What’s Your Interior Design Personality? Find Out Here!

Are you partial to chic, modern furnishings, or is your interior design style more of the cozy, vintage-inspired variety? Knowing exactly what types of furnishings you like best will make it much easier for you to decorate your home at Mosaic at Mueller. Here are a few great online quizzes that will help you to zero in on your specific interior design personality.

What’s Your Decorating Style?
This quiz from Coastal Living asks a series of very abstract questions about your lifestyle, your drink preferences, and even your preferred clothing style to help you figure out your interior design style. It also makes recommendations for decorating ideas once your results are in.

Style Maker Visual Quiz
Take this visual quiz from Stylish Home is best for visual learners, as it shows you a series of photos in order to help you determine your home decor preferences. Instead of simply asking you what types of furnishings you like, it actually shows them to you to help get a more accurate response.

Decorating Style Quiz
Better Homes & Gardens offers this fun mix of visual and word-based questions regarding your decor preferences, your personality, and your unique needs. Once you complete the quiz, it offers a general idea of your home decor personality.

Wallet-Friendly Ways to Revamp and Rejuvenate Your Rental’s Decor

Regardless of how on-trend your decor was when you initially adorned your apartment, it's only a matter of time before you feel like your surroundings are outdated. But when a home makeover isn't really in the budget, you might feel stuck with the interior design you've got. You aren't, though. There are tons of budget-friendly approaches to decorating that can spruce up your apartment. Here are just three of them to get the creative juices flowing.

  1. Upcycle existing embellishments. If your home-decorating instincts take you to Amazon, let your money-saving instincts lead you to Pinterest instead this time. Look for DIY ways that you can revamp that old coffee table or update worn throw pillows. It might be as easy as picking up a can of spray paint or some ribbon and fabric glue.
  2. Frame free pieces of "artwork." You don't have to break the bank on a piece of art in order for it to add something to your room. Prints or photos from magazines and books can have just as great an impact on the aesthetic of your bedroom or living room as expensive artwork. Just find a cheap frame at Target or the thrift store to complement your makeshift work of art.
  3. Break out the sewing machine. If you're handy with a needle and thread, there's a lot you can do in your apartment without spending much money. For example, you can easily create new curtains or pillowcases. These are both simple ways to spiff up your apartment that conserve both time and money.

Budget Decorator: 15 No-Cost Ways to Invigorate Your Space [Houzz]
15 Budget Decorating Secrets [HGTV]
The 10 Most Important Tips For Decorating On A Tight Budget [freshome]

How to Create a Soothing, Zen-Like Bedroom

Your bedroom should be a calm, relaxing sanctuary to escape from the stress in your life. Changing up your lighting, the material of your fabrics, or sprucing up your decor can create the spa-like atmosphere you've been dreaming of. Follow these tips to bring more peace and tranquility into your bedroom.

  • Use soothing, soft colors like light blue or mint green and pair them with white or ivory accents to achieve a fresh feel.
  • De-clutter your bedroom to give yourself a clean, simple space.
  • Add dimmable lights or multiple sources of light so you can soften the lighting to give your room a more mellow feel.
  • Make your bed the focal point in your room. This will allow you to really enjoy going to bed and will make it easier to feel relaxed.
  • Treat yourself to luxurious sheets and bedding. Use quality fabrics with a thread count of at least 300.
  • Use sheer curtains for your windows to allow light to come through for a bright and airy feel.
  • Add a few candles or an oil diffuser with a lavender or chamomile scent that will help to relax yourself.
  • Use relaxing music or nature sounds to create an ambiance.

Decorating a Spa-Like Bedroom [SF Gate]
How to Turn your Bedroom into a Luxurious Retreat [Freshome]
5 Easy Updates for Creating a Spa-Like Bedroom [Donco Designs]

Blank Wall, Blank Slate: How to Transform a Wall into a Focal Point

Plain, bare walls are blank canvases just waiting to be filled with accessories or décor. Hang almost anything on your wall and your space will instantly feel homey and more personal. Follow these tips to bring some life to your bare walls.

  • Use a variety of different patterns or colors of washi tape to create a custom design on your wall. This is great because you can easily switch it up if you get bored of the same design and want to switch it out for something new.
  • Add an oversized photograph or piece of art that is almost as big as your whole wall.
  • Hang or lean a large mirror with a detailed frame to your wall. They make a really strong statement and can make your room feel larger.
  • Frame a large chalkboard to write messages on, display photos, or to write recipes. You can even use unique frames or frames to match the rest of your framed photos on your wall to bring the whole look together.
  • Give your wall an elegant touch by hanging a large, oversized clock.
  • Add character to your wall by hanging modular shelves. Not only do the shelves look great, they also provide space for more decor. Use them to display your photos, vases, candles, books, or more.

​25 Ways to Dress Up Blank Walls [HGTV]
http://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/how-to/g451/blank-wall-solution/?How To Decorate A Large, Blank Wall [Elle Decor]
Wall Decor: How To Fill Your Blank Walls [Style At Home]

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]

Hosting Guests on a Budget at Mosaic at Mueller? Serve Everything from Appetizers to Entrees With These Household Items

If you’re hosting your first dinner party or holiday gathering at Mosaic at Mueller, you may find it difficult to round up enough serving trays and platters to serve everyone. Luckily, with a bit of creativity, you can find unique and affordable ways to serve your guests with household items that you already own. Here are a few smart ideas for serving a group.

  1. Present utensils in baskets. Even if you have to use disposable utensils to accommodate everyone, make them look festive by displaying them in decorative baskets.
  2. Display appetizers right on the cutting board. Once you’re done cutting cheeses and other appetizers, leave them right on the cutting board! Attractive cutting boards create a rustic look that’s still really chic.
  3. Make your own cake stand. Create a makeshift cake stand by simply turning a glass bowl upside down and placing a matching glass plate on top. If you want to add more stability, glue the two together.
  4. Reuse martini glasses. If your party doesn’t involve martinis, use the decorative martini glasses to serve mixed nuts, candies, and other finger foods.
  5. Use disposable cookware. If worse comes to worse and you just don’t have enough serving dishes, skip over to a dollar store and purchase some disposable aluminum cooking trays. Once the food is done, you can serve it right from the tray.

Big List of Inexpensive Ways to Serve Holiday Meals [The Frugal Girls]
Creative and Fun Ways to Serve Food [Pinterest]
Fall Party Food: Cute Serving Ideas [Better Homes and Gardens]

Apply These Easy Decorating Tips to Your Child’s Bedroom

It’s important for your little one's bedroom to be a reflection of his personality, but you want the room to look nice, too! If you’re searching for some fun, affordable ways to decorate your child's room, these creative tips can help.

  1. Add a gallery wall. If your son or daughter is a budding artist, encourage him or her to paint a few pictures on a variety of different paper sizes. Frame the artwork in colorful frames and hang them in a group to create an eclectic gallery wall that your child will be proud of.
  2. Restore hand-me-down furniture. It seems silly to invest in expensive furniture that the kids will outgrow in a few years, so give that old dresser a fun facelift instead. Sand down the existing paint or stain and paint it your child’s favorite color.
  3. Add removable wall decals. Most home goods stores today sell wall decals in a variety of different styles, so let your child pick the one he or she likes best. They’re a fast way to add personality to the room, and they dress up the wall without painting.
  4. Mix patterns. From throw pillows to rugs, mixing patterns based on the same color scheme creates a funky look while still coordinating perfectly.
  5. Invest in simple storage. Things like low dressers and cubed shelves with removable bins keep the room organized, and they’re simple enough to encourage the kids to put away their own toys.

Affordable Kids' Room Decorating Ideas [HGTV]
10 Decorating Ideas for Kids' Rooms [HGTV]
Decor Ideas for a Kid's Room [Real Simple]
DIY Kid's Room Decor Ideas [Babble]

Space-Saving Storage Solutions for Bicycles

Whether you're a cyclist yourself or just share a space with one, you're likely already aware of how much square footage can be zapped up by bicycles. All's not lost, though: These space-saving solutions will show you how to store your wheels without too much obstruction.

  1. Purchase an apartment-friendly bike storage shelf. Many outdoor retailers and sporting goods stores sell large-scale shelving units that are designed especially for storing your bike in an apartment. They feature a large, open area where you can tuck the bike away, as well as smaller shelves below for storing things like your helmet or bike bag.
  2. Add a wall-mount bike rack. If you want to store the bike but don’t need the extra shelving, try a classic bike rack that mounts right onto the wall and can be easily removed when you move out.
  3. Try a two-bike stand. If you live with a fellow cyclist, store both of your bikes using one convenient setup with a two-bike stand. These vertical racks stand upright and stack one bike on top of the other in order to save the maximum amount of space possible.

Stylish Bike Storage Ideas For Your Home Or Garage [Decoist]
6 Clever Ideas for Bicycle Storage [Dwell]
14 Best Space Saving Bike Rack Solutions for Apartments [HiConsumption]

Shop for Discounted Home Decor on These Flash Sale Sites

Designing a magazine-worthy home can come at a steep price, but by shopping flash sale sites for decor and furnishings, you can furnish your living space without breaking the bank. Here are just three of the best places to shop online for deals on home decor.

One Kings Lane
Once you sign up for free membership on this flash sale site, you’ll be able to shop One Kings Lane’s gorgeous inventory of unique kitchen supplies, Art Deco furniture, and globally-inspired area rugs, all at a significant discount.

Dot & Bo
If you’re a fan of mid-century modern furniture but you simply can’t afford to invest in an authentic vintage piece, Dot & Bo is the answer to your retro decor woes. This flash sale retailer requires a free membership in order to shop, but once you sign up you’ll have access to teak credenzas, starburst wall clocks, and more unique accent chairs than you can even imagine.

Joss & Main
Joss & Main is a beautiful and charming home furnishing website that offers up to 70 percent off of some of the most popular design trends. Shop shabby chic dressers, dining tables inspired by the French countryside, and everything in between.

How to Display Your Houseplants for Maximum Impact

Adding houseplants to your home is one of the best ways to brighten a room and clean the air, so why not take the time to incorporate a few plants into your home's decor? Check out these tips for getting the most visual impact out of your houseplants.

  1. Place them in display boxes. Hanging antique crates or boxes from the wall is an affordable way add some vintage style to a room, and this is also a good way to show off your green thumb. Secure attractive crates to the wall facing outward, then pop a plant inside to create a sort of framed effect.
  2. Add tiered plant stands. While using plant stand is a great way to show off a smaller plant, adding three plant stands makes an even bigger impact in a room. You can even DIY your own by adhering attractive copper pipes in three different lengths to wooden or concrete tops.
  3. Hang them from the ceiling. Macramé is back in style in a big way, and there’s no better reason to break out your yarn and beads than to show off a beautiful plant. Creating a macramé plant hanger is simple and affordable, so you can create a whole slew of plant hangers with little money and little time.

Plants In The Bedroom [Smile and Wave]
20 Unforgettable Indoor Plant Displays [Decoist]
Buy or DIY: 5 Ideas for Displaying Tillandsia [Apartment Therapy]

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