Decorating With Maps

February 25, 2011

Budget Tip of the Day: Map Pillows

If you want a more subtle approach to decorating with maps, try using it in smaller doses with fabric. There are a wide variety of affordable map fabrics out there that are perfect for turning into throw pillows. Making a pillow cover is a snap to do, and if you don’t have a sewing machine, here is a great no-sew option. Pre-made map pillows are usually very expensive. Here are a bunch of great fabric patterns that will run you less than $10.00/yd. If you want to stretch your fabric even further, make the pillow double sided using a less expensive fabric for the back.

Destinations World Map

I hope you’ve had fun with all the map ideas this week. I definitely need to find a spot for one in my home. What kind of maps do you guys prefer? Bright, subdued, city, world, state, treasure?

Have a wonderful weekend and I’ll see you back here on Monday!

February 24, 2011

Decorating With Maps

via Domestic Ease

Budget Tip of the Day: Decoupaged Drawers

Break out the Mod Podge everyone. It’s time to transform a dresser with a map–or two. This is a quick project with amazing results. Simply take the handles off each drawer and trace each one onto your map. Cut them out and then go to town with your Mod Podge. If you haven’t used this stuff before, it’s really easy. Use a foam brush to apply a coat of Mod Podge directly to the drawer front (or dresser if you want to cover the whole thing). Put your cut piece in place on the drawer and let dry for a few minutes. Apply another coat of Mod Podge over the map to seal it in place. It will go on white, but dries clear. It comes in both a matte and glossy finish. You can easily cover a few drawer fronts in an hour and give your piece a complete makeover that’s got character written all over.

via Country Living

Come back tomorrow for one more tip on decorating with maps.

Posted at: 5:02 am by Heidi |Filed Under: Budget Tips | Decorating With Maps | Decorating With Maps, dresser Leave a Comment

February 23, 2011

Decorating With Maps

Budget Tip of the Day: DIY Wallpaper

Yesterday I talked about using maps as budget artwork, but today I’m taking it one step further. Why not create an entire wall or room of maps. Sure you could buy pre-made map wallpaper, but you can put together a far more interesting look with a collection of individual maps.

via Steven Gambrel

Just start with one and keep layering on top. You can use a variety of adhesives. Good old wallpaper paste applied with a paint roller will work fine. Or you can try a mixture of glue and water, or good old Mod Podge. The maps don’t have to be the same. Just choose one’s with similar hues and colors. The pale bluish, greenish tones will set a soothing background for any space. The layers will also add lots of depth and texture, creating a cozy space you’ll love coming home to. Depending on the color tone, maps can create a fun kid space or something a little more grown-up and sophisticated.

Are you ready to be blown away by these mapped out rooms?!

Let’s start with my favorite. The stripes paired with the blue/green maps are to die for. I would love to sleep in this room.

Aren’t these hanging globes just fantastic! What a fun space.

via The Land of Nod

Look at how great this one looks without covering the entire wall space. You could easily do this on any wall by layering just a few maps and letting that stand alone as an art piece.

via Southern Living

via domino

via Pottery Barn

Come back tomorrow for another tip on decorating with maps.

Posted at: 6:46 am by Heidi |Filed Under: Budget Tips | Decorating With Maps | Decorating With Maps, diy wallpaper Leave a Comment

February 22, 2011

This Week: Decorating with Maps

If you think maps are just a reference tool, think again! Maps can be used for so many things and you can find them for cheap! They are the perfect way to add some character and charm to a space. This week I’m going to show you some easy DIY projects to help you bring a little more “map” into your home.

Budget Tip of the Day: Budget Artwork

Today we are starting with the obvious way to use a map: artwork. Maps are such a great way to add a big piece of artwork without spending much money. With the wide variety of types and colors, you can find a map to fit your style. You can frame one large map or frame several smaller maps in a grouping. I also really like the idea of cutting up a large map and framing the pieces in a grid.

Let the map inspiration begin!