While self-improvement resolutions like exercising more, writing more and eating less meat are great, sometimes it's good to look at improving your environment, too. How can you improve your home to be more comfortable, more inviting, more you, more homey? What things aren't you using? What furniture isn't functioning like you thought it would? What do you really, absolutely love about your home?
It doesn't take a total renovation to make your house into a home. Sometimes it can get done with just one or two pieces of unique, functional furniture that are uniquely you — something handcrafted or repurposed, made with love and its own narrative. Whether your style is modern minimalistic, vintage bohemian, industrial or rustic, your home is full of opportunities to showcase your interests, personality and priorities. Take a look at these artists and stores for some inspiration.
Color-your-own mosaic art kitchen tile backsplashes
Color-your-own mosaic kitchen backsplashes from Waterjet Works: This custom waterjet design and fabrication company recently created its own line of mosaic tile backsplashes for kitchens, bathrooms and restaurants, all of which you can color yourself to suit your style and decor. The company adds new designs almost every week (full disclosure: I'm one of the designers!), and each design can be customized to whatever size suits your needs. Want a custom design created? They can do that too.
DIY Crafter's Alternative: Purchase plain 4X4 white tiles and paint them yourself using acrylic craft paint, like in this tutorial from Positively Splendid.
2. Handmade shelves
Show your love for all things music with these fun guitar shelves from artist Randy Rollheiser at aRRtstudios. Rollheiser custom-makes the lighted shelves out of old instruments and poplar wood.
Budget Alternative: These mountain-inspired shelves from Little Lumber Co help bring the outdoors inside.
3. Handpainted chairs
There’s no shortage of handpainted chairs on Etsy, and many of the artists, like Lisa Frick, take requests. The chair pictured is by Painted Saguaro.
DIY Crafter's version: Turn an old table into an ottoman using this tutorial from Make It Love It and hand-painted muslin or try your hand at some decoupage.
4. Vintage and upcycled storage
Looking for something vintage-cool? Artist Sondra Theodore at ReVampedbyTheodore scours flea markets and other sources for pieces to repurpose into whimsical and lively hand-painted mirrors, trunks, tables, chairs and more.
DIY Crafter's Version: Here are 40 ways to repurpose vintage suitcases, courtesy of Homedit.
5. Chandeliers
7. Chandeliers: Looking to brighten up your space? Designer Kfar Saba at Yehudalight creates these explosive, translucent, sculptural and colorful chandeliers and lamps from resin and epoxy.
DIY Crafters Version: Hang clear plastic Christmas ornaments and lights from a hoop for a simplistic yet beautiful bubble chandelier.
6. Steampunk
desk lamps
Steam punk lamps: Steampunk lamps created out of repurposed industrial and vintage materials are a fun way to add unique character and lighting to any home. With the wide variety of handmade creations out on the market, there's something for everyone to fall in love with, from this repurposed Singer sewing machine-tricycle combo by artist John Leonard with Rustic Steampunk to this machine-like "incinerator" made from repurposed clock parts and vacuum tubes by Hawaiian artist Alex Slotzkin.
DIY Crafter's Version: Check out this tutorial by Mad in Crafts for how to make your very own simple steampunk bell jar light out of thrift store materials.
7. Upcycled seating
This upcycled taxi car couch by Smithers of Stamford looks like it's more fun to sit in than it had been to drive and would be the perfect addition to any man cave -- or woman cave! Unfortunately, Smithers is located in the United Kingdom; I'm not sure how much shipping to the states would cost. And couches aren’t the only piece of furniture you can have from old car parts.
DIY version: Turn an old car tire into a chair or ottoman using this tutorial from Diva of DIY. Upcycled tires make for some pretty good tables, too.
8. Patchwork sofas
For those looking for something a little more chic, these beautifully reupholstered patchwork sofas by Name Design Studios, based in Turkey, would bring plenty of color and character to any space. Don't have that much space? Check out this vibrant and luxurious handstitched wingedback chair from Justina Design.
DIY Crafter version: Don't have any experience in reupholstery? Why not learn with a dining chair? Check out this easy video tutorial. Dining chairs can also be modpodged, painted and stenciled to your heart's desire.
9. Art Quilts
Not only are they warm, soft and useful — quilts can be extraordinarily beautiful works of art, like this dreamworthy hand-painted, hand-dyed, northern lights-inspired tapestry by Leslie McNeil of Marveles Art Studios. Check out her billy goat inspired work, too!
DIY crafter version: Leslie offers paper patterns for those wanting to try their hands at making their own quilts.