For my birthday yesterday (that is, Kristine’s birthday) my husband took the day off from work and told me that we could spend the day however I wanted. I quickly found out there are not a lot of interesting things to do in the middle of the day on a Tuesday.
During my Internet search for “things to do in Minneapolis,” I stumbled on Bachman’s annual Spring House Ideas tour. They renovate the Bachman family home each spring – including paint, furnishings and well over 100 creative decor ideas. (Who is the lucky person to get that gig?)
I picked up a few cute ideas for my living room, including wheat-colored linen drapes (lightweight, simple) and a tall, modern floral arrangement – using a rectangle planter, sticks and a few floral details.
Had I known that I was going to be overwhelmed with this many ideas, I would have brought my DSLR – instead, you’re stuck with my blurry iPhone camera. Next year! (And am bringing my mom instead – sorry, honey.)
Quirky + Fun Decor
- Bulletin Board – I’m actually in the process of putting together my own fabric-covered bulletin board for my living room right now. I have it covered with fabric and ribbon trim, but am still looking for the right pins and pin-worthy content. (My own real-life Pinterest board!) Here, this bulletin board is covered with scraps of colored burlap fabric. I love that they have pouches tacked up to hold 3D objects.
- Antique Window Photo Frames – Each section of the window had either fabric pouches, plain glass or chalkboards. It’s easy to update the “frames” – just switch out the photos or fabric behind the glass panes.
- Book Bookshelf - I’ve seen vertical floating bookshelves made of books before, but never a horizontal one. The books were covered with kraft and white paper for a uniform look.
- Bird on a Stick – Just plain cute. The bird is constructed of tin, then attached to a wooden spool.
- Shadow Floral Box – A live plant inside a shadow box. What a simple idea! Though I’m not crazy about the motif on the box, this concept can easily be modernized. White box + succulents, anyone?
- A Chalkboard a Day – I thought this was a fresh take on the family calendar. The mini framed chalkboards are magnetized plus they have hooks. Instead of flowers, I would fill the boxes with recipe cards or odds and ends.
Party Time
- Chair Decor – A pretty cloth napkin wrapped around the chair spindles and held together with a floral metal clip. This can easily reimagined with a decorated clothespin.
- Bowl of Pink – I love this color combo and its simplicity.
- Head over Heels Candle Holder – Give height to your table by flipping over candle holders and placing another item on top.
- Apothecary Jars + Flower Heads – Again, love the simplicity.
In the Bedroom
- Scarf Display – Instead of hiding your scarves in your closet or drawer, put them on display. I’m now on the hunt for a way to recreate this concept for my bedroom.
- Floral Metal Headboard – So sweet for a little girl’s room.
- Up, Up Away Beauty Organization – Clear the clutter from your vanity by putting your make-up containers on the wall. In this example, the wall plaque hung just above the sink.
- Jungle Room – My almost-7YO and I have started discussing how he would like to redecorate his bedroom next year. Seeing this jungle-theme room was perfect timing. The bed is lofted with a desk below. Ferns, monkeys, grass mats and safari decor frames the windows and walls. Outside the bedroom window stood a giant elephant made from twigs. Uh, cool!
Which idea do you like best? If you went to the Bachman’s tour also – what inspired you?
