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ideas

Does your home feel like an old, run-down shack? Are you tired of looking at the same four walls day in and day out? Never fear if your home is aching for a face-lift, but you don’t have the budget for a complete renovation! 

There are many ways to redd up your space without breaking the bank (or your back). Small changes can significantly impact whether picking a wallpaper to inject some personality or simply rearranging your furniture to create a new look. 

And if you have a sleight of hand for DIY, there are plenty of budget-friendly home renovation ideas that will save you money and give you a sense of satisfaction.

Bring Home Some Interesting Furniture:

One of the rapid-fire and idiot-proof ways to change up the look of your home is to switch out your furniture. 

If you have been living with the same couch for the past ten years, it might be time for an upgrade. Or, if your coffee table is looking a bit worse for wear, try shopping at a thrift store or flea market for a privy piece that will add character to your living room.

You can also give old furniture a new lease on life by sanding it down and repainting it. It is a great way to add a pop of color to any room without spending much money.

For some people, their love for an exquisite dining experience is above and beyond their budget. If you belong to the whole kit and caboodle, don’t sweat, we have a solution for that too *puts on Sherlock hat*. 

By investing in forex banquet chairs, you can create a luxurious-looking dining setup without breaking the bank. These chairs are comfortable, look great, and most importantly, they are very affordable.

Paint Your Walls:

One of the most du jour (and cut-price!) ways to renovate your home is to give your walls a fresh coat of paint. 

Whether you want to go for a bold and dramatic look or something more subdued, there is a color and paint finish to suit your every need. 

If you’re unsure which color to pick, try looking at a mood board or inspiration pictures to get an idea of what you want. And if you’re planning to brush up your Picasso skills and paint a mural, don’t think twice about it.

Another way to add some mega-star appearance to your walls without painting is to hang up some exciting artwork. You can buy prints online or at a local art gallery or even frame some of your photos. 

Here’s a tip from the experts: try hanging up your artwork at different heights to add visual interest.

Change Your Hardware:

Is your doorknob giving you shivers every time you touch it? Does your kitchen faucet look like it’s from the Stone Age? 

Consider replacing them with something from the world of today. You’d be surprised how much of a difference new hardware can make to your home’s overall look and feel. Just make sure that the new hardware you choose fits in with the style of your home.

What’s your style? Gold or brass? Traditional or contemporary? You can give your kitchen an entirely new look by changing your cabinet pulls without spending much money. 

And if you’re dubious about which style to choose, try mixing and matching for a unique look. Please don’t stay under the impression that hardware will cost you an arm and a leg. You can find some great deals if you know where to look.

Paint Your Front Door:

First impressions count, so give your guests something to “ooh” and “aah” over before stepping into your home. 

A span-new coat of paint on your front door is an easy and inexpensive way to give your home a makeover. And with so many colors to pick from, you can make a statement. 

If you want to add a little extra pizzazz, consider painting the door trim a contrasting color or adding some hardware for an added touch of style.

Think wreaths and garlands are just for Christmas? Think again! A seasonal wreath or garland on your front door is a great way to show your personality and add a pop of color. 

And the riveting part is, you can change it up with the seasons. For summer, try a floral wreath made with fake or real flowers. Go for a more rustic look with a grapevine wreath adorned with leaves and berries in the fall. And for winter, an evergreen wreath with a red ribbon is always classic.

Upgrade to a Beadboard Ceiling:

It’s a shame when a lackluster ceiling lets down a stunning decor. If your ceilings are looking a little tired, consider upgrading to beadboard. 

Beadboard is a type of wood paneling that gives your roof a beautiful, textured look. It’s also effortless to install so that you can do it yourself in no time. 

And if you’re worried about the cost, don’t be! Beadboard is very affordable and will add value to your home.

It’s a DIY project that is not only easy but also inexpensive. Just stick to measuring and remeasuring before you make any cuts, and you’ll be fine. Best of all, you can find beadboard at most home improvement stores.

Hide Your Hideous Overhead Light With a Drum Shade:

We’ve all been there. You’re standing right in the heart of your living room, looking up at that hideous fluorescent light that came with the house. But before you holler an electrician to rip it out, consider hiding it with a drum shade. 

Drum shades are all the rage these days, and they’re a great way to give your overhead light a makeover. They’re very easy to install so you can do it in a snap.

You need a drum shade, some wire, and a few minutes of your precious time. If you could quickly look up at that light, you’ll see it’s not as difficult as it seems. And once you’re finished, you can sit back and enjoy the new and gorgeous look of your new fixture!

Boring Cupboards? Add Some Mirror:

Do your cupboards look like they’re straight out of the 1970s? If so, it might be time to open up new doors — literally. Adding a few mirrors to your cupboard doors is an easy and inexpensive way to give them a new look. Plus, it’s a crackerjack way to make your room look bigger and brighter.

It’s as simple as taking some measurements, cutting the mirror to size (be careful, for the love of all that is good), and then attaching it to the door with some adhesive. 

Just ensure you use a strong adhesive because you don’t want the mirror falling and shattering into a million pieces.

Ending Note:

We all know how Cinderella felt when her fairy godmother gave her a makeover. But unlike Cinderella, you don’t need a fairy to give your home a makeover. 

It’s time to get down to brass tacks homeowners! With a little bit of time, elbow grease, and ingenuity, you can quickly transform your home on a budget. Your home will thank you for it.

Christmas is just around the corner, and it’s high time to prepare your home for the upcoming festivities. Since your front yard is the first thing everyone will notice when they come to visit, it can serve you as the ideal spot to show off your décor skills and inspire everyone to get into the Christmas spirit. In order to help you make your front yard absolutely festive in no time, we have singled out our top garden decoration tips for you to try out. Let’s spread the holiday cheer.

Fairytale vibes with Christmas lights

First things first, Christmas lights represent a great and easy way to add a magical touch to your outdoor décor. You can start by illuminating the walkway to the front door with multicoloured floodlights. Additionally, if you want to achieve the wow effect, you can hang solar-powered led Christmas lights on your trees which accumulate power during the day to create a romantic holiday atmosphere in the evening. On top of that, if you want your home to become the talk of the town, you can invest in remote-controlled laser lights which could enhance the look of your entire outdoor decor arrangement with a soothing ambient flare.

Have fun with front door ornaments

This Christmas you should try to express your creative side with front door ornaments. For example, instead of simply hanging your usual decoration, you can opt for a special faux wreath, add tiny pines to it and sprinkle it with fake snow for a beautiful statement piece. Alternatively, you can take a different route and design a nice garland by combining Holly, Spruce, Eucalyptus, various foliage and tie it all together with a red and green ribbon. Another easy way to style up your front entrance and brighten up everyone’s day is to switch your boring welcoming matt with one that has a funny Christmassy motif on it. Don’t forget to add a personal touch to the decor by hanging a classy banner over the door frame with your family’s name on it.

A luxurious Christmas tree

Planting a fir tree in your front yard is a great idea since you can use it as a nice decor piece for many years to come. In order to make the tree more visible, you should go for fabulous electric candles that can shine in different patterns and colours. What’s best, they are usually controlled via an App. Furthermore, when one fir is not enough, you can find a couple of gorgeous pots and plant a few trees inside for an evergreen front yard look. As far as Christmas tree ornaments are concerned, feel free to experiment and hang small plush toys, candy, pinecones or even framed family photographs. Lastly, if you are bored of your regular star tree topper, go for an unexpected item like the Harry Potter sorting hat, or something geeky like a Death Star replica.

Create your very own Christmas theme

Last but not least, it’s time to transform your front yard into an enchanting scene with Christmas theme ideas. If you’re more into a traditional style, you can build a couple of snowmen, place plaques on them with heartfelt messages and cover the space around them with large gift boxes. However, if you want to express your humoristic side, you can place sitting rattan reindeer next to Santa’s sleigh and hang an “Out of Order” sign on it for a funny sketch. Finally, you can even get a light-up polar bear set to complete your Christmas theme and warm up everyone’s hearts with this magical decor idea.

As you can see, it doesn’t take much effort to create a winter wonderland in your front yard for the upcoming holidays. All you need to do is to follow your decor checklist, don’t be afraid to express your creative side and add your personal touch to the design. We wish you a Merry Christmas!

Fall is the time for cozy clothes, soft accessories, and of course, lots of pumpkins in many forms and sizes. Even though fall is usually not considered a very cheerful season, you can liven it up with seasonal decorations, lots of tasty food, and good company – all of which can make a perfect Thanksgiving. So, if you’re preparing for this holiday, here are some home decorations that might inspire you and help you make your home more welcoming, comfortable, and stylish.

Door wreath

A beautiful door wreath is one of those décor pieces that never go out of style. Plus, since it hangs at the entrance to your home, it gives you a great opportunity to leave a good impression. This is why you should pick a door wreath that both matches the season and the message you want to send. So, you can opt for a simple wreath with brightly colored leaves and pumpkins incorporated in it, or you can choose something a bit more complex. For instance, there are many gorgeous wreaths with ribbons, sunflowers, red berries, and wooden welcome signs. Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong with a stylish door wreath.

Doormat

Just like door wreaths, doormats are also an essential part of your entrance décor. They are simple, they are practical, and with so many different choices on the market, you are bound to find one that would fit your home. If you want to emphasize the beauty of fall, choose a durable doormat with brightly colored seasonal motives. After all, there aren’t many better ways to welcome your Thanksgiving guests than with a gorgeous welcome mat that might even become a great conversation starter.

Scented candles

There’s nothing like a pumpkin-infused scented candle to set the perfect atmosphere for Thanksgiving. After all, it’s not just about what you can see – you should engage all your senses if you want to truly emphasize the seasonal spirit. Scented candles are perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere, they can last for a while, and you can never have too many of them. As your candles’ scent fills out the room, the Thanksgiving dinner might become the second best-smelling thing that evening.

Artificial foliage table arrangement

If you want to emphasize not just the scent of the candles but their calming appearance as well, consider making your scented candles a part of a beautiful artificial foliage table arrangement. This décor piece is very versatile, which means that you can place it pretty much anywhere. So, you can use it as your dinner table centerpiece, an accent on the coffee table, or you can even turn it into a gift for your guests. Either way, it’s bound to draw attention.

Throws and pillows

Nothing says fall better than soft throws and pillows. Plus, besides being practical, they can also add to the sense of style of your home. They provide you with a great opportunity to spice up your interior with some patterns and textures. Or, you can take the party outside for a change of pace and warm up the atmosphere with faux-fur or wool throws. Moreover, since the colder weather is not going away any time soon, soft blankets and pillows are perfect for both fall and winter – and perhaps the first part of spring as well. In other words, cherish your comfy accessories, as they will surely come in handy more than once.

Dressing up your home for Thanksgiving – and the whole colorful season – does not have to be difficult. Even smaller details like scented candles and a few pillows can make a big difference. Therefore, think about the things you look forward to when it comes to fall, add decorations that would emphasize those things, and your home will be ready for the best Thanksgiving celebration ever.

The man cave is a room or an area designed and specially reserved for a man to be in a solitary condition away from the rest of the household. Every guy dreams of having such a place where he can get away, kick back, put his feet up, relax and just do whatever he wants. If properly designed, the man cave can replace your local sports bar and become a favorite hanging place for you and all your friends to gather around.

For many men, this is the most important area in the entire household as it serves as a place to chill, watch sports, entertain and spend time with friends. This is the room with a bar, cinema armchairs, pool table, sports signs and memorabilia, darts, poker table, arcade games etc. and it is usually located in the basement or attic. More than often, in the man cave you can see exposed bricks, rustic timber and DIY furniture like kegs turned into coffee tables or bar stools. However, being that it is 2018 and modern men are getting more and more sophisticated, it is possible to have a classy and stylish yet still masculine retreat in your home.

Furniture

Masculine spaces get their appeal from large elements, like big comfy sofas, wooden floors or focal-point walls. In effort to declutter and hide all the unnecessary accessories, you should install cabinets, closets and a lot of storage room, which will preserve the clean and simple look that this room needs. When it comes to the furniture, chances are you have already realized this – soft and delicate furniture with curvy silhouettes looks feminine. Therefore, you can never go wrong with a classy comfortable leather sofa in the middle of the room. As this is a place of gathering, make sure you have enough sitting space for everybody, and this is where you go sophisticated, as you can put spacy leather armchairs with a place to put your feet up instead of lazy bags or DIY stools.

pool room

Décor

Yes, nothing will yell manliness more than exposed bricks, but why not going a step further and installing a stone wall that will, in combination with a beautiful leather sofa, be the focal point in your man cave. Straight lines, sturdy materials and a simple look; just keep away from the fussiness which will completely ruin the mood. According to Gentleman Style Zone Magazine, man cave decor is all about emphasizing manhood culture.

pool room 2

Colors

Slate gray, dark green or chocolate brown colors will give this space the character and vintage vibe that will add to the manliness that you seek. Just stay away from the prints and outdated wallpapers to continue with this classy, simple and stylish theme.

Equipment and entertainment

entertainment room

For the most of the guys, the man cave is an entertaining hub and the modern man cave means modern entertainment. A pool table, arcade games and pinball machines are, respectably, a piece of history. A nice and big 3D smart TV accompanied with a video setup (blu-ray player, DVD library, etc.) are essential pieces of equipment in this kind of space, since this is the spot in a house to watch sport games or an action movies marathon with your friends. After the screen, you should equip the room with the latest surround system which will definitely complete the feeling and look of the modern man cave that you seek. A smart remote controller with an ability to control everything from TV and stereo system to air conditioner is the obvious choice here and a great way to show off your latest technology. Imagine dimming the lights, turning the TV on and putting the stereo on cinema mode by the click of only a few buttons as you prepare to watch a movie or a sports game with your friends.

friends playing video game

In conclusion, the man cave will always have the same function and serve as a space meant for men to retreat and have the freedom to do whatever is on their minds, and with a few changes, you and your friends can upgrade from chilling dudes to sophisticated and modern men enjoying their leisure time.

The new millennium is no longer a juvenile. This means that everything you’ve learned about it by now is a thing of the past – you know, puberty, adolescence and all. Jokes aside, the year of 2018 has way too much to offer – both new and old. But let’s not procrastinate anymore, shall we? Here are some of the biggest home improvements trends for 2018.

Wood flooring

Whether you love it or hate it, wood flooring has made a huge comeback. And if you were thinking of upgrading your floors, this is the way to go. There are many options to choose from, but three of them are definitely on the top: herringbone parquet, gray wood and distressed flooring. If you love that Parisian vibe – go with a traditional light-colored parquet (or dark-colored depending on your interior and personal preferences) with either a chevron or herringbone (which is currently more popular) design. On the other hand, if the rooms in your home don’t receive enough natural light – go with gray wood. It is going to add brightness and a luxe feel to the space. Finally, if you are aiming towards a rustic look – naturally, you will go with distressed wood flooring.

Bright colors

Since this year’s Pantone color of the year is Ultraviolet – you can just imagine the things that are about to happen. Even though earthy tones are still at the top of the trends list – this year, we’ll also be seeing a lot of jewel tones. We’re talking emerald green, sapphire, amethyst, ruby etc. These colors are representing originality, ingenuity and visionary thinking – which is exactly what the world needs. Also, the time of rose gold is up. Instead, real gold and brass are taking the throne.

living room with bright colours

Curb appeal matters

Home improvement is not just about renovating your home’s interior. Even though we are all aware of the fact that beauty is on the inside, your home’s curb appeal is also really important. This year, do your best to fix it. Replace your old garage doors, replace those old and dingy house numbers and the rusty mailbox, illuminate your front yard, and maybe even rethink that new façade idea. All this is going to both make your home prettier and increase its value – which is also something worth having in mind.

Embrace the coziness

Light room dividers, reading nooks, plush pillows etc. are what modern home improvement is all about. The pressure of modern life simply requires these comfortable corners that will allow you to relax, unwind and enjoy your peace. Take time to decorate those small areas of your home and turn them into relaxing micro zones you will enjoy.

Leather and natural stone

When it comes to leather, it isn’t just about sofas and chaise lounges, it is also about many accents such as wall artwork, shelf holders and even leather flowers and other decorations. These are the ultimate elements of the 2018 modern interior design. And when it comes to color, have in mind that chocolate brown is the new gray, or in other words, now the primary neutral color. When it comes to stone, marble, granite and pebbles are still at the top of the popularity list. Go with carved designs or geometrical prints.

Flowers instead of word art

We will no longer be seeing those “Live, laugh, love” signs everywhere we look. And it is such a relief actually, because, you will agree on this one, this concept has seriously been painfully overused. In 2018, ‘focal pointing’ will be all about floral printed pillows, blankets, maybe even floral wallpapers, or even simply regular flowers… you know… like those you put in a vase… on your table. Pretty, right?

Cork, bright lights, dark wood

Dark wood, especially chocolate brown, as said above, is what gives any room a luxe feel, while cork is there to balance it – if it’s used for the right accents, such as doors and cabinets, for example. And when the room is crowded with wood, textiles, cork etc., it requires bright lighting in order to reach its full comfy potential.

No matter which idea you opt for, note that the most important thing is that you are feeling 100 percent comfortable in your home.

When it comes to interior and exterior design everything has a role in making it successful, from large surfaces such as walls and floors to the tinniest pieces like knobs and light switches. On the other hand, as the old saying goes, you only get one chance to make a first impression. The first thing everyone will  notice when entering your home is the front door and anything you did in making your house not-so-basic will be in vain if the entrance is not representative, as well. These are the front door paint trends that guarantee you the ‘wow’ every time.

Stone gray and a contemporary surrounding

When it comes to contemporary exterior and design in general, the choice of color plays an equally important role as it does with traditional environment. Still, from a somewhat different angle. Since contemporary design tends to be somewhat harsh, a proper choice of color will soften the intensity without taking anything away from the aesthetics. Stone gray with its untimely elegance will do the  job. Adding matte black hardware will further harmonize everything and reinforce the overall effect.
Stone gray door

Eclectic design solution

Mixture of various styles that the eclectic design successfully embodies is often the choice for people who want to own a not-so-basic house. Sporting all of the various design influences without taking away any of them or emphasizing a single one at the expense of the others can be rather tricky. The safest bet when it comes to front door paint would be to opt of a soft yellow paint. Its low-key finish will be perfectly neutral and at the same time contribute with a freshening and welcoming effect.
soft Yellow door

Red brick emphasis

Making a difference when it comes to homeowners fond of red brick facades or living in a row of ones surely is challenging. The usual mistake that is made is trying to do something bold with the front door design and color which ends up in a complete mishmash in the majority of cases. Taking just the opposite direction promises more success. A calming shade of charcoal gray is the perfect color to impart the traditional red brick exterior making it stand from other houses in a row, without ruining the neighborhood compactness.
charcoal gray door

Ivy exterior

If you happen to own a house that is fully covered in ivy, choosing a suitable front door color is another specific task. Narrow your choice to contrasting color palette. Even though ivy changes its color throughout the year, for the majority of time it has one of the shades of green. Having this in mind, the best choice would be either full white or black. The proper choice depends on the rest of your exterior design and the message you wish to send. White is more inviting and warm, while black radiates elegance and distance. Reinforce idea with the hardware in the same color.
Black froont door

Rustic looks

Sometimes the best paint is no paint at all. If you own a traditional design house that has a wooden front door, rustic looks will feel perfectly at home. Peel the paint off the wood all the way down to its natural paint. Then apply a protective layer of transparent wood lacquer. It will protect the door and at the same emphasize the natural grain and bring out the patina, adding a touch of class to the entire house.

Rustic wooden door

The proper choice of the front door paint will have a strong positive impact on the overall outlook of the house and make your not-so-basic house even more extraordinary. Still, the style dictates the choice of color and it is strongly advisable to follow the standards. Being too bold will only take away from the house instead of contributing to it.

During summer we spend most of our days outside, hanging out with people or just chilling by ourselves. This is also the time of summer parties and any way you look at it, patio is the perfect place for such events. To make the experience even more comfortable and enjoyable, we can upgrade our patio in many simple ways. When thinking about what you could do to improve the look of your patio, you should choose something that will look nice, be functional and safe, and preferably affordable and low-maintenance. Here are a few of our favourite ideas.

Plants

Although this one is rather obvious, getting plants for your patio should always be your number one task. If you don’t have space to make patio planter pockets, then the easiest way to bring plants in is in container gardens. These can range from small plants to real young trees, like lemon or orange tree, growing in a big flower pot. The best thing about them is that you can keep them indoors all year round and simply take them out to the patio when the weather is warm enough.
Patio plants

Floor cushions

Since you will spend a lot of time on your deck, you want it to be comfy and accommodate many people. In addition to getting soft cushions for your outdoors furniture, you can go a step further and get some floor cushions or even big floor cushion couches, in the Oriental style. Kids will love it and it is a perfect way to relax and chill out outside. Alternatively, you can get a thick rug and put some standard cushions on it, or get a few lazy bags.
Cusions

Hammocks

There probably isn’t a single person who dislikes hammocks. There is just something so inviting and special about them. You don’t need to go to a tropical beach in Thailand to enjoy all the pleasures of a hammock, you can set them up on your patio. There are many versions to choose from – from standard hammock, chair hammock for one person, to hanging chairs. There are even hanging tents if you plan on sleeping outside.
Hammock

Wreaths

Decorative wreaths are a great way to improve the esthetics of your deck. You can make them out of many different kinds of materials, but those made from flowers and branches will look most natural and fit into the outdoors setting perfectly. Luckily, flowers are abundant in summer, so you can use roses or flowers from shrubs like Dogwood, Hydrangeas, Lilacs, Ninebarks and Spireas. DIY wreaths can also be made from old clothes and rags woven into a nice decorative circle, from burlap, old bandanas and cardboard. They can be colored, wrapped in yarn and decorated with small toys and things like cocktail umbrellas.
Wreath

Stones

Arranging stones in decorative patterns on the ground can really create a beautiful setting. You can make various combinations and floor paintings with stones in different colours and sizes. If you don’t mind putting in some extra effort, you can come up with mosaic pathways that will simply look magical.

Stones

All of these simple ideas will transform your patio deck into the coolest place to be this summer, and all you need to add is some music and soft lighting and you are all set for your summer party season. Use it well!

Summer in Canada has almost come and in Calgary the season can be a short one. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t have beautiful, elegant and usable outdoor space to make the most of the sunny summer days and nights.

Whether you have a large yard, wood deck, stone patio or balcony, consider what you really want to be doing in that space. Is it for entertaining, playtime with the kids, feet up with book in hand or all of the above.

Outdoor living

Outdoor Furniture

Gone are the days of the simple white plastic lawn chair. Today’s choices for outdoor dining and seating are limitless. From wood to fabric, consider your needs and how much maintenance you are willing to put into your purchase.

Outdoor living

Any type of patio furniture will last longer with routine care. During cold weather seasons, when the patio is no longer in use, store your patio furniture in a garage, basement or garden shed. If you don’t have a place to store your patio furniture over the winter use a cover or tarp. It will make it last longer as the elements will damage it over time. Calgary winters will not be kind to furniture left to the elements.

During warm weather, wash seat cushions once a month with one part bleach to 10 parts warm water. And a few drops of dish detergent to the mix and let sun dry if possible. If you have wrought iron, wash and wax it a few times a year. For wood, use a gentle solution like Murphy’s Wood Soap to keep clean then oil if necessary.

Outdoor living

Image source

If you plan on buying cushions for your outdoor furniture set also make sure that they have a high UV rating and ventilation slits to avoid sun and moisture damage. Mildew-resistant acrylic fabric is long-lasting.

Outdoor Cooking

The backyard barbeque that your Dad used to grill bratwurst and steak has had a major upgrade. Old black charcoal blocks have been replaced with clean lines, sleek looks and superior aesthetics.

Barbeques are no longer just for cooking. Just as kitchen appliances are now more than utilitarian devices, the barbeque can add a great deal to the look and aesthetics of you outdoor space. So, with the seemingly endless options for grills don’t forget to incorporate one early on in your backyard planning.

And go from this:

Outdoor living

To this:

Outdoor living

Outdoor Accents

And just because it’s the great outdoors doesn’t mean you can’t add beautiful accents and art to make your space even more beautiful. Hang some art. Add some decorative touches. There doesn’t need to be a distinction between inside and outside elegance.

Outdoor living

Outdoor living

Author bio:

Ana Cummings, of ANA Interiors is the only IDRC and CDECA multiple award winning show home designer in Calgary. Her work is internationally published and her studio offers full service interior design and decorating that specializes in original unable-to-leave spaces. Ana is a graduate of Mount Royal University, a member of the Calgary Design Group (CDG), Interior Décor Resources Canada (IDRC), and interim President of the Canadian Decorators’ Association Alberta Chapter (CDECA).

Feature image source: Belderbos.co.uk

The time has come to oust the winter dullness and embrace the spring revival and the upcoming Easter rush. Even the less crafty of people are tempted to join the decoration band waggon and make something exceptional that adds up to the holiday spirit. I’ve looked everywhere for inspiration and ideas and compiled my ultimate selection of easy-peasy Easter decorations you can create on your own. Check it out.
Easter Decorations You Can Make Yourself

Easter sweets as Easter decorations?

Easter sweets are not only mouth-watering, they come in gorgeous shapes and colours too. If you can’t help yourself but buy every Easter themed candy you come across, why not employ a portion of that large batch for the vase decoration. A transparent wide vase would be perfect for this project. From rainbow-tinted jelly beans, marshmallow bunnies to golden-wrapped chocolate eggs, it all makes it into the vase display. Finish it with a nice ribbon and a few flowers on top.
Easter Decorations You Can Make Yourself

Cute chicken place markers

Cheer up your family members with some delightful personalised surprise in the form of cutsie placeholders. This will require tiny earthenware pots for every person. Make the chicken element using thicker plastic spoons, nail polish and markers. Dye the whole sets into a customised shade (the owner’s favourite). Embellish it with polka dots and name plates with special fonts. Your loved ones will be blown away!
Easter Decorations You Can Make Yourself

Eye-catching door setup

I’ve never seen this before so I have to share! To enliven your front door for spring arrival with Easter decorations, consider placing some real or satin flower ornaments. What we had in mind is utilising an umbrella or a soft hat in some earthy colour as a socket for the bouquet. Attach the whole construction with an appropriate ribbon in some bold hue. Round up the setup with several faux eggs and grass to give it a veritable homey look.
Easter Decorations You Can Make Yourself

Bunny-fied family photos

This one scores big points for both cost-effectiveness and decidedly adorable detailing. If you happen to find them, and I’m certain there’s plenty to choose from since it’s the holiday season, get yourself some bunny stickers. The purpose we had in mind is total bunnyfication of the displayed family photos in your home. Apply the ears, noses and mouths in random fashion on the frame glass. However, if the ratios are off, make your own sticky cutouts. Hop you go, bunnies!
Easter Decorations You Can Make Yourself

Blossom flower pieces

I’m just not super keen on loads of flowers on the table near food (insects and such, you know), so I opted for something modest but not less charming. Since the spring has come a knocking, chances are that some branches can be found in your close neighbourhood. Select some nice, thinner pieces. Take some currently blossoming flowers and glue them to the branches. Lastly, secure the arrangement with tiny pebbles in an elegant jar.
Easter Decorations You Can Make Yourself

Earthy table feel

I just had to include this table decoration as it was something special and works in a complementary manner with the blossoms. You can have a few mini oasis settings right there at your table. The idea remind me of those tiny sustainable ecosystems people make. You will need: several tall glass transparent cloches, some dirt and moss and several nice fern sprays. Use the dirt and moss to secure the fern and voila!
Easter Decorations You Can Make Yourself

Versatile countdown calendar

Are you buzzing constantly about Easter topics a month or two prior to actual day? If you’re like myself, this all age proof calendar will make the countdown more enjoyable and fun. Join in with your children or little cousins and cross out the days before big holiday. Grab some multi-coloured plastic eggs with a cap and fill it with treats and happy messages. Adjoin it on a paper calendar board and it’s on!
Easter Decorations You Can Make Yourself

These ornaments are not going to make themselves. Hurry up and get down to decorating.

Hoppy Easter everybody!

You know that excitement and rush of feelings you get when you spot that perfect shoe in the window or that impeccably tailored dress you simply feel you must have? Yes, fashion designing turned into decorating gives you the same awe-like feeling only, this time around, translated into your favorite pieces of furniture.

Fashion designers turning interior is the latest and ultimate kick

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Imagine having the opportunity to sit on a fabric designed by Diane Von Furstenberg herself and actually have it a part of your interior; Giorgio Armani lines, Dolce & Gabbana vibes, Cavali extravaganza or Salvatore Ferragamo’s romanticism of space…are just some of the names that pop in our head when we think about the latest trends in interior design.

To be honest, none of us is getting really surprised with the news that fashion designers are taking it to a new level now; if anything, it was a logical stream of development, with their creative genius finding all niches that will have their creativity supported while at the same time keeping it recognizable, desired and, well, expensive.

Dolche Gabbana fashion interiors

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Fashion designers turned interior designers have one big advantage over “regular” interior designers; they have already built a brand for themselves, they are already an adored trademark so there is no dispute if the translation of their clothes and style into furniture would work. Even if it happens not to, they’d be allowed a few slips and have a few passes at least until they get it right. In the end – the amazement before what they managed to accomplish and the beauty of their creativity replicated onto the living space is simply stunning.

We are allowed to ask, though – what may be the motive of this transition? Is it the never-fully-satisfied-rich-and-spoiled-clients? The models? The fact they might have got bored with doing one and the same? Or is it just that there is so much creativity in them that keeping it focused to runway only doesn’t seem enough anymore? Well, whatever it is, it’s amazing and we are loving every second of it.

Christian Lacroix fashion designers
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If you ever get the chance to pop over to Milan, make sure you see Hotel Maison Moschino which is nothing but spectacular and Hotel Bulgari featuring such refinement and attention to detail that it’s absolutely breathtaking; when in Edinburgh, see the Missoni Hotel and if you happen to drop by Berlin, go to Schlosshotel im Grunewald, by Karl Lagerfeld. The hotel is a true reflection of its designer – gloomy but chic, stunning and utterly overwhelming. If you are feeling like you could use a bit of exotic in your life, opt for Dubai – Hotel Armani (definitely something you need to experience firsthand) or Palazzo Versace in Australia. Donatella Versace oversaw every single detail of this opulent resort and guess what? There is a Palazzo Versace Dubai, also!

Versace fashion designers trend
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What’s evident is that designers are either using some of their most recognizable collections for the translation to the interior design, or they are sticking to their signature colors and patterns for the added recognition. And, do they find the whole process of “designing for the furniture” hard? If anything, it’s probably challenging.

I only know how to design clothes, so in a way I ‘dressed’ the furniture”, said Gaultier for the Independent. “When I design my couture and prêt-à-porter collections, of course I supervise everything. I can sometimes have ten fittings for a couture dress until I am satisfied with it. The dresses are then made in my atelier so I can follow it beginning to end. For the furniture, which is not my domain, I had a wonderful partner in Roche Bobois who could supervise the production and turn my drawings into a reality.”

Dear interior designers, you better watch your backs because fashion designers are rapidly stepping on to your turf, and they are doing it superbly!