10 DIY Ideas With Chalkboard Paint

    Chalkboard paint is affordable, versatile and now comes in a variety of colours, allowing many fun DIY projects to be created. Here are 10 fun ideas to get the creative juices flowing!

Idea 1: Make labels for any storage boxes

Idea 2: Create a feature wall  

Idea 3: Custom name cards

Idea 4: Custom headboards 

Idea 5: Draw fun accessories

Idea 6: A calendar 

Idea 7: Custom Placemats 

Idea 8: Dishware

Idea 9: Container labels 

Idea 10: Plant containers 

Image 1, 2, 3, 4, 5  Blog.brightnest.com

Image 6 via Thedecorologist.com

Image 7 via Pinterest.com

Image 8 via www.purplecarrotkc.com

Image 9 via Lovethomas.blogspot.ca

Image 10 via www.i-do-it-yourself.com

DIY: Tissue Flowers

    Looking for a fun DIY? This craft is simple, versatile and doesn't require many materials. 

Step 1: Cut a circle approximately 3'' in diameter from 8 layers of tissue paper. Colour and texture are completely up to you. 

Step 2: Stack the circles, then place a pin in the center of the stack. Remove pin and replace with flower wire, twist tie or other wire. Twist wire so it stays securely as the center of the flower. 

Step 3: Gently pull each layer of tissue to separate and create a beautiful, blooming flower. 

Here is a fun variation of this DIY created by pinning the flowers to a styrofoam wreath. Have fun and experiment!

Image 1 via Indulgy.com

Image 2 via Flickr.com

Your 5th Wall: Painted Ceilings

Many home owners spend hours deciding on colours for their walls in their home. Some find it nearly impossible to decide on just one colour, whether it contrasts, compliments or matches exactly to something else in their space. Finding that perfect colour is sometimes a challenge. Traditionally, many paint ceilings white because of it's reflective values and the fact that it gives a clean, crisp appearance. Where is it written that you can not paint the ceilings in a bright, vibrant colour? or a soft, warming hue? it isn't. Here are some beautiful examples of how painting the ceiling can add drama, visual interest and intrigue into each space. Enjoy! 

Wrapping the same colour from the walls adds grandeur and draws the eye upward.

Carrying the soft blue from the furniture to the ceiling defines the area and contrasts with the large mouldings. 

The bright hue brings colour without overwhelming this small space.

This dining room cove is accentuated by a earthy, toned brown on the ceiling portion.

Adorable, dreamy lilac reflected from the bedding onto the ceiling. 

Image 1, 3 & 4 via Jodanguidedesign.com

Image 2 via hVividhuehome.blogspot.ca

Image 5 via Decorpad.com

A Closer Look: A Day Made Of Glass by Corning

    A Day Made Of Glass is a video created by Corning, who are known for their expertise in specialty glass and ceramics. The video features their idea of an average day set in the future, mostly focusing on specialty glass products. If you haven't already seen the video, here it is.

    Personally, I love to watch this video, as I am a huge fan of new technology. This entire video feels a bit like the Iphone commercials from Apple with it's "wow" factor. I also enjoy how nearly every surface visible is clean, shiny white. Obviously, this gives a modern, futuristic impression and has for some time. Since we already have products like mirror televisions available to us, it is not that hard to believe that this could be seen in the "near future". It is a interesting concept that nearly every surface in the home would have computer programming involved to make it incredibly multifunctional.

    My only problem with the video is the idea that everyone is touching all of those surfaces (bus shelter, countertop, fridge, mirror ect.) constantly throughout the day. I am assuming that not every home maker wants to spend their entire day washing every surface of their home for finger smudges. I guess we are supposed to assume that they have some kind of coating on the glass to avoid finger prints/ germs. Oh well, it IS the future. Anything is possible.

Please check it out. This will definitely get you thinking about the future of design.

4 Steps to Organizing Your Cosmetics

    We have all done it. That "quick" stop by Sephora that ends with us leaving with a bag stuffed full of goodies, anxiously waiting until we get home so we can test them out. As we arrived home, that giddy, post shopping thrill is fading and we think to ourselves "where the heck am I gonna put all this?".  I can admit that since I was old enough (much to my Father's dismay) to wear makeup, I was hesitant to throw out any of my favourites, despite the fact that I had to spend five minutes trying to get the last drop from the bottle or deciding where I would ever wear it. Here are a few tips I find useful when faced with this unpleasant task. 

Step 1: Throw away any unnecessary items or expired makeup

Some makeup such as mascara only lasts a few months anyway so there is really no point in holding onto nearly dried out tubes. If there are items that you are hesitant about, ask yourself when was the last time you wore that product. If the answer is "I don't remember", you probably don't need to hold onto it. 

Step 2: Invest in proper storage 

Having a vanity or a place to do your makeup in the morning is not enough. An ideal space includes room to store all your products without it looking messy or cluttered. Drawers, baskets or other storage containers work wonders so that not everything has to be out in the open. 

There are some really cool storage systems out there now that are designed for cosmetics. Try Solutions for some practical organizing ideas. If you are wanting to save a few pennies, try a basket or decorative container that you already own. 

Step 3: Divide and conquer 

Start by sorting items into categories. You could sort by application ie. (Eyes, Lips, Nails) ect. Or you can break it down even further, depending on your specific taste. Make sure that any items you use daily are easily accessible, so your efforts remain practical. 

 Step 4: Celebrate 

Now you have a completely clean, organized solution for your cosmetics. Woohoo! Time to applaud your efforts and try out some of those new Sephora finds. 

Image 1 via http://pinterest.com/pin/9429480439705171/

Image 2, 3 via http-//www.shelterness.com/33-cool-makeup-storage-ideas/

Image 4 via http-//www.solutions-stores.ca/

Image 5 via http-//ariannabelle.com/blog/category/makeup-organization

Image 6 via http-//modafile.blogspot.ca/2012/03/organized-make-up-and-jewelry.html

2012 Colour of the Year

    It's going to be a very hot summer. Pantone has released their Color of the Year for 2012. Tangerine Tango is warm, energetic, deep and seductive. It is being used in home decor, fashion and cosmetics, bringing excitement into every aspect of our lives. There is no arguing that this colour attracts the eye. It's vibrance can accent a room, compliment other warm colours or contrast against cooler tones. 

Image 1 via http-//www.styleathome.com/blog/2011/12/13/pantone-2012-colour-of-the-year-tangerine-tango/

Image 2 via http-//firstsense.wordpress.com/2012/01/02/happy-tangerine-tango-new-year/

Image 3 via http-//kjbennett.com/tangerine-tango-makeup

Image 4 via http-//www.fivestarpainting.com/designtips/

Image 5 via http-//www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/slaves-to-fashion/2011/12/pantone-announces-tangerine-ta.html

Image 6 via http-//www.hgtv.com/color/tangerine-tango-decorate-with-pantones-2012-color-of-the-year/pictures/index.html

The Perfect Spring Centerpiece

    Looking for inspiration to make your room say "Welcome to Spring"? Martha Stewart has arranged a variety of Spring centerpieces to show how different looks can be achieved using different techniques. 

Using small buds instead of fully blooming flowers can make a statement. Try to vary the arrangement such as the one above using Daffodils, Tulips, Lily of the Valley, and Paperwhites. 

A variety of lilacs, arranged by hue make an interesting visual effect without adding extra colours.

 Bright, saturated peonies make a statement as they spill from their container.

These fresh Tulips and Daffodils make a tall centerpiece and are uniquely wrapped in a nest type binding.

  Tulips cut smaller at the stem will make a shorter centerpiece without compromising any of the colour and excitement of the flowers. 

I love that these little mini arrangements are situated inside hollowed out eggshells.

For more arrangement ideas visit Martha Stewart's article here. 

Images 1-6 Via http://www.marthastewart.com/274352/spring-centerpieces/@center/276961/dinner-party-ideas

Eclectic Bedroom: Get The Look

Image 1 Via House and Home 

Image 2 Via Urban Barn

Image 3 Via Anichini

Image 4 & 5 Via Pier 1 Imports

Image 6 Via Pottery Barn

Garden Bliss: Japanese Wisteria Tunnel

    Japan has an annual celebration named Fuji Matsuri, also known as The Wisteria Festival. These photographs were taken in Kawachi Fuji Garden, located roughly four hours from Tokyo. Wisteria usually blooms in Japan from mid-April until mid-May. These gigantic trellises allow the Wisteria to fall gracefully over the parks, while different species paint a soft, colourful scenery. 

 Gardendesign.com has provided the names of each of these Wisteria species seen in the photos above. 

'Usubeni fuji' (light pink), 'Murasaki fuji' (purple), 'Naga fuji' (long), 'Yae kokuryu' (double-petaled black dragon), and 'Shiro fuji' (white).

                                            Images 1-3 via http://stomaster.livejournal.com/1102877.html

Gorgeous New York Apartment by David Mann

    Silver and gold, romantically captured in this New York apartment designed by David Mann, glisten in the natural lighting of the space. The use of reflective surfaces allows the maximum amount of light, while a colour palette consisting of creamy whites and soft subtle yellow works in harmony with the variety of metallic finishes. David Mann's combination of furniture styles brings a sense of old world charm into the space while maintaining that glamorous, luxurious New York style. 

    Every piece in this rooms has specific detailing that assists in adding to the elegant atmosphere without compromising function of the room. Custom curtains and furniture allow for the perfect pieces that feel as though they were meant for the space in this glistening tale of timeless style.  

Images 1-3 (Photography by Nikolas Koenig ) via http://www.architecturaldigest.com/decor/2012-02/david-mann-new-york-apartment-slideshow#slide=1