Forget HGTV, turn to the interwebs for your home decor porn. Here are some picks of the hottest (coolest?) home decor Instagram accounts that are just crushing it.

Some of us like to do, and some of us like to watch other people do and that is exactly the reason why social media exists. I really don’t feel the need to make my home all bougie and nice. Instead, I decorate the way humans have been decorating for millennia–with stuff that someone else has gotten rid of–and I leave the real decorating to the pros. And in this day and age, the pros are on Instagram and I love to see what’s the latest they have come up with.

Seriously, checking out home decor Instagram accounts is what I do while trying to look busy on my phone. Home decor Instagramming is only second to the time I spend checking out all the cute pets on Instagram. And if you still reading this, I am betting that you spend a fair amount of time on checking out home decor Instagram accounts too.

Home Decor Instagrammers Doing It in Style

1.

working on the bedroom makeover today and making progress. added this vintage church lamp. crazy me.

A post shared by Victoria Smith (@sfgirlbybay) on Dec 15, 2017 at 3:34pm PST

Now living in Los Angeles, Victoria Smith is @sfgirlbybay and is a photo stylist, content creator, and photographer. I have been following her before Instagram was even a thing.

2.

one of my favorite items from the designlovefest furniture line is this sweet little settee. it comes in different patterns too (actually all of our furniture have a few color options!) it adds a bit of pattern and personality into the room. available online only at @target (link in profile!) they are made to order and made in america. #dlftarget

A post shared by bri emery / designlovefest (@designlovefest) on Jan 11, 2018 at 10:25am PST

Bri Emery is @designlovefest and another home decor style icon I have long been keeping up with. She is a creative director, product designer, blogger and has a product line at Target.

3.

??All my moody neutral interiors dreams come true. . . . . #minimalism #minimaliststyle #ckstyleaccordingly #flashesofdelight #clementinedaily #myoklstyle #mydomaine #myhousebeautiful #abmathome #vscocam #dslooking #sodomino #pursuepretty #thehappynow #thatsdarling #darlingweekend #mytinyatlas #beautifuldestinations #cmycalifornia #sharewheretofindme #melroseplace #theapartmentbytheline #interiordesign #whplinemeetscorner #whpmyoasis

A post shared by Anne Sage (@citysage) on Nov 9, 2017 at 9:26am PST

If minimalism is your thing, make sure to follow Anne Sage–another mainstay of my home decor looky-looing, as well as a blogger, stylist, and author–@citysage.

4.

Today on the blog we are back with our “How to Add Character to Basic Architecture” series, and this time we are talking ceilings. If it’s time for you to give some much needed love to that space over your head then hop on over to the blog for our favorite ideas and tutorials. ? @tessaneustadt for EHD

A post shared by Emily Henderson (@em_henderson) on Jan 9, 2018 at 8:07am PST

A newer follow for me is Emily Henderson, who is a stylist, author, blogger, and is also an ‘HGTV Design Star” winner.

5.

One of my favorite bedroom designs to date…these vintage lamps are makin all my NOLA design dreams come true ??| designed for @sonderstays | ?: @jmarquephoto

A post shared by Christina Higham (@sun.soul.style) on Dec 20, 2017 at 8:48am PST

Another more recent Instagram addition for me is Christina Higham, an interior designer from San Francisco. I really like her Californian approach to decorating.

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The post 5 of the Best Home Decor Instagram Accounts to Lust Over appeared first on EcoSalon.

Take inspiration from the summer’s hottest jewelry tassel trend for your home.

This summer has seen the explosion of the tassel trend in jewelry. Tassels can be seen hanging from the ears, necks, and wrists of the most fashionable at the beach, out on the town, and even at the office. While some of the tastemakers have turned their noses up at the trend, we love the free spirited and colorful trend.

Whether you have jumped on the bandwagon with the tassel trend in jewelry or not, don’t be inhibited to get inspired and bring the trend into your home. In addition to the jewelry market, the tassel trend is also blowing up in the mass interior design market. “This is due to changing consumer behaviour and lifestyle trends,” according to Ana Zuravliova, Interior Designer at Blinds Direct. “Tassels are a representation of folk style, crafts, artisanship and global influence. The interior design market is currently seeing a strong movement towards an eclectic mixture of global folk, with customers becoming more diverse.”

While the tassel trend is on point right now, one word of caution is a little goes a long way. Thoughtfully adding tassels can add texture, color, and visual interest to room, while doing the opposite can come off as busy, or like you have stepped into a Moroccan-themed restaurant.

Wondering how to thoughtfully add tassels to your home? Read on for some suggestions of how to add the tassel trend to your home without going crazy!

Tassel Trend for Your Home

1. Chunky Tassel Wall Hanging

One super easy way to incorporate the tassel trend is with a neutral cotton rope wall hanging.

2. Throw with Tassels

With fall upon us, add a cotton throw (or two) with tassels to your living space.

3. Farmhouse Beads

Mix things up a bit with some decorative wooden beads with a sprig of ticking tassel.

4. Bed Canopy

We love the idea of a dramatic bed canopy with decorative tassels.

5. Tassel Pillow

And toss this pillow on your canopied bed to kick things up a notch.

6. Macrame Hanger

How clever is this macrame woven plant or table hanger?

7. Agate Garland

Combine the tassel trend and the agate trend in one with this very cool agate garland.

8. Tassel Wine Trends

Yup, you need these.

9. Table Runner

Dress up your table with a pretty tassel table runner in gray linen.

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The post 9 Ways to Add the Tassel Trend to Your Space Without Overdoing It appeared first on EcoSalon.

Living a better and more efficient life begins at home, which is why the psychology of interior design is so vitally important to creating a happy home.

Whether you’re a professional or a do-it-yourselfer, residential interior design is a multifaceted field that often involves various stages of renovating, remodeling, and decorating homes–which, believe it or not, incorporates a fair amount of psychological know-how. All the way from space planning to wall colors to how your home is organized, every little detail has the ability to create an impact – both subliminally and explicitly.

Space Planning for Efficiency and Functionality

The goal of space planning is to create a harmonious flow within a space, and when things feel out of whack, then everything from productivity to basic comfort can take a hit. This integral part of interior design might involve floorplans or blueprints when doing things like knocking down walls or building additions. And for decorating purposes, space planning would refer to where you place your furnishings within the home and how those “force” its residents to move throughout and utilize the area.  

Just because you don’t own your home or have the dough to remodel doesn’t mean you can’t improve the current situation. Making small steps to increase efficiency, and thereby creating a happier home, can go a long way. Take the opportunity to experiment by rearranging what you already have, or by eliminating a few pieces if the area is feeling claustrophobic. Leave some space around all sides of your furniture – in other words, don’t push your sofa against the wall. And if you’re kitchen is too small, invest in a small island on wheels that also has some storage built in – this could become your entire coffee brewing station in a tiny space.

Set the Mood with Color

We experience color at every turn, so whether you love it, hate it, or fall somewhere in between, it is definitely here to stay. This inescapable facet of interior design and decorating can be uplifting, stimulating, relaxing, maddening, inspiring, and more. And when it comes to including color in the home, the hues you choose can have a direct impact on your mood. Although no two people see color exactly the same (Was that dress really white and gold, or was it blue and black?), there is legitimacy to how certain colors have the ability to alter our outlooks and perceptions.

According to experts at Dream Home Decorating, just as a neutral interior color palette may appear calming and stylish to some, others may find it such a drag that only a cheerful and energizing yellow splashed on the walls could get them through the day. The site also gives great explanations on how darker colors can make a large room seem more intimate, how lighter colors can make a small space feel larger, and how warm and cool undertones can also make a difference. So, if you’re feeling blue, then maybe it’s time for an interior color overhaul – it may do your mental state a lot of good.

Cleanliness for a Clear Mind

If a tidy space equals a clear mind, then why aren’t we taking more steps to improve our surroundings? One key to a happy home is by creating a simple routine to keep things clean, even if it’s as small as making your bed every morning, quickly clearing off the coffee table, or emptying the bathroom garbage every Wednesday and Sunday so you’re not faced with seeing it full to the brim throughout the week. Commit to spending just ten minutes a day cleaning up and you may find that all of these little things can make a huge difference.

And don’t forget the importance of organizing. It can set the stage for keeping things clean on a regular basis. For example, if your shoes don’t have a home, then how do you expect them to stay off of the living room floor and out of the way? Invest in tools like a sturdy shoe rack for your closet or entryway, a bathroom organizer that hangs on the back of the door, or extra closet shelving. Ensuring that everything has a place in your home can be life changing

With so much time spent at home, improving how you feel when there is vital to your mental health, especially if you’re a sensitive person to begin with. And thanks to a greater understanding of how to lift your spirit and improve your mood, these tips should put you on the path to creating a happy home. What are some steps you’ve taken to improve your mood at home? Share your thoughts on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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Image of  Front Door via Shutterstock

The post Have a Happy Home: the Psychology of Interior Design appeared first on EcoSalon.

Whether you’re looking to redecorate, trying to find that missing piece, or you just enjoy a really good-looking chair, then you’re going to love our eco-friendly furniture selections that will have you sitting your booty down and putting your feet up every chance you get.

1. Bath Chair

This artist prefers her seating to be as squeaky clean as the materials she recycles. Old bathtubs done “disco” style are this quirky designer’s signature chair. Not only does she make good use of discarded household items, but she really gives them a glamorous touch. Shiny mosaic tiles, a streamlined frame, and perhaps one of the coolest seat bases we’ve seen in a long while, this bathtub-turned-chair has really got it going on. If you want to commission one for yourself, contact the artist, Helen Stephenson.

2. Steel Chair

From the popular sustainable and eco-friendly furniture retailer, Bambeco, comes this industrial, stylish, sustainable, and multi-functional steel side chair. The recycled chair is powder-coated so as not to emit any VOCs and can even be recycled at the end of its (hopefully) very long life. Gather these around a sleek, modern table, or one crafted from a rustic slab of wood, for two totally different, but equally successful pairings. Choose a single chair, pop in an accent pillow, and place it next to a funky side table for a nice corner seating area, or pick them in pairs and position them opposite your sofa to complete your conversation zone.

3. Hanging Chair

There’s something so fun and childlike about a hanging chair, and the one pictured here from Uncommon Goods is actually sustainable. Handmade by the endangered Mlabri people in northern Thailand, who were once nearly wiped out in the mid-20^th century when the teak forests near their home were cut down for decorative wood, have found a self-sustaining niche through the use of their traditional weaving skills. This funky black and white hammock can be stretched out to seven feet or as a lounge seat, as shown above, with your feet dangling over the side. Hang this on your porch or incorporate it inside to compliment a casual coastal or bohemian inspired theme.

4. Corkigami Chair

The designer that completed this chair has manipulated cork in a striking and stylish way. From conception to fruition, you can actually see the evolution of the Corkigami seat. The designer has left nothing to the imagination, including his preliminary sketches, tiny prototypes, the assembly, and the final construction and product. If you’re interested in snagging one of these sustainable seats for yourself, it seems as though the artist is more than happy to accommodate customers by shipping this product directly to you. For more info, check out Carlos Ortega Design.

5. Grayson Chair

The Grayson chair is a much more traditional looking seat from retailer Crate and Barrel that also happens to be eco-friendly. Crafted in the USA, this cushy chair has a benchmade frame that uses certified sustainable, kiln-dried hardwood, and boasts a soy-based polyfoam and fiber cushioning. We’re really loving the crimson pink fabric and think that it would add the perfect punch to a bedroom, living room, or office.

6. Reclaimed Elm Chair

Rustic yet contemporary, this chair works well for even the modern home thanks to its clean lined design and crisp, white cushions. These chairs are completely handcrafted from salvaged elm and come from trusted sustainable retailer, Viva Terra. Place them side-by-side to create a cool bench effect, or use them singly. Adding fun, colorful cushions with geometric patterns, or something more whimsical and bohemian, would look stunning against the wood and white cushions of these chairs, really helping them pop.

7. Vespa Chair

Artists and designers, Bel and Bel, share more than just the same last name, they also have a passion for design that focuses on the repurposing of old objects into something that’s not just beautiful, but also highly functional. Take their Vespa scooter chair, for example. These vintage pieces have been totally transformed into office style chairs that will allow you to have a little piece of history to admire while you’re getting down to business.

8. Float Onearm Chair

We really like the idea of getting two pieces of furniture in one and with this sustainable seat, you get exactly that. The Float Onearm chair incorporates an integrated end table into its simple, sleek, modern, and functional design. Handmade in the USA for Viesso, the renewable bamboo frame is upholstered in Los Angeles with your choice of fabric and uses a high density natural latex foam that’s Certi-PUR certified. This seat would look great in a contemporary or minimalist studio or even in a commercial office setting. Fortunately, if you like what you see, there’s an entire collection to go along with it.

With all of these beautiful chairs, we hope you’re able to choose from our sustainable selection of eco-friendly furniture and decorating ideas. Although it’s difficult to decide where you’d like to park your derriere next, we hope you’ll share your faves with us on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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Image of White Chair via Shutterstock

The post Have a Seat in Style with this Eco-Friendly Furniture appeared first on EcoSalon.

Navy blue is the new black–not just for your wardrobe, but in your home as well. Designers are pointing to navy blue to be one of 2014’s hottest (and coolest) home decor and design trends.

If you haven’t already been seeing navy in magazines and featured on TV design shows, you will soon. According to interior designer Mark D. Sikes, “Navy blue will be a big trend for 2014. I’m seeing a lot of the shade on the runways, on the streets, in editorials, in chic interiors…I actually think everyone will get it in 2014.”

Navy is being touted as the new neutral, which we love. It can really be paired with just about any other color: tangerine, orange, black, silver, cream, brick red, radiant orchid, you name it and navy will work.

There’s also a very luxe quality about navy blue, but it will work for a variety of home decor types–contemporary, modern eclectic, cottage, boho and more. It’s a deep color that can add wonderful drama to any room.

But, how to incorporate navy blue into your home? Here’s some inspiration.

1. Walls

Image: GrahamBrown

Whether wallpaper or paint, adding navy to your walls will infuse your home with a dramatic flair. This floral wallpaper from Amy Butler is a gorgeous example and is a modern take on a folk aesthetic.

2. Furniture

Image: West Elm

Navy makes for a refreshing neutral for furniture  pieces. This low-slung mid-century sofa is perfect for a relaxed yet sophisticated look. It’s available in a variety for fabric choices–choose from linen, microfiber, performance velvet and more.

3. Flooring

Image: All Modern

One way to add navy blue to your home is with flooring. Choose painted wood floors, tile or carpeting. Of course, an easier way is to add accent rugs. We simply love this navy blue rug with abstract leaves!

4. Lighting

Image: Rejuvenation

Lighting is an often overlooked way to incorporate color into a room. This industrial-style pendant lamp would be perfect in the kitchen, office or bathroom.

5. Bedding

Image: UrbanOutfitters

And don’t forget the bedroom. Navy isn’t just for the living room or den, but it’s a great color for the bedroom. Bedding is the easiest way to add a color trend without a huge commitment like painting or wallpaper and this medallion duvet cover is a stunning example.

6. Windows

Image: Anthropologie

And finally, you can always add color with window treatments, like shades, curtains and valances. Add some French Country flair with these pretty navy and white checked and textured curtains.

Top Image: One Kings Lane

Resources: http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/home-makeovers/blogger-interior-design-trends-2014#slide-7

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The post 6 Ways to Get the Navy Blue Trend Around Your Home: It’s the New Neutral appeared first on EcoSalon.

In the words of legendary interior designer and tastemaker Dorothy Draper, “The Drab Age is over. Color is coming into its own again…”  We couldn’t agree more. And, evidently, neither could Pantone–the global authority on color. 2014’s Color of the Year is a punchy purple, dubbed “Radiant Orchid”, which is said to “emanate great joy, love and health.” Yes, please!

It’s a little purple and a little fuchsia, with a dash of pink–it’s the perfect pop of color to liven up our beloved dark neutrals: black, charcoal, navy and chocolate brown. It plays well with other trendy colors, like chartreuse, turquoise, coral and indigo, and gives a jolt to whites, linens and creams. So, move over red! 2014 is the year for Radiant Orchid to reign supreme!

Purple Reign! 8 Ways to Rock 2014’s Color of The Year

1) Frame facelift: We all have a million picture frames lying around (or you can pick up some orphans from Goodwill)–why not give them a new life? This is a simple, inexpensive (and dare we say, fun!) way to brighten any room of your home. We recommend using an environmentally sound no-VOC paint, like Petal .04 or Petal .07 from YOLO Colorhouse.

2) Invest in a design classic: The “Savoy” vase by Finnish designer Alvar Aalto, was designed in 1936 and is an icon of modern design. It’s safe to say it will never go out of style. Iitala is now offering this handmade glass beauty in a dark lilac–isn’t she lovely?

3) Magic carpet: Who doesn’t love the feel of a cozy rug underfoot? This is another simple way to get some color in your life: in the entryway, powder room, dining area or living room. This durable handwoven number is built to last and has the added bonus of a fashion-forward chevron.

4) Shop for a cause:  This woven jute grass and raffia tray is a perfect cross of function and fashion, and you’ll feel good about bringing it home, too. Made in Rwanda by Indego Africa, a non-profit organization made up of women-owned businesses and artist co-ops, this particular design was made exclusively for the incomparable Jonathan Adler.

 5) Enter the Earth: Agate home wares, primarily bookends and coasters, are popping up in interior design magazines left and right. We love this incredible pair of pink agate bookends–so majestic! The combination of polished and raw surfaces make for a wonderful textural juxtaposition.

6) Just your type: We’ve all grown so accustomed to the soft tapping of our laptop keyboards that we forget how utterly romantic the timbre of  a typewriter can be. That clipped, determined staccato is the outward song of thoughts and dreams hitting paper. This vintage 1979 Olivetti Lettera 12 will not only look incredible on your writing desk, but is practically guaranteed to help you write the next great American novel. (Or, at the very least, an anonymous note to your obnoxiously loud next door neighbor.)

7) Bright at your fingertips: Not ready to paint your entire house purple? Why not start by dipping your toes in? Eco-friendly cosmetic company Zoya, has devoted an entire page (42 polishes!) of their website to Radiant Orchid-esque shades. All of their polishes are toxin-free and all-natural, but never skimp on color or staying power.

8) Be literal: Buy an orchid, already! These gorgeous flowering plants require indirect sunlight and only light watering (read: they are hard to kill). Your care and patience with these lovelies is rewarded with blooms that last a month or more!

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Photo credits: (top to bottom) The Tao of Dana,  My Sugar Blossom, Iitala, One Kings Lane, Jonathan Adler, Lawson Fenning, etsy seller ElGranero,Zoya, Bliss at Home, Elle Decor

The post Purple Reign! 8 Ways to Rock 2014’s Color of The Year appeared first on EcoSalon.

Can’t get enough of the sparkly, glitzy, glamorous shine that is New Year’s Eve? Bring it on home in 2014 with the metallic home decor trend.

2014 is the year of metallics, and not just in fashion but in home decor too!

Whether it’s silver, gold, bronze, platinum or nickel, there’s a finish for you. And don’t just think you are limited to accessories like framed mirror or candlesticks, the new metallics are being used in all sort of unexpected ways. Like wallpaper, fabrics, rugs, lighting fixtures, accessories, paint and more.

Tips

1.Go for it: Metallics can fit into everyone’s style too: from boho and rocker to classic and contemporary.

2. Mix it up: The modern way to use metallics is to mix and match metal finishes.

3. Be creative: This new trend is all about designing outside the box. Think how to showcase the trend in unexpected ways.

Here are some of the coolest ways to incorporate the trend into your home decor this year.

1. Bronze Leather Pouf

Image: Vivaterra

Get a little funky with this bronze (silver is also available) leather pouf. Whether your style is world market, boho, contemporary or glamtastic, add some chic shine.

2. Bronze Wallpaper

Image: Graham & Brown

Add some metallic flair with some pretty wallpaper like this botanical design. Use a subtle print for all over room coverage or use a more dramatic wallpaper on an accent wall.

3. Gold Storage Accessories

Image: DwellStudio

Solve the problem of where to store the coasters and how to add some metallic sparkle to your room in one fell swoop with some these pretty boxes. Elegant and practical.

4. Gold Tile Lamp

Image: Anthropologie

Get creative with your lighting choices and go metallic like with this stunning glass tile example. Just gorgeous!

5. Brass Side Table

Image: Urban Outfitters

Here’s another elegant and sleek metallic example. Use this as an end table or as a nightstand to add some metallic sheen to your room.

6. Cocktail Accessories

Image: Pier 1

Add some sparkly fun to your next party with this bronzed finish ice bucket, carafe and tumbler set.

7. Suede and ShimmerRug

Image: Serena & Lily

Finally, add a hint of shimmer  with a rug like this gorgeous metallic suede and hemp specimen.

Top Image: West Elm

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The post 7 Metallic Ways to Bling Out the New Year: Glam Home Decor appeared first on EcoSalon.

Open up any home decor magazine and you are bound to see pages and pages devoted to white decor and design. Sparkling, crisp, clean white decor is having a serious thing right now. Maybe it’s because many of our tech devices are white, maybe it’s because life is complicated and a clean slate feels relaxing. You may think an all white home would be flat and boring, but it’s not.

The key is to incorporate different shades of white–ecru, stone, antique, pearl, eggshell, antique, linen, ivory and beige—just to name a few. Another key is to add plenty of texture too–chunky, lacy, matte, polished, embossed, shiny, distressed, metallic, woolen, ribbed, velvety and more. Don’t be afraid to go for a floor-to-ceiling white look with painted white floors and walls and all- white furniture and decor. 

Not convinced? Just take a gander at these 7 stunning pieces that are just perfect for your all white home redo.

1. High-back Textured Chair

Image: Dwell Studio

This high-back ivory chair from Dwell is just the kind of thing that would look amazing in a modern-styled all-white living room. Choose your own fabric and leg finish too.

2. White Wallpaper

Image: Graham & Brown

Think about the possibilities of wallpaper with an all white room. Wallpaper can be a great way to incorporate pattern and texture, just like this retro, curvy, boucle example from Graham & Brown.

3. Side Table

Image: Anthropologie

For a real showstopper, try something like this funky resin and glass “teak” table. It’s sure to add some visual interest to your white decor.

4. Midcentury Dresser

Image: West Elm

You want things to be stylish but functional too, and that’s where this Midcentury dresser in white and acorn comes in. This would look awesome in your white bedroom and hold all your unmentionables. Plus, with its slim legs and retro details you might just imagine that you are in Don Draper’s boudoir.

5. All-White Bedding

Image: Vivaterra

All white bedding can be see refreshing and relaxing to slide into at the end of a long day. This natural colored sheet and duvet cover Tuck-Me-In-Bedding set from Vivaterra is just the thing for your all white bedroom.

6. White Candles

Image: Antique Farm House

One of the best ways to make a house a home is with wonderful accents like these white bell jar cloches from Antique Farm House. They look and smell good–choose from thyme, sweet basil, lemon verbena and more.

7. White Plush Rug

Image: Overstock

And the final must-have piece is a plush white rug. Combine comfort and style and don’t spend a lot of money on it, because in a live-in home accidents do happen!

Top Image: One Kings Lane

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The post 7 Seven Stunning Home Goods for Your All White Home appeared first on EcoSalon.

Green design for the home is hardly newsbreaking. But a forward-thinking collaborative in Boulder, Colorado, makes  sustainable home furnishings, clothing, and little luxuries accessible to everyone.

As a resident, I feel confident stating that Boulder practically invented the ethos of green living. Yet even amongst the  city’s (third party-certified, controlled wood) forest of eco-chic boutiques; green design firms;  grocery stores and restaurants defined by locally-sourced ingredients;  hybrid automobiles; LEED-certified buildings;  cyclists, and non-profits devoted to planetary salvation, madelife stands out.

Formerly known as factoryMADE (the branding transition is happening as you read), this groovy, green design showroom located just off happening East Pearl Street is a store and collaborative artist space boasting cutting-edge products made from reclaimed or ethically-made, – sourced-and-shipped materials. Eighty percent of the stock is made by Colorado artists, designers, and other creative folk.

Before you start envisioning hand-loomed hemp yoga mats and recycled beer bottle bongs, allow me to explain: madelife’s largely consignment-based inventory is super-stylish, and undeniably cool. The vibe might best be described as “agrarian-urban-mod,” or, perhaps, “etsy-meets-Design Within Reach.” There are trendy threads and funky dining tables made from repurposed basketball court hardwood. Shed antlers are gilded and decorated with beguiling curlicues (Suggested use: hat rack or necklace display.).

Jewelry, both delicate and chunky, is crafted from copper wire, old bike parts, feathers, antler, leather, metal scraps, and other odds and ends. Luscious apothecary goods are chock-full of natural ingredients like beeswax, essential oils, and other botanical goodness. Woodblock-printed pillows accentuate modernist sofas sheathed in nubby fabric; wee woodland dioramas are housed in old cigar boxes. Once, I dropped by and discovered a gloriously refurbished, peony-pink Frigidaire; you never know what kinds of treasure you’ll find at madelife, but the place never fails to inspire or incite desire.

This is why they also offer workshops and events for all ages (The company website states, “We curate + cultivate creative talent, community, and culture;” they also do custom video, music, and design for select clients, and donate 10-percent of their net profits to “underserved young people with creative potential.”).

Kids’ summer camps this year include classes on storybook making and functional art. Big people can try their hand at silversmithing, making beauty products, constructing terrariums, sewing, and reupholstering furniture. Check out the summer schedule and get your craft on.

Images: (top) madelife (All other images) whimseybox

The post Green Design Gets a Quirky Upgrade At Boulder’s madelife appeared first on EcoSalon.

Wall stencils are all the rage right now, and why not? They’re 99.9% dummy proof.  

If you’ve ever tried to DIY and failed miserably, applying a wall stencil is a sure fire way to give your crafty self an ego boost. Look at this woman, care of Cutting Edge Stencils.

That looks totally DIY-able, doesn’t it? From what I can tell, she:

1.) Purchased a set of stencils from people that actually know what they’re doing, i.e. Cutting Edge or Stencil 1. (To ensure success, splurge on the more expensive pre-cut ones. Otherwise you’re going to have to use an actual craft knife.)

2.) Applied a base color, patiently allowing it to dry overnight (FYI, impatience has felled every DIY project I’ve ever attempted.)

3.) Measured (like, with a ruler or tape measure, imagine that!) the wall to determine how many times the stencil should be repeated.  Here’s another tip: don’t guess-timate. Try marking each spot with a pencil.

4.) Attached the stencil to the wall.

5.) Poured a small amount of paint – not all of it – into a saucer.

6.) Picked up a small roller and painted.

If you can master the six steps above, just imagine the possibilities. You could stencil yourself an aviary:

A harem straight out of Marrakech:

A butterfly zoo:

Perhaps even a real zoo, not that butterflies in and of themselves aren’t thrilling:

A disco for your baby:

A half-price chandelier:

A diner:

A coat rack:

You could even stencil a (bath)Room of Your Own:

That, dear friends, is crafty rebellion.

 ALSO CHECK OUT:

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12 DIY Projects for a Green Geek

Images: Cutting Edge Stencils; Stencil 1; The Stencil Studio; House to Home; Apartment Therapy; Kristen F. Davis Designs; Design Amour

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