Spring Re-Style - Add Some Color

With the gorgeous weekend coming (70's and 80's!) I think we're all ready for a little color.  Getting your apartment ready can be as easy as organizing your books by color, painting an accent wall, or adding pillows.

Bostonians: Confused about how to add color to your place?  Stop by Grand in Sommerville tonight for the first Design Deli featuring design gurus from Chroma Lab and Jace Interiors.  Bring your tear sheets, swatches, and questions and they'll serve up the advice.  Best of all, you can have a drink and shop Grand's grand selection while you're there!  Go to the Design Deli website for more details.

Clockwise from top left: Slipper Chair (available at Fabulous Mess); Stationery Set (available at Apt528); Bottle (availble at Taylor Ceramics); Knit Bowls (available at Speckless); Mini Bird Pillow (available at Apt528); Martha's Vineyard Wallpaper (available at Madison & Grow)

via xJavierx

via Decorology

via Decorology

via Home Decoy Ideas

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 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!

New Pillows

Bonjour Mon Coussin just added a few more pillows to their line. Check out last year's Spring Re-Style post for more ways to dress up your apartment with pillows.

Spring Re-Style: Green Wall Tiles

With Jerome's aunt passing away last week and the funeral this past weekend, I wasn't able to do the Spring DIY or Apartment Wanted posts.

To make up for it, here's a Monday edition of the Spring Re-style, featuring an eco-friendly and INEXPENSIVE alternative to the B+N wall tiles I showed last month.

Mio, an online store devoted to environmentally friendly design, has come out with PaperForms Wallpaper Tiles. But these tiles aren't just good for the earth, they're also great for renters. Unlike the B+N tiles, the PaperForms can be hung using double-sided mounting tape which easily comes off walls when it's time to move out. You can do one wall or a whole room, though I'm guessing one wall would be enough - remember, less is often times more! You could even use the tiles as an art piece with a chunky frame around them.

There are four different patters - Ripple, Flow, Acoustic Weave, and V2 - all of which can be painted to a color of your choosing.

Check out the Mio website for other great green design products, including the ingenious floor tiles featured as the Must Have Item.

Spring Re-style: Pillow Change

Pillows are one of the easiest ways to change the look of your apartment. Neutral pillows in a brightly colored room mellow things out while bright pillows in a neutral room give just the perfect pop of color. In my apartment, I use bold prints to add texture to the solid upholstery of my furniture.

During the course of my pillow search, I came across design blog Orange You Lucky which featured pillows from the French company Bonjour Mon Coussins. Their website is all in French (English coming soon) but you don't need a translator to see how amazing their unique designs are. Not only will these cheeky pillows perk up your couch or bed, but they'll be instant conversation starters. I'm in love with all of their designs, though the Choco pillow is my favorite. How can you pass up a pillow that looks like a chocolate bar!?

To make sure you don't go overboard with prints and crazy patterns, pick one or two of your favorite designs and add them in with a few neutral pillows.

If you're looking to add a little flair and not yet ready for the funky designs of Bonjour Mon Coussin, check out MadAspen Home. Their fun patterns and bold colors will add just the right amount of spice to any apartment without being overwhelming.

But that's not all I found online. Check out these ingenious pillows from Etsy. Etsy is an online marketplace for handmade products. They have more than just pillows, so don't forget to check them out for clothing, furniture, art, jewelry, and more. Each designer is different so you'll find just about everything on Etsy from elegant to funky to bizarre.

Doe - Nora Jane; Flower Print - Ruth's Crafts; Bird on Cherry Blossom - Joom; Owl - Mon Petit Fantome; Fries - Dutch Dolls; Violet Flowers - Shy Violet Design; Guitar - The Grateful Thread