In "Decor By Mood," we tell you how to attain a feeling in your home. Here's how to decorate a serene home.

If there's one quality every home should strive for it's serenity. Whether your decor scheme is charming or brooding, your house should be a place that brings you a sense of calm and peace.

If you're serene:
You're in a constant state of Zen that not even your yoga instructor can emulate. Full of unruffled repose and quietude, nothing makes your blood boil. Instead, you laugh during rush hour traffic, smile during shin splints and toss your hair in the face of a stressful situation. On any given day, we can find you relaxing in a corner chair with your feet up and your nose in a book of haiku.

That sense of calm is easy to translate when decorating your favorite space. Find out how after the jump:

Architecture firm Qb3 makes the most of small corner lot in Philadelphia.

When it comes to architecture, small doesn't have to mean meek. A prime example of small-but-strong is this lovely structure from the architectural geniuses at Qb3 Design, which sits on a mere 1,100 square foot lot in Philadelphia.

While respecting Philadelphia's long tradition of brick row houses, the architects chose not to mimic the surrounding buildings. Instead they translated the materials, proportions and scale of a traditional row house into something much more modern. In order to maximize the small lot, the loft-style home occupies the entire site, with carved openings for light and views and a rooftop garden in lieu of a back yard.

Two new, innovative storage solutions? Yes, please!


Storage is one of those decorative elements that I just know I'll never master. How can I possibly organize an ever-evolving collection of... stuff? (Perhaps it's not an issue of storage solutions as it is my shopping addiction.) Regardless, I was excited to discover these two new storage solutions that are high on design and functionality.

When I spotted this prototype for the 'Hang On' wardrobe from John Caswell Design, my heart sang. I'm a sucker for user-interactive products, and the hanger wardrobe just screams "play with me!"

As you can see in the photo at right, the wardrobe has perforated hangers on its exterior; each hanger can be popped out of the wooden wardrobe and used inside. We think it's a pretty clever solution.

Not only is this a handsome piece of storage, it's also the ultimate conversation piece -- with built-in storage for your expanding trench coat obsession.

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Meow! Check out this season's hottest decor... for your cat!

Forget the ugly, carpet-covered cat scratching towers of the past, the latest crop of cat accessories and wares are modern and surprisingly stylish. From litter boxes to catnip and everything in between, these feline finds will make your cat will feel like queen of her castle -- not that she doesn't already!

Above: Cat Clouds Cat Shelf, $100, The Refined Feline
Tired of Frisky knocking over vases when climbing from surface to surface? The Cat Clouds cat shelf offers supreme climbing fun and a seriously modern design. In stark white with soft comfortable pads covered in faux sheepskin fabric, you'll never have to clean shattered glass again.

Read on for more of our favorite feline finds of the season:

Put the romance back into your bedroom with a clutter-free zone.

When the weather is chilly and my energy is down, I retreat to my bedroom much earlier than I anticipate. Yet lately, my bedroom has hardly become the haven I hoped for. Stacks of magazines, loads of laundry and dusty books are cluttering my floors, making it nearly impossible to relax. Tonight I plan to light some candles and tackle this mess with the following steps. Feel like joining me in a quick bedroom clean-up?

The top renovation and decorating trends for the bath in 2010.

I've always gravitated toward simple, white bathrooms in a more traditional style (think: pedestal sinks, subway tiles and white shower curtains). Recently, however, the trends have been leading me elsewhere. If you're planning a bathroom re-do (or just want to live vicariously through those that are!), be sure to keep these ideas in mind:

Eco-Friendly
With growing awareness of the environment, many consumers are starting to invest in more environmentally-friendly bathroom features. Low-flow toilets, energy efficient lighting and sustainable building products are popular green bathroom design elements that are easy to install and won't break your budget.

Floating Sinks
With the increasing popularity of stark and modern interiors, floating sinks and even floating vanities are a trendy way to keep a bathroom looking light and airy. For a great budget option, IKEA has a variety of floating models to choose from.

Mirrored Walls
Using multiple mirrors to create the illusion of greater space continues to be a popular choice for those of us cursed with teeny bathrooms. Artistic mirror effects such as piecing together smaller mirrors, hanging different shaped mirrors or installing mirrored collages are becoming increasingly popular.

Heated Flooring
What was once thought of as a luxury is now creeping its way towards becoming a necessity. Although radiant heating is a high cost up front (expect to pay between $15 and $20 per square foot), the benefit of floor heating extends beyond warm toes to economic benefits. Once floor tiles heat up, they continue emitting heat long after the radiant elements have shut off.
Luxury Shower Heads
High-end shower heads, like dual shower heads are rounding out this year's trends, as homeowners seek creative ways to make their showers more spa-like. Also high on the list? The ever-so-relaxing rain showers.

For more bathroom know-how, read on:
-Bathroom Hardware 101
-Space-Saving Bathroom Sinks

Domsai's wacky terrariums will add personality to any interior.

Terrariums are all the rage this year. Although I can hardly pride myself with a green thumb, I'd gladly hop aboard the trend train, especially when the terrarium in question is as crazy as Gessato's Domsai Terrariums. Sure, they're weird, kooky and a little pricey ($140), but who wouldn't want a modern take on the Chia pet keeping them company throughout the day?

Perched on ceramic panted legs, the Domsai Terrarium is the perfect spot to house a cactus or succulent, protected by a tiny hand-blown glass globe atop. Domsai Terrariums are handcrafted in Italy, so that each one is a unique object. The mouth-blown glass covers are created with specific plants in mind, but you'll need to acquire your own flora, as plants are not included.

We can't help but wonder if they'll release a wide-leg pant style in the future. Have you seen any weird designs lately? Tweet us your finds at twitter.com/shelterpop.

For more design oddities, read on:
-Smile: These Weird Rugs Will Make Your Day
-Decorate Your Toilet With Wow Toilet -- Really!

Why we're dreaming of stained glass windows and choir lofts.

I'd never dreamed of living in an abandoned church -- until now. After tweeting about this renovated church from Zecc Architecten last week, I can't get the clean, white space out of my mind. There's nothing I love more than a smart renovation, and this church-turned residence is certainly clever.

Located in The Netherlands, this building is a former Catholic church that has been converted into a private home. A white, stark balcony divides the space into living, cooking and studying areas within the chapel, creating a new spatial hierarchy of asymmetric proportions.



Most striking is the choice of almost all-white interior surfaces. The furnishings and decor are kept minimalistic and abstract, which keeps the architecture itself at the forefront as the defining feature of the space. The lines of these modern designs and the classic shape of the original chapel contrast with one another beautifully.

Zecc Architecten kept the church's original stained glass windows intact for the renovation, paying homage to the chapel's roots. I'm a big fan of keeping the important elements of a building's original design during a renovation, and the stained glass windows sing against a white backdrop of modern architecture.

I'd say this home redefines the phrase "living on a prayer," wouldn't you agree?

Get More Amazing Converted Churches Here

Why we're loving cozy, naked beds -- and how to get the look!


I've been contemplating different ways to make my bedroom unique ever since I spied The Frisky's round-up of faux headboards.

My husband and I are currently renovating our master bedroom suite, and instead of dealing with a teeny bathroom, we've opted to cut into the size of our bedroom to create a larger, more integrated space. The plus side of the new arrangement is a massive bathroom, but the downside is a tinier bedroom.

Our four-poster bed will no longer work in the space, so I'd been brainstorming ways to incorporate a smaller headboard. Then, I had a lightning bulb moment, "Wait a second," I thought, "Why do I even need a headboard?" Sure, they're great for storage, aesthetic and reading in bed, but why not opt for a lighter look?

After the jump, check out a few examples of headboard-less looks that I can't wait to try for myself:






Mid-Century Model
I can almost smell the teak furniture in this mid-century-styled bedroom. The teal paint acts as the perfect backdrop for a mix of vintage and graphic prints.

Get the Look: In lieu of a headboard, make your pillows sing with shams in a sweet print. To draw the eye upwards, a collage of prints and family photos shines when hung against a bold paint color.

Femme Fatale
This bedroom is so feminine, it's almost deadly. Behind a quilted, pink duvet and velvet-y ottoman, a sweet floral wallpaper creates a beautiful accent wall. Did you even notice there's no headboard?

Get the Look: A patterned wallpaper applied as an accent wall creates a bold visual impact. Meanwhile, decorative pillows give you a comfy place to rest your back -- while reading all of those romance novels, of course!

Simple Space
A fancy headboard would compete with this space's grand architecture and the massively fabulous light fixture. Instead this child's bedroom hits the right note with minimal furnishings, simple bedding -- and no headboard.

Get the Look: Opt for statement lighting as your focal point, rather than a bulky headboard. For storage, try a few floating shelves where a headboard would be, painting them the same shade as the wall. The key here is to blend, not accent!

Sweet and Stark

Do you love photography, Polaroids and everything sweet? Well, we've got a look for you. Here a photo collage in the shape of a heart stuck directly on the wall takes the place of a headboard.

Get the Look: Draw your eye to a collage of photos mounted as a shapely heart (or another fun design) above the bed. For storage, try a simple bookshelf behind your pillows. To keep the look from going overboard, pair the photo montage with white walls and simple sheets -- a bedroom should be soothing, not distracting.

Go ahead, kick that headboard to the curb. These bare beds are proof that, every now and then, it's OK to break the rules!

For more bedroom ideas, read on:
- 6 Inspiring Bedroom Makeovers
- Turquoise in the Bedroom

Dwell Studio's Christiane LeMieux spills her eBay shopping secrets to The Inside Source.

As much as we love a good antique market, the crowds, heat and prices can sometimes make our heads explode. Naturally, it's no wonder we're huge fans of eBay, where we can shop 'til we drop -- all from the comfort of our king-sized bed.

But all too often, navigating the waters of eBay can be time-consuming, frustrating and just as crazy as those antique markets we've established a serious love/hate relationship with. How to combat the crazy? Follow a few shopping tips from the pros, namely Christiane LeMieux of Dwell Studio fame:

On scoring hidden gems, Lemieux says: "My process is all about the keywords. You can really drill down to what you want if you put in the right series of search terms. I usually put in at least four words for every search -- one definitely isn't enough."

Some of Lemieux's favorite phrases for yielding sleek, modern, one-of-a-kind housewares include: Danish, midcentury, teak, Hollywood regency, Vintage, Eames, Draper (as in designer Dorothy Draper), and Parzinger (short for Tommy Parzinger, another of Lemieux's favorite designers). "The more specific you are, the better your results -- that's when you end up with the smorgasbord of stuff to choose from," she advises.

Lemieux also offered some practical tips for larger acquisitions: "Scale is so important. If you're buying furniture, measure your room carefully and pay attention to the dimensions of the piece to make sure it'll fit well in your house. A lot of vintage furniture is teeny," she cautions. "And always ask questions. Most eBay sellers are really responsive."

A few pieces LeMieux has had her eye on?:
Kofod Larsen Danish Modern Brass Rod Chair (buy it now price, $675) "I lust after this chair; I am stalking it. So gorgeous -- the proportions are amazing. The hint of brass elevates it to something more than just a Midcentury chair. I want these for my bedroom."
Moreddi Danish Modern Eames Era Desk Chair (winning bid, $275) "I love this chair -- it's a great example of Danish Midcentury innovation. It's a chair, it's a console -- it's both. You could very easily put this in the corner or a small room and do something amazing with a light and some objet. Genius."
Large Real Cowhide Leather Rug (buy it now price, $150) "I never get tired of a cowhide as long as it's cream. Cowhides are very versatile and the organic shapes make them graphic and gorgeous too. The lines of the hide can really balance out a room full of linear furniture."

More Smart Solutions
Tie Back Curtains Without a Tieback -- CasaSugar
5 Cheap Ways to Make Your House Look More Expensive -- The Frisky
Reduce Pet Hair and Lint with Lint Balls -- Shelterrific
Pretty Mirrors Under $100 -- Design * Sponge

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