Just like the weather this time of year, I feel like my home is between seasons. The holiday decor is in storage but I am not quite ready to dig out the summer linens and pillow covers. (Yes, I do switch out my linens, shower curtains etc. in the warmer months).
In an effort to change things up a bit without spending much hard-earned cash I tried a few new tricks and reinstated some old standby traditions which I thought I would share with all of my followers.
1. Re-purpose Vases and Vessels:
Some of my family members think I collect way too many decorative vases. While that may be true, I do not purchase these objects to fill them only with flowers. When I see fantastic color or texture on a vase I do not always envision an arrangement of roses, instead I look at the shapes and imagine these as containers for my clutter that should always be on display.
Throughout my humble home I have tall cylinders concealing combs and brushes, a tapered bubble glass vase doubling as a headband holder and a porcelain pitcher confining all of my kitchen utensils. Open container objects make contents accessible yet neat.
Recently I purchased two stray glasses from the discount shelf. I was not sure what to do with a single tall green glass or a lonely short green glass but liked the pattern and color. Instead of adding these pieces to my glassware collection, I put these out on my vanity table and added make-up brushes, eye-liner pencils and mascaras. Now I do not have to rummage through a messy drawer to find what I am looking for while getting ready each morning.
2. Problem Solved; Thinking Outside the Can:
I have been struggling for over a year to find the perfect bathroom wastebasket. With two very cute but curious animals in my household a lid is a must on all trash containers. Most options for waste management lack character and design which are essential when you have a small space (and practice design for a living).
It sounds cliche that you always find what you are looking for when you are not really looking at all but that is exactly what happened to me in the aisles of the Home and Garden department. I was merely browsing and daydreaming about sitting out on my deck again when a turquoise lidded planter/jar caught my eye. The size, the shape, the cute final adorned lid and the weight were all perfect and the texture and whimsy of the piece were too cute to resist. Now I have a functional and pretty piece instead of a hidden basket under my bathroom sink.
3. Don't Be Afraid..of Decorative Decals:
So I have been noticing vinyl wall stencils everywhere but have been skeptical. Sure the Colorform-like pieces seem like a fun way to dress up a plain wall but I was not certain how they work, if they peel off or are hard to install. I was in a long checkout line recently and as an impulse buy picked up a pack to try out.
I brought the package home and was not sure where to use it at first but ultimately opted for my bathroom. I have bright lilac walls and a narrow space enclosing my vanity. Due to the tight space, I never wanted to project off of the wall surface with artwork or a mirror yet the walls were so plain;plain until I added the black vinyl decals. The pattern was easy to make my own, the installation was not complicated and the result was the perfect solution. The best part about the decals is knowing you can remove and reposition them which is ideal for all you renters and those with a decorating fear of commitment.
These tips are basic but I hope the gist of the ideas inspire you to get creative with your space and your decorating budget. Remember that making small changes can make a huge impact. Enjoy!
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