Creative Curtain Tiebacks

Installing new curtain tiebacks is an easy way to upgrade a room that needs a personality boost.

• Add a sparkly element to your space by making use of unworn jewelry. Select one, two, or three coordinating necklaces and put them to work as a unique curtain tieback. If you don't have any lying around, some new costume jewelry will do the job. 
• If you're interested in getting crafty, then create a nautically inspired tieback with a bit of rope or cord and heavy duty snap hook. This look is perfect for a home by the water. 
• For a more casual look, lose the hook and wrap some rope around your curtains and attach to a wall-mounted hook. Allow the remaining rope to rest on the floor around your curtains for a perfectly unfinished look. 
• Re-purpose old silverware or door knobs for a truly one-of-a-kind look. Pick these items up at a flea market or second hand shop. If you're not interested in making your own then check out Etsy or Urban Outfitters for a similar look without the work.

Photo: Blue Velvet Chair

Photo: Country Living

Photo: Remodelista

Photo: Etsy

Photo: Urban Outfitters

Dress-up Your Dresser

Don't let a boring dresser bring down your room. There are plenty of ways to add personality to a dresser that is lacking. From a simple boost to a full on makeover, these ideas are sure to dress-up any dresser.

• Simply painting knobs a different color, or replacing them entirely can create a whole new look.
• Choose a vibrant color and re-paint your dresser for a bold pop in any space.
• Use a large stencil to create an eye-catching pattern or image, and fill it in with a selection of colors that work in the room. This can be done on the front of the dresser, or even the top. 
• Cover drawer fronts with wallpaper, rulers, or just about anything else that you can think of.

Photo: Better Homes and Gardens

Photo: Apartment Therapy

Photo: Country Living

Photo: Remodelista

Photo: The Ginger Penny Pincher

Photo: Centsational Girl

Beach Looks

Get ready for the beach with these summer looks. A cute bathing suite, functional tote, and graphic towel will get you through the summer in style!

Beach Looks by carlyahlman featuring canvas tote bags

J Crew j crew bathing suit
$125 - jcrew.com

J Crew halter bikini
$60 - jcrew.com

Roxy
$38 - nordstrom.com

Miso beach bikini
£20 - republic.co.uk

Old Navy triangle bikini
$20 - oldnavy.gap.com

Old Navy triangle bikini
$20 - oldnavy.gap.com

Anya Hindmarch canvas tote bag
£165 - seasonsclothing.co.uk

Juicy Couture beach tote
$148 - juicycouture.com

Beach tote
$88 - macys.com

Canvas tote bag
£20 - debenhams.com

SONOMA life + style Shell Beach Towel
$19 - kohls.com

The Big One Striped Beach Towel
kohls.com

Target Home Tote Beach Towel Blue Stripe (58x28
target.com

California Photography - teal, aqua, palm trees - "Two For the Sun" -...
$25 - etsy.com

Chalkboard Paint

Slowly but surely I'm beginning to realize that life is too short to take yourself (or your decorating) too seriously. A home should be a place that is always stylish and unique, but never too serious. So what better way to add a little fun to your space then chalkboard paint? Change up a dresser, paint a wall, or go all out and cover an entire room. Not only will it look great, but it will provide a blank canvas for your personality (literally). Create a household calendar, label drawers or cabinets, share a quote, draw a picture, or leave a little note. Stick with white chalk for a simpler look or go bold with colored chalk.

If you're hesitant about painting your walls black then check out Rust-Oleum's tinted chalkboard paint!

Photo: Apartment Therapy

Photo: Designing Life

Photo: Martha Stewart

Photo: Paper N Stitch

Photo: The Aqua Room

Photo: The White Library

Photo: The Wool Acorn

Photo: Balancing the Dream