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6 Fabulous Faux Fireplaces

by Leena Kollar
written by Leena Kollar

If you live somewhere that has mild temperatures all year, you probably don’t need a fireplace. But sometimes a fireplace makes a great focal point in a room and gives the space character. Even if you aren’t lying by the fire holding a big mug of hot cider, a fireplace can make a room feel really cozy. One alternative, if you don’t need a heat source, is to design a faux fireplace. This way, you get the added chic appeal, without taking up wasted space. Whether it’s in your living room, bedroom or kitchen, here are some faux fireplaces to light that design “spark” within!

source: Dreamy Whites

1. French Country

For a look that is rustic and simple, this white mantel is gorgeous. The small pops of pretty colors add an element of femininity and the clock and chair help balance out the space. This is a great way to incorporate a faux fireplace that is also functional. It provides extra seating and creates a calming environment.

Get more ideas for decorating in french country style over at Dreamy Whites.

source: Rogue Engineer

2. Custom Colors

A really great thing about making a faux fireplace is that you can customize it to your style. You can paint it in any shade you want, display it anywhere, and decorate it however you wish. If you’ve got an area in a room that is boring and needs a minor reboot, a DIY fireplace mantel would up the style factor big time.

Get more design inspiration from Rogue Engineer.

source: Petite Party Studio

3. Herringbone Firebox

Trying to figure out what to do with the firebox on a DIY fireplace can be a challenge. I love what was done here with the herringbone design! It keeps the fireplace interesting and adds texture. Wood is a great element that can span seasons, so during the holidays, the mantel can dazzle with festive decor.

Check out how this was constructed at Petite Party Studio.

source: Love The Tompkins

4. Subway Tiles

If you’re not going to use your fireplace for fires, then I say deck it out! This faux version does just that, using subway tiles. It’s a subtle, yet dramatic addition that contrasts beautifully with the dark wood pieces. I think this would look stunning in a bathroom. You could utilize the space on the hearth with a basket full of towels, tall candles or a vase full of flowers.

Take a look at how this was built on Love The Tompkins.

source: Love of Family and Home

5. Former Headboard

I’m seriously blown away by this faux fireplace because it was made from a former headboard! What a creative, resourceful idea, and it looks amazing! A fireplace like this is definitely a simplified version, and you could easily move it to different parts of your home. I think the possibilities are just about endless with this, and I’m totally impressed.

Stop by Love of Family and Home to see how this mantel was made.

source: AKA Design

6. Simply Painted

This faux fireplace has a very simple design, but I really like the idea of painting the firebox. You could use chalkboard paint to write cute little notes like “Merry Christmas” or other seasonal messages. You could also draw fake flames to really play up the fireplace theme. Adding a small table and placing the mantel next to chairs is a smart way to make the space functional.

Learn how to make this DIY fireplace from AKA Design.

Leena Kollar

Leena Kollar

Contributing Writer at Life As Mama
I'm a wife, mother and everything else associated with domestic life. I can often be found hiding from my kids to sneak treats (especially ice cream). I love rainbows and naps, and I find any excuse to go to Target. When I actually make it out of the house in real clothes, I document my outfits on my fashion blog, Leather & Lip Gloss. My love for fashion also inspired me to start my own comprehensive style website, The Style Spectrum.
Leena Kollar
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HomeLifestyle

6 Inspiring Real Laundry Rooms That Might Make Washing Clothes Fun

by Jordyn Smith
written by Jordyn Smith

When it comes to designing and decorating your home, your laundry room or space probably comes dead last on your to-do list. As long as it contains everything you need- washer and dryer, enough detergent to clean an army, and maybe even a place to fold clothes, you’re probably pretty satisfied with it. Still, that probably doesn’t stop you from dreaming of having a laundry room stylish enough to adorn the pages of your favorite home design magazine.

These real life laundry rooms show that you don’t need to have the most updated equipment or even the biggest space in order to outfit your home with a laundry room that makes the task of washing clothes a little more enjoyable.

Source: rightupmy-alley.blogspot.com

1. Elegant & Neutral

This laundry is a fantastic blend of textures and patterns that work perfectly with each other. All sharing a neutral cream and white color scheme, this room is sweet and relaxing. The paneled wall and hanging chandelier give the entire space a sort of rustic elegance that looks absolutely stunning.

Visit Right Up My Alley to find tons of inspiring home design and decor projects.

 

Source: notjustahousewife.net

2. Modern Monochrome

When in doubt about a particular color scheme, go with monochrome. The simple black and white gives any space a modern vibe that can easily be added to with colorful accessories. This room makes the white machines the focal point by painting the wall behind them a deep black and leaving the others neutral white. The presence of the black and white accessories on the wooden shelves only add to the cool but simplistic scheme.

Get all the home improvement inspiration you’ll ever need at Not JUST A Housewife.

Source: twelveonmain.com

3. Farmhouse Chic

As a beautiful homage to the clean, slightly rustic style, farmhouse chic never seems to get old. The gorgeous white tile and white paneled walls provide a bright, simplistic backdrop that is only enhanced by the slight pops of color and wood topped shelves and tables.

Get inspiration for creating the home of your dreams at Twelve On Main.

Source: vintagerevivals.com

4. Wood Trim

Another laundry room with a more simplistic vibe that is as far from boring as possible, this room takes advantage of dark tile on the floor and wood accents to set it apart from the rest.

Find tips and tutorials for transforming old items into beautiful new pieces at Vintage Revivals.

Source: abeautifulmess.com

5. Cute & Colorful

The fun, whimsical designs on the washing washer and dryer as well as the adorable prints and muted but beautiful pops of color make this laundry room extremely unique. The machine designs are created with electrical tape while the peach accent spots add tons of personality and some much-needed vibrancy.

Get great recipes, fun DIY’s, and fashion inspiration at A Beautiful Mess.

 

Source: blueistyleblog.com

6. Tight Space

This laundry room perfectly shows that you don’t need a large space to make your laundry area shine. The area is utilized perfectly, with storage and other necessities placed on the insides of the doors while the green shelving, white backdrop, and black floors offset each other perfectly, creating a gorgeously eye-catching space.

Find tips on organizing your home, creating crafts for your kids, and hosting for the holidays at Blue i Style.

 

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6 Inspiring Real Laundry Rooms That Might Make Washing Clothes Fun

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DIYHomeTips & Ideas

8 Ikea Hacks That Are Perfect For Your Home Office

by Jordyn Smith
written by Jordyn Smith

It is extremely important to have a home office or workspace that is comfortable, functional, and inspiring at the same time. If your home workspace is uncomfortable and uninspiring, it can be exceedingly hard to get work done or even be inspired to create in the first place.

Taking on the task of transforming any space in your home is never a simple or cheap project, but you don’t have to throw up tons of wallpaper, break out multiple cans of paint, or handle the power tools to make your space more inspiring. All you need is a trip to your local IKEA and some inspiration provided to you by these awesome hacks.

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Source: apartmenttherapy.com

1. Ikea Picture Ledges Turned Book Shelves Hack

This project doesn’t require much actual “hacking” activity, just a little bit of reimagining. These IKEA picture ledges can be hung as they normally would but instead of placing pictures on them, use them for your books, notepads, and magazines instead. If you don’t have a large collection, these shelves can completely get rid of the need for an actual bookshelf at a fraction of the price, size, and work.

Find out more about this project and other home design ideas at Apartment Therapy.

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Source: papernstitchblog.com

2. Ikea Concrete Globe Table Lamp Hack

Every cool home office needs an equally cool light fixture, and this IKEA hack totally provides that. Made using an IKEA globe light and some concrete mix, this simple light is transformed into a fixture that looks awesome on any desk.

Get more fun DIY projects, delicious recipes, and design inspiration at Paper & Stitch.

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Source: enthrallinggumption.com

3. Ikea Geometric Pinboards Hack

Pinboards, or corkboards, are super handy office tools that seriously help with organization and while they are super useful, they aren’t known for being the most stylish of office accessories. With this simple hack you can turn any old IKEA pinboard into a tool that helps aid productivity and looks great at the same time.

Find amazing DIY projects and home design inspiration at Enthralling Gumption.

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Source: stylemepretty.com

4. Ikea Coffee Table Desk Hack

There are tons of IKEA desk hacks out there, and while all of them are great, this one definitely has a special place in our hearts because of how ridiculously easy it is. Using an IKEA coffee table top and some IKEA hairpin legs, two simple items are transformed into a combination that is extremely useful and even more chic!

Style Me Pretty is full of simple DIY projects and wedding planning inspiration.

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Source: thejpetite.com

5. Ikea Storage Box Makeover Hack

You can never have too much storage but affordable storage options aren’t known for being the most stylish. A few simple IKEA storage pins and some creative spray painting can give you options that are both.

Get style inspiration, creative crafts, and lifestyle tips at J Petite.

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Source: aliciatenise.com

5. Ikea Office Chair Hack

All this hack requires is a little bit of gold spray paint, but it makes such a huge difference! When painted over, the legs of this plush IKEA chair completely transform the look of the entire piece. Go gold for a little bit of glamour or choose another color that suits you better.

Get all the lifestyle inspiration you need at Alicia Tenise.

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Source: brit.co

7. Ikea Desk Organizer Hack

Not every little item that belongs on your desk fits in with the rest of the space or is pretty to look at, which makes finding proper desk organization super important. This little organizer is the simple transformation of one IKEA item. Done with just a bit of geometric color blocking, this project is extremely easy but makes a huge difference.

Check out Brit + Co for awesome holiday gift guides and crafting projects.

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Source: theeverygirl.com

8. Ikea Bar Cart Storage Hack

Another hack that doesn’t require any actual “hacking,” this IKEA bar cart can easily be transformed into a great office storage unit for books, knick-knacks, and office supplies.

Get finance tips, fashion galleries, and more home design inspiration at The Every Girl.

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BabyCareerFamilyKidsToddler

7 Common Misconceptions About Stay At Home Moms

by Ellice Vargas
written by Ellice Vargas

There are so many misconceptions around about stay-at-home mom’s, that it is quite astonishing. Since becoming a mother I have worked full time outside of the home, stayed at home full time, and now I work from home. So, I feel I have a fairly well rounded understanding on what it feels to be a mother in each one of those areas. What never fails to surprise me is the comments I get in regards to what is it that I do all day. Here are the most common misconceptions I’ve come across in my time as a stay-at-home mom.

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1. We Must Have Money

Well, no. Actually, my initial reason to become a stay home was because my income was swallowed up entirely by daycare costs, health insurance and gas money, just by going to work. We actually found ourselves losing money for me to continue in the position I had before my daughter was born. Is it hard to live off one income? Usually yes. Sometimes is it necessary? Yes.

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2. We Judge Working Mothers

How often does this actually happen? How much judging goes on and how much do we self-project from our mom guilt? I bet we all do it at one time or another, the mom guilt is for real. Let’s be honest, no working or stay-at-home mom even has the energy to judge someone else’s patenting. If you happen to come across this unpleasant

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3. We Just Hang Out And Drink Coffee All Day

Well, we might actually drink coffee all day, #survival. But thats not all we do. I’m lucky if I can finish my first cup before noon, and usually it’s been reheated no less than 4 or 5 times. Between diaper changes, toddler tantrums, endless laundry and sweeping of floors, there isn’t a whole lot of spare time for coffee drinking.

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4. We Don’t Want A Career

First of all, raising babies is a career all by itself. Probably the most important thing of all. Which we are all doing whether we work outside of the home or not. Second, I actually think we live in a society that is impossible to feel like we are “succeeding” without a career, something we don’t need to be reminded of when people ask, “so you just stay home?” I cannot be the only mother out there that is constantly in awe of all the amazing momprenures, who rock that working-mom and stay-at-home gig. Just because we are home most days with our littles, it doesn’t mean we have forgotten about our own dreams and aspirations, FYI.

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5. We Don’t Care About How We Look

For real. Do you think we actually like leaving the house with spit up on our clothes and a 4 day mom bun? I would love a little time to myself to get ready, and to wear grown up clothes every once in a while. Also, on the days we make an effort and our nails are perfectly manicured and our hair is done, we get peppered with comments like, “I wish I had time to get myself pampered.” No comment.

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6. That Our Home Are Always  Clean + Tidy

“If you stay home, your house must be spotless all the time.” I’m laughing so hard I’m worried my 8 months pregnant bladder might just fail me. We are not home alone, just cleaning and admiring our handiwork. We are constantly cleaning up after little tornados whose entire mission in life is to make leaving sticky handprints on our walls and drop food on our floors. Sometimes we leave the house right after I’ve cleaned just so I know it’s lasted more than 15 minutes.

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7. That We Must Be Bored

Honestly, I understand this one, I felt like it once. The day I put my 2 week notice in was the scariest day of my life. I had already had my 4 month maternity leave so I knew what a ridiculously hard job I was taking on full time. While I was thrilled to be able to be with my daughter more, I was terrified of the isolation. Honestly, it has only gotten better each day. Sure some weeks are long and hard but as my toddler grows and gets closer to school age I just try and soak up as much of this time with her as possible. Also it turns out, kids can be a whole lot of fun. 😉

Ellice Vargas

Ellice Vargas

I'm a British gal and mama to one sweet daughter. I love a good DIY project, interior design and photography. When I'm not writing for Life As Mama, I'm traveling as much as I can with my little family and filling up my camera roll with snapshots of our life.
Ellice Vargas

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Tips & Ideas

8 Tips On How To Run A Successful Garage Sale

by Ellice Vargas
written by Ellice Vargas

Garage sales are a fantastic way to earn a bit of extra cash while getting rid of some unwanted items from your home. Unless you are a garage sale expert, you may be putting a ton of effort in without seeing a whole lot of return. Let’s face it, no one wants to be up at the crack of dawn, haul out all their unwanted personal belongings to make a few bucks only to pack it all back up and ship it off to the local thrift store. Luckily for you, you are talking with a self-declared garage sale veteran that knows a thing or two about making a buck. Follow these 8 tips to make your own garage sale a success!

 

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1. Signage!

I added the exclamation point so you truly know how important this is. First of all, make a ton of signs and plaster them all over your neighborhood and the surrounding areas so people can find you easily. Bright colors with arrows and large and clear writing are the best because they are easy to spot and read while your soon-to-be customers are cruising around. If someone already has a sign right where you need to put yours, don’t feel bad about placing your pretty sign right next to theirs.  All is fair in love and war all all that. 😉 Another idea is to include the name of your street on the sign so even if they miss a sign they can easily use their maps to find your location.

2. Pricing

You should definitely start off with your ideal price, but just keep in mind that stuff at garage sales usually sells for less than what you would get if you sold it to a private buyer. Keep the prices reasonable and you will hopefully walk away with cash in your pocket and most of your items sold. Don’t be afraid to haggle, you will probably get some outrageously lowball offers and you are absolutely free to turn them down. They are probably testing to waters to see if you know how much your stuff is worth, remember they are out for the deal of the century so don’t get too offended. Remember not to price too high otherwise you will be taking that trip to the thrift store after all.

3. Price Big-Ticket Items

If you have a bunch of big ticket items, the ones that will bring in the most cash, it’s a good idea to price them out with a sign or stickers so during a rush you wont have quite as many people all yelling in your direction asking about prices. The dollar store is the best place to find those colorful price stickers for super cheap. If some one is interested in the item they will always approach you with their offer, then let the bartering commence.

4. Start With Petty Cash

Believe it or not people will actually try to by your fifty cent item with a $20 bill minutes after you open, so it’s always best to start off with $20-$30 in small bills, like $1’s and $5’s so you have plenty of change. There is nothing worse than having to miss a sale or drop your price because you don’t have enough change.

5. Advertise

Hard core garage salers know to look for the best sales online the day before. If you want to draw a crowd before the day even gets started then consider posting an ad online. Craigslist is always a fantastic option, but there are also garage sale and yard sale sites like this one where you advertise your sale for free.

6. Prepare Before

Preparation is key! Garage sales start early, too early. You want to be set up and ready to go by 7:00 am. Yup, you read that right. The easiest way to make the morning as smooth and as painless as possible is to organize all your items by category the day before. I like to have everything laid out on blankets so I can just drag them into the driveway, but if you don’t have space to do this at least have everything organized so all your have to do is set it out on the morning of. I would also like to state that a coffee and donut run are an absolute essential to properly gearing up for a busy sale.

7. The Bigger The Better

I find when I take time to collect a decent amount of stuff, the more successful my sale is. You’ll see a ton of drive by-ers who scope out your sale before they decide its worth getting out of the car to look around.  If the sale is too small a lot of people wont take the time to stop, even though you could have some top notch deals to be had. If you don’t have enough stuff on your own then call up a few girlfriends and see if you can get group sale going on.

8. Don’t Do It Alone

Garage sales are a lot of work, and I honestly think its too much for one person to do by themselves. Sometimes you will have a rush of people with prices inquiries and a whole bunch of other people wanting to buy their items all at the same time. Enlist some family members or friends to help out, if they don’t have items of their own to sell most will probably accept payment in the form of coffee and donuts.

Ellice Vargas

Ellice Vargas

I'm a British gal and mama to one sweet daughter. I love a good DIY project, interior design and photography. When I'm not writing for Life As Mama, I'm traveling as much as I can with my little family and filling up my camera roll with snapshots of our life.
Ellice Vargas

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Design

7 Seriously Inspiring Home Workspaces

by Jordyn Smith
written by Jordyn Smith

When you work from home, it is important to have a designated workspace that you not only feel completely comfortable in but also helps inspire you to create amazing things as well. You’d be surprised at how much a few typography wall pictures, a fun area rug, or a colorful desk can completely transform your office space into a Pinterest-worthy workspace. The workspaces on this list are incredibly inspiring as well as simplistic and relatively easy to achieve, so keep reading to get truly inspired!

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Source: theglitterguide.com

1. Bright and Simple

This comfy carpeted workspace is the epitome of simple elegance. The plain white walls and desk combine beautifully with the gorgeous framed wall art and lightly colored furniture in the rest of the room, making the entire space look homey without being too shabby and simple without being too bare.

Check out Glitter Guide to find amazing design inspiration, gorgeous fashion galleries, and awesome entertainment news.

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Source: blog.potterybarn.com

2. A Splash Of Color

The presence of a gorgeous teal feature desk and an adorable fluffy chair transform this simple workspace into a whimsical, inspiring place to create. The addition of sentimental mementos on the walls and inspiring messages also add an amazing personalized feel to the space.

Visit the Pottery Barn blog to find amazing design tips for every room in your home.

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Source: theeverygirl.com

3. Shared Space

This workspace is a shining example of a perfectly done shared home space. Everything within the room is perfectly coordinated without being too similar or uniform. Each side has its own items and personality but they both come together to create a gorgeous, combined space that manages to be both simple and inspiring.

Head on over to The Every Girl to find awesome content on all things ‘girl’.

View More: http://rusticwhitephotography.pass.us/waitingonmartha

Source: waitingonmartha.com

4. Wall To Wall Chic

Wallpaper truly does has the ability to completely transform a space, especially a workspace. This speckled black and white wallpaper draw tons of attention while the simplistic white furniture keeps the overall chic vibe alive. The gorgeous accessories like the furry rub, wall piece, and horse lamp add a little eccentric taste to already beautiful space.

From delicious brunch recipes to party planning ideas, Waiting On Martha is the perfect site for any would-be host.

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Source: styleyoursenses.com

5. Dual-Purpose Glamour

This home workspace also doubles as a child’s playroom, which makes functionality just as important as design. The absolutely beautiful gold and mirrored desk, along with the light pink curtains and decorative wall art give the small space a sort of vintage glam, succeeding in separating it slightly from the rest of the room, taking it into its own little world.

Learn how to style your home and your body at Style Your Senses.

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Source: stylemepretty.com

6. Feature Wall

Including a feature wall in your design plans is always an easy way to add tons of personality to your workspace. While this space doesn’t cover the entire wall in the black and white striped pattern, the small slice is more than enough to convey the chic tastes of the designer. The black and old desk not only meshes perfectly with the rest of the room but it adds an original spin to the already beautiful space.

See gorgeous wedding galleries and truly inspiring homes at Style Me Pretty.

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Source: earnesthomeco.com

7. Perfectly Minimalistic

Another shared space done in an entirely original way, this workspace uses a large communal desk as the focal point of the room. The beautiful shelving unit manages to be both beautiful and functional and the whimsical cow print area rug adds tons of life.

Buy beautiful homewares and find great design tips at Earnest Home Co.

Jordyn Smith

Jordyn Smith

A city girl currently living it up in the south with my little family. I love baking, hoarding makeup, and daydreaming. If I'm not writing, I'm probably trying to think up weird pizza recipes or watching Property Brothers.
Jordyn Smith

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DesignDIY

11 Ways To Get The Fixer Upper Look In Your Home

by Mary Mulroney
written by Mary Mulroney

There’s no doubt that Joanna Gaines from the hit TV show Fixer Upper is taking over the design world. She has proved her design and decorating talents time and time again on each episode of the show. Since the beginning of the show, everyone has gone crazy over her designs and for good reason – they’re absolutely beautiful and simply stunning! Joanna achieves her beautiful designs by using some staple decor principles and accessories over and over again. If you’ve been dreaming of making your home look like it was featured on Fixer Upper, but don’t have the first clue about where to start, try these 11 ways to make it look like Joanna Gaines decorated your home.

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Source: hgtv.com

1. White, White, White!

I’m sure you’ve noticed by now that Joanna loves to use white, and a lot of it, in her designs. Whether it’s white walls, white furniture, white curtains, or white decorative accessories, the color is everywhere. That’s a large reason why the rooms she decorates always seem so open and airy.

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Source: hgtv.com

2. Raw Wood

Joanna loves to use raw wood on so many different things. She uses it in the flooring, furniture, shelving, islands, etc. A great way to get that from your existing house is to sand down wood items that may have been previously painted, then re-stain the item. You can do this on wood floors, cabinets, or ceiling beams. Doing this really accents the architectural accents of your home and brings in that rustic look Joanna always achieves.

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Source: hgtv.com

3. Metal Accessories

You’ve probably noticed that Joanna uses a lot of metal accessories in her designs, as well. From vases, to pots, to tables, to chairs, to baskets there’s always a few raw metal pieces that look stunning. This is one of the easiest ways to get the Fixer Upper look since decorative accessories are much cheaper to incorporate in your home.

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DesignDIYTips & Ideas

7 DIY Projects To Make Your Home Look Like A Million Bucks

by Mary Mulroney
written by Mary Mulroney

When it comes to owning a home, it can get really expensive when you want to decorate, renovate, or remodel. There are always things in our homes that we want to change or upgrade because they either look outdated, ugly, or you just simply don’t like what is preexisting in the house. The good news is that doing little upgrades on your home doesn’t have to be incredibly expensive. There are little things you can do to completely transform the look of your home without spending a ton of money. It may look like you spent a million bucks upgrading your home, when in reality you didn’t, which is kind of what we all want anyways, right? So, here are 7 DIY projects you can do this weekend to make your home look more beautiful and updated.

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Source: twopurplecouches.com

1. Add Trim To Windows

Don’t you love the look of custom homes where there’s trim and modeling everywhere? Well, did you know you can actually add your own trim to the windows in your home for not too much cost or time? This window looks so much more beautiful and it makes the room look much bigger, as well. That little upgrade can make such a huge impact on any room. So, head to your hardware store, grab some supplies and try your hand at this DIY project to make your rooms look more custom and beautiful.

You can find lots of other great DIY projects for your home over at Two Purple Couches.

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Source: creationsbykara.com

2. Re-stain Or Paint Outdated Oak

If you live in an older home, chances are there is oak stain everywhere! While technically there’s nothing wrong with oak stain, it just doesn’t look the best or the most modern. Instead of replacing all that wood, just repaint it or re-stain it! It completely transforms the look of the wood and makes it look much more updated. You’ll no longer feel like you’re living in a home from the 90s.

Creations By Kara is another creative website full of home decor ideas, yummy recipes, craft tutorials and so much more.

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Source: abeautifulmess.com

3. Cover Up Ugly Laminate Countertops

Unfortunately, ugly laminate countertops plague many homeowners. It’s really cheap and as a result gets installed in many homes to keep costs low. Sometimes, the color or finish isn’t too bad, but sometimes, it’s just plain hideous. If being in your kitchen or bathroom with those ugly laminate countertops makes you want to pull your hair out, try covering them up! There are lots of ways you can conceal laminate countertops. You can cover it up by making faux concrete countertops, or you can even paint them to look like granite. You can find tutorials for these all over the internet. Doing this will drastically change the look of your room and definitely make it look more updated.

If you like doing craft and DIY projects, you’ve got to check out A Beautiful Mess where you’ll find endless amounts of projects to do.

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Source: therealtitsmcgee.blogspot.com

4. Paint Your Ceiling Fans

Okay, this update is just plain genius. I don’t know why I’ve never thought of doing this before. Often times we are stuck with ugly ceiling fans in our homes, but we don’t want to replace them because they can get expensive and, let’s be honest, they can be a pain in the butt to replace. Now you can update them by just simply painting them! This is so smart! You can paint the wood and the metal and it will completely look like a whole new ceiling fan. I have to say, I can’t wait to do this one day.

Well, of course, My DIY Projects is full of DIY projects for every room in your home.

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Source: popsugar.com

5. Upgrade Plain Closet Doors

Closet doors are another thing in our home that can get a little boring. However, you can actually make them look like custom doors by adding a little something to them. You can find lots of different tutorials for updating and upgrading closet doors, but I love this one using ceiling medallions. It looks so beautiful and incredibly custom. You definitely won’t see this look in many homes.

Popsugar is full of celebrity news, fashion tips, beauty advice, craft and DIY ideas, and so much more.

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Source: artsychicksrule.com

6. Paint AC Vents

Heating and AC vents can be really ugly if they’re the wrong color and just don’t go with the design in your home. Did you know you can actually spray paint them to make them look more updated? Yes, spray paint! Who doesn’t love a little spray paint project? This is seriously such an easy project to do. It would only take you a few hours (if that!) to paint all the vents in your house, but it would certainly make your home look more modern and cohesive.

If you’re looking for DIY, design, and decor projects for your home on a budget, check out Artsy Chicks Rule.

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Source: realitydaydream.com

7. Turn Mini Blinds Into Roman Shades

Mini blinds, unfortunately, still plague many home owners. These things are so ugly and are such a nuisance, but they’re cheap, so they’re often put in homes. This DIY project, however, is one of the best I’ve ever seen. You can take those existing mini blinds and turn them into beautiful roman shades! Isn’t that incredible? Roman shades look leaps and bounds better than mini blinds. Doing this will certainly make your room look more beautiful and much more updated.

Reality Daydream is another great website full of DIY ideas for your home.

Mary Mulroney

Mary Mulroney

Hi there! I'm a beach lover, thrift store addict, crafting and DIY obsessed, mama of one son, and soon to be one daughter. My husband and I have been married for 5 and a half years and honestly couldn't be happier. We love our little life together as a family and spend every minute that we can together.
Mary Mulroney

Latest posts by Mary Mulroney (see all)

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DIYTips & Ideas

8 Crucial Do’s And Don’ts Of Home Decorating

by Mary Mulroney
written by Mary Mulroney

Decorating your home can be extremely exciting and fun, but also really scary and daunting. There are so many mistakes that can be made that can make your home look weird, awkward, and small. Of course, no one wants their home to look like that, so it’s important to know a few simple rules to avoid it. It’s actually a lot more simple than you think and when you know the do’s and don’ts of home decorating you’ll easily be able to make your home look beautiful, grand, and luxe.

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Source: oldbrandnew.com

1. Don’t Hang Small Pieces Of Art On Large Walls

One of the worst things you can do when decorating your home is not hanging proper pieces on walls. If you have a small wall, then hang smaller pieces of art. If you have a large wall, hang bigger pieces of art, etc. If you hang something small on a large wall, the bare space around the art will dwarf it. It will look disproportionate and silly. Similarly if you hang a really large piece on a small wall space, it will overwhelm the wall and the space and will actually make your room look smaller than it is.

(Head over to Old Brand New for lots of beautiful interior design ideas, home decorating tips, and inspiring home photography).

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Source: howdoesshe.com

2. Do Hang Curtains High And Wide On A Window

There is a whole art when it comes to hanging curtains and drapes in your home. Where you place the curtains can make all the difference in making your home look grand and beautiful, or small and awkward. It’s important to hang the curtains as high as possible on the wall so that your room will look taller. You’ll also want to hang them as far and wide as you possibly can. When the curtains are fully opened, they should barely even cover the first few inches of the window. This will make your room seem wider and larger as well.

(Check out How Does She for lots of fun crafting projects, beauty tips, organization ideas, and lots more).

living room rug

Source: burlapandlaceblog.com

3. Don’t Use Rugs That Are Too Small For Your Space

Just like how you hang curtains in your home plays a huge part in making it look larger or smaller, the size of area rugs you use as well do the same thing. You never want to use rugs that are too small for your space. The edges of your rugs should always be floating under the furniture a few inches, or should extend beyond the furniture by a few inches or feet. Anything smaller will play an optical illusion and will dwarf your room.

(If you’re looking for other great home decorating tips and advice, as well as beautiful interior design inspiration, check out Burlap and Lace).

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Source: artsandclassy.com

4. Do Use Different Textures

To keep things interesting in your decor, you’ll want to mix different textures in your decor. Soft, fluffy, woven, leather, sequins, heavy, light, etc. This creates interest for the eye instead of looking boring and plain. It’s better to mix as many textures as you can.

(Head over to Arts and Classy for more home decor ideas, DIY projects and lots more).

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Source: cleanandscentsible.com

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CraftsDIYTips & Ideas

15 Beautiful & Budget Friendly Decorating Tips

by Mary Mulroney
written by Mary Mulroney

It’s no secret that making a house a home can be extremely expensive. Buying furniture, decorative accessories, updating old appliances or finishes, can add up quickly. It can get very discouraging and can take years to complete. There are, however, some wonderful decorating tips that are easy on the budget and still look fantastic. They may require a little more work, but in the end these decorating ideas will save you a lot of money. Here are 15 of the best budget friendly decorating tips we could find.

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Source: laceandglaze.com

1. Make Your Own Headboard

One accessory that really makes any bedroom look finished and complete is a headboard. Unfortunately, headboards can be really expensive. Instead of buying one, make one yourself! There are so many DIY projects for them on Pinterest and you can actually make them for incredibly cheap, as low as $15-$20. That’s so worth it!

(Head over to Lace And Glaze for lots of other DIY projects, beauty tips, fashion advice, and more).

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Source: weddingchicks.com

2. Use Items In Unconventional Ways

When it comes to designing on a budget, keep an open mind. Try to use items in unconventional ways. You can take your old wine bottles, wrap them in yarn or paint them and then use them as beautiful vases. You can also hang pictures on some string from clothing pins instead of putting them in frames. The more outside the box, the better. It’ll make your home look more unique and you’ll be using items you already have, so you won’t be spending additional money.

(Check out Wedding Chicks for lots of great wedding inspiration, DIY wedding ideas, vendor resources and so much more).

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Source: yourhomebasedmom.com

3. Paint Old Furniture Bold Colors

If you have a piece of furniture that’s looking a little drab, instead of buying something new and spending lots of money, paint it! You can easily update an old piece of furniture that’s weathered or a strange wood stain and give it a completely new look with a bold, fun color. Instead of painting it black, or brown, try using a color that will stand out more and make your home look more unique and modern.

(Your Homebased Mom is a great website full of ideas for home decorating, delicious recipes, craft ideas and more).

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