Rustic Details

So you want to know how to add some rustic elements to you apartment or home? Look no further.

The first rustic idea that pops out to me is adding boards painted with chalk paint behind a flat screen tv for the living room. In fact, I love this idea, and if my tv wasn't currently sitting on a mantle above the fireplace, I would definitely have to reinvent this idea to work for my living room. I am also loving the vintage suitcases stacked according to height are such a nice touch.

See what I mean below: 

Image via Rustic-Crafts

Another rustic chic idea that I want to experiment with for my house is adding a bar cart, or in this case, trunk.

Image via The Thread Affect

I happen to have a vintage trunk passed down from my aunt, who recently passed away, and am super tempted to add legs to it, or turn it into a bar table right by itself. I know you have seen the infamous "bar carts" on pinterest and even in hit interior stores, such as Anthropologie. If not then you will have no idea why the thought of displaying liquor/wine bottles in an aesthetically pleasing way brings joy to my heart, but it does. I really love the mirror, flowers and lamp as well. *Mentally takes notes*

Image via 

The best part about this rustic living room is all the details. Don't close your eyes because you might miss something. The lampshade is one of my favorite pieces in the room but the oversized, round floor pillow comes in as a close second. Burlap pillows also compliment the neutral palette nicely.

 Image via
THE BEST IDEA EVER. Yes, adding old whitewashed shutters as a headboard is actually a thing, and if you think about it, a super easy way to integrate rustic elements in the bedroom.

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Image Via DiyNCrafts

An amazing DIY idea that I just have to mention is this barn wood reclaimed mirror made using a regular mirror, such as a cheap one from Wal-Mart, and surrounding it with wood. I may try to convince my boyfriend to construct one of these for me after writing this post.

Image Via Over The Big MoonCan we talk about how awesome the idea of adding boards to the back of a bookcase? This instantly adds a rustic factor to any room. I absolutely love it.
Full tutorial here



Believe it or not, wooden letters adds a rustic touch to any room. In this case, the room is the kitchen and this craft actually appeals to me. If you have attempted to or have successfully made these, please let me know. To clarify a little, check out the full tutorial here.

Are you intrigued by rustic style for your home but don't have loads of money to spend to upgrade your existing decor? 
40 Rustic Home Decor Ideas you Can Build Yourself is a great reference as you transform your home with rustic inspired details.

Know any good rustic DIY ideas worth mentioning?
 Comment below & I'll add them to the list!

Shorts Hanger DIY

If you browse Pinterest often then this idea is not new to you, but for those of you who haven't seen the infamous "shorts hanger DIY", here ya go. Storing shorts isn't that difficult for most people, but if you live in a small apartment or house like me then it can be quite a difficult feat. Typical storage options include dressers, drawers, clothes hangers etc. What if I told you that the only thing you need to accessibly hang up shorts is an item found in the bathroom section of Wal-Mart? And even better that what you need can be purchased for under one dollar. Yeah, you read that right, less than $1.00.

Well, you know that little bar under the main clothing bar in most closets? I never found a use for it until now. To start with, go to Wal-Mart and purchase a 12 pack of cheap shower curtain rings, like below (only 98 cents). Next, open one up & slide the loops of your shorts around the ring, hang up, AND THAT'S IT.

Simple enough, huh?

Check out my pictures below to get a better idea!

Grab this pack of shower curtain rings for only 98 cents.

Which bar you ask? The smaller one under the main bar.
Tip: Fold the shorts with the zipper in the back, grab the two side loops, and place around the shower curtain ring.

Do you think you might try this idea in your closet? Comment below!

Desk Area Do's

One of my favorite spots in an apartment is the desk area. Whether it is small, spacious, big, wood, black, white, or a pull down from a wall, a desk is an absolute essential when it comes to college students or people who work from home aka Bloggers. The truth is no matter what you do for a living, everyone needs a nice quaint desk space to organize all of their junk or to simply read and pay bills. Some of my favorite desk areas are in apartments.

Every office needs:

1) A functional yet attractive desk to house all of your office supplies and/or hobbies. This desk should include a drawer, or cubes *multiple cubes*.

Suggestions: EXPEDIT Workstation- Ikea and Corner Desk-Target

Further reading about secretary desks from One Kings Lane

2) Desk chair- You do plan on sitting down at your desk, right? Comfort is key, but not so comfy that you fall asleep while working…not so professional. To avoid that, opt for a bright color like the affordable one below. More of a conventional worker, try one of Wal Mart’s Best Selling chairs in the normal black leather.

Suggestions: Lona Mesh Chair- Target and Wal-Mart Best Seller

3) Some kind of pencil cup (mug, cup, pencil organizer)- Try a festive (Valentine’s Day) mug or buy the basic pencil cup, whichever floats your boat. You could even do something crazy like use a mug you already own (haha).

Suggestions: Eat Cake For Breakfast- Kate Spade mug and Nate Berkus pencil cup

Only real nerds lust over designer pencils, aka me; which are also from Kate Spade, surprise right? I thought so too. Or how about some Jonathan Adler pens? Ahh now we’re talking.

4) Bulletin board- For important dates, memories, inspiration. Bulletin boards need push pins to hold items.

How about some Kate Spade bow push pins? Perfect.

Bulletin board suggestions: DIY bulletin board and Nate Berkus cork board

5) Book storage- Every desk needs books and every book needs a place.

Suggestions: Floating bookshelf- Ikea and Billy bookcase- Ikea

Monday’s blog post on Bows and Moccasins features What To Read: fashion/home and inspirational books.

6) Paper Organization: Bills, receipts, recipes, notes from the office, printed out emails…are you exhausted yet? There is nothing worse than an unorganized office with stacks of paper on every corner. It is time to tame the clutter that has been building up and find a place for every loose piece.

Suggestions: Magazine Files- Ikea and Paperboard Magazine File- Office Depot

7) Task light- It is absolutely essential that this piece has a working light bulb then whatever else is up to you.

Suggestions: Royal Velvet- JcPenney and Royal Velvet- JcPenney (I bet you can’t guess I love these?)
 Also check out Lite Source Inc. Euros Desk Lamp- Kohls and Forfar Desk Lamp- One Kings Lane

8) Extra bits and bobs- The details pull everything together and make the office area/study officially yours.

Inspirational Wall Art- One Kings Lane

Kate Spade candle

Ruffle House Desktop Calendar- One Kings Lane

Paper Sugar print

Jonathan Adler 17 month Agenda

Square Scroll Picture Frame- C Wonder

What is your favorite part of a functional office? Tell me in the comments!