Making Dorm Rooms a Little Greener

Last year I posted some information about how to make a drab dorm room into something better. Today there is an article in the Washington Post about how dorm room decor is becoming big business - and incidentally, becoming more green.

They do note that decorating many dorm rooms each year is more about consumption than it is about recycling, reusing or reducing - but if we all do a little better in our shopping decisions - we can help the planet in the long run. So let's see how we can shop greener for your new dorm room...

- Linens -

A new move to a dorm room requires new bedding? Not quite. If you happen to have an extra-long twin at home, consider taking your linens from home. Second best idea is to buy revived vintage linens and hand-made pillows. There are more than a few places on Etsy for you to shop for bedding and pillows. And one of the best reasons to shop Etsy is that you know your dorm room will never look like any other room. Pillows and sheets can also be sent to your child mid-year :: just around the time when they should be getting some extra rest in anticipation of mid-terms. There's a nice subtle hint. Anyway - check out:
Joom
Use it Again
Cat Nap Cottage

If your bed has a plain metal or wood headboard, make it cozier by covering it with a simple fabric slipcover.

- Small spaces + active young adults = the need for clean fragrance. But not any fragrance - try soy candles which are clean burning and low soot. Or if burning things in the room is restricted, turn to natural spray air fresheners.

Check here:
Wendy Lous Natural Bath
Let Your Light Shine
Angel Bella Body

Now then onto lighting. Forgo the cheaply made and boring desk lamp from Walmart and opt for something more fun and funky. Buying smart now means at the end of our undergrad program, we won't want to trash these beautiful light sources - but cherish them forever. Some of my favorites are:

Nightlights at Gamiworks
or Beetnik
and Yours Truly.

Now finally the walls. Most freshman dorms I've seen are small and well... ugly. I mentioned several ideas last year for covering the walls. But I'm always inspired to find new wall adornments. Here are a few:

Magnetic Chalk Boards
Memo Board
Skinny Magnet Board
Thumbtacks

And here are yet a few more things to inspire you as you deck out your new dorm.

Sew Your Own Dorm Stuff
Keeping Chests for extra storage.
Bedroom Design Kit for laying out your dorm room before you get there!

Enjoy!

Lise

Update:

Soy Candles Sources from Etsy include:

Jen San Candles

Unscented Soy Candles

My personal favorite Soy Candles because it looks like it's in a recycled tin can! :-) 

Thanks to Ashley Sue for reminding me to add these!

Yummy Color

Okay you already know how much I love organic milk paint. We have been using the milk paint finishes on a variety of our furniture for a while now - but mostly with a historic palette. So I am thrilled that Anna Sova's line will be re-launching soon. Her color palette is so extensive it's definitely sparking some imagination. It is, in a word, amazing.

I just now pulled a few colors from the Anna Sova website for an adorable footstool in a room, complete with cute floral fabric and girliscious trim. Yummy and Beautiful.

 

Enjoy!

Lise

What we're reading...

Your Home As a Sanctuary

by Josephine Collins by Ryland Peters & Small

Read more

Pleasures Of The Porch: Ideas for Gracious Outdoor Living

by Maureen Lamarca by Rizzoli International Publications

Read more

From the Ground Up - Design-a-Door

Have you seen Debbie Travis' new design competition on Fine Living? I really do love Debbie. I've been following her from the time when she was doing fantastic designer paint treatments on walls. She's come a long way since that time. Her company is designing new homes and needs to hire a lead designer. This show reminds me a lot of Hell's Kitchen. A big difference being that Debbie doesn't swear as much - but she's still just as direct as Chef Ramsey.

The first episode is recapped here. I thought it would be fun to follow along and ask you all what you would do with the challenges she presents...

If you missed it, last night she gave everyone a basic door and told them to design it in a way that will express who they are. Some doors turned out to be very predictable and disappointing, others were more creative.

As the challenge wore on, the ultimate challenge winner, Lisa, actually gave up on her original idea and started carving the wood somewhat out of frustration and fear. Her door was more unusual than the rest and she won the competition and the right to choose another designer for possible elimination.

Currently my personal favorite right now is the graphic designer who created a black door with, you guessed it, a graphic design. I appreciated the unique shape of his design and his non-dramatic execution. (I know it's reality tv, but can we get rid of the diva mentality?)
Anyway, I'll be watching him closely to see what he comes up with.

If given the challenge, I would have taken the door, covered it with a rather fluid hand-embossed metal and then painted and distressed it to make it appear ancient. What would that have said about me? Creative, malleable, open to change, loves vintage goods, loves to paint and greatly appreciates art, artisans and architecture.

So what would you design your door to look like, and what would the door say about you?

Design for a creative lifestyle

Art for Kids

Most parents have an arsenal of drawings from their kids school art projects. From kindergarten through high school I myself have collected more than my fair share of beautiful scribbles and awesome doodles. Yet, if we only collect and save art from our kids, we're missing out on a valuable lesson in creativity, and perhaps your children's first investment pieces in art.

Here are a few links to some artists who create art that would be ideal for your children's art collections:

- Keith Norval
- Kristiana Pärn
- Amber Alexander
- Jelene's Pop Art
- Maggie's World

Once you've started the collections for them, let the kids help pick their new additions. They will appreciate visiting galleries and art shows to speak with the artists and look at art just as much, (if not more than) the adults. You'll know they're completely hooked when they start spending their allowance on new pieces.

Enjoy!

Lise

Happy Mother's Day

This special post was submitted by our interior design partner Yolanda Ellis in anticipation of Mother's Day.

Decoupage is a crafting technique of decorating an object by gluing paper onto an object. This is seen on boxes, frames or other objects that you can think of that can be covered or decorated with paper. The idea to decoupage a vase with memorable mother and child pictures was inspired by my many occasions when my lovely husband blessed me with beautiful flower arrangements for Valentine's Day, birthdays or a just because I love you day.

I am a working mom and love fresh flowers on my desk but I also love having pictures of my loved ones around me. Every time I would get new flowers, I was faced with the dilemma of too many things on my desk. I have to remove some pictures to get my flowers on my desk or put my flowers somewhere else. Well I have learned over the years that one problem for one person adds up to be a problem for many others. Then the light bulb comes on..why not decoupage all the pictures you love on a vase.

Then you can conserve space and you can have your flowers and pictures too. As a mom what great joy it is to come to work and see pictures of your loved ones and topped with a beautiful floral arrangement especially with your favorite flower(s). My favorite is the Anthurium plant. I love tropical plants. By using a plant potted in your special vase this does not last for just one week of joy but all year long. This is a handmade gift that is personalized with love.

Design suggestions:

- Any planter can be used to do this technique

- For Mother's Day - use pictures of vacation, special moments that you both shared, notes of inspirational words, poems.etc. Decoupage this on the planter you selected.

- Herbs can be planted in the vase as an alternative to flowers or plants for the Mom who likes to cook and they place it in the kitchen or window seal.

- This is also a great gift for Moms in nursing homes or assistant living centers for a gift that keeps on giving.

- You can also embellish the containers with a unique ribbon or word magnets from Artistic Lifestyling



How to do this project:

Items needed:

- A vase or planter or container
- Decoupage glue - found at your local hobby store Picture here
- Dry cloth
- Scissors
- Pictures/poems/inspirational words
- Sponge brush
- Ribbon
- Embellishments, optional but highly encourage to apply with a hot glue gun
- Hot glue gun (use to adhere embellishments)
- Potting soil (if using to plant herbs or a plant)
- Plant or herb or fresh flowers

Directions:

1. Choose your container and make sure it's clean and dry

2. Gather your pictures - and photocopy (either all black and white or all in color)

3. Make a collage with the pictures on the table before you start gluing.

4. It's helpful to brainstorm before you start.

5. Use photo copies instead of original pictures.

6. Make sure the ink is dry if you have printed them from an inkjet printer at least 24 hours

7. Then tear the pictures to give irregular edges or cut them to give them a clean edge.

8. Once you decide where you want to place the pictures on the vase then start gluing the pictures onto the vase or container. Cover each picture thoroughly with glue or artist gel medium. After the entire vase has been covered with your pictures then apply 2 layers of decoupage glue. Allow the vase to dry for 1 to 2 hours.

9. Finally plant your Mom's favorite flower, herb or place a fresh bouquet of flowers inside.

Room Design Tools

Interior and Exterior Design is one way to help you fall in love with your own home again. (And yes, you can do it yourself.) Many people live in one house for years, and can't see all the potential in your own space that is offered through change by rearranging, reorganizing and purging your stuff. The crazy housing market of late, makes it that much more important to take another look at your home and consider remaking the space rather than selling up to a larger home with the possibility of more risk.

This is one reason I love the Room Design Tools we feature from Canvas Home Basics. First, they're inexpensive, and when you are ready to spend money on paint, furnishings, and materials, this is one way to ensure that they all will fit in as planned. The other reason is that they are easy to use and bring out your creativity in ways you can't even imagine. Finally, some of the designs I have seen of late are so worthy of framing and hanging on a few walls as art pieces.

We have already sent out a few as gifts to some of our Etsy shoppers - We have a few more to give away as surprises with purchases. I love surprises.

Hope you do too...

Lise

Inspiration & Dream Boards

Inspiration and Dream boards are found in a few rooms in my house. My kitchen, office, and bedroom each have one. I use them to capture ideas and organize goals and project ideas.

The inspiration board featured here was created from an large 60's picture frame. It hangs in my office and contains a few photos, product prototypes and labels. I have used the board as a frequent background for our product photos.

Dream and Inspiration photos deserve to be embellished too. In fact this idea inspired the Align :: Creative Organization Collection. We've created small custom push pins, magnets, and tacks that reflect the design of the rooms they're used in. Beads, buttons, vintage earrings & small brooches, and brass or copper findings dress up the every day push pin and add that special detail to your room. (I've found that they are also useful for casual curtain and simple panel tiebacks too...)

Now my kids are getting into it. A few weeks back my oldest son and I went shopping for one of his very own. My son quickly posted a photo of new sneakers, a dream car, and some other short term goal reminders. He doesn't have his own tacks yet, but we did hang the board with some beautiful decorative hardware in copper. I'm telling you, it's the details that make the design.

My next project board will be made from a vintage picture frame and some sheet metal. I love the contrast of new and shiny and I also want to use these custom and oh so adorable decorative magnets.

How do you hang your inspiration?

Lise

Things We Keep

What does the modern woman keep for her future? We think of natural alternatives like bamboo sheets, organic cotton matelasse, and perhaps a little bling tossed on the bed to satisfy our inner girly girl.

These are just a few preview photos from the new lines we are carrying for our Jump Off Design and Keeping Collections.

Designer Bling

This weekend I was invited to see my friend Karis' collection of vintage jewelry. The snapshots on this post don't really do this collection any justice. Karis began collecting these pieces at a very young age. So these vintage jewels are gorgeously exquisite. I was in awe of this YUMMY stuff. When people say that they just don't make it like they used to - there is a reason.

Because we love re-use in design, we are lucky that some of these jewels and a few of her vintage buttons will make their way onto our own line of one-of-a-kind handmade pillows and other linens.

We we be sharing these with you in the weeks to come, so stay with us for more vintage glam for your home.

Enjoy!

Lise

Mastermind Design Groups

Traditional mastermind groups are designed to catapult you to success by holding each member accountable for their life's goals and objectives. I like this idea a lot.

I also love the idea of creating a Mastermind Design Group to plan and execute your major remodels, redesigns or new builds; to bounce ideas off of one another; and to maximize your buying power. Mastermind Design Groups can last for a just short while or for a lifetime!

It is best if your group happens to contain an interior designer, architect or builder. Ask them to take you on a shopping trip to the design markets. A designer with great sources can introduce you to a world of products and catalogs from which you can place your order as a group, often at very substantial discounts.

If any of you need to rebuild, your design group can approach local service providers and subcontractors who can give your group some of the best deals around. So find your neighbors and friends who need similar jobs and if you can all agree; offer the work to the same subcontractors.

I Heart Embellishments - New Listings on our Shop

I have literally been dreaming about ribbons and other embellishments. I'm not kidding about waking up with new projects and ideas in mind with my hands flying about as I sleep... and I wonder if this is normal? Anyone? Anyone? I have a friend who adores furniture and always says she can eat the furniture because it's so delicious. I have always found this to be an odd statement - but somehow I can now relate with all of this creative deliciousness.

These are some of the newest additions to our shop at Etsy. I'll be interested to see what you all create with the latest embellishments!

Enjoy!

Lise

Making Sanctuary Spaces

My personal definition of a sanctuary is simply a place to go to hibernate for a while. I'm easy that way. Though it would be really nice to have just one room devoted to the pursuit of cocooning, my sanctuary begins with a peaceful state of mind, and for about $200 you can also create a sanctuary space that moves with you.

Here's how:

Satisfy your inner child. My inner child is really happy with soft pillows, fresh flowers, art supplies, blankets, dream pillows and comfortable lounge wear. A big chair facing the ocean with a great book and my iPod is always a great option too.

If you are fortunate enough to have an unused or an underutilized room, for about $300 - $500 you can totally devote the space to the pursuit of Zen. Paint the room a color that reminds you of your favorite nurturing space, vacation, or family home. Add some ceiling accents. Try using words on your walls and playing world music to remind you to slow down and zone out. A great lounge chair, some floor pillows and maybe a bit of sound-proofing to keep it quiet and you're on your way to total relaxation.

With a larger budget, you can create an all-out retreat. Build a treehouse of your own or buy a rustic cabin in the mountains or a bungalow at the beach. Just make sure it's a comfortable commute or it will become more of a hassle than a great getaway.

Lise

Yep, I'm in Arkansas

So I thought I'd share some photos from my last few days in Arkansas at Canvas Corp and Mark Richards. I am here to help prepare for the CHA Homespacing class next month. It's probably not too late to sign up!

Time flies when you're busy - I can't believe CHA is happening so soon.

More soon,

Lise

Trends for 2008

I have been looking at the design "trends" for 2008 while we source new products. I've tracked the "hot news" from Europe back to the states. What I find really interesting is how the new products are presented - it's a treat to take a look at what's coming next. Since I love color and furniture I do like to see what's new; but I still prefer to do my own creative thinking; so I am using the list of trends for a creative jump start instead of fully embracing and copying them. So here's a glimpse of what I have seen for design and color in 2008.

Expect more color

We're seeing products that run the color spectrum - these are more vivid colors than we've seen in 2007. In fact, 2007 was all about neutrals, so the industry has almost done a complete revamp when it comes to colors. In a trade preview, we noticed that Pottery Barn has completely dispensed with the darker neutrals and features a rainbow of bright and bold color in their 2008 product line, using white and ivory as the backdrop to let the colors pop. We've also noticed a trend to use color in combination with greys and silvers.

Benjamin Moore has a paint line that corresponds with the Pottery Barn Products. So if you're interested in doing a feature wall in a bold shade, check them out. They still have more blues and greens, than they have reds and yellows; so don't worry about going with a color that is too overwhelmingly bold for your space. The greens and blues are still relaxing colors to use. I am anxiously waiting for the Yolo Colorhouse 2008 color collection to see what they are up to.

Graphics

Ok, so if you haven't noticed in 2007 there were a lot of graphic patterns everywhere. This continues into 2008. They are lovely, but this is an area that I think has the potential to be compared with the Avocado Green and Harvest Gold kitchen appliances from the 70's. So, because I do like the graphic patterns, I may invest. But not in a carpet - I'd go for the wall decals in a bold but removable graphic.

Eco-Friendly Design

This isn't going anywhere, at least as long as there is a threat of global warming - so I'm not sure it can be called trendy. Still I thought we should highlight this here as it is a growing segment of interior design. To highlight, we should be demanding that our products are:

1. from sustainable, reclaimed or recycled sources
2. energy efficient
3. chemical and pesticide free
4. fairly traded
5. comfortable and beautiful

Eclectic Looks

When we hear the word "eclectic" in design we may think of a collection of unmatched furniture, and personal decorative items which are brought together to create a stylish room. Though I think it also encompasses global fusion and the melding of design styles like country and urban. This is the preferred way to design in my book - turn things around and make a personal statement; so I am glad it's being highlighted in 2008.

Ok so back to my remark about the Avocado Green and Harvest Gold kitchens. At one time or another someone decided this was trendy. hmmm. I'll just wrap by reminding you that there are no rules, do what you love!

Happy New Year!

Lise

Salon Project

I thought I'd share the new photos of the salon we finished today. I think the longest part of this was the taping and the overnight drying time for the base coat. Other than that the lime wash and glaze project went pretty smoothly and the finish works so well with the lines of the curved wall.

And the best part is that we think Chris, the salon owner, really loved it. :-)

Big thanks to Melanie and Tracy - faux finish experts indeed.

So.... what did you create this weekend?

Lise

Evaluating Fabulous Products

I have spent these past few weeks evaluating products for a couple of new online e-tailing ventures. (more on those later)

Yesterday I received a beautiful package of paint colors. Thank you to Laurel from YOLO Colorhouse for sending me these fabulous family cards. Laurel is great.

It's a wonderful feeling when you absolutely know what you're meant to do with your life. I could literally not help staring at these vivid paint colors and envisioning where I can use these. This package made my day. So much potential. Such a wonderful product. I especially love the Petal and Sprout pages. I think these colors are so beautiful - especially when used in a child's play or work space! (or even used for an adult with a childlike outlook :-)

In all honesty, the YOLO colorhouse company has done an amazing job with the presentation of their products. Their website is awesome, but the colors on these pages are not to be missed. And any walls with these colors have got to be just dazzling. So my next step is to try a can of paint for one of my upcoming projects. Can't wait.

Be creative!

Lise

November Journaldoodling

This month we are journaldoodling about creative home projects that we want to try.

On a blank page of your journal, describe a creative home project. It could be anything
from making and installing tile; painting a border in a bedroom; handcrafting furniture; or making a floorcloth for the kitchen. List all the details and materials you'll need around the page. Remember to include the time you think it will take, and to doodle all of
your design ideas. Then pick the design you like the most and vow to try it this weekend.

Remember to have fun and don't overthink the process. Color. Laugh. Reflect. Release. Repeat.

Ingredients:
Art Journal
Micron pens, various widths
Art Pencils and Markers


Get your Journaldoodling prompt at the beginning of the month - sign up for our newsletter.

acoupalathings

Hi everyone!



This has been a long week - and I am so looking forward to spending some time off at home next week shopping, researching some new recipes, baking, prepping and cooking.

But before that, I still have a few details to wrap up for the painting project for the wall

above.

We'll get started on painting this project at the end of the month. It is a very cool curved wall created for an upscale salon in this area.

I so wanted to do a Moroccan theme with a beautiful pattern bringing in various earthy colors with a subtle glaze over top. But alas, we are probably going with a Venetian plaster finish in a warm ochre color. Yes, I think the color is a good choice for the dark wood finishes in the space - but I still fancy the other theme better.




And in other breaking news...


I also ran into my local Barnes & Noble this week and spotted a copy of Amy Butler's new book, Midwest Modern

pictured here -------->

What immediately caught my eye in the first few pages was Amy's description of Art & Life.



"I think that in everything we do, in every style of life, there is art to be found. Not just in the studios of talented artists, but in the gardens, homes, relationships, spirits, voices, and fashions of people you see every day."



If you know anything about my creative passions, you can see immediately why that quote resonates with me...




So I'm looking forward to reading Amy's book; and learning more about her approach to art and living.

What are you reading?