Design a Gallery Wall These Pro Pointers

A gallery wall can elevate the style of your space and really make a personal statement about your life and style. However, the process takes time, preparation, and patience. Here are some tips to help you build your own gallery wall!

  • Pick out your frames and create diagrams to help play around with some layout ideas.
  • Lay out your frames on your floor before hanging them on your wall to measure everything out.
  • If you find purchasing prints to be too pricey, use your own photography, pictures of family, or restore old photos to place in the frames for a personal touch.
  • You can also hang up empty frames and collect pieces of art over time so you won’t have to splurge on a lot of pieces all at once.
  • Use one large piece to start your collection, then use different sizes and orientation of the pieces to fill space and keep your eyes moving.
  • If you’re going for more of a classic look, use a nine-square grid layout with even space between each frame.
  • Use sturdy frame hangers to protect your walls and your photos against scratches and nicks.

How To Create A Gallery Wall [Pottery Barn]
How To Create a Gallery Wall on a Budget [Apartment Therapy]​
The Guide To A Well Hung Gallery Wall [Emily Henderson]

Looking to Upgrade Your Bathroom? Try These DIY Projects

The bathroom is often one of the most neglected rooms in any home, but with a few simple updates, this high-traffic area can become a soothing oasis. Transform your rental bathroom into an at-home spa with these stylish (and affordable!) DIY projects.

  1. Improve the lighting. If your bathroom is dull and dark, brighten things up by adding lighting that works for you. You can switch out pendant lights (as long as you're able to switch them back when you move out), or add hanging lamps around the sink to add additional lighting.
  2. Create your own custom shelving using reclaimed wood. Just about everyone could use a bit of extra storage in their bathroom, and it's easier than you think to gain extra space. Try hanging antique wood crates on the wall, or make your own shelves by tying wooden shelves on hooks with some rustic ropes.
  3. Weave your own bathmat. Add a colorful, eclectic look to your bathroom by weaving your own bathmat. Use fabric rope in a variety of colors to create your own unique color scheme.
  4. Add vintage furniture. If you have unused space in your bathroom, fill it with furniture pieces that you might not usually expect to see in a bathroom. A small armoire or even an antique vanity looks chic and unexpected — and best of all, it adds some extra storage.

The 10 Best DIY Bathroom Projects [DIY Network]

How to Give Your Bathroom a Spa Makeover

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a spa in the comfort of your own home? Your bathroom is a private, quiet space and it’s where you go to take a nice relaxing bath or shower to de-stress. All you need to do is add a few more elements to create your own spa atmosphere at home. Use these hacks and tricks to give your bathroom a spa makeover.

  • Use minimal decor and a clean, simple style to achieve a serene and spa-like setting.
  • Soften your lighting and get a relaxing feel by installing lights with dimmer controls.
  • Create a barrier, such as a dramatic shower curtain or large plants, to make yourself feel a bit transported
  • De-clutter your bathroom by keeping your toiletries well organized or hidden.
  • Keep your bath salts and soaps in attractive containers. The presentation of everything will really make a difference.
  • Invest in a towel warmer or use towel-warming bars.
  • Use lavender or jasmine scented candles or oil diffusers. Aromatherapy is a huge part of a spa atmosphere.
  • Create a playlist of relaxing and meditating songs to play while you’re soaking in the tub.

Bathroom Decorating Ideas: 5 Ways to Make Any Bathroom Feel More Spa-Like [Apartment Therapy]
6 Ways to Make Your Bathroom Feel Like a Spa [Popsugar]
10 Affordable Ideas That Will Turn Your Small Bathroom Into A Spa [Improvenet]

Where to Buy Furniture and Home Decor That Won’t Bust Your Budget

Finding stylish home decor and furniture doesn't have to bust your budget. Visit the following stores to find unique and trendy home decor and furniture at prices that won’t break the bank!

  • Cost Plus World Market is an affordable retail store that sells unique home furniture, decor, rugs, curtains, gifts, coffee, wine, and so much more. They offer original, high quality items at a great value. World Market brings the beauty of global markets to you and their large selection of original items is constantly changing. They have stores all over the nation and you can also shop online.
  • Christmas Tree Shops offers a surprising variety of items that are always changing, at prices you won’t find anywhere else. The buyers at Christmas Tree Shops travel all over the world to find products that are distinctive and intriguing.
  • Pier 1 Imports is well known for their fun, inspiring, colorful, and unique furniture and decor. They use fashion-forward trends and even handcraft exclusive items with the customer in mind. The products at Pier 1 can really inspire and ignite your creativity.

Redecorating? Here’s How to Get Gutsy with Color and Design

Bold style and colors can transform your home to make it feel more fun and happy. If you’re looking to liven up your home and really make your space more exciting, follow these tips for some inspiration.

  • Use a large, oversized reflective object, such as a light fixture, to assert dominance on everything else in the room.
  • Experiment with design objects and put them out of their element. Something like placing a rug on the wall can really make a statement.
  • A patterned piece of furniture can be a great addition to your space. Something like a floral pattern on a sofa or polka dots on a chair can make an impact.
  • Turn one wall into a modern piece of art. Even using a simple splash of color on one of your walls can make a huge difference.
  • Use a patterned light switch plate instead of the plain old white ones for a fun little pop of color.
  • Instead of filling a vase with flowers, use a large leaf with a unique shape.

12 Bold Color Tricks to Try in Every Room [HGTV]
22 Ways to Be (a Little) More Daring With Your Decorating [HGTV]
Daring Decor Additions: Take Your Design Up A Notch With These 5 Striking Style Ideas [Apartment Therapy]

Breathe New Life Into a Tired Sofa With These Styling Tips

A well-styled sofa can really make a difference in the over all look of your living room. Even a perfectly good, beautiful sofa can seem dull without the right styling elements. Follow these simple tips to help spruce up your sofa.

  • Update your rug to one with a bold pattern. This can define a neutral area and help complement your sofa.
  • Replace your lamp with a floor lamp that’s taller and sleek to polish the whole look around the sofa.
  • To balance the space around the sofa, add a plant to the opposite side of the sofa.
  • Add a large framed piece of art above the sofa. You want to keep it simple so one piece of art is plenty.
  • For a quick update to your sofa, add a blanket or throw. Draping the throw over your sofa can soften up the design.
  • Use four to five pillows to add comfort. You’ll want to use different shapes and sizes to fill the sofa out. Try mixing a few different patterns or shades. This can add comfort and really transform your seating space.

BEFORE & AFTER: How To Style Your Sofa [Elle Décor]
Throw Pillows: 4 Tips to Style Your Sofa [Huffington Post]
Guest Post: How to Style Your Sofa [Pottery Barn]

Bring the Outdoors In: How to Decorate Using Natural Elements

One of the simplest and most inexpensive ways to decorate your home is with natural elements. Use natural materials from the outdoors and colors inspired by nature to decorate for any season. If your space could use s breath of fresh air, follow these tips and get this organic look in your home.

  • Use unique pitchers or containers to keep flowers in to give any bouquet a fresh look.
  • Add three-dimensional antlers or any kind of faux taxidermy to your wall to break up some of your framed pictures on your wall.
  • Gather some branches in your backyard to put in a vase to make a centerpiece for your table. You can also use a piece of driftwood for a centerpiece as well.
  • Use a large twisted branch to hang on the wall to add some modern dimension to a room.
  • Use clear glass lamps and fill them up with pinecones, seashells and sand, moss, or anything else you can find.
  • You can also use bowls or trays to fill up with the pinecones or shells.
  • Hang artwork with an earthy theme to hang on your neutral colored walls.
  • Place a collection of small green houseplants in different sized pots on your wooden table to add some natural character to your dining room.

15 Ways to Decorate with Natural Elements [Ebay]
Decorating with Natural Elements [Better Homes]
12 Easy Decorating Ideas Inspired by Nature [Houzz]

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