Design Tips
Design Tips: Ten Great Ways to Fill Blank Wall Space in Your Home
Use framed prints to fill up blank space on the wall behind a bed, an arrangement that doubles as a headboard. To create this gridlike look, use square black frames and hang them close together, leaving about 2-3 inches between the frame edges.
A single piece of art can be the solution for an entire blank wall -- if it's a dramatic size, like this floor-to-ceiling printed canvas, stretched around a frame. To make your own oversized art, stretch fabric around a canvas frame, available at art or crafts stores.
Round up a collection of worn, unreadable books with fun covers. Remove the covers and hang in frames for a literary-themed wall art installation. Or, if you want to keep the books intact, scan the covers and print on photo paper.
If you like to change your artwork frequently, try this approach for easy switch-ups. Simply hang a grouping of prints on walls with thumbtacks, which also lends a more casual vibe than standard framed prints.
Create a gallery of frames above a large window or along the soffit above kitchen cabinets. Use matching frames for your collection and fill with favorite snapshots and fun prints. If you have a colorful space, try a collection of black-and-white images. Or if your space leans neutral, like this breakfast nook, opt for an assortment of colorful artwork.
Psst - We used this technique HERE!
Looking for a quick yet stunning way to fill up a blank wall? Try an oversized mirror. This once-dull corner comes to life with a large mirror in a bright blue frame. The mirror adds style to the room and reflects light around the room, making it feel more spacious.
Add a gallery installation to your living room with magnetic paint and wood trim. Section off a wall portion and paint it with magnetic paint, topped with a coat of paint in your choice of color. (We chose a hue slightly darker than the rest of the wall.) Let kids hang their latest creations from the wall with fun magnets.
Have you found the perfect piece of artwork but discovered it doesn't fill the wall space the way you'd like it to? Pair it with smaller paintings to make the arrangement feel more robust. By itself, this larger print was a little too small to adequately fill the expanse of wall in this entryway. By placing two smaller paintings on each side of the print, the arrangement is in proportion to the wall space surrounding it.
To get this unique look, cover your plain walls with large sheets of plywood. Then add a collage of frames in various sizes to complete the look.
Fill a blank wall with a tight arrangement of unique artwork. To keep the wall from looking cluttered, make sure the artwork has a similar feel like these paintings.
Images and copy from HERE
DIY: Design Tips - 10 Weekend Projects to Improve Your Home
Paint or Paper a Wall
Paint and wallpaper make any room look better with just a day or two of work. Take your time when selecting a color, comparing it to the colors in adjoining rooms so they won't clash.
(More info on this type of DIY HERE)
Dress Up Your Mantel
If it's time to replace that dingy 1970s-era mantel, choose one with enough depth to let you display pictures or other decorations. If you buy a ready-made mantel, don't be afraid to paint it or add moldings.
Replace Interior Doors
Update these often-overlooked interior elements with form and function. Switch a blah door with a finely detailed antique. Or simply upgrade with solid-core doors, which dampen noise far more efficiently than the hollow-core doors common in new construction.
Add Dimmers
Dimmer switches quickly give your dining room the atmosphere of a swank restaurant. You can use standard incandescent bulbs, but if you prefer fluorescent light, look for special dimmable bulbs.
(More info on this type of DIY HERE)
Redo Your Backsplash
Tired of dull plastic laminate? Transform the mood of the kitchen with a bold new backsplash in ceramic or glass tile. Just make sure the wall is sound before you start the installation.
(More info on this type of DIY HERE)
Light Up a Room with a Pendant
Dress up an eating area with a fresh light fixture. Replacing an existing fixture is your easiest option: Just turn off the power at the breaker box and connect the wires.
(More info on this type of DIY HERE)
Update your Hardware
Spice up your cabinets and drawers by replacing factory-issue handles and pulls with designs that reflect your personal taste. For a unique, eclectic look, scour antiques shops for hardware pieces.
(More info on this type of DIY HERE)
Swap Out the Sink
A new sink can energize a boring bathroom. Before you replace it, though, consider your needs. You might want to try standing in front of the model you're considering and acting out your morning routine. Will you have enough room to brush your teeth or put in your contacts? Your choice should balance aesthetics with practicality.
Replace your Showerhead
Choose a low-flow unit and you'll get virtually the same sensation of water flow while saving money on your water bill. If your showerhead flow is already low (and shouldn't be), check to see if hard-water deposits are clogging the holes.
Install a Ceiling Fan
Add a ceiling fan and save money by not running the air-conditioner on those marginal days when all you need is air movement.
For the full list of weekend projects, click HERE!
Decorate: Design Tips - How to Organize Your Home
A DUMPING GROUND, by your commonly used entry door, is crucial for keeping all your goodies in check and will ensure that everything has a proper 'home' too!
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TABLETOP/DESKTOP ORGANIZERS are a great way to minimize clutter and home-base for all your go-to items and electronics. Never lose your phone, keys or wallet again with a docking station/desktop caddy.
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BATHROOM CADDIES are a great way to tidy up your personal space and bathroom basics!
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LAZY SUSANS are a piece that everyone should own. Keep things tidy and easily serve those across the table at a dinner party!
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JEWELRY HOLDERS free up coveted dresser space while fashionably organizing all of your baubles too.
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STORAGE SOLUTIONS that are user-friendly might be one of the best investments you ever make towards a more organized home.
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Images from HERE
Design Tips: How to Create a Birthday Art Collection for Children
Do you remember when we chatted about Nan Lawson a few weeks ago HERE? Well, we just so happened to bite the bullet and purchase some of her adorable prints for our niece Minnie. We've decided to purchase a new and affordable piece of art for Minnie's future birthdays to start a nice collection for our sweet niece.
We obviously had some catching up to do so we splurged on three prints and framed them for her. Each print captures Minnie's years zero through two. Here they are hanging in her nursery/room in Portland, Oregon and we think the trio looks adorable. We can't wait to add another print from either Nan's newest work or another artist. This is a great idea for your niece, nephew, son, daughter or grandchild. It'll possibly provide an added appreciation for local/area artists plus give them a collection they'll cherish for years. Enjoy!
Design Tips: Level 'Easy to Moderate'
Our DIY Advice: "Try painting the inside of a large piece of wooden furniture. It'll lighten up the look and really add an eye catching element to the room!"
Our DIY Advice: "Break up the monotony of a large room by hanging curtains to define a cozy area. This is perfect idea for a lofty space or large apartment."
Our DIY Advice: "Boost your plain-jane fireplace to a whole new level by adding a great new facade. Find stone veneer you love or even something unexpected and repurposed!"
Our DIY Advice: "Don't shy away from bold colors in big living spaces. Transform your living room with Benjamin Moore 'Cedar Green' and pair it with a plethora of neutrals."
Our DIY Advice: "Display an odd numbered collection prominently in your home. Whether it's an art collection hanging over a bed or a vintage plate collection...display it in odd increments!"
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Design Tips: Before and After - Sunset Editors Redesign 5 Pieces
You know how we're such suckers for awesome Before and Afters, so when we spotted these amazing Design Tips over on one of our favorite sites (My Home Ideas) we knew we just had to share these amazing five projects with you. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do and let us know if you try any, too!
How: "We began by deciding which digital photos we’d use for each frame, then we mapped out how we’d arrange them on a wall. (This dictated which paint color we’d use for each.) Next, we removed the mats and glass, lightly sanded any sheen off the wood with 220-grit sandpaper, and removed the residue with a damp cloth. Using 2-ounce (sample-size) jars of paint in five colors, we painted the frames, sometimes layering colors. Once the frames were dry, we took them to a framing shop and bought precut mats in a single color. Finally, we printed our photos in black and white, placed them in the frames, and mounted the frames on the wall."
Final Cost: $65
Before...
How: "We started by sanding with a 220-grit sandpaper sponge and used a damp cloth to remove all residue. Then, so the dark wood wouldn’t show through our light paint, we covered the table with one coat of spray paint primer. With a 1 1/2-inch angled synthetic-bristle brush, we applied two coats of satin latex paint to the entire table (the bottom of the tabletop, too, to accommodate the reflection from the lower mirror). Once it was dry, we used liquid silver leaf to accent the feet and the grooves near the top of the legs. Finally, after measuring both surfaces, we had two pieces of 1/8-inch-thick mirrored glass custom-cut (and the corners of the lower piece sanded 1/8 inch to account for the tapered legs) at a glass store, and laid them in place."
Final Cost: $97
Tip: For easy cleanup of spills, don’t glue down the mirrors.
How: "To bring this dresser into the modern era, we first removed and set aside the drawers and wheeled feet. Next we removed and discarded the top trim piece and the drawer pulls. We smoothed out the bottom trim’s frillier details with wood filler. Once it was dry, we used 220-grit sandpaper and an electric sander (rented from a hardware store) to lightly sand all visible flat surfaces. We hand-sanded grooves and detailing, then wiped all surfaces with a damp cloth. With a 6-inch paint roller, we applied two coats of low-sheen black latex enamel paint to all visible surfaces, using long strokes in one direction (we used a 2-inch paint roller for the corners and edging). When that was dry, we applied the gray paint accents with THESE patterns and instructions. For the new wooden drawer pulls, we applied two coats of black or gray paint to each. Once they were dry, we reattached them, along with the old wheels."
Final Cost: $124
How: "We loved the elegant shapes of these tall candlesticks and wanted to update and unify them with a bold and unexpected color -- in this case, high-gloss indigo. We started by removing all wax residue with paint thinner and a clean cloth. Then we misted one coat of spray paint primer for metal onto the candlesticks, holding the can 10 to 12 inches away and being sure to cover evenly with paint. Once they were dry, we sprayed two light coats of spray paint for metal, again being sure to hold the can at a distance (to avoid drips) and to cover the detail grooves evenly."
Final Cost: $26
How: "Our first step was to remove and set aside the cushions, saving all hardware. Following product instructions, we applied paint stripper with a paintbrush. Next, we removed the varnish and stripper with a nonreactive putty knife and scrubbing pad and applied a stripping solvent to the wood frame with a rag. Once it was dry, we brushed on wood dye, first with a paintbrush, then by rubbing with a clean cloth to even it out. After letting it dry, we applied a light coat of water-based polyurethane satin varnish. Finally, we took the frame, cushions, and 3/4 yard of fabric to an upholstery shop, where the cushions were reupholstered and reattached."
Final Cost: $61 for the chair and supplies, plus about $165 for the upholstering
All pictures and info from HERE
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DIY: Design Tips - Level 'Easy'
Our DIY Advice: Do you loathe your boring white or cream roll-up shades? Grab a great stencil at your craft store and add a pop of color and whimsy to the room!
Our DIY Advice: Every room deserves a column! Pick one up at your local salvage hot spot or even at an estate sale. Throw it in the corner and voila, a great conversation piece! Also use it as an eye catching stand for a house plant or lovely vase.
Our DIY Advice: Don't shy away from dark hued paints when you're looking to revamp a living space. This moody grey/purple creates a serene environment that really stands out.
Our DIY Advice: Show off your collection! Place it in prime real estate (aka: where all eyes and visitors will see it) and let it tell the story. A collection, if done right, always personalizes a space and adds an element of intrigue.
Our DIY Advice: Add numbered throw pillows (even use fabric paint and stencil them yourself) to your dining table chairs for dinner party gatherings. Imagine when someone asks you, "Where do you want me to sit?" All you have to answer is, "Number 4 please!" Now...that's...chic!
Our DIY Advice: We're about to break up an enlargement in our own home decor so we thought we'd do you a solid and share this awesome inspiration image! We've mentioned it before HERE so you already know our love of taking a large image and framing it into smaller frames. It's so eye catching and affordable!
PS - Let us know if you try any of these great ideas! We sure hope so!
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