Emily Bibb
Editorial Assistant
Affordable Decor

13 DIYs For Cooking Up a Beautiful Kitchen

Although your kitchen is meant for cooking, it's great for crafts, too.

Although your kitchen is meant for cooking, it's great for crafts, too. With a little DIY magic, you can spruce up your space with everything from painted tea towels to ombré chairs. The recipes (or in this case projects) are easy enough to tackle over the weekend and won't break the bank. With over 10 to choose from, there's bound to be something for the "heart of your home."

DIY

20-Plus Bedroom DIYs Worth Pinning

Have a few hours to spare?

Have a few hours to spare? Consider a simple bedroom DIY. Without spending a lot of money, you can revamp your space on the fly with a homemade project that is anything but kitschy. Roll up your sleeves with DIYs like tufted headboards and graphic art — it's time to satisfy your craft fix!

decorating inspiration

Design Field Trip: La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles

If you're ever in Los Angeles, make it a point to visit La Brea Avenue's design district.

If you're ever in Los Angeles, make it a point to visit La Brea Avenue's design district. This small, walkable stretch of inspiration (located between Melrose Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard) is densely packed with everything from quirky antiques to urban fashion. Start the day at Nick Metropolis, a warehouse filled with old movie props (and therefore the best photo props) we have ever seen. From there, we strolled and browsed everything from custom furniture to foreign finds. Between the fashion, food, and interiors, we left with loads of inspiration and new LA favorites. Click through to see our pics!

DIY

24 Quick and Easy Living Rooms DIYs

This weekend, take your DIY skills beyond the craft room into your living room!

This weekend, take your DIY skills beyond the craft room into your living room! Always on the lookout for new ways to spruce up our space, we found homemade projects that will freshen up your digs in no time. Whether you're looking to fill your walls with art or add a few custom pillows, let your creativity roll with it. Even if your living room isn't due for a little something new, these projects can be easily adapted to any space. So what are you waiting for? Check out the 24 options that leave those daunting DIY rumors behind.

Affordable Decor

The Stylish Guide to Your First Apartment

Hey, girl, the time has finally come for your first apartment — congrats!

Hey, girl, the time has finally come for your first apartment — congrats! While being granted your new set of keys is exciting (just don't lose them!), the list of essentials can be rather overwhelming. Making style the main priority (as always), we set out to prove that you can do it on a budget. Sticking with necessities — like plates that aren't paper — we found you ways to save without sacrificing style. And for the times when only the best will do? Well, we found those options, too. Sure, welcome the hand-me-downs, but with a little savvy shopping and this guide, you can furnish your apartment with enough cash to spare for that security deposit.

decor shopping

The Elements of a Perfectly Styled Coffee Table

Admit it, you've been wanting that Pinterest-esque coffee table for some time now.

Admit it, you've been wanting that Pinterest-esque coffee table for some time now. We'll let you in on a little secret: it's rather simple, and all it takes are a few key pieces. Color is key, and accents that lend a personal touch will make it your own. Use this layout as your step-by-step guide or as inspiration to curate the items you already own. Here's how:

  1. First things first, begin with a base. Start the "layering" process with this brushed metal tray ($125) or one similar. Then, style it with small accessories like a gold artichoke ($170) and a scented candle ($60).
  2. Give your guests something to talk about! Coffee-table books that reflect your passions are a great place to start. The bright covers and content from books like The Flower Recipe Book ($25), Paris in Color ($20), and Living in a Modern Way ($60) have stunning images that turn a good read into actual decor.
  3. Add functional accents, too! Handmade agate coasters ($195) will protect your table, while an initialed matchbox (prices vary) and a candle snuffer ($38) lend a sophisticated touch.
  4. Lastly, complete the look with a bouquet of flowers. This arrangement ($250) is stunning, but you can keep it simple by grabbing an inexpensive bunch (around $7) from your local grocer or farmers market and adding them to your favorite vase.
Eco

16 Shopping Tips For Salvage Yard Success

A salvage yard may not be the first place you turn to for decor, but once you get over the intimidation factor, this might become your new favorite decor destination.

A salvage yard may not be the first place you turn to for decor, but once you get over the intimidation factor, this might become your new favorite decor destination. Looking past the visual noise and getting creative with the possibilities, a salvage yard, stocked with used furniture and architectural fixtures, is a great place to discover unique, affordable pieces for your home. Whether you're looking to undertake a weekend DIY, score an impressive deal, or style your home with something one-of-a-kind, a salvage yard has what you need. Click through to see what kind of finds are waiting for you, along with our salvage shopping tips. You'll be a pro in no time!

Wedding

Invite Oscar de la Renta to Your Wedding

Here's a reason to celebrate: fashion mogul Oscar de la Renta, is now translating his iconic prints onto paper for our parties!

Here's a reason to celebrate: fashion mogul Oscar de la Renta, is now translating his iconic prints onto paper for our parties! Teaming up with Paperless Post, his new line of stationery showcases everything we've come to love about the designer's signature prints and extraordinary embroideries. His delicate Chantilly laces are now elegant wedding invitations, while bold patterns from his 2013 ready-to-wear line will inspire your next Summer soiree. It's almost impossible to settle on a favorite, but here are a few of the best — available on paper or digitally — that caught our eye.

How To

9 Creative Uses for (Paper) Flowers, No Water Necessary!

Although it's hard to beat fresh flowers, there's something to be said about their paper counterparts.

Although it's hard to beat fresh flowers, there's something to be said about their paper counterparts. While they've had our attention for some time (largely due to the creative visions of Zoe Bradley), their versatility have made them quite the star of weddings, parties, and tabletops lately. Looking for any and all excuses to put them to good use, we found nine creative ways to give your space a floral touch — no green thumb necessary.

Inspiration

Got Gatsby Fever? These Art Deco Hotels Have the Cure

Just a few days out from The Great Gatsby's movie release and unable to contain our excitement, we're inspired to take the roaring '20s beyond the big screen and into our decor and travels.

Just a few days out from The Great Gatsby's movie release and unable to contain our excitement, we're inspired to take the roaring '20s beyond the big screen and into our decor and travels. Between the glamorous interiors and rich history, we found art deco hotels around the world that revive the Jazz Age in the best possible ways. From the Plaza (a favorite of F. Scott Fitzgerald) to Prague's Art Deco Imperial, the '20s (and a well-deserved vacation) await!

Source: The Plaza, The Raleigh, Booking.com

decorating inspiration

10+ Excuses to Embrace Yellow Decor

Whether you're looking to be bold or keep it mellow, make yellow your go-to hue.

Whether you're looking to be bold or keep it mellow, make yellow your go-to hue. Once the Spring-cleaning is done, a bright touch can easily refresh your space and kick off the Summer months. Since decorating with this color can be tough (and even a bit intimidating), we took to Instagram for examples to help guide and inspire you and your home. Add flowers, or go all out with a coat of paint. Really, there's no excuse not to brighten up your space with this cheery color!

P.S.: Find out how we're using yellow all Summer long by following us on Instagram!

decor shopping

Not Your Grandmother's Cross-Stitch: 9 Pillows That Will Have You Embracing Embroidery

It's no secret that embroidered details are classic, but recently we've seen them surface in new and refreshing ways.

It's no secret that embroidered details are classic, but recently we've seen them surface in new and refreshing ways. Between the raised stitches and textural patterns, embroidery detailing can instantly transform a sofa or chair into the best seat in the house. Putting its old-timey reputation in the dust, these pillows have modern patterns and refreshing colors that will elevate any space. For a handmade feel that's still hip, check a few of our favorites.

outdoor entertaining

Cinco de Mayo Party Essentials — Piñata Included!

If Cinco de Mayo isn't on your radar, you might want to reconsider.

If Cinco de Mayo isn't on your radar, you might want to reconsider. Commemorating the Mexican victory in the Battle of Puebla (yes, we looked that up), Cinco de Mayo is an entertainer's dream — between the bright colors, good food, and those margaritas, May 5 is going to be your new favorite holiday. Start addressing the invites because we have everything you need to dip chips in style at what is bound to be your annual Cinco de Mayo celebration. Viva la Mexico!

tablescapes

Three Perfect Looks For the Ultimate Mother's Day Brunch

If you're looking to get your friends together and celebrate Mom in style, then do it with a brunch!

If you're looking to get your friends together and celebrate Mom in style, then do it with a brunch! Aside from good company, brunch is the perfect way to toast to your leading lady. Knowing that no two moms are alike, we've created three tablescapes — casual, elegant, and outdoors — to make Mother's Day special. Find the one that's right for you (and Mom) below!

The Elegant Brunch

An elegant brunch will set this Mother's Day apart from the rest. Keeping the bright colors mute, we chose a neutral palette of golds and creams beginning with the tablecloth ($70-$80). Metallic touches are key; incorporated through gold-rimmed butter plates ($50), bamboo spreaders ($145), and napkin rings ($48). Since we're going all out, monogrammed glasses ($50) seemed fitting, as well as a crystal vase ($59) filled with tulips or her favorite flower.

The Casual Brunch

Think of the casual brunch as one step above breakfast in bed. For this type of tablescape, it has to be something where guests feel comfortable and Mom feels special. Make any table fit for a special occasion by covering it with a bright, patterned tablecloth ($40-$50). Then, add complementary pops of color through paper placemats ($15) and simple yellow plates ($5). Continue to layer with touches of yellow through gingham napkins ($20) and vintage tumblers ($8). A bright pink pitcher ($40) will showcase mimosas perfectly, and pink utensils ($22) give plastic forks a run for their money. Lastly, ditch the stuffy flowers and scatter these tiny succulents ($30) around to complete your tablescape.

The Outdoor Brunch

Aside from stylish, an outdoor brunch has to be functional — after all, it is outside! Simplicity is key and starts with a texture like linen placemats ($38) and napkins ($32). Add color and pattern with plates ($36) that are anything but boring and glasses ($5) fit for homemade Bloody Marys. A large tray ($24) makes bringing food from the kitchen easy, and we consider gold utensils ($40) essential. Lastly, complete the look with a rustic flower box ($18) and roses.

outdoor entertaining

Outdoor Entertaining Ideas Inspired by Wedding Blogs

Wedding season is here!

Wedding season is here! Don't worry — even if you aren't planning your own nuptials, you can still benefit from all the hubbub. It turns out that lots of outdoor wedding receptions incorporate simple and beautiful DIYs that would elevate any outdoor party, first dance or no. We rounded up our favorites that cover everything from tabletops to trees, so get ready to throw the best party ever! Professional photographer totally optional.

Marketplace

25 Unexpected Mother's Day Gifts Under $25

Although you can't put a price on Mom, we happened to find 25 affordable gifts that she'll love this Mother's Day.

Although you can't put a price on Mom, we happened to find 25 affordable gifts that she'll love this Mother's Day. Staying clear of the usual suspects like a gift cards or scented lotion (be honest, you're guilty), we mixed things up with some really unique options. There's a little bit of everything, and it all happens to be under $25, leaving you with extra cash to take her to manis, mimosas, or the movies!

Marketplace

Design Field Trip: 4th Street, Berkeley

When Sunday rolls around, there's no place we'd rather be than 4th Street, Berkeley.

When Sunday rolls around, there's no place we'd rather be than 4th Street, Berkeley. Located just a few blocks from the Berkeley Marina (some of the best views in San Francisco), this quiet little street is just the place we turn to for inspiration and a hearty brunch. Between favorites like Restoration Hardware and local gems such as NEST, it's almost impossible to walk away empty-handed. Always on the lookout for the next trend or weekend DIY, we strolled this design-focused street and snapped away while we were at it. Even if you don't live in the Bay Area, use this post as proof that inspiration can be found all around you!