Shocking Shelving.

A great way to be creative is to use items you already have around the house in an unexpected way.  One Idea would be to reinvent the idea of a book shelf.  Below are some innovative idea for repurposed shelving!

1. Wine crates as Shelves:

2. Books as shelves!

Making literal bookshelves is an easy way to add some personality into your space!

3. Shelving in the Ceiling

I love this idea of storing books in the rafters of the ceiling! a space saver and an innovative idea! They are just planks of painted plywood nailed to the supports for the loft, super easy! Via – Apartmenttherapy

4. Skateboards as shelves

5. A boat as a bookcase

via Esty

The Fifth Wall

Wallpapered ceilings are not often seen, but done the right way can add drama and excitement to a space!  It's also a great way to cover up cracks or water marks on a ceiling.

Think of wallpaper as a fifth wall and don't neglect it!

Lonny Magazine

wallpaper designed by Lisa Bengtsson 

walnut wallpaper

Christopher Coleman via  House Beautiful

This wallpaper really adds a focal point to this room in the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis by incoporating wallpaper in the stairwell.

Elle Decor.

An all over wallpapered bathroom via.  Lonny Magazine

Rios Clementi Hale Studios & Domique Vorillion Photography

Photo courtesy of Joe Nye, Inc.

Make a Statement

we've seen statement necklaces and purses in fashion all over the place, but what about making a statement in your home??  Below are some ways to add an unexpected element of surprise to any room.

1.  wall to wall patterned carpet (the key is to tone down everything else and to keep the furniture mostly neutral.

Wall to wall brown trellis pattern carpet decorated by Seattle based interior designer Graciela Rutkowski.

2. Add a pop of color to a room but make sure to keep it to a to a few pieces and some accessories or it can look tacky!

I love this chair because it is not only an unexpected color but the modern style is the perfect juxtaposition to the classic interior.

3. Stray from traditional and use color in a completely unexpected way like on the ceiling or paint cabinets a bright color

via House Beautiful

a bright green statement wall

 A Baby's room with an unexpected stripped ceiling via LivingEtc magazine.

Put a Cork in It.

Cork is a great environmentally friendly way to incorporate texture and a fun element into any room.  It is regularly harvested every 9 years from mature trees in the Mediterranean basin of Spain and Portugal and the process is actually good for the overall health of the tree and does  not require the tree to be cut down!

Cork is naturally moisture, mold, and insect repellant, and does not off gas.

It's available with water-based, solvent-free pigments, adhesives and varnishes. 

and this super versatile material is gorgeous!

 Cork wallpapered room divide via The Furniture Connector

cork stool

Grogeous cork flooring via Globus Cork, CorkFloor.com.  

Cork as plank flooring via Archzine Design

crate and barrel

Its spongy surface makes it a good choice for kitchens where someone will be standing for long periods of time or rooms that need to control echos and acoustics.  

Wishful Windows

Windows are a great way to display art or show off some fun elements.  Instead of the usual fabric curtains or blinds, why not try an innovative window treatment like stringed glass tiles or fish net?? Play with color form and texture!

also try some fun details like using an old doorknob as a tieback or a boat oar as a curtain rod!

remodelista

 cranberry mini mosaic.  via BRANDON BARRÉ PHOTOS

string cork and use them as a fun window treatment!

http://atincupchalice.com

The Old House Parts Company

Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle has been popping up everywhere in 2011.  It was named color of the year by Pantone Color Institute.   “In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going – perfect to ward off the blues,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

via: design track mind

Elle Decor

HGTV

Honeysuckle color palette

Heart of Purple

i recently saw some purple heart wood at the lumber yard and was really inspired!  here are some great examples of how to use purple wood!

 Freshly cut, the wood actually looks a dull gray color but it turns purple upon exposure to air and light.  Just set a fresh cut board out in the sun one morning and by afternoon you’ll notice a significant change.

Over time the wood does darken, some to a dark brown and others just to a darker purple. Oil finishes will speed the darkening.

Argyle Art Nouveau Chair by Matt Sandoval

Purple Heart Wood Side Table. Designed by Kimberly Manne of Warp Designs.