make it pretty: light

logo, photo and styling by Corrin Acome

styling and photography by change of scenery

tip: Be cognizant of what your light will be shining off of. Brighten up a space with white canvases and metallic paint. Or add depth and movement to a space with plants. Mix textures to see what kind of shadows light will cast to finish the look.

All other styling adventures can be found here. 

Light at the end of the terrarium.

Ugh I am so sick of this weather! It's cold and rainy one day, snowy and freezing the next. I can't remember the last time I saw the sun, let alone a bright blue sky. With the "grass" covered yet again by a thin layer of bright white, it makes spring seem light years away. Then I thought, why not incorporate some greenery inside to serve as a reminder of what plant life looks like.

Below are some examples of hanging plant terrariums - an adorable glass container you can fill with your favorite succulents. Add small little chotskies and moss for a unique effect. Hang one, two or maybe even three in an empty corner, along a kitchen window or anywhere else to help you remember that spring is coming. Eventually.

DIY: Grab a rounded vase, cookie or mason jar, fill with dirt and add some plants. Opt to keep these versions table top thought - no one wants to come home to broken glass and scattered dirt.

From top to bottom: Take Sunset, Luxe and Lucid, The Herb Companion, aha! Modern Living, Ladies & Gentlemen, Design*Sponge

In with the new and out with, well, nothing.

I'm not sure what the main attraction was but it became known that every college girl has a requirement of at least a dozen candles per room. Pillar candles, votive candles, tahitian treat, cinnamon caramel apple pie... they all became a necessity in the eyes of an 18-22 year old. The same went for frames. For some reason, there was an undeniable urge to surround yourself with every single person you knew. At least twice. Three times if they were really important (or cute). 

Because of the need to collect and consume, I have become the proud owner of at least 700 candle holders and about a bajillion frames. And since the times of Ramen noodles and bunk beds, I  have adjusted my style to reduce the amount of candles and/or scents to one per room and only hang framed photos of family and very close friends. That said, I needed to find a purpose for at least some of the excess while still maintaing my new-found sense of style.

First, I used some old candle holders to support my new hobby of gardening. These candle holders were too expensive to get rid of so I bought some plants and small pots from Ikea and turned them into plant stands. The artwork behind the stands is an old canvas I stenciled using bronze and silver spray paint.

Next, I took some old frames, spray painted some white, and used them to create a photo montage that filled the wall without becoming overwhelming to the eye. I kept the overall tone of the composition sporadic and unexpected by using an assortment of frame types and sizes. I then started the montage in the upper right hand corner and had it progressively thin out as it moved toward the middle of the wall (sketching definitely required). Having the empty white frames created a sense of consistency throughout the composition without having it come across as symmetrical.

DIY OPPS:

Add a little color by spray painting your candle holders a bright color like yellow or orange. Just be sure to prime the candle holders first.

Expand the top of the candle holders for slightly larger pots using wood, glass, mirror or ceramic tiles. Try using Liquid Nails or Gorilla Glue to affix. 

Use the frames as a jewelry holder. I borrowed this idea from my friend, Corrin, and am anxious to make a few of my own. Just take an old frame, spray paint it, staple some tightly woven chicken wire to the back of the frame and display away.