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Doors. Color. Think about it.

So this post is about doors. Not paper, this time. I’ll think of some way or other to incorporate paper – later (yes I thought of shoji screens already, thank you.)

This is an inspiration piece. Something caught my attention the other day and I started looking up pics of doors – with color. Amazing some of the pretties that are out there!

Case in point:

Turquoise Door 1-photo by Jason Williamson, found on Flickr

I found this wonderful door on Flickr – it’s the work of Jason Williamson. The photo I mean, not the door. You notice it’s not a fancy-schmancy door – this is not rich folks territory. But they believe in color.

And:

A yellow door – with character. The article is about Vanishing South Georgia over on WordPress – please do follow the link to read more.

Once again – not rich folks. But real people who added something special to their home.

And one more:

Yes, that is definitely a Chartreuse Door. And it’s a little fancier, yes. And you really ought to go peek at her blog – Curlin Reed Sullivan – she is absolutely celebrating chartreuse, and her blog is much fun to read!

The point of all this is – one, decorate your door. Add some paint. It doesn’t cost much and it’s easy to change. But more than “decorate your door” is the idea that – well, adding color is good, adding some special personal touch is good, and it DOESN’T HAVE TO COST A LOT OF MONEY.

All it costs is – taking a little time, and caring to make life just a little more special. And just like the commercials say – that’s priceless.

Beautiful Simplicity in Decorating – Definitely DYI!

Please take a look at these pics. And tell me if you agree with me – I bet you will – that they are beautiful, and refreshing, and soul-calming.

Beautiful rooms in Filicudi Italy – as seen in style-files.com.

It makes me feel good just to look at the pics. And it inspires me. Yes, these rooms are in an exotic (to me) island halfway around the world. But the ideas here are absolutely universal.

USE LESS STUFF. Clear out the clutter. Have a wonderful color. Let the light in.

Let me be sure to give credit where it’s due – I found these wonderful pictures, and more you will love, over at style-files.com. Totally inspirational!

This is completely do it yourself. GET RID OF SOME STUFF. Let the bones of the room show. Add some light. Take away some of the crap.

Do I seem to be stuck on that idea? Well, yeah, I am. Use less – and love what you have, MORE.

PS You may have noticed that I included this post in the category “Going Green”, and I haven’t mentioned recycling once (till now). But I have mentioned “using less” – and that is a very important green idea!

Creative Cardboard Part Deux – Corrugated Wall

No, really, I’m not obsessed with cardboard. But once I started thinking about cardboard, and how useful it is, and how it’s all over the place, and we usually just throw it away – I couldn’t resist finding more good examples of what we can do with it. Easy, Inexpensive, and Fun Home Decor Idea No. 2 (or 3, or whatever):

Corrugated Cardboard Wall Decor - great idea from Jonathan Fong

Corrugated Cardboard Wall Decor created by Jonathan Fong

That wall looks great! Neutral, strong, geometric, dramatic – take your pick of descriptives. We could all use some version of this! The article even tells how to do it – though I imagine there are as many ways to do it (easily!) as your imagination can come up with patterns.

And if you mess up part of the design, you just cut new cardboard. If your baby scribbles on the wall, you can replace that section (or celebrate her creativity!) If your cat shreds the bottom, so what? Tear up another cardboard box. And reuse the pieces 🙂

Working out of a Cardboard Box – No, Really

And it’s not what you think. At least, if you think it means carrying a box of stuff to wherever you are that day. Nope, this is more of an inspirational piece. These guys have an office with all their furniture (and etc, it looks like) made from cardboard. And it’s fabulous.

The office is in Amsterdam. Is it my imagination, or is there a LOT of inspiration and innovation coming from that corner of the world?

I haven’t tried to post all the pics here – go over to The Fast Company Blog to read the full article. And check out The Little Green Blog which is where I learned about this cool office. Little Green Blog is going on my check-it-a-lot list – there are so many green ideas over here. Not only green – but useful and practical and sensible.

I’m not expecting we’re all going to go out and build our offices out of cardboard. But looking at these pics (and there’s more links to visit for ideas) it reminds me that ordinary materials can be turned into something pretty special. And it makes me want to figure out ways to use cardboard more. In layers, bonded together, cardboard is strong. And it can be – well, you know. Reused, rethought, and recycled 🙂

Eco Felt: Made from Plastic Bottles!

I’m one of those people who makes stuff. I sew, I do crafts, I make things for the house, etc etc. And I’m fairly knowledgeable about fabric. Felt is a fabric that used to be made out of, well, smushed up wool leftovers. It’s always offered great vivid colors, but it ‘pills’ and frays and it’s not sturdy, so oh well.

But! I have been re-educated here. Not only have I found some great colors in oh-so-useful felt, but it is made ENTIRELY from recycled stuff – even better, from recycled bottles! They’ve made a soft fabric – from bottles. And it’s not expensive!

Eco Felt Fabric made from Recycled Bottles

The colors are clear and vivid – and from what the vendor writes, the fabric does NOT fray or fall apart in the wash. (Old-style felt, forget it, you wouldn’t dare toss it in the washer). And she has it in many colors! And she even has it in this camoflauge pattern!

Camouflage pattern eco-felt made from recycled bottles

Camouflage felt fabric!
Now honestly, that wouldn’t be my personal choice – but lots of people would love it (imagine a pillow made with this felt, sitting on your couch in the den).

I will happily promote this vendor – K and C Supplies on Etsy. She is finding / sourcing / selling a product that is not only entirely recycled, but it’s pretty and soft and nice!

Talk about the best of all possible products. Go buy some!

Wall Art – Vinyl Stickers for Grown Ups

Okay, you want to spruce up your place, and you want it to be (1) easy, (2) affordable, (3) great looking, and did I mention (4) easy?

You really should check out the vinyl wall art – stickers for grownups! at Savvy Gal Designs on Etsy.

Like this fabulous graphic:

These are great for renters – easy to apply *and* to take down.

Personalize your space! Not only can you apply them vertically or horizontally, you can choose your own color. Go for it!

Paper Jewels

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Doors. Color. Think about it.

Beautiful Simplicity in Decorating – Definitely DYI!

Creative Cardboard Part Deux – Corrugated Wall

Working out of a Cardboard Box – No, Really

Eco Felt: Made from Plastic Bottles!

Wall Art – Vinyl Stickers for Grown Ups

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