posted by: Misty on June 13th, 2011

Bookshelves from Lonnymag.com
There’s a Texas Tornado’s song that goes, “A little bit is better than nada, sometimes you want the whole enchilada”. Maybe it’s my craving for TexMex or maybe I’m just consoling myself, but these lyrics keep popping up in my head. When I think of all the decorating projects I want to do, the mundane tasks I need to do, and all the stuff that falls in between, I realize that I’m not getting the whole enchilada on my proverbial plate. Rather than be put out by the work I’m not getting done (hello, blog posts) or the items still on my “to do” list, I’m going to settle for little “bites” of success. After all, a little bit is better than nothing at all.
If you feel like you aren’t making much progress in your home, I encourage you to find quick and easy ways to instantly gratify your decorating cravings. Those tiny triumphs add up to big changes and fuel your appetite for bigger projects. Just for now, try one of these simple ideas and then bask in your glory:
1. Rearrange your bookshelves. Turn books sideways, group books by colors, or add found objects to the mix.
2. Never underestimate the impact of fresh flowers (from your garden or grocery store). Arrange similar color flowers in tight bunches in small vases, old pitchers or vintage glasses. Place single buds in glass votives or teacups sprinkled around the house.
3. Change out your accent pillows on your sofa or bed. Buy inexpensive pillows at discount stores or make your own from leftover fabric.

Pillow Assortment from Lonnymag.com
For a “little bit” more inspiration for little updates . . .
1. Simple Updates for Old Furnishings
2. 100 Quick and Easy Ways to Freshen Home
3. 99 Cheap Decorating Tips
4. Fun and Easy Decorating Ideas
5. 8 Quick Decorating Changes
6. Quick and Easy Updates for Your Kitchen
Okay, now don’t just sit there and do nada. Make something happen . . . then sit back and celebrate with a margarita.
Tags: accent pillows, Apartment Therapy, better homes and gardens, bookshelves, easy decorating, easy updates, fresh flowers, house beautiful, lonny mag, marthat stewart living, quick changes, real simple, simple solutions, small projects
Posted in Bedrooms, Budget Friendly, DIY Projects, Design Solutions, Dining rooms, Inspiration, Kitchens, Organizing, accessories, color, fabric, general, how to, pillows |
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posted by: Misty on May 2nd, 2011
Just like an unfashionably late wedding guest, I’m sheepishly posting my British inspiration piece a few days after the royal rustle. But just because we’ve gossiped about Kate’s dress and witnessed “the kiss”, our glance across the pond doesn’t have to shift just yet. And the cool, drizzly weather today has me feeling especially English [...]
Posted in Inspiration, Style, accessories, decorative arts, etsy, furniture, general, traditional |
posted by: Misty on April 26th, 2011
I’ve got such a crush on a UK company that I just discovered, Mini Moderns. Their prints are simultaneously vintage and modern, playful and clever, and above all, utterly unique. Included in their product line are wallpapers, pillows, tea towels, rugs and more created with sustainable methods. Commit to a wall of printed paper or [...]
Posted in Green design, accessories, decorative arts, general, modern, online shopping, rugs, vintage |
posted by: Misty on April 1st, 2011
Craft on-line magazine just featured a video tutorial with a painting technique that any non-artist can do. The best part is, this gradient paint method requires only two paint colors combined to create varying tints and maximum impact. Paint a canvas for your very own modern art, apply graduated stripes to a staircase, or create [...]
Posted in DIY Projects, Inspiration, Paint, art, color, decorative arts, general, modern |
posted by: Misty on March 18th, 2011
Matching is for Garanimals. When it comes to dining room tables and chairs, not matching is so much more interesting. Although it might take some thought to create just the right mix, using random chairs has its benefits. You can collect them over time and you can often find one off chairs at great prices, new [...]
Posted in Dining rooms, Family Friendly, Inspiration, art, combining styles, entertaining, furniture, general |
posted by: sue on March 16th, 2011
Sometimes the entire direction of a design can rest on a beloved object or color or fabric. Today look at this lawn candy that has me all atwitter! Do you have any lawn candy to share? Email me!
Posted in DIY Projects, Exterior, Green design, Inspiration, Style, accessories, architecture, art, color, decorative arts, entertaining, foyer, gardening, general, how to, modern, online shopping |
posted by: curlin on March 14th, 2011
There is something wonderful about wallpaper like this. It doesn’t rely on pattern or gorgeous repeat. It tells a little story in a big way. It makes me feel like I’ve stepped into one of the luscious images by one of my favorite illustrators. I’m a character in my own room where a lifesize tale [...]
Posted in Bedrooms, Creative Spaces, Design Solutions, Dining rooms, Inspiration, Shopping, Style, art, artist, color, combining styles, decorative arts, foyer, general, living room, modern |
posted by: sue on March 9th, 2011
Well, you know we all want to change the world. Here are a few people who are doing it and inspiring the rest of us to join up! Fritz Haeg is approaching growing your own food as an art expression and in the process creating a revolution in how we approach our front yards. He [...]
Posted in Creative Spaces, DIY Projects, Design Solutions, Exterior, Inspiration, art, artist, gardening, general, how to, local, traditional |