Get out your hot glue gun, glitter and ribbon, and you’ll be on your way to creating DIY holiday décor. From faux snow vases to a decked-out dreidel garland, use this infographic as a guide to fashion unique decorations for your home this holiday season.
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Purchase a few vintage glass bottles at an antique shop, or fill a vase with pine cones to give your apartment a new feel.
You don’t have to spend a fortune on new furniture, decorations and knickknacks for your apartment. Save money by finding old, used items and giving them a brand new life by repurposing them. Here’s how.
Use Your Imagination
Sometimes you have to get creative and think outside the box to get decorating ideas. A pair of old doors, for example, can be repurposed as a headboard for your bed. That antique sewing table in your grandmother’s attic can be used as a kitchen island. That old barn door can be turned into a lavish dining room table.
Paint It
You’d be surprised how a $5 can of paint can liven up a drab piece of furniture or object and turn it into something completely new. Or, you can even leave a piece in its original state for that rustic look.
Install New Hardware
Sometimes all a piece needs is a new set of knobs, hinges or cabinet pulls to become a cherished part of your new abode.
Strip It
Wood furniture is perhaps the easiest to repurpose because you can remove the existing finish and paint it, stain it, or leave it as is.
Bring the Outdoors In
Sometimes there’s no better way to liven up your apartment space than by bringing a bit of nature inside. Fill a vase with sticks found outside, or decorate with leaves, pine cones or fresh flowers to give your new living quarters the feel of the great outdoors.
Deck it Out in Glass
Comb through yard sales, antique shops and thrift stores for glass bottles. Dusted off, these cool little knickknacks can add a warm, homey feel to an apartment.
Make Your Own Wall Art
Do you like art but can’t afford to shop the fancy galleries? Make your own. You can repurpose art calendars by cutting out the pictures and putting them in a cheap plastic or wood grain frame. You can do the same with old maps. Antique tools also look great hanging on the wall.
Photo credit: iStockphoto/Jill Chen
Looking for inspiration for your next craft project? Check out these top 5 blogs for crafting.
You can spend hours on Pinterest or Google searching for that perfect craft project to complete the look of your apartment, home or office. Finding inspiration and motivation can sometimes be tough, especially if some websites give you just pictures, rather than explanations. But we’ve sorted the Web and came up with a list of our five favorite blogs for crafting. Read on for our picks.
The Happy Home
Belinda created The Happy Home to document her journey through renovation, decorating and various projects, as well as raising her three children. Her goal is to create a happy home for her family, which includes livable spaces, creative projects and fun activities. For the holidays, she has tips on unique ways to gift wrap, little DIY steps to create the perfect accessory for your holiday outfit and décor DIY. http://thehappyhomeblog.com/
Michele Made Me
This blog isn’t your ordinary craft blog. Michele, blogger and crafting extraordinaire, creates unique items for around the house by upcycling old materials. She uses her hobbies, such as sewing, quilting, knitting and cutting and pasting to create gold from garbage. More recently, she created a Christmas snowflake ornament using junk mail. http://www.michelemademe.com
Mod Podge Rocks
Her roots are in knitting and sewing, but Amy of Modge Podge Rocks has become a decoupaging genius more recently. In addition to giving tips on transforming dull items into magical pieces, she vlogs on YouTube in addition to her everyday “real life.” On her blog, she walks you through craft projects for every member of your family. This includes patchwork for children’s chairs, holiday cases and coasters. http://modpodgerocksblog.com
Craft Test Dummies
Jenny’s blog, Craft Test Dummies, is a forum for Jenny to test out new crafts, products and techniques without any fluff. If you’re visiting your local crafts store and see a new product but aren’t sure if it will work, then Jenny will help determine its usability. And if you’re stuck this holiday season on what to get for your difficult person on your list, then check out Craft Test Dummies’ gift guides, which walk you through various ideas. http://www.crafttestdummies.com/
Dollar Store Crafts
This daily crafting blog brings you tips and ideas for projects on a budget. The finished products are chic, but getting there doesn’t mean breaking the bank and getting stressed. Most of the materials in projects on Dollar Store Crafts can be found at your local dollar store or the dollar section in various stores. Whether you’re looking for décor, fashion, wedding or kids crafts, Dollar Store Crafts has project ideas for you. http://dollarstorecrafts.com
Do you have a go-to crafting blog?
Photo Credit: iStockphoto/Green_Leaf
Want to feel a sense of accomplishment and make your whole house smell like happiness? Bake something with almond, lemon or peppermint oil.
As the days become shorter and nights grow longer, you may yearn for more sunshine in your apartment. Though you can’t control the weather, you can add happiness and warmth to your space by channeling all things feel-good and smile-inducing. Ward off Seasonal Affective Disorder before it begins by adding a few of the cheery objects or actions below into your home.
Plants
Add a couple of indoor plants, such as philodendrons, gardenias, laurel plants, ferns, bay leaves, gerbera daisies, bromeliads or peace lilies, to help ward off colds, increase your feeling of wellbeing, reduce carbon dioxide and filter the air. Plus, seeing something grow during the winter will make you feel happy, especially if it’s a useful herb such as rosemary.
Feel-good smells
Citrusy candles and air fresheners span all seasons and provide an instant lift for your spirits. Invite the spring into your home with lemon- and fresh linen-scented candles and air fresheners with orange oil in them. You’ll feel invigorated in no time.
Utilize art
Not only does art enhance the visual appeal of your space, it communicates your style and even your values to visitors of your home. Art defines specific areas of your home, so the bedroom becomes calming, the living room becomes inviting and the kitchen becomes lively, and a happy home is one where each space has a unique, special purpose. Add handmade art, mementoes and photos to the refrigerator, and you’ll feel fulfilled each time you walk by.
Bake something
When you bake something, particularly if it contains lemon, peppermint or almond oil or extract, you’re releasing scents used in aromatherapy that aim to soothe, invigorate and refresh. If you can’t bake or don’t have the space, harness the same feeling by purchasing candles in cozy scents of apple cinnamon, cinnamon roll, vanilla cake or pumpkin spice.
Hug more
Studies show that if you are hugged by your close friends and family two to four times a day, you’ll reduce your heart rate, lower blood pressure and improve your mood, which generally means you’ll be happier and more relaxed. Start your day off with hugging someone, and hug someone again when you get home from work. You may be surprised at how protected you’ll feel throughout the day.
Eat healthy food
You’ve always heard you are what you eat, so if you want to sleep better and regulate your mood, aim to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables per day, three to five servings of whole grains, two to three servings of lean protein and a tablespoon or two of good-for-your-heart fat per day.
Celebrate your space
Once you’ve decorated your space, make sure to enjoy each room for what it is. Find reasons to use your fine china and crystal, or to sip lemonade on the porch. Make your bed each morning so you’ll feel proud of your bedroom, and cook as many meals at home as possible. When you celebrate your space, you’ll love it, and you’ll feel happy in it.
Photo Credit: iStockphoto/YinYang
Gather a collection of photo frames in a range of sizes and styles to display old family photos.
Moving into a new apartment or home can be both exciting and exhausting. New residents are able to explore local shops and gathering places or meet new neighbors that may become friends. On the other hand, unpacking and arranging countless belongings is often one aspect of moving that many people dread.
Do you still have boxes hiding in a closet or attic from your last move?
Have you stored away old family photos, your college graduation cap and gown or a preserved wedding dress?
Chances are, the items that you have deemed fit “for storage only” could serve as interesting conversation pieces that can help turn your house or apartment into a home!
Search online for free or discounted dressmaker forms to display a wedding dress or vintage clothing. Create your own still life in the corner of a room by placing large vases of flowers, curios or old garden statuary near your mannequin. Let your imagination guide you! Try to add two or three complementing colors with a mix of textures to maintain visual interest.
Gather a collection of photo frames in a range of sizes and styles to display old family photos. Arrange your collection on a wall or decorative table as a tribute to past generations of your family and to make relatives feel welcome when they visit. Adding family photos to your décor gives your home warmth and instant personalization.
What about an assorted collection of hand-me-downchina, candlesticks or orphaned cups and saucers? Don’t hide them away. You may have picked up a few family heirlooms or partial sets of crockery that can add a touch of elegance to a mantelpiece or cabinet. They don’t even have to match to be displayed.
Use an ornate cup or sugar bowl to hold loose change or keys. Attach a pretty saucer or dish to the top of a candlestick using a bit of clear epoxy craft glue to create a one-of-a-kind cake plate.
Many items can also be refreshed by adding a new coat of paint or embellished with flowers and decorations to help older pieces transition with the seasons. Antiques may be polished or professionally restored to bring out their hidden beauty.
Decorating with family heirlooms or sentimental items from the past creates a sense of history and permanence in your new living space. Treasured objects passed down from family members remind us of home and can also comfort transplants adjusting to a new city. Experiment with a mix of old and new to showcase your style and what matters most to you.
Photo credit: iStockphoto/vgabusi
When asked to define contemporary décor, you may be confused with modern décor. Though the terms are closely related, there are distinct differences in the two design styles. Contemporary décor revolves more around a monochromatic, minimalistic and neutral color scheme. The design style features asymmetrical design, rounded forms and graphical patterns. Contemporary design features more of what’s going on in present day, and with that comes a comfortable and inviting space. Read on for pointers to turn your space into a comfortable contemporary retreat.
Colors
The dominant color palette in contemporary design includes neutrals, black and white. It doesn’t necessarily have to be boring or bland. Keep the main things neutral (walls and large furniture), but accent the room with bright and bold colors in the form of accent chairs, pillows and accessories. However, you can mix it up. If you decide to paint a wall a bold color, then use neutral décor around your space.
Furnishings
In contemporary design, furniture should have smooth, clean, geometric shapes. Large pieces are often neutral, white or black in color. Your furniture should be simple; less is more. Bare space is just as important as furniture pieces. Your couch and chairs should be uncluttered and without decoration. Exposed chair legs are a key detail in contemporary design, and avoid having bed skirts, trim, fringe or tassels on furniture. If possible, use simple, armless furniture to allow the views to command the room.
Fabrics
When choosing fabric, choose textured natural fibers, such as wool, cotton, linen, silk and jute. This creates a natural look, as well as a textural appeal. Soft fabrics on the sofa will add a sense of comfort, and using shades of beige and cream create a calming environment. Avoid using colorful and “busy” prints, as this takes away from the simplicity of contemporary design.
Finishes
For cabinets, countertops and furniture pieces, choose pieces that have a sleek wood finish. This creates a warm and comfortable room, and surprisingly enough, the sleek wood adds softness to contemporary spaces. Additionally, keep finishes natural, as the focus in contemporary design is on comfort.
Accessories
Incorporating aspects of nature into your design fits in with contemporary style. Accessories inspired by nature are encouraged. One way to do this is to add green foliage, which adds interest and color, and it also brightens up a neutral color palette. Dress up your furniture with throw pillows, using colors that accent the other furniture and accessories in your room. To create a focal point in the room, hang an oversized abstract painting on one wall. Another way to create a focal point is to arrange your furniture in a way that encourages conversation. Revolve the arrangement around an accessory that creates drama, such as a reclaimed wood coffee table.
Photo Credit: iStockphoto/evirgen
Use these tips to help you set your decorating priorities and channel your great ideas into a workable plan.
You’ve moved in to a new apartment, and the chance to personalize your new space has set your mind ablaze with decorating inspiration. But how do you decide what to decorate first?
Use these tips to help you set your decorating priorities and channel your great ideas into a workable plan.
Know your decorating budget
First, before you decorate anything in your apartment, you have to know your decorating budget. Look over your household budget and see how much money you might have left over and available to finance decorating plans. Once you know how much money you have to work with, your decorating budget might dictate how large your first decorating project can be.
You might start by choosing the project that seems cheapest. A complete makeover of your living room requiring a new couch, table and entertainment furniture might be cost prohibitive right after your move, but fresh accessories to place on those items could help you enjoy them anew – at least until you’ve saved enough for the big-ticket change-outs you’re dreaming of. Pick colorful pillows, interesting coffee table books or unique accent vases to spice up the old as you plan for the new.
Go for impact
You want your first project to give a lot of bang for the buck. You want to decorate in a way that will be noticed by those who visit your apartment home.
Consider decorating in a high-traffic area such as your entryway or living room. The accessories you’ve brought into your apartment might provide clues right where to begin. Or you might set your energy to one category of decorating that affects several rooms, such as painting, for instance. You might color-coordinate apartment walls with shades in your favorite pieces of furniture. A fresh coat of color could make a great start for your decorating fantasia.
Take care of a decor sore spot
Is there a place in your apartment that looks awkward or feels unpleasant to you? That might be the best place to decorate first. If you are not happy about that spot now, your feelings about this area are not going to improve without a change. Decorate there so you will feel better about the decor projects that follow.
Decorate for you
Another school of thought when it comes to setting decorating priorities is to pick the decorating project that will please you the most. You are the one who is living in the apartment, after all. You might want to choose a room where you spend most of your time and decorate it first. If you need a respite from the world, decorate your bedroom first, creating a serene sanctuary. If you plan on spending a lot of time snuggled up on the couch with a good book, decorate the living room so it is warm and inviting.
Heed these words of warning
Wherever and however you decorate, make sure that you are following the regulations put forth in your lease. You don’t want to spend a lot of time painting every wall in your apartment, only to find out that the color you just put up is not approved by apartment community management.
Also, once you choose where you want to decorate first, stick to that plan until the project is completed. Tackle one task at a time so you don’t end up with a dozen half-finished decorating projects around your apartment.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock / wavebreakmedia
Natural, organic touches like neutral walls and palm trees characterize tropical decor.
Not to be confused with coastal décor, which is inspired by the coastlines of northern California and the Eastern Seaboard, and Mediterranean décor, which emphasizes style found in Spain, southern France, Greece and Italy, tropical décor style conjures up images of warm trade winds, sand, sea and sun of the warmer climates near the equator, from the Caribbean to the South Pacific. So no matter what season it is, you can recreate this breezy, warm style at home in your apartment by following a few simple tips.
Neutrals and Sun-Drenched Colors
Regarding color schemes, there are a few ways you can go. Consider building a foundation with neutral tones for your walls like ivory, beige, camel, tan, deep brown, soft gold and pale yellow to make brighter colors really stand out and seem vibrant. Traditional tropical colors are often bold and beautiful, channeling the elements of the natural world. Deep turquoise blues and sea greens recall the ocean and sky, while bright pinks, corals, purples, yellows and oranges are inspired by native flowers, birds and tropical sunsets. Use these colors sparingly to create contrasting focal points.
Comfort and Style
Tropical décor style is all about casual comfort and relaxation, so your furniture should reflect that sentiment. Large, overstuffed sofas and chairs are a must, with decorative pillows, slipcovers and cushions that recall tropical scenes like sky and sea. If you choose to upholster, do so in soft, lush fabrics like cotton, linen or silk, or incorporate these fabrics into window treatments to enhance the breezy, comfortable atmosphere.
Textural Elements
Texture and wood play a big part in tropical décor style, and they’re easy to incorporate into the design of your apartment. Choose bamboo wood blinds or teak elements to amp up the tropical vibe. Use area rugs made from natural materials like sea grass or sisal to add a tropical touch. If you can’t wallpaper your entire apartment, purchase a small piece of grass cloth wallpaper, cut it down to the size of a picture frame and hang it on your wall for a textural contrast.
Natural Touches
Adding the right accessories is the key to making your apartment feel like a warm tropical paradise. The tropics are filled with lush plants like palms, banana plants and rubber trees, so choose one (planted in a terracotta, wicker or bamboo pot) to place on a side table or give a little life to an otherwise dark corner. The same goes for colorful, tropical flowers like orchids or hibiscus. Hang framed photographs or paintings of tropical scenes, or create a tablescape with seashells and sea glass.
The main thing to remember when decorating in this style is to incorporate tropical elements in a natural way rather than completely replicating the tropics. A little goes a long way, so use a light touch and let your creativity shine through.
Photo credit: iStockphoto/DougBennett
Let Antoni Gaudi’s Parc Guell in Barcelona inspire you to create mosaic tile-inspired Mediterranean decor in your apartment.
Inspired by the turquoise blue Mediterranean Sea and the cliff-dotted houses in Spain, France, Italy and Greece, Mediterranean home décor is as much of a breeze theoretically as it is visually. Mediterranean décor colors and textures are similar to cottage design, as they’re both modeled after water, but furniture and knick-knacks are heavier, sturdier and ornate. Sit back, pour a glass of rosé and watch the sunset as you dream of your new Mediterranean apartment, wherever you are.
Sun-Kissed Wall Colors
Consider wall colors in buttery yellow, lavender, coral or terra cotta to make your four walls and the sun appear seamless. Simulate stucco walls by adding texture to wall colors with wall plaster kits from craft stores. Or, channel the ocean and sky by painting walls white but with pastel water colors, such as aqua, green or robin’s-egg blue on the ceiling.
Wrought-Iron Wall Décor
Since those who live on the Mediterranean Sea often spend time outside enjoying the beautiful weather, they often draw indoor decoration from the outdoors. Wrought-iron banisters and balconies in Tuscan villas come alive indoors with black or bronze wrought-iron wall art, such as fleur de lis, crosses, scrolls and sconces. Accent your living room with wrought-iron room dividers or fireplace screens and candlestick holders.
Tiles or Tile-Inspired Focus
Whether you’re drawing inspiration from a mosaic café table on your patio, a tiled kitchen backsplash or a heavily tiled bathroom, the Mediterranean – Spain, Portugal and Italy, specifically – are synonymous with mosaics and tiles, particularly from Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi. Style your living room around a Portuguese tiled plate or utilize a runner in your dining room in jewel-toned damask. Accent your living room or bedroom with pendant tile throw pillows and mosaic mirrors and frames.
Neutral, Natural Furniture and Linens
Furniture, linens and window treatments should be in textured neutrals and natural fabrics, such as linen, cotton canvas and silk, to go with your Mediterranean style apartment. Outfit your dining room with rattan chairs, furnish your living room with white or taupe canvas couches and an oversized chair and decorate your windows with linen or silk-cotton blend curtains in big waffle-weave patterns. Balance your bedroom with an oversized dark wood dresser and your living room with a heavy, low-profile console table to place your television on.
Photo Credit: iStockphoto/fazon1
We all have creative decor ideas, even if we haven’t yet flexed our decorating muscle. Plan your bold decorating workout!
Are you ready to flex your decorating muscle? New ideas for home decor can give your apartment a fresh feel when you customize your space with style inspired by your own creativity.
Check out these inventive ideas to get the wheels spinning on your decorative workout.
Kick it up in the kitchen
Add punch to kitchen counter barstools by choosing a modern design or upholstery in a bold, eye-catching pattern. With limited space and minimalist kitchen decor as a backdrop, stools can become a low-cost centerpiece of your eating space.
If your lease allows for painting, a few fresh coats in a bright, airy color often make a compact kitchen space feel much larger. Or create a colorful kitchen backsplash with removable, wallpaper-like touches. You’ll be amazed by what lightweight fabric and some liquid starch might do for your decor, with a little elbow grease applied.
Blend color in the bedroom
Want to work decor wonders in the bedroom? Begin by coordinating complementary colors for new linens, curtains and a throw rug. If more extreme measures are called for, consider painting your furniture. A bedframe and nightstand painted in restful colors can create a palette of shades for you to build on. Plus, you benefit from furniture that feels new to you.
Add storage space to stockpile your stuff
Amp up the decor of any room using open shelves. Whether you choose simple wooden planks or a metal rack, storing your things in the open can make a creative display out of everyday items. You can give the illusion of built-in bookshelves by purchasing two identical bookcases and placing them on either side of a doorway, where dimensions allow.
Create an entryway that works
If your apartment lacks an attractive entryway, you can create one of your own. Buy a bookshelf with the right dimensions for your space, then remove the top shelf and install hooks for coats. Decorative bins below can hold umbrellas, sunglasses and shoes. Add attractive shelf paper to protect the shelves from water and dirt. If space allows, the bottom shelf can be used to stow rain and snow boots. Place a colorful stool or chair next to your new entryway cubby, and you’ve created a functional spot with flair.
If space doesn’t allow for a “coat case,” create a hallway entry using a row of hooks with a decorative basket on the floor below to catch sundries like umbrellas and sunglasses.
How to begin
As a renter, your lease may limit the scope of the changes you can make. Begin your decorating workout with a focus on less permanent and more portable changes using color, decor accessories and furniture.
Sometimes, there is one space in a home that feels particularly bland, underused or unattractive. You might choose to roll up your sleeves in that area first. But if you need to build up your creative confidence first, start with the room that needs the fewest changes.
As your skills grow and you have more ideas, you may feel up to tackling larger jobs. You might choose to make this a group decorating effort with help from a partner or friends, as well. Some collaborative energy and hands-on help might contribute the extra “oomph” you need to bring your ideas to life.
We all have creative decor ideas, even if we haven’t yet had the chance to flex our decorating muscle. Make time for a decorating workout and get your apartment in the shape you’ve dreamed about!
Photo Credit: Shutterstock / auremar