01:
Cardboard is gaining popularity as a quirky, environmentally-friendly design material. But just because it’s a cheap material doesn’t mean that all cardboard furniture is affordable. Designer cardboard still carries a very designer price tag: the Frank Gehry Wiggle chair (designed in 1972) will put you back $985 or more. Here are some affordable cardboard options that add an element of fun, but won’t leave you broken-hearted once it falls apart because it’s made of cardboard.
Giles Miller’s cardboard mantle clock is fashionable at any hour. $53.
Mantle-C Cardboard Mantle Clock
Get out your favorite Sharpie marker, because this Executive Table from Karton looks like the sweetest doodle pad ever. Just $148.
The Chairman's Table
Also from Karton, the Ewe storage unit is a cute way to stay organized. $55.
The Barnyard Method - Ewe
This funky kids’ chair is perfect for the play room. $19.99 on Amazon.
Cardboard Toy Chair
The Dickens sideboard from Fashion4Home is fantastically fashionable and 100% recyclable! $369.
Dickens Cardboard Bookshelf
26:
Just because you don’t have much outdoor space doesn’t mean that you can’t get your grill on this summer. These little numbers are cute, compact and affordable.
Weber’s classic Smokey Joe is just $29.99 at Target.
Weber® Smokey Joe Silver Compact Grill
This fiery orange grill from Bodum has side clasps for easy portability. $49.95 from Crate & Barrel.
Bodum® Fyrkat Grill
Also from Bodum, this cone grill will turn your neighbors green with envy. $179.99 from Amazon.
Bodum Fyrkat Cone Charcoal Grill
The Aussie grill is great for those with a balcony or small patio. $39.97 at the Home Depot.
Aussie Portable Charcoal Grill
The Notebook grill from Fire Sense is collapsible—perfect for lugging to the park. $27.00 at Walmart.
Fire Sense HotSpot Notebook Portable Charcoal Grill
14:
Neon signs are part kitsch, part cool and totally ostentatious. As such, they make great wall décor. They may not be cheap (typically $200 and up), but they do double duty in that they are décor and an additional light source. Liven up a kitchen or living space with one of these fun models:
This classic says, “Hey, it’s cocktail time somewhere.” $280.95 from Bellacor.
Neonetics Cocktails and Martini Glass Neon Sign
Here’s another cocktail sign, only $49.99
Cocktails Neon Sign
Wondering what to do with that blank space next to your bathroom? Problem solved. $185.99 from Walmart.
Neonetics Business Signs Rest Rooms Neon Sign
This is awesome on so many levels. It is also borderline offensive and sure to spark interesting conversations. $225.99 from Walmart.
Neonetics Pig Pool Nice Rack Neon Sign
Any mancave worth its salt has a neon sign. $302 from Stacks and Stacks.
Man Cave Neon Sign
19:
Paisley is making a comeback! This traditional print is fun in brighter, lighter colors and makes a definite impression. Here are some cool paisley items on the market now:
Warm your doorstep with this festive doormat. $39.98.
PAISLEY DOORMAT
This pastel paisley shower curtain from Target would look great in a white tiled bathroom. $13.59.
Paisley Shower Curtain
And look—a paisley soap dish to go with it. $9.99.
Sierra Paisley Soap Dish in Chambray
These outdoor pillows are surprisingly fancy looking for being from The Home Depot. $30 each.
Arden Cayenne Paisley Square Pillow, set of 2
Schlepping a laptop around would be much more pleasant in this sprightly sleeve. $40.
HADAKI Laptop Sleeve in Hannah's Paisley
If I wrote real letters any more, I’d want to write them on these lovely notecards from Paper Source. $9 for a set of ten.
Curry Rajasthani Paisley A2 Stationery
09:
Terrariums are so hot right now. Unfortunately, pre-made ones cost more than a pretty penny and don’t exactly travel well. The good news is that they are a VERY doable DIY project. Order everything online and make your own on a Sunday afternoon. Get inspirated by these whimsical versions made by Brooklyn-based Twig.
Instructions:
Choose whether you’d like your terrarium to be mossy, like most of the ones by Twig, or if you’d like to feature succulents (the layering and care differs). Once you’ve decided, making your own terrarium is a matter of simple addition. Take a glass container and add:
rocks + dirt + succulents or moss + sand+ a bit of flare
You can go as crazy as you’d like in choosing your glass receptacle, but this 1 gallon jar from Crate and Barrel looks handy for beginners (i.e. removable lid, wide opening for placement purposes) and it’s just $11.95.
Gallon Jar with Lid, $11.95
Don’t have an actual backyard to forage for rocks/dirt/sand in? No problem, thanks to the interwibble. Get Polished River Rocks for $2.99.
POLISHED RIVER PEBBLES 28OZ BAG MIXED COLORS, $2.99
Soil for Cacti & Succulents…
Hoffman Organic Cactus & Succulent Soil Mix 10 Quart Bag, $9.99
…and Desert Sand.
Good Earth Organics 14302 Desert Sand, $5.78
It’s advisable to get your moss or succulents at a local greenhouse, but if the trip proves to be too daunting, you can also order online. Try some Living Moss…
Living Moss, $4.49
…or 3 Succulent Plants in Clay Pots.
3 Plants in Clay Pots, $19.99
For flare, pepper in a tiny motorcyclist or postman by ordering model train people.
City People, $9.50
If you’re opting for succulents, layer as followed:
1) Put a layer of rocks on the bottom (several inches)
2) Cover the rocks with soil (half the height of the rock layer, give or take)
3) Place the succulent roots in the soil
4) Add a moderate layer of sand around the succulents for a protective top layer
If it’s mossy terrain you seek, layer as such:
1) Put a layer of rocks on the bottom (several inches)
2) Cover the rocks with an inch or two of soil
3) Arrange the moss over the soil and press down firmly
Care Instructions:
Give the terrarium several hours of direct sunlight each day. For succulent-based terrariums, water every few weeks. For moss-based versions, mist the moss with a water bottle every day. As your terrarium will have no drainage hole, avoid over watering in either case.
