A while back I ran a piece on Caitlin McGauley, of Lonny Magazine, and her watercolor illustrations. This week I spotted her work over on The Vault Files in the form of beautiful trays. More

I'm one of those people who like Valentine's Day, largely because of its emphasis on crafts and sweets. I also like heart motifs, which, when they're more graphic and less ooey-gooey cutesy, can work in everyday decor. More

For years IKEA's EXPEDIT has been a ubiquitous storage solution for homes everywhere. But recently the Swedish furnishing giant's VITTSJÖ has been showing up more and more on my design radar. It doesn't scream IKEA, and you'd never guess the system starts as low as $40. The black metal and glass shelving system has a nice industrial quality on its own, but it seems to really shine when it's given a bright coat of paint. Here are five really great examples of VITTSJÖ's potential. More

I just ran across this great little DIY for wood coasters that can also be used for wall decor. It is a simple and stylish way to add a little something unique to your table. Follow me to find out more. More

Flying from Cupid's bow, arrow themed pillows point love in the right direction. These make perfect Valentine's Day gifts for people in your life who aren't fond of pink. They won't be shy about throwing these cushions on their favorite armchair or bed. More

Whiteboards may be useful, but they're also often unattractive and cheap-looking. That is, unless you cleverly reframe one and make custom magnets, like this excellent DIY version from Voyages of the Creative Variety. More

We have a condo fireplace that we never use (photo #2) — mostly because we live on the top floor and it's warm enough already up here! Lately, we've been playing with the idea of painting the entire thing white and doing something fun with it, so I've been looking around at photos of unused fireplaces filled with, well, things! The internet has proven that there are ideas a plenty. More

Nature Calls Alarm Clock
• $20
• Garnet Hill

Whooooooo wouldn't want to wake up to the sound of an owl hooting you good morning? These retro-styled alarm clocks are cute and stylish, and have friendly animal noise alarms.

Our devices and apps can do a lot these days -- give you directions, save you money, plan your room layout and even help you garden. But even those of us who are attached to our screens 20/7 (you have to stop checking emails and sleep sometime, right?) occassionally need to jot down quick notes the old school way--with pen and paper. More

Seattle ceramicist Lauren Burman named her adorable Little Shirley vase after her grandmother. It's quite fitting, actually. It's largely due to her grandmother's early encouragement that Lauren has the confidence and drive to run a small business. Learn more of Lauren's story in her Meet the Maker survey after the jump… More