You are here: Home / Archives for DIY

Create a Cozy, Chic Look in Your Bedroom With These Simple Steps

September 15, 2016 by

To improve your sleep, create a relaxing atmosphere, and add a chic look to your bedroom, all it takes are a few smart upgrades. From incorporating plush textures to changing up the color scheme, these simple tips will show you exactly what to do.

  • Replace your current bedding with crisp, white bedding. If your current sheets and duvet feel drab and outdated, upgrading to chic white bedding will give your bed a timeless look that's just like a four-star hotel.
  • Create storage for every loose item and stray article of clothing. If you constantly find yourself tripping over clutter, head to the home goods store and invest in additional drawers, bins and other storage items.
  • Frame some art to dress up your walls. Choose soothing nature scenes, neutral abstract prints or framed family photos that will make you feel calm and relaxed.
  • Add throw pillows and blankets that will add additional depth to your bedding. Choose one statement pop of color or something in a fun faux fur for some soft, eye-catching texture.
  • Update the lighting by replacing the current bulbs with muted lights or bulbs that imitate natural sunlight.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Clear the Air With These Air-Purifying Houseplants

April 21, 2016 by

You might think that, in order to breathe truly clean air inside, you'll have to invest in an expensive air purification system, but that's not so. There are many houseplants that eradicate airborne toxins, and you can pick them up at any major home improvement store. Here are just four of them.

  1. English ivy. According to the scientists at NASA, there's no plant better at purifying the air than English ivy. It helps soak up any formaldehyde that could be floating around in your air, and you definitely don't want to be inhaling the stuff. Plus, it's almost impossible to kill them.
  2. Peace lily. The peace lily may be beautiful, but beauty can be deceiving. Don't fall for its game; this is actually a powerful plant. Harmful chemicals like xylene, ammonia, formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene will all decrease in your air when a peace lily blooms nearby.
  3. Red-Edged Dracaena. Named for the strips of bright red that run along the edges of its thin, long leaves, the Red-edged Dracaena is more than just a pretty plant. It also gets rid of xylene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde when you feed it enough sunlight.
  4. Golden pothos. If you really want to make a statement with your new houseplant, consider buying a hanging pot for the golden pothos. When positioned properly, its leaves will snake their way down to the floor in beautiful vines.

7 Plants That Purify Indoor Air [Rodale's Organic Life]
This Graphic Shows the Best Air-Cleaning Plants, According to NASA [Lifehacker]
10 Best Houseplants To De-Stress Your Home And Purify The Air [HuffPost Home]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

No Green Thumb? No Problem! Grow These Houseplants at Christina Mill!

February 18, 2016 by

Even if you haven’t had the best luck with plants in the past, that’s no reason to give up on having a greenery-filled home. While certain houseplants are very finicky and seem to die as soon as you glance in their direction, others are hearty, resilient and made for people whose thumbs aren't exactly green. Here are just a few.

  1. Succulents. The desert native succulent plant is beloved by many for its very sparse watering schedule. Because it only needs watering once a month or so, this trendy houseplant is perfect for forgetful owners.
  2. Aloe plants. The unique looking aloe plant is another one that doesn’t need much watering (or even much sunlight). Simply give it a bit of water when the soil feels dry to the touch.
  3. Cast-iron plant. There’s a reason this great plant has a name that’s tough as nails: the cast-iron plant can tolerate everything from low light to changes in the atmosphere like a champ.
  4. Snake plant. The high-reaching snake plant (sometimes called mother-in-law’s tongue) not only offers a stylish, impactful look, it can also survive in low light and with sporadic waterings.
  5. Jade plant. This gorgeous plant will live for years without much care at all, eventually growing into a small tree with a large enough pot.

Houseplants for People Who Can't Grow Houseplants [This Old House]
How To Choose the Right Houseplant [Bayer Advanced]
Houseplants for the Forgetful Gardener [Better Homes & Gardens]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Want to Decorate Your Apartment Without Emptying Your Wallet? Here’s Where to Shop!

October 22, 2015 by

Want your apartment at Christina Mill to look like something out a home design blog? If know the right places to shop, you can transform your rental into the home of your dreams — without emptying your bank account! Here are three great stores where you can buy stylish home decorations for less.

Pier 1 Imports
Pier 1 Imports isn’t exactly a budget store, but with its frequent sales and affordable versions of designer pieces, it can save you a great deal anyway. Shop here if you’re looking for a gold metallic side table, plush faux fur pillows, or luxurious frames for dressing up your walls. Don't miss the clearance section for even deeper discounts!

H&M Home
That’s right: the trendy clothing store now offers an equally affordable selection of home decor items, and they’re just as stylish as you might expect. From bedding sets for less than $50 to funky shower curtains and even marble print kitchenware, this is the perfect place to find all of the hottest decorating trends.

Z Gallerie
If your style is a bit more luxe, you’ll love the upscale touches without the upscale price tags that Z Gallerie has to offer. This popular home goods store is well known for its ornate wall mirrors and elegant tableware, but you’ll even find sofas, sectionals, and other affordable furniture pieces.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Handy Storage and Organization Tips for Renters

September 17, 2015 by

There are a number of smart and design-savvy ways to clear the clutter from your space and add storage, and it just takes a few clever tricks (and maybe a weekend) to get it together.

  1. Add under-bed storage. Whether you use store-bought shoe boxes or even wood palettes, adding storage underneath the bed is a great way to get shoes, clothes, and even books out of sight.
  2. Tackle the closet. Don't feel limited to the two or three clothing bars in your closet. Add your own temporary shelving, shoe racks, and other storage items from the local home goods store.
  3. Add additional bathroom storage. Create your own storage by hanging shelves or even investing in an affordable over-the-toilet storage system.
  4. Use double-duty living room furniture. Instead of letting clutter take over your living room, use furniture that doubles as storage. Try an antique chest as a coffee table or a sofa with hidden storage inside.
  5. Add a kitchen island. Adding a simple kitchen island is an affordable way to create more room for cooking.

7 Storage Ideas Worth Considering [PopSugar]
12 Big Ideas for Creating More Storage Space in Small Apartments [Rental Living]
8 Decorating Tips for Renters [Lowe’s]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

5 Essential Tools Every Kitchen Should Have

July 23, 2015 by

Whether you’ve just moved into your first apartment, or you’re simply an inexperienced home chef, buying the proper tools for the kitchen may seem pretty overwhelming. Before you head out to the kitchen supply store, read up on this list of essential items that every kitchen should have — and avoid purchasing items that you’ll likely never use.

  1. A chef’s knife. While it’s okay to purchase inexpensive, mid-level knives for spreading and slicing soft foods, every kitchen should have at least one high-quality chef’s knife. Splurge on this multi-purpose knife to avoid a potential injury when cutting something tough, such as meat or crunchy vegetables.
  2. A cutting board. Instead of chopping veggies and herbs right on the kitchen counter, use a large wooden cutting board to make the job safer and more sanitary.
  3. Kitchen shears. Cut fat from meat, stems from herbs, and slits in bread dough with handy kitchen shears.
  4. A cast iron skillet. Because you can use it on the stovetop and in the oven, a cast iron skillet is versatile and useful.
  5. Measuring cups and spoons. Instead of eyeballing amounts of ingredients, get more out of your recipes by carefully measuring each item. Invest in high-quality cups and smaller spoons that encompass the most common measurements.

Essential Kitchen Tools [Cooking Light]
The Kitchn's Guide to Essential Prep Tools & Utensils [The Kitchn]
My Essential Kitchen Tools [Ruhlman]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

How to Create an Orderly (Yet Still Stylish!) Kitchen

June 18, 2015 by

Want your kitchen to look stylish — without giving up its functionality? It is possible to make your kitchen both chic and tidy, and these smart tips will help you to get started on your kitchen re-do.

  • Add open shelving. Take the doors off of your kitchen cabinets to store attractive plates and bowls in a way that doubles as a design feature. The more eclectic the better, so mix and match to your heart’s content.
  • Take advantage of countertops. Store the items that you use most in attractive jars along the countertops. Use mason jars or colorful containers to store utensils, coffee, and even dried pasta.
  • Add magnetic strips. Use magnetic strips to keep knives on display against the wall, or use them to organize metal spice containers.
  • Purchase hanging rods. Most home goods stores sell rods that come with numerous S-shaped hooks that you can use to hang things like can openers, measuring cups, and even coffee mugs.
  • Add artwork as a backsplash. Create your own unique backsplash by stacking vintage frames or colorful prints against the wall.
  • Use Lazy Susans. Lazy Susans are some of the most essential items for organizing a smaller kitchen. Use them for spice jars, baking supplies, smaller glassware, and anything else that you can’t easily reach.

How to Style Kitchen Countertops [The Everygirl]
How to Organize Kitchen Cabinets [Better Homes and Gardens]
Why Didn't We Think of That? 18 Genius Kitchen Organizing Tips from Our Readers [The Kitchn]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Low-Cost Ways to Transform Your Living Space

April 16, 2015 by

Redecorating projects are fun in theory, but the actual process can be stressful and time-consuming. Here are a few affordable ways to transform your living space without much effort at all.

  1. Hang an eclectic collection on the walls. While the gallery wall is a tried-and-true favorite, you can create some visual interest in your space by hanging a collection of just about anything on the walls. Try a few vintage silver serving trays from the local thrift store, or use old postcards from places where you’ve traveled.
  2. Change the color scheme. Rely on textiles to give your space an instant makeover. Changing the color scheme of the pillows on your bed or the textiles in your bathroom can have a major impact on the feel of the room.
  3. Add plants. Not only do plants freshen the air in your home, they also add a pop of color and visual interest that can’t be replicated outside of nature. Choose low-light plants meant for indoor spaces.
  4. Invest in a large rug. Choose a large, colorful rug that draws your eye to the center of the room.

40 Living Room Decorating Ideas [Real Simple]
6 Clever Ways to Transform Your Living Room [House Beautiful]
Designer Secrets: Transform Your Space with Texture [Apartment Therapy]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Check Out These Creative Uses for Wallpaper

March 19, 2015 by

If the thought of adding wallpaper to your home makes you cringe, you may want to rethink your opinions on this seemingly outdated wall covering. There are a number of creative uses for wallpaper that have nothing to do with your walls, and don’t worry: there’s no outdated paisley print here.

  1. Line a bookcase. If you have a hand-me-down bookcase that’s a bit of an eyesore, dress it up with a fun, colorful wallpaper backdrop. Simply remove the shelves and stick on a solid or printed wallpaper that goes with the rest of the room’s decor.
  2. Line drawers. Instead of lining your drawers with plain old drawer liners, get a bit more creative by lining them with leftover wallpaper.
  3. Dress up a dresser. Cover an entire dresser, the sides, or just the drawer fronts to bring a bit of color and a pop of pattern to your bedroom.
  4. Transform tray tables. If you want to add chic side tables to your living room but you’re on a bit of a budget, make over affordable tray tables using wallpaper. Simply stick the wallpaper to the tops of the tables, then create an attractive vignette using books, a lamp, or a few romantic candles.
  5. Frame it. If you have a very small amount of wallpaper that you love, turn it into a piece of DIY art using a simple, store-bought frame.

12 "Off the Wall" Places to Put Wallpaper [Bob Vila]
Unexpected Uses for Leftover Wallpaper [Real Simple]
9 Unexpected Ways to Decorate With Wallpaper [Good Housekeeping]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Pin It on Pinterest