The Cheap Diva

Eggcellent Easter Theme Home Decor and Dining Accents

Easter theme home décor accessories are multiplying like rabbits! Among all the tacky bunny knick knacks I managed to find some surprisingly elegant options for celebrating Easter in style.  This ceramic White Bunny Egg Plate from Pier 1 Imports features a raised design that adds a sophisticated accent to the simply elegant egg shape. Complement this sweet dessert/salad plate with dishes in festive spring colors for a fresh Easter theme table.  

Nothing says "Easter" like a collection of colored Easter eggs. These Pierced Ceramic Eggs from Pottery Barn feature hand-punched petal patterns that softly glow when a flameless candle is placed inside the lustrous eggs. Place several eggs along a tabletop for a chic and cozy Easter display.    

Helpful bunnies serve up sweet treats and nuts in this shiny Aluminum Bunny Server from Crate and Barrel. Fill this contemporary server with tea lights or decorative eggs, and it could easily serve as an Easter table centerpiece. Mix it with other aluminum home décor accents for chic, coordinated look.

Affordable Decor, Chalk it Up to Great Design

Home décor items with chalkboard finishes makes it easy to change your words as often as you change your mood. Add fun and personalized messages to your wedding or special occasion gift with this  Kate Aspen Chalkboard Square Photo Frame in Black. The stylish black frame features a chalkboard finish that can be customized with any words or pictures you like.      

                      

A gilded lid and elegantly shaped chalkboard labels elevate these Threshold Chalkboard Canisters - white into a superb stylish storage solution. The chic canisters are perfect for storing anything from dry cooking ingredients, to office staples to craft supplies and more.

 

Take the mystery out of serving snacks with this marvelous Mikasa Cheers 5-Piece Condiment Set. The stylish set includes glass bowls in an ultra modern shape resting on a natural textured slate tray and pieces of chalk for naming the contents of the bowls. The set is perfect for entertaining or every day dining.

Brilliant Lighting Ideas from Pier 1 Imports

Does your outdated lighting look like it's from the dark ages? Update your space with beautiful lamps from Pier 1 Imports that add a brilliant touch to any space that needs lightening up. This dazzling  Swirls & Drops Lamp - Gold shines even when it's off. The luxe lamp elevates your lighting with a cascade of sparkling faux crystals dangling from an elegantly curved base. 

This vintage-style Glitz Boudoir Lamp brings modern glamour to your rooms. The shimmering lamp features a classic candlestick base with clear glass ball and a rhinestone-studded shade in soft polished silver. The glamorous lamp is perfectly proportioned to complement a stylish vanity, desk or nightstand.

For a contemporary twist on lighting, switch on this Twist Lamp - Brown.  A dark wood grain base carved into sinuous curves topped by a cotton shade lined with a contrasting faux crocodile pattern gives this affordable lamp a high end designer look. The timeless style is a terrific choice for living rooms and other spaces that require a lamp with both substance and style.

Decorative Jewelry Holders Master the Art of Display

I'm all for showcasing your best baubles with beautiful jewelry holders, because boring jewelry holders look like an empty shell once you remove the fabulous jewelry pieces to wear. My idea of the perfect jewelry holders are the ones that look just as attractive empty as they do adorned with stylish jewelry, like the ones I found at West Elm.

Stash your keys, coins or small jewelry in style in a Graphic Enamel Tile Box. Its glossy finish, gold trim and graphic design accentuated with pops of bold colors make it an eye catching accessory to entryway consoles or dressers.

Made with brass nestled in a real wood base, this sculptural Mid-Century Ring Holder provides a simply elegant way to organize and display your favorite jewelry pieces. With it's subtle curves of the silhouette, lustrous finish of the brass centerpiece and richness of the wood base, this ring hold could easily pass for a decorative object when not put to use as a jewelry organizer.

This graceful ring holder lends a helping hand and is the perfect size to hold special rings or spare change. Inspired by an object found in India, the Stone Hand Dish brings an element of global glamour to your table or dresser. The black and white hands are sold separately, which works because individually these ring holders have enough style to go it alone and do not need to be paired up to look good.

Think Small, Make the Most of Every Square Foot

  

Whether you're attempting to make a tiny studio more look larger than life, create a cozy intimate spaces, or turn small awkward spaces into something special, House Beautiful Think Small: Make the Most of Every Square Foot shows you how to create grand gestures in small spaces. The book shows how big design ideas can work in small spaces. It features a variety of  simple strategies for designing fabulous and functional well ordered spaces by taking advantage of vertical space, choosing furnishings that multitask, creating visual illusions that enhance the feeling of space and editingyour possessions down to what works.

This inspirational guide includes and eclectic mix of style, from colorful over the top spaces to serene spaces in calming neutrals. From bold colors to large scale furnishings and glossy finishes, the pictures serve to reinforce the idea that bold design gestures are possible even in small spaces. And we are talking about some seriously small spaces, some of the studio apartments are less than 500 square feet. Some of the pictures in the book I loved, some of them I loathed but this book definitely worth a read.  Thanks to the helpful text that accompanies the pictures that explains the principles of designing big in small spaces, I came away with plenty of stylish and practical design ideas .

 

 

Get Inspired at Your Local Home Show

In the movie "The Shining" Jack, the caretaker of an isolated snow bound resort goes insane from all work and no play. If all work and no play is starting to make you relate to Jack, then it's time to get out, get inspired and have some fun! A great place to get inspired is a local home and garden show.

If you live in Kansas, the Johnson County Home and Garden Show going on Feb 20-22 show is a great option. This year's show features hundreds of vendors. According to their web site, the event features fresh inspiration, helpful tips, innovative products and great deals. If you are a fan of HGTV, be sure to attend the presentations given by John Gidding, star of HGTV shows Designed to Sell and Curb Appeal: The Block. I enjoyed fun and informative presentation at a previous home and garden show and I look forward to seeing him live and in action again.

To find home and garden related events in your area check out the events calendar for local convention centers or type "home show (your state)" into any internet search engine. Visit your largest local library and check out their magazine section for local design magazines. Local design magazines often mention upcoming home and design related events.

 

Stylish Accessory Organizers from UMBRA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well designed accessories deserve to be displayed on well designed organizers. Bring your prettiest accessories out from your drawers and into the spotlight with this freestanding Audrey organizer from UMBRA. This space saving metal wire frame scarf and jewelry organizer features hooks for necklaces, bars for scarves and a wooden tray in the middle for non hanging items like cuff bracelets keeping all of your favorite accessories conveniently organized. 

The modern shapes of this pendant triangle scarf holder are super functional and will never go out of fashion. The geometric patterns inside the hanging scarf holder create openings for scarf and accessory storage, but are also so visually interesting the hanger still looks attractive when empty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reflect your fashionable sense of style with this hub mirror hook. This mirror and hook combo adds maximum function and fashion to your space while taking up a minimum of space. The double hook design could hold a variety of fashion accessories including chain belts, long beaded necklaces, purses with long straps and of course scarves.

Fall in Love with Valentine Theme Dining Accessories

 

 

This Valentine's Day why not celebrate by bringing romance to your home and with sweet accessories from Bed Bath and Beyond? You will look sweet in this stylish vintage inspired Carolyn's Kitchen Heart Cupcake Retro Apron. The charming design features a lovely silhouette and red and pink hearts and cupcakes, creating the perfect recipe for a fun and feminine look. 

      

Show your favorite wines some love with this ravishing red Oleg Cassini Red Heart Bottle Stopper. This romantic bottle stopper is adorned with sparkling accents to add some glamour when you break out the bubbly. The hand sculpted bottle stopper comes in a gift box with the designer's signature, making it the ideal gift for the wine lover in your life.

Express your passion for all things sweet and glamourous with a Godinger Dublin Crystal Hershey's Kiss Candy Dish. This beautiful glass box, by Godinger Crystal, mimics the famous Hershey Kiss candy treat while the richly faceted surface mimics the look of expensive crystal. To make shopping even sweeter, sign up for coupon alerts at the Bed Bath and Beyond web site.

Infuse Your Tea with Flavor

There's nothing like the simple pleasure of a good cup of hot tea. Loose leaf tea is generally richer in flavor (and a little more expensive) that the kind that comes in dunkable baggies. To get maximum pleasure from your tea time, splurge on the better quality loose leaf tea and a proper infuser to contain the leaves while they are steeping in water. The Tea Spot 16-Ounce Ceramic Tea Mug with Infuser and Lid with lid and infuser is designed to make a perfect cup of tea. In addition to its generous size, this mug's well designed infuser steeps tea with no drip or mess. Flip the lid over and suddenly you have a handy saucer to hold the used infuser.                      

                            

Perfectly brew your favorite teas on-the-go with the spill-proof Planetary Design 16 oz. Tea Tumbler . The innovative design of this travel ready tea tumbler features double wall insulation to keep hot beverages hot for hours. Over-steeping can makes even good quality tea taste bad. This tea tumbler includes a specially designed infuser with ultra-fine mesh filter and solid chamber allows full loose tea leaf infusion and prevents over-steeping without having to remove tea from the mug.

 

Show off your good taste with this Orii Glass Tea Rack Set with 6 Tea Leaf Filled Canisters. The stylish tea set is perfect for tea aficionados who believe that variety is the spice of life, and having multiple teas to choose from is more fun than drinking the same tea all the time. This set has everything you need to enjoy the rich and complex flavors of loose leaf tea. The set includes an attractive glass teapot, retracting kettle tray/rack, and six glass tea canisters filled with 6 different kinds of loose tea.                

Enhance Your Home with Beautiful Houseplants

I would love to take credit for this blog post, but sadly I don't have a green thumb. The 5 simple tips to celebrate houseplants every day comes from the folks at Costa Farms:

1. Recognize Green Heroes.

Many houseplants clean the air every minute of the day. They absorb up to 87 percent of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that hide in ordinary household products such as paints, carpets and ink.

Studies from the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) have found that levels of indoor air pollution can be two to five times higher - and in some cases 10 times more polluted than outdoor air. Some of the best houseplants to absorb indoor toxins include peace lilies, orchids and ferns.

2. Decorate Your Home or Office
A houseplant instantly transforms any room. Care for the same plants every month or mix it up for special occasions such as anthuriums for Valentine's Day, orchids for Mother's Day or Devil's Backbone for Halloween. Change up your pots to match the season or holiday.

Houseplants give new life to a room when placed in colorful pots and made into a focal point. Make an impact by topping a table with a vintage tablecloth and houseplant. The bright green leaves of an indoor plant make a gorgeous complement to white walls or boring offices. Plants can also add height and texture.

3. Connect with nature
Bridge the gap between indoors and outdoors with a houseplant. According to the EPA, most people spend 90 percent of their time indoors; a houseplant is the perfect way to be reminded of the beauty the world has to offer.

4. Find the right houseplant
Some houseplants, like those from Costa Farms' Plants of Steel collection, are very easy to care for. Just add water, light and nutrients from time to time to show these houseplants some love. Check the plant tag or visit costafarms.com for information about how much light a plant needs. A houseplant lets you know the spot is right by maintaining healthy leaves.

5. Start a Water Schedule
If you don't have a schedule for watering houseplants, today's the day to start one! If the soil is dry about an inch below the surface, add water. If the plant does not seem too dry, check it again in a few days. Be sure not to overwater: It's the number one reason houseplants die.

To find the best houseplant for your home or office and how to care for it, visit www.costafarms.com.

Stylish Organizing Solutions

Hiding your beautiful accessories in boring plastic bins isn't the best way to get organized. Express your style with pretty and practical organizers from Bed, Bath and Beyond. This 2-Tier Jeweled Accessory Holder provides vertical storage to make the most of limited counter space. The sparkling pink diamond finial on top elevates the glamourous look of the accessory holder.

 

The vertical Umbra Bijou On-The-Rod Vertical Closet Accessory Hanger features nine rounded hooks for hanging a variety of fashionable items in your closet. Hooks on all sides make efficient use of space, allowing you to store plenty of scarves, belts and other wardrobe accessories. The simply elegant design looks attractive even without accessories to adorn it.

Handbags can hog a huge amount of space when they sit on a shelf. The unique Pocketta Accessory Organizer solves the problem of storing and organizing bulky handbags by stacking them vertically. This space saving organizer provides a convenient way to organize your favorite purses and accessories in your closet while keeping them easily accessible.

Get Cozy with Cheap Throw Blankets from Walmart

 

 

 

The simple pleasure of snuggling under a cozy throw on a cold winter's day makes me want to hybernate until spring arrives. I found a surprisingly stylish selection of affordable throw blankets at Walmart of all places. This Somerset Home Throw Blanket features a classic plaid pattern saturated in deep berry colors. This throw blanket combines the look of a traditional wool blanket with the feel of soft as cashmere fleece. This toasty trow is perfect for curling up in front of a glowing fireplace or TV screen.

 

The whisper soft blue of this Better Homes and Gardens Chenille 50" x 60" Throw is as soothing to look at as it is to touch. A light colored throw is the perfect accent for couches and chairs upholstered in dark shades of brown and gray. The pale blue color instantly lightens up the look of dark furnishings. Take a cue from this picture and pair this plush throw with a good book and a hot cup of tea for a truly relaxing experience.

 

This lightweight Somerset Home Throw Blanket, Jacquard is perfect for providing a little extra layer of warmth when you need it and a whole lot of style! Animal patterns can be tricky to decorate with. The wrong animal pattern can easily cross the line between chic and kitch. Neutral colors and medium size scale of the wild leopard pattern makes it a stylish choice for any living area.   

Enjoy Hot Beverages in Tasteful Holiday Mugs

Nothing says cozy to me like sipping a hot cup of tea on a cold winter's day using my favorite mug. To celebrate the holiday season I found some stylish mugs that make sipping your favorite hot beverage a more tasteful experience. This tall and elegant Paisley Ornaments Latte Mugs - Set of 4  from Target captures the festive spirit of the holidays in style with ornate ornaments adorning these slim mugs.

 

 

 

Let it snow! Chill out with a steaming hot cup of cocoa or coffee and these Snowflake Glass Mugs from Crate and Barrel. The darker the drink the more the snowflakes design pops. The sturdy glass mugs are designed with oversized handles to make grabbing your favorite beverage that much easier. 

 

 

 

This contemporary Christmas Tree Stacking Mug Set is perfect for holiday get togethers. This clever space saving set of four ceramic mugs fit vertically on top of each other. Since every mug features a different part of the overall holiday tree design, it’s easy for guests to tell their cup from yours.          

Holiday Candle Decorations from Pier 1 Imports

 

The holidays are the perfect season for all things that sparkle and shine warmed by the soft glow of candle light. Nothing says holiday spirit like a decorative tree full of glitter and light. This glass Green & Gold Tree LED glows from inside accentuating the shimmering gilded-scroll design and the golden star topper. 

 

                   

This serene angel brings a glorious glow to any space. Crafted from resin embellished with a lustrous gold finish and mosaic glass accents, this Mosaic Angel Tealight Holder looks heavenly adorning holiday displays. For a more dramatic effect, buy multiple angles and display them in groups.

With its textured faceted glass, vintage inspired silhouette and rich ruby color, this Apple Crisp Filled Candle looks like it came from a fancy antique store. Designed to delight the senses, the lovely container houses a candle bursting with the delicious scent of spiced apple and sugared cinnamon pastries. 

Dress Up Your Table with Party Perfect Plates

When holiday entertaining calls for fine wine and fancy foods, this Elegant Scroll Dinnerware is rises to the occassion with style. Each piece of this gorgeous glazed white china is adorned with an elegant gilded scalloped edge and a lavish gold scroll design.

 

Spread words of cheer with the Holiday Wishes Appetizer Plate Set. Holiday wishes are the perfect complement to any appetizer or dessert. These festive conversation pieces are sure to give your guests something interesting to talk about throughout your party.

 

Everything from cake to cheese and crackers feels like fine dining when served on these colorful porcelain plates. This tasteful Festive Appetizer Plates Set is sold in sets of four, each plate is glazed a different color then embellished with a gold rim and a classic fleur-de-lis pattern. 

Fabulous Picture Frames from Z Gallerie

A mish matched collection of random picture frames cluttering up your shelves and tables turn your cherished images into unattractive clutter. A more stylish approach would be to display a few fabulous frames from Z Gallerie to showcase your absolute favorite images.  Diamonds are a Design Diva's best friend! This charming and petite Crystal Diamond Frame frame is crafted in the likeness of a classically cut diamond. This Crystal Diamond Frame displayes a (tiny) treasured photo on the flat face, while the solitaire shaped frame rests on its point. A shiny silver tone metal bezel surrounds a 2 inch round photo. 

 

Simple and sleek, this Stanford Frame makes a great contemporary accessory to display not one, but upt to three of your favorite photos.  The polished silver steel frame is composed of three individual shiny silver metal frames, mounted on a matching stand. The modern frame delivers a perfectly coordinated look that allows you to display multiple pictures for a streamlined and chic effect, that never looks cluttered.

This Chance Frame displays your favorite pictures in high-style. Crafted out of silver hued metal, this Chance Frame creates a stylish statement that reminds me of a chic chain link jewelry. Display each frame individually, or pair them together for more impact. To carry out the jewelry theme, you can set a frame near a jewelry box, or insert a fashion photo inside the frame.

Pretty and Practical Jewelry Organizers

      The strong magnetic surface of the StickIt Magnetic Accessory Gallery Frame keeps your small accessories handy and allows to to create a chic, customized display. The attractive 9" x 11" frame holds metal based items such as jewelry, hair pins, watches, and more!

 

 

 

 

Subtle and sophisticated, this Waverly Jewelry Box by Umbra is a functional piece that is also decorative to set out on a dresser or vanity to keep rings, earrings and necklaces neat and beautifully displayed. Its bowl-shaped compartments are covered in soft flocking to prevent jewelry from getting scratched up. The hinged lid provides easy access to your favorite pieces.

 

Display watches, bracelets, and necklaces with these fabulously functional Acrylic Jewelry Stands. A raised lip at either end keeps jewelry in place.  The smaller bar holds watches, bracelets and necklaces up to 15 inches long.  The taller bar can hold necklaces up to 18 inches long. The acrylic jewelry stands virtually disappears, allowing them t0 showcase your baubles and bangles to full effect.

Home Decor Inspired by Autumn Leaves

 

This time of year all those decorative pumpkins are starting to look passe and fall leaves start to take center stage as a design motif. The beauty of leaf designs is that they can look stylish through many seasons, not just the fall. This autumn inspired  Foiled Glass Leaf Platter - Large from Pier 1 Imports makes an attractive addition to traditional fall table settings.

This gorgeous Waterford Linens Marcelle Tablecloth in Ivory from Bed Bath and Beyond combines an opulent pattern, sophisitcated color palette and a subtle sheen to create the perfect recipe for luxury dining at a low price. To take the luxe look to a whole new level, top this tablecloth off with gold home decor accents, such as candle sticks.

 

 

 

This unique Metal Leaf Hurricane from Pier 1 Imports offers a takes a modern approach to the classic leaf motif. The style is so timeless you can display it year round. To keep the look clean and contemporary accessorize it with a simple white pillar candle. To switch thing up, use different colored candles or fill it with glass beads, sometimes called table scatter. 

Celebrate in Style with Wonderful Wine Storage

Catch the wave! This unique Oenophilia Bali Espresso 12-Bottle Wine Rack makes a useful home decor accent that holds up to 12 bottles of wine. The graceful wooden waves and stainless steel accents create a scultptural look that makes any bottle of booze look like an expensive and exquisite vintage.

Take your wine service to new heights with an Oenophilia Amelia Flight Stemware Server! This airy and  elegant, wrought iron rack can hold up to 5 full-size wine glasses. A flat base ensures that it will remain upright (even if you are feeling a bit tipsy). The slotted ring is designed to hold a name card and can be used for carrying the server from the bar to the heart of the party. 

The stylish Ampersand Calistoga Bar and Wine Storage Unit makes it easy to entertain even in small spaces. The black bar organizes party essentials beautifully, the vertical unit stores up to 15 bottles and 15 wine glasses. The chic bar also features a removable tray for serving  all those fabulous wines .

Pretty Pumpkins for All Seasons, Not Just Halloween

 

From pumpkin patches that feature the real thing to Halloween decorations so tacky it's downright scary, there is no escaping the pumpkin epidemic that happens this time of year. A pretty and practical alternative to real pumpkins, and pumpkins that are just really ugly, take a look at these timeless decorating pumpkins from Pier 1 Imports.  The richness of the green color or elegant sculptural curves of these artistic Green Glass Pumpkins  combine beautifully create major visual impact for a minimal price.

 

Celebrate the season of abundance by filling this tasteful  Pumpkin Lidded Bowl - Antiqued White with equally tasteful edible goodies. The charming glazed white lidded pumpkin bowl adorned with an embossed scroll pattern takes it's inspiration from Victorian-style majolica pottery.

 

 

These petite Orange Glass Pumpkins provide a cheerful pop of color to your fall table. A scuptural design, variations in color and a textures enhances the illussion that these came from an expensive boutique. The attractive decorative glass pumpkin figurines are small enought to display on a desk, on top of buffet table or on a shelf or mantle.   

Black Tableware Looks Chic Long After Halloween

The scariest thing about Halloween is how much money is wasted on cheap and tacky party supplies and decorations that are enjoyed for a ridiculously brief period of time. Get in the spirit of Halloween without wasting money on one time use items by investing in timeless black dishes and decorations that can be enjoyed on multiple occassions. 

Drink a toast to sophisticated style with Onyx Stemware - Sets of 4 from Z Gallerie. The distinctive silhouette of the stems gives these budget prices cocktail glasses the look of expensive prestige brand glasses.

 

 

It's hip to be square! This simple style of this Room Essentials Melamine Sqaure Pasta Bowl  from Target  makes it deliciously versatile.  Fill it with brightly colored candy at Halloween. After Halloweeen you can fill this durable dish with any snack that satisfies your munchies.  Or use it as a decorative dish to keep your keys, coins and miscellaneous items handy.

 

 

 

 This ornate Midnight Black Candelabra from Pier 1 Imports is a bit overdressed for everyday dining, but it still works beyond Halloween for a variety of special occassions. A fanciful candelabra is perfect for elegant parties with a black and white color scheme. Fill the candelabra with plain white candles for a dramatic centerpiece for a New Year's party or other special occassion.

Rent Like You Own: Grohe Says It's Simple

There are many advantages to renting a home: It’s a good way to experience a neighborhood before buying, is less expensive than staying in a hotel while your own house is undergoing a renovation and is an excellent first step to independence for college graduates. But decorating so the space reflects your personality and meets your needs? Let’s just say, it can have a few limitations.

Landlords often prohibit structural changes and painting the walls or installing new light fixtures without specific permission, and even when asked, the answer is often “no.” Plus, few people want to spend a lot of money on updating a rental if they plan to stay for less than two years.

What to do? Cheryl Dixon, Head of Brand and Trade Marketing for GROHE, the world’s leading manufacturer and supplier of kitchen and bath fittings, has some helpful ideas for renters. “Renters can personalize every room in the house without damaging damage the walls, floors or their bank account,” she says. Below, Dixon shares her room-by-room tips.

Foyer

The entrance to your home, whether it’s forever or a few months, should be inviting to everyone who crosses the threshold. When neglected, they’re narrow and dark, a space to walk through rather than enjoy and use. Spiff yours up by creating a tablescape on a narrow Parsons table or small, wall-mounted, demi-lune-shaped shelf with a small dish for keys, a tray for mail, a lamp or candles. Not only will it be a prettier spot, but a more serviceable one.

Bedroom

“If the room is basically a white box,” Dixon says, “inject some architectural flair by adding a tall folding screen painted a favorite color or upholstered with interesting fabric in one corner.” Small windows not letting in enough light? Adjust the lighting and mood of the room by purchasing a few inexpensive table lamps and scattering them on the bureau top and bedside tables.

A third thing to do is to pick up a few leafy, green plants for the windowsills, or if there’s sufficient space, a ficus tree. Plant it in a big urn and the entire space will both look and feel homier.

Bathroom

If you’re not permitted to hang pictures, think about investing in a grand, nearly ceiling-height mirror and leaning it against a wall. This is a modern concept, and with the right frame, a marvelous accent for any style of furnishings that you can take with you when you go.

Those who rent furnished spaces are more limited in what they can do than those who bring their own furniture. But one of the best tricks, especially if the décor is not to your taste, says Dixon, is to buy ready-made, tie-on slipcovers in white. Add an armload of colorful pillows and voila! The white ties everything together and is soothing, too, no matter what the carpeting or walls are like.

Kitchen

Among the fastest changes one can make in a kitchen is to replace the cupboard hardware. Whether your preference is colorful contemporary, sleek and stainless, faceted crystal or any other style, new handles make a huge difference. Just be sure to get the same format as the originals currently in place, two-nail pulls or one-nail knobs. If you want to make an even bigger change, go a step further and reface the cupboard doors.

For an instant style miracle, lay down an area rug made of a natural fiber such as sisal, wheatgrass, coir and jute or go the man-made route with polypropylene (PP) or recycled plastic (PET). Both can be cleaned with an outdoor hose and soap. For a stereotypical, all-white kitchen, consider a short-pile wool boldly striped in red or blue and white. What a difference and easy as pie.

By making a few small but important modifications, you can make your rental feel like a personalized space. You might just decide to stay…or, bring some of the touches you added there to your new, permanent home.

Glamourous Gold Pillows from Pier 1 Imports

Nothing glams up a space like a touch of gold. The right golden accent are a luxurious touch that can take a space from drab to fab. A few well chosen gold accessory that makes sense in a space is all you need to make a glamourous impact. The ornate pattern on this Calico Gold Beaded Medallion Pillow was created with intricate handwork pattern with varying shades and shapes of golden beads for an ultra luxe look.

The sophisticated neutral palette, metallic thread accents and dynamic curvy textured applique layered over solid stripes gives this Soren Embroidered Geometric Pillow plenty of personality, yet it can work beautifully with both solids and printed furnishings. It will add a touch of luxury and rich texture to your sofa, bed or chair.       

Catch the wave! Rows of handcrafted fabric waves on the front of this Wave Lumbar Pillow - Gold  offers maximum style impact to the gold monochromatic pillow. Looks great on its own nestle neatly on a sofa, chair or bed. Gold goes with just about any other color so feel free to layer it with other decorative pillows on your favorite furniture pieces.

How to Create the Ideal Bedroom for a Good Night's Sleep

For me a really good night's sleep is a rare pleasure. I love a good night's sleep so when I received the following article from Hunger Douglas I was more than happy to share it with my fellow insomniacs looking for ways to get more beauty sleep. These practical tips make it easier to create a bedroom sanctuary for a good night’s sleep.

Healthy, restorative sleep.  It’s never been more important. Here are some tips for creating a bedroom setting that invites a better night’s sleep from interior designer Robin Wilson of Robin Wilson Home, based in New York City, who is known for her eco-friendly design aesthetic and an eco-healthy focus.

Always use a nylon shower curtain liner – Allergy sufferers are told to shower often to remove pollen and pet dander from their bodies. However, the phthalate chemicals in vinyl shower curtains off-gas with humidity and heat, and also attract mold and mildew.  This off-gassing can easily spread from the bathroom into the bedroom, and you’ll be breathing it in  every night while you sleep.  Replace your vinyl liner with a nylon  shower curtain liner.

At the window –  Don’t forget about light pollution.  It’s an issue that people often ignore when trying to get a good night’s sleep.  A well-fitted set of blinds, shades or shutters is a great choice, and it can be a healthier one, too, as draperies can be dust-catchers. New Silhouette® A Deux^TM  shadings from Hunter Douglas combine the sheer, light-diffusing beauty of Silhouette shadings with an independently operated, room-darkening roller shade that sits behind it for increased light  control and privacy.

Wash or freeze stuffed toys – Stuffed dolls and other stuffed bed decorations are breeding grounds for dust mites.  Wash them or put them in the freezer for 24 hours to remove the dust mites.

Keep pets clean and off of beds – Cat and dog allergies are very common, so keep pets bathed regularly to reduce the dander. Never allow pets on your bed, and if possible limit their exposure to the bedroom.  Always wash your hands after handling an animal.

Flooring –Remember that tile and hardwood floors can be a healthier choice than carpeting, as     floor spaces are the largest dust collectors in the home and wall-to-wall carpeting can release VOCs if it contains certain adhesives, backings and  sealants. Whatever your flooring choice, it must be vacuumed or cleaned on a regular basis to eliminate dirt and dust.

For more information, visit www.hunterdouglas.com or call 1-800-274-2985.  Follow Hunter Douglas at facebook.com/HunterDouglas, pinterest.com/hunterdouglaswf/ and youtube.com/user/hunterdouglas. Download “The Art of Window Dressing” iPad app through a link at www.hunterdouglas.com.

Inspiring Walk-in Closets

Sure you can look for cheap closet supplies at Walmart, but the best place to find inspiring closet ideas is from high end designers. These closets from houzz.com  feature ideas that you can adapt to your taste and budget with a little creativity.

Eclectic Closet by Sumter Architects & Building Designers Nicole Norris Design Studio, Inc.

Serious storage doesn't have to be boring! If you your wardrobe is bold and beautiful feel free to let your closet make a bold statement too with bright paint on woodwork or cabinets, a fierce animal patterned carpet and a decorative bench in or near the closet.

Traditional Closet by London Cabinets & Cabinetry Tim Wood Limited

Even one size fits all storage solutions can be tailored to your tastes. The focus of this walk-in closet focus on shoe and bag storage. Shoe shelves similar to these can often be found at mass retailers. Hooks and deep pegs to hold a couple of handbags each can be found at mass retailors, but if you want something specifically for handbags you might have better luck at an organizing store like organize.com.

 

Contemporary Closet by South East Interior Designers & Decorators FiSHER iD

Dark colors and sleek storage and  give this dressing room and walk-in closet a chic, moody feel. Floor-to-ceiling mirrors make the space feel bigger and let you check an outfit to see if it makes you looks fabulous or like a fashion victim. To mimic the cool mood of this room, decorate your space with black cabinets, a large mirror with a black frame and plush gray furnishings.

Patterned Towels Make a Splash in the Bathroom

One of my bath towels is falling apart and I keep meaning to replace it with a new style. The problem is that there are so many fabulous styles available I'm having  a hard time deciding which towel to buy!  Looking at all the pretty patterned towels from World Market is not making my decision any easier.

The tone on tone coloration if these Teal Esme Sculpted Towels enhances the depth and richness of this high style towel. The distinctive pattern and texture takes this everyday household item from practical necessity to attractive home decor accent.

These Plum Adriana Medallion Sculpted Towels features an eye catching a kaliedescope of color and pattern. It's the perfect towel to jazz up a boring bathroom. This textured towel blends exotic style with the familiar comfort of wrapping yourself in a fluffy towel.

The coral ombre background Coral Ombre Bliss Bouquet Sculpted Bath Towel is the ideal backdrop to make the beautiful sculpted floral pattern really stand out. The striped ombre background contrasts nicely against the more wild and organic flower design.

IKEA Stores Create a Better Shopping Experience

If you have ever fantasized about abandoning your children so you could shop in peace or indulging in a nice cup of coffee and slice of cake in between shopping for sofas and dinnerware, then IKEA is the store for you. A new IKEA store is coming to Kansas and local design diva's looking for affordable furnishings can't wait for the September opening.

IKEA separates itself from other budget friendly home decor stores by enhancing the shopping experience with the kind of extras that are sure to keep customers coming back for more. In a effort to be family-friendly, IKEA allows your kids t0 test all the toys in the children's department or have fun in the free supervised playroom while you shop. This is a smart money making move on IKEA's part. Having worked in retail I know that the nothing kills a sale faster that a whiny kid demanding that they want to leave the store NOW!

If you shopping for kitchenware gives you the munchies, not to worry IKEA has got you covered with their in store restaurants that serve sandwiches, cake coffee and kids' menu item.   

Everything you need to shop til you drop is readily available. Besides copies of the latest catalog for you to borrow, the store provides tape measures, and pencils and notepads for you to write down price tag details, shopping carts, shopping bags and strollers for your marathon shopping spree. The only thing IKEA stores don't provide is a GPS tracker to prevent you from getting lost in this massive super size home goods store.

Stylish Scenterpieces from Yankee Candle

I'm not a big fan of lighting things on fire in my home which is why I don't decorate with scented candles. When I spotted a display of Scenterpiece wax warmers from Yankee Candle I was impressed. Not only does the collection of electric Scenterpiece wax warmers allow you to instantly change the scent without touching wax, they are so much more stylish than an old fashioned frumpy looking pillar or jar candles.

With it's deep ruby glaze and gilded falling leaf design, this Autumn Ruby Scenterpiece Warmer captures the spirit of the fall season. To enhance the effect fill it with a spicy warm scent that smells like spiced apple cider or any scent that smells like fall to you. 

 

A simple globe shape showcases the vibrant blue color and rich texture of this Laguna Mia Scenterpiece Warmer. When you have an eye catching piece like this it makes sense to give it a little space on a table and not surround it with too many decorative objects that are going to compete for attention.

  

 

This Edge Grain Walnut Scenterpiece Warmer is the perfect marriage of a sleek and modern silhouette and classic wood grain design. The combination of modern and traditional style elements creates a look that is truly timeless and won't look outdated any time soon.

 

Cheap Console Tables for Small Spaces

I once bought a cheap console table to use as desk because it fit my limited space and budget. If I move to a bigger space I will probably keep the console table because it's slim and stylish. Target has a nice selection of cheap console tables that look chic and provides a bit of storage in small spaces like hallways. This Threshold Fretwork Console Table provides a pop of color and plenty of ways to store your stuff including a lower shelf and two drawers.

 

With this Threshold Carson Console Table you can display your nice stuff in an attractive way. For the stuff you would rather hide I suggest buying stylish baskets and boxes worth displaying and store your clutter inside the containers. For a slim piece of furniture this has a lot of storage potential.     

If you love showing off your stuff but you hate the hassle of dusting your stuff as much as I do, try a glass enclosed cabinet like this Threshold Windham Accent Cabinet. This versatile cabinet could serve as a TV stand in your living room, store supplies in a home office, or corral clutter in your entryway.

Budget Decorator: A Most Affordable Gallery Wall

I am addicted to the Houzz.com web site and I was delighted to come across this blog post that proves that creating beautiful home décor doesn't always require big bucks. Click on the arrows at the bottom of the picture to read the rest of the Houzz blog post.

Budget Decorator: A Most Affordable Gallery Wall