DIY Book Bundle

Inspired by an antique book bundle I saw in Ballard Designs, for $18-$25, I decided to create my own, for pennies.  Here's the Ballard Designs version of "Antique Book Bundles."  Click on the photo to be directed to the site for purchase.

Or quickly and easily create your own.  I love books and am hesitant to do any damage to them.  But I have a large quantity of paperback books I had to buy for college in boxes in my basement.  I prefer to have my bookshelves filled with hardcovers, and I know I will never read these books again.  So I thought, if they can make a beautiful display, why not put them to use?


The bundles could not be easier to create.
1. Tear off the front and back covers.
2. Arrange them in stacks.
3. Tie twine around them.


Here's my version.

I displayed them on top of my modular bookshelf/computer desk from Ethan Allen.  On such a large piece, they create a space filler with beautiful texture that looks vintage.

Look for more posts coming soon on how I decorated this large bookshelf.  I mixed new and vintage pieces to create a display with the necessities the work center requires, as well as pieces that are beautiful and have meaning to my family.

Featuring "Decidedly Chic" Throw Pillows

Finding the right throw pillow for a space is a great way to add color, texture, and style, without a big commitment.  It's the most affordable way to quickly transform a room.  I love changing out throw pillows, to add punches of color and great patterns, go with the seasons, or just to create a different mood.  I love having a solid-colored couch in a family room or living room, because it allows you to get creative with accents, without blowing your budget.  My style has changed since my first apartment, and I like easy, affordable ways my rooms can adapt with me.

Decidedly Chic is an Etsy shop that offers an eclectic mix of affordable throw pillows. Customize your home with handmade throw pillows and accessorize without having to fall back on mass-produced items to stay on budget.  Click on any of the photos to find them for purchase. 


I asked Dixie, the designer behind Decidedly Chic, what her inspirations is.  She says,
"Ethnic art - textiles & architecture inspire me.  I really appreciate handmade crafts from small villages or towns from different parts of the world. Their artwork, as well as their architecture, is intricate, detailed and originally their own. It is the unique cultural contribution that influences the styles I seek out for my pillow covers, such as the ikats, suzanis, and geometric patterns, with the trellis and lattice designs being some of my favorites. "

I love this Ikat pattern.  On trend right now, and yet the soft tones make it timeless. 

Dixie loves her work, and it shows.  She enjoys every part of the creative process, designing, and sewing her pillows.  I asked her to describe her style.
"I love to mix and match from different styles, cultures and try to find an exotic, yet modern vintage edge. You will notice many florals mixed in with exotic patterns in contemporary colors in my shop."
For a more traditional aesthetic, I love the crewelwork on this pillow.

Visit her shop, and you will find traditional floral fabrics, along with modern and more contemporary pieces.  I love the vintage feel of these damask pillows.  The pop of orange brings just enough color to this calming, neutral bedroom.

Her mix of styles and colors makes her shop fun to browse through.  There's truly something for everyone.  I asked her what designer she admires, and she says, 
"I admire Diane Von Furstenberg for her contribution to functional and highly fashionable clothing for women. Her fashion forward sense is also noticed in her new venture into the home décor industry. I can see myself mixing and matching to my eclectic heart’s content."

Repurpose Vintage Items

One of the best ways to achieve a truly customized look for your home is to use vintage items in new ways.  It's a great way to add layers of history and beauty to your home and bring new life to old items.


In My Home:
I use an antique mirror as a vanity tray in my master bathroom, where I keep my perfume bottles, my husband's cologne, and my crystal ring holder.  I love the antique touch it adds to my otherwise modern bathroom.

Also in my master bathroom, I use an antique picture frame, with paper behind the glass, to place antique perfume bottles that were my great-grandmother's.  I love the layer of family history and beauty it adds.

In my Etsy shop: 
This is a vintage china creamer and sugar bowl from my Etsy shop.  Click on the photo to be directed to it.  Not only can they be used as intended, but they make lovely bud vases.  I just cut these magnolias and lilacs from my garden and placed them on a cobalt blue charger to highlight the china pattern. 

I also repurpose vintage jewelry to create push pins that will upgrade any corkboard to make your display one-of-a-kind.  Click on the photo to be directed to my shop where you can find many options to fit your decor.

I have been lucky enough to find some great vintage milk glass that I also sell in my Etsy shop.  This candy dish, in the highly collectible Argonaut Shell pattern, can be used as intended.

Or in a new way, as a candle holder.

On "Real Simple":

Click on any of the following photos to be directed to Real Simple.  Take your bangle bracelets (the older, the better!) out of your jewelry box and use them for your next dinner party.  What a pretty way to set your table and show your style.

A vintage (or new) cake stand can be repurposed to display candles.

Wrap your gifts in a unique way.  Use vintage newspapers, magazines, or maps as wrapping paper.  Or copy and blow up an appropriate word from the dictionary to wrap your gift.

Here, you will see a ladder used as a rack for newspapers or magazines.  Salvaged ladders can be repurposed as towel racks, end tables, or shoe organizers as well.

For your next party, whether it be a wedding or any special event, use rocks as a guest book.  I have large rocks I collected on the beach as a child to create a vintage collection.  But you can buy polished rocks for formal events.  Or use your child's rock collection for a kids' birthday party. 

Repurposing items is one of my favorite ways to customize your home and live a little more beautifully.

My Search for the Perfect Bed

I am searching for the perfect headboard for my son's room.  As I show you the options I'm considering so far, you'll find some DIY ideas that are so customizable, they work for an adult's bedroom too!


I have two young boys.  My younger son will soon be ready to transition from his crib to a bed.  It's an exciting milestone, but it comes with lots of decorating decisions.  When my oldest son made the transition, I went all out and bought him a bit of a pricey bed and dresser.  His changing table that converts to a dresser, along with his room and just about everything in it, was going to his new baby brother.  I wanted us both to love his new, big boy room.  We do.  His bed is the full size version of this bed, by Stanley's Young America line:

I was not prepared for how quickly the cost of the new bed, dresser, mattress, bedding, and all that goes with it adds up!  We were able to reuse all of his nursery furniture and decor for our new baby, though, so it seemed reasonable to splurge a little.

You live and learn, though, and now I want a more affordable, but equally good-looking bed for my younger son.  So, here's my dilemma...do I purchase a new bed or get creative and make something myself?  Here are some options I'm considering.  Let me know what you think, and what your ideas are for decorating boys' rooms.

My son's changing table converts to a large dresser, so I want to keep that in the room.  It's a beautiful espresso finish from Pottery Barn Kids.  I could spend about $725 on the bed that would match it.

 
But, I'd like to mix it up.  I'm not particularly fond of matching bedroom sets, and the price is higher than what I'd like to spend. 

Pottery Barn Kids also offers another great option.  Imagine this pirate sail mounted on the wall behind just a mattress and frame.  For only $100, it makes a fun alternative to a headboard.  The drawback here for me, though, is that he will eventually outgrow it, and it will need to be replaced down the road. 

If I don't go the retail route, I've found lots of creative ideas to truly customize the space.  Here's a simple and easy alternative. 

It's just a painted faux headboard.  Click on the picture to be directed to "Real Simple" and find the easy instructions to create this look for around $20.  I could even use wall decals to personalize it and easily change them out according to his interests as he grows.  It would make his bedding stand out, and it would look great with his blue walls.  My only concern is, would it look as nice in person as it does in this photo?  Would it end up looking like we just forgot to paint a huge area of his room?  It certainly looks clean and modern in this photo, but would that translate well for a fun boy's room?

With a little more work, here's another DIY project that creates a unique look.  These are 3 closet doors, painted and installed to create a custom headboard.  Click on the photo to be directed to "Better Homes and Gardens" for step by step instructions.



Browse through their DIY section and find another, easier alternative - mount a fabric-covered canvas on the wall behind the bed.  You can also see a 6-paneled door, turned on its side and mounted to the wall, which makes a great headboard as well.

I love the look of this photo, also from "Better Homes and Gardens".  I'd be happy to have it in my room, but it would also be great for a kids' room too.  I could display his much-loved stuffed animals and books on a salvaged mantel like this one.

Or with the right fabric and bedding to fit a little boy's style, here are photos from a fantastic tutorial on the blog All Things Thrifty on how to make your own upholstered headboard.  Takes some time and patience, but the result is beautiful and completely unique.  Click on the photos to be directed to the blog, and you'll find lots of great DIY tutorials and decorating ideas.

So now, I just have to decide on what would work best in our home.  How much time and money do I want to put into this project, and what look would work best for my son?  To be continued...In the meantime, let me know your thoughts!

Featuring Avec Dieu Couture

Couture for your home, at a high quality and reasonable price.  What more can you ask for?  


Avec Dieu Couture Custom Drapes

Meet Amanda, the designer behind Avec Dieu Couture.  Always creative, as a child, she designed clothing and home decor for her Barbies.  Shen then grew up and put her creativity on the back burner, as she became busy with her career in counseling and her family life.  About 4 years ago, she came up with the idea of a home decor business.  Upon prayer and great reflection, she decided to go for it, and started with a notebook of ideas.  Avec Dieu Couture was born.  She has achieved great success on Etsy, and she even had her drapes featured in a room remodel on HGTV!

She makes custom drapes, created just for you, for under $100.



Damask Drapes


What is your inspiration?
"I like the idea of a unique modern look. Fabric stores often have the same boring floral designs, and home decor stores often just have the same solid drape options. Since it was difficult to find a unique option, I decided to make that my focus....The idea behind my products was quality and a couture look that couldn't be found in the stores. Stores often use a thin cotton lining and all of my drapes are lined with a high quality liner to protect them from sun damage. "

She also makes pillows, ranging from $15 to $30.

Blue Haze Pillows

How would you describe your style?
"I would say my style is a bit eclectic, but mostly modern. Even with traditional looks, like to add a modern twist." 

Wine Bags

 Her biggest influences?
"My biggest influence has been God. My life has been transformed in ways I never could have imagined myself. I have found that when I listen, there is guidance to my next step. I would also say my parents. My parents are wonderful people and have taught me how to act to others and the importance of caring. They also told me I could do anything I wanted in life over and over again :-) That had to affect my willingness to take on the things in my life that I have. "


Spring Bloom Cloth Napkins



Amanda gives back.
 "I originally chose Uganda because I read there was a great need for wells and financial assistance with the orphanages. Being a counselor, I really feel for people in need and believe everyone should help each other out. It is a good virtue to have to give, and when you do and eventually find yourself in need, then you will be surprised how people around you will help. I have also donated to Haiti and to Japan after the earthquake. I usually pray on where the money should go before donating." 

Amanda offers a wide range of products. Nursery and childrens' decor, shower curtains, bath towels, ring bearer pillows, and even political satire wall mirrors, which can be customized according to size and political views!

Thank you, Amanda, for letting us take a look at your beautiful shop and products! A perfect example of how we can all live a little more beautifully, by customizing our homes to get exactly the look we want, and by giving back to those in need.

Inspirational Spaces



Balcony in Bath



You are looking at a balcony that belongs to Hannah, of Wolf in the Woods, an Etsy shop that sells handmade applique birds.  It's easy to see how the beautiful and romantic countryside in Bath, UK gives her plenty of inspiration for her creations. 

I recently asked fellow Etsians to submit their favorite spaces in their homes.  I figured a group of artists were sure to live in creative spaces, and as this photo shows, they did not disappoint. 

Hannah's balcony is her favorite place in her flat, because she can go there to relax and enjoy the countryside.  She also watches birds and does a lot of sewing in this unique outdoor living space. 

As you can see, she has pinned postcards over the door.  She wanted to frame the space and be reminded of her friends and the various places she's traveled.  What a great tip we can all use!  A unique and beautiful, but also easy and affordable way to customize your space by displaying items meaningful to you. 

When we live among things we love, it raises our spirits and reminds us to live a little more beautifully. 

Thank you, Hannah, for sharing your space!

If you would like your favorite space in your home to be showcased here, please contact me through my Etsy shop.