interior design

These Are the 7 Features Home Buyers Want Most

Camilla Cheung — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 09:00:07 +0000

Interested in buying a new home? It's a good idea to be aware of what new homebuyers are looking for. I interviewed Markus Brown, a Realtor in Orange County, California, about what he sees buyers looking for in potential new homes. The following features are currently generating a lot of demand, which may potentially translate to higher home values.

1. An Open Floor Plan

The days of compartmentalized rooms all separated by walls and doors are gone, and the era of connected living continues to be one of top new home trends. Specifically, buyers "want the kitchen to be open to the family room, which creates the "great room" as it's most typically defined," says Brown. Homebuyers are also looking for an open floor plan kitchen, as it allows people to flow to and from the heart of the home during gatherings.

2. Hardwood Floors

Forget the wall-to-wall carpet, today's homebuyers are looking for hardwood floors on the main floor of the home, according to the National Association of Home Builders. Hardwood flooring looks especially beautiful when flowing throughout an open floor plan.

3. A Modern Kitchen

New homebuyers are looking not just for an updated kitchen, but a modern kitchen design that hits the latest trends. Granite continues to trend, but the pattern in the granite tends to be characterized by more "movement and flow," according to Brown, as opposed to a busy, speckled look. Quartz aggregates are a popular alternative for countertops. Floor tile has been growing in size, with large rectangular tiles (and fewer grout lines) leading the trends. Keeping hardwood flooring flowing throughout the kitchen and living spaces is also very popular.

The trendiest kitchens have a large island that doubles as an eating space, combining cooking and eating/entertaining in one feature. Open shelving has seen a resurgence in interest, but it can be a polarizing feature that some love and some don't.

Brown points out that modern backsplash finishes are important, and he has seen a trend toward the "subway tile patterns that were popular in the 20s and 30s." Pullout shelves and self-closing doors in the kitchen are also a plus.

4. Plenty of Storage

Along with an open floor plan comes a need for ample storage to keep those open spaces clutter free. New homebuyers are looking for pantries, linen closets, and storage areas such as a separate laundry room, mudroom, and cabinetry in the garage to help them stay organized and to keep the clutter out of sight. In fact, the most recent survey by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reports that 92% of buyers want a laundry room, making it the most desired feature of a new home.

5. Multi-Generational Living

Many new homebuyers appreciate the possibility to house an older parent or family member, if not full-time, at least part-time with comfortable guest quarters. A guest room on the ground floor with a full bathroom is one of the features that makes multigenerational living more comfortable for everyone.

6. Multi-Functional Space

Something many new homebuyers are looking for is a "homework loft," "gaming loft," or some kind of multifunctional space within the home. This could be a desk located on a second floor loft outside the bedrooms, or an area off the living room or kitchen which can be used for various needs. "The loft and great room are mutually dependent in many ways," says Brown, because along with greater open space comes a need for a place for kids to hang out separately from adults.

7. Indoor-Outdoor Living

Today's homebuyers are looking for ways to incorporate the outdoors into their daily lives. Millennials and younger buyers, in particular, are increasingly demanding a patio and multiple outdoor areas. Outdoor living space also increases the functional square footage of a home. Having an outdoor kitchen and entertaining space can be very attractive to new homebuyers. Sliding doors or French doors leading to a large patio that encourages flow between indoors and outdoors are often coveted features.

The "California room" or "outdoor living room" is an increasingly popular concept, according to Brown. A California room is a space that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living, usually comprised of a covered patio or sunroom, comfortable furnishings, and easy access to both inside and outside.

8. Energy Efficiency and Eco-Conscious Living

Energy efficiency is a feature that is becoming increasingly important. Energy Star rated appliances, windows, and an Energy Star rated whole home were desired by over 80% of new homebuyers. Features like a whole house fan, solar "readiness" (infrastructure in place for solar panels), solar water heater, heat pump heater/air conditioner, and "smart" thermostats can all appeal to the eco-conscious buyer. "In certain areas of the country," notes Brown, "drought-tolerant and low-maintenance landscaping are also important."

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This article is from Camilla Cheung of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Turn One Room Into Two With These 10 Simple Tricks

Ashley Marcin — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 18:00:07 +0000

I used to live in a 350 square foot studio apartment, and space was hard to find. Yet, somehow I managed to fit a bedroom, office, living space, reading nook, and kitchen into one open room. How? Some very tricky maneuvering. (See also: 20 Ways to Live Large in a Small Space)

Here are a few ways you can carve out the zones you need without upping your rent.

1. Furniture Placement

Before you install or purchase anything, check your furniture placement to see how it could be modified. In one of my apartments, I set a long desk on the back of my couch (a lot like in this loft space), fashioning an office and living room in one open spot. Before moving anything, measure your furniture and try plotting out different arrangements on a piece of paper.

2. Rugs

Did you know that rugs have a lot of visual power? It's true. They can define spaces without much heavy lifting. Don't shy from larger ones either, since there's a science behind choosing the right size for the room or purpose. Measure your entire seating area, for example, and make sure your rug overlaps the chairs by a few inches.

Tip: Carpet warehouses are great for finding flooring options you need at low prices. You can pick out a remnant roll and have it cut to size and bound into an inexpensive rug.

3. DIY Dividers

Get creative and make your own room divider with simple materials like a wood frame and some yarn or rope. Projects like these go beyond the utilitarian and become practical art. Of course, you can also purchase room dividers at stores like Target or on Amazon. Here's a natural wooden screen divider for less than $50.

4. Bookcases

One of the easiest ways you can divide a room in no time is by picking up a pair of bookcases or those handy cube organizers. The bonus here is that you don't just get two rooms for the price of one, you also gain some much needed storage space for all your stuff. Make your displays eye-catching by mixing decor pieces with more practical items.

5. Custom Shelving

Or try DIYing some custom shelving for a similar impact. This couple made an impressive set of storage shelves that divided out a living space for around $35. If you're into building your own stuff, be sure to check places like Habitat's ReStore, which sells donated building materials for very little money. (See also: 10 Ways to Make Your Apartment Awesome Without Losing Your Deposit)

6. Armoire

Large pieces of furniture make even more convincing room dividers, especially in tall loft spaces. Check out this gorgeous armoire that helps distinguish a bedroom from other spots in an open space. Flea markets, thrift shops, and even antique markets are wonderful places to look for pieces like these — and try to negotiate for the best deal possible.

7. Clothing Rack

In much the same way, a clothing rack can act as a visual barrier between two spaces. Say, if you need to separate a living "room" from a bed area. Those of you low on closet space might appreciate bringing your clothing out in the open and hiding away unsightly things behind closed doors. It's a solid excuse to lean your wardrobe to just the clothes you love.

8. Pallet Divider

My husband recently found a few wood pallets on the side of the road in good condition. They're sitting in our garage, and I would have never thought to make a pallet room divider with them. The rustic look would go well with a variety of decors, and you can connect them with triangle hinges for simple stability.

9. Fabric

I have used fabric and curtains in my apartments and houses to do some heavy lifting. This floor to ceiling curtain installation gives the room some awesome separation — all with a soft elegance. Install a large curtain rod or pole where you need it and slip on your curtains. I find deals on panels at discount shops and dollar stores. You can also make your own curtains in a flash.

10. Sliding Doors

I love how this couple made a nursery out of nothing using Ikea sliding doors (the PAX system). Since these doors move on a sturdy track line that needs to be installed — screwed into the floor and ceiling — it's a more permanent solution. And all together it will cost several hundred dollars even with the least expensive door kit. I think we can all agree, though, that the end result is truly amazing if you need a long-term fix.

How have you turned one room into two?

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This article is from Ashley Marcin of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How to Make Your Kids Room Look Awesome for Under $100

Brittany Lyte — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 19:00:10 +0000

When it comes to kids, fancy doesn't necessarily equate to fun. Sure, most youngsters would love to have a rideable dragon to explore far-away lands. But they're also just as easily entertained by a really good coloring book. So if you want to design an amazing bedroom for your child — one that reflects serenity, fun, and imagination — you're going to need a stock of creativity more than cash. (See also: 9 Ways to Make Your Kitchen Look Great for Under $100)

There are tons of fantastical little improvements you can integrate into a kids room that require very little money — so long as you're willing to get down and dirty with a paint brush and maybe a spot of hot glue. Read on for our roundup of some of the best budget room design enhancements that are sure to amaze your little one for years to come.

1. Make a Pool Noodle Headboard

What's cheap, colorful, and protects your child's noggin? Why, a headboard made of pool noodles, of course. Simply trace the shape of your desired headboard onto a sheet of wrapping or contact paper, cut the noodles with a kitchen knife to achieve the appropriate height, and hot glue the noodles onto the paper. Then use picture hanging tape to affix your new headboard to the old one — or straight onto the wall behind the bed. Voila! This project requires about 30 minutes and $15 dollars, depending on the brand of pool noodle you choose to buy. (See also: 20 Ways to Use Pool Noodles)

2. Apply Giant Animal Stickers on the Walls

Adding larger-than-life accents to your child's bedroom walls is one of the easiest ways to breathe life onto a blank canvas. All you need is a roll of removable wallpaper (these gorgeous prints by Spoonflower cost about $7.50 per foot) and stencils (lifestyle blogger Audrey Smit has flamingo and unicorn stencils available) — plus a little patience while you trace and cut out your designs. This project requires about 30 minutes and $22.50, depending on how many and how large you want your wall animals to be.

3. Encourage Your Tyke to Channel His or Her Inner Monkey

Bringing you child's favorite part of the jungle gym right into their own little sacred space is a great way to promote fun and fitness. One relatively low-cost option is the climbing cargo net, a ladder made of rope and wooden dowels that promotes coordination, balance, and strength. All you need is the net — we recommend the triple-wide climbing ladder by HearthSong ($49.98) — and the know-how to affix it firmly to the ceiling. Then take a step back and watch your little monkey get to climbing!

4. Coat the Walls With Chalkboard Paint

Coloring books and poster board are cool, but for kids it's always more fun to draw on forbidden surfaces. So why not transform those boring white bedroom walls into a blank canvas? Simply brush a thick coat of chalkboard paint ($6.99) onto the wall and let the creating begin! This project won't cost you more than the price of a can of paint and a couple pieces of chalk, assuming you already have a paint brush at the ready.

5. Accent the Walls With 3D Art

Another low-cost way to dress up the bedroom walls is with a DIY flock of origami birds or a cluster of decorative butterflies ($3.99). These wall accents add texture to an otherwise flat surface, not to mention they are one of the trendiest features right now in kid bedroom design. Simply buy or create your desired 3D objects and secure them to the wall with double-sided tape. No matter which route you choose, this project will cost you no more than a few bucks.

Have you gussied up your kid's room for cheap? What'd you do? Please share in comments!

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This article is from Brittany Lyte of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

9 Ways to Make Your Kitchen Look Awesome for Under $100

Amanda Meadows — Wed, 19 Nov 2014 16:00:11 +0000

The kitchen is the hub of life. Sure, it's where we put the cat's food and scrounge for snacks in the middle of the night, but also, major life events happen in and around the kitchen. Why shouldn't it look a little nicer? (See also: 14 Ways to Make Your Yard Look Awesome for Under $100)

Here's how to make your kitchen look awesome for under $100.

1. Display Fresh Flowers and Fruit

It's as easy as it sounds. Clear out a space on your main countertop or kitchen island. The next time you're at the farmer's market or grocery store, buy a little extra fresh fruit and a bouquet of flowers. Grab a basket and a vase from a place like Dollar Tree where you can find really cute decor for only $1 each. Not only will it look beautiful, but you might eat more fruits and vegetables as a result!

2. Install Attractive Shelving Units

No need to head to Home Depot for plywood — you can buy pre-made fashion shelves at places like Target for as cheap as $15. Find some shelves that only need a few screws or nails to install on one of your walls. Now you have a great spot to place spice bottles, utensils, and tchotkes.

3. Use a Magnet Strip for Prep Utensils and Knives

This is a trick many avid cooks use. The knife block is not always convenient, and why dig through a cluttered drawer for a bottle opener? Buy a magnetic strip (like this $16 one) for your wall so you can place your select knives, bottle openers, and other metal tools like nut crackers and more. It's utilitarian and elegant, like right out of a Sur Le Table catalog.

4. Find Cute Drawer Pulls

Give your kitchen unexpected flair by mixing and matching cute drawer pulls. You can find these anywhere from Lowe's to Anthropologie. It's a great way to breathe new life in your tired, worn out drawers with a shabby chic vibe for only $25.

5. Derust and Decalcify Your Fixtures

While cleaning is no fun, this could be one of the best things you could do for your kitchen. Clean out your sink area of dishes and other items. Use a cleansing agent like C.L.R. to coat your metal fixtures as well as any ceramic. Follow the instructions, scrub away, and you'll be left with what will look like a brand new sink for only $6 and some elbow grease.

6. Stick-On a Blackboard

Have an odd area of empty wall space? Try a stick-on blackboard to make your kitchen feel like a cute cafe for only $10. Use it to write menus, a meal calendar, errands, or anything else. It's also a good place to make it clear whose turn it is to do the dishes!

7. Pour Staples Into Pretty Canisters

Items like flour, sugar, rice, beans, candy, and more tend not to do well in the same paper or plastic bags they came in. Buy some glass, ceramic, or stainless steel canisters for under $30. Not only will you avoid bugs, dust, and other ills, you can make your shelving look neater.

8. Change-Up Your Window Dressing

Have a window with nothing going on? Try buying a small window shade in a bright and cheery color or pattern. There are many out there for $30 and under. It's the kind of small difference that makes a kitchen feel more inviting and attractive.

9. Paint Cabinets, Doors, and Drawer Faces

If you've got dark and dreary construction grade cabinets, brighten them up with a couple of coats of paint and primer. Sure, there's some planning and elbow grease involved in repainting your cabinets, but this is a job that truly refreshes a drab kitchen. Shop aggressively for paint and supplies, and you can do it for $100 or less, depending on the size of your kitchen — and of your tool chest.

Have you spruced up your kitchen for cheap? How did it come out? Please share in comments!

This article is from Amanda Meadows of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

6 Ways to Make Your Tiny Apartment Feel Like a Castle

Ashley Marcin — Fri, 31 Oct 2014 17:00:06 +0000

Do you live in a small space? You're not alone. It can feel stifling at times, but I'm here to help you discover a few ways to push out those walls (even if only in your mind). The following are some tried-and-true tips I used back in my own studio and one-bedroom apartment days to make my living arrangements seem much less bleak. Actually, I remember the whole adventure being quite fabulous — it just takes a change of perspective. (See also: 7 Ways to Save on Apartment Living)

1. Clear Out

Examine the furniture and other clutter (gadgets, tchotkes, etc) you are currently holding onto and figure out what you can purge. Fewer things means more space both physically and visually. You'll also spend far less time maintaining and cleaning your apartment. Added benefit: Selling extraneous items on sites like Craigslist can give you a little extra cash to spruce up your apartment or to sink into your savings account.

2. Freshen Paint

If your landlord allows it, paint your walls. Light, muted colors create the illusion of more room versus dark, bold ones that tend to box everything in. If you have more than one area, use the same color paint, which will extend the visual impact farther and give your mind the illusion of openness. (See also: 10 Cheap Ways to Make Your Apartment Awesome Without Losing Your Deposit)

3. Make a Focal Point

Another trap apartment dwellers fall into is having no clear focal point. The eye wanders around with no place to go. If you cannot paint, consider creating an accent wall using temporary wallpaper in a simple print. For example, you can create a strong, beautiful pattern using inexpensive contact paper. Just peel away when it's time to move. Note: It's best to take advantage of your apartment's natural assets (a fireplace, cool woodwork, a view) when choosing a focal point.

4. Create Zones

When I lived in a tiny studio, I was able to create mini "rooms" that made the 350 square feet seem much bigger than it actually was. I used a room divider to section off my bed (futon) area from a cozy chair and small bookcase that was my makeshift library. On the wall adjacent to the kitchen, I arranged a long desk I made from a skinny door that housed my computer (that doubled as my television), office supplies, and craft items. How you section will depend on your needs and apartment, but get creative. If it's not working, you can always move stuff around.

5. Move Furniture

That's right! Play with the layout of your apartment. Many of us move in and put our furniture where it initially seems to make sense. Over time, you might discover that a new layout would maximize your square footage and better serve your everyday activities. Keep in mind that with small apartments, you want to make multipurpose solutions whenever possible, like using a daybed for sleeping and guest seating.

6. Think Up

If you don't have a lot of ground to work with, consider moving your attention up the walls. Storage for books and other items is particularly easy to bring above eye level. And don't shy from piling up high, even to the ceiling or above the door. Making use of your vertical space is smart and can look quite savvy. (See also: Studio Apartment Living: A 5-Point Survival Guide)

Do you live in a tiny place? How do you keep it feeling like your castle?

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This article is from Ashley Marcin of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

12 Cheap Ways to Make Your Office Look Awesome

Kentin Waits — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 09:00:07 +0000

Whether at work or home, our offices have a way of becoming the catch-all areas of our busy lives. Littered with old projects, out-of-date electronics, and boxes of last year's Girl Scout cookies, it's easy for an office to end up looking less like a professional workspace and more like an oversized hall closet. (See also: 10 Cheap Ways to Make Your Apartment Look Awesome)

But if you want to dial in little more style, here are 12 ways to make your office look awesome.

1. Ditch the Corporate Art

Queue the collective eye-roll. Prepackaged corporate art (you know the stuff — three people rowing a canoe at sunrise with the "teamwork" caption) probably works against the very morale you're trying to build. Awesome offices are authentic offices, not motivational billboards.

2. Add a Few Surprises

Your office should reflect your personality. Mix in some vintage touches, a kitschy accessory, an antique, or something handmade. When well done, blending these accents into your office décor can take your space out of the mundane, add a bit of humor, and communicate who you are and what you love.

3. Tidy Up

It's not the sexiest option, but cleaning and organizing your workspace is the most basic way to improve its aesthetics and — even better — it's free. Clear the clutter and then clean primary surfaces like the floors, windows, and your desk. It'll set the stage for more refinements later.

4. Flick Off the Fluorescents

Is there anything worse than overhead fluorescent lighting? It saps our color, exhausts our eyes, and can even reduce our productivity. Shop around for a table lamp or two (even if you use compact fluorescent bulbs, the effect will be softer and more welcoming) and add window treatments that maximize natural light. While you're at it, explore other ways to create a more productive workspace.

5. Blow Up a Close Up

Need some tasteful but inexpensive art ideas for your office? Why not photograph the detail of a flower, the emblem of a vintage car, or the subtle pattern of a leaf? If you're not talented behind the lens, search online and download a digital photo with the appropriate Creative Commons license. Make it your own by cropping, zooming, or adding custom effects.

6. Add Texture

Texture is the unsung component of good interior design. Even in offices, it can add visual interest and dimension. Accent pillows, upholstery, window treatments, and rugs are all great ways to work rich and varied textures into your workspace.

7. Untangle and Wrangle Cords

Is your computer area turning into a dusty and tangled nest of cables, cords, wires, and plugs? If so, it's time to get organized. Label each with plastic bread bag tags, wrap with Velcro strips, and run cords along the backside of a desk using eye hooks or clips. Or, explore other methods to control the web of wires.

8. Live in Color

Aren't we all tired of Office Beige and Daily Grind Gray? There's no rule that dictates your workspace can't be colorful. Mix in vibrant greens, oranges, yellow, or blues — just be sure to keep colors complementary to avoid overload.

9. Get Dramatic

Displaying art can be a bit tricky; most people don't go big enough. Grounding your space with a single large statement piece can be more attractive than dotting the walls with several smaller prints, photos, or paintings. Go for something grand that fits the scale of your office and reflects your personality and taste. Complement with one or two smaller pieces, but err on the minimalist side.

10. Embrace the Printed Word

There's more than one way to create compelling art. Enlarge and print a favorite poem, quote, or excerpt from a book. Matted and framed, it can become an unexpected and unique art piece. Choose a subject matter that relates to your business; a childcare enterprise might have a page from The Little Prince, or a landscape design service might feature a quote from the father of American landscape architecture, Frederick Law Olmsted.

11. Chalk It Up

We've all seen chalkboard spray paint used in kitchens and kids' rooms, but what about your office? A chalkboard is a quick way to take a note while you're on the phone and it's more stylish than a startlingly white whiteboard.

12. Get Shady

Our offices are often furnished with cast-offs from other rooms. But when it comes to letting the light shine in, you need to be a bit more intentional. We spend long hours at our desks, so it helps to choose window treatments that take full advantage of good views, maximize natural light, and minimize glare. Explore honeycomb shades, plantation shutters, sheers, or Roman shades; these options allow you to adjust lighting as-needed and won't weigh your room down like heavy drapery can. If you're handy with a needle and thread, you can even make your own custom curtains.

Remember, the key to an awesome office isn't a mystery: just avoid clichés, spice it up (elegantly) with your own personality, add a surprise or two, and minimize the clutter. With a few simple steps, you can change not only your workspace, but the quality of work you do in it.

Do you have an awesome office? What advice do you have for those stuck in drab digs?

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This article is from Kentin Waits of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

5 Ways to Totally Change a Room for Under $50

Christa Avampato — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 11:24:26 +0000

You want a fresh look for a room ,and you're low on funds. This doesn't mean you're stuck. It just means you need to get creative, spend some time, and invest some effort to infuse newness into your space. Here are five ideas to help you remake a room for $50 or less. (See also: Cheap Home Decorating Projects That Look Amazing)

1. Feng Shui It

Cost: Free!

Feng shui is an ancient art of arrangement with deep design and lifestyle roots. Its main tenants are:

De-clutter and make space to freely move around a room;
Make sure your space has plenty of light;
Have the first thing you see when you enter a room be something beautiful that you love.

The best part about feng shui is that you can get a new look for your room without spending a dime.

2. Paint a Fresh Coat on the Trim, a Wall, or a Door

Cost: $50 or less depending upon the area you want to paint.

Paint can do wonders to change the look and feel of a room. There are a number of high-quality, non-toxic, and affordable options available such as Benjamin Moore Pristine EcoSpec Paint, Yolo Colorhouse, and Harmony Interior Latex that come in a wide variety of gorgeous colors. Painting a whole room can be costly and time-consuming, though painting the trim, just one wall, or the door of a room will give it a fresh feel for minimal cost and time. (See also: 40 Ways to Use Spray Paint for Easy Decorating)

One of my favorite tricks is to use blackboard paint in one small area so that I can draw on the walls (daily!) and write inspirational sayings that keep me motivated. These drawings can be changed regularly to give your space a constant feeling of newness.

3. Change the Soft Stuff and Add a Pop of Color

Cost: $50 or less depending upon how many accent pieces you buy.

If painting feels like a project that's too big for you right now, add pops of color with easily changeable accessories and decorations — pillows, linens, candles, flowers, and repainted picture frames give us the opportunity to brighten up a space and change its look without costing us a bundle. My local thrift shops have helped me find a number of accent pieces for next to nothing. (See also: Finding the Best Stuff at HomeGoods)

4. Frame and Hang Your Own Photos

Cost: ~$40 for a set of 8 photos.

Our smartphones today have incredibly high-quality cameras. Snap some photos, print them, frame with inexpensive frames, and arrange them into a beautiful collage. Need some help and inspiration with this project? Your local Michaels store has a great blog, a knowledgeable staff, and discounts galore on thousands of craft products including frames, mats, photo paper, and hanging hardware. (See also: How to Save Old Photographs)

5. Recycle, Reuse, and Repurpose

Cost: $0 - $10

I love to find new uses for old things. Rather than buying vases for flowers, I paint my used glass juice and wine bottles or use mason jars. Hooks help me turn the pots and pans in my kitchen into art while also making them easily accessible and de-cluttering my cupboards. I also use hooks to hang my scarves and jewelry so that they both decorate the room and remind me to wear them. Secure the bottoms of inexpensive wooden fruit crates to the walls to create bedside tables that have built-in shelves. Before you toss anything, think about how it can be remade into something new. (See also: Common Kitchen Cast-Offs You Can Repurpose)

Home decorating doesn't need to be expensive. Creativity, elbow grease, and a bit of time can help you craft a space you love. It's something that you can do on your own or with family members and friends. Share your tricks, tips, and progress in the comments below. Happy redecorating!

Have you re-done a room recently on the cheap? What'd you do?

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This article is from Christa Avampato of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Off the Wall: 21 Clever Uses for Leftover Wallpaper

Kentin Waits — Wed, 07 Aug 2013 10:36:35 +0000

If you've done any home remodeling projects or gone thrift shopping lately, no doubt you've seen your fair share of scrap wallpaper rolls. They're everywhere — mismatched cast-offs in nearly every pattern, color, and style — still in the shrink-wrap just waiting to be repurposed. With such a glut in supply, I thought it prudent to brainstorm a few ideas on exactly how to repurpose all this decorating detritus. So grab a roll and try your hand at a few of my creative uses for leftover wallpaper. (See also: 17 Ways to Use Old Newspaper)

1. Table Runner

For inside or al fresco dining, a few feet of wallpaper can be unrolled to make a unique and stylish table runner. Don't worry about dribbles and stains; when you're done, just wipe off and roll it back up or recycle it.

2. Art Matting

Why pay for custom matting with so much scrap wallpaper around? Cut to size and frame your favorite family photos or small art pieces.

3. Scrapbooking

Wallpaper with a small scale pattern can make nice embellished detail for a scrapbook. Use it to create photo corners, page borders, or cut out figures and letters.

4. Framed Art

Large, bold, or abstract wallpaper designs can become art all by themselves. Compose an off-center study of a single wallpaper design detail. Mat and frame for instant and unusual art. Create a coordinated look by pulling colors from the framed paper and using them throughout a single room.

5. Gift Wrap

This is one of my favorite ideas — use scrap wallpaper as wrapping paper. Folding and taping takes some practice because the paper is a heavier weight, but the look is classic and always comment-worthy. Go for plaids, pinstripes, or other classic patterns and color-coordinate the wrapping for all of your gifts at the holidays, for a baby shower, or for other special occasions.

6. Gift Tags/Gift Card Holders

Cut small squares from wallpaper rolls, fold, and use as hanging gift tags. Use larger pieces to craft elegant gift card holders; use adhesive photo corners to secure the cards in each holder.

7. Surface Protector for Crafting

If you're a crafter like me, you know the hazards of cutting and gluing on your favorite tabletop or desk. Use wallpaper as a durable and disposable surface protector for your crafting projects or kids' art projects.

8. Placemats and Matching Napkin Rings

Cut matching placemats from wallpaper rolls and use indoors or out. Make matching napkin rings by cutting thin strips of wallpaper and gluing the ends together.

9. Drawer or Shelf Liner

Spruce up a guest room dresser or those pantry shelves by using wallpaper as drawer and shelf liner. Wallpaper cut to size works perfectly, is durable, and is easy to wipe clean.

10. Bulletin Board Cover

Class up your home office by customizing your bulletin board. Cut a piece of vintage wallpaper to fit exactly inside the frame and tacking at the corners. Paint the frame a coordinating color.

11. Collage Projects

Collage is great art medium for adults and kids alike because it's so forgiving. Try your hand at assembling a collage that includes wallpaper scraps, fabric, found objects, old photos, and images from cast-off books. Not happy with the way a piece is turning out? Just remove what you don't like and try it again!

12. Temporary Coasters

Add some elegance to an evening on the patio by making disposable coasters. Cut to size with pinking shears. Make personalized coasters for a party so guests don't grab the wrong drink.

13. Book Dust Jackets

Need a durable dust jacket for a text book? Try using wallpaper. Get your kids involved and make custom book covers for back-to-school.

14. Paint Drop Cloths

Have a dozen particularly hideous rolls of wallpaper from the 80s (read: seafoam green and apricot)? Roll it along the baseboards of a room you're painting to catch those inevitable drips and splatters.

15. Party Decorations

Have you been to a party supply store lately? The prices are high enough to put the damper on any celebration. Use colorful wallpaper to create streamers, scalloped table skirts, and large signs on a budget. Add some glitz by embellishing with glitter, paint, or silk flowers.

16. Puppet Theater Backdrops

Little kids love puppet shows. Get creative with wallpaper scraps and try your hand at set design. Cut, paint, and embellish landscapes, streetscapes, and interior stages for a kids' puppet theater.

17. Birdcage Lining

Polly wants a crafter. Wallpaper is more durable, protective, and nicer to look at than newsprint.

18. Papier Mache Projects

Use newspaper to create the foundation of a papier mache project, and then add wallpaper strips as the outer layer. It'll add strength and rigidity to your creation and give it a more finished and decorative look.

19. Dollhouse Decorating

Encourage your little Martha Stewart or Nate Berkus. Use scrap wallpaper to decorate your kid's dollhouse. Make it a fun project you can do together. Gravitate toward small-scale patterns for the smaller-scale format and use a thin coat of craft glue or a glue stick to apply.

20. Fun Menus for Family Dinner Night

Valentine's Day, birthdays, anniversaries, and graduations can all be made a bit more special with fun family dinner menus. Use wallpaper as the border or the cover for the menu, and play around with the name of your "restaurant" and the items on the menu.

21. Garland or Tinsel on a Christmas Tree

Long thin strips of classic wallpaper glued back-to-back can give a unique look to any Christmas tree. Wrap it like garland, and when the season's done, just roll it up for next year. Or add your homemade "garland" as an accent to fresh evergreen boughs.

The next time you pass a few rolls of wallpaper at a yard sale or thrift store, see if there's a particular pattern you like. Chances are you'll find dozens of additional ways it can be used in crafting, at the holidays, for picnics, and for other practical projects around the house.

Have you found a novel use for wallpaper? What's your favorite off-the-wall wallpaper idea?

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This article is from Kentin Waits of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Top 5 Online Resources for the Design Impaired

Linsey Knerl — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 12:00:13 +0000

If the pages of home design magazines leave you drooling — and frustrated about your own lack of skill — there’s no need to give up on your dreams of having a chic, modern, or even award-winning look to your home. At our newest My Life Scoop article, we gathered the top websites to help you become more skilled in your design efforts, and we're previewing two of them here!

Green Your Décor

With an eye for trends that are easy on our environment, Jennae Peterson of Green Your Decor gives her picks for the best new eco-friendly design products while sharing her own DIY projects. In addition to cheeky commentary via her Drab or Fab reviews and putting step-by-step “green” tutorials right into your hands, she shares practical advice for those who are looking to cut costs by thinking outside the design box. Her bed bug prevention piece is perfect for new and used furniture connoisseurs, while the guide for curating quality pieces over time is priceless. If your love for Mother Earth runs deep and the time to design something different is now, this is the blog for you.

ReadyMade

You’re probably already familiar with the print magazine from the same people. ReadyMade has been bringing unique and trendy DIY projects to a culture of inner artists for years. While their site is mostly focused on afternoon projects (bookshelves, planters, and even chicken coops), they do have some very well done whole-room plans to harvest ideas from. Perhaps the most valuable feature of the ReadyMade site is its collection of blogs and community posts. Why leave notions of ways to use up paint chips to just one sole author, when an entire audience can give their two cents?

Are you overwhelmed by all of the online design resources? We’ve got a few helpful places to start with. These projects are 101-level and approved by professionals!

Decorating with Grey (Real Simple)
Incorporating the Use of a Loft Bed (Mom Advice)
Dry-Brush Painting Basics (Design Sponge)
Thrift-Store Chair Turned Tree Swing (Green Your Décor)
Surf-Shack Fold Down Table (ReadyMade)

Do you have a design nut living inside you that needs to be set free? Read the complete list of Wise Bread approved resources at the original My Life Scoop article!

This article is from Linsey Knerl of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: