Tag Archives: living room

Save Space By Properly Hanging Your TV

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Hanging your TV will save space, but make sure you hang it properly.

Hanging your TV will save space, but make sure you hang it properly.

With post-holiday season sales (and the Super Bowl) on the horizon, now is a great time to consider purchasing a new TV! Whether you find a deal online, or receive one as a holiday gift, you’ll want to unpack and start watching your new television as soon as possible.

Not only do flat panel televisions look great, their thin profiles make them relatively easy to mount on a wall. Hanging your TV will save space and keep it well out of a baby or toddler’s reach in case you need to baby-proof your entertainment area.

Here are a few tips to properly hang your new TV in your apartment and hide those pesky wires.

Step 1: Unpack
Unpack your television, including cables, brackets, remotes and all related documents. Keep the television in its protective wrapping, and place it face down on a flat surface covered with a blanket.

Step 2: Attach Brackets
Attach the brackets to the back of the TV with the hardware supplied. Be sure to select the right size screws for the holes on the TV.

Step 3: Mark your TV’s Location
When selecting a location to hang your TV, remember that televisions are best viewed at or just above eye level. In order to hide the cables, choose a location where wires can easily connect from their source to the television. When you’ve chosen your location, draw an outline of the television on the wall with a pencil and a straight edge. You’ll also want to hang your TV near a power outlet. For a cleaner look, install a new outlet directly behind the TV.

Step 4: Attach the Wall Mount
If a wall mount did not come with your TV, be sure to purchase one that will bear the full weight of your television. Consider an articulated wall mount if you want to swivel the TV, or extend it from the wall.
To keep your television secure, install your wall mount directly into a pair of studs in the wall. If the screws are planted into drywall alone, your television is more likely to fall off and break. Using a stud finder, locate two studs within the television outline. Mark the outside edges and the centers of each stud. Use a level to make sure the wall mount is aligned evenly on the wall, and then drill the holes. Finally, attach the mount to the wall using the included hardware.

Step 5: Hide the Wires
Cut a hole in the wall just below the bracket to feed the wires through using a drill and utility knife. Be sure you know the diameter of the hole you need (the size will change depending on how many items you are hooking up and how many cords you have) so that the hole is completely obstructed by the TV once it is hung.

Feed the cable directly through the bracket and the wall hole.

Cut another hole where the cables need to exit the wall. You may wish to conceal the exit point later with a plant or piece of furniture.

Attach all cables to the TV and feed them through the first hole you cut as you move the TV closer to the wall and mount it. Ask a friend to help you lift the TV and guide the cables. Once the TV is mounted onto the wall portion of the bracket, the cables should be visible through the second hole. Reach in with your finger and pull out the cables. Connect them to a power source, and you’re ready to watch your new TV!

Photo credit: iStockphoto/Roob

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Maximize Energy Conservation in Your Apartment by Rearranging Furniture

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Arrange seating away from windows and doors during the winter to stay warmer while avoiding turning the thermostat up.

With temperatures dipping down every day, it’s time to really start thinking about how the colder weather of winter affects your apartment and your bottom line. Unfortunately, no matter what you do, you can’t safeguard completely against heat loss, but there are some unusual things you can do to maximize energy conservation during the winter. By rearranging the furniture in your apartment, you can reduce energy consumption and see the difference in your utility bills each month.

Do the Electric Slide
No, we’re not talking about the world-famous dance move. We’re talking about the energy you can save by keeping the heat generated by electric appliances inside your home. Much of the heat that is produced by computers, televisions, stereos and lamps can be lost to the outside if these appliances are placed next to a window or an exterior wall. So make the best use of that extra heat by hanging your LCD TV on an interior wall away from a window and make sure to move your computer, stereo and lamps away from exterior walls to conserve energy.

Last Draft
You may think it’s a good idea to place chairs, sofas and loveseats next to windows and doors to take advantage of the view, but this plan can backfire during the winter, as guests sitting next to a window will likely feel a cold draft. This means that you may turn the thermostat up higher than necessary to overcompensate for those cold spots, when the rest of the apartment is heated to a comfortable temperature. So arrange seating away from windows and doors during the winter to stay warmer while avoiding turning the thermostat up.

Clear Up Ducts and Vents
Be mindful of where you place a couch, bed, chair or other large furniture and make sure it’s not over a heating vent. The furniture will absorb some of the heat while slowing the flow of heat to the room or blocking it completely, making the heater work harder to compensate for the lost heat, a mistake you’ll pay for on your power bill. Even a misplaced rug can cause the heater to run sluggishly. The same applies for return air ducts, which are often located high up on a wall. Make sure not to cover up the return air duct with a bookcase or a painting.

Shut Up
While the health and well-being benefits of natural light and solar heat can’t be disputed, it’s actually better to keep blinds drawn and curtains shut on cold, dreary winter days. Doing so will help keep some of the heat inside your apartment, meaning you’ll have to run the heater less.

Double Duty Décor
You’d be surprised which household items have insulation value, however minimal. Hanging a large quilt or tapestry on your wall can help save energy, especially if it is on an exterior wall. Tall bookcases filled with books or magazines, if placed against an outside wall, can keep heat inside your home while preventing the cold from creeping in. Even large picture frames can slow the transmission of heat through exterior walls, so beef up your décor sense during the winter and you’ll see dramatic energy savings.

Photo credit: iStockphoto/phototropic

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How to Remove Old Wallpaper

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By following a few simple steps, removing old wallpaper can be done without too much fuss.

Redecorating an older home or apartment can be a difficult task, especially if the previous owner covered every square inch with wallpaper. Removing all that old, ugly wallpaper is no easy task, but the tips below should help you get it done with a minimum of fuss and bother.

Prepare the area

Cover the floor with drop cloths, as well as everything you can’t move. Wallpaper glue gets everywhere, and is hard to remove from other surfaces.

Get the wallpaper wet

Water alone won’t cut it, but you don’t have to use a harsh chemical wallpaper remover either. Liquid fabric softener, mixed half-and-half with water, works just as well. Put this mixture in a spray bottle and spray the wall. Make sure you only spray the area that you think you can remove in 15 minutes, otherwise you risk the paper drying. After letting it set for a few minutes, you should be able to remove the wallpaper fairly easily.

Remove the wallpaper

Using a metal drywall or putty knife, start scraping off the old wallpaper.

Clean the walls

You’ll be left with little bits of wallpaper glue dotting your walls. A Scotch-Brite pad dipped in your stripping mixture will take care of these.

For wallpaper that is about 20 to 30 years old, you might need to use a different tactic. Most wallpaper from this era is usually vinyl over paper backing. This vinyl prevents your stripping solution from soaking through the paper to get at the glue holding it to the wall. For this type of wallpaper, you’ll need to slide your putty knife under it near a seam and peel off as much of this vinyl as you can, then use hot water and your fabric softener to soak the paper.

It takes work, but once the old wallpaper is removed, you’ll be able to put a new coat of paint and a fresh face on your new living space.

Photo credit: iStockphoto/Allkindza

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How to Clean Your Apartment Efficiently and Quickly

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To quickly clean your apartment, arm yourself with an all-purpose, multi-surface cleaning spray and a sponge.

Sometimes, cleaning your house seems like it takes all day.. However, a few basic tips and tricks can not only save you time but also create a spotless living space. Whether you have unexpected guests coming, a get together just ended or you just need to create a more organized and tidy space, read on for our tips and shortcuts to speed clean your apartment.

Supplies
First, you’ll need cleaning supplies, but just because you’re cleaning different surfaces in various rooms doesn’t mean you need a different cleaning product for each room. Grab an all-purpose, multi-surface cleaning spray, glass cleaner, paper towels, a sponge, a garbage bag, a duster, a vacuum and a Swiffer.

Living Room
If items in this space belong in different rooms, place them in a container. This will save you time from running between rooms to place items. Next, focus on the couch. Brush off the cushions of pet hair, food crumbs and dust. Check behind the cushions for any items, and then replace the cushions and fluff the pillows. Next, dust the coffee table, and then neatly stack the items on the table. Toss old magazines, and neatly arrange up-to-date magazines, as well as books. Finally, run a vacuum through the space. Remember, this is for a quick clean. Save moving the furniture for when you have more time.

Bedroom
Gather all your dirty clothes and place in a hamper. Worry about sorting later when you do the laundry. If you have clean clothes that aren’t put away, go ahead and rehang or refold the items and put the items away. Place all trash, including old magazines, papers, etc. in a trashcan. Sort through your closet later when you have more time. Next, make the bed. The room will just look cleaner with this simple step. Straighten surfaces, including your nightstand, desk and shelves. You don’t have time to sort through everything, but if you have items that don’t seem to belong, place them in a bin to go through later. Similar to the living room, run a vacuum through the space.

Bathroom
Place dirty clothing and used towels in a hamper. Next, place all trash in the trashcan. Then wipe down the counters, sink and tub using the disinfectant cleaning spray. For the toilet, use a toilet brush and cleaner. Scrub the inside of the toilet. Use the cleaning spray for the outside of the toilet. Next, use a glass cleaner to wipe down the mirror. Return items to where they belong. Again, sort through your items at a later date when you have more time. For now, make sure your bathroom is presentable to guests. Then sweep the floor.

Kitchen
First, place items belonging in other rooms in a container to go through later. Next, clear your countertops and cupboards of trash. For dirty dishes, wash by hand or load the dishwasher. If the plates have stuck-on residue, fill the sink with warm, soapy water and allow the plates to soak for a few minutes while completing your other kitchen chores. Once the dishes are taken care of, wipe down your sink, countertops and appliances. Sweep or mop the floor. To finish, take out the trash.

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A Guide to Creating a Focal Point in Your Space

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Whether you’re using a picture window or a fireplace as your focal point, arrange your furniture to frame the area.

.A focal point in your apartment serves as a talking point for your guests, as well as a place for your eyes to focus on. The focal point sets the tone of the room; it defines the room’s ambiance, and it serves as a welcome to those who enter. But how do you create focal points? A large art piece, an accent wall or a signature piece of furniture are elements you can use to start building your focal point. Read on for more suggestions.

Fireplace
If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace included in your living space, you can build off that. Hang a large piece of art above the mantel. You can also emphasize the fireplace with a large decorative mirror. If you don’t want to hang it, prop it on the mantelpiece to enhance the fireplace. Keep the accessories simple. Some ideas are three vases or candles of varied sizes grouped together.

For those without fireplaces and an empty wall, an easy solution is to purchase a vinyl fireplace wall decal. For the mantelpiece, hang a shelf at the top of the decal, and from there, add a large piece of art and accessories to the mantel.

Built-In Shelves
Some apartments come with a wall of built-ins that you can accessorize with your favorite objects, picture frames, books, etc. This convenient addition to your apartment will create an easy focal point for your space. Build off your current décor style and add a variety of objects of different shapes and sizes to the shelves but remember to keep it simple and leave space around your accessories. You can also make your built-in shelves stand out by painting the walls behind them a contrasting color. You can also cover the wall with wallpaper or fabric to add interest.

Sofa
Sometimes an easy solution is to reposition your sofa. Put it against the longest wall in your apartment and then hang a large piece of wall art over it. Find a piece of art that matches your décor style and personality, but make sure it also creates a statement to catch the attention of your guest.

Color
If allowed in your lease, pick a wall and paint it a different color from the other three walls in your space. Use color to focus attention on that particular area of the room. If painting is not an option, cover three large canvases with a fabric that will match your décor style but also stands out. Wrap the canvas with the fabric then staple it to the back of the canvas.

Window
Some renters are lucky and have a picture window in their apartment’s living area. If you’re one of these lucky renters, highlight the picture window to create a focal point. Frame the window and the view by hanging eye-catching curtains in a simple but beautiful fabric. Center the main seating area in front of the window. For a complete look, place an area rug beneath your furniture arrangement.

Photo Credit: iStockphoto/tulcarion

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New Shows to Watch This Fall

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Whether you like to be on the edge of your seat or you would rather end your day laughing at the TV, here’s our list of must-watch new TV shows this fall.

Continuing on from our list of popular returning shows, here is our list of must-see new TV shows coming to the tube this fall. From a doctor tied to the mob to the 2012 version of Will & Grace to a 1960s period drama, there is something for everyone on TV. So plan out your schedule and set your DVR; there’s a lot of TV to be watched.

Comedy
They say laughter is the best medicine. Test that theory with these comedies.

  • Guys With Kids – Brought to you by the hilarious Jimmy Fallon, Guys With Kids follows three friends who live in the same apartment building and are together learning the ins and outs of being parents. Just as they get the hang of being dads, other obstacles get thrown in the way in the form of: an ex-wife, four kids and a wife who just wants to be romanticized.
    Premieres: Sept. 26 at 8:30 p.m. on NBC
  • Ben and Kate – Young-at-heart Ben moves in with his sister, Kate, to help take care of her daughter. Ben is a lovable and goofy character based on the show’s creator’s own brother, who is described to be a Ferris Bueller-type.
    Premieres: Sept. 25 at 8:30 p.m. on Fox
  • Partners – From the creators of Will & Grace comes a show with a pair of straight and gay best friends, but this time it’s in a form of a bromance. Louis and Joe have a close bond, but the bond is tested when Joe proposes to his longtime girlfriend. Will their friendship survive?
    Premieres: Sept. 24 at 8:30 p.m. at CBS

Drama
If you find that you enjoy nail biters, this fall promises to deliver shows that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

  • 666 Park Avenue – Critics say that 666 Park Avenue is a combination of Lost and Desperate Housewives. This supernatural drama with a notable cast of former ABC stars revolves around an innocent Midwestern couple who become resident managers of an Upper East Side apartment building, the Drake. But the catch? The residents of the Drake have all made deals with the devil to have their deepest desires fulfilled.
    Premiers: Sept. 30 at 10 p.m. on ABC
  • Chicago Fire – Focusing on the firefighters of Chicago’s Firehouse 51, the drama is based around the personal lives of the heroes. The show zones in on the pressure these courageous men and women face to perform on a high level and the toll it takes on their personal lives.
    Premieres: Oct. 10 at 10 p.m. on NBC
  • The Mob Doctor – Thoracic surgeon, Dr. Grace Devlin, has had a lifelong tie to the south Chicago mob. Dr. Devlin is an excellent surgeon, but she has to deal with protecting her career and her reputation due to a family debt to the mob.
    Premieres: Sept. 17 at 9 p.m. on Fox
  • Vegas – Based on the true story of Las Vegas Sheriff Ralph Lamb, this new Dennis Quaid TV series based in the ‘60s follows a rancher who has to go up against a powerful gangster to bring order to Vegas. The storyline will revolve around the evolution of Las Vegas from a ranching community to Sin City, USA.
    Premieres: Sept. 25 at 10 p.m. on CBS

Photo Credit: iStockphoto/zoranm

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Tune into These Fall 2012 TV Shows

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With so many highly anticipated shows coming this fall, use our guide to determine what shows are coming back and where they left off.

From returning shows to brand new TV shows, fall 2012 is guaranteed to be a good season for television gurus. Whether you get sucked into the drama of reality TV, laugh through every line of a comedy or find yourself on the edge of your seat through every minute of an action/drama thriller, there is something on TV this fall for you. Read on for a sneak peek into what’s showing up on your television this season.

Returning Shows
Chances are the season finale of your favorite show ended on a cliffhanger. You have probably gone through dozens of different theories of what could have happened to your favorite character, and did that couple really break up? So many unanswered questions will be answered soon enough.

  • The Big Bang Theory – Last season ended with an awkward proposal from Leonard to Penny, as well as Howard and Bernadette’s rooftop wedding just days before Howard took off into space. This season, we find out if the newlyweds will stay with Mrs. Wolowitz and if Penny accepts Leonard’s proposal. And what’s going on with Sheldon and Amy’s slow-moving relationship?
    Premieres: Sept. 27 at 8 p.m. on CBS
  • Sons of Anarchy – No shortage of drama, Sons of Anarchy left off with Jax stripping Clay of his presidency. For the new season, we will find out what happens with Tig, who accidentally killed Damon Pope’s daughter. This season will be about Jax determining what kind of leader he will be for SAMCRO, as well as his family.
    Premieres: Sept. 11 at 10 p.m. on FX
  • CSI – We left off with Nick walking away from his job, Conrad Ecklie being shot and McKeen returning and planning a plot that ended with the kidnapping of Russell’s granddaughter. This season, we find out what happens to the granddaughter, as well as if Nick returns to the crime lab. After all, Nick’s not the type to abandon his team.
    Premieres: Sept. 26 at 10 p.m. on CBS
  • Dexter – Has Dexter finally been caught? The season finale showed Deb returning to the church to profess her love for her brother just as Dexter stabbed a knife in Doomsday Killer Travis’ chest. We find out quickly how Dexter will explain his actions to Deb. Will she turn him in?
    Premieres: Sept. 30 at 9 p.m. on Showtime
  • Glee – After graduating with eight fellow New Direction members, Rachel went out on her own to New York after Finn decided to join the Army and end their engagement. And Coach Sue has a bun in the oven. Everyone returns for the new season, and new characters will appear (guest stars include Kate Hudson and Sarah Jessica Parker). Will we find out who the father of Sue’s baby is?
    Premieres: Sept. 13 at 9 p.m. on Fox
  • Modern Family – Cam and Mitchell ended up missing out on their chance to adopt a new baby, but the season did end on a good note – Gloria is pregnant. Season four opens with the rest of the family learning about Gloria’s big news. How will Jay react to being a father again? And will Haley make it in her first semester of college?
    Premieres: Sept. 26 at 9 p.m. on ABC
  • The Walking Dead – This show never stops surprising its audience. The season ended with Rick being forced to murder Shane, who came back as a zombie. Barely escaping a zombie attack at Hershel’s farm, Rick admitted that everyone is already infected and can become a zombie after death. As he’s the boss, no one questioned him. What’s going to happen this season? The survivors will try to take a prison back from the zombies to create their new safe haven. Be sure to look out for the helicopter from the first season, which will once again play an important role.
    Premieres: Oct. 14 at 9 p.m. on AMC

Photo Credit: iStockphoto/kingvald

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Steps to Making a DIY Bird’s Nest Lampshade

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One of the easiest ways to inject a little personality into your space is to mix up the styles. Modern meets organic when you combine an urban, silver arc lamp base with a funky, rustic DIY bird’s nest lampshade. Get started on this DIY decor project with these simple steps:

Supplies: (1) Drum-shaped lampshade, (1) roll of paper raffia, scissors, (1) lamp base or pendant light

Step 1: Use the point of your scissors to poke a small hole along the top seam of the lampshade. Cut a one-yard length of raffia. Thread one end of the raffia through the hole and tie a knot to keep the raffia in place.

Step 2: Begin wrapping the raffia around the lampshade. To achieve a bird’s nest look, it’s important to be random in your wrapping – overlapping, weaving over and under, and leaving slack to achieve a “messy” appearance. When you reach the end of your first piece of raffia, poke another small hole in the lampshade (preferably at the top or bottom seam), thread raffia through, and tie a knot to secure.

Step 3: Continue securing with small knots, then wrapping and weaving raffia until you achieve your desired look. Note: Avoid using glue, as it may show up as a dark spot when the lampshade is lit.

Step 4: Attach to the lamp base or pendant light as you would a typical lampshade.

This article was written by TV host and design expert Kim Myles, who partnered with Apartment Guide for the 2012 “Your Picks. Your Place.” sweepstakes. Kim Myles won the HGTV reality series “Design Star 2” and hosts HGTV’s “Myles of Style.”

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Choose Foundation Pieces That Work With Any Space

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Keep furniture neutral but use accent pieces to give your room a pop of color and character.

The kitchen may be the heart of the home, but your living room is where you spend the most time chilling out with your family and friends. This room is going to get some heavy wear, so the choices you make about its decor should withstand the test of time. I’m a big fan of designs that are fun, as well as functional (if a room isn’t comfy, it’s not successful). If you want to update your look, or if you’re starting fresh, here are a few tips to get your living room looking fabulous, well designed and useful.

Tip #1 – Expensive items should be kept neutral. If your living room (or your hairstyle for that matter!) looks exactly the same as it did 10 years ago, it’s probably time for a change. We can all stand to refresh every few years, but it doesn’t need to break the bank. Start by focusing on your main pieces, which includes your sofa, large-scale storage items and other substantial furniture. By keeping these items a neutral color, you’ll reduce the amount you spend when redecorating your space, and it gives you more freedom to change it up. Remember, neutral goes beyond beige, taupe and tan. Consider the gray color scheme – from dove to charcoal – which is a more modern option. These foundation pieces will work with any style or space.

Tip #2 – Take a risk with colors and patterns in your accent pieces. Choosing big, neutral furniture items allows you the freedom to take risks when adding accent pieces. Pair a neutral couch with two funky-patterned occasional chairs. Or, use bold-colored side tables and place on either side of the sofa. Mixing it up with layers of color and pattern is the key to creating a dynamic space. Don’t be afraid to take creative leaps with accent pieces – they’re the items that really bring a space to life.

Tip #3 – Mirrors should be in every renter’s “foundation” tool kit. Mirrors are a designer’s silver bullet, and should be in everyone’s tool kit, not just renters. They bounce light around even the smallest room and instantly create a feeling of space. Mirrors also add that glam factor – glimmer, shimmer and a touch of luxury. Mirrors are a perfect solution for the giant blank wall in your living room; hang three medium matched mirrors side by side, or create a grid by hanging six to nine small mirrors on the wall. I love mirrors because they do all of the heavy lifting for you, and are available at every price point.

This article was written by TV host and design expert Kim Myles, who partnered with Apartment Guide for the 2012 “Your Picks. Your Place.” sweepstakes. Kim Myles won the HGTV reality series “Design Star 2” and hosts HGTV’s “Myles of Style.”

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Six Fun and Funky Throw Pillows

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There’s nothing better than adding a touch of color, pattern or excitement to an otherwise dull couch, loveseat or chair with a funky throw pillow.

There’s nothing better than adding a touch of color, pattern or excitement to an otherwise dull couch, loveseat or chair in your apartment. Even if you’re still in love with your seating options, it may be lacking that certain something that once attracted you to it.

The good news is that you don’t have to the break the bank to find great throw pillows that can really liven up your space. Many online retailers often offer great decorative pieces at deep discounts, so searching through websites running sales can really pay off. If you prefer to touch and feel before purchasing, head to a local thrift store or an antique shop and browse the selection. Larger discount home goods stores can also be a great source of decorative elements at rock bottom prices.

So if you’re looking to change up your living space but don’t have a lot of money to do so or don’t have the time to invest in major renovations, you can make significant changes by adding in fun, colorful decorative elements. Most of these pillows are under $40, and all of them are under $100, so you don’t have to worry about having deep pockets to explore your sense of style. Check out these fun and funky throw pillows and rekindle that sense of excitement in your decorating.

This super colorful and modern decorative pillow from Target will spruce up your living room with a bright pop of yellow and deep grey. Even if your living room isn’t completely modern, this pillow will fit in perfectly.

Price: $49.99

To really brighten things up, pick up the Sunset Floral Embroidered Pillow from Pier 1 imports. This maroon-backed, zipper-closure pillow is covered in colorful raised rosettes made from felt, embroidery and beadwork.

Price: $19.88

For a beach-themed living room, or if you’re really in need of a vacation, pick up the Coral Reef Pillow Cover from West Elm, depicting a colorful rainbow reef screen printed by hand.

Price: $39.00

Everybody loves anything bird-related, and owls are the new hot decorating fad, so make sure the cute and hilariously-named Put a Wing on It Pillow is part of your home décor. Screen printed on rust-colored cotton with hand-drawn details, this bright pillow is a great addition to any room.

Price: $34.99

If you’re a design nerd, chances are you’ve heard of Marimekko before. This lively, pop art-themed pillow is inspired by the classic Beatles song “Strawberry Fields Forever” and brings to mind the same unique animation style used in the film Yellow Submarine.

Price: $20.50

If you want to stick to a more monochromatic color scheme, check out this unique throw pillow from CB2 that depicts an eerie, photo realistic landscape. It reverses to a solid black velvet and is super funky, even though it’s black and white.

Price: $19.95

Photo credit: iStockphoto/olaser

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