Bedroom Design Reveal

After a lot of deliberation, placing orders, and finally receiving deliveries, our bedroom is pretty much complete (minus a few accents here and there). We went for an overall grey look with touches of purple, gold, black and white. The headboard is perfect for leaning against when reading or watching TV, and the oversized nightstands provide more storage then the average nightstand (which comes in handy in a teeny, tiny apartment). But my favorite part is the touch of gold that the table lamps and knobs provide! I've been very into the gold trend recently, and this was the perfect way to incorporate it into our space.

Like the look? Get the items here:

Headboard: West Elm Tall Grid Tufted Headboard (in Brushed Heathered Cotton, Gray Haze)
Nightstands: Safavieh American Home Cain End Table in Gray Overcast
Nightstand Knobs: Anthropologie Swirled Geode Knob in Pink
Table Lamps: Pacific Coast Lighting Geometric Tower 34" H Table Lamp with Drum Shade
Bedding: Target (discontinued, but get a similar look here)
Throw: Urban Outfitters Atlas Tapestry in black
Bedskirt: Greenland Home Fashions Diamond Cotton Quilted Bed Skirt
Clothing Rack: IKEA RIGGA Clothes Rack in White

Curtain Tiebacks

Curtain tiebacks are making a comeback! Not only do they add a nice finishing detail to a space, they also have the practical function of holding sheers and drapes away from a window. Typically most people think of curtain tiebacks (or holdbacks) as a more traditional home decor element (for example, those tassel tiebacks that your Grandmother had in her formal living room), but recently they have made quite a name for themselves in contemporary, eclectic, and transitional interiors. Materials such as leather, acrylic, polished chrome, and even bone make the curtain tiebacks below perfect accents for non-traditional interiors.

Photo: Anthropologie

Photo: The Curtain Rod Shop

Photo: Urban Outfitters

Photo: Urban Outfitters

Photo: Anthropologie

Favorite Patterns: Watercolor Florals

Recently I have seen watercolor-inspired florals everywhere from dresses to throw pillows. The watercolor technique gives a more contemporary look to otherwise traditional floral patterns. I also love the bright and sometimes unexpected color combinations that are used on the floral watercolor patterns on the items and spaces below.

Get your home ready for summer with this seasonally appropriate trend. Incorporate throw pillows, artwork, or even an entire accent wall.

Photo: Carly Ahlman Design

Photo: Etsy / Pineapple Bay Studio

Photo: Anthropologie

Photo: Lily Bunn Interiors

Photo: Urban Outfitters

Wall Tapestries

After moving into our white-walled rental apartment, I immediately tried to think of unique ways to decorate our relatively tall walls. After hanging our framed artwork, posters, and photos, the place still needed something. While browsing my favorite websites for something unique, I came across a world map wall tapestry at Urban Outfitters. In true fashion, I waited and waited for it to go on sale (not because it was expensive, but because I can't bear to purchase anything full price), and it never did. I had almost forgotten about it until a recent Sunday afternoon when my boyfriend and I wandered into a local Urban Outfitters. After scouring their home section for the tapestry without much luck, I was almost ready to throw in the towel when I saw something black and white folded up and tucked another item. There it was... AND it was on sale for $9.99!

Here it is hung on our main TV wall. Like the look? Search on Urban Outfitters and World Market for similar looks.

Spring Pastels

It finally feels like Spring is here, and this long, cold winter is over (if you live in the Northeast then you probably share my extreme relief)! It's time to break out the Spring wardrobe. I'm pretty excited about a trend that I've been seeing everywhere recently, pastels. Light versions of lavender, orange, turquoise, and pink can evoke a pretty and feminine look. Mix pastel accessories or articles of clothing with white or washed out chambray for a complete look.

Spring Pastels by carlyahlman featuring an aldo bracelet

Topshop dress
nordstrom.com

Marc by marc jacobs tee
mytheresa.com

J.Crew stretch jeans
jcrew.com

Denim shorts
pacsun.com

JuJu huarache sandals
urbanoutfitters.com

Puma pink shoes
$91 - coggles.com

The Cambridge Satchel Company leather handbag
shopbop.com

ALDO necklace
aldoshoes.com

Nixon stainless steel jewelry
zappos.com

Aldo bracelet
aldoshoes.com

Ruched scarve
icing.com

J.Crew pink sunglasses
jcrew.com

J.Crew The Cambridge Satchel Company® large leather satchel
jcrew.com

Wall Hooks

Wall hooks are an easy way to add visual interest to any room. Stylish yet functional, they are perfect for hanging coats, handbags, keys, and anything else that's hang-able. Create a collection of hooks and hang them together to achieve more of a visual impact - not to mention more hanging space. This idea is best for an entryway, kids room, bathroom or kitchen (perfect for bath or hand towels).

Photo: Decor by Color

Photo: Fab

Photo: Joss and Main

Photo: ModCloth

Photo: She Knows

Photo: Urban Outfitters

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