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Open House: Living Simply
While the fallout from the current economic crisis is absolutely troubling, one friend who was recently laid off told me that her layoff has inspired her to live more simply. As she put it, the financial crunch has helped her to focus on what's truly important, such as spending time with family and friends, and working on her home craft business. Even though she no longer has money for much in the way of movies or extravagant dinners out, she's finding some unexpected pleasures in her new, simpler, frugal lifestyle.
Simple Style: Fall Olive Jar Arrangement
I love decorating with elements from nature, and this autumnal arrangement, from Better Homes and Gardens, fits the bill. For this simple display, a collection of rustic olive jars in various sizes are scattered on a worn wood console. Striking chestnut branches arch out of just one of the jars.
From the Archives: Chalkboard Paint
For Dress Your Walls month, I thought I'd repost some bright ideas I had earlier in the year that relate to this month's theme. It's sometimes hard to dig these up from the archives on your own, so I'm finding the best ones for you to save you the trouble. When I find any archived posts that are particularly helpful for this month's theme, I'll run them in addition to the regular posts I'm putting up each day.
Simple Style: Doorknob Coatrack
I love this coatrack from Amy and Jon's house, which was featured on Apartment Therapy. Made from salvaged antique doorknobs, it's such a cool, simple alternative to a coat tree. And watch out, Casa readers.
Simple Style: Paint Yourself a Headboard
A headboard can really be a great focal point for a bedroom, and just because you own a regular ol' bed doesn't mean it can't have a regal backdrop. So if you don't own a headboard, why not try painting one on?
I'm loving this idea from Point Click Home, and it would be very easy to recreate.
Simple Style: Ladder Rungs As Racks
Lots of companies sell magazine racks that resemble ladders, like this Chiasso Scooter Magazine Rack ($118). But for a touch of character, try making your own rack out of an antique ladder. Readily available online and at flea markets and antique stores, rustic ladders can be propped up against a wall to hold all sorts of things: Real Simple recommends using ladders as racks for towels, periodicals, and jewelry, and I also like this use of a rustic ladder to hold quilts.
Simple Style: Gift Wrap Your Door
I'm always tempted by those single sheets of wrapping paper you often find in fancy paper stores, but I don't really wrap enough gifts to justify buying all the paper I crave. That's why I love this project I spotted on Design Sponge: Blogger Grace livened up her closet door by filling the panels with some leftover gift wrap. This would be a fun way to get rid of scraps — or a great excuse to buy some of those papers I've been eyeing.
Simple Style: Porcelain Glove Molds
I'm always coming across porcelain glove molds in antiques stores, junk shops, and flea markets. These handy finds, originally used for making gloves, are very versatile accent pieces. You can use them to display jewelry and other trinkets, or screw them into the bathroom wall to serve as clever towel racks.
Simple Style: Skateboard Shelf
This skateboard shelf would be just as easy to install as bracket shelving, but the unexpected surface — and its accompanying wheels — make it fun and edgy. I love how graphic designer Mathieu Hubert (via Poppytalk) uses it to display retro toys.
All you'd need to make it is an old skateboard and two shelf brackets, screwed into the board and affixed to the wall.
Simple Style: From Tree Branch to Towel Rack
Incorporating natural elements into your decor — whether it's a houseplant or a woven grass rug — really adds life to a room. This charming tree-branch towel rack I spotted on Design*Sponge would be a really easy way to bring a touch of nature to your kitchen or bathroom. Just find a smooth piece of driftwood or sand down a stick you've scavenged and secure it to the wall with screws.
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