Three Awesome Ways to Decorate With Maps

These days, mobile maps can definitely be more useful for traveling than a paper map. However, paper maps are beautiful to look at! So why not use them in your home decor? Here are three creative ways you can decorate with a map.

  • Use a map to revamp your lampshade and give it a warm, vintage feel. All you need to do is find an atlas with pictures of beautiful maps inside, a lamp with a shade, and a few craft items. Make a template for your shade and test it out to make sure it fits perfectly. Then, just lay out your template on top of your map pages and make the pages match the size of the template. Finally, use some rubber cement to glue your map on and you're finished!
  • Cover the drawers of your plain-looking dresser with a map. You're pretty much going to use the same process you did for the lamp. Make sure to measure everything out perfectly and remember to cut out tiny circles for the knobs.
  • Give your living room a unique, vintage feel by covering the top of your glass coffee table with a map. If you have a large enough coffee table, you may even be able to see the whole map.

Vintage Map Lampshade [Pretty Handy Girl]
10 Ways to Decorate Your Home with Maps [Babble]
7 Ways to Decorate with Maps and Globes [Conde Nast]

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]

XGames in Austin This Weekend!

XGames are in Austin this weekend. Who will be going? Here is a great website about all the events going on! Tickets are still available too!

Happy Memorial Day

Today we remember those who have sacrificed their lives for our great country. We hope you have a great Memorial Day!

Happy Memorial Day!

We hope everyone has a safe and Happy Memorial Day. Please remember our office is closed Monday and there will be no Valet Trash pick up!

4 Affordable Online Stores With Bedding So Comfortable, You’ll Want to Hit the Snooze Button

Even if you're unable to splurge on the fancy Egyptian cotton sheets favored by four-star hotels, that doesn't mean that you can't create a hotel-quality bedding setup in your own bedroom. Here are a few great sources where you can shop affordable, stylish bedding online.

IKEA
Everyone's favorite affordable home goods store also offers an equally expansive selection of bedding for children and adults. From bright, colorful patterns and traditional floral prints to knitted throw blankets and even plump pillows, you'll find everything you need for any budget.

Overstock
Budget-conscious shoppers love Overstock for its ever-changing selection of furniture and home goods, but the site also sells complete bedding sets that make it much easier (and more affordable) to invest in new bedding. You'll find name brand bedding for up to 80% off of the original price.

Target
With stylish bedding from designers like Nate Berkus, Target's selection is one of the best bangs for your buck. Purchase a complete bedding set or mix and match affordable separates on your own.

Wayfair
With its popular "bed-in-a-bag" selection, Wayfair offers one of the best deals on bedding that you'll find online. This is also great for those pressed for time, as it makes it easy to cover your whole bed in one step.

Wind Down With a Winter Moon at Lamppost Coffee

If you’re always on the hunt for the best coffee shops in Austin, you’ll definitely want to add Lamppost Coffee to your list of must-tries. Flavored lattes with names like the Summer Moon, Winter Moon, and Autumn Moon are delicious alternatives to your usual drip brew, but if you’re a fan of the classics, those are very tasty as well. There are fresh baked goods that pair perfectly with any of the espresso drinks, and you’ll even find savory creations that make great breakfast options when you’re in a hurry.

This warm and welcoming cafe is furnished with bright red sofas, comfortable wooden tables, and a very spacious espresso bar that makes it easy to get your drink and get on with your day. For those who live and work in the Round Rock area, the convenient strip mall location doesn’t hurt either.

Lamppost Coffee
1205 Round Rock Avenue
Round Rock, TX 78681
(512) 217-4962
www.yelp.com/biz/lamppost-coffee-round-rock-2

Decorate Your Walls On the Cheap With These Affordable Art Websites

While you may not be able to afford a priceless work of art for your walls, that doesn't mean that you can't decorate your home with beautiful paintings and inspiring prints. From works by independent artists to reproductions of well-known pieces, there are a number of smart ways to turn your home into your own personal gallery. Here are just a few great websites that sell affordable artwork online.

Society6
With art for everyone from the minimalist to the bohemian, Society6 is one of the most modern and varied art websites. Not only can you purchase framed and unframed prints in all sizes, you can also buy the same designs in the form of smartphone cases, T-shirts, and even tapestries.

AllPosters.com
If you still love the look of hanging a poster of your favorite movie or band on your walls, try All Posters. This expansive online store offers high-resolution posters of almost any pop culture icon, as well as reproductions of classic works of art.

Etsy
Etsy is well-known for its handmade jewelry and quirky vintage apparel, but you'll also find handmade art from little-known artists. Browse abstract paintings, original photography and colorful prints for very affordable prices.

Explore Innovative Japanese Fare at Uchiko

The sibling eatery to Uchi, Uchiko features a new menu but with the same innovative and fresh cuisine as its predecessor. If you’re on the search for fresh sushi, sashimi, or nigiri, Uchiko is the place to go.

Some of the plates are so unique, they actually look like works of art. That said, steer away from your usual spicy tuna or California roll! Step out of your comfort zone and try Uchiko’s shime saba or hamachi rolls. If possible, sit at the sushi bar so that you can watch the chefs prepare your meal. It is suggested that you explore the sake menu, as they have a wide selection by the glass with detailed descriptions. Regulars suggest ending your meal with the tobacco cream.

Uchiko is open 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Uchiko
4200 N Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 916-4808
www.uchikoaustin.com

Spring Is In Bloom! Bring the Springtime Into Your Home With These Flowering Houseplants

Now that the weather is warm again outside, you may want to brighten things up inside as well. This means freshening up your decor with beautiful blooming flowers and plants that will add a pop of color to any room. Here are just a few of the best springtime blooms to display in your home.

  1. African Violets. With their signature purple hue and their low-maintenance care, African violets are some of the most popular indoor flowers. While they look especially pretty in the springtime, they bloom well all year round.
  2. Hibiscus. Looking for a flower that smells as good as it looks? The hibiscus is a tropical plant that will add a lovely scent to any room. The hearty shrub also blooms from late spring through summer, which means it's perfect for warm weather.
  3. Peace Lily. The peace lily blossoms in low light and low humidity, which makes it an easy plant for those who don't have much of a green thumb. Despite its low-maintenance tendencies, its elegant white flower and dark green leaves make a big impact in your home.
  4. Jasmine. Jasmine is one of the most recognizable springtime flowers, and there are many different types to choose from. They need plenty of light for their small white flowers to bloom, so this is a particularly good choice for rentals with lots of natural light.

24 Beautiful Blooming Houseplants [Better Homes & Gardens]

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