ART & CRAFT NEWS — home decor ideas

Many of us use art or framed portraits to decorate the walls in our homes. While these conventional techniques work well, they can lack the visual punch we're seeking. The next time a blank wall in your space is asking for attention, think out of the box and go for a more eye-catching approach. Instead of framing a piece of art, why not create some art on the wall itself? You can hire a mural artist, or create your own geometric design using a custom stencil or painters tape and metallic paint. People have been using plates as wall art...

Does your kitchen lack a feel-good vibe? Maybe too many high-tech materials come off a bit austere. Or perhaps the colors or furnishings lack warmth and hospitality. Don’t worry. Here are seven easy, low-impact ways you can help bring serenity, enjoyment and even a bit of humor into your kitchen. 1. Include natural finishes and textures for emotional warmth. Sleek finishes are alluring because they’re easy to clean. But too much metal and high sheen can be overpowering, and can make your kitchen feel unwelcoming, harsh and cold. Consider including natural materials to add warmth. A wood table and chairs,...

If you’ve ever had the shoulders of a favorite sweater stretched out by a hanger, or pulled a hopelessly wrinkled shirt out of a drawer, you know how important it is to get clothing storage right. The shift in seasons is a good time to reassess your wardrobe and the way you store your clothes. Read on for the how-to on what to fold, what to hang and where to stash your off-season gear. What to fold: Anything that can easily stretch out, such as sweaters, knits, T-shirts and sweats, should be folded rather than hung, because folding puts less...

There are plenty of ways to give life to bare walls. With some creative placement, a colorful collection of vintage bingo cards, weather vanes, a gnarled branch, mismatched framed mirrors or anything else you like can become an eye-catching wall installation and an expression of your personal style. Take a look at these 10 ideas for displaying common objects as unexpected works of art. EmailSave 1. Weather vanes. Collections of almost any kind have the potential to make great wall pieces, but objects with interesting patterns, colors, shapes or expressions especially add character to a room. Take a look at this...

10 lovely small balconies. Enough space for a small table + 2 chairs, a very comfy bench seat w outdoor cushion and gorgeous pillows, my collection of small Australian native plants, my attempts at growing edibles, a couple small and quirky decorative items, and a little of space in the corner for my compost. 💗 It's a tough place to be permanently, but it's gorgeous and a great afternoon hangout.