DIY Home Decor

Posted on August 14, 2012 by Kayla

Since I received an overwhelming response from my “DIY Style” blog post below, I thought I’d follow up with a “DIY Home Decor” post. I love finding new ways to make a “do it yourself” project out of simple home decor pieces. I know there are thousands of ideas all over the web, but here are 10 clever ideas that stood out to me:

1. Painted Wooden Spoons – Such a simple but great way to add some character to your kitchen. Click here for a full tutorial.

2. Driftwood Vases – A very unique decor piece and easy to put together. Click here for a full tutorial.

3. Pen Pots – Something simple to decorate your desk or office space. Click here for a full tutorial.

4. Wood Towel Hooks – Chic towel hooks for your bathroom, or hang them in your room for scarfs. Click here for a full tutorial.

5. Reclaimed Window Coffee Table – Might take a little more effort than the other DIYs, but the payoff is worth it. Take an old cabinet (or find one at a thrift store) and add some legs on the bottom to get a gorgeous coffee table with storage space.

6. Painted Terra Cotta Pots – Instead of the boring, white plant pots, try this idea to decorate your patio. Click here for a full tutorial.

7. Chalkboard Serving Platter – Such a clever way to display food for a social gathering. Click here for a full tutorial.

8. Yarn Wrapped Bottles – Grab colorful yarn and Modge Podge for this fun decor piece. Same technique can be done with mason jars as well. Click here for the full tutorial.

9. Painted Driftwood Hanger – Hang scarfs, jewelry and more with this simple DIY project. Click here for the full tutorial.

10. Fabric-Covered Bookshelf – Glue some fabric or even scrapbook paper on the back of a bookshelf to give it some character.

Wall Galleries

Posted on June 5, 2012 by Kayla

I’d like to highlight my new favorite thing: wall galleries! I’m totally obsessed with them right now. I’m currently trying to make my own wall gallery in my new apartment, so I thought I’d share some of these cute wall galleries as inspiration for you to try one in your home!

10 Tips To Make Your Apartment Feel “Homey”

Posted on March 10, 2012 by Kayla

I just found out that I’m going to be moving into a new apartment with one of my really good friends in two months and I’m so excited about it. And one of our main goals is to make our apartment inviting and warm. There’s nothing worse than coming home to a cold, disconnected environment. So I’ve compiled a list of 10 tips that can help you make your apartment feel “homey.”

1. Add a rug

A rug is an easy way to open up the room and make it feel larger. Rugs also pull the room area together. So especially if you have a dining area that is in the same vicinity as your living room, adding a rug will separate the two. And adding a colorful rug can make the room pop.

2. Put up some curtains

There’s nothing more bland and boring than white, plastic blinds. Putting up curtains will add a more personal touch to your apartment, no matter how simple they are. This may not be an achievable task for everyone though, make sure to check your apartment rules on putting holes in the wall.

3. Make the most out of your balcony/patio area

I’ve never been one to do anything with my balcony/patio area, but it’s such a wasted opportunity if I don’t. Apartments already have a limited amount of space, so you should take advantage of your balcony/patio area by adding a bench, table, or even a plant, that will make it more inviting.

4. Throw some stuff on the walls

This has to be the easiest way to instantly change the feel of your apartment. Plain, white walls are just depressing. Putting stuff up on your wall, whether it be posters, art, decor, paintings, or mirrors, makes your apartment more personal, colorful and warm. Check out Etsy for great one-of-a-kind art, design and decor pieces for your home.

5. Add more seating

Creating more room for seating in your living room makes it more inviting and comfy. Maybe add a chair or two next to your couch, trust me, it’ll make a difference. A spacious living room is always one with a good amount of seating.

6. Create a theme in your bathroom

Bathrooms are not one of the most exciting places, but use that to your advantage. Create a theme that will unify all the items in your bathroom. Have fun with a color theme or even a nautical/beach theme, like below. Add some themed prints, decor and shower curtain to your bathroom, and it will definitely brighten it up.

7. Pops of color

Color is always a friendly thing to work with. If your spaces is looking dull and boring, look for ways to brighten it up with some color. Whether it’s the smallest objects, accents of color can change a room’s appearance easily.

7. Put up a bookshelf

No matter what room you put it in, a bookshelf is the perfect way to add more storage space, create a personal touch, and cover up empty wall space in your apartment. Don’t just throw stuff on there though, you want to create a visual piece for the room. Look at ways to different way you can decorate your bookshelf.

9. Add an aroma

Candles or potpourri can be pretty and practical. You’ll feel more at home in your apartment if you create a warm, friendly aroma around your apartment (just make sure it’s not overwhelming.) I just love my Scentsy warmer that I plug into the wall. It makes my apartment smell great and it doesn’t create a fire hazard.

10. Think about materials

When looking at getting simple things for your apartment like a TV stand, coffee table, frames, dresser, tables & more, think about the materials they’re made out of. Wood is way more warm and inviting than metal or steel. Don’t buy all your furniture from the same store. Instead, mix together pieces from different textures and styles. It’ll create a more interesting and inviting vibe, rather than the “furniture store look.”

Jars Of Fun

Posted on January 8, 2012 by Kayla

I’m absolutely in love with mason jars, because, well, you can do pretty much anything with them. They’re cheap, super versatile, and I’ve seen them in so many different DIY projects lately. I just had to share some of the great ideas I’ve crossed paths with.

1. Ticket Memory Jar – If you’re like me, then you have an box filled with all your old movie stubs, concert tickets, and more. Instead, grab a mason jar, fill it with your old tickets and prop it on a shelve in your living room with some picture frames. Gives a more personal touch to the room. (source)

2. Cupcake In A Jar – What a cute idea for a birthday or valentine’s day present. Bake a cupcake or two, put some icing on it, attach a spoon with some yarn, and you’re good to go. (source)

3. Candles – These make great centerpieces for a table. Fill a jar with water, add a floating candle, and tie some straw on there. So simple yet so pretty. (source)

4. Pre-mixed Cocktails – Bring out a metal tub, fill it with ice and fill it with a bunch of pre-mixed cocktails to any event. Guests can grab their drink of choice and just add a straw. (source)

5. Cookies In A Jar – Such a great gift to give on any holiday, and there’s many recipes around the internet for cookies, brownies, etc. Add the ingredients to a mason jar and tape the recipe on the back. I really like the way they dressed up the jars below with plaid fabric on the top and a tie to seal it. (source)

6. Flower Vase – Add some flowers with water in the jar and slap some burlap on the outside to make another great centerpiece idea. (source)

7. Summertime Lemonade – Nothing tastes better in the summer than ice cold lemonade. And now you can spruce it up by making mason jar cups with a straw and lemon on the side. Even experiment by adding your own label for events! (source)