Items: Vases
Cost: Varies

This is an easy, do-it-yourselfer kind of project–especially for those who aren’t quite so artfully inclined like myself. By puting together a display of similar colored vases (of all different shapes and sizes), you can create your own sculpture–and display several items without it looking too crowded.

This is a great look for a living room table or dining room buffet. I can’t wait to try it out myself! Since I don’t own multiple vases in the same color, I might just have to start scanning the local thrift stores…

Cost: Less than $5
Item: File Folder Labels (in pretty colors!)

Everyone has had to deal with the craziness of “cord-land” behind their computer desk or entertainment center. This is a fast, efficient way to get yourself started on being more organized.

Take small, brightly colored file folder labels and use them to tag your cords. Just like in the picture, you can wrap the label around the end of the cord (near the plug) and use a permanent marker to write which cord it is. The next time you have a problem in “cord-land” you’ll know just where to start fixing it without having to tug on various cords and potentially do even more damage to your system.

Tip: For even more organized cords, use zip ties to keep cords in place and untangled.

Items: Fabric and canvas frame
Cost: Varies

Purchasing art for your home can be very expensive, but empty walls are simply too dull to live with. Today’s great design idea is so simple anyone can do it, and it isn’t very expenisve at all!

The idea is to find a piece of fabric that you like, something you might want to display. It can be colorful, artsy, simple…anything that will coordinate with your decor. Purchase a piece of it and a simple canvas frame from your local art store. Stretch the fabric over the frame and staple it to the back, just like the canvas. And voila, you have a beautiful piece of wall art to hang in that empty spot over your sofa!

Item: window box and towels
Cost: check yard sales for a window box and use the towels you’ve already got!

I absolutely LOVED this idea when I came across it. I believe I found the pic and suggestion at realsimple.com. I’m not much for gardening although I love plants (my house is full of tropical plants and succulents–either watered every day or hardly ever). So I thought this was a great creative way to use a window box, especially in a guest bathroom, where you can display colorful towels and they’re easy for guests to locate. Read the rest of this entry »