Posts with tag brightidea
Ditch Your Headboard
Decorating, Bedroom, Your Home
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
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
Photo: Sweet Home Style
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
Try a fun paint color and framed prints instead of a typical headboard. Photo: Sweet Home Style
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
Get girly with a floral wallpaper. Photo: Sweet Home Style
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
Statement lighting or statement headboard -- choose one or the other! Photo: Sweet Home Style
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
Photo: Cookie magazine
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
3 DIY Wallpaper Projects With Wow Factor
Books, Etc., Projects, Fun Stuff, Crafts & Projects
Photo: Chronicle Books
If you love wallpaper art, try these creative DIY wallpaper projects that are anything but ordinary.
Wallpaper is a one-stop crafting wonder.
It not only has color and pattern (and can tell a story) but it can cover an empty wall from floor to ceiling in one fell swoop.
The book, Wallpaper Projects: 50 Craft and Design Ideas for Your Home, from Accents to Art by Derek Fagerstrom and Lauren Smith, features easy how-to projects using wallpaper, from making pleated window shades to designing chic recipe cards to covering stair risers.
Here are 3 ideas of their ideas that were so good that we had to steal them.
Consider a bold-patterned or floral shirt in your closet or a favorite textile to cover your walls. Photo: Erin Kunkel
1. Turn Your Favorite Fabric into Wallpaper
What You Need:
A favorite fabric
White printer paper
Computer with scanner, printer, color photocopier
level
pencil
metal ruler
wallpaper paste and brush
plastic float
sponge
Here's How To Do It:
- Choose a favorite fabric to turn into wallpaper.
- Scan the section of fabric you want to serve as the "repeat" pattern in your wallpaper.
- Print out the wallpaper on a printer then make your color photocopies. (Obviously, the larger the paper size, the fewer pieces you'll have to print and paste on your wall.)
- Apply paste to the wall, and adhere the printouts using your plastic float to smooth out air bubbles as you go. Be sure to handle the pages with care as they are more prone to ripping or stretching than typical wallpaper.
Don't be boxed in with the "either/or" scenario. Use both wallpaper and paint as a dynamic duo and double your creativity. Photo: Erin Kunkel
2. Combine Wallpaper and Paint
What You Need:
Wallpaper
paint
paint tray
rollers
drop cloth
measuring tape
utility knife
metal ruler
pencil
level
wallpaper paste and brush
plastic float
sponge
Here's How To Do It:
- Choose a pattern that lends itself to a slender 6" to 8" strip.
- If you are painting your walls, take your wallpaper swatch and find a complimentary paint color.
- Prep and paint your walls. Let dry overnight.
- Measure the height of your walls, and cut out your wallpaper to size using the utility knife and metal ruler as your guide.
- Use a pencil and ruler to mark on the wall where you will place the wallpaper strip.
- Apply paste on the back side of the wallpaper, book the strips, and adhere them to the walls using the marks as guides.
- Once you've pasted up all the wallpaper pieces, go over each strip with the plastic float to make sure the edges are perfectly flush with the wall.
- Apply more paste as necessary, and wipe off any excess paste with a damp sponge.
Combine wallpaper patterns and fashion a collage layering your cutouts. It's as simple as choosing two patterns, or more if you like. Photo: Erin Kunkel
3. Create a Wallpaper Collage
What You Need
Wallpaper (two complementary patterns, preferably one large-scale print and one small)
Wallpaper paste and brush
plastic float
sponge
scissors
Here's How To Do It:
- Apply paste and hang your primary paper if it isn't already installed.
- Cut out your desired shapes from the secondary paper.
- Apply paste on the back side of the secondary paper and adhere to the wall.
- Smooth down the cut-out shapes with a brush and remove any air bubbles with the plastic float.
- Wipe off any excess paste with a damp sponge.
Table Transformation: From Blah to Blossoming
Decorating, DIY: Done in a Day, Your Home, Projects, Fun Stuff, Crafts & Projects
A simple side table is transformed with masking tape.
Raise your hand if you have ever owned an IKEA LACK side table. Okay, I might not be able to see you, but I know there are quite a few extended limbs out there, and why not? At $10 a piece, the composite wood, faux-finished tables are a real bargain -- they're also an excellent blank canvas for the DIYer.
One way to dress up a simple table is to use a reverse-stencil technique shown on the blossoming table above. Instead of actually stenciling a motif onto the table surface, I made a reverse-stencil out of painter's tape. After painting over the entire surface, the motif is revealed when the tape is removed.
If you'd like to create your own painted table, first find a graphic motif to use. Keep it simple: Intricate designs take a longer time to cut out and shape in tape. Once you've found your motif, you're ready to roll. Here's what you'll need: Materials:
- Simple side table, like IKEA's LACK
- Motif, enlarged and printed out to fit on table surface
- Steel wool
- Painter's tape
- X-acto knife
- Cutting mat
- Scissors
- Thin marker
- Satin finish latex paint
- Paintbrush
- Pastry cutter or other flat hard edge
- Acrylic sealer
Directions:
1. Use steel wool in a circular motion to lightly scratch the surface of the table. Wipe clean with damp cloth.
2. Cover the top surface of table where motif will be placed with painter's tape.
3. Cut the motif out. Position it over the section of the table covered in painter's tape and trace the outline with marker onto the tape.
3. Use an X-acto-knife to cut the motif out of the masking tape; avoid marring table surface by using medium pressure. Remove excess tape, leaving the motif in painter's tape on the table. Use a pastry cutter or other flat, hard edge to press down and ensure tape edges are adhered to table top.
4. Use painter's tape to mask-off the side edges of the table, positioning the tape line flush with table top. Again, use a pastry cutter or other flat, hard edge to ensure tape edges are well-adhered.
5. Paint table top with satin finish, latex paint and allow to dry. Apply a second coat and allow to dry thoroughly.
6. Use your X-acto-knife and fingers to lift up and gently remove the tape motif, which will reveal the unpainted table surface beneath.
7. Apply sealer to entire surface of the table and allow to dry thoroughly. Remove tape from table's sides.
Want more DIY inspiration? Here are two more posts about craft-tastic tape:
- Craft Ideas for Japanese HappyTape!
- A round-up of patterned tapes
Jazz up a plain table with a reverse-stencil technique. Photo: Gina Provenzano
Raise your hand if you have ever owned an IKEA LACK side table. Okay, I might not be able to see you, but I know there are quite a few extended limbs out there, and why not? At $10 a piece, the composite wood, faux-finished tables are a real bargain -- they're also an excellent blank canvas for the DIYer.
One way to dress up a simple table is to use a reverse-stencil technique shown on the blossoming table above. Instead of actually stenciling a motif onto the table surface, I made a reverse-stencil out of painter's tape. After painting over the entire surface, the motif is revealed when the tape is removed.
If you'd like to create your own painted table, first find a graphic motif to use. Keep it simple: Intricate designs take a longer time to cut out and shape in tape. Once you've found your motif, you're ready to roll. Here's what you'll need: Materials:
- Simple side table, like IKEA's LACK
- Motif, enlarged and printed out to fit on table surface
- Steel wool
- Painter's tape
- X-acto knife
- Cutting mat
- Scissors
- Thin marker
- Satin finish latex paint
- Paintbrush
- Pastry cutter or other flat hard edge
- Acrylic sealer
Directions:
1. Use steel wool in a circular motion to lightly scratch the surface of the table. Wipe clean with damp cloth.
2. Cover the top surface of table where motif will be placed with painter's tape.
3. Cut the motif out. Position it over the section of the table covered in painter's tape and trace the outline with marker onto the tape.
3. Use an X-acto-knife to cut the motif out of the masking tape; avoid marring table surface by using medium pressure. Remove excess tape, leaving the motif in painter's tape on the table. Use a pastry cutter or other flat, hard edge to press down and ensure tape edges are adhered to table top.
4. Use painter's tape to mask-off the side edges of the table, positioning the tape line flush with table top. Again, use a pastry cutter or other flat, hard edge to ensure tape edges are well-adhered.
5. Paint table top with satin finish, latex paint and allow to dry. Apply a second coat and allow to dry thoroughly.
6. Use your X-acto-knife and fingers to lift up and gently remove the tape motif, which will reveal the unpainted table surface beneath.
7. Apply sealer to entire surface of the table and allow to dry thoroughly. Remove tape from table's sides.
Want more DIY inspiration? Here are two more posts about craft-tastic tape:
- Craft Ideas for Japanese HappyTape!
- A round-up of patterned tapes
Cheap Trick: Flip Your Books
Decorating, Solutions, Books, Etc., Your Home, Projects
Change the look of your bookcase -- for zero bucks!
I love a good decorating trick that requires little effort and minimal dough, so this is one of my favorite tricks to date. I'm sure a few of you have noticed the growing trend of stark white homes, neutral color palettes and minimal furnishings. Whether you love a room full of color or prefer a blander color scheme, this trick fits well into any room -- and is easy to boot!
Why not display your books backwards on your bookshelves, so the pages face outward and the spine is hidden? Not only will those gold gilded pages shine, but your otherwise chaotic bookcase will look instantly streamlined. Add a few white sculptures and some neutral textures and you'll have a well-styled library worthy of the Smithsonian.
Of course, keep your frequent reads close by for easy access as they may be hard to find in a sea of flipped spines! Happy styling!
For more bright decorating ideas, read more from our friends around the web:
The Right Colors to Make Your Home Feel Bigger -- Freshome
Another Easy Way to Makeover A Room - Casasugar
Make a Little Paint Go a Long Way - Design*Sponge
Neutral is in! Credit: Kirsten Grove
Why not display your books backwards on your bookshelves, so the pages face outward and the spine is hidden? Not only will those gold gilded pages shine, but your otherwise chaotic bookcase will look instantly streamlined. Add a few white sculptures and some neutral textures and you'll have a well-styled library worthy of the Smithsonian.
Of course, keep your frequent reads close by for easy access as they may be hard to find in a sea of flipped spines! Happy styling!
For more bright decorating ideas, read more from our friends around the web:
The Right Colors to Make Your Home Feel Bigger -- Freshome
Another Easy Way to Makeover A Room - Casasugar
Make a Little Paint Go a Long Way - Design*Sponge
Give Warmth This Valentine's Day
DIY: Done in a Day, Fun Stuff, Crafts & Projects, Holidays
Heat things up this Valentine's Day with a microwaveable, heart-shaped pillow.
Tired of chocolate? Okay, maybe not. In addition to the standard sweet treat, a homemade gift is a wonderful Valentine's Day surprise. Perfect for covering the eyes while you sleep, coddling a sore muscle or as a prelude to a massage, a heat therapy pillow can come in any shape and color, including the symbolic shape of love: The heart. Here's how to make your own heart-shaped warmer:
Materials:
- 2 - 10 x 12 pieces of a favorite fabric
- Ribbon or pom-pom trim
- Fabric glue
- Needle and matching thread
- Pins
- Scissors
- Flax seed
- Lavender seed
- Chamomile seed
- Scrap paper
- Pencil
Directions:
1. Draw a heart-shape onto scrap paper. If you want it to be symmetrical, fold the paper in half lengthwise and draw half a heart shape, then cut through both thicknesses of paper. (Personally, I like a more asymmetrical shape, so I drew each side separately.)
2. Lie your two pieces of fabric on a flat surface with the right-sides facing one another. Trace the heart-shape onto wrong side of the top fabric. Pin the two pieces of fabric together and cut out the shape through both fabrics.
3. Sew around heart-shape with a 3/8" seam allowance, leaving an approximately 4-inch opening on one side for turning. Snip around rounded edges, tip and crutch of heart-shape, being sure not to cut your seam. Turn the heart right side out.
4. Use fabric glue to adhere a length of trim to edge of the heart. Allow to dry. (If you are an adept sewer, you can sew the trim into the seam in Step 3, by sandwiching it between the two right sides and abutting the raw edges.)
5. Fill heart with a mixture of flax, lavender and chamomile seeds. Do not overfill.
6. Pin opening closed and hand-sew shut with needle and thread. Embellish as desired.
To warm the pillow, simply place it in the microwave (do not put any metal embellishments, including any pins, in the microwave) for about 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, depending upon your model. Check temperature to make sure its not too hot before placing it against your skin.
For more Valentine's Day ideas, check out these posts:
- Decorating for Cupid's day
- An easy V-Day centerpiece
- A quick, DIY Valentine
Photo: Gina Provenzano
Tired of chocolate? Okay, maybe not. In addition to the standard sweet treat, a homemade gift is a wonderful Valentine's Day surprise. Perfect for covering the eyes while you sleep, coddling a sore muscle or as a prelude to a massage, a heat therapy pillow can come in any shape and color, including the symbolic shape of love: The heart. Here's how to make your own heart-shaped warmer:
Materials:
- 2 - 10 x 12 pieces of a favorite fabric
- Ribbon or pom-pom trim
- Fabric glue
- Needle and matching thread
- Pins
- Scissors
- Flax seed
- Lavender seed
- Chamomile seed
- Scrap paper
- Pencil
Directions:
1. Draw a heart-shape onto scrap paper. If you want it to be symmetrical, fold the paper in half lengthwise and draw half a heart shape, then cut through both thicknesses of paper. (Personally, I like a more asymmetrical shape, so I drew each side separately.)
2. Lie your two pieces of fabric on a flat surface with the right-sides facing one another. Trace the heart-shape onto wrong side of the top fabric. Pin the two pieces of fabric together and cut out the shape through both fabrics.
3. Sew around heart-shape with a 3/8" seam allowance, leaving an approximately 4-inch opening on one side for turning. Snip around rounded edges, tip and crutch of heart-shape, being sure not to cut your seam. Turn the heart right side out.
4. Use fabric glue to adhere a length of trim to edge of the heart. Allow to dry. (If you are an adept sewer, you can sew the trim into the seam in Step 3, by sandwiching it between the two right sides and abutting the raw edges.)
5. Fill heart with a mixture of flax, lavender and chamomile seeds. Do not overfill.
6. Pin opening closed and hand-sew shut with needle and thread. Embellish as desired.
To warm the pillow, simply place it in the microwave (do not put any metal embellishments, including any pins, in the microwave) for about 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, depending upon your model. Check temperature to make sure its not too hot before placing it against your skin.
For more Valentine's Day ideas, check out these posts:
- Decorating for Cupid's day
- An easy V-Day centerpiece
- A quick, DIY Valentine
Valentine's Day Craft: Spell Out Your Love
DIY: Done in a Day, Fun Stuff, Crafts & Projects, Holidays
Photo: Laura Fenton
Make this Valentine using Scrabble tiles to convey your sweet nothings.
Whether or not your Valentine is a wordsmith or Scrabble fan, he or she is sure to appreciate this cute card. To create this typographic design you'll need a camera, a Scrabble game, stick-on photo corners and a pre-cut red card and envelope from a stationary store. If you're printing at home, you'll also need an ink jet printer and photo paper.
1. Lay your message out on your Scrabble board, making sure to line up the tiles as straight as you can. We spelled out 'Happy Valentines Day,' but feel free to get creative with your phrasing.
2. Stand directly above your Scrabble board and take a photo of the message; if you have a digital camera with an option for grids on the screen, they'll help you get it straight. (Even a good camera may have some distortion at the corners of the frame, so don't worry about getting it perfect.)
3. Either upload and print your photo at home or bring it to your local photo shop for printing; be sure to make the print slightly smaller than the card you plan to place it on.
4. Place a photo corner at each corner of the image (we used white for a pop-y look), and stick the photo onto the card's front, and you're finished.
For an extra-sweet touch, we used one of the first-class "Love" stamps from the U.S. Postal Service.
For more Valentine's Day ideas check out these sweet posts:
- Valentine's Day decorating for grown-up tastes
- An easy Valentine's Day bouquet
A New Way to Display Artwork
Decorating, Solutions, Your Home, Projects
Ditch the scrapbooks. We found an artist that will make a collage of your favorite doodles.
As an author of a popular art blog, I've seen my share of artist sketchbooks and heard many horror stories involving clutter, storage and mishaps that go hand in hand with the paper medium. Whether you're a full-time artist pursuing your dream or simply like to doodle for fun, we love this bright collage idea to display your work.
Interior designer Jan Eleni specializes in creating professionally framed digital art collages from your loose leaf pages of artwork scattered about your home. Creating a variety of sizing and framing options, Eleni edits all individual pieces and gathers up to 112 images for a beautifully curated collage.
A perfect solution for busy moms or starving artists, I'm loving this idea. Of course, Eleni returns all original artwork for those of you who like to keep your future DaVinci piece in tact.
Up for the DIY route? You can create the same look with a scanner, graphic design program and a bit of patience. Either way, the result is a perfectly displayed collection of your (or your childrens'!) greatest work. Fantastic!
For more artistic displays, read on:
-Decorating With Family Photos
-How To: Create an Art Gallery in Your Home
Love art? You'll love these collages. Credit: Jan Eleni
Interior designer Jan Eleni specializes in creating professionally framed digital art collages from your loose leaf pages of artwork scattered about your home. Creating a variety of sizing and framing options, Eleni edits all individual pieces and gathers up to 112 images for a beautifully curated collage.
A perfect solution for busy moms or starving artists, I'm loving this idea. Of course, Eleni returns all original artwork for those of you who like to keep your future DaVinci piece in tact.
Up for the DIY route? You can create the same look with a scanner, graphic design program and a bit of patience. Either way, the result is a perfectly displayed collection of your (or your childrens'!) greatest work. Fantastic!
For more artistic displays, read on:
-Decorating With Family Photos
-How To: Create an Art Gallery in Your Home
Valentine's Day Decor for Grown Ups
DIY: Done in a Day, Fun Stuff, Crafts & Projects, Holidays
Photo: How About Orange
Valentine's Day is billed as the most romantic holiday, but it can often seem like the day is designed to appeal to tiny tots, not grown-ups. All those cute-as-can-be cupids and frilly hearts can seem a little too much to an adult aesthetic.
To solve this overdose of saccharine design, ShelterPop rounded up our favorite grown-up-friendly Valentine's Day decorating crafts. These ideas all stick to the traditional V-Day palette of red, white and pink, but they're long on style and short of over-the-top-cutesie-ness. Don't worry, the kids will like them too!
At right is a simple, quilled paper garland from How About Orange. We like the clean, graphic look of this easy DIY project. For a full tutorial on how to make the garland, check out the full post on How About Orange.
Photos: Brides.com and Sunset.com
Photos: MarthaStewart.com and QuickandSimple.com
Photo: BurdaStyle.com
Photos: Better Homes & Gardens
Photo: MarthaStewart.com
For more romantic decorating ideas, check out these posts:
- 9 Ways to Create a Sexy Bedroom
- 10 Feng Shui Tips for Love and Romance
The Beauty Of A Bare Bulb
DIY: Done in a Day, Your Home, Projects, Design, etc, News & Trends
Five easy ways to dress up an uncovered light bulb
Homeowners spend hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of dollars on light fixtures, shades and covers. However, sometimes, a bare bulb in a simple fixture is beautiful all on its own.
In the early part of the 20th century when electricity was still new and rare, light bulbs actually represented luxury and grandeur, which is why you'll see fixtures with exposed bulbs in historic houses and locations like Grand Central Station in New York.
Don't worry, we're not suggesting you just leave all the bulbs in your house bare -- in many instances a shade is necessary. However, here are five examples of uncovered light bulbs that prove that bare is beautiful.
At right is "The Chandy" a creation of Scott Bodenner, which appeared in the book Craftivity: 40 Projects for the DIY Lifestyle (Harper Paperbacks). Bodenner crafted this bulb cozy from crystals of various sizes and 50 or so 1/4" jump rings.
Below is a simple makeover from the ever-resourceful Anna Dorfman of Door Sixteen. Anna turned ugly, brass sconces with frosted, fluted shades into something modern and fresh. Simply remove the shade, spray paint the sconce and replace your usual bulb with a silver-tipped round glass bulb.
Dwell magazine recently featured a kitchen with an innovative design for bare bulbs. Simple ceramic fixtures were used in a "random polka dot arrangement of compact fluorescent lamp bulbs on the ceiling." The effect is modern and graphic, don't you think?
Last spring, I spied another use of ceramic fixtures while on the bi-annual Fort Greene house tour. The homeowner had forgone pricey bathroom fixtures in favor of two simple ceramic sconces and a Anna's fave, the silver-tipped bulb.
For those who want to dress up a hanging bulb, you could opt for Tord Boontje's Garland Shade Light. The laser-cut garland simply wraps around your light bulb.
Want another great idea for uncovered light bulbs? Check out Erin's post about some very cool wire lamps shades.
Homeowners spend hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of dollars on light fixtures, shades and covers. However, sometimes, a bare bulb in a simple fixture is beautiful all on its own.
In the early part of the 20th century when electricity was still new and rare, light bulbs actually represented luxury and grandeur, which is why you'll see fixtures with exposed bulbs in historic houses and locations like Grand Central Station in New York.
Don't worry, we're not suggesting you just leave all the bulbs in your house bare -- in many instances a shade is necessary. However, here are five examples of uncovered light bulbs that prove that bare is beautiful.
At right is "The Chandy" a creation of Scott Bodenner, which appeared in the book Craftivity: 40 Projects for the DIY Lifestyle (Harper Paperbacks). Bodenner crafted this bulb cozy from crystals of various sizes and 50 or so 1/4" jump rings.
Below is a simple makeover from the ever-resourceful Anna Dorfman of Door Sixteen. Anna turned ugly, brass sconces with frosted, fluted shades into something modern and fresh. Simply remove the shade, spray paint the sconce and replace your usual bulb with a silver-tipped round glass bulb.
Photo: Anna Dorfman/Door Sixteen
Dwell magazine recently featured a kitchen with an innovative design for bare bulbs. Simple ceramic fixtures were used in a "random polka dot arrangement of compact fluorescent lamp bulbs on the ceiling." The effect is modern and graphic, don't you think?
Photo: Dwell
Photo: Laura Fenton
Photo: Artecnica
Clever Thinking: The Murphy Nightstand
DIY: Done in a Day, Solutions, Shopping, Bedroom, Your Home, Design, etc, News & Trends
Hide Your Night-Time Needs Away During the Day With This Creative Contraption
Small apartments in the city are a dime a dozen, and I've seen lots of amazing home furnishings developed for tiny spaces. The Murphy bed, a bed that folds down from the wall and back up again, was invented in the early 1900s by Californian William Murphy and the first ones were manufactured in San Francisco around 1918. Murphy lived in a one-room apartment that had a bed that took up all of his floor space, and being an avid entertainer, he decided to get creative. Thus, the Murphy bed was born. The Murphy Bed Company still exists today.
For those of you who need as much bedside space as you can get -- this, dear readers, is a Murphy nightstand! Even if you don't fold up your bed into the wall, why not fold away your nightstand, along with your alarm clock, book and other unsightly nighttime necessities! During the day this cute contraption disguises itself as a photograph or artwork on your wall. Then at night you can fold it down to reveal a built-in night table.
From the brilliant minds of Steven Dodds and ReadyMade magazine, click here to read the step-by-step instructions at ReadyMade. Note: This is a medium difficulty project.
Photo by day, nightstand by night. Photo: ReadyMade
For those of you who need as much bedside space as you can get -- this, dear readers, is a Murphy nightstand! Even if you don't fold up your bed into the wall, why not fold away your nightstand, along with your alarm clock, book and other unsightly nighttime necessities! During the day this cute contraption disguises itself as a photograph or artwork on your wall. Then at night you can fold it down to reveal a built-in night table.
From the brilliant minds of Steven Dodds and ReadyMade magazine, click here to read the step-by-step instructions at ReadyMade. Note: This is a medium difficulty project.
New Look for an Old Stove
Decorating, Color, Solutions, Your Home, Living Room, Projects, Design, etc
Have An Old Wood-burning Stove? Paint It White!
I've got a thing for white, bright interiors, especially when the weather outside is treacherous. There's just something incredibly cozy about arriving home and finding yourself surrounded with a calming white aesthetic. Naturally, after spotting this gorgeous living room, I was drawn to the gorgeous, white furnishings --- specifically the homeowner's sweet white wood-burning stove.
At first sight, I could have sworn the stove was painted white, but after contacting the homeowner, it turns out the model was originally offered in white (available from Jotul.com). Sadly, I can't seem to find the same model available in the U.S., as our dear homeowner lives in Norway. Of course, I rarely take no for an answer, so I set out to find a way to re-create the look ourselves.
Turns out painting wood-burning stoves is easy enough with a bit of Stove Paint. Withstanding temperatures up to 120 degrees, Stove Paint offers a variety of colors to brighten up your fireplace (and room!). Even better? A good coat of paint does more than just improve the appearance of your hearth appliance; properly applied paint protects your fireplace or stove from rust and helps to maximize longevity.
Why not take a cue from our Norway friend and DIY this cutie? If you happen to tackle the project, let us know by uploading a photo to our Flickr group. Good luck!
Craving fireplace ideas? Read more:
-The Modern Fireplace Heats Up
-Recipe for a Fabulous Fireplace
Brighten up with a white wood-burning stove. Credit: Flickr, Hybris
At first sight, I could have sworn the stove was painted white, but after contacting the homeowner, it turns out the model was originally offered in white (available from Jotul.com). Sadly, I can't seem to find the same model available in the U.S., as our dear homeowner lives in Norway. Of course, I rarely take no for an answer, so I set out to find a way to re-create the look ourselves.
Turns out painting wood-burning stoves is easy enough with a bit of Stove Paint. Withstanding temperatures up to 120 degrees, Stove Paint offers a variety of colors to brighten up your fireplace (and room!). Even better? A good coat of paint does more than just improve the appearance of your hearth appliance; properly applied paint protects your fireplace or stove from rust and helps to maximize longevity.
Why not take a cue from our Norway friend and DIY this cutie? If you happen to tackle the project, let us know by uploading a photo to our Flickr group. Good luck!
Craving fireplace ideas? Read more:
-The Modern Fireplace Heats Up
-Recipe for a Fabulous Fireplace
DIY Subway Art
DIY: Done in a Day, Your Home, Projects, Fun Stuff, Crafts & Projects
Blogger Lil Blue Boo shows us how she made her New Year's resolutions into graphic artwork
Inspirational posters usually make me think of doctor's offices and my 7th grade Issue and Ethics class. But just wait until you see what blogger Ashley of Lil Blue Boo fashioned out of the simplest of materials. She turned her New Year's resolutions into a black-and-white Richard Prince-esque mural.
But the coolest part about it? Since you're making it yourself, It can say anything you please -- sky's the limit! (Just no obscenities, please!)
We loved the project so much that we put Lil Blue Boo's step by step directions below.
Here's What You'll Need:
-A 2' x 4' piece of wood shortened to 2' x 3' (the local hardware store or lumber yard are sure to have this)
-Long wood molding strips 1/2" wide and 1 1/2" deep
-A large mitre saw (or a plastic mitre box and hand saw will also work)
-A pencil
-Wood glue
-A hammer and nails
-Nail-in brackets from the hardware store (to secure the edges of your frame -- more on this later)
-Sandpaper
-Primer
-Spray-paint in black and white
-A computer with PowerPoint or another graphic design program
-Vinyl contact paper
-Spray Adhesive
-A brayer
-Screw eyes pictures hangers and wire (from the local hardware store)
Here's How To Make It:
1. Get a 2' x 4' pieces of wood from your local hardware store or lumber yard and ask them to shorten it to 2' x 3'.
2. Also, get some long wood molding strips that measure 1/2" wide and 1 1/2" deep while at the hardware store or lumber yard. These will serve as your frame, so make sure you get over 10' of length.
3. Measure the molding strips alongside the piece of wood and mark with a pencil where you will need to cut to make the strips even with the length and width of the wood board. (For example, if using a 2' x 3' board, you will end up with two 2' strips and two 3' strips.)
4. Cut the corners of the strips at a 45 degree angle using a mitre saw if you have one, or a hand saw with a mitre box. Your moldings should all fit together in order to form a frame.
5. Next, apply wood glue onto the long edges of your 2' x 3' wood board. Press it onto the short side of one of the wood trim pieces. It should line up exactly at the top and the bottom. Using small nails, hammer it in to secure it. Repeat with the remaining three moldings.
6. Nail the little brackets onto the corners of the moldings to further secure them.
7. Spray the entire wood piece with primer.
8. Sand down any rough edges, and then cover with a coat of white spray paint.
9. Create a template with the words you want to use with PowerPoint or any other design program that you're comfortable with. Check out Lil Blue Boo's template and use it in case you're stuck.
10. Print out your template, and then bring it to Kinko's or another print shop that can enlarge it to your desired width (the cost will be about $4).
11. Next, using vinyl contact paper, cut strips that will match up with the width of your wording. For example, Lil Boo Blue's contact paper was only 12" , so only 3 lines of her resolutions fit at a time.
12. Mount the photocopy of your words to the top of the contact paper using spray adhesive. Make sure to adhere to the top of the contact paper, not the paper side as you'll be peeling this part off later.
13. Trim each line of words with scissors.
14. Evenly space out your words on the wood board, using light pencil marks to guide you. Now you can cut out each letter, peel off the paper back, and adhere it to the wood.
15. Smooth out each word with a brayer.
16. Spray the tops and sides with black spray paint. (Two or three coats is optimal). Make sure you let each coat dry thoroughly before applying the next one.
17. Once the board is completely dry, carefully peel off each contact paper letter, and touch-up any letters with white paint that might need it.
18. Finally, attach the screw eyes about 1/3 of the way down the back of the frame, secure some wire, and your artwork is ready to hang!
Inspirational posters usually make me think of doctor's offices and my 7th grade Issue and Ethics class. But just wait until you see what blogger Ashley of Lil Blue Boo fashioned out of the simplest of materials. She turned her New Year's resolutions into a black-and-white Richard Prince-esque mural.
But the coolest part about it? Since you're making it yourself, It can say anything you please -- sky's the limit! (Just no obscenities, please!)
We loved the project so much that we put Lil Blue Boo's step by step directions below.
Art in an afternoon. Photo: Lil Blue Boo
-A 2' x 4' piece of wood shortened to 2' x 3' (the local hardware store or lumber yard are sure to have this)
-Long wood molding strips 1/2" wide and 1 1/2" deep
-A large mitre saw (or a plastic mitre box and hand saw will also work)
-A pencil
-Wood glue
-A hammer and nails
-Nail-in brackets from the hardware store (to secure the edges of your frame -- more on this later)
-Sandpaper
-Primer
-Spray-paint in black and white
-A computer with PowerPoint or another graphic design program
-Vinyl contact paper
-Spray Adhesive
-A brayer
-Screw eyes pictures hangers and wire (from the local hardware store)
Here's How To Make It:
1. Get a 2' x 4' pieces of wood from your local hardware store or lumber yard and ask them to shorten it to 2' x 3'.
The untouched wood board. Photo: Lil Blue Boo
3. Measure the molding strips alongside the piece of wood and mark with a pencil where you will need to cut to make the strips even with the length and width of the wood board. (For example, if using a 2' x 3' board, you will end up with two 2' strips and two 3' strips.)
Mark where you'll cut along the width and the depth of the molding. Photo: Lil Blue Boo
4. Cut the corners of the strips at a 45 degree angle using a mitre saw if you have one, or a hand saw with a mitre box. Your moldings should all fit together in order to form a frame.
A mitre saw guides you when you cut on an angle. Photo: Lil Blue Boo
5. Next, apply wood glue onto the long edges of your 2' x 3' wood board. Press it onto the short side of one of the wood trim pieces. It should line up exactly at the top and the bottom. Using small nails, hammer it in to secure it. Repeat with the remaining three moldings.
The finished board with frame. Photo: Lil Blue Boo
6. Nail the little brackets onto the corners of the moldings to further secure them.
Just a little extra security. Photo: Lil Blue Boo
7. Spray the entire wood piece with primer.
8. Sand down any rough edges, and then cover with a coat of white spray paint.
Let it dry for a few hours, too. Photo: Lil Blue Boo
9. Create a template with the words you want to use with PowerPoint or any other design program that you're comfortable with. Check out Lil Blue Boo's template and use it in case you're stuck.
10. Print out your template, and then bring it to Kinko's or another print shop that can enlarge it to your desired width (the cost will be about $4).
You can also measure out your real estate to make sure everything fits. Photo: Lil Blue Boo
11. Next, using vinyl contact paper, cut strips that will match up with the width of your wording. For example, Lil Boo Blue's contact paper was only 12" , so only 3 lines of her resolutions fit at a time.
The standard contact paper allotment. Photo: Lil Blue Boo
12. Mount the photocopy of your words to the top of the contact paper using spray adhesive. Make sure to adhere to the top of the contact paper, not the paper side as you'll be peeling this part off later.
13. Trim each line of words with scissors.
Here's a spot where you can reorder if you change your mind. Photo: Lil Blue Boo.
14. Evenly space out your words on the wood board, using light pencil marks to guide you. Now you can cut out each letter, peel off the paper back, and adhere it to the wood.
15. Smooth out each word with a brayer.
if you don't have a brayer, the edge of a hardback book would also work. Photo: Lil Blue Boo
16. Spray the tops and sides with black spray paint. (Two or three coats is optimal). Make sure you let each coat dry thoroughly before applying the next one.
If black's not your thing, any contrasting color would work. Photo: Lil Blue Boo
17. Once the board is completely dry, carefully peel off each contact paper letter, and touch-up any letters with white paint that might need it.
The big reveal. Photo: Lil Blue Boo
18. Finally, attach the screw eyes about 1/3 of the way down the back of the frame, secure some wire, and your artwork is ready to hang!
The last step. Photo: Lil Blue Boo
5 Weekend Projects With Antique Linens
Decorating, DIY: Done in a Day, Bedroom, Your Home, Projects, Fun Stuff, Crafts & Projects
If you love vintage and antique linens, repurpose them with these fast weekend DIY projects.
Here's an idea: Reuse your old textiles.
"Old textiles have a way to warm the soul with their timeless beauty. What I adore is knowing that these textiles once lived with, and were loved by generations before me," says Wendy Lewis of The Textile Trunk.
Lewis scours Europe for bolts of flax and hemp leftover from farming families hundreds of years ago, as well as grain sacks, French prints, sheets and ticking. Giving them new use is not only environmentally-friendly but with a few buttons, a kit and some simple sewing, you can take on a few easy DIY projects. With Wendy's help, we pulled together five fun projects for you to tackle, including a roman shade, bolster, bedcover, shower curtain and wall art. Find her textile collection on Ebay, which averages $35 - $55/yard.
1. Bolster Pillows
European grain sacks make simple bolster pillows that offer texture and is machine-washable.
Here's how to make it:
-Choose the size of grain sack that you wish to use for your finished pillow.
-Purchase an insert, preferably a feather one.
-Insert the pillow into the grain sack. Slip stitch the opening closed or sew on snaps or buttons to close.
Large antique hemp and linen sheets make excellent bedcovers and are, in most cases machine washable. The natural and simple designs of a sheet's weight, tone and texture will bring a finishing touch to your bedroom.
Here's how to make it:
-Measure your bed from one side of the mattress to the other, plus the drop required for the width. For the length, measure from the head to the foot of the mattress then to the floor. Add one yard to allow for tucking under the pillow.
-Any sheet can be chosen based on your size requirements.
French linen and hemp sheets make great shower curtains. "Hemp is also naturally mold and mildew resistant," says Wendy.
Here's how to make it:
-Measure the opening where you plan to hang the shower curtain. Allow for an additional 8" in width for gathering.
-Use a fabric pen to mark where you want the grommets to be. All marks should be made on the right side 1" from the top. The first and last mark should be 1" from the sides. The rest should be evenly spaced between those two.
Here's an idea: Reuse your old textiles.
"Old textiles have a way to warm the soul with their timeless beauty. What I adore is knowing that these textiles once lived with, and were loved by generations before me," says Wendy Lewis of The Textile Trunk.
Lewis scours Europe for bolts of flax and hemp leftover from farming families hundreds of years ago, as well as grain sacks, French prints, sheets and ticking. Giving them new use is not only environmentally-friendly but with a few buttons, a kit and some simple sewing, you can take on a few easy DIY projects. With Wendy's help, we pulled together five fun projects for you to tackle, including a roman shade, bolster, bedcover, shower curtain and wall art. Find her textile collection on Ebay, which averages $35 - $55/yard.
Grain sacks come in many sizes and shapes. Photo: Wendy Lewis
1. Bolster Pillows
European grain sacks make simple bolster pillows that offer texture and is machine-washable.
Here's how to make it:
-Choose the size of grain sack that you wish to use for your finished pillow.
-Purchase an insert, preferably a feather one.
-Insert the pillow into the grain sack. Slip stitch the opening closed or sew on snaps or buttons to close.
Add a finishing touch with a bedcover. Photo: Wendy Lewis
2. Bedcover
Large antique hemp and linen sheets make excellent bedcovers and are, in most cases machine washable. The natural and simple designs of a sheet's weight, tone and texture will bring a finishing touch to your bedroom.
Here's how to make it:
-Measure your bed from one side of the mattress to the other, plus the drop required for the width. For the length, measure from the head to the foot of the mattress then to the floor. Add one yard to allow for tucking under the pillow.
-Any sheet can be chosen based on your size requirements.
-The average bed measurements are included below but do not allow for the extra fabric needed for the drop on the sides or top.
Single or Twin -- 39" x 76" (98 x 191cm)
Full or Double -- 54" x 76" (137 x 191cm)
Queen -- 60" x 80" (152 x 203cm)
King -- 72" x 80" (183 x 203cm)
Dual King -- 78" x 80" (198 x 203cm)
Full or Double -- 54" x 76" (137 x 191cm)
Queen -- 60" x 80" (152 x 203cm)
King -- 72" x 80" (183 x 203cm)
Dual King -- 78" x 80" (198 x 203cm)
Make easy curtains with a grommet kit. Photo: Wendy Lewis
3. Shower Curtains
French linen and hemp sheets make great shower curtains. "Hemp is also naturally mold and mildew resistant," says Wendy.
Here's how to make it:
-Measure the opening where you plan to hang the shower curtain. Allow for an additional 8" in width for gathering.
-Use a fabric pen to mark where you want the grommets to be. All marks should be made on the right side 1" from the top. The first and last mark should be 1" from the sides. The rest should be evenly spaced between those two.
-Follow instructions on the grommet kit, and apply one grommet to each mark. Attach a ring to each grommet and hang the shower curtain.
-Add a plastic liner to protect the fabric.
-Add a plastic liner to protect the fabric.
Create a wall display of printed grain sacks. Photo: Wendy Lewis
4. Wall Art
Antique printed French grain sacks are instant art objects. Consider framing without a glass front to prevent glare.
Here's how to make it:
-Choose the sack with a design that is appealing to you. These sacks can be dry cleaned or simply framed as is. Iron the sack flat before beginning.
-Measure the dimensions of the sack that you would like visible.
Stretch the fabric gently onto the frame backing.
-Cut away excess fabric, and secure with staples or pins.
Antique printed French grain sacks are instant art objects. Consider framing without a glass front to prevent glare.
Here's how to make it:
-Choose the sack with a design that is appealing to you. These sacks can be dry cleaned or simply framed as is. Iron the sack flat before beginning.
-Measure the dimensions of the sack that you would like visible.
Stretch the fabric gently onto the frame backing.
-Cut away excess fabric, and secure with staples or pins.
An antique linen hangs as a simple window treatment. Photo: Wendy Lewis
5. Roman Shades
One of Wendy's favorite ways to enjoy an old textile is turning it into a simple window treatment using a roman shade kit. Linen yardage makes the best shades, she says, and suggests leaving them unlined to show off the hand weaving in the fabric when the light shines through.
Here's how to make it:
-Cut a length of 1x1 wood to fit across the inside top of the window opening, and attach with screws.
-Select your fabric. Linen is woven on narrow looms so widths may need to be seamed to fit the window.
-Miter the seam allowances at the corners so that it will not bunch up in the corner, and iron.
-Sew a strip of Velcro across the top of edge of the fabric. This will produce the basic shade.
-Making the pleats: Measure and mark the horizontal lines where you think the horizontal pleats/folds should fall. Glue "battens" (or thin strips of stiffening material) horizontally across your fabric at the pleat marks.
-Allow time for the glue to dry.
-Sew plastic loops to the battens. Space them evenly in at least two vertical lines. Be sure to fasten the loops securely to the shade.
One of Wendy's favorite ways to enjoy an old textile is turning it into a simple window treatment using a roman shade kit. Linen yardage makes the best shades, she says, and suggests leaving them unlined to show off the hand weaving in the fabric when the light shines through.
Here's how to make it:
-Cut a length of 1x1 wood to fit across the inside top of the window opening, and attach with screws.
-Select your fabric. Linen is woven on narrow looms so widths may need to be seamed to fit the window.
-Miter the seam allowances at the corners so that it will not bunch up in the corner, and iron.
-Sew a strip of Velcro across the top of edge of the fabric. This will produce the basic shade.
-Making the pleats: Measure and mark the horizontal lines where you think the horizontal pleats/folds should fall. Glue "battens" (or thin strips of stiffening material) horizontally across your fabric at the pleat marks.
-Allow time for the glue to dry.
-Sew plastic loops to the battens. Space them evenly in at least two vertical lines. Be sure to fasten the loops securely to the shade.
Paints that Bring Emotion to Your Walls
Decorating, Color, Your Home, Projects, Design, etc
Wall-color drama increases with designer paints that blush, turn pale or flash hints of envious green.
Three designer paints brands offer custom wall colors with rich undertones that create amazing effects as light changes in the room.
Marketed as "full spectrum" paints, their appeal is "complex" wall color. "During the day it's very creamy and rosy. During the evening it's like candlelight," says avid DIYer Ivette Timmins, about Kaufman's #3, which she used in her master bath in suburban Virginia after reading about DKC in a decorating book.
Kaufman is the color world's big kahuna, with an elite client list of designers and architects. "We are artist-painters who specialize in colors for architecture," he says. All we try to do is get someone to paint one room [with our paint]. There is an addictive quality."
Each designer has a tightly edited color range plus a way for consumers to connect directly, via a website, books, blogs, classes or by phone. "Talking to me is included in the price of the paint," notes Ellen Kennon, who often answers when clients call, and helps plan their color schemes.
Each brand can be ordered online and delivered to your door. All have sample pots to test colors at home. While Kennon's and Kaufman's paints also are sold through stores authorized to mix their special formulas, Volk has a Citron boutique in Tucson, where she also gives color theory classes.
So what do they cost? "There is no difference in price between my paint and Aura," Volk insists. Since her interior flat retails for $50-$54 per gallon, it's actually $2 less. Kennon's interior flat gallons run $52-$56. Kaufman charges $95-105 – about as high as paint goes. But, Timmins insists, it "was worth the extra money to me. It's gorgeous."
Which Full-Spectrum Paint?
While some colors work everywhere, finding a source close to home can make choices easier – and keep shipping costs to a minimum.
Donald Kaufman Color (New York, NY)
Focus: Nuanced whites, neutrals and urban pales.
Colors: 104
Pigments/gallon: 7-13
Top Color: DKC 5 (a warm white)
Phone Order: The Color Factory, 201-568-2226
Ellen Kennon (Saint Francisville, LA)
Focus: Land-sea greens & blues, historical hues, soft golds & yellows.
Colors: 90 stock; 150 total
Pigments/gallon: 7-8
Top Color: "Buttercream is my best-seller. Gustavian Grey is my favorite."
Phone Order: 877-877-7628
Citron Paint (Tucson, AZ)
Focus: Rich earth colors, cool neutrals, high-energy brights.
Colors: 99
Pigments/gallon: 8-16
Top Color: Cool Sheets (slightly warm off-white), Khakis (warm gray), Mr. Darcy (vivid blue).
Phone Order: 520-886-5800
ADD MORE IMPACT TO YOUR HOME
Turquoise: The Color of 2010 -- decor8
How You Can Stencil Your Floors, Really -- CasaSugar
Flowers, Flowers Everywhere! -- Design*Sponge
Three designer paints brands offer custom wall colors with rich undertones that create amazing effects as light changes in the room.
Bedroom painted Donald Kaufman Color #5, which designer Mariette Himes Gomez calls "the Chanel #5 of paint." Photo: DKC
Color experts Donald Kaufman Color in New York, Ellen Kennon in Louisiana, and C.J. Volk of Citron Paint, in Arizona, mix seven or more pigments in their paint colors -- double the number used in mass-market brands – but they don't use black so that colors can reveal themselves.
Marketed as "full spectrum" paints, their appeal is "complex" wall color. "During the day it's very creamy and rosy. During the evening it's like candlelight," says avid DIYer Ivette Timmins, about Kaufman's #3, which she used in her master bath in suburban Virginia after reading about DKC in a decorating book.
Kaufman is the color world's big kahuna, with an elite client list of designers and architects. "We are artist-painters who specialize in colors for architecture," he says. All we try to do is get someone to paint one room [with our paint]. There is an addictive quality."
Each designer has a tightly edited color range plus a way for consumers to connect directly, via a website, books, blogs, classes or by phone. "Talking to me is included in the price of the paint," notes Ellen Kennon, who often answers when clients call, and helps plan their color schemes.
Ellen Kennon's Gustavian Grey goes grey-blue and grey-green on different walls in a room. Photo: Lori Sawaya
Each brand can be ordered online and delivered to your door. All have sample pots to test colors at home. While Kennon's and Kaufman's paints also are sold through stores authorized to mix their special formulas, Volk has a Citron boutique in Tucson, where she also gives color theory classes.
So what do they cost? "There is no difference in price between my paint and Aura," Volk insists. Since her interior flat retails for $50-$54 per gallon, it's actually $2 less. Kennon's interior flat gallons run $52-$56. Kaufman charges $95-105 – about as high as paint goes. But, Timmins insists, it "was worth the extra money to me. It's gorgeous."
Citron Paint's Soul Sister has hints of a desert sunset. Photo: Citron Paint
"Specialized brands are fine-tuned and honed-down to colors that really are going to work together," explains Rachel Perls, author of Hue, the highly-regarded color blog. "That's helpful for taking away the usual anxiety of having so many different color choices at Home Depot."
Which Full-Spectrum Paint?
While some colors work everywhere, finding a source close to home can make choices easier – and keep shipping costs to a minimum.
Donald Kaufman Color (New York, NY)
Focus: Nuanced whites, neutrals and urban pales.
Colors: 104
Pigments/gallon: 7-13
Top Color: DKC 5 (a warm white)
Phone Order: The Color Factory, 201-568-2226
Ellen Kennon (Saint Francisville, LA)
Focus: Land-sea greens & blues, historical hues, soft golds & yellows.
Colors: 90 stock; 150 total
Pigments/gallon: 7-8
Top Color: "Buttercream is my best-seller. Gustavian Grey is my favorite."
Phone Order: 877-877-7628
Citron Paint (Tucson, AZ)
Focus: Rich earth colors, cool neutrals, high-energy brights.
Colors: 99
Pigments/gallon: 8-16
Top Color: Cool Sheets (slightly warm off-white), Khakis (warm gray), Mr. Darcy (vivid blue).
Phone Order: 520-886-5800
ADD MORE IMPACT TO YOUR HOME
Turquoise: The Color of 2010 -- decor8
How You Can Stencil Your Floors, Really -- CasaSugar
Flowers, Flowers Everywhere! -- Design*Sponge
Ruler Crafts
DIY: Done in a Day, Fun Stuff, Crafts & Projects
These craft ideas rule!A humble wooden ruler or yardstick can be inspiration for a do-it-yourself project. From the standard 12-incher to a folding ruler, there are many kinds of measuring sticks -- we like ones with a patina of age.
Old yardsticks in particular can easily be found at junk shops, flea markets and yard sales -- often for just a few cents a piece. Often yardsticks will be marked with marketing copy, as they were often used by hardware stores and other businesses as a freebie promotional item.
One of our favorite ruler crafts is this starburst mirror that appeared in Do It Yourself magazine from Better Homes & Gardens. To make this mirror, Do It Yourself recommends using 22 yardsticks, a handsaw, a store-bought mirror and wood glue. For step-by-step instructions pick up a copy of the Winter 2009 issue of Do It Yourself.
Here are five additional crafts that use rulers:
Photo: Good Housekeeping
Photo: Do It Yourself
Photo: Marie Claire Idées
Photo: Country Living
Photo: Good Housekeeping
Photo: Laura Fenton
