I recently visited a friend and was immediately struck by their dark walls and what a great, dramatic backdrop they created for the space. While black walls do have the opposite effect on a room than the brightening, space-creating feeling that comes with white, the serious drama they create is often worth the trade. 1. A black wall is the perfect backdrop for architectural details like this white arched doorway in Cate’s Cozy San Francisco Nest, via Apartment Therapy 2.

Sometimes you feel like your home needs a refresh, but you aren’t looking to spend a lot of money. These are my 10 go-to tricks, whether I’m preparing for company, getting things photo shoot ready, or just feel the need for a little pick me up without spending much money. 1. Bring the outdoors in with houseplants. A little green can go a long ways towards bringing life into your space. Choose something low maintenance, like a succulent, if you have a less than green thumb. 2.

I had a conversation with a friend recently about the creative process and how people seem to just “come up” with amazing ideas in the spur of the moment. For those who depend on their creativity for a living, and even those who struggle to fill a blank wall at home, here is a little secret… If you want moments of inspiration, you have to cultivate them.

We spend a lot of time throughout the year doling out advice on how to make the best of small spaces. Which got me thinking — I actually enjoy a lot of things about living in my rather petite abode and want to focus on the upside. So in classic Letterman fashion, here is my top ten list. It’s easier to clean. You’re less likely to overshop when space is a priority – so you save money. Small versions of furniture cost less. A lot less.