Super cute idea for customizing your furniture with your favorite pattern

Posted by Mr Wong at 10:22 AM 0

I found this in the April 2009 issue of Martha Stewart Living, and I just love it.



marthastewart.com says:
Bring sprightly designs to inexpensive chairs by covering the backs with paper, in either a single bold pattern or several coordinating ones. Ready-to-assemble (and easy-to-disassemble) chairs work best.

Tools and Materials
* Chairs (this style available at Ikea)
* Kraft paper
* Pencil
* Craft knife (or scissors)
* Cutting mat
* Sturdy patterned paper
* Decoupage glue
* Foam brush
* Bone folder

Decorative Chair Backs How-To
1. Unscrew chair back. Lay it on kraft paper. Trace outline with pencil (press chair back against paper as you trace to account for curve).

2. Cut out template with craft knife, using a cutting mat.

3. Place patterned paper facedown on cutting mat. Place kraft-paper template on top, and trace. Cut out.

22"-by-30" handmade paper: (#7385), $6 per sheet, and (#8125), $6.25 per sheet, from Print Icon, 212-255-4489. Decoupage glue and sealer, by Martha Stewart Crafts, $3.99, from Michaels, 800-642-4235.

Another cool option - instructions here

Cool and easy things to do with wallpaper other than covering the walls

Posted by Mr Wong at 11:19 AM 0

For better or worse, it seems like the wallpaper trend is going to be sticking around for awhile. Luckily, there are some VERY stunning wallpapers out there. Unfortunately, the thought of hanging wallpaper in an entire room and paying for multiple rolls doesn't exactly thrill me. But these projects from Do It Yourself Magazine won't take too long to accomplish, and you can choose the prettiest wallpaper you can find because the small amounts you'll use won't break the bank!

This is probably my favorite - so pretty!




Great way to decorate if you don't have the money for art


Do any of these catch your fancy?

Go to Do It Yourself Magazine for how-to's.

Modern city Homes - More variety than you think

Posted by Mr Wong at 7:22 AM 0

Every morning I read a little bit of the New York Times. While looking through the home and garden section, I was surprised by the homes they featured - mostly because I liked them, and also by the variety...

This home was once a synagogue

The rooftop deck is separated from the bedroom by only a glass wall

Not cozy enough for me, but pretty

I adore the tree photograph!!!

An industrial style SOHO apartment...

Look closely - the table is a vintage suitcase

A true New Yorker - making the most of space, and building vertically

I like the warmth of exposed brick, which we have in our kitchen


An eco-brazilian home...
Found dresser drawers fitted with casters now serve as rolling magazine storage!

Newspaper decoupaged chair.

Bright new Manhattan condominium...

I can't imagine a pond in my house and a wall of ivy!




Another SOHO loft. While this space is way too cold for me, I am in awe of the massive amount of empty space, the beautiful floors and ceiling, and the amazing windows...




Do you have a favorite out of these homes?

via New York Times