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How to Decorate Using the Principles of Feng Shui

August 18, 2016 by

Feng shui is an ancient Chinese belief that states that the way your home is organized will, in turn, influence everything else in your life. From your finances to your inner happiness, the aspects that feng shui influences are limitless. If you want to decorate your home in a way that better serves your feng shui, use these basic principles.

  • Keep things minimal. First and foremost, improve your home’s feng shui by getting rid of everything that you don’t need—including furniture, clothing and even kitchen supplies. This will leave you with more space for movement, creativity, and positive energy.
  • Maximize natural light. Take down heavy drapes and blinds and replace them with sheer curtains that allow in as much natural light as possible.
  • Add plants. Feng shui emphasizes the importance of having green plants to clean your home’s air and add a peaceful look to every room. Try options like jade plants and aloe plants that require little maintenance.
  • Leave entryways clear. Feng shui says that the doors allow positive energy to flow into your home, so be sure to leave yours clear.
  • Face the doors. Important pieces of furniture, such as your desk and your bed, should always face the door of the room without sitting directly in front of it.

Feng Shui 101 for Your Living Space [Wonder How To]
10 Easy Feng Shui Rules You Should Follow [Kris Carr]
Feng Shui Decorating Tips [Real Simple]

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Cool and Unexpected Uses for Coconut Oil

April 21, 2016 by

Coconut oil may be having a moment in the wellness world, but this do-it-all oil has actually been in many people’s rotations for years now. If you’re looking for ways to really get your money’s worth with that economy-sized jar of coconut oil, here are just a few unexpected ways to use it!

  1. As wood polish. Coffee table looking a bit worse for the wear? Give it a new lease on life by placing a small amount of coconut oil on a soft, clean rag and rubbing it on the surface in small circles.
  2. To season cast iron skillets. If you’re not sure how to properly care for your cast iron skillet, frequently rubbing it down with coconut oil is a good place to start.
  3. To soothe skin irritations. From diaper rash to eczema, coconut oil is a wonderful way to soothe all kinds of rashes and irritations. You can even rub it on minor cuts and burns to prevent scarring.
  4. In place of coffee. Take a small spoonful of coconut oil each morning when you wake up for a quick energy boost that’s just as good as coffee.
  5. As shaving cream. Rub coconut oil all over your legs, face and anywhere else you shave to act as an all-natural shaving cream. As a bonus, it even prevents red bumps and ingrown hairs.

21 Miraculous Uses for Coconut Oil [Wonder How To]
31 of My Favorite Uses for Coconut Oil [Thank Your Body]
Everything You Need to Know About Coconut Oil [Shape]
101 Uses for Coconut Oil [Wellness Mama]

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How to Style and Organize a Bookcase

January 7, 2016 by

Sure, bookcases are meant to hold your book collection, but that doesn’t mean that yours should look like a jumbled mess. Turn your overstuffed bookcase into a focal point in your home with these simple, designer-worthy decorating tips.

  1. Organize all of your books in an attractive way. Whether you organize them by color to create a rainbow effect or by height for a unique pattern, you should consider book placement before anything else—it is a bookshelf, after all!
  2. Add knickknacks. While knickknacks may make you think of a cluttered grandmother’s house, modern versions will add an artistic flair to your shelves. Hunt for vintage brass or ceramic objects at local thrift stores, pick up small sculptures on your travels, or simply place green plants throughout.
  3. Fill it with frames. For a personal touch, frame photos of your friends or family and place them upright on the shelves. Or, if you want to create a more unique effect, attach the frame with a small nail to the front of the bookshelf where a corner meets.
  4. Step back and admire your work. To ensure that your bookshelf looks as good from afar as it does up close, frequently back up and reconsider the placement of each item.

How to Decorate a Bookshelf [Decoist]
How-to Beautify Your Bookcase [Coastal Living]
22 Ways to Arrange Your Shelves [Real Simple]
Flip for Decorating: The Bookcase [House Beautiful]

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Dependable Virtual Destinations for Apartment Decor and Accessories

December 17, 2015 by

It’s no secret that shopping online often yields affordable results, and the same goes if you’re looking for home décor items and accessories for your apartment. Any renter on a budget will love to browse those finishing touches that really make a house a home, and these are some of the best places to find them.

Urban Outfitters
While you may already shop at the trendy clothing retailer for all of your favorite T-shirts, Urban Outfitters also offers a great selection of stylish home goods. From eclectic art prints to colorful duvet covers and even mid-century modern inspired furnishings, you’ll find a number of great items on the convenient website.

Wayfair
If your home décor style is classic with a touch of modern, Wayfair is just the place to shop online. Here you’ll find chevron print area rugs, gold metallic picture frames, and antique-inspired clocks to hang on the wall.

CB2
For those who prefer sleek, minimal décor and bold pops of color, CB2 is a great option. Discover things like low-profile sofas, interesting throw pillows, and industrial bar stools, or browse the limited edition art selection to find affordable pieces from some of the biggest up-and-coming artists in the art world today.

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Breathe New Life Into Your Bedroom’s Decor With These Simple Tips

November 19, 2015 by

Your bedroom should be a place of rest and relaxation, but in your effort to keep things understated and minimal, you might make the décor seem a bit boring. Here are some ways to breathe new life into an outdated bedroom—while still getting a good night’s sleep.

  1. Switch out your side tables. One of the most affordable ways to update your bedroom is by switching the side tables with something unique. Opt for slim shelves mounted right to the wall if your room is small, or go for something larger than a nightstand, such as a full-sized desk, if you have the space to spare.
  2. Add a duvet cover. If you want to change your bedding without investing in an entirely new set, cover your existing comforter with an affordable duvet in a bold, fun print or spa-like white.
  3. Add a headboard. If your current bed doesn’t have a headboard, create one using a large painting, a rectangular tapestry or even an antique door.
  4. Put some art on the walls. Many people forget about decorating the walls in the bedroom, but it can make all the difference. Frame some black and white family photos or even pretty vintage wallpaper squares in colors that match your décor.
  5. Switch the window treatments. Brighten up a bedroom with sheer curtains—it may even help you get out of bed in the morning.

5 Decorating Ideas for Bedrooms [Real Simple]
5 Small Ways to Give Your Bedroom a Big Boost [Oprah]
Freshen Your Bedroom with Low-Cost Updates [Better Homes & Gardens]

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Have a Penchant for Color? Here’s What Your Home’s Decor Says About You!

July 23, 2015 by

Whether you love the chic, soothing touch of relaxing neutral shades or you're partial to bright, bold pops of color, your home’s color scheme says a lot about your personality. Use this guide to find out exactly what your color choices mean for your lifestyle.

  • Orange. If you notice a lot of bright bursts of orange throughout your living space, it means that you’re confident and expressive. Orange expands your mindset and fosters creativity.
  • Pink. Pink is the color of romance and sensitivity, which makes it a perfect choice for a bedroom or a warm, cozy living room.
  • Blue. If you’re partial to blue, it likely means that you’re organized and driven. This color helps to limit clutter and encourages deep thinking.
  • Green. The color green is often related to money, but it is also the color most commonly found in nature. People who are partial to green are likely in tune with life’s riches, both physical and emotional.
  • Red. Red is one of the most stimulating colors, and it is often attributed to people who are self-confident and fearless.
  • Yellow. Those who prefer yellow in the home are deeply intelligent and conversational. This color helps to enhance positive thinking.
  • White. Often associated with freshness and simplicity, white is perfect for those who view their home as a respite from the outside world.

How to Fix Your House with Color [House Beautiful]
Color Meanings [Interior Designpedia]
Room Color and How it Affects Your Mood [Freshome]

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Transform Your Ordinary Bookcase Into a Showcase With These Simple Tips

May 21, 2015 by

If you frequently find yourself admiring stylish bookcase vignettes on interior design websites, you’re not alone. While these beautiful shelves look effortless online, it can be much more difficult to create one in person. Here are a few simple steps for creating a designer-worthy bookcase — without giving yourself a headache!

  1. Alternate books. Instead of lining your books up library-style, alternate their direction by also adding stacks of horizontal-facing books. You can even place a small paperweight or candle on top of those stacks to add more visual interest.
  2. Organize books by color. If your bookshelf is filled to the brim with reading materials, make it look more organized by arranging the titles by color to create a rainbow effect.
  3. Unify mismatched knick-knacks. If your collection of knick-knacks looks a bit shabby, unify the set by painting them all one color. Try a stark white, a bold primary hue, or a fun pop of neon.
  4. Decorate the insides of the shelves. Give your bookshelf itself a makeover by adding a bright coat of paint or a layer of wallpaper to the backs of each shelf.
  5. Add artwork. Instead of just using books and knick-knacks, turn your shelves into an art gallery. Prop up a frame or even hang a picture from the front of the shelves where their corners meet.

Bookshelf Styling Tips: The Basics and Beyond [HGTV]
Styling a Bookshelf: 10 Homes That Get It Right [Design Sponge]
10 Tricks for Styling Your Bookshelves [Style Me Pretty: Living]

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Fun and Easy Spring Craft Ideas for Kids

April 16, 2015 by

The springtime is known for its long, rainy days, and on those afternoons when you’re stuck in the house, you’ll likely need an activity to keep the little ones occupied. Here are a few fun and creative craft ideas that offer hours of entertainment for your budding artists.

Tissue Cherry Blossom Tree [marthastewart.com]
Instead of hanging their artwork on the refrigerator, why not create a craft that you can use in your home decor? This chic cherry blossom tree sculpture is perfect for the springtime, and it’s also simple enough that the kids will have a great time piecing it together. Let them gather branches from outside, then get to work gluing pieces of pink tissue paper in the shape of delicate blooms.

Painted Canvas Bags [parenting.com]
If you’re looking for a craft that’s both beautiful and functional, this painted canvas bag is the ideal choice. Simply purchase plain canvas bags from your local craft store, set the kids loose with fabric inks and brushes, then use the completed bags at the grocery store or even for their school books.

Faux Tie Dye Spring Flower Window Display [momto2poshlildivas.com]
Because real tie-dyeing may be a bit to complicated for young children, this unique craft is a great alternative that produces similar results. Once your child is done, you can hang the colorful flower in a window for all to see.

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How to Style Your Own At-Home Bar Cart

January 22, 2015 by

Vintage-inspired bar carts are one of this year’s most popular interior design trends, and the best part about them is that they can be customized in an endless amount of ways. Whether you want to create a modern mixology station or a coffee cart for the kitchen, these tips will show you how to style your very own bar cart just like the pros.

  1. Pick the perfect cart. First, decide what type of bar cart to go with. Yard sales and flea markets are great places to score authentic vintage carts, or you can opt for a modern version from an affordable home goods store.
  2. Divide the cart into zones. Before you start cramming things onto your beautiful new bar cart, plan how you want things to look. Dedicate one area for cups and glasses, another for ice buckets, stirrers, and other accessories, and leave the top free to display bottles. Use trays to corral smaller items if necessary.
  3. Choose pretty pieces. When choosing the items for your bar cart, make sure you stick to a theme. Use a matching set of glasses for a seamless look, and invest in spirits and mixers with attractive packaging.
  4. Add some finishing touches. Once you have all of the essentials on the cart, fill in any gaps with patterned napkins or a small bud vase. Be sure to fill the walls around the cart with artwork, and place it somewhere where it’s easily within reach.

How to Style a Bar Cart [HGTV]
The Intentional Apartment: Assembling the Perfect Bar Cart [Primer]
How To: Create and Stylize the Perfect Bar Cart [Guest of a Guest]
Styling 101: How to Style a Bar Cart [The DIY Playbook]
How to Style a Bar Cart [Style Within Reach]

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Spruce Up Your Decor With These Creative Uses for Wallpaper

December 18, 2014 by

Wallpaper is an old-fashioned design element that's making quite a comeback, and removable wallpapers make it possible for renters to enjoy the paper's subtle patterns and attractive colors. Even if you aren’t prepared to line your walls with the stuff, these fun tips will show you how to incorporate wallpaper into your home’s decor.

  1. Line your drawers. Instead of traditional drawer liners, which can be bland and unattractive, try lining kitchen or bathroom drawers with a fun pop of wallpaper. Attach the paper with double stick tape or mounting squares, and then cut it to the drawer’s proportions using an sharp paper cutting knife.
  2. Frame it. If you want to create a colorful gallery wall but aren’t sure what to put in each frame, add some beautiful wallpaper to give your walls a pop of your favorite color.
  3. Cover books. Whether the kids are heading off to school or you’re an avid book collector yourself, covering books with wallpaper is a fun makeover that’s much more stylish than store-bought book covers or brown paper bags. Bonus points if you use your freshly covered books in a stylish bookshelf.
  4. Cover shelves. Instead of lining your room with plain white shelves, cover the undersides with some attractive wallpaper for an unexpected bit of color.

Creative Uses of Wallpaper in Any Room [Better Homes and Gardens]
Unexpected Uses for Leftover Wallpaper [Real Simple]
Off the Wall: Creative Uses for Wallpaper [Apartment Therapy]
19 (Other) Ways to Use Wallpaper [iVillage]

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