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I wanted to wrap up this mini-series on home design with a special gift for you. For a limited time only, I am offering a free download of my e-book, Thrift Store Design, to you!
I had such a great time compiling the photos and content for this e-book this past spring, and even hosted a special Design Day to celebrate it!
In it, I include tips on how to tell whether that used armoire is junk or treasure, how to find great fabrics in unlikely places, and how to create your own do-it-yourself art on the cheap!
To download this e-book, please click the Thrift Store icon in the lefthand column!
Hope you enjoy, and have a wonderful Friday!
Previous Related Posts:
Ode to Pillows
I Swore Never Again, Part 2 (DIY roman shades)
Box Store Boycott
Now, I have nothing against box stores. In fact, I love Target. Love it. Have-to-keep-myself-out-of-the-store-so-I-don't-spend-away-my-retirement Love it. But...what I don't love about the box store empire is that by tantalizing us with cheap prices and pretty packaging, we've forsaken originality and craftsmanship. Plus, our houses all start to look the same.
So, I thought I would do a little tantalizing today by featuring a few selections from the handmade marketplace, Etsy. Each of these items is either vintage (aka recycled) or handmade. And oh so pretty. For example, 
Chakra Pennywhistle is one of my favorite shops. I love the folksy/natural look of this Tulip pillow, and can imagine it sitting neatly on my bed or sofa. I also love the antique moneybag pillows offered in the store, too--they're so charming, and remind me of my days as a banker.
This Smile Letterpress Poster from Roll & Tumble Press is fresh and simple. I love the chunky black frame (not included) and can picture it hanging perfectly in my entryway. And the message is not too cloyingly sweet thanks to the no-nonsense font and retro camera image. You won't find the likes of this letterpress beauty at any box stores, I guarantee!
This is Mrs. B's Yellow Teapot. Hello, Mrs. B. Would you like to come over to my house? Why thank you--you're so kind.
From Modern Nest, this vintage pot is just the shade of yellow I've been craving lately. Check out the rest of the store for other fun retro housewares as well! 
I think these Vinyl Kitchen Labels are ingenious. You can customize a set of 6 generic canisters with these stickers in minutes. From Studio JK, they would make a great wedding or housewarming gift for your favorite nester.
Finally, speaking of vinyl stickers, wall decals are quickly becoming all the rage in home design these days. And though I'm still a little torn about them for main living spaces, I do think they're adorable in nurseries. This Safari Animal Stack by Single Stone Studios is so fun, and would make a great baby shower gift for a modern mom.
All together, handmade and vintage stores offer a great way to break out of the cookie-cutter mold and into fresh, fun design. And these five items are just a sampling of the home design alternatives available out there. I hope you're tantalized! Happy browsing!
Hope you all have a great weekend!
Previous Related Posts:
Five Things You Need
Plotting More Patina
From Cookie Cutter to Custom
One of the common complaints I hear about designing a home is that either the "stuff" is too expensive, or it is too generic. Fortunately, breaking out of the mold and creating unique and inexpensive things for your home isn't difficult--you just need to have the right tools and the time to use them.
But what tools, and where do you start? Well, in my experience, I have found that these five things can carry you a long way when trying to spruce up your dwelling.
#1: a sewing machine & notions: I was fortunate to inherit my sewing machine from an aunt, and can’t imagine how I ever lived without it. Sewing machines are endlessly useful for home design, and you can save a lot of money by making your own bedding, curtains, throws and pillows. And once you get the hang of them, you’ll find they’re easy to use and simple to store.
#2: a fabric stash: when I’m out, I always keep my eye open for fabrics that I like, even if I’m not sure how I’ll use them. And there’s no source off-limits for me. I’ve been known to cut apart used trousers for the herringbone wool, or load up on napkins because I like the pattern. I bring them home, wash, dry and press them, and then stack them in my closet, where they rest, waiting for inspiration.
#3: fabric paint: everyone, I think, should keep a few fabric paints on hand just in case. Just in case, for instance, you want to dress up a plain black t-shirt with a funky design, or add initials to your pillow shams, or stripes to your table runner. And while certainly stores carry a multitude of colors, you can save money by sticking to the primary colors. I mix the majority of my hues from five basics: black, white, red, yellow and blue.
#4: blank canvases: I always try to keep a few blank canvases in varying sizes stashed in the back of my closet just in case an art project strikes my fancy. I find them handy for mounting photos and old posters I don’t want to frame, or for painting designs. Some I just paint in solid colors and scatter them around the house. In other words, don’t let your lack of artistic skills hold you back from having fun with canvas! Skill is rarely required.
#5: inspiration notebook: I’ve blogged before about how I always keep a notebook (ahem...notebooks) close by for filing away magazine clippings and photos of rooms, colors, landscapes and patterns I like. Often when I want to start a project, I begin with my notebooks to collect ideas or just dream about possibilities.
The truth is that part of successful creativity is having the right supplies on hand for when the mood to create strikes. Time and time again I have gone back to these basic things to liven up my home. For me, they're like the flour and sugar of design--staples to keep around for when you need them.
Happy designing!
Previous Related Posts:
Adding Patina, so to speak
Plotting more Patina
