A Crafty Map Arrangement

Image via Emmas DesignBlogg

I search for creative art displays as often as I fill my coffee cup (which is very, very often, folks). And after spotting the above crafty map installation, could the search be over?

Never. But it certainly is quite a find. I love the organized chaos of the frames; the strategic placement and imaginative white space. Bonus? The gallery wall seems to frame the modern, white couch perfectly.

To get the look, I'd take any map to your local printer, blow up the image and start mounting the images in a reverse jigsaw-puzzle format.

Cheap, chic and creative. Happy crafting!

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Feeling Industrious

No. 1 / No. 2 / No. 3 / No. 4

And by industrious, I mean completely and utterly industrial. After perusing through boxes and boxes of my husband's grandfather's garage (did you follow that?), I stumbled upon dozens of vintage industrial items that I wouldn't mind scattering about my own home.

There's something completely organic about surrounding oneself with items that conjure memories of years ago — from generation to generation. And whether or not they're authentically vintage, I find the look absolutely charming.

Of course, there are a few ground rules when dealing with period pieces that are so harsh in nature:

1. Layer textures. Keep things soft and light by layering textiles, such as sheepskin rugs, sheer draperies and plenty of throws (especially in this chilly weather!).
2. Get green. A healthy dose of nature often combats harsh edges and seemingly "cold" spaces, breathing life into any room. Don't have the greenest thumb? Try a cactus; same effect, much easier to maintain.
3. Mix modern. Don't forget to add in some modern elements to avoid looking like you're living in your grandmother's attic. Try clean lines, basic color schemes and modular pieces for a surprisingly rich effect.

Happy decorating!

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Holiday Extravaganza: I’m Dreaming Of A Technicolor Christmas

I've always marched to the beat of a different little drummer boy when it comes to holiday decorating. Sure, I love the traditional green and red color palette (especially with a touch of Tartan plaid!), but themes don't often work in my home. Instead, I like to add a few homemade touches to my everyday decorating scheme. After all, it's the details that count, yes?

Yet after perusing Will from Bright.Bazaar's latest photo shoot of his U.K. holiday chocked full of color, I swooned. I'm ready to turn my home upside down and paint the town red (and pink, green, blue, yellow and purple!).

Eek! These bright, bold, metallic toy soldiers are slaying me! So beautiful and fun.

What do you think? Too much color? Just enough? Spill in the comments below!

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Beauty In The Unfinished

 

Image Credit: The Society, Inc.

 

I like to think that someday, at some moment in my life, I'll look around a crisp, clean living room and smile, thinking to myself "Yes. This is it. I am now completely finished decorating and it looks gorgeous." I will then set my curls, powder my nose and drift into the kitchen to check on my fresh baked cookies.

 

Yet I know deep down inside that this day will never come. Because much like my passions, experiences and interests, life never stops (nor does it slow down!). And if I want my home to be a reflection of my life, it must continually change, yes?

 

And therein lies the beauty of decorating. Whether I'm switching out a bedside lamp, changing out and freshening my artwork or updating my color palette, the surroundings I choose for myself are continually evolving. And although sometimes this means cords are in disarray, paint swatches are showing and fabric samples are displayed, I'm comfortable with that.

 

After all, a house is simply a home for the soul, right?

 

Here's to transformations, both big and small in your own home. Let the imperfections show and infuse your space with personality, love and evolution! Happy decorating!

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