Spring & Summer Throw Blankets

One of the quickest way to lighten up and get room ready for the warmer weather is to change your textile accessories. Enter: The Summer Throw.  Some favorites:

Serena & Lily

Pine Cone Hill

Garnet Hill

World Market

Serena & Lily

Brahmsmount.com

Pretty File Folders

I hate filing. I also get frustrated with those random but necessary papers that pile up on my desk.  One solution: pretty file folders. The papers don't go away...but at least they'll look good!

Paper Source

Live-Inspired.com

Container Store

Sorting With Style

Charming Cards

Choose your own colors at Smead

Welcome Spring With Great Flowers & Vase Ideas

Spring is officially here! And even though we're still braving the cold in some parts, the tulips, daffodils and hyacinth's are everywhere. It's hard to find these lovely blooms throughout the year so treat yourself to a bouquet of your favorite flowers. They brighten up any room, add such a beautiful scent and to save money on vases you can get creative with items around the house.  Get inspired!

Eatdrinkchic

Design Sponge

Magnet Street

Magnet Street

Accent On Design

Todays Mama

Real Simple

Martha Stewart

79 Ideas

5 Reasons to Love Wallpaper

Wallpaper has definitely made a comeback in the last few years, but many times when I suggest it to a client or even a friend (as I did this past week), their innermost commitment-phobe takes over. Why so fearful? It's really not a lifetime commitment! ;) So here are my top five reasons why you should embrace a little paper and paste in your decorating dreams:

1. A little goes a long way.

Try just papering an accent wall. It will still make a huge statement to any room or space.

Devine Decorating

2. Easy to Remove Options.

There are so many wallpapers that are "temporary" or easy to remove. Try: Sherwin Williams, Tempaper, or Design Your Wall.

Wall Candy Arts

3. Cost Effective Makeover

If you're looking for a complete design overhaul but you don't have the money to buy new everything, just adding the wallpaper will transform that space. Maybe throw in a new pillow or two and I guarantee you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Pop Sugar

4. Themed Options are Endless

You can find exactly what works for you. Whether you love mediterranean patterns or stripes or birds and landscapes, there's a wallpaper for you. Particularly for kids rooms, there are a ton of fun themes to choose from.

Color Me There

5. It's Just Beautiful!

Lets face it, it really does make a gorgeous statement and makes a huge unique impact that speaks to your own personal style.

Fabulous On A Budget

10 Best Bookshelf Ideas

Books and more books. I haven't touched most of them in years, but my home office desperately needs a makeover and what to do with the books that I love and won't let go of? A common consideration no doubt judging from the wealth of ideas around the web. So here are my 10 favorite inspirations.

1.  FANCY A FIREPLACE
Ok so I don't have a fireplace in my small NYC home office, but one can dream! And this gorrrgeous photo from one of my favorite UK photographers Ben Anders is the perfect intro to inspire bookshelf creativity.

Image: Ben Anders

2.  WALLPAPER IT
Re-painting an accent wall and adding shelves was definitely on my radar, but installing wallpaper takes the look to a whole other level!

Poppies and Lillies Lifestyle

3.  POCKET+BOOK
This brilliant DIY idea doesn't just have to be for a kids room or just for books. Imagine it in monochrome stripes or a Mediterranean pattern with photographs and accent pieces on shelves above. It would definitely add functionality and personality to a workspace where you can store books, notepads or items you use everyday.

MelanieMakes

4.  CREATIVE CUBE
Muuto's stacked shelving system from Design Within Reach gives you the flexibility to create bookshelves to fit your specific space. Perfect for small spaces that need customized solutions!

Design Within Reach

5.  GO ON DISPLAY
Just like you might see in a store display, I thought this showcase approach to organizing books was not just visually appealing, but pretty useful too.  Strategically place books that you haven't read or that are your favorites on several different type of shelves and show off your personal library.

From London Style Guide on EasyLiving

6.  INDUSTRIAL CHIC
This use of pipes to create a bookshelf is genius.  In a modern room, it would seem "industrial chic", in a more traditional room it would add to the rustic scheme. Regardless of your design scheme, it would definitely make a statement.

Bookshelves by Stella Blue Designs

 6.   ACCESSORIZE IT!
I love the idea of adding complementary accessories and your favorite framed artwork to a book shelf. This styled and curated look also helps you organize other knick knacks that sometimes don't have a proper home.

Amber Interiors

7.  COLOR CODED
Ok so organizing your books according to the color of it's spine has definitely been criticized as the least functional approach.  But, but it sure looks good...and if you haven't touched most of those books in ages, does it really matter? I think it adds such a creative element to the room below.

Web Urbanist

8.  SLANTED VIEW
I LOVE this! Diagonal bookshelves on an entire wall. This pic speaks for itself...

Shelterness

9.  KIDS STUFF
Why not use functional items you already have in the house? Especially for kids' rooms, this wagon idea is easy, super accessible to your little one and helps clear up the clutter.

Cory Conner Designs

 10.  TABLED
This DIY table brilliantly holds your books and serves as a little coffee table. Great for a study or kids room. You can paint the wood a bright hue for a pop of color and make a statement in any room.

Small Town Craft Fair

MOMA's Cool Desk Organizing Tools Under $20

After I tidy my desk, I find that the little tid bits I might need in the immediate future never have a proper home. Business cards, post-its, random magazine clippings all seem to creep back in and invade my space. It drives me crazy. My recent trip to the MOMA Store managed to solve all of my desk  frustrations...in the most stylish way, of course. A few of my favorites, all under $20!

Snap it up Organizer $18 - I'm a huge and happy fan  of this one!

Moma's Desk Egg $16 - Add a little organic glam to your desk

Cordies Cable Organizer  $12 - Simple but genius!

Numberclips 0-9 $5 - I've prioritized docs, printed projects...brilliant!

MUJI Handheld Mechanical Shredder $10 - Great price and compact shape. Perfect for the odd receipt

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All items can be found in Moma Stores now or online at www.momastore.org.com
Images: MOMA Store