Cheap and Chic - Simple ways to make your home look styled and so you

I had to share these really cute and summery ideas with y'all.

You can create nice displays with mix n' match flea market or basement finds.

A large mirror can act as a light source, and looks more casual when propped on the floor. Flea markets are the way to go if you don't have a large mirror. I found one for $20 once, all I did was paint the green frame white and it looks great now!

Ad flavor to your space by accessorizing to your heart's content. Mixing patterns and textures is fine as long as they color coordinate.

This is a cool idea I've seen a lot, but my books aren't really that colorful - but you can try arranging them by color and turn your bookcase into art.

Single blooms can add more interest than a formal bouquet, in my opinion.

Memorabilia and collections are best displayed all together, like in this salon style wall.

Install wainscoting along the entirety of one wall for a custom headboard look.

Painting a stair runner and varnishing it is easier to clean than carpet - plus you have freedom to do whatever you want! Masking tape is your friend here.

via Woman's Day

Super cute idea for customizing your furniture with your favorite pattern

I found this in the April 2009 issue of Martha Stewart Living, and I just love it.



marthastewart.com says:
Bring sprightly designs to inexpensive chairs by covering the backs with paper, in either a single bold pattern or several coordinating ones. Ready-to-assemble (and easy-to-disassemble) chairs work best.

Tools and Materials
* Chairs (this style available at Ikea)
* Kraft paper
* Pencil
* Craft knife (or scissors)
* Cutting mat
* Sturdy patterned paper
* Decoupage glue
* Foam brush
* Bone folder

Decorative Chair Backs How-To
1. Unscrew chair back. Lay it on kraft paper. Trace outline with pencil (press chair back against paper as you trace to account for curve).

2. Cut out template with craft knife, using a cutting mat.

3. Place patterned paper facedown on cutting mat. Place kraft-paper template on top, and trace. Cut out.

22"-by-30" handmade paper: (#7385), $6 per sheet, and (#8125), $6.25 per sheet, from Print Icon, 212-255-4489. Decoupage glue and sealer, by Martha Stewart Crafts, $3.99, from Michaels, 800-642-4235.

Another cool option - instructions here

Hanging Art 101

Hope everyone had a great weekend. I thought I'd share this helpful art-hanging guide with y'all.

copy via Pier 1


•Start by tracing each object’s outline onto scrap paper. Tape the cut-out pieces of paper to the wall, experimenting and re-arranging to see what composition works best.

•Don’t space objects too far apart—the width of your hand is a good guide.

•It’s usually best to place the largest object near the center, then work outward.

•Hang the largest pieces at eye-level (about 63-66 inches above the floor).

•For a unified look, choose items that incorporate the same color, frame style or subject matter.


Tips for hanging one large piece.

•Small items work best in small areas—a narrow wall or cozy reading corner.

•Shop your hardware store for picture-hanging kits. And, if you’re hanging something heavy, know the weight since you need to choose hooks based on the item’s size.

• Your new best friend? A level. Whether you choose a laser level or the traditional box version, this is the best way to make sure your frame is even.

• Keep it in proportion. When hanging artwork over a piece of furniture, make sure the art is not wider than the piece underneath it. Also, leave no more than 6 inches of wall space between the furniture and art.

• Vertical or horizontal? The decision might be dictated by your desire to create height or to widen and elongate a space. But generally, vertical arrangements appear formal and dramatic while horizontal hangings feel more casual.

• Maybe you don’t need to hang it. Leaning artwork against the wall is a classic studio look and allows you to move objects around whenever you want.

copy via Pier 1



via HGTV

via Flickr

via Apartment Therapy






via Black Rooster decor


via Wish


via House Hunting

Cool and easy things to do with wallpaper other than covering the walls

For better or worse, it seems like the wallpaper trend is going to be sticking around for awhile. Luckily, there are some VERY stunning wallpapers out there. Unfortunately, the thought of hanging wallpaper in an entire room and paying for multiple rolls doesn't exactly thrill me. But these projects from Do It Yourself Magazine won't take too long to accomplish, and you can choose the prettiest wallpaper you can find because the small amounts you'll use won't break the bank!

This is probably my favorite - so pretty!




Great way to decorate if you don't have the money for art


Do any of these catch your fancy?

Go to Do It Yourself Magazine for how-to's.

Look what I found!

Remember the post on my room, where I featured a tv/monitor cover that I'd love to make for my monitor? Well I've found directions for making one yourself on marthastewart.com. If you make on yourself, please do share the results!



Cozy How-To

1. Measure the length (top to bottom) of the television screen; add 1 inch to this measurement for seam allowance. Then, measure the depth of the screen. Add this to the total length. Lastly, multiply this measurement by 2 to cover both the front and back of the television. For the cozy pictured, Page left the base of the television exposed; if you want to cover the entire television, measure from the top of the screen to the table it will be sitting on, adding 1 inch for seam allowance and multiplying this measurement by 2 to cover both the front and back of the television.

2. Measure the depth of the screen. Then measure the width of the screen. (You will need to add a 1/2 inch on each side for seam allowance.)

3. Select desired fabric and cut to your specific measurements.

4. Fold fabric square in half, with the desired side of fabric facing in.

5. Sew 1/2 inch in on both short ends to create a hem.

6. Sew up the left and right sides with a straight stitch allowing for a 1/2-inch hem.

7. Next, you will need to create a gusset, which is a simple triangular insert that creates a box edge that tailor fits the cozy to the television screen. To create the gusset, pinch the corner of the top-right seam of cozy. The pinch should be parallel to the seam hanging down the side of the cozy; it will form a triangular shape. Stitch a seam across right above where the fabric begins to taper.

8. Cut off any excess fabric from triangle. Repeat with top-left corner.

9. Turn right-side out and slip over television.

Go to Martha Stewart to get it from the original source.