Unusual and fun ways to add a little flair and personality to your home

It's tempting to always play it safe when decorating your home - I know I will try something a bit off-beat, but then doubt myself and try something more traditional. And while safe can be beautiful, it doesn't usually have that "WOW" factor. Here are a few ideas, some drastic, some not, for getting a reaction when people step inside your home...

We've all seen or used our own fridges to showcase photos, but how about covering the ENTIRE fridge in photos that make you smile?  Especially when contrasted with the super sleek lines of this kitchen, I think it looks pretty cool!

Hang something BIG not typically used as art in an artistic way.  Lying in a rubbish pile you may not see the potential of a worn plank of wood, but hang it like an expensive piece of art and it can make a beautiful impact (at low cost).

Use one oversized print in an oversized way!  This sofa is beautiful, but would I ever have the guts to put it in my home?  I don't know... maybe if you're nervous, try a big print in just one or two colors... 

You've seen inspiration boards, well how about an inspiration WALL?  Love it.

Fancy yourself a wordsmith?  Chalkboard paint a piece of furniture otherwise in need of TLC, and practice your craft!  This would be helpful anywhere you need to make a lot of notes, too.

Put your furniture on diagonals.  This may sound weird, but I think furniture placed diagonally can really add movement to a space, and open it up and add a welcoming feeling.  Maybe start by just putting your bed at a diagonal in the far corner of your bedroom?


So, what do you think?  Any of these you love? hate? tried before?

1. Interiors Porn 2. Covet Garden 3. Home Spun Style 4. Interiors Porn 5. Sweet Home Style 6. Small Space Style

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Back from Vacation, and needing some home office inspiration

If you think Mondays are bad, what about a Monday after spending a week in the beautiful Outer Banks of NC?

It's hard for me to not wistfully daydream about how just yesterday morning, I was sipping coffee on the beach.  ...sigh...  Anyway, it's back to work and I definitely could use some pretty, organized home offices to help inspire me to be more productive.

The gray is such a nice background for everything.

Check out the pop of yellow from their Nat.'l Geographic collection!

The three above images are from the office of a husband and wife team, who work out of their home. A quick side note, check and make sure you don't need to supplement your home insurance if you are running a business out of your home.

read and see more of this office at Country Living

Love this crisp, tailored home office.
via Adore Home Mag

I would LOVE to have a work space with windows like this one!

2 above via Interiors Porn

A mod work space

via Lonny Mag

*disclosure: this post brought to you in partnership by SwiftCover.com

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It's the small details

that make some spaces so delicious

I am crushing on that blue hexagon tray SO BAD.

Love that table - I suspect it is a lucky antique fine.

1.,2.,3. High Gloss, 4. Llamas Valley, 5. Lonny Mag, 6. Sweet Home Style

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Last day to enter Sort With Style giveaway and lots of home office inspiration!

Today is the last day to win a whole bundle of cute organization supplies from Sort with Style. Click here to see the prize and learn how to enter.

I have a thing for any piece of furniture with lots of drawers for organizing...

1. Adore Home, 2., 3. High Gloss mag  4., 5., 6. Interiors Porn

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Fresh and inspiring home offices

As some of you know, I work as a freelance web designer. Working for oneself definitely has it's perks, but with it comes a lot more responsibilities, as you are accountable for everything. I am always extremely busy, which I enjoy, but last week I was drowning, and spent most nights up until 3:30 AM to meet my deadlines.

Paramount to working from home is having a home office and work space that is extremely comfortable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. Everyone has different work styles, and the furnishings and layout you choose will depend on that and the type of work you do.

A lot of desk surface is a MUST for me
via 91 Mag

Inspiring artwork is always good for when you're having a creative block.
via Small Space Style
 

This office is probably closest to my own, except I have to have one of those ugly office chairs in order to be comfortable.  I also need a very large monitor for my work.
via Adore Home Mag
 

A little chest of drawers helps organize smaller supplies and various cords we need for all of our gadgets these days.
via Bolig
 

I keep magazines for reference, and have several shelves dedicated to storing them.
via Heart Home
 

via Rue Magazine
 

via Southern Living

 I'm interested to know, what is essential for you in your home office?

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Last chance to enter the Snap Hang giveaway!

The Snap Hang giveaway has been one of my most popular ones, and I don't want anyone to miss out on their chance of winning! Snap hang is a very beautiful and unique way to display and frequently update art. (See pick below). To enter the drawing, click here and follow the directions. I've pushed back the entry closing time to 12 AM Pacific time, Sat. Jan 14th. Winner will be announced Monday. Good luck!

In the spirit of displaying art, I've featured some great ideas below:

 Your frames needn't all match for a successful salon style wall arrangement.

 2 above via BHG

Casual and easy to update look, try running some line and attaching your latest works of art with clothes pins.
via Bolig Magasinet

Another casual look, which would look good in a home office of young person's room, is to pin art to the wall in a nice arrangement
via Domino

I think one of my favorite looks might be one large dramatic piece.
Encore Decor

 A cluster of small drawings is very cute and indie
via Covet Garden

Simply leaning frames against a wall keeps things from looking too precious.
via Sweet Paul

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Indutrial loft turned light and vintage treasure-filled studio

Happy Friday everyone! Where did this week go?!? Today I wanted to share this inspiring space- the California office of wedding and event planners Kelly and Paige of bash, please. It's an interesting mix of industrial, rustic, and pretty vintage. I think you'll agree it's a great space for getting those creative juices flowing.

The ladies' hubbies actually helped build a lot of the furniture around the office.

Love the chevron in the entryway

Check out the huge frame filled with photos - a clever way to display their events, or you could use it to display travels, family, friends, etc.

This bar cart would also look great as an entry/foyer table

a dreamy amount of work surface!

What do you think?  Would you like to work in a space like this?

via Rue Magazine

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