In an effort to stay within budget, and to cut back on consumerism, sometimes you gotta work with what your momma gave ya . . . or what you already own. When stars align, sometimes the furnishing that's a hand-me-down, a street find, or the like, is the perfect one for your digs. The owners of a beach shack on the Isle of Wight in the UK made the most of an old oar by using it as a curtain rod. Read more

The new issue of Rue Magazine hit the digital shelves this week, and my browser is already bursting with bookmarked design inspiration. In one feature, Rue introduces us to Bay Area designer Kriste Michelini — whose home CasaSugar toured in October — with a visit to her studio (I'm guessing). As usual, the styling is perfection. The vignette I can't take my eyes off is this floral Read more

I spotted this sweet wedding favor DIY over at Ruffled, and was instantly struck by how versatile the project is. The bride created them as favors for her guests and cleverly displayed them on a wall painted with magnetic paint, but the project could easily be streamlined for use around the house. My suggestion? Use them to plant your indoor herb garden! The cans would look cheerful lined up on Read more

When it comes to carpeting, sometimes the simplest way to save is to turn your head. Vogue.com writer Lauren Santo Domingo did just that when she decided to have the carpet in her Flatiron, NYC loft laid at an angle. "This was a regular striped carpet," she writes, "but we had them lay it diagonally, which I think makes for a very cool effect." From the looks of it, there wasn't much of a Read more

When I couldn't find a budget-friendly poster or print of my friend's favorite painting for her Christmas gift, I decided to go instead with a postcard of the piece found at a museum store, made wall-worthy with a simple frame. It's an inexpensive solution for fellow last-minute shoppers, but it's also a tip to use year-round in your own abode. Postcards or even past birthday and holiday cards Read more

Now that Dec. 25 has come and gone, we probably all have handfuls of "Seasons Greetings" lined up on our mantels or pinned to our refrigerators. Instead of stashing those cards in a drawer with last year's, you might as well put them to good use. Send yours to St. Jude's Ranch For Children, a safe home that rescues abused, abandoned, and neglected children. St. Jude's runs a 30-year-old Read more

If you're really concerned about making your Christmas wreath last the season, I'd recommend making an ornament wreath. But let's be honest: no number of candy-colored glass baubles beats the smell of pine boughs on your front doorstep. So I have a little trick for you that will ensure your wreath lasts well beyond Christmas. As soon as you buy your wreath, spray it all over with a can of hair Read more

If you're squeezed for space on your Thanksgiving table (and let's face it, who isn't?) try this easy idea. Instead of placing a pretty bouquet front and center on your dinner table, move it to a side table or buffet instead. This will free up room for the turkey and stuffing and will also avoid any accidental tipping of the bouquet. Read more

You've picked out the perfect place settings and arranged a seasonal-inspired centerpiece. Next to-do on your Thanksgiving list? Ironing the tablecloth may just be the task at hand. Before you take up your iron against deep-set linen wrinkles, try your washing machine first. After you've washed the tablecloth, hang it on a clothesline or drying rack until it's just damp. Washing the tablecloth Read more