We've long been fans of Ikat -- these colorful ethnic textiles have been popular in home decor for some time now, a trend that doesn't show any signs of slowing down. While most of these pieces aren't made in the traditional method, where threads are dyed before being loomed, their patterns imitate the warmth and movement of true Ikat. Any one of them would be a lovely (and unspendy) way to add a little color and visual texture to your home. 

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Metal contact paper or shelf liners are fantastic for completely transforming furniture and even appliances. It's also very practical when you need a wipeable surface like a backsplash for the stove or a tabletop free of crayon marks. More

If you live in an older home, you're familiar with Adrienne's struggle with storage — namely, that there isn't any! Her 1930's home is lacking in the closet department, so it was up to her to come up with some creative storage solutions for her four-year-old's room.
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Lately I've been on a bit of a kick with all things vintage. I love odd little pieces with a serious sense of history but sometimes I have trouble reimagining them for my home. More

Looking for a quick, easy upgrade for a boring lampshade? Grab an old sweater and dress it up! This super simple DIY project just requires a shade, a sweater, some hot glue, and about twenty minutes… and that's it! More

The folks over at IKEA's inspirational blog, Livet Hemma, show us a stylish look for their Ivar side unit — and all it involves is a can of paint. More

I was at Target the other day, and standing in front of me in line was a gentleman buying a plunger. That's it. A plunger. While I really should have been feeling bad for him, because after all, the poor guy was out on a plunger run, I found myself staring at him in wonder, dazzled by his ability to get out of Target with only one darn thing.
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Handbags and tote bags are endlessly helpful. I constantly use them to cluster and organize projects, transport piles of things from one part of my home to another, and store things like yarn or odd shaped tools that don't warrant boxes. More

A sad, old crib sat at a thrift store — not useful as a baby bed for safety reasons, this piece seemed destined for the scrap pile! Until Cristin came along, that is… she saw some untapped potential in its pretty spindles and simple shape, and came up with a clever way to breathe new life into an old piece. More

With a new baby on the way, a friend or relative is bound to give you that "essential checklist" of gear you'll need to buy. But before you go crazy at your local baby store, why not think of buying a few key items secondhand? More