Bring Springtime Inside

They are “L”-shaped metal pieces that attach to your wall and disappear when stacked with books. I recently picked up some of these on a whim while at The Container Store. They were only $10 a piece, so I bought two and ended up using them in the kitchen to store cookbooks. They are a stylish and inexpensive way to re-invent book storage and help battle the never-ending clutter problem.

Now, let’s discuss the floor. Look at yours. Okay, so it needs a cleaning, but other than that, do you really love it? Is it all that it can be? I’m guessing it could use some sprucing. The power of a rug is something almost unbelievable even to me. Merely laying a piece of thick, patterned 3" x 5" material on the floor can enhance nearly any space, cover any stain or blemish, and create a personality for a room. Visit your local Target, or Urban Outfitters again, and check out their rugs. Let your imagination run wild, and try using a rug to delineate a specific area in your house or apartment. Whether it’s a reading space, conversation space, sleeping space, or eating space—just by using a rug to anchor it, you can guide the action to that area and suggest an activity—without dropping too much coin.

Alright. We’ve covered the walls and the floor. Now, like stylish people everywhere, we should accessorize. The key to accessorizing a place with a fresh, vibrant approach is your imagination. I find that the best trinkets, coasters, bowls, and tablecloths can be found at garage sales and thrift stores. Look for flower vases or plates to hang on a wall or use as coin dishes. Find old lamps that you can refresh with a new lampshade or a coat of paint. You might even happen upon material you can use as window coverings or sew into pillow covers. That would be a lucky day.

With a positive attitude, a head full of ideas, and a free weekend, you can toss out the winter blues and welcome sunny days to your living space. Use the links below to get ideas and get started!