Chalkboards

4/29/13 Another big trend lately is chalkboards. They are popping up in DIY projects all over the world, whether it's from tabletops to full walls. Here is some chalkboard inspiration:

 Here is a great way to keep organized.

 This calendar is easy to erase-- no money wasted on the paper kinds!

 A much more creative version of name-cards.

 The most popular use of chalkboards that I've noticed is in kitchens.

Finally, here is a great way to keep any small child occupied!

Stained Glass

4/25/13 Stained glass windows aren't only for churches-- adding a touch of the colored glass to your home makes for a beautiful atmosphere, and the photos below only support that. Take a look yourself!

 This addition above the doorway is a great, subtle, yet unsubtle detail.

There are tons of ways to use the stained glass--take this shower, for instance! (Sorry about the watermark.)

The windows are attention-grabbing, yet keep with the simplicity of the room. 

 As a cheaper alternative to having stained glass built into your house, you can also buy little panes of it and hang them in your windows for the same effect.

 The beauty of the glass will always make the scenery seem bright and cheerful.

 Having the reflections of the glass is a cool idea, not to mention beautiful.

Here's something that I had never thought of before until this- stained glass window skylights!

Rugs

4/23/13 Rugs have been around for centuries-- they can be as ornate as a flying carpet, or as small as a doormat. From a quick hunt on the internet, here are some of my favorites:

 The crochet shows that not all rugs are rectangular.

 I like the cutouts.

 Here is a classic Persian rug.

 The bright colors on this rug tie the room together.

 This tribal print is so pretty.

 Who wouldn't want a food-themed rug?

This calm blue rug relaxes this bathroom.

Cure any Disease

4/23/13 If I could cure any disease in the world, I would cure cancer. I have known a lot of people who were diagnosed with cancer, but, thankfully, they are still alive. Here are five facts about the disease:

1. One in three people will contract cancer, and one in four will die from the disease.
2. Within five years, cancer will surpass heart disease as the leading cause of death, according to the American Hospital Association.
3. An estimated 80 million people have health insurance insufficient to cover the costs of a catastrophic illness such as cancer.
4. The estimated annual cost of cancer to the United States, excluding incalculable psychosocial costs, is $110 billion, approximately 2 percent of the GNP.
5. Over the course of a lifetime, one in three women and one in two men will develop cancer.

To help researchers find a cure, go to https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate/donateonlinenow/index to donate to the American Cancer Society. 

Lanterns

4/22/13 Lanterns are a fun and decorative way to add some lighting to any location. Here are some photos showing all the different settings, colors, and patterns that lanterns take place in. 

 Obviously, these lanterns are used for lighting, but also make an interesting centerpiece.

 The soft lighting coming from the lanterns alone gives this room a cozy and cool feel.

 Like I've posted about before, I really like white rooms with splashes of color, especially with this soft palette.

 Lanterns at weddings are very classy and pretty at the moment.

 The detail on the lanterns still is attention-drawing, even without color.

 Lanterns don't even have to give off light, as these sunny yellow ones show.

Just like in the movie Tangled, people really do set off lanterns into the sky. This in itself is so breathtaking that I think it's impossible not to love lanterns anymore.

Gallery Walls

4/19/13 Gallery Walls are great ways to display all kinds of art in a cool fashion. They remind me a little of collages, but more creative. Take a look at some of these interesting examples. 

You can use any kind of artwork in gallery walls.

 I love everything about this office, especially the clear chair.

 The dramatic blue background gives a funky look to this gallery wall.

 The artwork gives this bedroom an interesting pop of colors.

 The vintage-like artwork completes the bathroom.

I think we all would get a lot more work done if we had such a beautiful office.

Wall Decals

 4/18/13 Wall decals are a cool and beautiful way to have something painted on your wall without doing it yourself or hiring a professional. Take a look at some of the pretty and creative ways that people have used them. 

A creative way to have a chandelier.

 This is just as beautiful as real birds.

 A new type of headboard.

 This dandelion decal takes the place of typical living room artwork.

These tree trunks add a calm feel to this room.

Finally, these colorful nesting dolls add a splash to an otherwise simple, white room.

Chaise Lounges

4/16/13 I don't know why, but for a long time now, I have had an obsession with chaise lounges. Something about them is so luxurious and beautiful. I found some images that were too beautiful to resist. Enjoy!

 I love the gold edge around this chaise.

 I love the pattern.

 Very pretty and girly.

This is what I picture in my head when I hear "chaise lounge".

 This one is very artsy and pretty.

This one is my ultimate favorite, and I'm sorry about the watermark!

Dessert Dance Themes

4/15/13 The idea that we should go with for this year's Dessert Dance is the Neverland theme. This theme best suits our class the Glow in the Dark idea would require spending the entire dance in darkness, and Night in Hawaii is unoriginal (there has been a lot of "Night in...." dances before). 

My vision for decorations is inspired by the Neverland island itself:

We could have a jungle or ocean-like feel to the walls in different areas:

The tables could have yellow tablecloths to imitate sand with seashells and starfish on it. We could even have little corked bottles with sand or a treasure map or something in them:

For the photo booth, we could have the mermaid lagoon:

We could add blue or green lights and have some fake moss, shells, and starfish on a bench-like rock. There could be either water painted on a poster or have blue tulle (or another idea for water, too). Maybe even a bubble machine hidden in some moss?

To make the night special for my class, I will help set up for the dance if needed. I have worked on the display case for the past two years and I have helped decorate for dances in the past. 

CHOOSE NEVERLAND!

Compact Living

4/11/13 A trend that I've noticed lately with interior design is compact living, or the idea of living in smaller spaces while still having all the beauty and amenities of a regular-sized homes. I've chosen some of the images that have caught my eye the most. Enjoy!

 This living room is not only beautiful but has great storage.

 I love the triangular table and the window seat. 

 Having the ladder to the bed be an actual ladder is very vintage-y and cool.

 With this table, you can arrange how many seats you want and then stow them away under the bench--all next to an office!

 Great storage under the window seat/bed, and good shelving for a little girl's toys!

 The use of all wood is very pretty.

Finally, this office and bedroom, with its great lighting is very calming!