Unique Ways To Display Art – Our Favorite Frames & Easels
One of my favorite tricks for displaying small scale art is to mix up the frames and the way you display them with stands and easels. This helps breaks up a sea of square edges on a styled shelf! Citrus II Print // Salt Box Print // Peanut Print // Meadow Flowers I Print Wood…
One of my favorite tricks for displaying small scale art is to mix up the frames and the way you display them with stands and easels. This helps breaks up a sea of square edges on a styled shelf!
An easel really draws attention to the piece it’s holding. I love to include an easel when I’m gifting smaller art pieces or framed prints. It makes the gift feel so special!
Here are a few more frames with unique shapes, and some options that pair well with easels and stands. We rounded up all of our favorites here below too!
While I love the metal IKEA frame (especially spray painting it!), I’ve often wanted a wood frame option for our oversized Juniper prints without the price of going to a custom frame shop (though, as another option, we recently ordered this 31×47″ natural wood frame for about $120 and it was great!). But for this…
While I love the metal IKEA frame (especially spray painting it!), I’ve often wanted a wood frame option for our oversized Juniper prints without the price of going to a custom frame shop (though, as another option, we recently ordered this 31×47″ natural wood frame for about $120 and it was great!).
But for this project, I was excited to make a DIY wood frame option for the 31×47″ HILLSIDE print we hung in our new office entry! It turned out to be a pretty simple and affordable project, coming in at about $30 total.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this exact frame:
8′ lengths of 1.5x.75″ pine trim (you’ll need 2-4 lengths depending on what size frame you’re making – see below)
To start, select your Juniper print. I chose HILLSIDE by Hannah Winters in the 31×47 size for above our office entry sofa. At almost four feet wide, the print makes a big statement while not overwhelming this smaller space. I especially love the soft blue and green colors of this print against the wall color (Farrow & Ball Studio Green).
It’s a good idea to choose wood for your frame material that’s at least 1.25″ wide, since the oversized prints are so large. You don’t want there to be any sagging or bending with the long stretches of frame, which could happen when using thinner material without more substantial corner supports. I chose simple 1.5x.75″x8′ select pine trim from Home Depot. Take your time when choosing your lengths and try to find pieces that are as straight as possible!
Here’s a little cheat sheet that will help you figure out how many 8′ lengths you’ll need and measurements for the outside miter cut measurements that correspond to each of our print sizes. This chart was made assuming you’re also using at least 1.5″ wide trim!
Measure and mark your cuts based on the reference chart above. Since these are miter cuts (made at a 45 degree angle), the measurement is for the longest side, which will be for the outside corners of your frame. Basically, just make sure you’re marking the top of the board and angle your saw in for the cut. You can use a power saw or you can easily make the cuts by hand using this affordable blade and guide.
Once all four lengths have been cut, use a Carpenter’s Square to perfectly line up a corner. Please a 3″ metal corner brace in the outside corner of the frame as shown below (maybe an 1/8″ inside the outer corner). Use a pencil to mark the holes for your screws, drill small pilot holes and then drill in the screws. Repeat on all corners. Note: the seam of your corners likely won’t be perfectly flush, but get it as tight as possible.
Flip your frame over and fill the corner seam with wood glue to help add stability to the corners. Let the glue in all the corners dry completely for several hours and then fill any remaining gaps with wood filler.
Next, tap in two sawtooth hangers in the upper left and right hand corners of the frame, in line with the corner brace, as shown below. The print goes underneath the corner brace and the sawtooth hanger, so be sure to keep these on the upper half of the frame. The finished framed print ends up only weighing a few pounds, so a thin nail in your wall used with each sawtooth hanger is plenty! It’s optional, but I also like to add these clear rubber bumper pads to further help the frame sit flush and stay put where you want it to be on your wall.
As a final step, you can paint or stain the wood to compliment your print and space. I prefer using watered down acrylic craft paint for “staining” raw wood. I usually use FolkArt in Linen, Brown and Black to mix different colors. I ended up choosing a blonde shade for this space and the HILLSIDE print. It’s mostly the linen color with just a drop of black and brown.
I liked the third stain down from the top the best. I liked that is was light but not as stark as the pure white spray painted IKEA frame on the right. The warmer, softer color looked best against the dark walls here.
I usually mix about one part paint to four parts water for making an acrylic paint wash or stain. I like the grain of the wood to still show through. I probably should have watered down the paint here more – I wish it were even more translucent!
You can seal the paint stain if you want, but I don’t bother sealing frames because they aren’t usually touched. Once the paint is completely dry, you can flip the frame over to install the print. To do this, I used 1″ painters tape and tore off smaller strips, lined up the face-down and centered print on the back of the frame and carefully taped 4-5 strips down one long side. Then I repeated the process on the other long side, while sort of pulling the print taut before placing each strip of tape. You can pull the tape up and adjust as needed. Repeat these steps for the short sides of the frame. The tighter and more flat the print can be against the frame, the better the result.
The small strips of tape are doing the most work for securing the print to the frame, but to keep everything in place and laying flat, I like to run one long strip of the same 1″ masking tape on top of the smaller strips on each side.
And that’s it! This a screen grab of a video I filmed for my stories, so the quality is not great in this image, but I love how it all came together!
And here is the print hanging in our new office entry! I love the light frame on the dark, moody walls. I especially love how it mixes with the other frames we hung in the space. You can see all the sources for this room reveal listed at the bottom of the post, but we share a lot of the details in previous blog posts including a DIY project for the fluted table and a tutorial on making faux trees look more real!
I hope this was a helpful post and that this project doesn’t feel too intimidating! I wanted to include a lot of steps and photos, so it might look like a harder project here than it really is. :) As always, let us know in a comment or DM if you have any questions! We’re so happy to help!
Here are some of the sales we will be shopping this weekend! We will update this post as more sales are announced :) Juniper Print Shop – Up to 40% off select prints! Abercrombie – 40% off everything. I wish I had waited a few weeks to grab this leather puffer! Amazon – Lot’s of great deals,…
Here are some of the sales we will be shopping this weekend! We will update this post as more sales are announced :)
West Elm – Up to 50% off and take an extra 20% off all clearance items.
World Market 20% off everything + an extra 15% off when you do curbside pickup. I am grabbing a few of these cutting boards we put on our Gift Guide this year. They would make such a great last minute gift!
Holiday Gift Guides & Juniper Print Shop Holiday Shoot!
CHECK OUT ALL OF OUR 2020 GIFT GUIDES HERE: FOR THE HOME – FOR HER – FOR HIM – FOR KIDS AND TEENS When we announced our Juniper Print Shop holiday promotions this week, we didn’t expect the flood of questions about the garland we made for our Black Friday ads shoot! It did turn out really pretty!…
When we announced our Juniper Print Shop holiday promotions this week, we didn’t expect the flood of questions about the garland we made for our Black Friday ads shoot! It did turn out really pretty!
To make this asymmetrical garland, I used two of these faux garlands in front and attached fresh greenery with floral wire (mostly cedar stems, with a few sprigs of eucalyptus and acacia for a blue tone!).
I love mixing faux and fresh greenery, especially for the holidays!
PS – We have done FOUR really amazing gift guides this year! You can find each of them here!
CHECK OUT ALL OF OUR 2020 GIFT GUIDES HERE: FOR THE HOME – FOR HER – FOR HIM – FOR KIDS AND TEENS 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10 // 11 // 12 13 // 14 // 15 // 16 // 17 // 18 // …
Wood Cutting Board – I stumbled on this incredibly affordable and beautiful bread board recently and bought three. One for me, and a couple to give out as gifts! I am obsessed with butterfly joints! And the delicate handle on top is gorgeous. This would be gorgeous on the counter or open shelves of any kitchen.
Woven Baskets – These are pretty for bathroom or pantry storage!
Cream Tassel Fringe – I get asked a lot for the source of the cream cotton tassel fringe I use on our Christmas tree – well here it is! It’s affordable too!
Flocked Tree – I bought a flocked tree last year and I don’t think I’ll ever go back!
Pebble Ice Maker – We splurged on an under-counter ice maker for our kitchen remodel, but my mom has the countertop model that was a fraction of the cost and works great.
Fabric Shaver – If you have any pilling in your life – sweaters, jackets, upholstery – you NEED this fabric shaver. But you’ve been warned – once you start, it’s hard to stop!
Wood Bead Garland – Another great tree trimming addition to the cotton tassel fringe.
Dog Food Dish – Our doggies could use a Christmas present this year too!
Homesick City Candles – This brand is so giftable because you can find scents that are personal to the recipient. Phoenix is a really good scent if you need a starting place!
Ceramic Candle Holder – I bought a pair of these double candle holders for our Thanksgiving table this year. I love them!
Olive Wreath – I’m sure you’ve heard, but olive stems are the new eucalyptus! This live wreath is gorgeous!
Brass Bells – I love bells for the holiday season. These are beautiful!
Cy Twombly Book – This book (inside and out) is a big winner.
Pineapple Evergreen Candle – Okay, the scent combo sounds weird, I know. And it is a little weird to be honest, but in a super interesting way!!! I’m into it.
Rattan Chair – This chair is affordable and beautiful!
Brass Pepper Mill – This is my go-to gift for friends and family. It just feels SO special!
Wood Trees – I love these little wood trees for shelf styling around the holidays.
Dog Bed – Dog beds CAN be beautiful! I love this one.
Olive Tassel Pillow – I really like this pillow and have it in a few different colors. This olive green color is beautiful.
Rust Ribbon – I like to keep my gift wrap pretty simple – one or two seasonal papers, but mostly brown, black and cream kraft paper. I love pretty ribbon and I stock up on these big bolts of velvet ribbon yardage every year!
J.M.W. Turner: The Skies Sketchbook – This book is on the small side, so it makes for a very special gift. It is a reproduction of a Turner watercolor sketch book and it is a joy to flip through! One of my favorites for sure!
Bread Canister – This bread canister is gorgeous AND the lid doubles as a cutting board! Perfect to paid with the sourdough starter kit below!
Sourdough Starter Kit – I’m not the worst at making bread, but it does not come naturally to me! I prefer cooking to baking, but I’m hoping to get better at bread making this year!
Rosebud Oud Candle – This candle is huge, slow-burning and throws a TON of scent that really lingers.
Hand Soap – This hand soap is SUPER moisturizing and smells amazing. Plus, they donate a bar of soap to communities in need for every bottle purchased!
Hand Towel – These woven cotton Turkish towels are my go-to for guest and powder spaces! They would be great for a hostess gift.
Drawer Organizers – These drawer organizer inserts are so handy. Since they are adjustable, you can move them around as your needs change and you aren’t stuck with any particular configuration.
Dyson Vacuum – If you have mostly hard floors, this cheaper version of the cordless Dyson vacuum is THE BEST. I have two other versions of this vacuum that cost twice as much, and that I’ve learned are really only great for carpeted floors. This version here though is specifically for hard floors and low pile rugs AND it can vacuum up larger things without getting clogged or stuck in the vacuum head, like with the other models! Total score with this find!
Jute Rug – I LOVE this braided jute rug for layering with vintage rugs and runners for a couple of reasons. Not only is it really pretty (the tones are perfect – not too yellow, not too brown), but the pile is probably only about a half an inch thick, so it’s less of a tripping hazard. I also really love that the rug border is also braided rather than the twill binding that often gets dirty looking! (You can see this jute rug in action in our Juniper Offices Entry Reveal!)
Dry Rub Spice – For the cook in your life! This vegan, small-batch dry rub is amazing on beef, pork, poultry & seafood. You can see more about how these spices are made on the Essiespice Instagram!
Roomba Vacuum – The Roomba is a must-have for all the busy moms and dads out there. Some of the girls on the Juniper Team swear by it!
Brass Art Easel – Little prints or paintings on pretty easels is one of my favorite styling tricks! It’s also one of my favorite gifts to give. I think it would be so sweet to pick a print, order a digital download and print it (even at home!) in an 8×10 size. This frame would pair beautifully with this sweet little brass easel.
CHECK OUT ALL OF OUR 2020 GIFT GUIDES HERE: FOR THE HOME – FOR HER – FOR HIM – FOR KIDS AND TEENS 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10 11 // 12 // 13 // 14 // 15 // 16 // 17 // 18 // …
Gold North Star Necklace – My skin is pretty sensitive to nickel, so I’ve been on a journey the past few years finding the best jewelry designers that sell real gold pieces at an affordable price. So far my favorites are Mejuri and Kinn. This necklace was a recent purchase and I just love it so much. The medallion is dainty, but so pretty – and I love the significance of the North Star.
iPhone Case – After a few years of paying to have my iPhone screen repaired semi-regularly so I could have a phone case that didn’t look or feel clunky, I discovered this brand. It’s slim but offers a lot of protection. And I love the classic tortoise shell design on the back.
Slippers – These Minnetonka Mule Slippers are a staple for me. More classic than Uggs, but just as comfortable! The hard sole bottoms are a must for me with slippers!
Leather Backpack – I bought this little vegan leather backpack before a trip last year because I liked the shape and the price but I still use it pretty regularly for long shopping days. It’s big enough to fit an iPad or even a Macbook air, but doesn’t really look or feel like you’re wearing a full backpack. Also the straps are convertible so it can also be worn cross body style!
Maybelline Lipstick – This long wearing lipstick is one of my MVP purchases/discoveries of 2020. It isn’t drying like most 24-hour formulas. It comes in all sorts of great colors (though Seductress is what I’m wearing 9/10.) AND IT DOESN’T RUB OFF INSIDE A MASK!
Blue Light Glasses – These affordable blue light blocking glasses are a bold, fun shape and look way more expensive than $16.97! I get a ton of compliments on these and I feel sassy when I wear them. :)
Levi’s Ribcage – Levi’s jeans are just the ultimate classic closet staple for me. They dress up and down equally well. I know they’ll last forever. They’re affordable. And the Ribcage fit especially is a high rise dream.
Leather Slides – Caramel leather slides are another closet staple for me. They transition well from season to season (especially in Arizona – where snow is not on the program). I love the shape of these slides best – they’re like a good pointed toe heel in that they elongate the leg! The subtle notches in the sides also make them comfortable for long days of walking.
Satin Pillowcase – My hair stylist suggested this pillow for me, since I only wash my hair twice week. If you’re also rocking that Dry Shampoo life, which is not super great for your hair health TBH, a satin pillowcase can help reduce breakage and will distribute those good hair oils while you sleep. It’s also good for your skin!
Opal Huggies – Opal is my birthstone and has always been a favorite of mine! These gold and opal huggies are a recent favorite. They are small and subtle, but can add a lot to a simple outfit.
Notebook – This vegan leather notebook is beautiful! I have one with a gold coil and my initials monogrammed on the front cover. It’s pretty and feels special but is relatively inexpensive purchase. I think this would be a great gift for a teenager or a coworker!
Sherpa Jacket – Cozy, but not frumpy. That’s my MO for the pandemic dress code!
“Make Life Beautiful” Book – Shea and Sid McGee are funny, lovable and relatable in this memoir all about how they have built their amazing design and home goods business. I love and admire them so much and really enjoyed reading their new book!
Perfect Vintage Tee – This cut is everything I ever wanted in a t-shirt. I have one in every color and I size down for a closer fit that looks cute tucked into skirts and wide leg jeans.
Face Mask – Keep this rose stem cell mask in the fridge, put it on first thing in the morning and tell me you don’t feel fancy while making breakfast! Your skin will look plump and dewy all day.
Snow Boots – I bought these last year for our cabin and I LOVE them. They are comfortable and not overly heavy like so many winter boots.
White Ruffle Cardigan – H&M has incredible sweaters every year – this one was a winner for me this season! It’s cropped so the ruffles don’t overwhelm!
Sheet Masks – This is my holy grail face mask brand. Every version I try is just SO good. As I’m quickly approaching 40, the collagen line is probably my very favorite these days. :)
Sweater – This color is a compliment-getter for sure! I always feel so confident in chartreuse-y olive and I feel like it’s a great choice for almost any hair color or skin tone. The cut of this sweater is also amazing though – subtle mock neck and a slight crop!
Cream Sweater – If your sweater MATCHES your sweat pants, and the set is a pretty material and neutral color, I think you can actually look pretty pulled together! A little tuck in the front and a pair of cute sneakers is a fun look for running errands. Plus when you’re wearing a mask and a cute pair of glasses, you’re basically incognito anyway, right? Wear the sweats in 2020, friends! If not in 2020, when?
Cream Sweat Pants – Pair with the sweater above to complete the look!
“The Nature of Home” Book – This book is really special and is giving me all sorts of exterior inspiration as we plan for phase II of our renovation and eventually building a cabin.
“Golden Light – The Interior Design of Nicky Kehoe” Book – Nickey Kehoe is a magical design firm that keeps you on your toes. The duo pushes the envelope in fresh ways that just feel good and right to me. Their LA store is aspirational and I love following them on Instagram. I had high hopes for this new book, and it did not disappoint. I finished reading and all I wanted to do was hit the thrift stores and Offer Up in search for amazing vintage treasures like the pieces in their work!
Pearl Drop Earrings – Pearls are having a moment right now, but they are a staple for me. My mom always wears pearl earrings and I can’t reach for them without thinking of when I was a little girl, closely watching her getting ready for church or a date night putting on her beautiful pearls! These drop earrings are perfection and I love that they are on studs rather than hook style backs. They are big enough to make a statement, but they are not loud or cheap looking. They are each unique and have a gorgeous organic shape, color and texture. So special and the perfect gift!
Sunglasses – I love the shape and price of these sunglasses! If you are in a phase of life where it just doesn’t make sense to invest in nice sunglasses – these are a great option for you!
Leather Puffer Jacket – Leather puffers are all the rage this year. I bought this one a month ago and while it hasn’t been cold enough here to wear it yet, I’m watching my weather app closely!! :)
Chain Bracelet – Affordable and pretty! This bracelet is gold plated but mine has lasted a really long time with no visible wear!
Weleda Skin Food – I have pretty dry skin and living in a desert doesn’t help matters! This hand cream is thick and lux. It feels heavy and sticky for about a minute and then suddenly it just all sinks in! No greasy residue, just soft, hydrated skin! They named this product well.
Huaraches – I live for huaraches! They feel so classic to me – just like clogs or my leather slides mentioned above. These get better and better with wear!
Joggers – These high-waisted joggers are made from the same material of most athletic leggings, but they don’t hug as tight around your legs, making them great for jogging and yoga as well as for running errands after working out. I like that I don’t feel as “on display” with the more loose fit. :)
House Dress – I love a nightgown that is pretty enough to wear as a house dress too. This one is so sweet and classic!
Self Tanner – I am self-proclaimed self-tanner expert and this brand is my favorite. My requirements – natural color than is more purple brown than orange brown, streak-free instant color than also develops over time. Little to no smell and not problematic around elbows and knees. It took a while to find a brand that meets all my requirements, but this foam formula is the hands-down winner! Don’t forget to use a mitt for application and don’t skip on exfoliating before applying! (see below!)
MicrodermaMitt – Turkish bath houses have been using these exfoliating cloth mitts for centuries! Isn’t that incredible? They don’t look like much – sort of like a canvas pillow case for your hand? But WOW! When you see the layers of dead skin rolling up painlessly, you’ll be a believer like I was! My skin has never been softer!
Floral Cards – When the pandemic first started and with the financial troubles of the post office this year, I started sending handwritten notes and cards again. Is there honestly anything better than getting real mail from real people anymore?! It’s so special and such an easy way to connect with loved ones. I started researching beautiful personalized stationary (Smythson and Crane & Co are obviously legendary, but are big investments). Until I decide what I want to do there, I’ve picked up a few simple designs like this modern floral set.
Chelsea Boots – A Juniper Team favorite this year. They look awesome with pants and ad a little bit of edge to a dress!
Apple Watch Band – Michael got me an Apple watch a couple years ago and he knew I didn’t love any of the thick band options from Apple. He found these on Amazon and I love them! The band is thinner and looks better on my wrist. I have the black and brown leather options and switch them out every now and then to mix things up.
Cropped Cardigan – Are you sick of me talking about how much I love perfectly cropped sweaters right now? This sweet little cardigan is a recent favorite that I know I’ll love for many years to come!
Wide Leg Pants – The Gap at the mall nearest to me permanently closed recently. I stopped by before the beginning of the school year and everything in the store was 70% off. I bought a few pairs of these high rise wide leg pants and they are so great! It looks like they are a standard item for Gap and I’m excited to have them as a go-to for years to come.
CHECK OUT ALL OF OUR 2020 GIFT GUIDES HERE: FOR THE HOME – FOR HER – FOR HIM – FOR KIDS AND TEENS 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10 11 // 12 // 13 // 14 // 15 // 16 // 17 // 18 // …
“The Boys in the Boat” Book – This book is an amazing true story about the University of Washington rowing team in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. It’s a really inspiring story, and just an incredibly written book!
“Leaders Eat Last” Book – Simon Sinek is one of my favorite authors for books about business and self development. He has a soulful approach that I appreciate. He and I both believe that if you put people first (both your team and your customers) that the business side of things will often just take care of itself. Start With Why series was foundational for me, but Leaders Eat Last might be my favorite of his!
Leather Duffel Bag – If there is one thing that makes our hearts flutter, its when function and style come together seamlessly. This duffel is classy and functional. We may now know when we can travel again, but we’ll be ready!
Marble Checkers Set – This stone checkers set is SO chic! If you don’t have small children in your house anymore, I think this would make for such a fun coffee table accessory.
Brass Weather Station – This beautiful brass weather station reminds me of my Grandpa, who had a similar gauge mounted on the wall outside his workshop. I’d love one for our house.
Vintage Baseball Cap – Classic shape and material. The profile is a little taller in case your guy is not into the low ones, like mine isn’t.
Ceramic Toothbrush Holder – I know it’s weird to be obsessed with a toothbrush holder, but… yup! I am!
Vintage Wash Pullover – Another classic closet staple! I love the little V detail at the neck – feels very vintage, but still subtle.
Wood Step Ladder – A step ladder, but chic enough to leave out in the open. We need this for our pantry!
Sherpa Lined Denim Jacket – How many times can I say “classic closet staple” in one gift guide?! You know the drill here!
Blue Light Glasses – Tom Brady is one of my celebrity crushes, so it’s only natural that I am bias over his line of eyewear. These glasses are a really cool shape and a great color!
Nike React Running Shoes – These are a great running shoe that also look great with a pair of jeans. And did we mention they’re incredibly comfortable?
Apple Watch Band – This leather band dresses up and down and is really durable!
Green Waffle Beanie – Waffle knit anything has our hearts, and the color of this one makes it a winner!
First Aid Flashlight – A flashlight AND a first aid kit together in one beautiful package?! This would make a great gift but also would be a good thing to have in every car!
Beard Oil – Nobody wants a dry scratchy beard. We love this beard oil, and we love supporting small shops!
Essential Cleansing Kit – Pomade, Deodorant and a cleanser that smell amazing. Bonus points for pretty packaging!
Leather Mouse Pad – We had to buy a literal dozen new mousepads in the past couple of months with all the hiring we’ve been doing this year. These are beautiful and affordable!
Leather Boots – They look like and perform as well as Redwing boots, but they are half the price. Michael loves these.
Lower Back Stretcher – I am a big fan of foam rollers for stretching out sore muscles, but I haven’t found a lot of lower back relief with rollers. This little board is a DREAM for that. After working out and rolling out my legs, I’ll lay down on this board for five minutes or so and I feel like a new person when I stand up!
Leather Cord Organizer – Who else is always trying to untangle their cords? Just us? These little organizers help keep your cords nice and tangle-free!
Fleece Pullover – If Fred Rogers was alive for the fleece trend, I feel like her would be on board with this sweater. And really, what guy doesn’t want to be like Fred Rogers? Life and style goals!
Neon Beanie – This one is decidedly NOT another classic closet staple, but it is a really fun addition to keep in your closet for any dreary winter days ahead.
Black Electric Toothbrush – We used the Sonicare toothbrushes for many years. I thought it was fine, but when mine finally kicked the bucket last year, I picked up this $40 electric toothbrush instead and I don’t think I’ll be going back anytime soon! Total recommend for anyone in the market. I’d choose this all black design!
Leather Bookmark – The perfect gift for the book lover in you life! We love supporting small where we can, and this beautiful leather shop has some great gift ideas. Personalize with the recipients initials or a funny phrase.
“Extreme Ownership” Book – Michael, who is decidedly not a bro-y meathead, read this book earlier in the year and was super into it! The concepts about leadership are nuanced and inspiring for us both as we make important decisions this year for our business and family.
Theragun Muscle Massager – As I approach 40, it’s hard for me to imagine continuing a running/workout routine without a good foam roller, a lower back stretcher board, Tiger balm and a Theragun. :) I love this smaller and more affordable version!
Hoodie – Michael is a hoodie connoisseur. He doesn’t like the material to be too thick or too flimsy, and this brand passes the test. I love all the color options!
Bartending Kit – For the cocktail lover in your life! This comes with all the tools you’ll need to make the perfect Martini or Old Fashioned.
Portable Blender – We love having smoothies in the morning, but it can take a lot of time and make a big mess with multiple people. This is the perfect size to leave at the office and makes for way easier cleanup.
Plaid Christmas Tie – I love a good skinny tie. This one is beautiful for this time of year! Maybe your guy can wear it to a zoom family gathering? :)
Waterproof Speaker – I love listening to books or podcasts while I’m getting ready for the day. This waterproof bluetooth speaker is small but powerful and is perfect for the shower!
Moccasin House Shoes – Warm and cozy with a hard sole. Perfect for winter work-from-home days ahead!
Bidet – Something we wish we would have bought sooner. Toilet paper shortages got nothing on us!
Joggers – These joggers are Michael’s favorite. They are a heavier weight with thicker than usual material, but they also aren’t too hot.
Electric Longboard – Quarantine has made us all a little stir crazy, and we are always looking for fun things to do outside. This electric longboard fits the bill perfectly!
No-Show Socks – It’s the simple things sometimes! What guy couldn’t use some new socks? These no-shows are perfect with running shoes as well as Vans.
CHECK OUT ALL OF OUR 2020 GIFT GUIDES HERE: FOR THE HOME – FOR HER – FOR HIM – FOR KIDS AND TEENS 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10 11 // 12 // 13 // 14 // 15 // 16 // 17 // 18 // …
Double Tree Swing – We have a big tree in our backyard that is just BEGGING for a tree swing! I am eyeing this double seat version! So sweet!
Velvet Bows – These bows have the cutest colors, actually stay in your child’s hair while they’re running around, and are even more darling in person!
Boys Nikes – The only thing we love more than a long lasting pair of shoes, are shoes that we don’t have to tie! These check both of those boxes, plus they’re stylish.
Pantone Color Puzzles – This is such a great educational tool for young kids, plus its easy to bring along in your purse to whip out when your child needs to be entertained!
Boys Styling Gel – We have tried a lot of styling gels… like a LOT of styling gels… and this one continues to take the cake! Not too sticky and will hold their hair all day long.
Art Notebooks – The only thing our kids want to color in anymore! They spark imagination, are the perfect size, and come in a 24 pack.
Pajamas – The perfect soft, snuggly pajamas for the colder winter months. Comes in tons of prints for both boys and girls!
Parka – This will keep your little ones so warm, and comes in two beautiful colors. Does it get better than little kids in parkas? We don’t think so.
Hatch Nightlight – We can’t rave enough about this nightlight and sound machine combo. You can control it from your phone and even set timers so your kids know when its time to get up, and when they should still be sleeping!
Crochet Kit – My older kids are VERY into fiber arts this year. Friendship bracelets, weaving, macrame, and crochet have all been pandemic time-passers! :) This kit is well done and great for beginners.
Wooden Building Blocks – These are such a timeless toy, with endless possibilities. One of the few toys that we might enjoy just as much as our kids!
Pink Tutu – We all wish we could say our child has never gone to the grocery store in a dress-up princess costume, but we just can’t win them all. Good news is, with a tutu as cute as this, we really don’t mind where they wear it.
Checkered Vans – These shoes will never get old. Durable, cute, and kids can put them on all by themselves. Triple win.
Bananagrams – We love tricking our kids into playing educational games. This is one they will never see coming! Endless fun, and as a parent you won’t get sick of it. (Can you even count how many times you’ve sat through a game of candy land?) We promise this won’t be one of those games!
Bamboo Art Organizer – We paired it with this huge art kit. Your kids will be entertained for hours, and their supplies will have a better chance of staying in one place.
Boys Corduroy Pants – Will boys in corduroys ever go out of style? We sure hope not! These are soft, and have a great price tag.
Gingham Dress – We don’t often splurge on kids clothes, but a dress this cute is hard to resist. Perfect for the holidays and would make a grand hand-me-down when they grow out of it.
Moon Lamp – A nightlight that your kids will obsess over, and it looks really great on a shelf.
Chess & Checkers Set – Moma always has the coolest gift items and if your kids are into chess the way mine are, this set will be a fun and beautiful addition to your home!
“Art This Way” Book – We love a simply written children’s book that is both interactive, and will teach your child a thing or two about fine art. This is one they can even enjoy on their own!
Neon Light – A way more affordable and slightly more subtle substitute for the real deal. It also seems to do the trick for helping your devastated teens recover if you’re a fellow mean mom that won’t let your kids have TikTok lights (or the app for that matter). :)
Velvet Scrunchies – I saved my babysitting money for scrunchies and now my girls are doing the same. History repeats itself! (Except I had to beg my mom to drop me off at the mall so I could get mine at Wet Seal and Fashion Bug. My girls can get 25 delivered to our door same day.)
Extraction Kit – I didn’t realize how needed things like extraction kits would be! Having teenagers is such a brave new world!
Gold Citron Necklace – This gold plated necklace is pretty and dainty and will hold up for a good long while, but won’t be earth-shattering if it gets lost or broken! My 15 year old wears hers daily!
Sherpa Jacket – I borrow this jacket from my two oldest daughters (who share clothes now!) and I love that the hood is removable!
Hydroflask – Yup, still a thing. Don’t forget the stickers too! (see below!)
Bluetooth Speaker – Poolside or for the shower! Now you can hear Billie Eilish 20 hours of the day like I do!
Duffel Bag – A cute bag makes packing more fun, right? If only we could figure out the trick for unpacking.
Birkenstock Style Slides – Speaking of history repeating itself… these are the easiest shoes to throw on, and we love the monochromatic look.
Instax Printer – We bought my oldest daughter, who has an iPhone, this Instax printer last year and it’s her very favorite thing. She can just use her phone to take photos like normal, but then can chose her favorites to print out on the Polaroid-esque prints. She has them on linen boards in her room and they are her prized possession.
Stickers – I have a pretty strict no glitter, no sharpies and no stickers policy for our house. (I know, I’m the worst.) But water bottle stickers are an exception. :)
Zit Patches – These zit patches are some sort of witchcraft. I love them too. Use the extraction tool after washing your face and then apply one of these little patches over the pimple before bed and 9/10 times it’s all but completely gone by the morning! It’s amazing!
Detangling Brush – Thousands of 5 star reviews are not wrong. I like this one better than the Wetbrush.
Hair Wrap Towels – These are awesome for my girls who all prefer to air dry their hair. I use a Dyson Airwrap to dry and style my hair twice a week, but I still use these hair wrap towels to do most of the work of drying my hair before using heat!
Dr. Marten Boots – I can’t believe my daughter is going to the same high school that I did, wearing the same shoes I loved. This is all so weird, guys. But love these boots and borrow them myself sometimes! :)
Tweezer Set – Cute and functional! And harder to lose than the plain stainless ones!
Record Player – In a digital age, where you can listen to basically any song at any time, there is something unique and so special about listening to music that’s as analog as record listening. It feels cool for kids and teens too.
Travel Pouches – These are cute and totally washable! My girls use for our weekend trips up north.
Silk Hair Ties – These are great for teens and adults alike! If your daughter wears her hair in a top knot for bed, she’ll want to use these to be safe!
One of my favorite things about this IKEA frame, which we suggest using for our oversized Juniper prints, is that it can very easily be spray painted for a whole new look! The simple metal frame comes in black and nickel options at IKEA, in sizes ranging from 22×55 to 55×79, but we’ve often sprayed the…
One of my favorite things about this IKEA frame, which we suggest using for our oversized Juniper prints, is that it can very easily be spray painted for a whole new look! The simple metal frame comes in black and nickel options at IKEA, in sizes ranging from 22×55 to 55×79, but we’ve often sprayed the frames white, cream, gold and bronze to mix things up in our spaces. The print shown here in my office is the 40×55″ size with our new print called OTIS from amazing artist Mande Calhoun-Gaffney. I used my new favorite gold-toned spray paint for the frame -Rustoleum’s Metallic Satin Bronze. I love that it’s a little deeper and warmer than most of the gold spray paints available in recent past!
To spray paint the IKEA frame, follow these simple instructions:
-Assemble your frame. This step usually eliminates scratches in your final spray paint finish.
-Lay your assembled frame on a drop cloth, face down first. Spray a light layer focusing on the frame sides and let that coat fully dry.
-Flip the frame, wipe down the face with a microfiber cloth and spray multiple thin layers, allowing to dry fully in between.
-Be sure to brush with a microfiber cloth in between coats to remove any bubbles or dust that may have attached to the frame.
-One the paint is FULLY dry (I’d wait several hours for good measure), flip the frame over again on a large flat surface (you might want to use a clean drop cloth if your floors are rough at all) and then just install your print using these steps. Be sure to email or DM our customer service team if you are having any issues and we can help you troubleshoot!
*Tips for touch ups: If you get your freshly painted frame hung on the wall and notice any scratches, don’t worry. Spray a small amount of spray paint into the cap of the can or a plastic cup and use a small, soft craft brush to gently dab over the scratch.
Now that you know HOW we like to spray paint our IKEA frames, we thought it would be helpful to also share our tried and true favorite colors below. Like with any paint selections, it’s important to choose a color that’s right for your space and the print you are framing, but this guide is a great place to start looking for inspiration.
(PS We cut down an extra IKEA frame we had on hand here at the office and painted each cut piece with our favorite spray paint colors to photograph for this post. We tried to be really careful in the photo editing process so the colors were accurate representations for you. We wanted each color to be very true to life!)
If you’ve ever tried to spray something in a gold tone, I’m sure you know just how tricky it is to find the right color! There are so many straight-up BAD gold tones out there – and the color on the cap is not always a good indicator of the paint’s actual color. These are our favorite options available right now:
White is another surprisingly tricky one! The colors here are all so important for using in different scenarios, depending on what tones you’re hoping to pull out from your print.
A beige color is a great choice for a subtle natural wood look! It’s hard to find wood frames large enough to fit our oversized prints (without using a custom framing service), but a warm beige paint color scratches the itch at a way more affordable price point.
Bronze is having a resurgence! It’s a great alternative to straight black paint if you’d like more warmth and movement. I also never expected to like some of the hammered metallic spray paint options, but I think these could be really cool when paired with the right print!
How to Dress Up Your Basic Dinnerware For the Holidays
Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and wether you are hosting extended family or keeping it small, a beautiful tablescape can make all of the difference in making a meal feel special. One of our favorite tricks for dressing a table is to build on simple, everyday basics with a few festive additions. Our very…
Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and wether you are hosting extended family or keeping it small, a beautiful tablescape can make all of the difference in making a meal feel special.
One of our favorite tricks for dressing a table is to build on simple, everyday basics with a few festive additions. Our very favorite white dinner plate is the most versatile layering foundation!
Rather than purchasing full sets of festive place settings, you can collect special salad plates and napkins to layer with your more basic, simple pieces. These super traditional turkey plates are so beautiful, especially in person!
We kept it pretty modern here with these simple matte black bowls and a slightly masculine napkin. I think this look could transition to many different dinner parties throughout the holiday season! Adding the little sprig of dried flowers is so pretty but still simple!
I love using a salad plate with an earthy feel to contrast the stark white of the dinner plate. Use some twine to tie your napkin and add a sprig of greenery for a natural feel!
This striped salad plate is another great versatile investment that works well year-round, but the addition of the table greenery and the dried wheat sprigs really makes the place setting look perfect for holiday! The patterned napkin is one of my new favorites!
We hope this post is inspiring you to get creative with your dinnerware basics this holiday season! Here are a few other tried and true essentials that will help you feel like a hosting pro this year!
Right off of the entry in our new office, we have this funny little hallway with a sink. Rather than capping off the water supply when we moved in earlier this year, we repurposed the cabinets from our old studio kitchen (and painted them Benjamin Moore Bone White). Now we use this area as a…
Right off of the entry in our new office, we have this funny little hallway with a sink. Rather than capping off the water supply when we moved in earlier this year, we repurposed the cabinets from our old studio kitchen (and painted them Benjamin Moore Bone White). Now we use this area as a flower cutting station since we almost always have piles of fresh flowers in here for shoots. It’s actually been a really helpful space and keeps the kitchen sink free for, you know, dishes! :)
Here’s what the space looked like before we moved in.
We removed the uppers and it really helped to open up the space, but the green-on-green paint colors were not working. After replacing the carpet with this LVP flooring in Dusk Cherry, we painted the cabinets an ivory-cream color (Benjamin Moore Bone White). I love this color with the new floors and the black iron hardware from IKEA.
In our old studio, I had made a wood shelf with wood and brass brackets to run the entire length of the cabinet bank. For some reason, I wasn’t really loving the idea of reusing that shelf in here.
I had the idea that a tall hutch or ladder shelf sitting right on top of the marble countertop material would be both beautiful and functional, and that it would help to visually balance the offset sink. We also have this burl wood cabinet on the opposite side of the room (near Bathroom 1) so the height and dark colors of the shelf helped the visual balance in the broader space.
I love how the shelf mounts into the wall rather the ceiling (which wouldn’t have worked for us). And the rich walnut stain on the wood brings some much needed contrast and warmth!
I love that this solution is so doable and simple! So many of us have removed out upper cabinets, but would still love the storage and the visual texture in your space! We’ve rounded up a few of the ladder shelves we are loving right now and that would similarly work great on a kitchen countertop.
Here are a handful of cabinets we love right now! The key is to find something with a flat bottom base (or at the very least, something you can cut down!).
DIY Fluted Table (and Juniper Offices Front Entry Reveal!)
We have a front foyer in our new office that I wanted to be a place for employees to comfortably sit and chill in as much as I wanted to make it a beautiful statement to our office visitors. I chose a dark green-black color for the walls (Farrow & Ball Studio Green) with the…
We have a front foyer in our new office that I wanted to be a place for employees to comfortably sit and chill in as much as I wanted to make it a beautiful statement to our office visitors. I chose a dark green-black color for the walls (Farrow & Ball Studio Green) with the same vertical paneling with top rail that we did in this bathroom, also in our office. The top trim is about 2.5″ deep – just deep enough to lean art from the Print Shop!
We wanted our logo to be on the wall in here, but I felt like something tonal and more subtle would be best. This Etsy shop used our logo to create these 4″ steel letters that we mounted using a strong double sided adhesive. I love it!
When it came to decorating the space, I chose this affordable oatmeal sofa a few months ago. I love the single bench cushion with modern tufting and the smaller proportions, which were just right for this not-huge 8×15′ space. I bought the 5×11 vintage Oushak runner for the same reason – it was pretty, affordable and it fit the space well-enough, especially after I layered the three 4×6 jute rugs under the runner!
Let’s take a step back though and look at where we were with this space about a week ago. Pretty enough, but basic, right? I had lost a little steam after putting out the rug and sofa and needed to focus on other spaces for the last few months. I had a clearance console table from Living Spaces sitting under the picture light, even though I always wanted a round table in the corner.
Fast forward to this last weekend. The time had arrived for completing this space, and taking it from 80% to 100% done (if that’s even really a thing – spaces should always be evolving a little bit, don’t you think?). I’ve found that after a big project, like a full renovation, it can take some real effort to get to 100% done. My best tip there is to really focus on one space at a time. For about three days last weekend, I only worked on this space. I bought things, I made things. I sketched, I tried to tap into my creativity. And I’m pretty happy with where that focused effort landed and how far we got with this space! Before this space was pretty but looked half neglected but now it just FEELS finished and considered and loved, you know?
My favorite project in the room was this DIY fluted side table, inspired by the tambour on the cabinetry in this kitchen project I helped design, as well as Mandi’s DIY wall treatment and Jyll’s DIY coffee table. I shared a lot of video and BTS of this project on my stories, but I wanted to post a tutorial here too!
The trickiest part of this project was figuring out a good base with which to secure the half round dowels. I needed something sturdy, affordable and that could be found in both diameter and height that I wanted. It took some calling around to learn that building suppliers carry concrete forms in many diameters (up to 60″ wide!) that are priced by the foot. PERFECT. I was able to get a 30″ round tube cut to 28″ high at a national supplier called White Cap Construction. You can see locations here.
A quick note about the top of the table – if you try this project, you’re going to want to start with sourcing a table top. My suggestion is to head to your local thrift store (or maybe better yet, pop onto Craigslist/OfferUp/Facebook Marketplace) and find a vintage coffee table with a cool piece of stone. These are usually pretty affordable. I had a 32.5″ wide vintage black marble top in my furniture hoard that I found at a thrift store for $35 a few years back. The marble has beautiful movement – but I definitely wished it was honed instead of polished. I thought it would be worth experimenting with knocking back some of the shine with some (er, actually a LOT) of distilled white vinegar. I poured basically a whole quart of vinegar on the stone and just let it sit for a few hours. It worked SO well! Be sure to check out my stories for more on that process!
This photo really shows the difference between polished and honed marble finishes. I missed a bit of the edge here but was able to go back and fix it later with some additional vinegar.
It’s definitely a matter of personal preference, but 10/10 times I choose honed, or even leathered/satin stone over polished. I like that honed (or matte, chalky) finishes look older and less harsh. And wherever you have marble in your home – table tops, tile, or countertops – its a good idea to seal the marble with a matte finish impregnating sealer. I like this one best. (PS stay tuned for a HUGE tutorial we have coming up in the new year all about countertop care – specifically honed marble, soapstone and butcher block! It’s going to be a great one.)
Back to the DIY fluted base! You can find half round trim at Home Depot as well as custom trim shops. They come in 8′ lengths and cost around $2-2.50 per piece. I was able to get three lengths out of each stick and needed about 200 lengths to stretch around my 30″ form.
I had hoped that there would be a version where I could just use Liquid Nails to secure the trim to my concrete form. That hope was dashed about 30 seconds into my efforts. A nail gun is necessary here. Real wood is just too squirrelly. And you need these trim pieces to be uniform, straight and tightly joined. In the end I used a bit of Liquid Nails and a brad gun nailer on the ends of each dowel and occasionally in the center. I filled the holes with wood filler before painting the raw wood.
Pine is not my favorite wood species. I don’t love the yellow tones. But over the years, I have started using watered-down acrylic craft paint to “stain” my wood projects, especially when I’m trying to get inexpensive pine to look like oak or walnut. It works like a charm, folks! Just mix whatever beige, brown and black colors you like and add about four parts water (more or less depending on how much of the grain you want to show through!). I use this Linen color most with accents of brown and black depending on how dark I want the stain. If you are trying this method on something that gets touched or cleaned regularly, you’ll want to seal the surface with a matte, clear Polycrylic.
Pretty great, right? You can coat just once or as many times as you’d like. It dries very quickly. Gosh, I love craft paint.
Some of you wondered how I planned to attached the stone top to my table base. I didn’t actually attached the top here. The marble is so heavy, and with the table base being so wide, it would take hundreds of pounds of effort to tip the whole thing over. But if you make a version of this table yourself that is less wide, you may want to consider figuring out a way to attached the stone to a wooden round that would then sit inside the fluted based. Sort of like a giant bottle stopper?
That’s it for the tutorial, but let’s talk about cost for a minute. DIY does not always mean super affordable. Especially when you count the time you invest in the project! That should always be a factor. Here is every dollar I spent on this table:
30″w x 28″ H Concrete form: about $60 ($22/foot for this size)
Half Round trim: $130 ($2/piece)
Liquid Nails: $6
Brads: $6
Vintage marble top: $35
Vinegar: $3
TOTAL: $240
Now, if I had found a table like this at a local shop for even… $800 I would think it was a steal and I would be very tempted. But at $240 in materials cost and, call it, six hours of my labor time, I’m happy with the result. I’m proud of how the table turned out and how it perfectly fits in that corner space. It will be a fun reminder to me as I walk in the door every day of my DIY roots and that a little scrappiness from time to time really pays off.
(PS if you’re not into DIY or power tools at all, no biggie! The fluted furniture trend has hit the retail market as well – here are some of our favorites available in stores right now. And if you’re looking for some additional pieces for your home, check out the Shop Our Finds section of the site! We have been working hard to source items (even finds from small shops and vintage sellers!) and we are constantly monitoring this links to make sure they are in stock.)
