Shopping Guide

TOP 5 AFFORDABLE WAYS TO SPRUCE UP DRAB WALLS (WITHOUT USING PAINT)

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Walls left bare are no fun at all. Check out our favorite picks and projects that are guaranteed to transform a room in an instant, no messy paint required.

1. HANG A TAPESTRY

Tapestries aren’t just for hippies anymore. Today’s tapestries can create a tasteful backdrop or act as a stand-in for a bed frame or headboard. Take inspiration from Ellen Pompeo’s (Meredith Grey of Grey’s Anatomy) bedroom, where this Egyptian wall hanging completes the room:

Ellen Pompeo Bedroom

For a similar look, try one of these Op-Art or Indian Tapestries from Sunshine Joy on Amazon…

Tan/Red Diamond ~ Indian Tapestry ~ 60 x 90 in., $19.95

Celtic Symbol ~ Op-Art Tapestry ~ 60 x 90 in., $29.69

2. STICK ON A WALL DECAL

Wall Decals seem to be popping up everywhere, but the most interesting designs I’ve seen so far are from Blik Wall Decals, which makes a lot of sense considering they’re the first company to create these removable wall graphics. Below are two of our favorites.

Rococo Pop Wall Decals, $70

MID-CENTURY GOTHIC Wall Decals, $55

3. CREATE A DIY WALLPAPER USING MEXICAN OILCLOTH

One of ReadyMade’s Top DIY 20 Projects of 2010, this how-to tells you everything you need to know to get the look. Get your oilcloth here.

Mauricio Paniagua and Tony Moxham's library is covered floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall in Mexican oilcloth. Click here to see how.

4. INSTALL 3-D WALLPAPER TILES
These environmentally sustainable tiles from MIO feel reminiscent of the acrylic wall forms from the 60’s, like the coveted Maurer-Becker Wall-All or Craig Kaufmann’s famous plastic relief sculptures. Use these to transform a wall or as wall art, painted or used as-is.

Paperforms as 3-D Wall Art

V2 Paperforms

5. HANG A WALL MURAL

When you have something this busy as a background, decorating becomes a breeze with simple colors and furnishings. Urban Outfitters has an excellent selection of wall murals, but this birch mural is on sale for a fantastic price.

Birches Wall Mural, $79.95

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Friday Finds

FRIDAY FINDS

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Today’s best finds from all over the web, twenty bucks or less.

These sturdy salt and pepper shakers instantly create a winter-appropriate table setting.

Oak Salt and Pepper Shakers, $19.95

The pattern on these coasters feels very 70’s inspired. Leave them lying out on your coffee table as functional art.

Pepperpot Coasters in Constructive Floral Design Set of 4, $9.99

Keep your loose papers and magazines organized in this brocade magazine file.

Steel Brocade Magazine File, $14.99

We love this mod green Karlsson alarm clock from Crate and Barrel…

Green Alarm Clock, $9.95

The Ikat pattern is very hot right now and looks great on these eco-friendly tea towels.

Hammocks and High Tea tea towels, $20

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Pets

PET BEDS: STYLISH FURNISHINGS FOR YOUR DOG OR CAT

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Furnishings aren’t just for humans anymore, pets need something to lounge around on too. A bed for your animal can also contain shedding to one spot, especially if they really like what you pick out for them. If you have one already, chances are it’s either very generic or screams “pet bed.” Getting one that’s a little more tasteful can make all the difference in a room. Below, some very affordable furnishings for your pampered dog or cat.

This preppy, no-nonsense cot can be used indoors or out.

Camp Cot Indoor Outdoor Dog Bed, $39

Eco-friendly products are all the rage, and these two designs from Harry Barker are fashionable choices done up in classic patterns.

Eco-Friendly Striped Pet Bed by Harry Barker, $60

Eco-Friendly Pet Bed by Harry Barker in Round Toile, $55

Here’s a more feminine option, this affordable rose dog bed from designer Cath Kidson is on sale!

Textured Rose Dog Bed by Cath Kidson, $34

Our personal favorite for the larger dogs, this regal bed comes in various colors and sizes…

Majestic Pet Super Value Economy Pet Bed in Burgundy, $29.75 plus free s/h

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1stDibs Picks

1stDIBS PICKS

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Should you ever find yourself in the market for a 1955 Frank Lloyd Wright lounge chair (to the tune of $15k+), 1stDibs is most likely where you’ll want to look first (www.1stdibs.com). This online middleman for luxury antique and vintage items has a dizzying selection of beautiful things, making it a daily destination for interior designers on the hunt for special pieces. Not surprisingly, 99% of the things listed on 1stDibs on any given day are beyond the reach of most mere mortals. But he who seeks shall find, and FM has managed to find some absolute steals for $150 or below, no schlepping to the flea market required.


Old, beat up trunks make great coffee tables and  entry-way shoe receptacles. This 1900’s version is to be had for $95.

Early 1900's American Trunk, $95

A vintage gas mask certainly doesn’t scream “practicality,” but it would look pretty awesome displayed on a shelf, wall, or casually hung on a coat rack.

Vintage Rubber and Metal Gas Mask, $100

Stack this set of three wooden carrying crates and you’ll have a makeshift media storage unit far cooler than anything you could find at IKEA for the same price.

Wooden Baskets, $110 for the set

Cool storage possibilities abound: stash smaller items in this set of five mid-century industrial galvanized aluminum bins.

5 mid-century industrial galvanized aluminum bins, $45

Bring a hallway or bathroom to life with this red carved wood piece with mirrors, drawers and shelf.

Carved Wood Wall Piece with Mirrors, Drawer, and Shelf, $150

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Accessorizing, Shopping Guide

CHECK THIS OUT: PLASMA NIGHT LIGHT

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I’ve always considered night lights to be a necessity, but never wanted to own one because they’re such boring looking gadgets. Until now. I recently discovered this Plasma Night Light at a friend’s apartment and I promise you it provided quite a few minutes of fun. Get yours at the MOMA design store for 20 bucks.

PLASMA NIGHTLIGHT, $19.99

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Mancave Makeovers

MANCAVE MAKEOVERS: GET A GOOD RUG

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RULE #2: Get a good rug.

There’s a reason why some designers select a rug before anything else when designing a living space: they anchor a room and can serve as a roadmap in picking colors and textures for your home. For the mancave, we suggest area rugs that are large enough to frame your main furniture (couch, side chairs and coffee table) and withstand heavier traffic. Here are some we’re fond of:

The Jorun from IKEA is optically stimulating and would look great under a black or grey sofa. Made of wool, it will hold up well against stains and foot traffic.

IKEA JORUN Rug 7’10” x 5’7”, $179

Nothing says “I’m a man” like cowhide, which just so happens to make an awesome floor covering. Hides are easy to maintain and look better and better with age. This Argentine hide is from Horne.

Cowhide Rug 6’ x 7’, $365 + free s/h

For the more sensitive type, try the West Elm Zebra rug. Chic zebra print adds flare but is 100% wool.

West Elm Zebra Rug 5’ x 8’, $199

Woven sisal is incredibly durable and versatile, so if you’re having a hard time choosing a rug, this would be a safe and stylish choice. The Sunset model from Natural Home Rugs has a nice border and is an excellent value.

"SUNSET" (FUDGE) SISAL RUGS, $99 for 4'x6', $199 for 6'x9' plus free s/h

For something more playful, there’s CB2’s Letterpress Rug, designed by the normally pricey textile designer Liora Manné. This is a great rug for spaces in need of a ‘pop.’

CB2 letterpress rug 5' x 8', $299

ABC Rugs (not to be confused with the exquisitely high-end ABC Carpets) sells rugs from all over, including this funky Medallion Rug.

Traditional Medallion Black Rug 5'2" x 7'6", $179

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