Idea to Steal {22}: Put a Clamp On It

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In cities like San Francisco where you’re rather short on space {or worse, New York where you live in a closet for an apartment!}, you’re forced to creatively redefine furniture and household objects into space saving, multi-functional machines. As San Franciscans, we’re constantly looking for ways to make our homes feel more spacious which is why we can’t get enough of this Idea to Steal!

The rung ladder has become a universally loved and creative storage solution that continues to get major reincarnation upgrades as people’s spaces, apparently, get smaller and smaller. Bringing things from the ground up, it’s been known to act as an alternative towel bar in the bathroom, clothing rack to hang shirts from, a space to store linens or drape blankets. We’ve even seen it in the kitchen, hung from the ceiling as a pot rack!

But our absolute favorite use of a ladder showcases a fully multi-functioning magazine rack. In this case, put a clamp lamp on it and this modern magazine rack turns into an equally amazing floor lamp! Two space saving solutions in one? Now there’s an idea to steal!

Head right here if you’re hunting for even more steal-worthy inspiration {I smell a weekend project comin’ on!}

image via Stil Inspiration

Idea to Steal {18}: Copper Tape Makeover

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We are obsessed with today’s Idea to Steal. You may remember our growing love for copper and this DIY just solidified it. Copper is the metal of the moment to work with and I love the almost rose gold tone it has. It’s a little bit flirty and looks gorgeous in this fabulously styled room!

Jeanette from BY FRYD has come up with a simple DIY to cover an ugly mirror frame with copper tape. I’ve never used copper tape myself, but from the image it looks like it has a lovely gold leaf quality and texture. It’s apparent we’ve been bit by the DIY bug and might have to just try this idea in the office! What about you?! Have a mirror or something that could use a beautiful copper tape transformation?

image via BY FRYD

Idea To Steal {14}: Bag It Up

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By now, we have all seen our beloved Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree stand tall in all of its beauty. It’s commonly housed in a chunky, woven seagrass basket {at least according to Pinterest}.

But why not switch up things a bit and instead of baskets as pots, try using a bag – it’s this week’s Idea to Steal!

All you need is a tall raw canvas tote. You’ll certainly need a sturdy insert in order order for the fig leaf to hold its shape {I’d likely cheat with a smaller planter inside}.

Depending on the size of your plant or tree, I’m thinking that there are some great laundry bags that’ll do this trick quite nicely. I’m considering giving this one or these a try!

Find all of our favorite ideas to steal right here.

image via

Idea to Steal {12}: Tie One On

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There’s something fabulous about the casual ease of a disheveled light fixture. It gives a stylish yet unpretentious twist to a space. That’s why this DIY light is this week’s Idea to Steal.

I’d love to drop something like this from a high height over an end table as an alternative to a lamp or make one a focal point over my dining table. Sure, there’s some debate among electricians as to their safety, but no one can argue with their seriously cool style!

image for lamų slėnis via koolandkreativ

Idea to Steal {9}: Wonderful Washi Tape

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We all know about the marvels of Washi Tape. The once cult-followed and nearly impossible to find Japanese tape is now ubiquitous in the blogging world. It is the DIYer’s dream.

And while it’s been well-documented that I am not DIY friendly, this is an idea that I might actually steal: Washi Tape frames! We’ve all probably seen a version of washi tape frames floating around the blogosphere. But there are three specific things I love about this one.

First – the mix of colors. The peach is the perfect pop against the black & white photos. The second is the various sizes of the prints. It creates a perfectly balanced vignette.

That balance is further enhanced by the use of the washi tape to create geometric patterns. That’s way more interesting and fun than a regular old square! I’ve got those unframed pieces hanging in the Apartment 34 office.

Maybe I need to try to flex my mini-DIY muscle!

For our entire DIY archives click here.

Idea to Steal {7}

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This week’s Idea to Steal relates to a bit of a hot button issue, but it’s not my intention to stir up controversy. See, we have differing opinions in our household, as any healthy marriage between two passionate people should, but this is particularly stark when it pertains to the hottest topic of the day….guns.

Now, I don’t want to incite a debate about the merits of one position or another. I can only say, as someone less comfortable with the idea of guns in my home, that I just really love this:

A shotgun as dramatic coffee table art! Sadly, I have no idea where this is from, but I’m going to keep my eye out at every vintage shop and flea market I visit!

It seems like the perfect compromise, don’t you think??

image via here

Idea to Steal {6}

Decor

Committing to a paint color can be a huge challenge. You don’t want the hue you choose to overwhelm your room, but that doesn’t mean you have to steer clear of color all together. Give your favorite paint color a try with half-painted walls; our latest edition of Ideas to Steal.

However, we must make clear that this idea is much more than a color-testing system. A half-painted wall is a fabulous design trick in and of itself. Let’s have a look!

Using this painting scheme is a great way to add the appearance of architectural detail to your space, even when there really aren’t any. Consider it a modern approach to wainscoting.A half-painted wall usually follows the perimeter of a room, creating a nice flow. Layering a dark color below white {or at least a much lighter tone} also helps you create a feeling of height.

I love that the technique lets you make a bold statement without overwhelming a room. It will create a dynamic feel to your space. As a lover of white walls, I think this option would be the perfect happy medium for a slight color-phobe such a myself. I could introduce drama and wonderful design detail while maintaining my beloved modern, clean aesthetic. I’m already considering repainting our bedroom!

What do you think? Would you be willing to give the half-painted wall idea a try?

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