Right up at the top of our wishlists with window seats, ceiling beams and walk-in closets, built-in bookcases are a wonderful way to add function and value to your home. Custom configurations can be pricey, but there are also plenty of shortcuts to fake the funk using inexpensive, off-the-shelf cabinetry embellished with moldings and other details. Read on for an inspirational gallery full of some of our favorite examples of beautiful built-in bookcases.

Couple em’ with Cozy Seating

If you’re going to go through the trouble of creating a custom bookcase, why not put it right next to a cozy reading nook? Get the lowdown on how to build this window seat flanked by tall bookshelves at Sawdust Girl’s website.

Check out photographer Nick Smith‘s stunning snaps of Rebecca Leivars‘ poetic living room design for a London home. The sophisticated built-ins manage to retain an airy feel that keeps the room from looking too stuffy, and the library ladder is the perfect finishing touch!

Creative Use of Space

The only thing better than a bookcase that’s built-in is one that also conceals a hidden passageway like this clever creation by Creative Home Engineering. It may look like something from the set of a murder mystery movie, but it’s actually a functional piece that serves a dual purpose.

Put an idle corner to good use by filling it with an appropriately shaped book case. Start at Home‘s instructions make it easy to replicate this custom-looking piece in your home.

Would you ever guess that these gorgeous built-ins were built using inexpensive IKEA bookcases? Centsational Girl certainly fooled us with her deceptively deft use of components from the ubiquitous Billy line that added up to just $365.

Aesthetic and Practical

When your home is only 540-sq-ft, you really need to make the most of every inch of space. That’s exactly what designer Jessica Helgerson did for this modest home Portland, Oregon. Her living room-spanning bookcase creates tons of storage and display space that can be accessed from both sides of the room.

Photo by Lincoln Barbour

A home office is the perfect place for built-in bookshelves, particularly when they’re paired with built-in desks like in this room makeover by Linda of Home is Where My Heart Is. The new configuration fits a ton of function into the space despite only taking up one wall.

The Accent Piece took advantage of unused space around a pretty French door to create a set of shelves that look like they’ve always been there. Check out their tutorial here.

Which of these built-in bookcases would suit your home the best?

You’re reading 8 Built-In Bookcases That Maximize Storage with Smart Design, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

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Today I found myself bursting with DIY energy, ready to spend a few hours outdoors in the unseasonably warm winter sunshine. Time for another DIY project session on my patio! Do you enjoy crafting outdoors on a warm day? For this project, I used items that were already on hand, and I created a DIY wall hanging that can be displayed two different ways. Keep reading for supplies, steps and styling ideas…

Wall Hanging Supplies

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• a wooden embroidery hoop (it will consist of two rings–use the ring with the screw at the top)
• yarn in the colors of your choice
• scissors
• a glue gun and glue sticks
• a marble tile
• copper sheeting
• a wooden bead
• tropical greenery
• tape (optional)
• a binder ring (optional)
• a paint pen (optional)

I’d previously used one ring of the embroidery hoop for this DIY round shelf. It turns out, the ring with the screw at the top is perfect for today’s project, especially if the ring also has some extra support in the form of wooden pieces at the top. This will keep the ring from bending when the weight of the marble tile is pulling on it!

Marble tile can be purchased piece by piece at stores such as Floor & Decor. Affordable, stylish and super on-trend! Today’s wall hanging project celebrates the design realm’s current obsession with mixed materials (such as wood, stone and metal). Plus, it has a ’70s-meets-’80s vibe that’s both low-key and eye-catching.

Project Steps

Now that you’ve gathered your supplies, it’s time to get started. If you’d rather not use an embroidery hoop and you’d like to simply create a yarn hanger for the marble tile (as shown in the photos at the very bottom of the post), skip ahead to Step 3! Yes, this project has two versions. Again, the pics at the bottom of the post will help you choose the option that works best for your space.

Step 1: Remove the screw from the top of the embroidery hoop ring and secure the hoop with hot glue.

Take a look back at the hoop above. With my embroidery hoop, it was super easy to remove the screw and even remove one of the wooden blocks at the top. Nonetheless, handle your hoop with care, and don’t fret if you need to leave the screw in place. As you can see below, with one of the wooden pieces at the top gone, I was then able to overlap the hoop ends with hot glue to create a super-secure ring.

Step 2: Wrap the top of the hoop in yarn.

Thick yarn works best for this step. The yarn is a great way to conceal any hot glue gobs or overlapping wooden pieces. I tied a knot at the bottom of the yarn cluster, as shown below.

Then I trimmed away excess yarn and used hot glue to secure the end for a smooth yet steady finish:

Step 3: Use macrame-style knots to create a “hanger” for your marble tile.

I used 6 pieces of yarn to create the hanging receptacle. I used the same technique that I’d previously used to create this hanging vase. Check out the link for a full explanation.

In a nutshell, you group the pieces of string two by two, tie knots, then tie one more series of knots by grouping each piece of string with a piece from the adjacent pair. Again, this post will provide a more in-depth explanation, and the picture below may be all you need to get the idea:

Step 4: Position the marble tile in the hanger and tie the hanger to the wooden hoop.

Slip the marble tile into its “hanger”, playing with the position until you’re happy with the result. I eyeballed the position of the hanger inside of the hoop to make sure I was happy with where it would rest (how far down it would hang inside of the circle) once I tied it to the ring. Then I secured it to the wooden ring, wrapping more pink yarn around the top of the ring. You’ll see the result in photos a bit later in the post. If you’ve chosen option 2 for this project and you’re not using a wooden ring, you can tie the pink hanger to a silver binder ring! Scroll to the very bottom of the post to see photos of this option.

Step 5: Cut a square from a piece of copper sheeting and slip it into the knotted hanger covering the front of the marble tile.

I used scissors to cut the square from the copper sheeting, which I purchased at a craft store. I didn’t need hot glue to secure the copper in place, but a dab won’t hurt if you’d like it to be extra steady.

Step 6: Tie a wooden bead to the string hanging under the knot below the marble tile.

Don’t forget to trim away excess yarn. At this point, the main components are in place for this wall hanging, and the rest is is a snap!

Step 7: Form yarn loop at the top of the wooden ring.

(Skip this step if you’ve chosen option 2 for this project and you’re using a binder ring instead of a large wooden ring). You need a way to hang your creation on the wall! Since I chose thick yarn for this portion of the project, I wrapped the end of the yarn in tape so it would fit through the hole at the top of the ring.

I was able to feed the string through the wooden block (now wrapped in yarn) where the metal screw was once in place, as shown below. I was even able to rotate the yarn so the knot was hidden inside of the wooden block. Not a fan of this strategy? There are many ways to form a loop with the yarn at the top of your ring. Choose the method that works best for you. In the image below, you can also see how I secured the pink “hanger” to the hoop and embellished the top with more pink yarn.

Step 8: Add some tropical greenery to your wall hanging by slipping it into the knotted hanger.

I used a palm leaf–it was part of a flower arrangement I bought a week ago. It was starting to dry out, and I liked the way it kept some of its color. I’ll leave it on the wall hanging as long as I can, and then I’ll replace it with a fresh leaf as needed. Air plants will also work well with this project!

Step 9: Use a paint pen to embellish the outer edge of the wooden ring.

This step is totally optional (and unnecessary if you’ve chosen not to use a wooden ring in your wall hanging). If your wall hanging includes the wooden ring, you might love the way the ring looks as is–raw and unfinished. In this case, there’s no need to paint the edge! Although it’s hard to see the silver leafing effect of the paint pen in the image below, you’ll be able to see it more clearly in the next section.

Displaying Your Wall Hanging

Since today’s project is called a 2-in-1 wall hanging, it’s time to talk about two possible finished products! First up: the pink hanger secured to a large wooden hoop, as shown below. It’s a hanger within a hanger, and the look is modern yet earthy. If you followed each and every step listed above, this will be your finished product:

Note how I tucked the tropical greenery behind the copper square. Although it’s hard to tell, the accent wall of my home office is a lime green color. The pink of the yarn is a nice contrast to this background!

While I really liked the look of the wooden hoop, ultimately I chose option 2: the pink yarn hanger secured to a silver binder ring. No large wooden hoop! I really needed a small piece to put on the white wall in my office, near my desk. The petite form of this version of the project was the perfect choice:

The marble tile is the main focus of this option (rather than the large wooden ring), and I think this smaller version of the project still manages to make a big statement!

Thanks for letting me share my latest DIY project.  A cold front is blowing in tomorrow, and there will be another string of cold, dreary days. I’m glad I made it outside for some crafting in this last bit of warm sunshine. Wishing you a lovely, creative winter!

You’re reading A 2-in-1 DIY Wall Hanging Project, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

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Long gone are the days when you leave work behind as you punch out your card and head for home. In the modern world filled with laptops, tablets and smartphones, you carry your work pretty much everywhere. And this is has seen an obvious spurt in the homeowners wanting a dedicated home office that allows them to get the job done with comfort and ease. Whether you have an envious home office with unabated ocean views or a practical workspace in the basement, it is the ambiance of the space that ultimately determines its productivity. When it comes to creating an elegant, relaxing and conducive workspace few styles work as well as Asian.

The Asian style is largely defined by sue of natural materials, calming hues and innate simplicity. Ergonomics meet form beautifully in Asian style home offices and today we have 10 outstanding inspirations that showcase how to pull off the look even while embracing modern aesthetics.

Multitask with Ease

Not all of us have homes that are blessed with extensive amount of space and often the home office is clubbed with the bedroom or even the kitchen. This Asian style home office though works perfectly for those who want a smart crafts zone along with an elegant workspace. The design is kept simple, the color scheme neutral and the decor comfy to usher in a sense of serenity. Window shades, wall murals and interesting accessories complete the look.

How often have you seen the home office of a lawyer being typically filled with a stoic wooden table and walls of books? Well, this one is different as it turns to Asian style cabinetry and decor to acquire a completely different and ingenious appeal. Obvious additions such as the Buddha statues and the wall art in the backdrop accentuate the Asian vibe even as gray accent wall brings a hint of modernity.

Having an exclusive home office does not mean you need a dedicated room that is only devoted for this purpose. This home office uses open shelving to separate itself from the living room and yet is visually connected with the living area at all times. By using a series of shelves instead of a wall, the space has an open, airy appeal and wonderful flow of natural ventilation.

Smart use of Space

Space is definitely not a constraint when you are trying to create a relaxed and beautiful Asian style home office. The two inspirations below showcase how the right color scheme, decor and accessories can easily create the look in even the tiniest of corners. Think of warm, calming yellows for the wall, furniture in natural wood and oriental-style lighting and some smart accessories to replicate this look.

This home office might not really be cramped for room, but it does utilize space that might have been otherwise left unused. Staircase landings and nooks under the staircase are perfect for a nifty little home office. The unique design of the desk and the bookshelf in the backdrop give this home office its dash of Asian flavor.

Color and Creativity

Remember that Asian style is a broad spectrum which actually includes many different styles originating from regions across the continent. But in most instances, homeowners associate Chinese and Japanese design influences as ‘Asian’ and they do seem to be the most popular among the lot. The vivacious use of red along with a hint of gold in the home office below seems to be inspired by the classic Chinese color palette.

If the office above is all about Chinese opulence, then this one revels in unassuming simplicity of Japanese design! What seems like a ‘Zen nook’ is actually filled with a hydraulically controlled desk that can be operated at the touch of a button, a wall with screen dedicated for video conferencing and of course, a minimalist workstation.

Not comfortable making a turn towards the oriental style completely? Not to worry, as you can easily strike a balance between the contemporary and Asian styles with a home office such as the one below. Using a dashing black and gold color scheme, the space is decidedly modern and yet has undeniable Asian flair to it.

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The beautiful city of Brussels is renowned for many things ranging from being the de facto capital of European Union to waffles, chocolates and of course, its unique architecture. Despite the cosmopolitan buzz in the city, it is not really a place famous for its vivid and brilliant colors. But Pantone is all set to change this with its new, exquisite boutique hotel, which is unsurprisingly known as Pantone Hotel! While the name might be a touch uninspiring, the interior is anything but that with its amazing spectrum of colors complementing luxury and elegance.

When it comes to color, no one doubts that Pantone has all the experience in the world and it brings this to the forth as the interiors of the hotel surround you in stimulating color even while creating a relaxing ambiance. We absolutely love how designers Michel Penneman and Olivier Hannaert employed a neutral, white backdrop to create a visual balance between the bold and the soothing hues. This ensured that the seven distinct color palettes used across the different levels draw your attention instantly without actually being too loud or garish.

One of the standout features in each guest room is the use of brilliant photography by Belgian photographer Victor Levy, which enhances the color scheme in each room beautifully. With a unique reception, corridors draped in mesmerizing shades and a terrace that offers panoramic views of the city, the hotel promises to add both comfort and color to your stay in Brussels.

You’re reading Pantone Hotel: Add Radiant Color to Your Stay in Brussels!, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

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We’re just a couple of weeks away from the official day to celebrate love, but why not celebrate it all the time? Personally, I’m a fan of giving people hugs to show them I love them, but can’t we all use a little reminder of those lovely hugs and kisses on a regular basis? I say yes! This project was pretty simple and pretty, well, pretty! Ready to see it?

A Sneaky Shortcut!

If you’re thinking, “how did she glue on those thousands of sequins??” – don’t worry. I didn’t! Call it cheating if you want, but I used sequin strips, or ribbon, or whatever you want to call it. Like this:

Also, you’ll of course need scissors, a glue gun, and some thick cardboard or presentation board (you know, the foamy stuff you used for school projects?).

To start, we need to make some letters! Here’s how I measured mine:

They’re seven inches wide and about 9 inches tall. Making the “X” is easy, but with the “O”, you have to be a little careful with the curves. If it helps, look at an example on your computer or phone!

Now you’re ready to cut. Using scissors does work, especially for the curves of the “O”, but I’d say use a utility knife and a ruler for the “X” and save yourself the aggravation!

Now let’s get the sequins on! Apply a bit of glue to the back of your first letter, like so:

Now gently press down the end of the sequin strip, pulling it a bit (because this stuff is elastic, as well!).

Wrap the sequins around, not overlapping too much because the strips are thick, so you can just place them beside each other.

You will eventually need to cut the strip and glue it down, then start again on the ‘bottom’ of the “X” – for the “O”, all you need to do is wrap until you get back to the beginning!

Sparkling Golden Brilliance

Now you’ve seen the back of the “X”, here’s the back of the “O”:

Yes, it looks just like the front, so if you need to put these up in front of a mirror, just glue a few more strips on the back of the “X” and you’re all set!

I am seriously obsessed with these, you guys! I don’t want them to ever leave my house! And who says I can only have hugs and kisses around for Valentine’s Day anyway, right?

I actually also added some pink taper candles to style with these because pink is awesome! What do you think? Add a few colorful books, some special mementos and memories from the world’s most romantic city, and voila!

So, will you try out some sparkly letters for your home this season? Will you keep them around even after Valentine’s Day like me?

You’re reading Bring a Little Love & Sparkle Home with Sequins!, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

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Today’s DIY project is so easy, it will only take you minutes to complete! Have you been shopping around for step stools? Maybe you have a kiddo at home who needs help reaching the sink, or maybe you’re like me, and you have a pet who could use a boost when jumping up to the couch (yes, I allow my kitty on the couch). Kate here, and after months of rejecting step stool after step stool because the selection at hand didn’t fit in with my decor, I decided to take charge with the help of some contact paper. Read on for a quick step-by-step to complete your own step stool makeover…

Project Planning

This DIY project doesn’t take much planning, other than figuring out what colors and/or patterns you want to work with. After all, you’ll be purchasing or gathering both a step stool and contact paper. Below we see a Crate & Barrel pillow from my living room. I have a lot of vivid colors in my home, and dashes of beige and cream help temper the brightness.

Contact paper is one of my all-time favorite DIY project supplies. I purchased contact paper in a faux granite pattern to embellish the modern blocks below, a previous project. I gifted my family with the blocks for Christmas, but I had a LOT of contact paper left. I knew the pattern’s white and beige tones would be perfect for my living room step stool.

Remember the DIY paper art project featured in the next image? It hangs in my living room, and while planning my step stool project, it was another sign that contact paper in neutral tones would complement the bright tones in my space. As you plan your project, think about the colors and patterns that will enhance your interior. When you browse step stool and contact paper options, having a plan in mind will guide you as you gather supplies.

Simple Supplies and Steps

Once you have your supplies at the ready, the rest of this project is super easy to execute. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• a step stool with a smooth top
• contact paper/shelf liner in the pattern of your choice
• paper towels for cleaning
• scissors
• a pencil
• a credit card or gift card (I’ll explain below)

As mentioned, the contact paper/shelf liner is an item I already had on hand, previously purchased at Target. The white step stool is also from Target. You can find it in blue or pink as well, but for me, white was the ideal color. You may also prefer to purchase a step stool in raw wood and paint it the hue of your choice. Whatever works best for your space!

One thing I love about contact paper: the helpful grid on the back! It makes the project steps that much easier. Ready to get started?!

Step 1: Clean the top of the stool, wiping away stray dust and dirt.

Contact paper tends to show bumps rather easily. The smoother the step stool, the sleeker the finished product!

Step 2: Using a pencil, trace the stop of your step stool onto the back of the contact paper.

Try and be as accurate as possible while you complete this step, as it will prevent you from having to trim excess paper after the fact.

Step 3: Cut out the traced form so it’s ready to adhere to your step stool.

Again, accuracy is key here, but don’t stress about making everything perfect. I was careful during the cutting process, yet the fact that the contact paper wasn’t a 100% precise fit for the stool didn’t end up mattering in the long run. As long as it’s close enough, you should be set!

Step 4: Erase any stray pencil marks left on your stool.

While tracing the top of the step stool, some pencil marks inevitably made their way onto the stool itself. In the spirit of keeping the top free of stray particles, I erased the marks, wiping away the eraser bits before continuing with the project.

Step 5: Peel the protective backing from the contact paper, and stick the paper to the top of the stool.

I like to use the edge of a plastic card (such as a credit card or gift card) to smooth the top of the contact paper while I’m sticking it to a new surface! This simple strategy creates an extra smooth finish.

Step Stool Styling

Want to see how the stool turned out?… Ta-da!

It’s simple, it’s puts a modern spin on a somewhat traditional stool design, and it looks great in my bright space. Kitty instantly used it as a launching pad for jumping onto the couch–mission accomplished! He has arthritis, so I have to help him out, you know?!

You may decide to use washi tape to further embellish the top of your stool, or you can create a geo design with contact paper in another color or pattern. I stacked a few colorful modern blocks on my stool, and this is a great way to style it when it’s not in active use.

If you give this project a try, let me know how it turns out by leaving a comment below! Thanks for letting me share my latest easy DIY project. Until next time…

You’re reading A 10-Minute Step Stool Makeover!, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

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