I’m definitely going to do this next time I host a baby shower, and the colors we used in this post would be perfect for a Valentine’s Day or New Year’s Eve party.

I love that you can swap out the colors and do this for nearly any occasion.

Related: Easy Balloon Garland DIY and 20 Valentine’s Day Cocktail Ideas

Here’s what you will need to make your own balloon arch:

Supplies:
electric balloon pump
balloon decorating strip
mini balloons (I used 30)
various pink balloons (40-45 regular size)
glue dots or tape
balloon ribbon
greenery (optional)

First, use your electric balloon pump to blow up your balloons and tie the bottom closed.

If you want to blow up all your balloons at once before attaching them, put them into large garbage bags as you blow them up so they don’t float away.

Or, you can blow them up in a room with a low ceiling so you can reach up and grab them as you need one.

Next, slip the knot of a regular-sized balloon through one of the holes in the decorating strip. Skip a few holes and place another balloon into the strip facing the opposite direction.

Keep alternating balloon colors and sides until you have a balloon strip as long as you want your arch to be.

You can add a few more balloons into some of the holes you skipped if it looks too skimpy, but make sure to leave some room to add the small balloons in later.

Here’s a video tutorial to show you how we made our fancy balloon arch!

Once you have your main balloons attached, cut the balloon decorating strip just past where the balloons end on either side. Then, tie a piece of balloon ribbon or twine onto each end.

Tie those strings onto the piece of furniture you want the arch to go over (or have the strings go to the floor and use balloon weights at the bottom of each).

Use your glue dots to stick the mini balloons into the gaps and crevices until you have an arch that is completely filled in.

We also made a fancy scalloped border for our table out of folded sheets of tissue paper and fringed each layer with scissors to give it more texture. So cute and easy to whip up!

If you want to add a little greenery to your arch, you can either stick the sprigs into dense areas of the arch, or tape the stems in a hidden spot.

There you have it! An extra special party table idea for your next fancy occasion. These look so cute over a buffet or console table stocked with treats and champagne.

Speaking of parties, we love to use trays like this and pretty cake stands for table decorations.

You can also make a balloon garland for your front door for more decoration fun! xx- Elsie

Print

How to Make a Fancy Balloon Arch

step-by-step instructions to create a balloon arch

Keyword balloon arch, party decorations

Author Elsie Larson

Equipment

• electric balloon pump

Ingredients

• 30 mini balloons
• 40-45 standard balloons
• balloon decorating strip
• glue dots
• balloon ribbon
• greenery optional

Instructions

• First, use your electric balloon pump to blow up your balloons and tie the bottom closed.
• Next, slip the knot of a regular sized balloon through one of the holes in the decorating strip. Skip a few holes and place another balloon into the strip facing the opposite direction.

  Keep alternating balloon colors and sides until you have a balloon strip as long as you want your arch to be.

  You can add a few more balloons into some of the holes you skipped if it looks too sparse, but make sure to leave some room to add the small balloons in later.
• Once you have your main balloons attached to the strip, cut the balloon decorating strip just past where the balloons end on either side.
• Tie a piece of balloon ribbon or twine onto each end, and tie them onto the piece of furniture you want the arch to go over (or have the strings go to the floor and use balloon weights at the bottom of each).
• Use your glue dots to stick the mini balloons into the gaps and crevices until you have an arch that is completely filled in.
• If you want to add a little greenery to your arch, you can either stick sprigs of greenery right into dense areas of the arch, or tape the stem in a hidden spot.
• We also made a fancy scalloped border for our table out of folded sheets of tissue paper and fringed each layer with scissors to give it more texture. So cute and easy to whip up!

Notes

If you want to blow up all your balloons at once before attaching them, put them into large garbage bags as you blow them up so they don’t float away. You can also blow them up  in a room with a low ceiling so you can reach up and grab them as you need them.

I wanted to make a woven rag rug that was cute, woven, relatively easy for a first-time rug maker. After a bit of research, I found the perfect woven rug that fits all my needs!

If you have a few old bedsheets around, this is the perfect way to use them (and get an adorable rug out of the process).

Related: Make Your Own Rope Rug, Easy Stenciled Outdoor Rug, Washable Rug DIY, and Weaving for Beginners.

Supplies:
-3 king-size flat cotton bedsheets
-piece of cardboard (23″ x 43″)
–fabric scissors
–masking tape
-marker
–clear ruler

Step One: Use your ruler and marker to make a mark every 2″ across the longest side of each of your bedsheets. Use fabric scissors to make a 2″ cut at each mark.

Step Two: At each cut, rip the fabric apart (it should tear evenly all the way across the sheet). Repeat this process until each sheet is ripped into even strips. Separate strips by color and pattern.

Step Three: On each of the short ends of your cardboard, start 2″ from each end and mark 2″ long lines every 1/2″. Use scissors to cut 2″ slots at each mark. 

Step Four: Gather three fabric strips of various colors into a group, fold the group in half lengthwise, and place one end into the first slot (it should hang over the edge a few inches).

Place the other end into the corresponding spot on the opposite side. If you have a lot of strings hanging off the sides of your strips, try and pull the big clumps of strings off before you place into the cardboard slots.

Repeat this process for each strip across the cardboard. It will get pretty full after you have a few groups placed, but just keep going until you are done.

Step Five: Designate one color as your weaving strip, and wrap a piece of masking tape around one end to make it easier to weave through the strips.

Starting about 2″ in from the end of your cardboard slots, begin to weave the weaving strip under and over each group until you get to the other side.

Make sure to leave a 6″ tail at your beginning spot (you’ll lengthen this at the end). Because the cardboard is so full, the first row of weaving will be the hardest since it’s difficult to tell one group from another.

Just do the best you can—if you get a few strips into the wrong bunch, it won’t make a difference at the end.

Once you get to the other end with your weaving strip, make a U-turn by going over or under the last bunch (whichever is needed depending on where you end up), and weave your way back to the other side (it should be much easier this time).

As you finish each row, straighten out the weaved strip with your fingers and slide it as close to the row before it as you can.

Repeat the weaving process until you’re about 2″ from the cardboard slots on the other end of the rug. Make sure to pay attention to the width of your rug as you go, and keep it as even as you can.

This type of weaving gives you a lot of control over your width since you can simply tighten or loosen your strip as you make the turn at each end.

When you get to the end of your weaving strip, you’ll want to join a new strip to the existing one so you can keep on weaving.

Cut a slot into the end of your weaving strip and the beginning of your new strip, and pull an inch or two of your new strip through the slot on the existing strip.

Pass the tail end of your new strip through the slot on the new strip and pull tight. Now you have a longer strip! Keep doing that each time you need to extend your weaving strip.

Step Six: To finish the ends, make a U-turn around the last bunch where your weaving ended, and thread your weaving strip down through the first exposed section of your last row of weaving (see above photo).

Pull tight. Again, cross over to the next exposed weaving and thread down through that section and pull tight. Continue until you reach the end, and tie your weaving strip onto one of the strips in the last group of strips.

Repeat process on the opposite end (you’ll have to join a strip to lengthen the tail of your beginning weaving strip first).

Step Seven: You’re almost done! Just place a ruler or a piece of cardboard inside of where you want to trim your ends and use fabric scissors to trim the excess pieces. Once the ends are cut, you can remove the cardboard backing.

You did it! You just made a rug!

I’m pretty proud of my first attempt at rug making. I think it’s just what our space needed (the color looks so nice with the DIY concrete countertop).

If you prefer to buy a handmade rug, check out Elsie’s favorite rugs on Etsy. xo, Laura

Print

Woven Rag Rug

How to make a woven rag rug from torn fabric pieces.

Keyword DIY, rag rug, rug, woven rug

Author Laura Gummerman

Cost $25

Equipment

• pair of fabric scissors
• masking tape
• marker
• clear ruler
• piece of cardboard 23" x 43"

Ingredients

• 3 king-size flat sheets cotton

Instructions

• Use your ruler and marker to make a mark every 2″ across the longest side of each of your bedsheets. Use fabric scissors to make a 2″ cut at each mark.
• At each cut, rip the fabric apart, and it should tear evenly all the way across the sheet. Repeat process until each sheet is ripped into even strips. Separate strips by color and pattern.
• On each of the short ends of your cardboard, start 2″ from each end and mark 2″ long lines every 1/2″. Use scissors to cut 2″ slots at each mark. 
• Gather three fabric strips of various colors into a group, fold the group in half lengthwise, and place one end into the first slot (it should hang over the edge a few inches).

  Place the other end into the corresponding spot on the opposite side. If you have a lot of strings hanging off the sides of your strips, try and pull the big clumps of strings off before you place into the cardboard slots. Repeat this process for each strip across the cardboard. It will get pretty full after you have a few groups placed, but just keep going until you are done.
• Designate one color as your weaving strip, and wrap a piece of masking tape around one end to make it easier to weave through the strips. Starting about 2″ in from the end of your cardboard slots, begin to weave the weaving strip under and over each group until you get to the other side.

  Make sure to leave a 6″ tail at your beginning spot (you’ll lengthen this at the end). Because the cardboard is so full, the first row of weaving will be the hardest since it’s difficult to tell one group from another. Just do the best you can, and if you get a few strips into the wrong bunch, it won’t make a difference at the end.
• Once you get to the other end with your weaving strip, make a U-turn by going over or under the last bunch (whichever is needed depending on where you end up), and weave your way back to the other side (it should be much easier this time). As you finish each row, straighten out the weaved strip with your fingers and slide it as close to the row before it as you can.

  Repeat the weaving process until you are about 2″ from the cardboard slots on the other end of the rug. Make sure to pay attention to the width of your rug as you go, and keep it as even as you can. This type of weaving gives you a lot of control over your width since you can simply tighten or loosen your strip as you make the turn at each end.
• When you get to the end of your weaving strip, you’ll want to join a new strip to the existing one so you can keep on weaving. Cut a slot into the end of your weaving strip and the beginning of your new strip.

  Pull an inch or two of your new strip through the slot on the existing strip. Pass the tail end of your new strip through the slot on the new strip, and pull tight. Now you have a longer strip! Keep doing that each time you need to extend your weaving strip.
• To finish the ends, make a U-turn around the last bunch where your weaving ended, and thread your weaving strip down through the first exposed section of your last row of weaving (see above photo). Pull tight. Again, cross over to the next exposed weaving and thread down through that section and pull tight.

  Continue until you reach the end, and tie your weaving strip onto one of the strips in the last group of strips. Repeat process on the opposite end (you’ll have to join a strip to lengthen the tail of your beginning weaving strip first).
• Place a ruler or a piece of cardboard inside of where you want to trim your ends and use fabric scissors to trim the excess pieces. Once the ends are cut, you can remove the cardboard backing.

So for this DIY, I added macrame trim to a simple/boring shower curtain. The finished result is a custom shower curtain that you can’t buy in any store!

Here’s how it’s done …

Supplies:
–white shower curtain
–macrame lace
-fabric scissors
–fabric glue or sewing machine

Cut a macrame lace strip to be just as wide as the bottom of the curtain. Pin your lace in the location you want it along the bottom of the curtain. Use a ruler as you go to make sure the top of the lace is even with the bottom of the curtain.

Using a ruler again, add and pin your next line of lace and repeat with each layer you want to add.

Use fabric glue along the top edge of each piece of lace to secure, or sew along the top line with a sewing machine.

Add some Fray Check to the ends of all your cut macrame pieces so they don’t unravel.

Hang up your curtain to see your finished product!

I loved how this curtain looked in my guest bathroom.

P.S. If you love macrame, check out these DIYs:

• Simple Macrame Table Runner
• Macrame Handbag
• Make Your Own Macrame Curtain

Print

Boho Shower Curtain DIY

add macrame lace to a plain shower curtain to create boho look

Keyword boho, shower curtain

Author Elsie Larson

Equipment

• fabric scissors
• fabric glue
• sewing machine optional

Ingredients

• white shower curtain
• macrame lace

Instructions

• Cut a macrame lace strip to be just as wide as the bottom of the curtain. Pin your lace in the location you want it along the bottom of the curtain.

  Use a ruler as you go to make sure the top of the lace is even with the bottom of the curtain.
• Using a ruler again, add and pin your next line of macrame lace and repeat with each layer you want to add.
• Apply fabric glue along the top edge of each piece of lace to secure (or sew along the top line with a sewing machine).
• Add some Fray Check to the ends so the macrame pieces won't unravel.

Credits//Author: Elsie Larson. Project and Photography: Laura Gummerman.

But, what do you do when you either can’t or don’t want to add permanent shelves or drill into walls (or that’s just not a skill set that you have)? Do you have to miss out on all the organization? I’ve got some good news for you … you don’t!

I’m not a renter at the moment, but I have a closet that either may not be a closet in the future (we may move a wall when we do a bathroom renovation) or we may need to switch the function of the closet (more of a linen closet than a broom closet). So I didn’t want to commit to building out a permanent structure that would be hard to disassemble or change in the future.

Thankfully, there are several ways to build out your closet with non-permanent items that will last for as long as you want them (from months to years) and you can take it all out in a snap when you move out or don’t need it anymore. These tips are great for both renters and those who aren’t handy with tools since there’s no drilling involved. Here’s how I optimized my space:

You can see how the closet was basically just items stacked on each other when we first moved in. To get this dingy closet to a starting point, we did some painting and removed the old hardware that was in awkward spots or that we weren’t going to use (like the closet rod).

Even though it’s kind of an annoying job, I love a good closet refresh when you start with one that’s pretty dingy and musty (had to remove some mold too—ugh) and get it to a fresh blank slate.

Use a standalone shelf rather than built-ins: I measured out how much room I needed on the left side of my closet for my hanging vacuum charger and I looked for a shelf that would fit the dimensions of the empty space to the right of that.

This bamboo shelf ended up being the perfect size and while I did have to put this shelf together, I could just slide it right in the closet and create instant shelves without having to build them from scratch (here’s a bigger option if you want more shelf space).

And, if you end up taking it out of the closet, you can always move it around and use it for storage/decor somewhere else! I used these boxes and these bins to organize each of my shelves.

Make full use of existing shelves: A lot of closets will already have some sort of an existing shelf or two that you can use to organize a portion of your items. You can add dividers like these that can be easily taken off or moved or these stackable shelves that allow you to stack items on top of each other to get more space (these are great too!).

And of course, organizing all your items into storage boxes allows you to keep items contained and separated into categories (these woven boxes were the perfect size for my shelves). Make sure to add a label when you can so you can find things easily (this is my fave label maker!).

Look for removable/damage-free hooks and hangers: Since our closet is also functioning as a broom/vacuum closet, I found some command hook tool holders so I could easily hang a broom on the wall. Right now, I just need one, but it’s nice to know I can easily move it or add more if I decide to have another handled cleaning tool in here as well.

I also added a removable hook to hang a yoga mat on, so those are a great option for hanging just about anything (these hooks are pretty sleek looking as well).

Turn non-removable items into removable ones! Most items that have any sort of flat back on them can be mounted with command strips instead of screws for easy removal later (just make sure you are getting the right size and using enough for the weight of the item).

For example, my vacuum attachment holder has holes and screws to mount it on the wall, but I just put command strips on the back of the mounting area and it’s hanging just as it would if I had used screws (check out all the different vacuum attachment organizers)!

Looking for more organizational inspiration? Check out these posts:

• Everything you need to organize your home (room by room).
• Organize your hall closet (in one afternoon!)
• The top 5 bathroom storage mistakes
• How I organized my fridge (in one afternoon!)

There you go! Whether you want to set up a non-permanent closet because of renting or the option to be flexible in the future (or simply because building and power tools aren’t your thing), I hope these tips have given you some easy ideas to get the organized closet of your dreams! xo. Laura

Credits // Author and Photography: Laura Gummerman.

We’re going to focus on the important things—like minimizing nails in the wall, using color and texture to maximize your space, and more. Let’s get to it!

Related: 25+ Renter-Friendly DIYs and Decor Tips (Part 2)

Hang Wall Decor with Command Strips or Hooks

Command Strips (or Command hooks) work like magic—they are our go-to when we want to avoid nailing into a wall. They have different sizes depending on the weight of your decor—perfect for renters (and homeowners!).

One of the most cost-effective ways to add a large art print to your space? Have an engineer print made. Have your favorite photo printed at your local Staples or online. And, adding a frame is easier than you think—here’s a DIY tutorial.

Make a Statement (Add a Wall Hanging or Mirror)

If you can’t change the paint color of your walls, add a large statement weaving instead.

Emma’s faux weaving DIY and Elsie’s large-scale braided wall hanging are both easy options, and the kind of projects you can make while watching your favorite show.

Mirrors can make a room appear larger, so the more the merrier! We love how these copper mirrors and this cute flower mirror only require a few supplies and steps.

Place a framed art print like this on top of a mantle or table instead of hanging it on the wall. You could also frame a wallpaper sample like Laura did here.

If you don’t have enough space to hang a gallery wall, you could always make a mini version like Elsie did above. Looking for more ways to use photos? Here are five ways Elsie displays photos in her home.

A photo that doubles as a giant dry erase board? Such a cute idea for a kids room.

Have a collection of movie or concert tickets? Create a pop-art inspired display.

Use Peel and Stick Wallpaper or Washi Tape

What did we do before removable wallpaper existed? It’s such a fun, versatile way to add personality to your space.

Here are five ways to incorporate removable wallpaper in your home.

Elsie gave her kitchen a mini makeover using removable tile stickers. It looks so good, and it’s a great way to give you kitchen a new look.

What about using removable tile on a bathroom floor? We have a renter-friendly DIY for that, too!

Washi tape! You can apply it pretty much anywhere —in an arched doorway like this or you can make a cool patterned wall.

Organize Everything

Keep household items and rooms organized (and pretty things like jewelry and makeup brushes) organized without taking up drawers or closet space.

We love this lucite earring holder and this desktop calendar (it can be used as a photo frame, too!).

Keep your kitchen utensils organized with this easy utensil holder DIY using contact paper that looks like marble.

Make a wooden display shelf to keep your essential oil bottles or perfume organized.

Where should you keep your mail and magazines? In a cute magnetic holder on the fridge, of course.

But wait, there’s more! Here are 8 more ways to add storage to your home.

Personalize Your Space

Rentals don’t have to be plain and boring, i.e., beige walls and carpet. You can still make your space fun and unique.

Make a set of pillows using actual photos or dyed velvet pillows to add some color and texture to your bedroom or living room.

If you’re looking for a way to store jewelry or car keys, we love these marbled clay dishes.

Swap out a plain hand towel bar or bath towel bar with lucite. Fancy without the price tag!

Add campaign hardware to a dresser for a bold, polished look. You can do the same thing to a picture frame.

If you can’t find a rug that’s big enough to cover that area under your bed, combine two smaller ones to make a larger rug.

This easy DIY stenciled rug is perfect for an outdoor space! If you want to go the full DIY route, you could make your own rope rug.

Make a pretty floral garland like Elsie did to hang across a fireplace or window.

Check out more easy garland DIYs here.

You can add more personality to a bathroom with a bold shower curtain.

We love this one Emma made a few years ago, and if you’re looking for another option, Elsie’s macrame fringe curtain is so delicate and pretty. No sewing required!

Plants can make your home feel extra cozy. We have a bunch of planter DIYs to choose from like this pink wooden ball planter and this one made from fabric.

Save Space

Regardless of your square footage, finding cute ways to store your belongings is easier than you think.

You can make your own ladder to hang items like extra blankets and magazines. Be sure to read our ladder styling tips, too!

If a full-size ironing board isn’t ideal for your space, make a magnetic ironing mat to keep on top of the dryer.

What about bedroom storage? It’s easier than you think to make a wooden wardrobe to store extra clothing and shoes.

Laura also shared ways to organize a closet in a non-permanent way that are super helpful!

If you’re looking for ways to organize or kitchen or a kitchen pantry, click here to see what Elsie used to organize her pink pantry.

We also have a podcast about Episode #25: Decor Inspiration For Renters as well as 25+ Renter-Friendly Decor DIYs and Decor Tips (Part 2!).

Thanks for reading! If you know someone who would love this roundup, we would love for you to share it on Pinterest. xo, The ABM Team

Pillar candles are great because you get some nice height on your candle (and you’ve got more candle to burn than a shorter one) and they have lots of fun molds you can use to customize your look—like this whimsical flower mold!

I thought I would make a few of these for my office, and they would be really cute for an easy gift as well! Here’s how to make your own!

Related: How to Make Candles – Beginner’s Guide

Supplies:
–flower mold
–microwaveable soy wax (or other melting candle chips)
–candle dye and fragrance if desired
–coconut oil (or other oil or mold release spray) and paintbrush
–pillar candle wick
–wick centering tool
–mold sealer

First, you’ll want to oil your mold a little bit so that you can get your candle out of the mold more easily at the end. I just melt a very small amount of coconut oil and use a paintbrush to apply it in a very thing layer to the inside of the mold.

Thread your wick through the hole in your mold, leaving 1-2″ of extra wick coming out the hole in the bottom. Use your mold putty to cover the area around the wick opening so that the area is sealed from any wax coming out the hole.

Melt your wax in the microwave according to the instructions on the bag. Once the wax is fully melted, add in your candle dye (it will dry a lot lighter than it looks—I just added one drop of red for a light pink color) and stir with a popsicle stick.

Pull the top of your wick up through the wick centering tool and pour your wax into the mold. You can use a measuring cup with a spout for this (one that you use exclusively for crafts, not for cooking), but I just poured it from the corner of my container and that worked just fine.

Make sure to save a little bit of the wax in your container to remelt in case you have any “tunneling” near your wick after the first pour.

Once your wax is poured, leave your candle to completely cool (check the directions on the wax you use, but usually only takes a few hours).

Check the area near the wick once the wax is cool to see if the wax has collapsed in to create a divot in the middle of your candle. If it has, remelt the remaining wax and pour in just enough to make the top flat again and allow it to fully cool.

Once cool, pop the mold into the freezer for 5 minutes to shrink the wax just a tiny bit so you can pull gently on the wick to release the candle from the mold (give it another 5 minutes in the freezer if it won’t come out).

Trim the wick on the bottom and top of your candle and you’re ready to light ‘er up!

How cute is that? I love it next to my pink “Run Wild” print and knick-knacks. Candles make great gifts if you’re looking to DIY something special for someone and you can add some cute matches and a candle snuffer to accessorize your gift, as well.

You could also make several of these in different heights to make a staggered grouping of candles. There are so many fun molds for pillar candles and once you get the hang of it, I could totally see this as a new hobby.

You can also support a candle artist if you aren’t the DIY type (check out 5 Asian-owned candle companies we love), but it feels pretty good to make your own! xo. Laura

It gives us the ability to add pattern and color to bland walls while remaining damage-free. Unlike traditional wallpaper (that requires the messy job of pasting), it’s much simpler to install and removal is as easy as peeling.

Related: The Best Floral Wallpaper and Affordable DIY Wallpaper Hack

I can definitely say that the choices of peel and stick wallpaper out there on the market have drastically improved over the years, and you can now find colors and designs for just about any style on platforms like Etsy, Spoonflower, etc.

Monochrome pattern wallpapers in particular are my favorite at the moment (I’ve listed a few that I like here.)

Despite its name, peel and stick wallpaper isn’t just for walls—there are, in fact, many ways you can use this paper to spruce up your home. All you need is a little out-of-the-box creativity.

Maybe you want to update an old eBay find without taking out your paint brushes? Or maybe your staircase is in desperate need of a non-permanent pop of color and pattern? Peel and stick wallpaper is the solution for it all. The sky is the limit.

Today, I’m sharing five different ways I’ve used peel and stick wallpaper around my home.

1. As a Feature (Accent) Wall

This is perfect for adding a fun element to a bare room. Creating an accent wall is a much more cost effective than wallpapering an entire room. And as long as you choose the right kind of style, a wallpapered accent wall can pack quite the punch!

Photo credit: Kasia Fiszer Photography  

I applied this print to the wall in my entryway. I had initially planned to wallpaper the whole wall, but some unexpected things happened which resulted in just the lower half of the wall being papered. Despite all the last minute adjustments, it turned out quite nice and is a lovely backdrop to the IVAR cabinet.

2. As Temporary Flooring

This one is a little controversial and not as widely utilized, but it does work! The idea is that you apply peel and stick wallpaper to surfaces like laminate, tiles, concrete, linoleum and seal with several coats of polyurethane—here is a tutorial more in depth.

It’s a really quick and easy way to change up hard flooring that you aren’t a fan of, and if done correctly can last for quite a few years.

Photo credit: Kasai Fiszer Photography

I wallpapered the laminate flooring in my porch with a tile effect wallpaper. It lasted about two years (it probably would have lasted longer if I had remembered to apply soft furniture pads to the feet of the bench) and really helped to brighten up a small space that had once looked dark and gloomy.

3. Lining Kitchen Cabinets

Transform the insides of your kitchen cabinets from bland to beautiful with peel and stick wallpaper.

Unfortunately for renters, there isn’t always a lot you can do with regards to changing up the more permanent features in a kitchen; i.e. removing wall cabinets, installing new countertops, or retiling, for example. I mean, unless you have a really amazing landlord, but they are often few and far between.

But don’t let that get you down—there are lots of superficial ways to add a little personality to your kitchen. Try removing your kitchen cabinet doors for a start (making sure to store them somewhere safe) to get an open plan shelving-type feel.

I added a funky wallpaper to the backing of my “open plan” cabinets to create a visually appealing backdrop for all my dishware and crockery. I can honestly say my kitchen looks so much better for it!

4. On the Ceiling

We often forget about the fifth wall (the ceiling) when it comes to decorating and that’s something I feel really needs to change!

Wallpapering the ceiling can add so much character, appear to improve an awkward room’s proportions, or bring extra pattern into a scheme that is in need of a little more oomph!.

Granted, wallpapering a ceiling is a lot more trickier (neck cramp alert) than wallpapering a vertical wall, but the end result is well worth the extra effort.

I wallpapered the ceiling in my husband’s tiny office with peel and stick wallpaper. The room is very dark and moody, so this wallpaper adds a nice touch of brightness to the space. Because the wallpaper I chose was quite a busy pattern, I doubt it would have worked so well on a vertical wall.

5. Decorating Furniture

Not sure if you want to commit to paint a special piece of furniture? Or maybe you are just looking for a quick and easy DIY project that involves no mess? Using peel and stick wallpaper is a great option for updating furniture.

The paper can be removed without damage should you change your mind down the road. You can apply peel and stick wallpaper to the front, sides, top of furniture, or even to the insides of a drawer, for example.

I wallpapered these standard ALEX drawers using leftover paper from a previous project! The difference was instant and it took me less than 30 minutes to complete! 

What do you think of these peel and stick wallpaper ideas? Have you tried any of them before in your home? Let me know in the comments below. You can also check out my blog or Instagram for more easy rental decorating ideas! xo, Medina

This epic DIY was originally published in 2016, but we feel it deserves a little more time in the sun (or snow! ha), so we’re putting her back on our homepage today in case new readers missed it. Enjoy!

Of all the different parts there are to Christmas decorating, I think the lights are actually my favorite part. I get SO sad when I have to take down my Christmas trees because I love having that soft glow from the Christmas lights floating around the room. For that reason, I’ve also made my fair share of Christmas marquees (like this Merry + Bright sign, a giant snowflake, and a light box Cheers sign as well) to add some extra warmth to the room. This year, I had this vision of a pink vintage car carrying a Christmas tree on top, and I thought it would be just the thing to make into a light-up sign for the mantel! We have a ’74 Corvette Stingray (it’s the only car I’ve ever been obsessed with), and I modeled the marquee car after a late ’60s model, which is actually the coolest Stingray timeframe IMO.

Supplies:
-24″ x 48″ board
–jigsaw
-paint in selected colors
-drill and various sized drill bits
-staple gun
-Christmas lights (50 count light strand should be enough)
-duct tape
–vintage car image (right click to download)
-thin rope

OK. So, if you have a projector, you can print the outline onto a transparency and trace the outside outline of the design onto the board like I did above (projectors are so handy for that reason), or you can print it as big as you need as a blueprint at a print shop (like FedEx Office) and then trace it onto the wood.

Once your design is traced, use a jigsaw to cut out the design (I suggest clamping the wood to sawhorses for stability).

Paint your car shape white, and then trace the inside lines so you can see where to paint each color.

After your lines are traced and you can see exactly where your tree will be on the car, you can use a drill to drill holes in the tree for your Christmas lights to come through (a 3/8” drill bit should be big enough to fit standard Christmas lights into). Sand the edges of your holes if needed, and then use your selected paint colors to basically “paint-by-number” the rest of your marquee!

I used Valspar Peach Punch and Aquatic Mist for the pink and green, gold gilding paint for the trunk, and then mixed up some grey and black for the chrome and wheel details.

When the paint is dry, you can drill 4 smaller holes where the rope sits on top of the car and thread 4 pieces of your small rope through the holes and around to the back of the top of the tree. Use a staple gun to secure the rope ends to the back of the board.

Now you can insert your Christmas lights into the holes from the back and use duct tape to keep the lights and cord in place. Use the shortest light strand you can get away with so you don’t have a ton of extra cord, and make sure to think of which side you want the main plug to be on before you start so it will be closest to an outlet. I usually secure all my lights to the back of the sign and then use an extension cord to travel down to a plug nearby.

Once your lights are secure, plug it in and watch it glow!

IT TURNED OUT SO CUUUTE!! I love the holiday feel of the tree-on-a-car situation, and the vintage style of the car and color choice make it an even more unique piece. While the larger ones can be a little annoying to store, marquees are décor you can keep and bring out year after year to keep the holiday spirit going. Hope this project inspired you to make your own or something else fun for the season! xo. Laura

Credits // Author and Photography: Laura Gummerman. Photos edited with the NEW A Beautiful Mess actions.

This post was originally published in 2014. LaTonya is still writing and updates her blog regularly. You should go check it out.

Decorating a small space can be tricky, especially during the holiday season! This is our second year celebrating in our small apartment, and it’s definitely a lot easier than last year. I think when it comes down to it, you’ve got to change your expectations of what Christmas, or any holiday you’re celebrating, is in your mind. Changing your expectations isn’t a bad thing at all. But sometimes with a smaller space, you’ve got to have a bigger imagination and just simply simplify.  

1. Try to decorate with more natural pieces and natural tones. When you mix a small apartment and loud festive things, chances are your space will feel too overwhelming. Instead of a chunky store-bought wreath, we decided to make our own using a few branches from our tree. And instead of having a large holiday table centerpiece, I used a vintage lace tablecloth to give our space a more festive feel. Since the tablecloth is white, it keeps the room feeling a bit more spacious. You can use things found outside as a centerpiece as well (It’s also a great way to get the kids involved in decorating).

2. Decorate with smaller, more sentimental decorations. If you’re decorating a small space, it’s best to decorate with things on the smaller end. Try using more lights and less ornaments. All the extra stuff just becomes stuff. 

I am so excited for yet another holiday in our small space as an even bigger family! Happy holidays! –LaTonya

As a 34-year-old woman, I will proudly admit that I kind of love playing around with pipe cleaners. They are just plain fun!

Since I’ve already admitted my love of pipe cleaners, it probably won’t surprise you that I am on a bit of personal mission to get more craft projects onto the pages of this blog that revolve around these undervalued fuzzy little wires.

So today I am sharing this DIY candy corn garland that I made for the mantle at the holiday house. Or should I say candy CORN! It’s a bit of a pun because these are suppose to look like corn on the cob, but the colors of candy corn candies.

You get it.

Supplies:
–pipe cleaners (black, white, or another color)
-plastic beads (orange, yellow, and white)
–yarn for the garland
–scissors

And if you wanted to make your corn on the cob figures different colors, you could absolutely keep them more traditional but I was into the candy corn pattern for mine.

Step One: Twist three pipe cleaners together at the center, making a kind of spider figure.

Step Two: Add beads to each pipe cleaner spider leg, in a candy corn pattern.

Step Three: Twist the pipe cleaners together at the top and trim the top pieces as needed.

Step Four: Hang the candy corn figures on some cut yarn anywhere you need a garland. Pro tip: All mantels need a garland for every holiday, IMO.

I layered my DIY candy corn garland alongside a faux floral garland just to give the final look a little more dimension and texture. Thanks for letting me share! xo. Emma

P.S. Check out 15 Easy DIY Halloween Decorations for more ideas!

Print

DIY Candy Corn Garland

Author Emma Chapman

Cost $10

Ingredients

• pipe cleaners black, white, or other colors
• plastic beads orange, yellow, and white
• yarn
• scissors

Instructions

• Twist three pipe cleaners together at the center, making a kind of spider figure.
• Add beads to each pipe cleaner spider leg, in a candy corn pattern.
• Twist the pipe cleaners together at the top and trim the top pieces as needed.
• Hang the candy corn figures on some cut yarn anywhere you need a garland.