after we move in to our new place, i’ll have a set of stairs that lead nowhere other than my very own lofted studio space. since the entire area will be dedicated to creativity, i’m thinking about doing something inspirational to the staircase itself. you know, something to get my creative juices flowing before i even arrive.  i love how sarah over at sarah moore vintage wallpapered these stairs using scraps of vintage wallpaper she’d collected over the years. though it’s a busy look, i think the style and colors really pull together to give it lots of sweet character. doing a simple search for ‘wallpapered stairs’ will quickly give you a glance at all the possibilities a little wallpaper can provide!

wrap up: {decor} {home} {stairs} {vintage} {wallpaper}

with a new house in the works and a baby on the way, i’ve been doing everything i can to make sure our new place will be green and healthy. one of my most biggest concerns has been to reduce the level of toxins in the new home, especially since we’re planning on doing a few renovations (a big no-no when you’re pregnant, apparently!). if we could afford it, we would just install the greenest materials known to man. you know, like 100% wool carpet, pure bamboo floors with no adhesives and locally crafted cabinets. since that’s not possible for us though, i’ve looked into some other things we can do to make sure our space remains healthy. we’re planning on installing the most eco-friendly wares we can afford, and then supplement those with organic products, healthy alternatives and air filtering plants.

i’ve known for a long time that plants can filter our air, but it wasn’t until recently that i discovered just how much. according to this study by NASA, the top ten air filtering plants (above) remove 90% of formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene within 24 hours. 24 hours!

another study shows that one 6″ houseplant per 100 square feet of living area will be sufficient at filtering out the pollutants. and, the more vigorous the plant, the more air it can filter. so keep those plants pruned and watered! the plants filter the air by breaking down indoor pollutants and absorbing the chemicals through their leaves. the bacteria associated with the roots help break down contaminants which are then taken up as nutrients. so amazing, right?!

i was so excited when i learned this! usually our homes are the most toxic areas since they are usually kept closed up. with so many VOCs floating around, the air inside our homes is usually much more toxic than the air outside. since it’s the place where we spend the majority of our time, i want to do everything i can to make sure our space is as healthy as possible.

i’ve got some really neat plans on how to incorporate many of these air filtering plants into our new home, so stay tuned! i can’t wait to share them with you. :)

interested in learning more? check out this list of air filtering plants and this book on how to grow fresh air.

wrap up: {10} {air filter} {benzene} {carbon monoxide} {formaldehyde} {home} {nasa} {plants} {research} {study}

today i’m sharing some of my favorite picks from my latest ideabook over on houzz. sometimes the simplest things can make the biggest difference. i think by adding just a few simple delights, a bathroom can turn into an oasis away from the world- a rejuvenation station! head on over to my ideabook to read more and grab the sources!

wrap up: {bathroom} {decor} {home} {houzz} {ideabook} {oasis} {sacred} {space}

happy monday, friends! today i’m sharing some of my favorite picks from my latest ideabook over on houzz. it’s all about spring greens, because i’m longing for spring days, warmer weather and sprouting greens. head on over to my ideabook for all the sources!

wrap up: {decor} {home} {houzz} {ideabook} {lime} {spring greens} {sproutes}

find the above projects here: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

lately, i’ve been researching painted floors and thought i would share with you a few that i have particularly fell in love with. as we house hunt and see old wooden floors throughout many of the homes, i can’t help but think about stenciling on them, even if in just one small room like the laundry area. my grandmother painted her wood floors a beautiful white and it brings such a clean, sweet, country feel to her little cottage. if you’re interested in learning more about how to go about painting wood floors, be sure to check out this tutorial by elle decor as well as this one over on apartment therapy.

wrap up: {decor} {diy} {floors} {home} {paint} {stencil} {wood}

footed boot tray from viva terra

when i saw this boot tray (discovered via ez pudewa), i immediately glanced over at our muddy boots and realized this is one winter essential we’ve been missing out on. though the one above is no longer available, i decided to include it anyways, since you all are a crowd of talented diy-ers. i think you could pretty easily salvage an old metal crate and add some wheels to it to use as a boot tray! but don’t worry, if that’s not your style here are some others to choose from:

blacksmith boot tray | diy pebble filled tray | galvanized boot tray | daisy boot tray

wrap up: {boot tray} {entry way} {home} {mud} {pebbles} {rain} {snow} {winter}

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

i’m pretty sure the makers over at urban + forest designed everything in their shop with me in mind. i’ve always loved the use of birch in home decor- it can give any space a very clean, modern and rustic look all at the same time. i’m really fond of the irregular shapes in the woodcuts and soft shades of white and grey they have. head on over to urban + forest to see more.

wrap up: {birch} {clock} {decor} {home} {urban + forest} {wood}

make something good today journal by jennifer renninger – $9.95
this journal by jennifer renninger is not only beautiful but aspires to spark creativity, inspiration & the making of good things. i think we all could use a little more of that!

summer fields all natural fragrance – $18
one of my favorite things is using handmade, all natural fragrance. this one has subtle woodland and floral tones, to make you smell as if you are walking through a fresh summer field.

felt owl ornament – $25
a little owl ornament perfect for adorning a tree or placing in a more permanent spot, so you can see him all year round.

kek amsterdam forest friends – €59,95
this one is for the kids, and i love how fresh and sweet it is. these beautifully colored realistic forest friends get to watch as your little one grows!

forest animals ceramic measuring spoons - $32.95
for a more subtle way of showing your endearment for the woods, maybe this set of measuring spoons would do. just a little reminder of your forest friends as you bustle around the kitchen.

natural histories – $50
this stunning book on natural history won’t only beautify your bookshelf, but also comes with 40 displayable prints bound in envelopes that will help bring natural science and art to life.

butterfly specimen poster – $24
slightly scientific and incredibly beautiful, i would hang this butterfly specimen poster in a study or office. i also find the color palette inspiring and would love to draw some of the muted tones from the wings.

enchanted forest mural – $298
i love the muted colors of this enchanted forest mural. it depicts a place that i would love to curl up in with a good book.

woodland deer pillow – $35
i love this little guy on this accent pillow, who seems to be mildly aware of his little friend.

handpainted owl mug – $14
i can see myself sipping tea out of this sweet handpainted owl mug every morning. i love the modern folk art displayed on each!

ferm living mushroom lamp – €63,00
this little fungi lamp would be a great way to spruce up the predictable night light. great to use in a bathroom or hallway as a subtle way of bringing so flora into your home.

wild hare – $350
leaping through the forest, this rabbit bounds through underbrush of wooden rulers, chair legs and dowels. a beautiful way to bring in a woodland vibe in a modern way.

wrap up: {decor} {finds} {forest} {home} {wooded} {woodland}