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Selecting Throw Pillows

gathering of lines selecting throw pillows

A great strategy when designing your home is to keep the investment pieces neutral and add color in the less-expensive accent pieces (like curtains, blankets and throw pillows). Throw pillows are an inexpensive way to add color and fun to a room. Bonus- they are easy to change out as your style changes.

*This site contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase items or services through these links, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help reduce the costs of running this site. So Thank You in advance for any clicks through!

Selecting Throw Pillows with Lines

These are fun because they add some pattern without adding chaos to your design.

selecting throw pillows
Copyright © 2019 Little Dean Link to purchase is here.
selecting throw pillows
Copyright © 2019 nileshkikuuchise. Link to purchase is here.
Copyright © 2019 olivia stjames. Link to purchase is here.
selecting throw pillows
Copyright © 2019 olivia stjames. Link to purchase is here.
Copyright © 2019 Babylon Vibes. Link to purchase is here.

Selecting Throw Pillows with Florals

Warning, it’s about to get all feminine up in here. Here are some of my favorite versatile floral prints.

selecting throw pillows
Copyright © 2019 akniramb. Link to purchase is here.
gathering of lines
Copyright © 2019 by Crystal W Design Link to purchase is here.
selecting throw pillows
Copyright © 2019 Anis Illustration Link to purchase is here.
Copyright © 2019 cafelab Link to purchase is here.

Mix your patterns with solid color pillows

The options above are great in small doses. I’d recommend buying two matching pillows from the options above and pairing them with two solid pillows. The solids will help balance the busyness of the prints.

For example, pair two of these leopard pillows with two of the solid dark blue pillow below.

gathering of lines
Copyright © 2019 Megan Galante  Link to purchase is here.
Copyright © 2019 Make it Colorful Link to purchase is here.
Copyright © 2019 Crystal W Design. Link to purchase is here.
Copyright © 2019 Make it Colorful. Link to purchase here.

Thank you for stopping by Gathering of Lines! Want to add some more interest to your room? Check out my article on curtain ideas, link here.

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Creative Curtain Options: Curtain Buying Guide

*This site contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase items or services through these links, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help reduce the costs of running this site. So Thank You in advance for any clicks through!

Curtains are a great way to add personality to any room (bonus- they are easy to update as your style changes over the years). In my post about How to Pick a Paint Color (link here), I wrote about choosing neutrals for the walls and using curtains to add color and pattern to a room. Below you’ll find some creative curtain options for standard-sized curtains.

Creative Curtain Options: Curtain Buying Guide. Gathering of Lines
Copyright © 2019 Anneke Doorenbosch Link to purchase is here.

These curtains are great for bedrooms as they are available in a blackout option. Blackout curtains are the key to a good nights sleep in my opinion!

These green and white curtains feel easy-breezy to me. Something about the colors and patterns gives such a carefree feel.

Creative Curtain Options: Curtain Buying Guide. Gathering of Lines
Copyright © 2019 Caitlin Workman.  Link to purchase is here.

Orange and pink may seem like scary colors to use when decorating. But I say, if you love ’em use ’em.

Copyright © 2019 Colour Poems. Link to purchase is here.
pink curtains
Copyright © 2019 Beautiful Homes. Link to purchase is here.
Copyright © 2019 Nancy J’s Photo Creations. Link to purchase is here.

I love blue and it’s often hard to find something that’s not navy or light blue. I had to find some mid-range blue options for this curtain buying guide.

blue curtains
Copyright © 2019 Nancy J’s Photo Creations. Link to purchase is here.
Copyright © 2019 Colour Poems. Link to purchase is here.

These curtains don’t add much color but they do add some dimmension and sophistication.

Copyright © 2019 Beautiful Homes. Link to purchase is here.

Thank you for stopping by Gathering of Lines Home Design. What are your favorite curtain options? Leave them in the comments below!

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3 Decor Websites That Support Artisans Worldwide

The Little Shop Trinket Tray

When visiting the homes of people I love and admire, the decor elements that inspire me the most are the ones that have a story. This post is a buyer’s guide for affordable home decor elements that are made by artisans from around the world. These three websites make it easy to buy home accents that will not only beautify your home or office but will also support artisans so that they can continue to create important work.

1.) The Little Market

www.thelittlemarket.com/

3 decor websites that support artisans worldwide - the little shop
Copyright © 2019 The Little Market. Link to purchase is here.

The Little Market is a fair trade stop with a big heart. Their mission creates opportunities for customers to find and buy products made by hardworking artisans from around the world. At The Little Market, you’ll find bags, totes, jewelry, dishes, towels and more. These trinket trays are stylish for any bathroom counter or bedside table and would make great gifts as well!

Copyright © 2019 The Little Market. Link to a collection of ceramic trays & boxes here.

Another favorite find from The Little Market is this woven tray. It would be great on a coffee table or hung on the wall as it is definitely a work of art.

Copyright © 2019 The Little Market. Link to purchase is here.

2.) Serrv

www.serrv.org/

3 decor websites that support artisans worldwide -serrv
Copyright © 2019 serrv.org. Link to purchase is here.

Serrv is another fair trade shop that has its heart set on keeping artisans employed and passing on their craft to future generations. Here’s a quote from their website:

“Marginalized artisans and farmers who are empowered by sustainable employment, fair wages and safe working conditions find security and dignity in their work. They create stronger and healthier communities. They send their children to school. They hand down traditions of cultural craft.”

Copyright © 2019 serrv.org. Link to purchase blue throw is here.

This blue throw would be perfect to keep at the office for when it gets chilly and would also make a great gift!

Novica

www.novica.com/

3 decor websites that support artisans worldwide - novica
Photo Copyright © 2019 Gathering of Lines. Hand-carved panel can be purchased here.

Novica has sent over $92.5 million to artisans worldwide. I ordered two items from Novica, the hand-carved wall panel (photo above), and the snowflake wall mirrors (set of 3 – photo below). The shipping was fast and affordable (only $3.95 for the mirrors). And each item came with a note about who made the product and where it came from. I’ve said it before but what a perfect gift!

Photo Copyright © 2019 Gathering of Lines. Set of 3 mirrors can be purchased here.
Gathering of Lines home Design - Novica mirrors.
Photo Copyright © 2019 Gathering of Lines. Set of 3 mirrors can be purchased here

Thank you for checking out our post on 3 decor websites that support artisans worldwide. Want more ideas on how to support artists? Check out my post on the Top Etsy Shops for Baby Room.

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How to use Wallpaper

Geometric wallpaper print

Beautiful wallpaper options and how to use them in your home

*This site contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase items or services through these links, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help reduce the costs of running this site. So Thank You in advance for any clicks through!

Wallpaper is back. If nightmares from the 1990s, and the apple border around your kitchen, have you running for the hills, I hear you. I was skeptical too. Check out some ideas for how to use wallpaper in this 21st century.

Though I’m not a fan of wallpapering an entire room, here are 3 options for adding wallpaper to any room.

1.) Add wallpaper to just an accent wall.

How to use wallpaper, accent wall
Copyright (c) 2019 Elisabeth Fredriksson. Link to purchase is here.

Accent walls are great for statement paint, and also for wallpaper. It adds depth, dimension, and texture without a big pricetag. Adding to only one wall ensures that your eyes get a break.

2.) Line a bookshelf

This can be really fun and playful. Add wallpaper to the wood part behind the shelves. You’ll see the pattern peeking through behind the items on the shelves and it’ll add an inexpensive artistic style that is unique. Check out this cat icecream wallpaper. It’d be perfect on the bookshelf in a kids room or playroom.

How to use wallpaper, line back of a bookshelf
Copyright (c) 2019 ilovedoodle. Link to purchase is here.

3.) Add it to all the walls of a walk-in closet

This adds some glamour and fun but allows you to keep the rest of your bedroom serene and neutral. Check out this metallic option. Beautiful, sophisticated and a far cry from the 1990’s roses and apples.

how to use wallpaper, add to just the interior of a walk in closet
Copyright (c) 2019 VictoryS Link to purchase is here.

In addition to the 3 options above, here are 2 wallpaper options that we love:

serene choice for accent wall
Copyright (c) 2019 Mel Fischer. Link to purchase is here.
Gathering of lines home design wallpaper idea
Copyright (c) 2019 Emeline Tate. Link to purchase is here.

Thank you for stopping by Gathering of Lines Home Design. Interested in reading more? Check out my latest post about sophisticated beach artwork (link here).

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10 Things to Shop for at an Antique Mall or Flea Market

Gathering of Lines Home Design Decor Ideas

I am not going to lie – I love Ikea, Target, Pottery Barn, Home Goods, and Restoration Hardware. I also love old things that had a life before I bought them. My solution is to mix and match items from both worlds. I’m all about picking my favorites from the mass produced/widely available and combining them with one of a kind items from flea markets and antique malls.  Here’s my take on the top 10 things to shop for at an antique mall or flea market.

  • Mirrors
Gathering of Lines Antique mall wood Mirror

When it comes to mirrors, flea markets can have some architectural options. Keep in mind, sanding and staining, or repainting is always an option if the color doesn’t go with your vision.

Gathering of Lines Antique mall Mirror
Gathering of Lines Antique mall white Mirror
  •  Books

Antique books are so beautiful and a stack of your favorites can be the perfect accent to a desk or bedside table. Check out this cover of an old copy of “The Jungle Book” that I found at a flea market. It’d be perfect for my child’s room and it’s only a dollar!

Gathering of lines 10 items to look for at flea markets - books
  • Old Magazines

These are great because you can frame the cover, or an interesting page inside, and it creates one of a kind artwork

  • Small Tables

These are great for guest room night stands or to put out when you have extra chairs set up around the holidays. Bonus- they are usually pretty inexpensive.

  • Wood Structures

Old windows, doors, and frames add great dimension and warmth to home decor.

Gathering of Lines home decor ideas old windows
Gathering of Lines home decor ideas from an antique mall
  • Cast Iron Beauties
Gathering of Lines home decor ideas trivets
  • Vases

I bought this vase at an antique mall. While it is definitely not an antique (it says “not dishwasher safe” on the bottom haha), I love the color and that it can be used for candles, flowers, or just on its own. In this picture, I put it on our mantle with some coral that we found on our honeymoon.

Gathering of Lines home decor ideas vases
  • Fabric

Interesting fabric is fun to find at flea markets. Use them for table runners, table clothes, or to cut up and use as journal covers. Let me know in the comments if you’d like to see some ideas for a DIY Journal cover!

  • Vessels

I use this little guy for my hair ties and keep him on my closet shelf. They are great for post-it notes on your desk, or for keys on a table by the garage door.

Gathering of Lines home decor ideas vessels to store frequently used items
  • Dishes

Dinner plates can be hung on the wall as artwork. Water pitchers make beautiful vases, or to, you know, serve water haha.

Gathering of Lines home decor ideas water pitcher
Gathering of Lines home decor ideas use antique plates as artwork

Thank you for stopping by Gathering of Lines! What did you find on your latest flea market shopping trip? What should I add to my list the next time I go shopping? Let me know your ideas in the comments below!

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Colorful Dishes

Gathering of Lines Table Setting ideas

I love a great white dish set. Ikea does a great white dinner set for only 19.99.

Target also does a great 12 piece white set.

https://www.target.com/p/12pc-avesta-stoneware-dinnerware-set-white-project-62-153/-/A-53133560

The best thing about these white dish sets is that you can utilize them for any season/holiday and really have some fun. I like to mix a white dinner plate with a colorful patterned soup bowl on a bright placemat and end up with a beautiful spring/summer setting. (Yellow bowl can be found here, the blue plate can be found here both are microwave and dishwasher safe – music to my ears).

Gathering of Lines dinner plate ideas
Table setting mixing plain white plates with colorful dishes

The white sets are inexpensive and easy to replace while the colorful accents are fun to search for. Buy a set of 4 salad plates at an antique mall or pull out your great-grandmother’s china salad plates. Find some bright red bowls at a garage sale and mix those in with your white plates. The possibilities are endless.

At times, you may see some gray marks appear on these inexpensive dish sets. Just use equal parts water and baking soda and it will come right up.

Thank you for stopping by Gathering of Lines – do you want to see more posts with table setting ideas? What do you do to add some fun to your table? Let me know in the comments below!

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Deciding on a Master Bathroom Vanity

Gathering of Lines Home Design marble vanity, arched mirror, decor ideas

When my husband and I decided on our master vanity, we wanted something that looked like furniture and had storage.

Gathering of Lines Master Vanity, Vanity mirrors, marble vanity, marble master vanity

We got price quotes from our builder for custom cabinets and countertops that made our jaw drop. We found this vanity, instead, at Home Depot for 1/3 the price. This vanity has authentic marble countertops with beautiful details, lines, and plenty of storage.

I couldn’t find our exact vanity but this one is very similar.

Gathering of lines home design bathroom mirror ideas

As for the mirrors, we were looking to add a little personality in this department. Mirrors can be a budget-friendly way to add some character while still maintaining the resale value of the home. Instead of the boring rectangle, we went for these arched mirrors. I wasn’t able to find our exact mirrors as we got them on sale but similar ones can be found here.

I was dreaming of a beautifully styled bathroom. Pretty towels, scented candles, orchids…and…my husband’s allergy bottle, mouth wash, nail clippers…wait..huh.

I struggled with how to mix real life with beautiful decor in the bathroom and came up with a simple solution.

Gathering of Lines Home Design marble vanity, arched mirrors, home decorating ideas

Pretty basket= less cluttered look. It’s easy to maintain as my husband and I can simply throw the items back in a basket without having to think about it.

We aren’t constantly opening drawers and cupboards to look for the items we need every morning/evening and we still get a clean, polished, look.

Easy maintenance and easy on the eyes.

A similar basket can be found here.

Thank you for stopping by Gathering of Lines! Do you want be to create a master vanity buying guide? Let me know in the comments below!