DIY Life

Sure, herbs smell great and taste even better --- but have you ever considered decorating with them? Kelly Edwards has the scoop:



Why should you decorate with herbs? It's easy --- not only are they super functional when cooking, but they happen to be gorgeous and smell fantastic. Plus, they last longer than flowers, which is great for someone who always forgets to throw away their dead plants (hanging my head in shame over here...).

Want some fresh (pun intended!) ideas on storing and displaying your own little interior herb garden? Try placing a few small herbs in a teacup or mug for an unexpected look. Or, double up on functional storage by placing a potted herb in an ice bucket when not in use. Even better? A cake stand doubles as a decorative element to create a circled montage of your favorite herbs. The possibilities are endless!

Thanks, Kelly!

Whoa, nelly. This is my kind of DIY project. With the leaves beginning to change color, I'm dreaming of late nights by the fireplace... with my trusty chai tea, of course. I'd love to own a one-of-a-kind tea set, and it looks like Re-Nest has made that possible -- and on a dime, no less!

All you need are a few key materials to get started. Aya found her tea set at a local thrift shop and scored two saucers for $1.99 and two cups for $2.99. Major score! For paint colors, she used Pebeo Porcelaine 150 in Turquoise and a Pebeo Porcelaine 150 pen in black. Of course, you can get as creative as you'd like with colors, but I think these look smashing together!

From there, you'll need a paintbrush, tissue paper and a jar for water. That's it! Aya has some awesome how-to instructions for how she created her pattern, but if you like to doodle, why not try it free-hand? You'll be guaranteed a unique, custom look that your guests will eye with envy.

'Tis the season of the pumpkin. We carve them, make delicious pies from them and puree them for baby food. We even toast the seeds for a crunchy snack. But if you're bored with all that, maybe it's time to find some fun new functions for your pumpkins! Here are a few suggestions to get the creative juices flowing:

Sticking in the food realm for just a moment, why not branch out and try something other than pie? For example, pumpkin chili is fun to make. Or do as the Native Americans did and make pumpkin leather for winter snacking. Yum.

Feeling crafty? Pumpkins and gourds can be fashioned into all sorts of objects once hollowed out and dried. For example? How about drums and shakers for homemade music time? Or turn them into bird feeders, fun decorative bird houses ... or even use gourds to create real birdhouses for nesting yard birds like wrens.

So. Halloween is inching closer and closer and I'm dreaming of throwing a sophisticated dinner party for the occasion... or at least dressing my home in festivities. Yet I'll admit -- I hate the traditional black and orange "ghoulish" decor. I can't handle skeletons in my home, absolutely despise scarecrows and wouldn't be caught dead (no pun intended) courting the thought of a Frankenstein head as a centerpiece.

So what's a gal like me to do to ring in Halloween? Shall we just skip the occasion and go straight to turkey decorating? Never! I've rounded up a few great ideas that are as easy on the eyes as they are on the budget. And don't worry -- you won't find any dead fingers amidst these looks.

Gothic Black/White Graphics:
I love the Thomas Paul collection of Gothic melamine plates, and luckily, with a few pumpkins and black candlesticks strategically placed, the look can be quite Halloween-esque, but still perfect year-round. Good deal, right?

Gilding Pumpkins:
Turns out that a can of spray paint takes an orange staple in the Halloween decor industry up one notch to chic, understated glamor. That's right; the pumpkin gets a facelift with gold and silver gilding. This entryway is definitely my kind of autumn decorating, and I can't imagine trick-or-treating with anything else.

Raven Silhouettes:
I know, I know --- I said no tradition Halloween decorations. But the raven, although spooky and understandably ghoulish (you saw Birds, right?!), isn't altogether Halloweeny, right? Because a raven silhouette in a glass casing is a trend I could really get behind...

Autumn Centerpiece:
Although I'm not usually a supporter of the silk flower movement, seasonal decorations sometimes call for faux arrangements. In this case, the bright marigold and daisy palette is both inviting and classic, creating a gorgeous centerpiece worthy of Halloweens across the globe. The orange screams "fall" without screaming bloody murder. My kind of Halloween!

Overall, there are so many ways to infuse your home with seasonal decor --- with or without the witch's broom. Get creative using items around your own home to complete an eclectic, fall-inspired aesthetic that won't break the bank -- or your superstitions.

We talked headboards last week, and I can't help but shake the fact that I desperately need to spruce my own up a bit. As usual, I'm taking a cue from our fellow friends at ShelterPop. This lovely round-up has me craving a Saturday afternoon with a bit of fabric, plywood and my handy dandy staple gun.

This handy ReadyMade tutorial is one of my favorites, as I'm an avid read-in-bed kinda gal. There's nothing comfortable about stacking a few pillows against a hard, upright headboard, so this design is perfect for me. And with just a few tools, the process couldn't be easier!

Don't see one you like? Blogger pioneer Grace Bonney from Design*Sponge gave us a sneak peek of her own bedroom, including a DIY video of this gorgeous homemade headboard that's fit for a queen. Or, you could check out Curbly's round-up of 10 Fantastically DIY-able headboards.

Happy dreaming!

I have a friend who is the most talented florist you'd ever see, and I'm continuously awe-struck by the sort of things she gathers and puts together to create an elaborate arrangement. Hopefully I can sneak some of Josie's tips on creating unique floral arrangements into my memory for the next time we get together...

I love the idea of layering vases, and it looks so easy to do! Simply stack smaller vases into larger ones, much like a nesting doll effect. Add lemons (plastic slices are best so as not to harm the flowers!) around the lining of the larger vase to camouflage the interior, and you've got a tight space to fit large flowers, but a large vase to match the scale!

The look is absolutely gorgeous. I love the concept of mixing grocery items into flower arrangements, such as coffee beans, lemons and oranges, so naturally, this is right up my alley!

Read more of Grayson Handy's tips right here at ShelterPop.

Today's how-to video comes from Home Depot, and I love some of the tips shared in this helpful tutorial. Although I'm not a massive fan of sponge painting or glaze, I love the look of color blocks, argyle and stripes using just a bit of chalk and painter's tape. Check it out!:


My favorite decorative painting technique? Stripes on stripes. Choose your favorite shade of paint in both matte and hi-gloss and tape off some vertical stripes using painter's tape. Alternate between hi-gloss and matte paint for a beautiful effect that adds both dimension and drama to the room. The look works great in a home that may need a boost in architectural elements.

The possibilities are endless with a can of paint and a few tools, and paint is one of the fastest (and cheapest!) ways to transform a room. Get to work!

Fall: my favorite season! Admittedly, autumn here in Florida lacks the spectacular foliage and delightfully chilly air enjoyed by those in northern states. This makes me rely all the more on décor to evoke that Fall atmosphere in September. Okay, so Fall does not officially arrive until September 22, but I'm so ready now!

Now, don't spend big bucks decorating for fall. It's really not necessary, and I also think it goes against the spirit of the season a little bit. Isn't autumn a time for celebrating the simple abundance of nature, above all else? With that in mind, let's take a look at budget-friendly ways to gussy up your house and yard for Fall.

First up: do buy at least one largish pumpkin. For a $10 or $15 investment you'll get weeks of big-time Fall attitude for your front porch.

Graphic designer Ed Roth founded Stencil1 in Brooklyn, NY in 2005 and has been stenciling the world since. Stencil101 is the continuation of his love for decals, patterns and graphic design, and is chocked full of tutorials for making your space pop. And with over 25 patterns to choose from inside the book, your home will pop indeed.

My favorite stencil offered in Stencil101 is a lovely bird print reminiscent of Julia Rothman's wallpaper. The stencils are near foolproof and with dozens of color combinations, you can make a truly unique space in your home. I'd love to utilize his stencils anywhere in my home, from lampshades to message boards and entryways to closet linings.

Luckily, pattern is one of the quickest ways to infuse your home with a bit of extra pizazz, and Stencil101 makes it easier than ever. And with 25+ patterns to choose from, you couldn't possibly find a cheaper way to do so.

I can feel my white, bare walls calling me already...

IKEA is good for a lot of things, yes, and my college dorm room would have been ridiculously bare without the extra help from my Swedish furnishers. Yet now that I'm older (and hopefully wiser!), the Billy bookcase just doesn't do it for me. I've seen it lined with gift wrap, wallpaper, and covered with cabinet doors, but I can always spot a Billy from a mile away.

Until Ali Mode's creation, of course. By taking plaster columns and crown molding to her traditional Billy bookcases, she's created a glamorous and customized look that will take any space to the next level. And with a mounted swinging arm lamp? A complete makeover done in a day.

Check out Ali's tutorial from our friends at ShelterPop, and if you're looking for a few good reads to line your newly glamorous bookcases, check out a few of DIYLife's book reviews right here and here.

IKEA is good for a lot of things, yes, and my college dorm room would have been ridiculously bare without the extra help from my Swedish furnishers. Yet now that I'm older (and hopefully wiser!), the Billy bookcase just doesn't do it for me. I've seen it lined with , , and , but I can always spot a Billy from a mile away.Until creation, of course. By taking plaster columns and crown molding to her traditional Billy bookcases, she's created a glamorous and customized look that will take any space to the next level. And with a mounted swinging arm lamp? A complete makeover done in a day.Check out Ali's tutorial from our friends at , and if you're looking for a few good reads to line your newly glamorous bookcases, check out a few of DIYLife's book reviews right and .

Anyone who has ever tried to outfit their bedroom knows that bedroom furniture is not cheap. So what do you do if you are short on cash, yet long for a stylish room? You do-it-yourself, of course.

There are a few things to consider before you begin. Think about your decorating style. Are you looking for something as a short term solution or are you looking to invest the time and energy into making a headboard that will last your for the long haul. How much time and energy do you really want to spend making a headboard? Do you want to make your headboard from items that you already own, then look around your house, garage, or attic at things that you have laying around that could be repurposed.

Here are some ideas to get you started.

Think beyond the metal scroll screen. There are many types of screens out there that can suit your own personal taste. You can even use vintage shutters hinged together.

When it comes to home décor, I've learned to get more for my money. If you're currently renting, chances are you're doing the same – shopping for Pottery Barn looks at bargain basement prices. Shop even smarter: Time your purchases to take advantage of clearance sales on seasonal product lines!

August is a great time to shop for outdoor supplies, especially furniture and décor for your patio or balcony. So start keeping an eye out for those hot late-summer deals! Need inspiration? Check out my slideshow of thrifty buys for balcony beautification. It's all about getting great looks at an affordable price.

Oh, and for sensible tips on making the most of your outdoor spaces, take a look at Oh My Apartment's balcony decorating ideas and also HGTV's guide to decorating a balcony.

This weekend we hosted a goodbye party for my cousin who's off to college and I gifted her this book [but not before taking a peek myself!]. I was amazed at the detailed projects that were both colorful and age-appropriate; perfect for any young decor-lover on a budget.

I even found a few ideas myself that I'd love to incorporate, dorm room or no dorm room! The book begins with helpful tips on what may not be allowed in a dorm room, furniture that can serve multiple purposes, and choosing an inviting color scheme. There's even a section on making those cinderblocks look a bit more... luxe.

My favorite tutorial is, BY FAR, a felt zebra-print rug. A no-sew and fully functional rug, the "cut-it-out felt rug" tutorial includes a template for the look, as well as color scheme ideas and an easy-to-use pattern. I have a feeling I'll be trying this in my own home this month!

From messenger bags to lamps and fleece robes to message boards, this is the co-ed's guide to living with style. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if this read inspired incoming freshman to switch their majors ASAP. To interior design, of course!

Dorm Decor
Authors: Theresa Gonzalez and Nicole Smith
Chronicle Books

Curtains can change the entire feel of a room. Much less expensive than furniture, you can have fun with them and use bold patterns and colors that you might regret if it were on a $4,000 couch instead.

Aside from the decor aspect, curtains serve a purpose. They can block out the sunlight, important in a child's room unless you enjoy getting up at the first hint of daybreak. They can insulate the window, saving you money on your heating costs in the winter and your cooling costs in the summer. They can provide privacy, sparing your neighbors the view of you in your pajamas.

Depending on your particular needs and decor, you can choose between long draperies, valances, sheer curtains, either alone or behind drapes, cafe curtains -- a personal favorite of mine for little girl rooms -- or any combination of these. Whichever you choose, you'll need to hang curtain rods.

Hanging curtain rods really is no more difficult that hanging picture frames.

It's summer: the season of sun, sand and surfing! So let's talk about how to incorporate a dash of beach flavor into your interior décor. Specifically, let's talk surfboards.

First up: Enter the DIY Life-Lunar Lounge Coffee Table Giveaway! A beautifully streamlined Eliptikal table is up for grabs. Inspired by 1950s interiors, the Eliptikal also evokes the world of surfing style. Want to win it? Just follow the link to Erin's post and tell us how you would put your own decorative stamp on this baby.

Now, I'll confess, I'm no surfer. However, I love the look of vintage long boards. Yes, they're kind of big and bulky, but they also possess elegant lines. They speak so powerfully of the ocean and outdoors living. Plus they effortlessly add an unexpected, fun twist to any room.