Spring Re-style: More Accessories

One thing I'm emphasizing right now is the power of accessories. Whether your wallet's a little tight or you just like the freedom of constantly changing your decor, accessories are the easiest, most affordable re-style you can do.

So today I'm sharing these adorable ceramic dishes from Zinnia Designs. Each dish is imprinted with a unique design that can be customized to fit your taste. The salt and pepper set (my fave!) makes a perfect housewarming gift and the cheese markers are great for people who like to entertain. If you're selfish like me and want a treat for yourself, try the coasters or the small plates which would look great displayed as a collection or as a concierge dish on an entryway table.

I love the idea of having the cheese markers customized for use as table markers or giving your bridal party little plates with the wedding date imprinted...can you tell I'm planning a wedding!?!

For more of Zinnia Designs' unique ceramic pieces, check them out on Etsy.

Spring DIY: Fake Platform Bed

So, I've been so busy being happy about our engagement that I haven't done any blogging! I have been doing a little DIY though...nothing comes between me and my projects!

The bedroom's started coming together the last few months. I've slowly finished painting, added decor, and figured out a layout for an awkwardly shaped room.

My gorgeous mid-century dresser and chest.


The view into my closet.

I found a wicker ottoman at the Christmas Tree Shops for $15. I recovered it with the same fabric as the chair, added a memory foam pad for extra comfort, and voila! There's also a mini-fridge/microwave/coffe area next to the chair so you never have to go downstairs!

The bed used to be on a frame but it didn't look good without a headboard. Since the ceilings are sloped, I only had room for a low, platform style bed.


Spring DIY (I didn't forget!): Fake Platform Bed

Want to change your room but don't have money for a new bed? Try building a fake platform around your boxspring and mattress using just four pieces of wood and some paint.

First have four pieces of wood (I used pine) cut to the size of your bed. Paint/stain them the desired color, sanding the edges where necessary. Use L brackets and wood screws to connect your wood frame. Now you've got an awesome, affordable "platform" bed without the hassle of building supports!

To complete the look, I made a headboard out of plywood and a mirror that I glued on with epoxy. I had to move the bed to the other wall since the sloped ceiling wasn't even...you'd think they'd notice that the ceiling line went downhill!

I still need to do more like make a nightstand, work on the decor, etc. What do you think so far?

I'm Engaged!

Just thought you'd like to know!! I'll post more in a couple days:)

Pillows, Chairs, Prints and More!

Remember Bonjour Mon Coussin? Their pillows are incredibly inventive...half of them look tasty enough to eat!

Now there's Teo Jasmin, another French company. Not only do they have conversation-starting pillows, but they also use their photographic prints to make custom wall canvases and seating. The furniture's a bit on the pricey side, but if you have the cash and want to add some funk to your apartment, I'd go for it! The French definitely know what they're doing when it comes to style!!!

Wallet a little tight? Check out the Teo Jasmin sale page for great deals.

Clockwise from left to right (all prices rounded): Brigitte Bardot Canvas - $98; Union Jack Classic Sofa - $3602; San Francisco Pillow - $50; Asian Print Classic Chair - $800; Beatles Sgt. Pepper Pillow - $50; Fiat Long Pillow - $55; Big Apple Chair - $1073; Big Apple Print - $98; Doggy Queen Print - $99

Space-Saving Bed

First there was the Moddi Murphy Bed. Now there's the couch/bed/loft.

A friend found this unique bed on Apartment Therapy. Notice the purple couch against the wall. In about three seconds that couch is going to transform.

3...

2...

1...

Pretty amazing huh? The wall behind the couch opens up to reveal the bed and the top has a loft for the couple's 4 year old daughter. I hope they paint/stain the plywood to give it a finished look...

Check out more of this Brooklyn apartment here.

Read & Roll

Product pitches come through my inbox quite often, but it's only once in a while that I actually find a product that I want to blog about.

Like the Read & Roll. This ingenious invention from Turkish architect Direnc Demirbas combines your two biggest bathroom necessities: toilet paper and reading material. What a great idea for small bathrooms! I've seen other models around but to me, the Read & Roll does the best job of combining form with function. Plus it looks great even without the magazines!

You can't purchase the Read & Roll yet, it's still in the manufacturing stages, but it will be available soon for about $15...a small price to pay for a bathroom spruce up!

Apartment Wanted

It's April which means it's time to start the apartment search again. Good thing Apartment Wanted it back to help you find the perfect apartment. Check back every Sunday to see my favorite apartment listings.

This week we're heading out west to see what $1800 and a love for retro architecture can get you.

Palm Springs Retro Modern
3bdr, 2bath
Price: $1700

Awesome mid-century home from famed architect Donald Wexler. There's a a two-car garage, and a gorgeous backyard complete with mountain views, a swimming pool, and lemon and olive trees. You can't get that in Boston! As an added bonus, the kitchen's been updated with new cabinets and appliances. Major score!



Phoenix Mid-Century Livin'
3bdr, 2bath
Price: $1400

Just looking at the awesome brick and stone entryway (pictured) sold me! Modern kitchen with stainless steel countertops (my fave!) and stone tile throughout. There's also a working gas fireplace and washer/dryer included. If you're looking for a little exercise, the mountains are just a few moments away.




Laguna Loft
2bdr, 1bath
Price: $1800

Awesome two-story loft. The house is completely renovated to reflect the owner's love of modern design. Even the bathroom is amazing! Stainless steel counters and concrete floors add a modern touch. The owner's offering a rent-to-own option for those looking to purchase their first place.

Let's Tweet!!

Apartment 528 is now on Twitter!

It took me awhile to join but now that I have, I love it! Look for design links, ideas, and random insights into my day-to-day life, like how much I loved the Cold War Kids concert Thursday night!

Follow Apartment 528 here: www.twitter.com/Apartment528

And don't forget, I'm also on AIM: apartment528

Happy social networking!

Spring Re-Style: Accessorize!

This year's Spring Re-Style posts are dedicated to those looking to spruce up their apartment without breaking the bank. That's always been the goal of Apartment 528, but in these tough financial times, it's even more important than ever.

So to start things off, we're addressing the little things. Like these adorable barnacle bowls from Alma Pottery ($36/set of 4). The soft white exterior and deep turquoise inside add just the right amount of color to help you break out of the dark tones of winter.

Use them on an entry table to hold your keys, in the bedroom to hold your favorite jewelry, or in the living room as planters. Alma Pottery even suggests hanging the planters upside down (there are holes in the bottom) to make a mobile.

Don't have the funds? Try turning every day household items into unique accessories. Not only is it cost effective, but it's eco-friendly too! Wine bottles can become vases or carafes and kitchen canisters can hold office supplies (I use red canisters in my office!). I even use empty peanut containers as stylish coin holders...remove the label to reveal the silver container below and nobody will be the wiser!