On my last trip to Portland I stopped by Powell's Books, because you should always stop by Powell's. While there I made an cheerful discovery.

When you see something written on a restroom stall certain expectations come to mind, this time however I saw something that defied my expectations.  

These messages brought a smile to me face and got me thinking, what if this idea could become a design trend? What if we put positive uplifting messages in restrooms everywhere?
So far I was only able to find example of something like this. At some universities messages like this are posted on the mirrors of the women's restrooms. This one is from Montclair State University. 

Signs like this are wonderful, but the world of design has so many possibilities.
Positive messages could be integrated into tile-work, custom decals, etc. Messages could be integrated into walls, floors, mirrors the possibilities are limitless.

In my Rental Apartment Decorating post I mentioned how art is an easy affordable impact on a space.

Art doesn't have to be expensive, though I do recommend buying art from the artist. Visiting an art fair, or art village, it is a great way to get exposed to a range of artists. If you can, always buy art directly from an artist. You know they are getting the most for their time and talent, and you get the best price.

You could also look for art at thrift stores which may lead to varying degrees of success, however buying frames could prove more useful. Don't forget you can always paint a frame.

Filling an entire house or apartment with art when your on a budget likely means you can't always purchase pieces from artist, sometimes you have to get creative.

One suggestion is to find a wall calendar with images you like, cut them out and frame them. To make them feel more finished add a pre-cut matte from a craft store.
Or check out Pinterest there are dozens of simple art how-to's just waiting to be explored.

(Click any image below for more info.)

This week I wanted to share a fun product I was introduced to at Dwell on Design a few years ago. It's called Urbio.

Urbio Inc. is a newer company that got its start as a Kickstarter campaign in 2011, its goal: "to provide urban dwellers an affordable, modern opportunity to connect with nature". The modular panels allows the user to create whatever layout suits them best. The whole system is magnetic, so you can rearrange the containers with ease. Apparently, the company made an appearance on Shark Tank which lead to distribution in retail stores. 


Earlier this year the company released another system Perch, I found out Office Depot carries them. The new system is designed so you can use command strips for installation, and are more affordable as well. College students and renters rejoice!


These systems have lots of possibilities, plants, office supplies, even kitchen storage. 

I was pretty impressed when I saw Urbio at Dwell and I'm looking forward to getting my own Perch system.

For more information, helpful installation videos, and container growing tips, check out their website:

www.myurbio.com

I'm going to start off this post by telling you that, while I love dogs and have included some cool "dog stuff" this post will lean a little more heavily toward cats. This is mainly due to the fact that I have a cat and most of these items were things I found for my "crazy cat house" project in school.

As most pet people will agree pets are members of the family. In recent years, products have been developed to better integrate their needs into our homes without sacrificing style. 

(Click on any image for more info.)

I grew up in Southern California, where I was surrounded by the Spanish Colonial Revival style, terracotta roofs as far as the eye can see. When I chose to use a local historic landmark for the site of my senior thesis I was mindful of the materials I used. This led to the discovery of product I find really cool.
Solar terracotta roof tiles.

Italian company Tegolasolare is creating these amazing roof tiles. the tiles use BIPVs (Building Intergrated Photovoltaics) and 45 meters produces about 3 kWs.

I shared this cool product with a friend of mine whose senior thesis project was also in a Spanish Colonial Revival style. She in turn showed me a product she found during her research. Solar Ivy.

Solar Ivy is a product of SMIT (Sustainably Minded Interactive Technology) and it combines photovoltaic technology and piezolelectrics to create these beautiful solar panels that hang from the wall and move in the wind as real ivy would.

These unique products are the type of things that excite me about sustainability and alternative energy in design and will further the development of sustainability minded building.

For more information on Tegolasolare tiles:
http://www.archiexpo.com/prod/area-industrie-ceramiche/product-67611-494305.html


For more information on Solar Ivy:
http://solarivy.com/the_idea#mission_target

A few weeks ago I got an email update from one of my favorite design magazines about a new online article published by this magazine on rental decorating on a budget. I excitedly clicked the link to check out the article and was, unfortunately, disappointed. While having custom built-ins installed and purchasing a 800 dollar end table might be considered "on a budget" to some, most people may be looking for more affordable options. (As well as options that won't cause you to lose your security deposit.)

So I've decided to pick some of my favorites tips and products to help turn any apartment/house/condo into a home.