Cool Decorating Tricks Archives - Poppytalk

10 Cool Decorating Tricks for the Dorm

Jan Halvarson — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 17:58:35 +0000

It’s that time of year when thoughts of back to school start to trickle in. Whether you’re decorating a dorm room or want a refresh in your own room, decorating them can be tricky, especially if they are small spaces. Well no worries, we’ve got you covered with 10 inspirational ideas on how to decorate your dorm room to make it cozy and efficient this upcoming year.

1. Inspiration Corner

Place a collage of mini art works, cards or pictures on the wall to form a little inspirational workspace. Collage kit here and here.

2. Cozy Shelf

Create a cozy ledge to make it feel more like home placing fave collections and momentos. Shelf found here.

3. Band Posters for Art

Local band posters make great art and can usually be found in local student college radio papers or stations. Posters found here.

4. Organize Aesthetically

Make those piles of things look organized and beautiful. Storage crates found here and here.

5. Glowy Nights

Go neon with a few blacklight posters and neon lights for a dreamy vibe. Posters found here, lights here and here.

6. By the Seaside

Display collected driftwood, river rocks or seashells, for a serene by-the-sea vibe for studying. Glass cylinders here.

7. Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Create an arch-shaped rainbow and enjoy it everyday without the rain. Make with washi tape or peel and stick decal found here.

8. Music, Plants + Art

Always a fun way to decorate a room and share your taste in music using album cover art, a few vinyls and some plants. Love this nook from @dilanmatallana. Note: Clothes rack found here.

@dilanmatallana i miss my room but here’s a little update #fyp ♬ pastel skies - Rook1e

9. Deck the Walls

Drape vines, string lights or garlands. Hang them from the ceiling, wrap them around columns and banisters or arrange them with other lights, or even potted plants for an extra leafy display. Faux vines from UO, $14.

10. Heaps of Pillows

Nothing says comfy more than a heap of pillows. Mix and match (loving stripes these days) and coordinate with wall art. Photo via Pinterest.

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9 Outdoor Space Ideas Inspired by IKEA Stylists

Jan Halvarson — Sat, 12 Jun 2021 06:28:00 +0000

1. Made in the Shade

(Above) Love this lean-to shade that offers small space versatility.

2. A Plant Oasis

A space that feels connected to nature and gives a feeling of well-being.

3. Accent Flooring

Floor decking is a quick and versatile ways to update a small space

4. Create Outdoor Rooms

Love the idea of splitting up areas like rooms

5. Pergola Love

Bamboo poles on top of a pergola help with shade and end up being great for hanging lights

6. Create Ambiance

Lighting and sheer curtains create ambiance and a bit of privacy

7. Movie Night

Create a drive-in movie feel by watching a flick outdoors. Don’t forget the bug net

8. No Patio No Problem

Turn a backdoor stoop into an oasis with a cozy spot to dine al fresco

9. A BBQ Station

Make a BBQ station with a few planter pots and utensil bars.

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10+ DIYS + Hacks from IKEA’s Stylists

Jan Halvarson — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 07:35:00 +0000

1. DIY Bureau Goes Old School

Turn a RAST dresser into an old filing cabinet look. I would love to see this in it’s original pine.

Click here for the how-to.

2. Give Your Dresser New Life

A MALM dresser gets a new look using fabric. Click here for the video

3. Industrial to Elegant

A HYLLIS Shelf gets an upgrade with a little help from some paint and mesh board.

4. Upgrade Your Plates

Create unique tableware from your white plates using ceramic paints.

Click here for more info.

5. IVAR Folding Screen

We’ve seen this concept before with the IVAR dressers. Turn IVAR end frames into a folding screen.

Click here for the how-to.

6. Summer Fresh Still Lifes

Preserve your favourite flowers in vases or frames.

Click here.

7. Centre Stage

By placing the carpet in the centre of the room, it creates a lighter, spacious feel.

More info here.

8. Sheets Become Curtains

Recycle sheets into curtains, with this simple idea.

More info here.

9. Joy Division

Create a new space by dividing a room using fabric attached to the ceiling.

More info here.

10. Make a Sofa

Add an upholstered cushion and pillows to make a new nook.

More info here.

11. DIY Personal Light Loop

Lights, photos, clothespins!

Click here to see

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10 Inspiring Home Workspace Ideas from IKEA’s Stylists

Jan Halvarson — Wed, 22 Jul 2020 00:13:00 +0000

1. Wardrobe Workspace
(Above and below). This workspace neatly tucked into this KLEPPSTAD wardrobe is really clever. Includes a perfect fitted MICKE desk and SKADIS pegboard.

2. Shelf Desk
The EKBY ALEX shelf with drawers works perfectly for a small space where you can just pull up a chair and turn it into a desk.

3. Bedroom + Workspace
Also loving this idea of adding a mini flexible workspace to a bedroom with this idea using IVAR’s fold-up desk and locker-esque combo. Via Livet Hemma.

4. Bar Table/Desk
A kitchen office is a do-able option with this bar-style dining table which can become a stand/sit desk. NORRAKER bar table.

5. Kitchen Office
A gateleg table opens up to create a quick desk in the kitchen too. Also could be an island for food prep.

6. Under a Stairwell
If your stairwell has an opening underneath (Harry Potter-style), this option looks rather cozy. HEMNES desk.

7. In Front of a Credenza
Set a temporary desk in front of a shelving or credenza (works for us). IVAR cabinets with MELLTORP table.

8. The Corner Office
Cozy up to a corner in a bedroom or a closet This space does double-duty as a vanity. HILVER table.

9. Set Up Shop in a Hallway
This galley idea is rather easy to make happen. I think a simple black and white theme is a way of keeping things nice and minimal too.

10. Flex Space
I know someone who’s using part of our living room right now for a home office. This option of two tables together could be helpful when it’s time for dinner so we’re not having to clear it off each night to eat.

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18 Liberating Decorating Tricks from Real Life Surfers

Jan Halvarson — Sat, 15 Jun 2019 03:59:00 +0000

This past weekend we stopped by our local public library and on one of the floors in the staff picks section, I happened upon a book, Surf Shacks; An eclectic compilation of creative surfer’s homes from coast to coast and overseas by Indoek, a surf-centric blog run through ITAL/C and published by the folks at Gestalten. Published back in 2017, the book covers apartments to bungalows from New York to Bondi Beach, visiting homes of some of Indoek’s favorite people in the creative surf community. Browsing through, I felt a pull, back to a simpler time in our life, and in this day and age of such pre-meditated and staged images, I sensed a spark of realness and freshness that I’ve so missed, and think perhaps some of you might too? In many of the homes, the idea of living smaller and simpler was not only refreshing, like one of the surfers featured, Nick LaVecchia said, “it is the most liberating thing you can do”.

With that in mind, one activity that I’ve always loved doing when browsing through books and interior magazines is looking for decorating tricks that I could adopt and in sharing a bit of a comradery with these surfers, it beckoned me back to what’s important, just being happy wherever you hang your hat. A novel idea? In fact, since we already live in quite a small space, this book has inspired me to accept all the little flaws our 70s townhome has, and maybe make the best of what we already have, rather than waiting to tile with that perfect tile, or cover the flooring with that perfect wood. I long for this realness again. How about you? Let’s take a look!

(Above: Home of Mathew Olerio and Joanna Zamora \ Photo @readmckendree)

1. Custom Concrete Countertops
Designed and built by San Francisco artist, Jay Nelson for owners Jess Bianchi and Milia Grace Mau (some of you may know Milia’s beautiful jewelry), we love how they created a custom concrete countertop in this artful crafted remote Hawaiian home. Home of Jess and Malia Bianchi | Photo Matt Titone @mtitone

2. Pinned Canvas Curtains
From the above-mentioned home of Jess Bianchi and Milia Grace Mau, love the canvas tent feel that the pinned fabric gives to the space. Both up in the loft and down below in the living area. Home of Jess and Malia Bianchi | Photo Matt Titone @mtitone

3. Matchy Matchy
That photo and those lamps go together like peanut butter and jam. Sometimes matchy matchy doesn’t work, but in this corner it’s a yes from me. Home of Mark Wiesmayr and Eileen Peters | Photo Matt Titone – @mtitone

4. Surf Table
Also, if you surf, this is authentic. If not, but want it? Then display it like you mean it. Home of Brian Bent | Photo @paulnemirahcollins

5. Hang Art Like an Artist
Think gallery but not perfect. Home of Colin Tunstall | Photo Drew Innis @drewinnis.

6. No Rug, No Problem!
Use a cool blanket. Home of Hiromi Matsubara | Photo Matt Titone @mtitone.

7. Mix Old and New
Eclectic things can totally go together. Home of Jake Burghart and Meredith Danluck | Photo @readmckendree.

8. Create a Photo Series
A collection of photos that you’ve personally taken, or love is a great way to make a space one’s own. Home of Jake Burghart and Meredith Danluck | Photo @readmckendree.

9. Jars of Collected Sea Glass and Shells
A stand out way to display collected sea glass and shells. Home of Jeff Yokoyama | Photo @readmckendree.

10. Polaroid Wall
An old idea, but still a good idea. Home of Jeff Yokoyama | Photo @readmckendree.

11. Cubbies
The perfect way to display or not display. I kind of like them minimalist empty. Home of Mason St Peter | Photo Matt Titone @mtitone

12. At the Right Level
Take note of the ceiling height and where to hang art, pulling the eye in, creates the illusion that everything is on the regular. Home of Matt LeBlan | Photo Mark Wiesmayr @marksurfsbig.

13. Outside the End Table Box
Love this cause we used to do this. Grab an outdoor folding stool to hold books and all of a sudden it becomes a makeshift end table with an edge. Home of Matthew Olerio and Joanna Zamora | Photo @readmckendree.

14. Kitchen Shelf Love
Lots of different types of shelves here, but somehow it magically works thanks to the white and wood. home of Mikey DeTemple | Photo Drew Innes @drewinnis.

15. Wicker Mix
Mix it up with different colours of wickers; from dining room, to living room, to lights, and then even the rug. Home of Raimana Van Bastolaer | Photo Ron Thomson @stopbreathing.

16. Plants and Weaves
All you need is love with some plants and some weaves. Home of Ryan Lovelace | Photo @willadlerphotographs.

17. Hang On
Hammocks don’t have to always be outdoors, and neither to skateboards. Home of Ty Williams | Photo Nick Lavecchia @nick_lavecchia .

18. Trim It
Not sure what I like better; that green trim or the surfboard. Whichever, they both really go together. Home of Ty Williams | Photo Nick Lavecchia @nick_lavecchia

Surf Shacks; An eclectic compilation of creative surfer’s homes from coast to coast and overseas by Indoek, published through Gestalten.

“Living smaller and simpler is no doubt the most liberating thing you can do. Free up more time to live.”
—Nick LaVecchia

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3 Murals, 3 Spaces, 3 Parts

Jan Halvarson — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 23:50:00 +0000

This post is in partnership with Society6. Society6 recently added wallpapers and murals to their product family which are printed on self-adhesive woven polyester fabric panels that are easy to stick on and off without messing up your walls.

In our final installment of our series, “3 Murals, 3 Spaces, 3 Parts”, we chose a mural which makes us feel like we’re right in the middle of a spaghetti western. Joshua Tree / California Desert by Adventure Awaits was an obvious choice for us, since Joshua Tree is on our must-see list of places to go. And, pssst! I think this one just might be my favourite.

And like we mentioned in our previous post, we’ve styled this latest mural three different ways. An entryway, a workspace and a living space. With these murals it’s easy to cover an entire wall, just line the panels up and stick them on. If you’re wishing to know how we installed them, please visit our first post from this series where we explain the process by clicking here. And if you wish to remove them, they’re easy to peel off too, leaving no sticky residue behind. The other thing that’s good to know is that their murals and wallpaper are all washable, just use mild soap and water.
So let’s take a look at our three spaces, shall we?

The Entryway
I love this mural for an entryway. It makes you feel like you’re on some sort of movie set or something. It think it would also make a fun photobooth backdrop. Can’t wait to dig up some western gear and maybe host a party soon!

The Workspace
This paper could be fun to style into a workspace also. I totally would love this in my work area. It feels like you’re working outdoors (and in a warm spot)!

So what do you think? Which space did you prefer the mural in? Which was your favourite mural in the series?

To be honest, there are so many beautiful wallpapers and murals at Society6 it was hard to even just pick these three. As I was installing and hanging them, I thought what fun they would be in a dorm setting too. And no problem to remove once you finish the year (just remember to save the backing papers to store again)!

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3 Murals, 3 Spaces, 3 Parts

Jan Halvarson — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 23:33:00 +0000

This post is in partnership with Society6. Society6 recently added wallpapers and murals to their product family which are printed on self-adhesive woven polyester fabric panels that are easy to stick on and off without messing up your walls.

Continuing with our series, “3 Murals, 3 Spaces, 3 Parts”, today we’re sharing the next mural we picked, OK by Anna Dorfman. Anna (whom many of you may remember), is from the much-loved blog, Door Sixteen. She’s also a book designer based in New Mexico via New York, and we’ve always been a fan of her style. Her OK Mural, I thought, would be the perfect pick-me-up in our home studio, especially with our grey winters here in the Pacific Northwest.

Like our previous post, we’ve styled this mural three different ways. An entryway, a workspace and a living space. And I can’t tell you how much we are loving these self-adhesive wallpapers and murals. Like we mentioned before, permanent wallpaper can be a huge commitment, and because these ones from are removable, I wasn’t afraid to take the plunge. Applying them was super-easy, and even if I messed up, it was easy to remove what I had applied, re-adjust, and start again. The process was really, pretty simple and I was able to install on my own (although it’s always nice to have a helper), it really was no problem at all for one person.

If you’re wishing to know how we installed them, please visit our first post from this series where we explain the process by clicking here. It only took about one hour to install this 8’x8′ four panel mural. One thing I didn’t mention however in the previous post is that you really don’t have to worry about the bubbling up much at all. Because the paper is printed on self-adhesive woven polyester fabric panels (which is really quite thick and durable), the paper applies to the wall quite smoothly, making for a rather bubble-free application. And if it does bubble up, it easily disappears if you rub it with your hand.

So let’s take a look at our three spaces.

The Entryway
We’re feeling the “OK” vibe as soon as we walk in, do you? And pink, you know how we feel about pink. Everything about this space is making us happy.

The Workspace

Ok then! I think that tangerine/pink combo can invigorate our work week pretty easily! Love the way it contrasts so well with our furniture too.

The Living Space
This mural proves to work in any space. I think it could be a lot of fun to accessorize a room using the mural as a starting point. Imagine a rust coloured sofa, with more hues of pinks and tangerine. Yes!

So what do you think? Which space did you prefer the mural in? Stay tuned for Part 3 of our series of mural posts, which takes us in a whole other direction!

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3 Murals, 3 Spaces, 3 Parts

Jan Halvarson — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 19:56:00 +0000

This post is in partnership with Society6. Society6 recently added wallpapers and murals to their product family which are printed on self-adhesive woven polyester fabric panels that are easy to stick on and off without messing up your walls.

Murals have been around for centuries, with examples dating back to even Paleolithic times, and although the figurative paintings have been around for all of these years, it’s only in recent times have we seen them appearing in domestic interiors. Usually commissioning an artist to paint a mural was an activity exclusively for interiors of public buildings or the likes of castles or mansions, but with the introduction of wallpaper, murals have been appearing more and more in today’s homes.

What’s even more exciting is the newest technology, removable papers, making the approach to having an actual mural (or wallpaper design), available in any space, including rentals, more of a reality. So when Society6 asked us to create a few vignettes in our home studio using one of their latest products, self-adhesive wallpapers and murals, we were super excited to try them out and bring some real art into our space on a giant scale!

Permanent wallpaper can be a huge commitment, so we were keen to try out something that was easy to remove, making the task a little less daunting, and what we found out, super easy to do also! In fact, so easy, I was able to actually install the murals all by myself!

For this project we thought we’d break things down into something we’re calling “3 Murals, 3 Spaces, 3 Parts”. There will be three posts, each one featuring one specific mural in three different space ideas in a mini-series of sorts. An entryway, a workspace atmosphere, and a living or dining room scene. We’re also going to show you how easy it is to make it all happen, from measuring to installing. So without further ado, let’s begin with Part 1!

3 Murals, 3 Spaces, 3 Parts

For our first mural we have chosen the Abstract Indigo Mountains by Jen Merli. For anyone who knows me personally I love the mountains, and I love indigo, so this combination in a watercolour abstract was really pulling me in.

Before we show you the other vignettes, first the installation.

Installation

You Will Need
– a ladder or chair
– a scissors and/or xacto knife for finishing
– a spatula for flattening out bubbles

Step 1 – Measure
Before we ordered, we measured out the spaces we wanted to cover. Although not always the case, many of the murals on Society6 are four panels in width (each measuring 2 feet wide x 8 feet high) or 8’x8′. Luckily we had a wall that is almost exactly that, so this measurement worked out perfectly. If your wall is not perfectly that specific size, measure any angles or areas out, and cut the mural to fit accordingly. Measure twice!

Step 2 – Prepare the Walls
Before applying, make sure your walls and floors are clean of any dust, debris or grease. Remove any light or power switch covers.

Step 3 – Lay Out the Panels
To begin we rolled out each of the panels to ensure the order to which they would be applied. This can be a little tricky if there is a lot of repetition, so again, measure twice. Let the panels lay out for about an hour or so to straighten out a bit and to keep from rolling up when you do start applying to the wall. Keep them flat by placing a clean heavy item on each end (I just used a few bowls).

Step 4 – Start to Apply
Begin to peel the top of the self-adhesive backing on the first panel. Carefully begin to apply the panel to the wall, starting from the top, slowly pulling down the backing behind the paper, and then using a spatula to push away any bubbles that might appear. Don’t panic if it doesn’t go on straight, the paper is strong enough and sticky enough to be pulled away from the wall and re-applied if needed.

Pro-tip: When matching the design from one panel to another, you might want to snip a little of the backing off the matching panel on the left hand side, making it easier to match up the corresponding design, from one panel to another. (See diagram below).

Step 5 – Finishing
To finish the installation, use the xacto knife to trim around any barriers such as plug-ins, light switches, etc. Then finish off with their applicable covers.

Like I said before, I found the installation to be rather easy, it just takes a bit of getting used to at first, but installing shouldn’t take more than an hour to install a four panel mural. See below for how we styled three different spaces using the Abstract Indigo Mountains Mural.

The Entryway
I love how this mural looks in an entryway. It really sets the stage for welcoming guests, with it’s gorgeous inky tones.

The Workspace
I think this mural really helps to get the creative juices flowing in a workspace. Blue is a colour that suggests peace and is apparently linked to calm, clarity and inner serenity, a perfect place to be to get down to work.

The Dining Room

Talk about adding ambience! Incorporate some drama into the dining experience with some colour and larger than life oomph! I love how this mural works in a dining space also. Add some beautiful lighting, and you’re set!

Which space did you prefer the mural in? Stay tuned for Part 2 of our series of mural posts, which takes us in a whole other direction!

In the meantime, visit Society6 and their wallpapers and murals collection for more styles and ideas!

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5 Cool New Decorating Tricks from IKEA

Jan Halvarson — Sat, 16 Jul 2016 05:11:00 +0000

The stylists at IKEA always have a few cool decorating tricks up their sleeves when they are creating scenes for their catalogues and this week’s finds are some of my favourite. From slipping a bed into a closet a la Harry Potter to creating a fresh new look using plywood or curtains for headboards. Here’s 5 cool new decorating tricks we spotted from our favourite Swedish retailer.

1. In the Closet
(Above) Move over Harry Potter, sleeping in the closet is getting an upgrade Love this cozy bed in the closet idea we spotted on Livet Hemma from the home of Emmie Bjernvinge. A great idea if you have a small bedroom or maybe a bachelor apartment and need to create more space. Love using the upper shelf for clip-on lighting too. All looks chic in black and white. Makes one want to do this just for fun, yes?

2. Small Space Tall Storage
(Below) In Ikea’s book FIND IT PART 2 they’ve portrayed a range of kitchens and their owners around Sweden. One of the kitchen’s featured is the home of artist Gunnel who decorated an old school where she made smart solutions to fit in a small space. At the same time she respected the house’s history using a classic color scheme. We love the long upper storage along with GRUNDTAL rail for easy access to utensils.

3. A Summer Bath
A fun idea if you have a private spot in the backyard. Utilize a corner of the garden for a soothing bath under the canopy.

4. Make a Faux Headboard
Give your bedroom a fresh look by threading a duvet cover directly over an existing headboard or a large frame created with three pieces of wood. See the how-to here.

5. Fresh Walls
Tired of drywall and want a new look? Create a fresh new look using plywood. See more here.

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Cool Antlers

Jan Halvarson — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 00:24:00 +0000

Well it’s another short week here – things should be back on track and in full swing starting next week but I thought I’d drop in with a little post since I’m loving this space so much from the latest issue of Covet Garden. OCAD grad and photographer, Greg White has a rather eclectic space filled with fun art galore and I couldn’t help but fall in love for that bicycle handle bar and seat(?) above his mantle that is fashioned into a antler type thing by Alex Jowett. Yeah. Love. Also that pinball machine piece in the fireplace. This space makes me want to be this guys friend and hang out and make crafts all day. It also reminds me of my days in Montreal hanging out with my cousin and his friends creating stuff (mostly music and super8’s) and painting murals on the doors of my rented McGill ghetto apartment. Check out a few more choice images below and the rest at covetgarden.com. Photography by Valerie Wilcox.

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Ikea Hack Sconce

Jan Halvarson — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 08:42:00 +0000

Jenny of Jenny’s Hus mentioned on her blog this week that she finds it difficult to find nice wall lighting and I tend to agree. Having looked for a while myself, there’s not much out there. But she solved the problem by making her own variation which now hangs in her hall. The wall shelf bracket is from Ikea EKBY(although we don’t get black versions here in N. America – easily solved with a slap of paint). And the cord lighting is from a store called coop in Sweden. One could always use the HEMMA cord set from Ikea I guess but not quite the same, or these from west elm. I found something similar at Zangra (out of the Netherlands) but showed up to this post empty handed for a similar source here in N. America (anyone)? The edison-style round bulbs can be found at west elm; however thought the Plumen lightbulb might work too. Cool trick Jenny!

1. STRALA cord set, IKEA, 2. SANDSHULT shelf bracket, IKEA, 3. Globe incandescent light bulb, Home Depot

Update: Desiree of Vosges Paris sent me a link to another shop in the Netherlands that carries this sort of thing: http://www.snoerboer.nl/ – Thank you

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Cool Decorating – Shelf Bracket Window

Jan Halvarson — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 07:40:00 +0000

I saw this great decorating trick in the Summer/08 issue of Wish Magazine and had to show you guys! I remember we always had wooden blocks holding up our windows like this as a kid to keep the house cool in the summer or those screens that you can get that keep out the bugs. But since we’re pretty bug free here on the west coast (except for the odd evening moth), this is such a brilliant idea. I’m imagining a stawberry & rhubarb pie now cooling there on that window sill. Image from Wish Magazine(bracket in image from Rizo Home, Toronto).

1. Reata Cast Iron Shelf Bracket, Signature Hardware, 2.Richelieu Decorative Shelf Support, Lowes, 3. Classico Shelf Brackets, Lee Valley.

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