Hi All! My last 2 posts and comments since last Thursday have been deleted. Long story short: my hosting expired, deleted everything, paid to restore it but could only get up to last Thursday. I’m in the process of fixing a few other things that got messed up and then will repost those posts. Hopefully in the next day or so. Just thought I’d give you an update in case you wondered what happened to the posts and your comments.

We are always watching HGTV, DIY Network and reading all the awesome home renovation blogs, but in reality many things do not apply to us.  We rent our home and size is not on our side.  One day, right?  In the meantime we need to figure something out.

Renting creates some complications.  The place is your home, but it’s not quite your own.  This means taking out walls, adding tile, making large holes, hanging new doors, and anything that is permanent or leaves a permanent “stamp” is off limits.  Even painting is conditional if allowed at all.

Our old place allowed paint, but the standards for the wall once the lease was up, left us being hesitant to bring out the paint brushes.  In our new SF condo we rent from a private owner and painting is off limits, in fact we got a better deal on the place because she didn’t repaint.  This left us with a black accent wall in the bedroom, but that’s another story.

How do you add style, personality and design to a rented home?  It’s a little bit more of a challenge.  Lately I’ve been keeping my eyes open for fun, home DIY projects that we can use in our rented condo.  (Really, they are awesome for home owners too though).

Wallpapered Bookcase by Pepper Design Blog

A wallpapered bookcase will add color and pop and is a great alternative to actually hanging wallpaper.  Also, it gives you an excuse to buy some fabulous wallpaper.  (Have you seen Oh Joy! is coming out with a design?)  Some paint can also achieve a similar effect.

Collapsible Storage Bakets by Sew 4 Home

Who can’t use some extra storage?  Plus if the storage coordinate with the room, you are adding style not an eye sore.

Coffee Table to Ottoman by Pepper Design Blog

A little more of a complicated DIY project.  However, I think it challenges you to look at pieces you may already have and how you can recreate them to compliment your home.

Fabric Drawer Liners by Mod Podge Rocks (and a fun new knob)

Another reason why Mod Podge is awesome.  Also, finding a cool knob can completely change the look of a piece of furniture.  My favorite knobs are at Anthropologie.

Summertime Wreath by Cartwheels in My Mind

This project is so adorable and full of fun personality.  I LOVE the flowers especially.

Paper Capiz Shell Chandelier by Design Sponge

The chandelier is just ridiculously creative.  It’s worth looking at the tutorial just to see how it all comes together.

Recovered Lampshade by Olive and Joy (via ish and chi)

I really want to try this project.  I love patterned lampshades and they always seem to be so expensive.  This seems like an easy alternative to get the same style.

Fisherman’s Orb and Vignette by Love & Lace

Stephanie and Love & Lace has seriously some of the BEST DIY projects.  Her home is amazing and I’m constantly in awe of her awesome ideas and style.  Plus, she is super sweet too.  I love the idea of creating a vignette on the wall with some DIY pieces and simple shelving.

The best thing about most of these projects is that you are creating pieces that have flexibility whether you are just rearranging a room or actually moving.  If you own a place and aren’t up for major renovations or projects these ideas will work just as well to update or refresh a space.  It’s investing in “mobile decor” that will travel when you move to the next place, move it to a new room or are setting up your first permanent residence.

Any simple decorating tips that are rental friendly?  What’s a favorite DIY “mobile decor” project you’ve done?

Also, check out this post from Ish and Chi for some more rental decorating ideas.

Remember my post about bedding?  It’s still on my mind.  Especially after I came across some lovely duvets at West Elm that wouldn’t break the bank.

Don’t you think these would just invite you to crawl into bed after a long day?

I just want to sink into this bedding at the end of the day.  The texture just looks luxurious.

The simple pattern doesn’t overwhelm, but still draws attention.  I’d maybe go for some more simple throw and pillow covers to balance the actual duvet.

Can’t you just imagine this with some cute yellow throw pillows?  I’ve been into pops of yellow.  I like that this bedding has a pattern, but at the same time potential for a different look and feel depending on what else you match.

{all photos from West Elm}

I just want this room in general.  It feels welcoming and comforting and exactly where I want to land at the end of a long day.  The wall vignette is actually what I’ve been wanting to do in our own room.

Just wanted to let you know I am still here just dealing with a massive s.p.a.m. issue on the blog and trying to fix it.  It’s been taking up my normal blog time, as I sit and delete hundreds of spam messages.  I’ll try to post tonight.

Hope you all are having a good week!!

{via Keep Calm Etsy Shop}

Remember when I told you that I bought a sewing machine?  Well, I’m sad to report it’s been collecting dust since we moved and I haven’t completed any new projects.  Life has just gotten in the way and then the overwhelmed feeling of where do I start?  I’m going to tell you where I’m going to start…

As I was doing my nightly blog read the other day I came across a Home Ec class on the Smile and Wave blog.  What, could it be?  An online sewing class?  Where every project is pretty much awesome?  Oh and I learn new techniques along the way?  I’m in.

Yep, I signed up.  For an awesome class taught by the lovely ladies of Smile and Wave, Freckled Nest and Courtney Janelle Sews.

Do you want to sign up too?  We can support each other along the way.  I’m looking for others to turn to when I inevitability get confused and start to create havoc on my sewing project.

Here are the details and part 1 of the 26 projects.  Here is part 2.  Looks awesome right?

Who else is in?