The Long Arm of Coincidence

So I was just virulently assuring Sean that wallpaper was not an option for us renters, and then, upon browsing through Lonny, I discovered that I was completely and utterly wrong. *facepalm*

So now, here are the many, many ways you can make wallpaper work as a renter without losing your security deposit.

The first is rather difficult-sounding. Apparently, you're supposed to put down a grid of painter's tape, to protect the wall, and then on top of that, you lay down some double sided tape, and then you can apply traditional wallpaper.

The second is fairly similar to the first, but doesn't work in areas with steam and water (bathrooms and kitchens). You find yourself enough lightweight fabric, spray your walls with starch spray, and then affix. To remove, simply pull the fabric away, and wash your walls.

Third is Sherwin Williams' EasyChange. The patterns are hard to browse, and I haven't found anything I've liked yet, but it might be worth checking out. Their selection is absolutely huge.

Wall Flats from Inhabit (and also from DesignPublic). Wall Flats are sort of like embossed paper tiles that can be painted on, though not reused. I love that the Wall Flats are all white, but also add texture at the same time. How Bobo.

Chrysalis Wall Flats

Next up is InteriorInstyle. In addition to the usual decals and whatnot, they've also got a selection of removable wallpaper. Sort of like giant Post-It notes that can be stuck to your walls. Their selection is quite small, but they've got several color choices for each pattern, which is nice. Also, they are Australian.

Vogue Wallpaper

Here is my personal favorite, Tempaper. Again with the giant Post-It product, but I really like their selection. Love the middle print, which is Gio in silver. Though I've had a little trouble browsing their website, which might just be our internet.

Another Post-It note product from Casart. In addition to the faux headboard, they've got a lot of non-intrusive and wood-themed prints.

From the Casart Organics Line.

Finally, I'm not sure if Blik falls under this category, but their decals are removable, so what the heck. Looking through their products, everything seems just a little bit too artsy, like that t-shirt you bought from Threadless that looks really cool, but makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. It's a dead girl! Whose hair is the sky! Blik also has these cute little Mario-themed decals. I would never use them myself, but will urge everyone else I know to decorate like this.

Clouds are sheep! Being chased by a wolf made of rain! And birds!

Workshop Light Decal
I actually think this is really cool.

Procrastination.

It is because I absolutely abhor packing that I am currently awake, looking at pictures of fabrics online. Instead of something useful, like sleeping! Or packing for my flight tomorrow.

I haven't really looked into fabric retailers, so I can't really comment on the prices of Lewis and Sheron, but their selection is huge. A word to the wise - don't click on the "View All" button. It's too intimidating.

Here are some of my picks for this shade/miniblind DIY.

Rumelia, $20/yd

Pearson, $25/yd

Grand Luxe, $14.98/yd

Fioretto, $24/98/yd

Document, $16.98/yd

Ok, this would make a fairly stupid curtain. ...or would it? I can't decide, maybe a lampshade or an ottoman would be pretty awesome.

Cross Section, $10.98/yd

Cat's Cradle, $19.98/yd

I am aware...

That this is a little boy's room. But I do so love the matched airplane prints! I shall be sure to look through old bookstores for old encyclopedias, atlases, and transit books that I can mercilessly loot for matched prints.


Also, check out that bridge set. Little boys always get the best toys.

I'd need to get some sort of saw...

This IKEA hack is almost too simple, but totally doable at the same time. Customize your nightstand or sidetable by putting two Lack sidetables on top of each other, and cutting some height off the legs of the bottom one. I love tables with storage.

Not very handy...

Man, I thought I'd never regret not paying attention whenever my Dad was fixing stuff around the house. If I were the type of person who replaced knobs on dressers and things like that, I would want to use these old-school library catalog pull things.

Card holder drawer pull

This is so cool

A laptop riser constructed out of IKEA furniture! Instructions here.

Wow.

Look at this woman's closet!


Check out The Container Store's elfa. Do not, under any circumstance, purchase one of their stupid closet design packages. Not to knock their experts' field of expertise or their manner of making a living, but can you totally do that too. Or something similar.

Did you know this existed?

I always though chalkboards were actual sheets of ... rock? drywall? But it turns out there's a paint for this. How cool is that? You slap a coat of paint on something, and not only does it have this really great black, matte finish, but you can write on it too!

Available from two brands at least: Rust-Oleum at Home Depot and Benjamin Moore. Probably available your local home improvement store.

How freaking cool is this globe? It's awesomely unexpected, and maybe you could do this with an umbrella stand or a trash can?

For a larger scale sort of thing, could paint a sheet of plywood and lean it against a wall like in Stata.