DIY: AFFORDABLE & STYLISH ARTWORK

I like to keep some inexpensive frames around that I can fill with any image to create some easy and affordable artwork. The art on the wall above are pieces I put together, matching frames with images. You can use antique prints, new prints or photography – whatever you have that works. Here is another piece in a white frame:

I've used an Ikea ribba frame and an old, vintage advertisement as the image. The frame comes in several different sizes and colours, so you can pick what works best for you.

Here's how this one looks finished (a bit hard to see the white frame):

This image is an old French, Hermes advertisement, you can sometimes find these on ebay or by hunting around at antique shops. I've found some great old images to put in new frames. I also often have a new matte cut to go around the image to fit perfectly. It gives it a custom framed look.

TOP 3 FAVOURITE STRIPED RUGS

I definitely have a thing for striped rugs. I have a few in my own home, like the Draper Stripe from Dwell studio in the room above. It's 100% wool and in a neutral colour the stripe adds just enough pattern. A striped rug is a classic choice and they look good in bedrooms, hallways, entries – any room, really. I tend to move rugs around to see them in different spaces. It's a timeless pattern that lasts the test of time. There are skinny or wide stripes, and a full array of colours, some run horizontal and others run vertical. Here are my top 3 faves!

1. Draper stripe by Dwell Studio

2. Puhalo stripe by Capel

Here it is again by my back door:

3.  Vintage Indian Dhurrie by Madeline Weinrib

NATURAL ACCESSORIES: SHELLS

I like to use a lot of natural accessories around my house, things like rocks, driftwood and lots of shells. When you live close to the ocean, shells seem like a natural fit to use in decor. I definitely use many types, sizes and displays of shells throughout the house. My favourite is the large shell in the image above, I got it many years ago at an antique shop. It's one of my favourite things. It's heavy and so beautiful, here is a close up of it:

And a few on my mantel too, I have individual shells and smaller shells in glass vessels too. There are so many places you can use shells, and if you live close to the beach it can be fun to add to the collection.