[this→that] - doors

Who says a door has to be limited to an entryway?  Or is something that you walk through without any recollection?  Here are a few doors that exceed expectations...

[sawhorse desk via martha stewart]

[headboard via infarrantly creative]

[chalkboard door via under the sycamore]

[sliding barn doors via tatertots & jello :: guest post by northwest hospitality]

[daybed via the urban cottage :: as seen on design sponge]

message board via re-nest

[table via you are who i am :: as seen on pinterest]

[tape design via likainen parketti :: as seen on pinterest]

[entryway storage via our house of joyful noise :: as seen on homework]

[fabric wallpaper door via how about orange]

[this→that] - unconventional light fixtures

Baskets?  Pots?  Jars?  Birdcages?  Not the first things that I think of when considering lighting for my home.  Here are some creative and economical conversation pieces that bring light and whimsy into a space-

[birdcage chandelier via jesyka ditri :: buy similar here]

[wire basket pendant via the virginia house :: another diy here via ashley ann photography :: buy similar here]

[ceramic bowl pendant via country living :: purchase similar here]

[wicker basket light via house to home :: diy here via two ellie]

[wind turbine pendant lights via design sponge :: buy similar here]

[ikea pot pendant via var-dags-rum]

[mason jar lights :: another tutorial here via kara paslay designs :: buy similar here]

I'm not one to mess with wires and electricity, but with the hanging light kits that can be purchased at hardware stores (and ikea), pretty much the sky's the limit-- collanders, tupperware, doily art, tin cans with pin holes... I think I've seen it all.  If you want it hanging from your ceiling, it's possible!  When it comes to installation though, be safe and hand it over to a professional electrician.  No need to look like this ;)--

[this→that] Ikea LERAN

nothing wrong with this handmade shade... maybe just a little too...vanilla.

leran 24" pendant light (11 inch pendant light also available)

via ikea

Add a little paint... Big impact!!!

a pop of red to an otherwise neutral space

via remodelista

an eye-catching two-toned look

via chatelaine

stained a warm grey.

via domestic daddy

The more, the merrier... and eye-catching too!

via racked ny

via expressen.se

The next time the electrician comes a'calling (which is when we figure out where we want lighting installed in our master bedroom), I want to have a pendant light installed above our kitchen table.  Much more intimate than canned lighting... The LERAN with a little natural stain may just be the ticket.

Hope you're having a nice week!

[this→that] upholstery tacks

Upholstery tacks... nail head trim... decorative nails--  whichever name you choose to call them, these eye catching little tacks have come a long way from grandpa's sofa.   They are inexpensive, easy to use and the design options?  Well, they're pretty much limitless!  Here are some inspiring Upholstery Tack creations that I've come across in the blogosphere--

a plain door becomes fabulous when framed with brass tacks

via house beautiful :: designed by miles redd

nail head corkboard (tutorial here)

as seen on 6th street design school :: via bryn alexandra

diy headboard

via centsational girl

embellished matting

via hi sugarplum!

dramatic wall niche

via anythingology

beautiful wall typography

via jessica hische on flickr

"tacky" pumpkins

 via my home ideas

an embellished side table

via good housekeeping

"upholstered" Ikea Besta. i believe this is the project that spawned the upholstery tack dresser art trend.

as seen on Ikea Hackers :: via signed by tina

pretty closet doors!

via emily henderson

(love her Secrets from a Stylist show on HGTV)

I've been so inspired by these little tacks, that I've been raiding our local Joann's on a weekly basis.  First I used them to embellish Zzzz's in Smarty Pant's room (it makes more sense if you see it).  And now I'm working on another tack-heavy project. In fact, I'm waiting for them to restock some burnished gold tacks so that I can finish my current project. What do you think? Yay or Nay on upholstery tack decor?

[this→that] - globes

I think that globes are pretty darn great when left alone, but these 'tweaks' are perfect if you want to take the global look to the next level.

isn't this globe chandelier stunning? perhaps with a light kit (and low wattage light bulbs), this can be recreated?  i question because... i'm no electrician!

via recyclart :: by benoit vieubled :: as seen on black*eiffel

chalkboard globe... a revolving message board, perfect.

for a good tutorial, check out the post by under the table and dreaming

photo via pottery barn's fall 2010 catalog

fun globe pendant lights

photo via rosebud's cottage :: as seen on ohdeedoh

if you're interested in this hack, check out the tutorial by addicted 2 decorating

love this globe fruit bowl

via daily danny

for those who have aspirations beyond planet earth, this globe turned silvery moon might do.

via zane leigh

what a great idea to personalize a globe... decoupage!

via imaginenations :: as seen on more design please

[this→that] - ikea rast dresser

One Little Dresser...

ikea rast $34.99

 So Many Possibilities!

rast painted white, pulls changed-out for brass hardware. click over for the full tutorial.
via armelle

drawers are painted and stenciled.  more details if you buy the book :)
via design sponge :: found in lena corwin 'printing by hand' book

rast painted black, pvc overlay painted gold and adhered to drawer front.

via o'verlays :: as seen on making it lovely

painted a glossy black, added asian-inspired brackets and knobs. click over for all the details.

via design manifest

painted dior grey, added vinyl scalloped decals and milk glass hardware
as seen on design sponge :: kelly oshiro designs

I have a similar Ikea piece that needs to be transformed... Only problem is that the person who originally put it together (that would be me 15 years ago), didn't do a very good job and the whole thing feels a little wobbly.  I should get out the allen wrench (and maybe wood glue) and see if it's salvageable.  There really are so many ways to transform a simple or tired object.  I hope to share some non-ikea transformations next.