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.

Image via

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!

10 Fall Decor Ideas

Scarecrows, sunflowers, pumpkins, hay bales; what do all these items have in common? I need one of each for my porch this fall season. How about you? How do you like to decorate your house and exterior for Fall? Tell me in the comments. 

For now, lets discuss 10 Fall Decor Ideas, shall we?

#1: Whiskey barrel planter: Recently, I fell in love with these planters after visiting my local Home Depot and Lowe's. Want some links where you can purchase a few? No problem:

Home Depot// 26 in. Half Whiskey Barrel Planter...A few things I am going to mention will need to sit inside something (planter) to stand up straight and fit the way you want, so why not place the sunflowers, small pumpkins, some hay, etc. into one of these planters?! I cannot wait to get my hands on one of these and arrange one myself.

Do you see my vision? Comment below.

More options:

Western Red Cedar Large Barrel

Southern Patio 22 1/2 in. Whiskey Barrel Resin Planter

#2: Sunflowers(artificial or not): Is it really Fall without sunflowers? I didn't think so. Hobby Lobby is a great place to purchase artificial sunflowers that require no water or sunlight, and look great on the front porch. HL also has the best sales and sometimes puts florals on so watch out for those!

Hobby Lobby: Giant Yellow Gold Sunflower

#3: Bales of hay: Every porch decorated for fall needs a bale of hay or two. Check out your local A.C. Moore for Flora Craft Bales of Beauty or if you prefer to purchase online, you're in luck. Here's a 16 inch Straw Bale(1 for $7.99 or 3/$21), 13 inch(1 for $4.99 or 6/$24.99), and 5 inch (1 for $2.99 or 20 for $40.99) Bulk prices are awesome for festivities and events. 

#4: Seasonal sign: 

Happy Fall Reclaimed Wood Sign by CraftsNCarpentry

Blessed Fall Sign by TheSouthernWoodShop

Count Your Blessings Wood Block-Hobby Lobby

Rustic Autumn Metal Barn Star

#5: Pumpkins: Most people prefer real pumpkins they pick with their family, but I like the artificial kind for the porch. That way, they can be used over & over again for years to come, and don't stink. Head to your local pumpkin patch or grab an assorted pack here, which contains 12 pieces of artificial pumpkins & gourds.

#6: Scarecrows:

Autumn Greetings Gardener Stuffable Porch Sitter

4 Assorted Smiling Scarecrows

#7: Artificial leaves or garland:

Maple Leaf Bush-$7.99

Pumpkin Pod and Bittersweet Fall Garland-$12.99

Rustic Candy Corn Spray Pick-$1.99/pick

#8: Pinecones and sticks: Let's be real for a minute-go outside & find some, spray paint or clear coat, and viola pinecones suitable for decorating. If you just have to purchase some, you might as well get a variety pack. Check this out> Fall Florals-Amazon

#9: Silver bucket with handles: You know the buckets I am referring too, right? Galvanized buckets...some have rope or wooden handles. Do you need some examples?

I really love this Metal Milk Can 15 in. for artificial flowers, wheat branches, and things with long stems. 

However, short items such as small pumpkins & garland need something shallow like this Galvanized Serving Tray. 

You can sit a serving tray on a hay bale then place a scarecrow next to it for a quick fall decor idea.

#10: Halloween items(ghost, witches, skulls, etc.) 

Did this post inspire you to decorate the exterior of your house for fall and Halloween? Let me know by commenting below.

Oh my Gallery Wall

Apartment life sometimes gets lonely so a nice gallery wall to spice things up is necessary. I love gallery walls as if they are almost statement pieces in an apartment. Actually, in my apartment there is a huge blank wall that has a few holes in it. I am in the process of constructing an eye-catching gallery wall and have been searching for inspiration in a number of places. Of course, Pinterest was my first resource, but then I branched out to magazines and even began watching a little HGTV.

Gallery Walls come in all sorts of themes, sizes, and basically the possibilities are endless.

A few questions come to mind when deciding what to add to a gallery wall:

1. Do I want to use photos, and if so- my photography or printed sources? Do the photos need a matte or border? How many individual units do I want? 
2. Quotes are a nice touch, but what kind of quotes, and what fonts am I going to use? Could I order a print from somewhere, but where? Etsy, Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Hobby Lobby are all good options to start when searching for typography prints or printed words with fancy fonts!
3. Frames, a gallery wall needs frames; which frames and what sizes? 
4. Do I want my gallery wall streamlined and measured, or randomized and unstructured?

Another thing to keep in mind when deciding what to place on the gallery wall is that every person who steps in your apartment will see it, or (in my apartment they will because it's in the living room and right when you walk in the door) so make sure everything on it is appropriate and is cohesive to the theme of your room.

I have seen gallery walls in living rooms the most, some in bedrooms, and only a few in an office setting.

Some of my favorites:

Found from Apartment Living

Found from Pottery Barn

Found from DIY Playbook

Found from Desert Domicile

Are you inspired yet? I know I sure am!