, the marketplace for decor is as wide as the world. However, keep in mind that the farther a product has to travel, the larger your footprint is due to the energy consumed during transportation. Although there may be great deals out there from far-flung sources, prioritize local ones to minimize the amount of pollution and lost resources that transportation causes. Apply this mindset not only to local vendors, but their sources as well. For instance:

If you’re buying new wooden flooring from a store just down the street, the amount of distance your flooring has to travel from store to home is next to nil. However, if the store gets their timber from half a world away, shopping at a store one town over may be preferable if they get their timber from sources closer to home.



Favor used products. Remember that even with sustainable materials, the act of production creates pollution and uses up finite resources. Reduce your contribution to this unfortunate effect by using secondhand items to furnish and decorate your home. Visit thrift stores, yard sales, and flea markets. Utilize the internet to find items for sale (or even freebies) through social media and online classifieds. Ask friends, family, and neighbors to let you know when they plan on getting rid of any items that you might want or need.

Don’t let pride get in the way. Keep your eyes peeled for items being tossed out with other people’s garbage. Find out your sanitation department’s schedules for bulk pick-up in your area and go cruising. If you live near a college town, take advantage of the fact that many rental leases expire at the same time of year, which means the streets may be lined with discarded furniture and items.



Repurpose old items. Eliminate the environmental impact of both production and transportation. Use items that you already have to fill new roles as part of your home decor. There is no limit to the DIY projects that can transform one object into another. You can do anything from.

Make a new ottoman out of a plastic milk crate.

Transform empty tea, cookie, or popcorn tins as flower pots, pencil jars, candleholders, or umbrella stands.

Use an old door as a tabletop for a new coffee table.



Utilize nature. Decorate your home with plants and indoor potted trees. Not only are these sustainable decor choices, but they can improve the overall health of your household. Use these to combat toxic pollutants like formaldehyde that items like cleaning products and furniture components can introduce to your home. In addition to live plants, consider other natural materials that can be incorporated into eye-catching decorations, like.

Pinecones, Stones, Antlers, Driftwood.



Choose paint colors that will last. In addition to seeking out toxic-free paints, lower your footprint even more by carefully considering which colors to use. Remember that even your toxic-free paint will still create pollution and use up resources through production and transportation. So, when deciding which color to paint a room, consider how much sunlight that rooms receive. Even if you have your heart set on a dark color, go with a lighter shade if it receives a lot. This way any fading will be less noticeable, which means each paint job will last longer.







Method 3 Using Decor to Reduce Your Own Energy Usage.



Utilize daylight. Let the sun light your home for you rather than rely on electric lighting during the daytime. If possible, install skylights for increased lighting. Switch your solid outside doors to ones with paned glass. Leave your blinds and curtains opening between sunrise and sunset. If privacy is a concern, use other home decor to maximize the natural light while partially blocking the sun with sheer or wooden blinds. For instance, you coul as.

Use light colors to paint your walls.

Add mirrors and other reflective or shiny surfaces to each room.

Keep your windows clear of any furniture that would block the light.



Make smart choices with electric lighting. For bulbs, use CFL (compact fluorescent light) or LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs rather than incandescent ones, since these two types last much longer and add up to less waste. With fixtures, install or keep as many as you need in order to see comfortably, but seek out ways to avoid excessive lighting. For example:

If your ceiling fan holds four or five light bulbs, but only two or three are needed to light the space, remove the unnecessary ones.

Give yourself some options by, say, providing a table- or standing lamp in a room with track lighting so you can alternate between the two depending on your needs.

Invest in some solar-powered lamps to keep near windows and other sources of natural light.



Make your windows energy-efficient. Replace your existing windows with ones that have been treated to reflect heat, so hot air stays outside in the summer and your heated air stays inside during the winter. If this isn’t possible, caulk your windows and add weather-stripping to reduce leakage. Add storm windows for additional insulation. Keep the temperature inside your home as consistent as possible to minimize active use of your heating and a/c units.

Give your windows extra help by choosing thermal-backed curtains and blinds. Although this may contradict the tip about keeping curtains open for sunlight, keep them closed for more insulation during extreme temperatures, since your heating and cooling units use more energy than a couple light bulbs.

November 18, 2019

how to choose rustic chic home decor

How to Choose Rustic Chic Home Decor.

Looking for an inexpensive way to spruce up your living space? Consider picking out furniture and other decorations with a rustic chic aesthetic. Things like wood, metal, burlap and natural materials can lend a rugged, time-worn look to any home. You can deck out whole rooms with rustic chic decor to create a sense of quiet coziness, or mix and match with modern pieces for a progressive look that defies the decades.







Method 1 Redesigning Your Living Space.



Make the best use of your space. Before you get too eager to shop for new pieces, scan the room you’re planning on decorating. Take note of its size, layout, flooring, walkways, doors, windows, cabinets and other features. The rustic furnishings you pick out should be appropriate for the specific look of each room so that the new atmosphere feels like a natural extension.

Some pieces will look better in certain places than others. Whenever you’re picking out your decor, trust your instincts when deciding where in your home or room it should go.

If you could use a fresh set of eyes, seek out the professional opinion of an interior designer.



Stick with a neutral color scheme. Rustic chic decor is by definition muted and minimal. Forget about bright colors, elaborate patterns or gleaming burnished fixtures. Instead, focus on monochromatic pieces in complementary hues and materials. This basic setting will act as a blank canvas so that you can add personality later by using smaller decorations.

Appliances and fixtures in dark, plain shades will go with a wider range of items.

Vary your tones between rooms. The sun room will benefit from light shades like pine and cream, while the bedroom or study can be done in dark grays, browns and blacks with splashes of color.



Keep furnishings simple. Simplistic items are wonderful on their own, but too many of them can easily start to look busy. Resist the urge to incorporate more and more into a room. Get a few essential pieces, like a maple coffee table or a rich brown leather loveseat, and let them speak for themselves.

Limiting the number of pieces in a given room also helps maximize your space.

A room full of items in all the same style or shade can quickly become monotonous.



Replace tired pieces. If you’re having trouble planning an updated layout for the room or deciding on the perfect spot for new decorations, one good place to start would be getting furniture and accessories that you don’t want anymore. Dull, uninteresting items can be sold, donated or discarded to make room for fresh finds. Assuming you’re not ready to part with a particular piece just yet, you could also have it reupholstered and appreciate it from a new perspective.

Sometimes even small changes can make a big difference. You might not have to totally overhaul your living space in order to breathe new life into it.

Give your old furniture a new home in another room, or store it until you find another use for it.







Method 2 Working with Different Materials.



Show off natural wood finishes. Wood is the ultimate staple of rustic chic style. It’s sturdy, idyllic and, best of all, goes with everything. Oak, cedar, mahogany and walnut are all excellent choices for wood furnishings. To complete the rustic aesthetic, look for pieces with attractive staining, irregular angles and other unique touches like bits of preserved bark.

You can find almost every major piece of furniture for your household in one type of wood or another.

Choose paints and stains that don’t distract from the innate beauty of the wood.



Accent with aged metals. On the flipside of sleek, contemporary styles, old-fashioned metals, such as wrought iron, copper and even artificially-rusted tin can instantly give your surroundings an air of dignified antiquity. Because of their shabby chic characteristics, raw and distressed metals are best used sparingly to offset woods and other finishes.

Lamps, bookends and table legs are good places to weave in metal accents.

Use vintage metal containers in the kitchen in place of traditional ceramic jars.



Incorporate elements of nature. When it comes time to cover the walls or fill up blank space, take cues from the great outdoors. Accentuate end tables and alcoves with decorations made from stone, fur or even faux ivory or tortoise shell. Your living space will have just the right amount of wildness while still looking like it leapt off the pages of a storybook.

If you live near scenic surroundings, switch to a more “exposed” layout with uncovered windows and natural lighting to bring a glimpse of the outside in.

Make sure you’re buying from humane sources. Imitation fur and other materials look like the real thing, but are both ethical and sustainable.



Finish with gorgeous quaint accessories. Put the finishing touches on a room with the same types of items you would ordinarily use to ornament your home, but with a twist—here is where unique fabrics and designs will come into play. Smaller accessories are also the best place to work fanciful designs into the room’s furnishings.

Instead of ordinary throw blankets and pillowcases, go with more eye-catching variations like Navajo or wove saddle blankets and beadwork pillows.

A beeswax candle or wind-up clock will make for a tasteful nightstand display, while blown glass bowls and vases can be substituted for a lifeless dining room centerpiece.







Method 3 Finding Rustic Chic Decor.



Visit your local furniture store. There’s no need to venture all the way to the Alaskan frontier or remote outposts of the Rockies in order to find good looking accoutrements. The rustic look is in, so it shouldn’t be hard to track down a few things that suit your preferences at major home goods stores. You’ll have the most luck when shopping for bigger items like tables, chairs and bedding in these places.

Chain stores like Crate and Barrel, Hobby Lobby and Pottery Barn specialize in rustic home decor.

Furniture outlets tend to charge more, so if you don’t like the idea of paying as much, thrift stores and DIY distressing techniques may be the way to go.



Go thrift shopping. It’s not uncommon to stumble upon forgotten treasures at secondhand stores and vintage boutiques. These are often items that you can’t find anywhere else, and you’re guaranteed a good deal. If you’re remodeling on a budget or looking for one-of-a-kind pieces, a thrift store may be your best bet.

Many old pieces will be ready to display in your home as-is.

Be sure to check beck regularly, as store inventories change constantly.



Distress plain pieces. Rather than scouring various stores and shops for wares with the right rustic vibe, buy furniture and accessories new and modify them yourself at home. Distressing furniture is fast, fun and could hardly be easier. All you need are a few basic tools like paint thinner, sandpaper and specialty paints and brushes. When you’re finished, you’ll have a collection of items that are truly one-of-a-kind.

Painted wood furniture can be weathered to expose the beautiful grain underneath, and metal objects can be strategically rusted or painted over with a matte finish.

Change out the hardware on any dressers or cabinets you happen to come across to customize their appearance.



Repurpose old items. For those little extra touches, look no further than your own attic or garage. Most homes are loaded with scraps of materials that are infinitely useful if applied correctly. For instance, you could use a roll of butcher’s twine to wrap drawer pulls and cabinet handles, wire lanterns for indoor lighting or frame an assortment of old fishing hooks to make wall art that’s anything but commonplace. With a few innovative ideas, you’ll start seeing your junk drawer in a whole new light!

If you have a certain item that you want to use but it doesn’t quite go with the rest of your furnishings, try painting, sanding or distressing it to make it a better visual fit.

Get creative! As your own personal interior decorator, you’re only limited by the scope of your imagination.





Tips.

No matter where you live, you can bring a sense of humble elegance and timelessness to your home by outfitting it in a rustic style.

Come up with an estimated budget that you’re willing and able to spend before you embark on your redecorating project.

Add to and take away bits of your current decor over time to let the look of your home gradually evolve.

Break up the neutral theme of rustic decor with fresh flowers, potted plants, hanging ferns and other greenery.

Head down to a superstore like Walmart and Target to pick up small, inexpensive odds and ends that help tie everything together.

Browse craft websites like Etsy and Pinterest for more ideas and inspiration on how to decorate your home.



Warnings.

Beware of lead-based paints on vintage finds. Lead paint has a tendency to flake off when it ages and can be dangerous to inhale or ingest.

November 18, 2019

how to add natural elements to your home decor

How to Add Natural Elements to Your Home Decor.

Bringing natural elements into your interior decorating can help create a relaxing atmosphere. You should consider using natural materials such as rock, brick, sea shells, sea salt, water and wood. You may also want to bring plant life into your home to help freshen the air. To improve natural lighting in your home, you should consider opening your windows as well as using natural mood lighting. By using natural materials, plants and light, you can create a fresh and relaxing interior décor.







Method 1 Using Natural Materials.



Decorate with sea shells. Bring home some sea shells from your next beach vacation or purchase them at a home decorating store. You could use sea shells to make a variety of decorations such as a glass jar with sea shells, a picture frame or a candle holder.

Try creating a glass jar with sea shells. Collect some of your favorite shells and arrange them in a glass jar. Place the glass jar on a mantle place or on top of a shelf. They will remind you of the relaxing smells and sounds of your beach vacation.



Buy reclaimed wood chairs and tables. You can find beautiful furniture made from reclaimed wood. Wood previously used in barns, houses or other architecture is used to make chairs and tables. You can find reclaimed wood chairs and tables at design stores, antique shops or online.



Purchase unfinished wood furniture. You could buy unfinished chairs, tables or other wooden furniture and then apply your own finish. You can find unfinished wooden furniture online or at wholesale shops. Apply natural stains such as linseed oil or paint it to match your color scheme.

You can find unfinished wood furniture at online retailers and some hardware stores. Whereas some retailers are focused on more contemporary designs, other retailers sell very traditional designs. You can also piece together the parts you need by going to specialty retailers for table legs or other furniture components, which you would then assemble yourself.



Put driftwood on your coffee table or mantle place. Search for driftwood the next time you are close to a beach or lake. When you find a nice piece of driftwood, you can cut it to size and then place it on your coffee table to remind yourself of the place you visited.

If it is covered in dirt or moss, you may need to clean it.

You could wrap twinkle lights around the branches during the holidays.



Create a rock terrarium. You could find or purchase some stones and place them in a decorative bowl. You can purchase stones from a home living store or a precious stones shop. If you go on vacation to a rocky beach, you could collect your own stones. Arrange your stones in a small bowl and place it on your dining room table.



Consider wood flooring. Wood flooring is a great option for adding natural elements to your home, especially if you are in the process of renovating. Choose from pine, oak or other hardwood flooring options. You could also add section of wood flooring to a small area of your house. Solid hardwood, engineered hardwood and prefinished hardwood are common options.



Expose brick walls in your house. If you have brick walls, consider exposing them so that you get to see the natural décor of brick. Brick is made from clay, mud and water, which is fired at high temperatures. It has a nice texture and can give a room a very natural feel. You could make an accent wall with exposed brick and then paint the other walls in your house.

If you cannot alter the walls in your home, you could make a brick decoration. For instance, you could purchase a few bricks and stack them in front of a wall or use them to make a bookshelf.



Add a water element to your home décor. Install a slate water wall in one of your rooms to add the soothing feel of a waterfall to your home. If a slate water wall sounds too pricey, consider placing a small water fountain on your deck or on your living room table. You can find water fountains in a variety of sizes and shapes.

You can find water fountains at home décor, online retailers and some larger hardware stores.

Indoor water fixtures range from approximately $200 to $2500.

There are many different types of fountains such as tabletop fountains, fountains that sit on the floor and water fixtures that hang on a wall.







Method 2 Bringing Plant Life into Your Home Décor.



Plant an herb garden in your kitchen. An indoor herb garden will bring the smells and tastes of the garden into your kitchen. It also makes cooking a lot easier. Start by finding a sunny window such as a south or southwest facing window. Place your herbs in small pots on the windowsill and remember to put a saucepan underneath to catch drainage. Enjoy sage, rosemary, basil or other herbs in your kitchen.

Avoid north facing windows for indoor kitchen herb gardens. They do not provide enough light.



Add a spider plant to your bedroom. Spider plants look great in a hanging basket by a window. They have pretty green and yellow stems. They are very easy to maintain. They require bright or moderate amounts of sun.

Water occasionally when they are new and then moderately after one year.



Put a succulent in your living room. A succulent will add a nice flourish to your living room. Consider placing a few succulents on your mantle place, living room table or on side tables. You could make a succulent center piece for your living room table. On another table, you could put glass jars with sand and air plants or succulents on top.



Use cacti in your living spaces. You could place a small cactus on your home office table. If you are more ambitious, you could create a small cactus garden with different sized and shaped cacti in your living room. Play around with the shapes and sizes of the cacti. It might be best to place the small cacti in front of the larger cacti, so you get a sense of depth in your cactus garden.



Get weekly flower delivery. You can purchase a weekly flower delivery service so that you can look forward to fresh cut flowers every week. This is a great option if you live in a rental apartment. Talk to your florist about the kinds of flowers you enjoy and ask about the availability of seasonal varieties.







Method 3 Adding Light to Your Home.



Get more light into your home by opening up the windows. Remove old curtains or replace old windows that don’t let enough light into your house or apartment. With new windows and curtains that let more light into your home, you will feel a lot more connected to nature and the outdoors.

Consider purchasing natural linen or cotton curtains.

Consider the style of curtain you would like to purchase such as sill curtains, which go to the windowsill, or apron curtains that go over the windowsill. Floor curtains go all the way to the floor.



Add windows to your home. You may want to add a few windows to your apartment or house. Consider whether there are any parts of the house or apartment that would offer a nice view of the outdoors such as a pond or a forest. Also, consider what size of window would make sense and the price of the renovations.

Consider purchasing wooden, double-hung windows. This type of window will cost you a bit more up front but should save you money in electricity costs in the long run while adding a natural look to home.



Add a salt rock lamp to your bedroom. Himalayan salt rock lamps are great for mood lighting in your bedroom or living room. They have a soft glow and have a range of purported health benefits. Made from natural sea salts, they are a nice way to bring some natural light into your home.



Use a natural candle holder. You can find beeswax candles and Himalayan sea salt candle holders. Place some candles in natural candle holders in your living room or bedroom for natural mood lighting.





Warnings.

If you have pets or small children, you should avoid certain house plants such as philodendron, pothos, arrowhead, lily, peace lily, dieffenbachia, oleander, caladium, mother-in-law’s tongue and ivy.

November 17, 2019

How to Use Macrame in Home Decor.

How to Use Macrame in Home Decor.

Macrame, or the art of knotting lengths of cord into elaborate patterns, enjoys a rich history in household decorating. Its nearly endless variety of configurations makes it perfect for hanging, covering and draping, and it can easily be fashioned to complement the unique size and shape of other items. Whether you’re weaving macrame accessories yourself or just on the lookout for new ideas at the boutique, you have a vast number of options open to you. Here are just a few ways you might incorporate this timeless style into your home.





Hanging Macrame Wall Art.



Mount a macrame tapestry. A tapestry can add an element of hand-spun elegance to any room in your home. Use tapestries to make blank, uninteresting sections of wall more eye-catching. You could even hang one above the headboard of your bed or behind the sofa in the living room to tie the room together.

Attach the tapestry to a wooden dowel (or a slender tree limb, for more of a natural look) to make it easier to hang and keep it from sagging.

Make one-of-a-kind macrame wall art the focal point of your living room wall.





Design a unique dreamcatcher. The classic dreamcatcher is a staple of many homes, and represents peace, restfulness and positivity. Rather than displaying an ordinary dreamcatcher woven from wire, try out a softer approach with the macrame version. The gentle fabric braids will bring you even more of a sense of comfort when you stop to admire it.

Put the finishing touches on your dreamcatcher using beads, feathers and other decorative touches.

Dreamcatchers are one of the simpler projects you can start with if you’re just learning how to macrame.



Make macrame curtains. Replace boring window covers with floor-length macrame drapes. You could choose a dense weave for privacy, or go for a loose fringe to beautify your window space while still admitting a soft glow of light.

You could even rig your macrame curtains up to runners so that you can draw and open them as you please.



Put up a room divider. Hanging room dividers are typically made with noisy beads, but a macrame version can help create privacy without all that irritating clacking. Rather than keeping the doors in your home shut, simply tack the divider to the door frame to make your living space feel more open and inviting.

Tie a couple beads onto the end of each strand to give the cords some weight so that they’ll return to their original position.

Use partitions to cover entryways and create separation between rooms that are close together.







Decorating Furniture with Macrame.



Embellish ordinary lampshades. Take a dusty old lampshade from dull to delightful with a simple macrame cover. These covers can easily be knotted to fit shades of different shapes and sizes, meaning any light in your home can benefit from a custom fit.

Make your own DIY lampshades by knotting the cord around a wire frame that’s been shaped to fit over a lamp or ceiling light.

Incorporate shells, beads or tassels to add complexity to your lampshades.



Weave clever furniture covers. If you’re unhappy with the look of your loveseat or recliner but aren’t in a position to buy a new one, some macrame accents may be just what you need to make you fall in love with your seating situation again. Drape an enchanting pattern over the back of the piece to give it a whole new decorative appeal.

You could even resurface a worn out seat or foot stool with a new handmade finish.



Make your own pillows and blankets. Top your sofa or favorite easy chair with an assortment of throw pillows you designed yourself. Keep a cozy throw blanket or two handy for when you have company. Choose a softer fabric for your furniture accessories to ensure optimum comfort.

You can use ordinary macrame cord for these projects or draw on recycled materials, like old t-shirts.

Create themed sets of blankets and pillows using different knotting patterns and color combinations.



Lay out a macrame table runner. For long or spacious dining tables that look awfully empty, use a knit runner to break up negative space. You can then use the runner as a place to arrange flowers, candles or a centerpiece while leaving the place settings free for serving home cooked meals.

Leave a long fringe on both ends of the table runner for an elegant drape.

Bring out your macrame table runner for springtime events or whenever you need to inject a little brightness and ornamentation into your dining area.





Outline a mirror or portrait. Hide an uninspired frame with a tight macrame wrap. Textile frames provide a pleasant contrast to the focal point of the frame, and they go perfectly in homes decked out with rustic or vintage decor.

Be sure to remove the glass and backing from the frame before trying to tie the cord into place.







Creating Crafty Containers.



Make hanging planters. This bohemian gardening solution is a hit among contemporary interior designers. The macrame weaves are shaped into nets to nestle lightweight planters in, then suspended from the ceiling at various heights. Hanging planters are a wonderful method of presentation for home gardening projects, and can also free up valuable space around your porch or patio.

Hanging macrame containers aren’t just for plants—they can also be useful for tea lights, bird feeders, or even craft art and decorations.

Make sure the cord and knotting style you implement are strong enough to hold objects with a little weight.



Wrap a vase or candle holder. Give plain display pieces some much-needed flair by enveloping them in a web-like exterior. The macrame can cover the entire outside of the piece, or encircle the center in a sleek band. You’ll quickly turn old, outdated items into conversation starters.

Wrap and hang unused glass bottles or mason jars to convert them into minimalistic miniature flower vases.

The same thing can be done for bins, jars, kitchen storage canisters and any number of similarly shaped containers.



Create custom baskets. Fabric construction can make almost anything more charming, including simple storage containers. Wind sturdy cord around a premade basket frame to give it a tight structure, or make the whole thing from scratch. When you’re done, you’ll have a quaint carrier perfect for holding fresh fruit, bath accessories or the daily mail.

Use a firm type of cord that will be able to hold up to frequent handling while retaining its shape.

Include handles to make your baskets easier to tote from place to place.



Tips.

Stock up on cord in different colors and thicknesses to use in macrame projects.

Look for vintage-inspired macrame designs in home goods stores and thrift shops.

Handle macrame items delicately to avoid damaging or unraveling them.

Most finished pieces can be machine washed in warm water, then hung up to dry.

Check online craft resources like Pinterest and Etsy to collect ideas on how to work macrame into your home decor.



Warnings.

Don’t overdo it. While one or two macrame pieces will lend character and break up the uniformity of ordinary furniture and accessories, too much can start to look tacky.

November 12, 2019

how to decorate midcentury modern on a budget

How to Decorate Mid‐Century Modern on a Budget.

Mid-century modern style is a popular look that is both minimalistic and fun. The style is known for its retro furniture, romantic color schemes, and straight lines. You can take different approaches to styling your mid-century modern room depending on your personal style. Start by decluttering your house and maximising the natural light. Choose furniture and accessories that enhance the mid-century look, and keep an eye out in thrift stores and garage sales to find unique items at bargain prices.

Method 1 Changing the Basics.

1. Declutter your area. Whether you are decorating a bedroom, lounge, or a whole house, the area will look more mid-century modern if it is free from clutter. Remove any unnecessary items from surfaces, such as desks, benches, or tables. File any loose pieces of paper, throw out any rubbish, and keep books and magazines in one place. Place small objects, such as art supplies, stationery, or cleaning products, into boxes or cupboards.

Consider giving away any objects that don’t fit with the mid-century modern theme, such as any neon or sparkly items. Keep items like sturdy wooden frames and hardcover books. Just prepare to use them strategically.

Place a few candles on a dresser rather than a myriad of ornaments.

2. Paint the walls white and add a feature wall if you want a dash of colour. The majority of mid-century modern homes have white walls as this allows the statement pieces of furniture to stand out. Paint the interior walls white and if you want to brighten up a room, paint one wall a different colour.

For example, paint 3 walls in the dining room white and paint 1 wall pale pink. If you don’t like white, consider other neutral tones, such as light cream or grey.

The exception to this is areas where you have wooden wall panels, brick walls, or large feature windows. These were often centerpieces in mid-century homes and should be displayed and enhanced, not covered up.

Consider using wallpaper for your feature wall if you want it to have texture or pattern.

3. Open the curtains to maximize the natural light. Most houses get at least some light during the day. Make the most of the light to help create a mid-century modern feel. During the day, open all of the curtains in the house.

If you want some privacy during the day, consider purchasing sheer curtains. These give a light and breezy feel to the house whilst still giving privacy.

If there are any tall trees or hedges that are blocking the light shining through the windows, trim them back.

4. Incorporate wooden features into your home. A key focus of mid-century modern design is including wood into the home. Consider adding wooden flooring, a wooden bench top, or wooden doors to your house. Oak, walnut, and teak are popular types of wood used in mid-century modern design.

Use wooden laminate instead of wood to achieve a similar look at a cheaper price.

Wooden decor pieces such as wooden balls, wooden furniture legs and backs, and wood doors were all prevalent in mid-century homes.

Method 2 Choosing Furniture.

1. Choose a couch with straight lines and a bold colour. Couches and armchairs are big focal points in mid-century modern design. Pick a couch that has relatively straight arms and tall tapered legs instead of a couch with ornate rounded edges. Choose a bold colour to help the couch stand out.

A sea-blue couch paired with mustard cushions would be a great colour choice.

If a new couch doesn’t fit in your budget, consider adding a colourful throw to your current couch.

You can replace your couch's current legs with the quintessentially mid-century tapered wooden legs. These are available affordably from most home improvement stores, as well as online.

2. Add a mid-century style mirror as a statement piece. A mirror has the power to make a room look bigger and lighter. Place a large, round mirror opposite a door or window so that it can reflect the natural light around the room.

Consider choosing a sunburst mirror. These are an iconic accessory of the mid-century era. Find replicas online to save money, or search in thrift stores.

Alternatively, look for a mirror with a minimalist aesthetic. A large, circular mirror with a thin gold frame would also be great for a mid-century home.

Upcycle any mirrors you already have. If you have a mirror with a frame, repaint the frame to match the feature wall or lounge suite colours.

3. Add lamps, pendants, and soft lighting. Lighting is a key feature of the mid-century style. Choose lamps with thin stems to incorporate the clean and minimal lines of mid-century design. Pick pendants that attract focus and have sculptural elements. Look for floor lamps that arch over furniture. Choose bulbs that have more yellow tones rather than blue tones as this will create a softer look.

Consider using multiple lamps per room to create different pockets of light. Limit pendants to one per room as they are a dominant feature.

Look for pendants and lamps at garage sales to find unique designs at a bargain price.

4. Choose wooden furniture to give a natural look to the space. Choose shades of wood that mirror the colours of wood found in nature. Natural pines and medium-browns work well. Consider adding a wooden coffee table, wooden chairs, or wooden shelves. If you want more minimal amounts of wood, choose a couch with wooden legs.

If you have wooden furniture that has been painted, consider sanding off the paint to expose the natural wood.

Don’t be afraid to use laminate. This can create a wooden look at a lower price.

Look out for wooden furniture in thrift shops. This is a great way to get quality furniture at a lower price.

Method 3 Adding Accessories.

1. Place a few pieces of bold art on the walls. The mid-century modern style is fairly minimalistic. Avoid placing too much art on the walls and cluttering the space. It is best to pick a few favourite pieces for the walls in each room.

Large graphics painted with oil on canvas are a great mid-century option. Metal wall plaques fit with the theme.

Abstract metal and stone sculptures are also good artistic accessories for this style.

2. Choose indoor plants to bring a feeling of life to your space. A key theme of mid-century modern style is the blending of the indoors and outdoors. An easy way to achieve this look is by adding indoor plants to your rooms. Consider adding plants at different levels to bring a natural look. For example, place one plant in a hanging basket and another on a coffee table.

Peace lilies are a timeless looking plant that improve air quality. Cacti are another timeless option.

Plants with hanging vines or droopy leaves work best in hanging baskets.

Plants are integral to the mid-century look. If you can't keep real plants in your home, invest in some fake plants to get the look.

3. Choose bedding and pillows with bold patterns. Repeating patterns and geometric shapes are an iconic part of the mid-century decorating style. An affordable way to introduce these to your house is through accessories. Add patterned cushions to your bed or couch to bring detail and color to the rooms. Alternatively, pick a patterned bedspread that makes the bed the focal point of the room.

Avoid having patterns on both the bedspread and decorative pillows. Similarly, avoid pairing a patterned couch with patterned cushions. Patterns look best when paired with plain items.

Consider buying fabric and then the sewing cushion covers or bedspread yourself. This is a great way to find the pattern you want and save money. If you can’t sew, ask a friend or family member that has good sewing skills to help you.

4. Pick a neutral-coloured rug that has an interesting texture. Mixing different textures in your home is a great way to enhance the mid-century style. Look for a rug that has a different texture to the carpet and couches. Try to get a neutral-colored rug so that you don’t draw away from the furniture in the room.

A shaggy rug would work well in a space with a velvet couch. Sisal and jute rugs also compliment this style and are very durable.

Purchase a rug from a home department store or keep an eye out at garage sales.

Tips.

If you working with a low budget, keep an eye out for big sales throughout the year.

Search thrift shops to find authentic retro items.

The mid-century look is very popular, so you can find a lot of modern items made to fit the aesthetic. Take a look at your local discount home goods and furniture stores for inspiration.

Januari 23, 2020

how to decorate a mandir on janmashtami at home

How to Decorate a Mandir on Janmashtami at Home.

Decorating your mandir on Janmashtami is a great way to celebrate the Hindu festival in your own home. Hang things like flowers, lights, and torans on the mandir, decorating the entryway or edges. Place Lord Krishna idols and other statues inside the mandir, creating a scene or simple decorative pattern. However you choose to decorate your mandir, use bright colors and shiny materials to make your decorations truly stand out.

Method 1 Hanging Flowers and Other Decorations.

1. String flowers along the mandir to add floral embellishments. Use fresh flowers such as yellow marigolds, or opt for plastic or silk flowers that will last for years to come. Line the edges of the mandir with flowers, or hang them across the entryway to make them more of a focal point.

Make your own flowers out of paper and string them on a durable string, if desired.

Use tape or adhesive hooks to attach the flowers.

2. Hang lights in or around the mandir for a twinkling effect. If you have access to a power source, or you have lights that are battery operated, this is a great way to add light to your mandir. Use tape to attach fairy or LED lights across the edges of the mandir, or line the inside of the mandir with lights to create a glowing effect.

Using adhesive hooks is another good way to attach the lights.

3. Display a tapestry or hang drapes to cover larger areas. If you have a festive tapestry you’d like to display, hang it using push pins or hooks so it’s covering the back board of your mandir. Colorful drapes or curtains can be hung from the corners of the mandir, or spread out to cover a section of it if desired.

Purchase curtains or drapes from a market, or use a saree instead.

Hang a tapestry so it's covering the drawers of the mandir to decorate the bottom half.

4. Attach torans to the outer part of the mandir to string them across. Torans look great strung across the top of the mandir, as they make a great focal point. Pick out colorful ones with beaded embellishments or floral decorations, and hang them using tape, hooks, or push pins.

You might also hang a toran along the top of each door of your mandir.

5. Use bright, textured paper to cover the surfaces of the mandir. Hang glitter paper along the back of the mandir or attach crepe paper to the sides of the mandir to create a more festive design. Use several sheets of paper to cover the entire back board or each door, if desired.

Use colors like orange, red, or blue.

Consider making peacocks or flowers out of paper.

Cover the entire back board with glitter paper, or create a design using different patterns for a more intricate look.

Method 2 Displaying Figurines or Objects.

1. Embellish a royal jhula using colorful stones or fabrics. Decorate a jhula that you already have using things like small flowers, pieces of silk, or sequins, or opt to make your own. Create a jhula using cardboard before decorating it and placing it in your mandir.

Decorate the swing with garland or colorful ribbon.

Use glue or tape to help you create the jhula.

Consider painting your handmade jhula for a more detailed design.

2. Display butter pots in your mandir to symbolize the butter thief. If you already have small butter pots, place them in different spots in your mandir for added decor. Decorate them using paint, lace, or sequins to make them stand out even more.

Consider tying a string around each butter pot and hanging them from the door of your mandir if they don’t weigh too much.

Fill your butter pots with pulled-apart cotton balls to create the image of butter spilling out.

3. Create a representation of Vrindavan by placing statues around the mandir. Choose statues of cows, peacocks, small houses, and villagers to place inside the mandir. Decorate with flowers and plants to create a more naturalistic setting to complete the scene.

Arrange the statues and greenery to resemble a real city or village.

Lay pieces of shrubbery on the surface of the mandir to resemble grass and greenery, and place the cows in it to look like they're grazing.

Line village houses in a row with villagers working in their gardens.

4. Decorate a Lord Krishna idol in bright colors and materials. Pick out your favorite Lord Krishna idol and wrap it in shiny materials like silk or metallic fabric. Glue glittering stones onto the idol around its crown to add a sparkly element, if desired.

Cut fabric into strips to create shawls to wrap the Krishna idol in, or glue sequins onto a piece of fabric before draping it around the idol.

If you want to be able to remove the decorations after you’re finished with them, stick to wrapping the idol in fabric or using adhesives that will come off easily.

5. Place flutes around the mandir as a symbol for Krishna’s flute. Decorate your bansuris, or flutes, using peacock feathers, sequins, or sparkly tape. Place the flute, or multiple flutes, inside the mandir to the side in honor of Lord Krishna.

Glue sequins along the flute in a pattern of yellows and greens, or attach small beads to the flute for a more embellished design.

Tips 
Consider creating a rangoli design in front of the mandir for a more traditional decoration.

Januari 14, 2020

how to easy decorate a dresser

How to Decorate a Dresser.

The top of a dresser and the wall behind it can feel like intimidating, odd spaces to decorate if you don’t know where to start. But luckily you can achieve a balanced, functional, and beautifully styled dresser with just a few simple tricks. Create a balanced composition with large anchor pieces, or experiment with dynamic asymmetry. A tall mirror or framed picture can serve as focal points when mounted above your dresser, as can a collection of frames arranged in a gallery wall. Use a combination of lamps, vases, and other tall objects to add some height. From there, fill in the remaining space with your favorite trinkets, plants, and personal belongings.







Method 1. Placing Accessories on the Dresser



1. Designate storage spaces for your everyday stuff. Give your belongings a home to begin with and you’ll never have clutter on your dresser! If you wear a lot of jewelry, for example, consider using a jewelry box, tree, or tray for storage. Place this in a convenient spot on your dresser before adding any other accessories.

If your belongings are too big to sit on top of the dresser itself, make some space right next to it so you don’t get into the habit of dumping things on the dresser. Try a wire or woven basket for catching your backpack or handbag and scarves, for example.

By leaving room for your personal belongings, you’re also adding your personal touch to the decor.

Add a hat hook above your dresser if you wear baseball caps all the time. This could also be useful for displaying your summery straw hats that only get worn once in a while.



2. Brighten up your space with a table lamp. Lamps can be especially useful if your space doesn’t get much natural light. Opt for a white or off-white lampshade for maximum light output. Pick out a stylish lamp base to add a pop of color or texture to your decor.

Try a pair of matching lamps on either side of your dresser for the most symmetry.

Visit a home decor store where you can mix and match lampshades and bases to try out different combinations.

For a small dresser, choose a lamp with a narrow base and a relatively narrow shade. The shade should be narrower than the dresser so it doesn’t feel out of place.



3. Place standing picture frames on your dresser for a personal touch. Use framed family photos or snapshots from your travels to add a personal touch that will make you smile each time you see it.

Display your photos in statement frames to add some color and texture.

Try a series of slender black or metal frames for a more minimalist look.



4. Display small trinkets on a decorative tray. If you have a collection of perfume bottles or figurines, consider arranging them on a round or rectangular tray. Choose a tray that’s about half the depth of your dresser so it doesn’t feel oversized.

Feel free to assign a tray as a catchall for your keys, sunglasses, or the contents of your pockets. This will keep your dresser tidy and prevent you from misplacing anything.

Both functional and attractive, trays help ground small objects that would otherwise make the dresser look cluttered.

Try adding height to the tray with one taller item, like a candle or vase.



5. Stack up some coffee table books beneath a smaller trinket. Select books with interesting spines and arrange them from largest to smallest, with the smallest on top. Use this stack to add some height to a smaller object you’d like to display. This could be a figurine, a vase or potted plant, or even a pair of glamorous shoes!

For a minimalist look, only use books with white spines or black spines.



6. Arrange small-scale flowers or potted plants around your dresser. While a large special occasion bouquet can quickly brighten up your space, your dresser might feel empty once it’s gone. To keep some greenery around, place 1 or a few small potted plants across your dresser. Or, keep a small vase on your dresser and fill it with a small-scale floral arrangement of a single flower variety every so often.

To balance out your greenery, place 1 medium-sized houseplant, such as a palm or fern, on the left section and 1 or 2 smaller plants like a cactus, succulent, or aloe plant on the right section.

Pick up a small bunch of seasonal flowers, such as tulips, daffodils, peonies for your dresser.

If you do place a large bouquet on your dresser, keep in in the center so it remains the focal point while it’s there.



7. Add height with branches and leaves. A handful of branches or tall grasses can be tucked into a tall vase. Try fake plants and branches for a low-maintenance look or consider using real ones to liven up your space.

Try a single monstera leaf for a bold statement, or add some warmth with boughs of cotton.

Consider a sprig of dried eucalyptus leaves that give off a fresh fragrance.

Change up your decor seasonally with berry-filled branches for winter and blossoming branches in the spring.



8. Display candles in large lanterns or tall candlesticks. Candles are a staple for dresser decorations. Use candleholders and bold lanterns to add height and visual interest instead of just setting a small candle on top of your dresser.

Try placing a matching pair of pillar candles in a matching pair of columnar candleholders on either side of your dresser.

Alternatively, cluster a trio of tapers in short, medium, and tall candlesticks on your dresser.

A poured candle in a decorative jar can be set on top of a stack of coffee table books.







Method 2. Mounting Wall Decorations



1. Mount a large mirror above the center of the dresser to enlarge your space. Whether you use the mirror your dresser came with or a standalone mirror with a unique decorative frame, mount it on the wall directly over the center of your dresser.

A mirror will visually expand your room and reflect light. Plus it’s functional for when you’re getting ready!

Instead of hanging the mirror, try standing it up on the dresser and leaning it against the wall. Just make sure it’s secure and won’t tip over.



2. Display a piece of statement art above the dresser. Create a focal point for your dresser decorations by placing a metal wall sculpture, a framed picture, a thick canvas, or another unique work of art in the center. Mount it on the wall a few inches above your dresser or at eye level.

Choose an artwork in portrait orientation to reduce the amount of blank space between your dresser and the ceiling.

Try displaying a pair or trio of canvases to add interest.



3. Create a gallery wall above the dresser. Rather than just displaying 1 piece of artwork, curate a collection of your favorite pieces to display as a gallery wall. Gather a handful of framed pictures and other objects that can be hung up, such as hats, fabric, and various trinkets you may have collected. Experiment with different layouts by rearranging the pieces on a floor or table until you reach your favorite. Then go ahead and hang them up!

Select pieces with a similar look and feel or a common theme. This will help make your gallery wall look intentional rather than accidental.

Try to leave a similar amount of empty space between each object.



4. Hang a textile to add warmth, color, and texture. A brightly patterned silk scarf, a handmade macrame wall hanging, or a woven tapestry can all be mounted on the wall. You can focus on bringing pattern and color into your decor with a smooth textile, or introduce warmth and texture with chunky yarns and fringe.

Any textile element can be attached to a rod with a cord tied to either side. This method of display helps by adding a little additional height above your piece of fabric.

For an invisible mount, try securing adhesive-backed hook and loop strips to the back of your fabric panel and to the wall.







Method 3. Creating a Balanced Composition



1. Place 1 large anchor piece in each third of your dresser. If you’re not sure where to start, divide the top of your dresser into 3 sections: left, right, and center. Each can contain 1 anchor piece, namely something tall and substantial. Experiment with placing tall, narrow standing pieces either side section and leaning or mounting a framed picture or a mirror in the center section.

Use a measuring tape to determine the total width of your dresser and then divide this in thirds to determine how wide each section should be.

A lamp with an eye-catching base, a decorative vase, or a tall sculptural piece all work well on the left and right side.

Wide dressers can look especially elegant when decorated symmetrically, with matching pieces on the left and right side.



2. Layer accessories to add dimension. Most dressers feature shallow tops, but you can add depth and dimension to your dresser by overlapping frames and accessories. Try leaning a smaller frame up against a larger one. Place a shorter item, or a small cluster of small pieces, in front of a taller object.

If you’re decorating a narrow dresser, layering will probably be necessary. If the lampshade covers part of the framed picture, that’s more than ok!

Try layering by placing a short poured candle in front of a tall jewelry tree.

Consider offsetting a smaller vase in front of a bigger one.



3. Introduce color and texture into your decor with accessories. For visual balance, opt for pieces with a similar texture and materials. Or, create a dynamic composition with contrasting materials and textures. Whichever approach you follow, pick up the colors and textures from the rest of the space to bring the rest of the room’s elements together.

Try using a patterned lampshade that picks up the colors in your bedding.

Pick out a vintage metallic sculpture to add some glowing warmth to your space.

Try a piece of pottery on one side and a lamp with a ceramic base on the other for balance.

For contrast, place a spindly metal light fixture on one side and a wooden globe on the other. You can always use bold accessories to restore balance to the side that carries less visual weight.



4. Soften up hard lines with accessories featuring organic shapes. If your wall-mounted pieces or the dresser itself feature strong or heavy lines, contrast this with the addition of curves and soft edges. Choose accessories that feature round or curved lines or organic shapes.

Use plants and flowers to instantly soften up harsh geometric shapes.

A thick black picture frame could be balanced by something like a round woven basket or a mini classical bust.

Experiment by layering rounded accessories over geometric ones, and vice versa.

November 21, 2019

how to decorate your home in eclectic style

How to Decorate Your Home in Eclectic Style.

Eclectic interior designs are perfect for anyone who wants to put a fun, creative spin on their home decor. Eclectic means combining different time periods and styles. This results in unique décor, like colonial with a bohemian flare, rural meets modern, or Neo-classic with a trendy urban spin. But it can also be tricky to pull off. While there’s no set rules for eclectic homes, some tips can help turn this mismatched style into a cohesive, unified look.

Method 1 Buying Statement Pieces.

1. Search for one-of-a-kind furniture and knicknacks. Your furniture should help bring your different styles together. Look at different time periods for ideas, like furnishing your living room with a chintz armchair and a mid-century sofa. Hand-made pieces are perfect for eclectic rooms. Go with family hand-me-downs or something you can pick up at a garage sale. This feels creative and personal, which is exactly what eclectic style is about.

2. Make a focal point out of an eye-catching decoration. Maybe it's a painting, chandelier, antique, or special piece of furniture that gets guests talking. Only use one focal point per room. Any more is too confusing and distracting.

A statement piece can also help you to develop an eclectic style for a room. Choose your piece, and then build the rest of the décor around it.

3. Show off your interests and hobbies. Eclectic style is about your personality. If you’re a photographer, make a gallery of black and white photos. Bookworms can fill their rooms with bookshelves, or even use end tables made out of books. Hunters can mount deer heads on the walls. Whatever your hobby, find a way to make it part of your design.

Keep in mind that an eclectic home should look curated and collected. Use pieces that show off your style to achieve this look!

4. Decorate with objects that reflect your history. Your home can tell your story. Decorate with Mexican pottery from your vacation to Oaxaca, Celtic crosses to honor your Irish heritage, and potted cacti from your college years in Arizona. Blend these different parts together. Use family heirlooms like your grandmother’s antique lamp mixed with pop art from your favorite movie.

Even your main style can come from your history, like rustic chic in honor of your grandparents’ farmhouse.

Avoid lots of matching items and brand new pieces. Collect a variety of new, used, and reused pieces over time to make your home look eclectic.

5. Let your style say something about your values and personality. Throw in a splash of bohemian to reflect your free spirited side. If you’re forward-thinking, go with elements of modern style. If you enjoy the simpler side of life, go with a classic, Victorian, or a colonial theme. Your style should be based on who you are, and what you believe in.

Method 2 Unifying Elements.

1. Choose 2 or 3 styles so your design doesn't get too complicated. Eclectic doesn’t mean over the top. It’s easy to get caught up in blending so many styles and objects, but that can turn your home into a messy eyesore. Try sticking to 2 styles (3 max), usually with 1 dominant style and the other complimenting it.

For example, a vintage main style with a hint of rustic charm.

You can create an eclectic style using a minimalist or maximalist approach. Go with the approach that suits you!

2. Pick a single go-to color scheme to unite the room. Eclectic style only works if you connect the mismatched styles. Color schemes can pull a room or house together. Neutral colors are your best bet. Use a neutral like gray with gold or pastel colors to make the room look cohesive.

Don’t use too many different colors, or colors that clash. That's more gaudy than eclectic.

Opt for a single bold color, such as green, to unite the items in your room. Just make sure to be consistent with your color choice.

3. Furnish each room with a variety of textures. Different textures bring out different styles. Try combinations like a shag rug next to a metal coffee table, or a soft, modern sofa beside a hand-carved Victorian writing desk.

Keep a balance of soft and rough textures, with a few objects of each.

Choose art, rugs, and furniture in a variety of different textures to add interest to your space.

4. Chose a color palette, furniture, and decorations that fit the same mood. Think of how you want to feel in each room. You might want one room to unwind, and another to host parties. Keep that in mind when you decorate.

Keeping your furniture in the same general style allows you more freedom to change up your other décor, such as accessories, accent pieces, and art.

If you’re going for something whimsical, fill the room with plants, bright colors, and unique, bold patterns. For something more cerebral, go with bookshelves, vintage furniture, and calming colors.

Method 3 Arranging a Layout.

1. Buy practical furniture that fits your needs. Don’t get so caught up in style that you forget the actual purpose of the room. Remember that you’re living here, so it needs to be functional. A living room should be relaxing, and a breakfast nook should have space to cook. Pick furniture that fits those needs.

For example, get a dining room table that has space enough for your family, not just one that looks stylish.

Comfortable living room furniture is also very important. For example, you might find a really interesting sofa that would look great in your home, but you may regret this purchase if the sofa is not comfortable.

2. Spread out the furniture so the room isn't too crowded. Balance is the key to eclectic rooms. Too much furniture looks cluttered, especially if it’s all bunched together while the other half of the room is empty. Spread out the furniture evenly, so the room looks neat and smooth.

Clutter looks messy, not eclectic, and makes it hard to get around.

3. Remember to leave some empty spaces. You want your interior design to be unique, not overwhelming. Don’t overdo it. Keep it balanced with empty space. Empty space can help put the focus on the decorations that you want to show off. If one wall has a photo gallery, leave another one bare.

Desember 25, 2019

how to decorate your home with vintage books

How to Decorate Your Home With Vintage Books.

Vintage books can serve as a beautiful and classic decoration for your home. They fit into a variety of decor styles, from coastal to French country to farmhouse. Whether you leave them the way they are and display them on bookshelves, or repurpose them into something else entirely, there are many ways to decorate your space with old books.







Finding Vintage and Old-Looking Books



Set a budget. Vintage books can be expensive. Determine how much you want to spend and how you want to use the books you’re buying. If you’re going to deconstruct them, it’s better to buy cheap hardcovers than to spend more on authentic vintage books.



Search flea markets and thrift stores. Visit flea markets and thrift stores in your area to look for old books with cloth or leather covers. Search for thrift stores in nicer parts of town since these will typically have more vintage items. To find shops, type "thrift stores near me" into your favorite search engine.

While browsing the store, look for books that appear to be a matching set, or just find random ones to create a more eclectic look.



Browse eBay for old books. Auction sites like eBay are a good place to find old books that people want to get rid of. Try searching with the phrase “vintage books” or “set of old books” to find books that are decor-worthy. Verify that the seller will take care to ship them to you in waterproof packaging.



Remove dust jackets from hardcover books. Most books will instantly look older and more classic if you remove the dust jacket. If you don’t want to spend the money on vintage books, visit a used to bookstore to find cheap hardcover books. Check behind the dust jacket before you leave the store just to be sure you like the appearance and color of the book underneath.



Use books you already own. If you have any hardcover books at home, check under the dust jacket to see if you like the way the cloth cover looks. Even if you only have paperbacks, you can still remove the cover and use the bound or unbound pages to decorate your home.



Age new books by soaking them in coffee. If you want the aged book look without spending any money, find a book you don’t mind deconstructing. Remove the cover and soak the pages in a bowl or bucket of brewed coffee for a couple hours. Hang the book to dry in the sun, then display it once it’s dry.







Placing Books around Your Home



Stack books vertically and horizontally. Books don’t all have to be lined up horizontally along a shelf. Create a vertical stack of two or three books and place it beside your lined up books to create some variation along the shelf.

The vertical stacks can also serve as bookends to hold the others upright.



Use books as risers on tables. Place a small stack of two or three books on a side table or coffee table. Then put a lamp, small clock, or candlestick on top of the books. Change how many books are in the stack until you find the level you like best.



Find large books to use as coffee table books. Look for large books like old atlases, almanacs, or textbooks and place these on tables as coffee table books. Put them on a large tray with a vase of flowers and an interesting object, like a vintage magnifying glass or compass.



Pair books with the same color scheme. Stack or line up books that create a cohesive color scheme. For example, gather books that are varying shades of blue, or choose different browns for a neutral look. Or remove the covers to get all your books to have the same white or cream-colored spine.



Change the color of books with paint or burlap. If you want all your books to match each other or your decor, brush the covers lightly with paint and then hang them up to dry. Or wrap them with burlap or wallpaper and glue the material to the inside of the cover.



Match books to the theme of the room. Find vintage children's books to decorate a nursery, or place old gardening books in a sun room with lots of plants. If you have a room with a nautical theme, search for old seafaring books or vintage copies of Moby Dick or The Tempest.



Bundle old pages with twine. Whether you have a book that’s falling apart, or you just want one to look like it is, remove the book’s cover. You can separate the pages completely, or leave them with the spine intact. Wrap some twine around it and display this little vintage package on a bookshelf, table, or windowsill.

Tie the twine in a bow and add a dried flower on top for a more feminine decor style.







Repurposing Vintage Books



Attach books to the wall to use as shelves. Drill a couple small holes near the edge of one flap of your book, and buy L-brackets to attach the book to the wall as a shelf. Then place light objects on it like bud vases or small picture frames.



Stack books to become a table. If you have a lot of old books, stack them into a column beside a couch or armchair to use as a side table. To make it sturdy, place the larger, heavier books at the bottom and work your way up to the lighter, smaller ones.

If you don’t plan to reuse them or read them later, you can glue the covers together to add more stability.



Cut a hole in a book to make a planter. Hollow out a book by gluing the pages together, drilling a hole in each corner and using a box cutter to cut the center of the pages out. Pop a shallow plastic container inside to hold a plant, then place your book planter in a windowsill.



Frame books on the wall. Hang an old paperback book on the wall by piercing the back several pages and back cover with thumbtacks. Surround the book with an oversized vintage-looking frame that has the glass removed. Group several of these framed books on the same wall for a bigger statement.



Make a book wreath. Tear pages out of an old book and roll each one into a cone, gluing the edge so it will maintain this shape. Then glue each cone to a styrofoam wreath mold, working your way back to front. Hang the wreath on any wall where you want some literary flair.

For a more elaborate wreath, you can roll the pages into other shapes, like rosettes.



Use pages as wallpaper. Get an extra copy of a book you love and remove all the pages to use as wallpaper. Hold each page where you want it to go on the wall and paint over it with a craft glue like Mod Podge. Cover the entire wall, or just a select area over your desk or bed

November 13, 2019

10 wall decor ideas to refresh your space

10 Wall Decor Ideas to Refresh Your Space.



Looking for wall decor ideas to refresh your space? Those empty walls are filled with possibilities—and a few additions can make a house feel like a home. If you're ready to turn those stark, bare walls into stylish centerpieces, keep reading. No matter your style, we've got the tricks that can amp up your walls and bring out your personality and taste. Whether you’re an art collector, a nature enthusiast, or a book lover, your walls can be customized so that you can be surrounded by the things you adore. Discover 20 wall decor ideas that are sure to add style to your home.



Go for Large-Scale Art.

An oversized painting or photograph will command attention and set the tone in a small space. Try a black-and-white photo in a minimalist space or add color with a vibrant abstract piece.



Create a Gallery Wall.

Nothing adds personality and color quite like a gallery wall. Display a collection of art or photographs, or add wall hangings and other ephemera. Opt for simple, cohesive frames or bring in an array of ornate variations to mix things up! Pro tip: Extend the gallery wall to the ceiling to create the illusion of a larger space.



Incorporate an Accent Wall.

In addition to adding to the walls, think about decorating the walls themselves. Try using a bright and bold paint color to create an accent wall, or bring in pattern with wallpaper, stenciling, or other decorative paint techniques. (Think about transforming your ceiling while you’re at it!) These decorative accents can have an even bigger impact in a small space.



Showcase Fabric.

A tapestry or wall hanging can add color and pattern, as well as a sense of softness to a space. Consider framing vintage scarves or other pretty textiles. Bonus: These are a lot easier to move than framed paintings when it comes time to head to your next home.





Hang Mirrors.

Mirrors reflect light, helping a small space to feel bigger and brighter. Try hanging an oversized mirror, or display several smaller pieces salon-style.



Paint a Mural.

Let your walls transport you to another place by adding a mural. Whether you hand-paint it or choose a wall covering, the motif will make a big impact.



Install Shelves.

If you’ve run out of floor space for bookshelves, take your collection to the wall. Install floating shelves and display hardcovers, small sculptures, and other odds and ends.



Hang Plates.

Why hide your fine china in the cabinet when you can show it off? Use wire plate hangers to display your favorite dishes and serving platters.





Add Sculptural Sconces.

Sconces add an extra source of light without taking up space on the floor or a side table. Choose an eye-catching design that doubles as a wall sculpture to bring in light and style.



Bring In Plants.

Plants don’t just have to sit on the windowsill. Try hanging or wall-mounted planters to add a bit of nature to your space and life to your walls.

November 07, 2019

how to decorate a bar

How to Decorate a Bar.

Having your own bar is a fun and exciting way to entertain guests. Decorating your bar can actually be a lot of fun and really easy. A great way to get started is to decide on a theme for your bar. That will help you choose the appliances, glassware, and storage that accents the theme of your bar. Then, it’s just a matter of adding decor that matches your theme and you’ll be drinking comfortably at your own bar in no time!



Method 1 Customizing the Bar Countertop.

1. Make custom napkins with your initials or a logo to place on your bar. Creating your own bar napkins is an easy way to add a personal touch to your bar. You can print napkins in any color that have your initials, your favorite team’s logo, your wedding anniversary, or even a photograph of your family on them.

Go online to search for customized napkins.

2. Use decorative coasters on your bar top. Coasters are both decorative and practical because they’ll help preserve your bar top and are a great way to accent your bar by using an interesting design. Famous quotes, a sports team logo, iconic landmarks, or humorous quotes can all add to the decor of your bar top.

For an even more personal decoration, try your hand at making ink stamped coasters or felt coasters.

You can find all kinds of coaster designs online. You can even make your own and have them shipped to you.

Many craft stores have the materials you need to make your own coasters.

3. Keep an assortment of straws on your bar. The straws you choose to serve with your drinks can affect the vibe or style of your bar. Using wacky and colorful straws would have a different effect than plain and purely functional straws. Put out straws on your bar for people to use that reflect the style or theme of your bar.

For example, a Caribbean or tiki-themed bar could use ornate straws that have Easter Island heads on them.

4. Add plants to your bar top to add some color or greenery. A potted plant or a vase of fresh flowers can really alter the look and feel of your bar. Unless your bar has a window that allows lots of light in, you’ll need to choose an indoor plant that does well in low light.

A decorative vase to hold your flowers can be a great decoration as well.

Use fake flowers for an easy-to-maintain option.

Tip: Use herbs in pots to decorate your bar and use in drinks. For example, you could keep mint and rosemary in small pots on your bar.

5. Install a countertop that creates the look that you want. The centerpiece of your bar should be the bar itself: the countertop where people will sit and enjoy food and drinks. Depending on the look you’re going for and your budget, you have several options to choose from for your bar countertop.

Granite and marble countertops are expensive, but they last forever and create a very elegant, stylish appearance.

Dark, well-grained wood fits into a traditional pub motif and will give your bar a warmer look and feel.

Stainless steel or glass bar countertops will give your bar a modern, experimental vibe.

Tile countertops are a less expensive but attractive option.

Avoid surfaces that will warp, chip, crack, or scratch easily like vinyl or wood paneling.

6. Add a backsplash beneath the bar to accent the countertop. Utilize the space beneath the countertop to complement or contrast with the design of your countertop. The space doesn’t need to just be a place for people to rest their feet!

For example, if you had a white marble countertop, you could use a black coral pattern backsplash as a contrast.



Method 2 Decorating the Walls.

1. Install decorative lighting fixtures to accent your bar. The lighting you choose for your bar should add a decorative accent but also be functional and provide adequate lighting for your bar.

A classic light fixture for many bars is the pendant lighting fixture.

Use lower wattage or softer light bulbs if you want to create a pub-like atmosphere.

Add small LED lights beneath the cabinets and on your shelves to draw light toward your decor, glassware, and supplies.

Change the color of the lights to suit the theme of your bar.

2. Hang a neon sign to make your bar look like an authentic bar. Depending on the theme of your bar, hanging a neon sign as decoration can make it feel like you’re sitting in a real bar, especially for a sports bar or a pub-style theme.

A wine or modern-themed bar wouldn’t be served by hanging a neon sign.

You can find neon signs for purchase online.

3. Use memorabilia to add a personal touch to your bar. It’s your bar, so you should add your own touch to it! You can hang photographs, images, or even flags to decorate your bar that makes it your own.

For a sports bar theme hang a jersey from your favorite team or flags with the team logo.

Tip: Hang pictures of your friends and family to make your bar feel like home.

4. Add a mirror to give depth to your bar. Many bars use mirrors to make the room feel larger and add a decorative accent to the bar. Mirrors visually expand the space and can be an effective design element that adds to the decor of your bar.

Make sure you choose a place on your wall that can support the weight of the mirror.



Method 3 Arranging the Bar.

1. Use an interesting shelf system for your bar. The shelves behind your bar can be used for more than just storing your glasses, supplies, mixers, and liquor. They can also be a part of your bar’s decor. The color, design, and arrangement of your shelves can all add to the look of your bar.

For example, you could use dark stained wood to store your beer mugs.

If you like to serve cocktails, you could use glass or stainless steel shelves for a more modern look.

2. Display your glassware in a visible spot behind the bar. You can use your glassware as decoration when you’re not using it to serve drinks! Keep glassware that is appropriate for the types of drinks that you can serve and look good sitting the shelves of your bar. Organize and arrange the glassware in a fun and cute way so people can see it.

Show off your cocktail equipment by arranging your martini glasses and shakers on a shelf behind your bar.

Use a decorative glass rack for your stemware like wine glasses and champagne flutes.

If you have themed cups or glasses, place them on shelves behind your bar as part of your decoration.

3. Arrange your alcohol, mixers, and supplies in an interesting way. The manner in which you display your liquor and your supplies add to the overall look of your bar. For example, you could arrange everything you have in a neat row or you could only display your more expensive and fancy drinks for a more professional look.

Your more expensive liquors should be placed on a higher shelf

Keep cheaper liquor beneath the bar so you can access it but it isn’t visible.

4. Put out fun shot glasses for people to use. You more than likely will be pouring shots at some time or another at your bar. Keep fun shot glasses out for people to use whenever the occasion arises.

Keep shot glasses with your favorite team’s logo to use after they score in a game!

Use frozen shot glasses to kick it up a notch.

5. Select barstools that complement your bar. Barstools are also both practical and decorative elements of your bar. Choose barstools that add to the look of your bar, but are also comfortable for people to sit in. Your barstools also need to be tall enough to accommodate most people so everyone can enjoy sitting at your bar.

For example, a pub theme would have barstools that are made of dark wood, while a modernist cocktail bar theme would be sleek and a monochromatic color.

A typical bar countertop stands at about 41–43 inches (100–110 cm) tall, and your bar stools should stand between 29–32 inches (74–81 cm) from the floor to the seat to accommodate most people.

6. Install custom tap handles to decorate your bar. Decorative tap handles will make your bar feel more authentic and personal at the same time.You can go online to purchase customized tap handles or you could order tap handles of your favorite brew or even your favorite sports team to decorate your tap handles with.

Use chalkboard tap handles so you can change what’s written or drawn on them.

7. Consider following a theme to help choose the decor for your bar. You could choose a theme for your bar to help decide what decorations you use. If you do decide to follow a theme, it should be manageable and fit the space of your bar, but it can be anything you want!

Look online or flip through design magazines for theme ideas or for decorations that fit your theme.

Bar Theme Ideas.

Sports Bar: If you’re a sports fan, you can use your favorite teams and sports to help choose color patterns and decorations.

Tiki bar: A tiki bar theme is fun and playful and would include lots of bamboo and wicker elements to give a South Pacific flair to your bar.

Wine bar: If wine is your interest, you can focus your decorations to highlight your passion using things like corks, wine racks, and an assortment of glassware.

British pub: A British pub theme would utilize dark wood accents, empire-themed decor with the Union Flag, and proper pint glasses.

Februari 12, 2020

how to decorate shelves in a bedroom

How to Decorate Shelves in a Bedroom.

Decorating bedroom shelves can be one of the most enjoyable parts of interior design. Whether you've bought a brand-new home or just want a change of pace, there are plenty of ways to decorate without making your shelves look cluttered or out of place. Once you have an idea of how you want the shelves to look and what you’ll be using, you can let your creativity flow!







Part 1 Deciding on a Style.



Pull out all the items you need to store on the shelves. For example, you may have a huge collection of DVDs or photo albums that definitely require shelf space. Your shelves can serve a purpose and look stylish at the same time, but giving objects that need a home priority can help guide your process.



Choose colors that complement the existing décor. You want to try to match the colors or materials the bedroom already has. You may have to pass on neon decor in a room with dark, wood-paneled walls, but it could do well in a white or already colorful room.

Limiting yourself to 2 or 3 colors to decorate with will help prevent your shelves from looking too busy.



Use a tape measure to determine the size of your shelves if necessary. Shelves come in all different shapes and sizes, and each one has different potential for decoration. If you have something bigger you'd like to place, or you're going out shopping for decorations, it's good to know the exact amount of space available. Use a tape measure.

Measure from one end of the shelf to the other to get the width. If the shelf is enclosed or there is something above it, measure from the bottom of the shelf to the top to get the height. Then, measure from the front edge to the back wall to get the depth. Write all of these numbers down.







Part 2 Picking out Your Decorations.



Stack books together for an academic or hobbyist look. You might want to show off your collection of romance novels or store a set of psychiatry textbooks. Books are a great choice to decorate with as they are a natural complement to other items. You can alternate between placing them horizontally and vertically to create different effects.

A horizontal stack of books becomes a base for another object to rest on.

A series of titles standing up can be held in place by a sculpture or bookend.

Removing covers from books or facing them spine-first can completely change how they look on the shelf.



Decorate with plants to bring more “life” to your shelves. Flowers, succulents, and bonsai will warm up your room and make give it a more homey feel. Having plants in your home can even improve your mental health, as they can help ease anxiety or symptoms of sickness and make you feel relieved.

You can make your own terrarium by filling a small glass container with potting soil, stones, and tiny plants.

Choose flowers for a pop of color.



Add a stronger touch of your personal style with artwork. Whether you’ve bought them or made them yourself, art pieces can be a great addition to your shelves. Paintings, sketches, sculptures, and pottery are all good choices.

If your art is two-dimensional, you can place it behind other objects to create more depth.



Hide loose or extra objects in attractive storage bins. You might want to stow away certain items to keep them around but out of sight. This is a perfect time to use organizational bins. Many storage bins are made of cloth or plastic with built-in handles so you can slide them on and off of a shelf with ease.

Items that are practical but not aesthetically-pleasing, such as extra headphones or charging cables, can be placed in these bins.

These bins can also house shoes, makeup kits, linens, or whatever else you might like to have in your bedroom.







Part 3 Arranging Items on Your Shelves.



Group together items that look similar. Once you’ve got all of your decorations ready, set them all in one place near the shelf. Try to keep items of the same color or shape grouped together so you’ll have a good idea of where you want them as you go along.



Place similar items in a triangle or “zigzag” pattern. If you have a lot of shelf space, you'll want to spread things out. Alternating which shelves you place similar items on will help balance out the overall appearance.

If you have many objects that look similar, group them in odd numbers.

These patterns are often chosen by designers because they follow the "rule of thirds," or the principle that elements in groups of 3 are the most visually appealing.



Choose pieces that have meaning to you as the focal point of each shelf. Try to draw attention to whatever you like best. You can achieve this by placing one piece in the direct center, or setting several beside objects with eye-catching colors.

Draw the eye to photos of you and your loved ones for a sentimental feel.

Art pieces are great as focal points.



Move anything that looks out of place. If you feel anything is "not quite right," feel free to move objects around. Make sure to pay attention to what the space around each shelf or compartment looks like in addition to what it contains. If you feel you’ve achieved a good visual harmony, then you’re finished!





Tips

Painting the back of your shelves, or the wall behind them, before placing your decorations can really make them pop and further elevate your bedroom’s style.

November 20, 2019

how to make a small space divider

How to Make a Small Space Divider.

Room dividers can be a stylish and effective way of making the best use of a room, office, hall or other area in need of division. Small, impermanent dividers can be made easily by the novice DIYer, using objects that are easily obtainable. Choose one of the suggested methods below for an easy and very cheap way to create a unique space divider for your home, made by you.

Method 1 Trellis divider.

This project is very simple and only needs about 30 minutes to complete.

1. Purchase a section of wooden trellis. It should be of a decent height (tall enough for it to make a break in vision, and if possible, higher than the average person).

2. Cut the wooden wall trellis into three equal pieces, vertically. These pieces will be joined together again in a way that allows them to be bent or folded.

3. Reattach the pieces to form the divider. Tie the first piece with the second piece, then tie the second piece with the third, using wire or rope.

4. Weave dried plant parts, one beside other, through the frame squares. Add more of this material until the plants completely cover the trellis.

The dried plant parts are best when they are of the same height (or longer) as the divider you are going to make.

Live plant vines could also be used but they're trickier and you will need to place the container growing the plant down in its final place before weaving. Moreover, moving the divider is much harder when you do this, so it's best for a more "permanent" divider, such as for an office.

Instead of dried plant parts, you can use artificial floral items, such as long leaves, etc.

5. Put the divider up where you need it. Angle the three partitions so that the divider stands in place unaided. Plant containers or similar weighted objects can be used to prevent the divider from falling over if accidentally knocked.

Things You'll Need.

A square wooden wall trellis, Saw or Jigsaw, Binding wire or rope, Wire cutter or scissors, Various dried plant parts,

Method 2 Shower curtain divider.

This easy divider has the benefit of easy pulling back when you need to space to be opened up again quickly.

1. Choose a shower curtain with a design you think is perfect for the space to be divided. If the area to be divided is longer than one curtain, choose another one or two in the same design.

If the design is stripes, spots or some other pattern, you might consider varying the colors, as long as they match nicely.

2. Hang up a line of strong wire across the area to be divided. Hang this either at ceiling height or above the area of a tall person walking through.

You may also like to attach a curtain tieback hook on a wall or area for ease of pulling the curtain back to one side if needed. This step is optional.

4. Hang the shower curtain across the wire. Pull the hung curtain across to create the divider.

Things You'll Need.

Shower curtain(s), Shower curtain hooks, Strong, thin wire, Hanging fittings, Screwdriver, hammer, Curtain tieback hook (optional).

Method 3 Vinyl records divider.

This is a rather funky room or space divider, perfect for a longer-term decorative space divider in a more modern style of home.

1. Find a bundle of old, unwanted vinyl records. The "unwanted" is an important part! Each record should be the same size, unless you're planning on deliberately using a big-small-big, etc. pattern. That's up to you.

The amount of records you'll need depends on how much space you are trying to cover. If you are hanging them from the ceiling to say, sofa level, count on about eight records of large size for the vertical drop, then as many of these rows of eight as you need to cover the space to be divided. This could be a lot of records, so visit the local thrift store if you haven't got that many stashed away.

2. Select a color of contact paper that suits your room or area. Contact paper is the best way to cover the records and make them all the same color.

Prints are also possible but bear in mind that your room decor must be matched nicely.

3. Measure a round section of contact paper over a record. This forms your template piece for records of that size. Use this to make as many circles as needed for the amount of records (one piece each side).

4. Carefully peel off the backing of the contact paper and apply to each side of the first record. Smooth out all bubbles and wrinkles so that the contact paper sits perfectly flat. Meet the edges of each side of each circle with care. Repeat for all records.

5. Use a long piece of thick wire, such as from a wire coat hanger, to make holes. Mark four holes at even quarter spaces around the edges of the record circle. Heat the wire at one end over a stovetop and use the hot end to piece holes through the marked spots.

Hold the wire with strong gloves, such as gardening gloves, in case it heats too much.

Repeat for each record.

6. Join the divider together. Use medium gauge wire to make ring joins between the holes, closing the wire with pliers. Cut the same lengths of wire for the entire project, although you may wish to make large rings for the top level rings, depending on the hook requirements from the hanging points.

Make rows first, according to the measurement needed for your space.

Then join the rows to form the entire hanging divider.

Ensure that the top row has rings too, so that it can be hung from the ceiling, beam or other area, with ease.

7. Hang the divider. Use planter hooks from the ceiling over the area in need of the divider, either with a piece of chain to add length or directly hang the divider straight from the hooks. It is important to have at least one helper to do this part, as hanging can be tricky.

8. Done. You now have an amazing, funky divider for your room or area.

Things You'll Need.

Vinyl records, in sizes preferred, as many as needed for length and width of area.

Pencil or other marker for measuring the record size onto the contact paper.

Scissors for contact paper circles, Medium gauge wire for making rings.

Tin snips or similar for cutting ring lengths, Contact paper in color of choice.

Pliers, Wire for making holes, or a coat hanger, A helper for hanging the divider.

Tips.

For the first method project, choose any size of wall trellis you think is appropriate for your project, as long as it covers what you want covered.

Warnings.

In method 1, instead of binding the pieces with wire or rope, you might consider trying to nail or screw hinges; however if the quality of the wood is poor, these will not work well, if at all.

Take care when burning holes into the vinyl records; wear gloves to protect your hands and keep your distance from the heat. Keep children and pets out of the way while working with the stove top in this project.

November 29, 2019