GET A GRIP: KNOB ROUNDUP

Commitment-phobes and penny-pinchers rejoice: switching out old knobs is the easiest and cheapest way to give your kitchen or bathroom an instant facelift. This facelift is also easily undone down the road.

 
These black and gold Jewel Knobs from Urban Outfitters would add instant warmth to dark cabinets. $6 each.

 
Porcelain knobs are a versatile class act. This model from Rejuvenation features a cast iron base that adds industrial charm. $10 each.

 

The earthen feel terracotta lends patios also works in the kitchen, particularly against cabinets with a natural wood finish. These Terracotta Knobs from Gracious Home are just $3.19 each.

 

These Fourth Course Knobs from Anthropologie feature colorful resin layers and are perfect for relatively monotone kitchens in need of some pizzazz. $8 each.

 
Also from Anthropologie, the Half & Half Knob is one part rustic cabin, one part 1920s hospital and one whole part cool. $8 each.

 
Another classic from Rejuvenation, this Hexagonal Glass Knob in milky green is just the thing to warm up stark white or stainless steel cupboards. $6.00 each

 

ROCK ON, NEON

If we learned one thing from the late 80’s/early 90’s, it’s probably that neon should be used judiciously when decorating. Yet, in atoning for the sins of Gen X, we may have become a little too judicious. It’s time to let some neon back in y’all, and here are our top picks:

 

This neon pink wood and stoneware vase has three removable components that you can mix and match. On sale for $62.25 from DWR.

 

 

This Native Union Pop Phone in neon green lets you relive the days when you could spend hours on the phone literally talking about nothing. $35 via Urban Outfitters.

 

Even the most awkward of family photos would look insta-cool in these neon-trimmed frames. $14.95 from CB2.

 

There are many ways to brighten a ho-hum sofa or bed, but these jumbo neon cushions are probably the quickest route. Conran Shop $28.

 

The blue moon of coffee tables. $199 at Fashion For Home.

 

The search for the perfect wave ends in the discovery of the perfect neon poster. $35 on Ebay.

 

Jazz up your tape dispenser with this rainbow-colored six-pack. $3.99 from The Container Store.

 

5 FANCY RUGS

Whether you’re craving a quick apartment makeover or just want to up the cozy factor, a good looking rug can transform a room in minutes. Fabulous rugs can cost a pretty penny, but we’ve found some gorgeous threads to satisfy every style and budget.

Throw a couple of freaky twins or a kid on a tricycle on one of these Castleberry honeycomb rugs and you’ll be living in one of the best scenes from The Shining.

 

A smart update to the gross shag rugs of yesteryear, the silken round shag rug is like putting a set of veneers on Austin Powers.

 
Perfect for small or irregular spaces, the Pier 1 Red Flower Rug has a sophisticated vintage feel to it.

 

I don’t know why the word ‘medallion’ has a nice ring to it, but it’s probably a good indicator that this Target Medallion rug will be an all-around crowd pleaser.

 

Think the cowhide trend is dead (pun intended)? Think again! This animal friendly version will win the hearts of your vegetarian buddies.

5 PRETTY PENDANTS

A large, billowy pendant can do wonders for a room in need of some soft lighting. These pretty pendants, in light whites and neutrals, would look stellar above a bed or couch, adding romantic ambience whether the lights are on or off.

 

This bulbous Chiasso pendant is a jumbled mass of aluminum and chrome that’s lit by eight small bulbs within. $118.

 

Designed in 1969 and composed of 69 pieces, the Norma69 Shade is nothing if not shagadelic.$130 from The Conran Shop.

 

This classy tiered brass pendant from Urban Outfitters looks way more expensive than its $64 price tag, and is likely to develop a cool patina over time.

 

Buttery capiz shells are trimmed with nickel and arranged like a lotus flower on this dreamy pendant from Pottery Barn. $199.

 

Simple does it on this chic and cheap IKEA paper shade, which is a nice update to the round paper lanterns IKEA is known for. $5.00.

TAKING OUT THE TRASH

Trash. Garbage. Rubbish. We all produce it—why not store it in an aesthetically pleasing manner? Here are some fun trash cans that will keep your refuse under wraps in style.

Shabby chic and industrial chic are happily married in this woven wire trash can. $29.00 from Urban Outfitters.

This angular acrylic trash can is pretty enough to double as an umbrella stand or extra storage. $49.99 from CB2.

 

Oscar called—he wants his domicile back. $9.99 from The Container Store.

Go all “office building reception area” with this stainless steel beauty. $93.99 from Sears.

 

Introducing the Big Red of Trash Can Land, complete with convenient foot lever. $99.99 from Sears.

 

It’s not entirely clear whether these awesomely simplistic shopping bag holders ship to the US (the company is Spain-based), but anyone with a surplus of plastic and paper bags lurking under her sink (i.e. yours truly) is going to want to give it a try. €18.90 form Un4Verde.

 

With convenient side handles, this little number has the look of leather and the price of polyurethane. $9.99 from IKEA.