3 Plain Pillows Get Facelifts Thanks to Inexpensive Embellishments

Hello! My name is Carrie, and I’m a hoarder of throw pillows. Joking aside, my addiction for these (somewhat frivolous) decorative accessories is nothing new, and yet neither is my tight budget. So, to make my money go the distance while still getting the style I crave here at home, I came up with three super simple ways to dress up basic pillows that won’t break the bank.

To begin, I gathered a pile of crafting supplies to get the job done: Pins with clasps, fabric flowers, black acrylic paint and pom-pom trim.

For my first DIY decorated pillow, I used a hot glue gun to add pom-pom trim to a $12 white pillow insert. To get the look in your home, dab a dot or short, thin line of hot glue to the back of your trim and gently push onto the pillow. Repeat the process every inch or so. I chose to add my trim in a parallel diagonal pattern, but you could do any style you want — zigzag, straight across, just the edges or even a circular, spiral pattern. It’s totally up to you!

For project #2, I added pins with clasps to the backs of two flowers, ready-to-go supplies purchased from my local craft store. My particular set of flowers came with felt backing and wire “arms,” which made the process super easy. I just peeled the paper backing from the pins to expose the adhesive side, stuck them firmly to the felt and then wrapped the wire around for good measure. Then I pinned them right to the corner of my favorite mint-colored pillow. If your pins don’t come with adhesive already, a tiny line of super glue should do the trick.

For my final, totally last-minute trick, I grabbed a paintbrush (any kind will do, really) and some black acrylic paint. I dipped my brush in the paint and then dabbed it in messy dollops across the white front of another pillow insert from the craft store, this time a round one. Although you could try to make your spots a little more uniform, I liked the brushed-on edges that the bristles left behind. Allow the paint to dry for at least an hour or two before putting the pillow to use.

Which option is your favorite?

Carrie Waller is the writer, designer and stylist behind the blog, Dream Green DIY. Photos courtesy of Carrie Waller.

5 Favorite Ideas for Repurposing Ladders into Functional Storage Solutions

One of our favorite ways to decorate includes repurposing vintage or antique finds into new, purposeful and beautiful storage solutions.

We’ve transformed an old storage trunk into a TV stand on castors, breathed new life into an old army locker by repurposing it into a kitchen console and just this past summer we stumbled across a beautifully worn, well used industrial ladder at an alley sale in our neighborhood that we couldn’t wait to put to work. It had an amazing story and was filled with local history — so much so, we couldn’t pass it up. Not knowing exactly what we’d do with our new-to-us vintage find, we were eager to work it into our home decor. We ended up propping it against a formerly empty wall in our living room to not only act as storage for the throw blankets in regular use, but to add a little vertical dimension and decorative interest to our space.

While we ended up using our ladder for blanket storage, there are endless ways old ladders like these can be used as decorative (and hardworking) storage solutions around the house. Today we’ve rounded up our 5 favorite ideas for repurposing ladders into functional storage pieces that add a beautiful decor element to any room.

Storage on Display
Create a little decorative display while keeping your space organized at the same time. From blankets to books and magazines, a ladder simply leaned against an open wall makes for instant storage and vertical dimension in any room.

Image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4

Bathroom Racks
Leaning ladders are perfect for adding a little vertical dimension in tight spaces like the bathroom where long towel racks aren’t always an option. Use the ladder rungs to easily stack and layer towels, basket storage and other powder room essentials.

Image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4

Closet Hangers
Create easy access to clothing, shoes and your favorite accessories by leaning a ladder in the corner of a room, the outside wall of a closet or open space near the entryway. Your go-to essentials will always be at an arm’s length and neatly displayed.

Image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4

Overhead Helpers
When suspended overhead, single ladders transform into exposed storage for essentials like pots and pans, baskets and tins, laundry or even architectural lighting. Use them as a dedicated vertical storage solution or bring in for a special event to add a bold decorative element.

Image sources: 1, 2, 3

A-Frame Stands
Prop open A-Frame ladders to double as decorative stands. Use one indoors as a bookcase against a wall or to help delineate separate spaces. Bring them outside to use as a rustic plant stand, adding varied height to your potted plants while maximizing sun exposure at the same time.

Image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4

Isn’t it amazing how many ways a utilitarian object like a ladder can be transformed into new and beautiful storage solutions? We hope the next time you pass by that old ladder in the garage or at a nearby sale you’ll give it another look, with creative inspiration.

We would love to know how a repurposed ladder could be used in your home!  Let us know in the comments section below.

Looking for more decorative ideas? Check out these 5 design tips for adding personality to your bathroom and learn how to make a gilded centerpiece using gold spray paint and pvc piping in this spring project tutorial.

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4 Tips for Choosing the Right Sofa

Aside from the kitchen, we spend a majority of our time relaxing or gathering with friends and family in either our living or family rooms on or around the sofa. Because of this, it is important to choose this piece of furniture wisely, as sofas are often a considerable investment. You’ll want to keep a few guidelines in mind when purchasing a new sofa to be sure that you are choosing the right one for your space.

1. Determine How It Will Be Used

If it is a family room sofa that you’ll be using for lounging, it’s likely you’ll want a deeper sofa. Standard sofa depth ranges anywhere from 36 to 38 inches. If you anticipate using the sofa for curling up and really sinking in, or if a family member is particularly tall, opt for a deeper version, such as one of Restoration Hardware’s Luxe depths that are 41 inches instead.

If the sofa will be used as part of a more occasional sitting area that won’t necessarily be used as your main lounging area, consider a smaller sofa like this 2-seater from Crate & Barrel, which you can pair with a few occasional chairs and an ottoman to create a seating area conducive for conversation where people can sit across from one another rather than side by side on a large couch.

Also consider the logistics of getting the new piece into your space. Be sure that your new purchase is physically able to fit through your home’s doorways, especially if you have an older home. Measure twice to be safe and avoid a big headache! Check with your retailer for delivery and clearance specifications also, as it may have a quick reference tool such as Restoration Hardware’s Delivery Brochure.

2. Stay True to Your Personal Style

Knowing your personal style can help narrow down your quest for the perfect sofa and help you choose a style that reflects your lifestyle and personal taste. If you lean toward the more formal, traditional design aesthetic, a sofa with tufting or a tailored upholstered piece with exposed legs may be a good option, such as the Jayson Home’s Kennedy Sofa pictured below.

If you tend to be more casual, a slipcover is a less formal statement and is especially perfect for high-traffic areas or families with small children because you can quickly throw the slipcovers in the wash. Pottery Barn’s Catalina Slipcovered sofa is a great, classic shape with a nicely tailored slipcover.

3. Consider Comfort & Fill

The sofa’s placement and how it will be used determines the type of fill you want in the piece. Sofas are traditionally made of a dense polyfiber wrapped around a foam core, but many retailers offer upgrades such as down-feather cushions instead, for an additional cost.

Obviously, comfort should always be a consideration, but if you can’t afford upgraded fill in each of your sofas, determine where you’d like to splurge on fill by weighing which room receives more traffic. You will likely want to choose an upgraded fill in a TV room where you and your family spend a majority of your time.

4. Pick a Color That Fits the Feel of the Space

The fourth consideration when choosing a sofa is determining what color you will choose for the piece. If the piece is intended for the main living space, you will likely want to choose a neutral fabric such as an oatmeal or charcoal color that is timeless and will fit with any décor style. Then furnish the room with colorful accessories such as pillows, an ottoman and art to add color to the space.

If the sofa is to be used in a more occasional sitting room, you can go bolder with your fabric choice, such as a fun pattern from Anthropologie or a bright color, as these pieces tend to be more aesthetic than your staple sofa in the main living area.

Happy Hunting!
 

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3 Headband Styles to Try This Summer (and the Hairstyles to Wear with Them)

Headbands range in style, color, material, and width — there is something for everyone. Whether you are always in workout wear or have your hair curled on the regular, there are so many fun options to play around with! Here are three headband styles to try this summer and the hairstyles to go with them.

Scarf Wrap Headbands: These can be worn with your hair down, woven into a braid or tied around a pony! (I found this one at Anthropologie.)

Tie the ends of the headband behind the back of your neck tightly to secure in place.

Wrap a ponytail holder around the tied scarf and your hair.

Pull the pony slightly to the side and you’re done!

Turban Headbands: Add some loose waves to your hair (see this loose waves tutorial in the first step of this post), and place your turban headband around the top of your forehead and around the back of your head over your hair! (If you’re feeling crafty, you can make your own turban headband.)

Elastic-Back Headbands: These can actually make a beautiful formal hairstyle, especially if you find one in silver or gold (I purchased this chain maille inspired headband at Anthropologie). Place the headband around the crown of your head.

Fold your hair in half with the ends pointed toward the ceiling.

Repeat and continue to fold and twist your hair up OVER the base of the headband. Keep the sides of your hair toward the center and twist your hair up tightly.

Secure with bobby pins. Be sure to add them inside and under the twist until all sections are in place.

Give one a try and find your best fit this summer! Let us know how it goes!

Photo credits: Gabriel Liesemeyer

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5 Stylish Hat Trends to Try This Summer

An abundance of freckles have arrived on my cheeks in recent years, and I’m thinking about sun protection more often than I ever did when I was young, wild and free. Hats are such a good accessory for long hours in the sun and there is such a variety to play with! Here are five summer hats I have been rotating frequently…

1. Wide Brim Fedora — This has to be my most worn hat since it can be used as a transitional accessory through each season and pairs well with many ensembles. For the easiest look, wear with a linen maxi dress for a day to evening look.

2. Super Wide Brim Hats – This provides the best sun coverage and works so well with a simple white pom pom trim cover up. It keeps your shoulders and cheeks from turning red and adds a little Audrey Hepburn vibe to your beach getup.

3. Printed Baseball Cap — This is a fun way to change up your normal look and mix prints. I matched a Zara palm print cap with with a pineapple print tank, but you could work this with stripes, color blocking or even a flowy dress.

4.  Crochet Hat — I really love how this hat instantly adds character to an outfit. (It’s a fantastic way to cover up bed head, too.) Wear this hat to top off a romper or a monochrome ensemble.

5. Wide Brim Floppy — Another fantastic option for the beach or to pair with a summery floral dress (as seen recently). Wear this with a swimsuit, denim shorts and a tunic top for mornings by the water.

Tried any of these styles? How did you wear a hat this summer? Thankfully, there are still some summer weeks left and time for more hat wearing:)

Photo credits: Gabe Liesemeyer

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Basic Reconstruction: DIY Chain Strap Tank Top

Summertime is the prime time for tank tops, so why not add a little edge to this warm weather staple? Simply replacing fabric straps with chain can easily bring new life to an otherwise basic garment. This DIY is so simple that there is a good chance you already have the supplies for this project lying around!

Supplies:

- Tank top
- 3-in-1 jewelry pliers
- Scissors
- Thread
- Chain

1. On both the front and back, cut off the entire strap at the point where it meets the rest of the tank top.

2. Lay the strap on a flat surface. Trim the chain so that when it’s folded in half, it measures about the same length as the strap you just cut off. I wanted my new chain straps to be a little shorter than the original, so I trimmed accordingly.

Repeat once more for a total of two strands of chain.

3. Thread a sewing needle and tie a triple knot. Thread through the tank top, right where you cut off the strap.

4. Insert the thread through both ends of one strand of chain.

5. Insert the needle back through the tank top.

6. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 several times to secure the chain to the tank top. Tie a double knot and trim away the excess.

7. At the other end, use the cutting portion of the pliers to cut the chain. This will be done at the point where the chain was “folded” in half.

Before doing so, ensure that there is an equal amount of chain on both sides.

8. Repeat Steps 3-6 to secure the other end of the chain to the tank top. Repeat all of the steps to complete the other side.

This reconstruction is very basic, but can add some serious oomph to your plain jane tank tops. The chain almost doubles as built-in jewelry, allowing you to forgo any additional baubles that you may usually wear. This is ideal for those days you’re feeling like a minimalist. Happy crafting!

Photo credits: Kirsten Nunez

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