From Lazy Husband to Handyman

Filed under: Gardening, Flowers, How-To

Plan your spring garden around yummy summer lunches. Think: cherry tomatoes, chives and more!

A year after starting my own 6-pot roof "farm" as an extension of my tiny terrace in New York City, I have learned that even in this minimal space I was able to grow an edible garden. As long as I used my imagination and thought outside the, er, lunchbox, summer delivered a bounty of meal time ingredients -- and ideas.

For the next few minutes let's throw out the tuna salad and see what easy-to-grow ingredients can go into healthy lunchtime sandwiches and salads, straight from the garden. In planning your garden, plant these seeds indoors now and outside after the last frost date in your USDA Zone. Enter your zip code at the Farmer's Almanac to see the best time to to start seeds in your area.

edible garden My roof farm cherry tomato crop. Photo: Marie Viljoen

Cherry tomatoes
Easy to grow as long as you keep them in full sun (six hours plus, a day). Even after my plants lost many leaves to blight they continued to produce until the first real cold snap. Halved cherry tomatoes, salt and pepper and some torn purple basil leaves beneath a drizzle of olive oil? Heaven.

edible garden Edible nasturtium flowers and leaves. Photo: Marie Viljoen

Nasturtiums
Pretty flowers, yes, but also edible leaves with a distinctly spicy bite. Fresh nasturtium leaves shredded onto a sandwich and topped with a sprinkle of sharp cheddar are memorably delicious. The young seeds can be pickled or eaten raw, like capers. Sow outdoors and in full sun or partial shade.

edible garden Chive flowers. Photo: Marie Viljoen

Chives
It took a trip to a German beerhall to taste this lunchtime treat: A snipping of chives on seedy brown bread that has been schmeared with a thin layer of good butter or cream cheese. Don't go light on the chives, either. Several twists of the pepper mill, some salt and you have an unexpectedly satisfying sandwich. The flower buds are also very good added to a salad. Chives practically grow themselves. They prefer full sun but will tolerate some shade.

edible garden Curly-leafed parsley. Photo: Marie Viljoen

Parsley
If you are worried about chive breath, add a handful of parsley leaves to your sandwich to sweeten the mix. I toss them first in a bowl with slivers of paper-thin raw red onion, a little good olive oil, a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of salt. This is one herb that will take some partial shade, though its flavor will be milder as a result.

edible garden A bowlful of spicy microgreens. Photo: Marie Viljoen

Spicy micro greens
Sow crops in narrow troughs, at intervals of a month from early spring to frost. They appreciate cold weather so they can be sown now. The leaves are ready for harvest after about two weeks and are snipped with scissors when needed. Dressed lightly with sherry vinegar, walnut oil and a pinch of salt, this leafy, peppery sandwich filler is addictive.

edible garden Rooftop-grown pickling cucumbers. Photo: Marie Viljoen

Cucumbers
Grow pickling cucumbers in full sun, water them deeply every day, and soon you will have more fruit than you know how to handle. While you still crave their juicy coolness, eat them like this: Peeled, sliced thin and layered on buttered white bread with the crusts cut off. Chill them, cut into chunks and add them to cubes of creamy feta with shreds of fresh mint. Whiz chunked cucumbers in a blender with a cup of yogurt, a clove of garlic, a pinch of salt and eat as a cold soup.

Plan that lunch garden now. Warm weather will be here sooner than you think.

For more great ShelterPop gardening ideas, don't miss:
Replicate the White House Garden
Time to Grow Up: Arbor Gardens
Say Yes to Fake Plants

Filed under: Your Home, Projects

We've got ten chic decorating ideas to make your home feel fresh and fun -- in a day.

The thought of redecorating is a daunting one: The money, the time, the stress, everything. However, that shouldn't prevent you from trying to make your home as stylish as possible. In fact, with just a few simple changes, you can take your home from ho-hum to so-chic in just 24 hours. Here are tips and tricks from the pros that will make a big impact with just a small investment of time and money.

Photo: Alamy

1. Invest in matching lampshades. "Simple white or black paper versions are inexpensive and go a long way to unify a bunch of mismatched lamps," says interior decorator Nick Olsen. "Ditch the ugly synthetic fabric shades that came with them!"

2. Paint your doors. "It takes so little time, but a black or chocolate brown door takes only a small can of high-gloss paint and makes such a graphic impact, especially in a neutral room," says Olsen.

3. Replace your towels. "Fresh towels in a powder room or bath are always a nice treat," says interior decorator Tracie Butler, who notes that they add a crisp vibe for little cost. "It's fun to get an old tray or basket and roll your hand towels and place them on the counter for your guests," she adds.

chic decorating ideas West Elm's new Washed Linen/Cotton Pillow Covers are just $19 each. Photo: West Elm

4. Add throw pillows. "Throw pillows are a fun way to make your place look lively and fresh, since you can find them with so many different colors and patterns," says Butler, noting that there are pillows to match every style. "It's great to mix them up and have them not be too 'match-y' -- that gives a chic, eclectic look," she advises.

5. Remove ugly window coverings. If you're still living with the landlord-grade Venetian blinds on your windows, it's time to break out the screwdriver and take them down. Leave windows bare for a minimalist look or opt for affordable, off-the-shelf matchstick blinds instead.

chic decorating ideas Pops of orange make this interior sing. Photo: Libby Langdon

6. Add coordinated pops of color. "Change out old accessories for ones in a single bright color - you can add lamps, throw pillows, throw blankets, vases -- just remember to pick one color and stick with it!" says Libby Langdon, interior design expert from HGTV's "Small Space Big Style." If you have accessories like vases, bowls and trays that you are tired of, Langdon recommends spray painting them in a single hue; she uses Krylon Fusion Spray paint, which she says adheres to everything with no sanding is necessary.

7. Improve your lighting. While CFLs are earth-friendly, Olsen notes, they "cast a hideous green light." He suggests 60-watt or less incandescent bulbs in place of Extra Soft White; Langdon also suggests homeowners "bring in lots of candles in various sizes and shapes" for a natural glow.

chic decorating ideas Matching shades, like these simple models from Pottery Barn, make mismatched lamps feel coordinated. Photo: Pottery Barn

8. Add vintage style. Butler suggests incorporating vintage or antique accents into a room. "Throwing a vintage scarf in an antique lace, animal print or silk over a lampshade or window can look chic and be a great conversation piece," says Butler. "I've also been known to use a vintage champagne bucket as a trash can in a powder room - it's fun and unexpected!"

9. Bring the outdoors in. "Fresh flowers are always chic," says Olsen. If you're lucky enough to have a garden, snip some blossoms from your own yard. For an affordable fix from the florist, Olsen says that little bunches of solid-color carnations placed in a bud vase instantly freshen up any room.

10. Clean. The simplest and most effective way to achieve a state of chic is to clean up. Ditching clutter and cleaning every nook and cranny can have a surprisingly stylizing effect on any home. So, stop making excuses and finally tackle cleaning the grout in your bathroom - trust us, the results are priceless.

For more great ShelterPop stories, don't miss:
A Dramatic Modern Kitchen Makeover
Moving In Together: My Girlfriend Took Over My Apartment
Conflict at Home: How to Talk Bad Habits

Filed under: Your Home, Fun Stuff, Parties & Entertaining, Design, etc

Spice up your table setting this weekend with simple ideas taken from over-the-top designer tablescapes.

table ideas

Arpad Baksa

At DIFFA's DINING BY DESIGN events, designers create 3-D dining installations that push boundaries, inspire guests and set the stage for fundraising. Yes, these tables are, by definition, extravagant. But that doesn't me they aren't filled with small, simple take-home tips that you can put in place for tonight!

Today's table: Arpad Baksa's table is not for the faint of heart -- from the bright red stairs to green lights and, uh, naked mannequins, it's much more showpiece than realistic setting. But we still found some ideas that'll work in your home.

Table Idea #1: Be Bold
Choose colors that are vivid and can command attention at the table. A staple like black and white is reinvigorated with crimson red in Baksa's design. Other combinations to try: The old favorite, blue and white or sunny yellow and grey. Incorporate a burst of color into your existing tableware set by buying new dessert plates or napkins. No need for a total overhaul.

Table Idea #2: Separate Tables
Guest list got out of hand? Don't fret if you don't have the space to fit everyone at one huge table. A more intimate option is seating guests at several smaller tables. That way, everyone gets involved in the conversation and you can place parties throughout your living space. This table idea is useful at outdoor events and formal settings.

Table idea #3: Go Geometric
Try something different. Ditch the flowers and opt for an out-of-the-box centerpiece. The long rectangular boxes in this table setting work well as a table runner -- like seen on the table in the back -- or as a smaller, centered arrangement. Fill a vase or box with items like feathers or pebbles.

One thing we're not copying from this table? The guests. We much prefer humans to mannequins.

For more table ideas, take a look at Architectural Digest's flowery setting and New York Design Center's stunning table.

Filed under: Fun Stuff, Design, etc

We're obsessed with StyleList's "Look of the Day." We're obsessed with decor. So why not put them together in a shop-able, fashion-fueled room?

This Weekend's Pick: Jennifer Garner

Garner worked the red carpet at the premiere of her newest movie "Arthur" wearing Oscar de la Renta. The seemingly-simple gray sweater was actually a reverse cardigan, complete with a button-up and scoop back. The shimmery silver lace and black skirt looked tastefully old Hollywood and added just the right amount of embellishment. Garner finished the look with black satin pumps and chic Cartier earrings, rings, and bangles.

Now: Get this look at home...

Jennifer Photo: Stephen Lovekin, Getty | Horchow, YLighting, Urban Outfiters, Rauph Lauren, Crate and Barrel

Garner's chic ensemble got us thinking of a just-as-elegant, smokey gray living room. To start the room, we chose a gray sofa with silver nailhead detail ($3,399, Horchow). The rich gray and sparkly embellishment mimic the reverse cardigan buttons on Garner's back. We imagined a couple of these silver throw pillows ($32, Urban Outfitters) tossed on the velvet sofa to emulate the silver lace embellishment of her skirt.

This twister table lamp in smoke ($378, Y Lighting) reminds us of Garner's smokey eyes and tousled brown locks. And the satin shade matches her glam-gray color palette. Next up: The Braiden coffee table ($399, Crate & Barrel) inspired by her thin, black waistband. And one last detail to finish off this elegant living room -- a scented candle in a shiny black holder ($45, Ralph Lauren) as a nod to Garner's platform pumps.

Check in every Saturday for another fashionable room. And see the rooms from the last few weeks:
Diane Kruger
Evan Rachel Wood
Thandie Newton

Filed under: Storage & Cleaning, Storage & Organization, Cleaning

You think you know how often you should change your sheets? Think again.

I was peeling a set of my favorite flannel sheets off my bed this morning when I realized it had been not two -- but three! -- weeks since I last changed them. Eww.

I did change the pillowcases earlier, just as Good Housekeeping recommends.

change sheets Getty

But here's the rub: You're actually supposed to change your sheets every week, even two weeks is pushing it. According to Martha Stewart Living, "In general, it's a good idea to launder them weekly to remove dirt and dust." And prevent the development of dust mites.

Does anyone else think that's a bit overkill? I mean, we sleep in so many layers of clothes in winter that we barely even touch the sheets. I change the pillowcases more frequently since my face touches them directly every night.

I know what the experts say, but I'm going to make two weeks my goal. If I had to change all of the sheets in my house every week, I'd spend my life doing laundry. No thanks!

For more great ShelterPop stories, don't miss:
Brighten Up Your Hallway
Rescue Your Recycling Area
How to Organize a Closet: The Fun Way

Filed under: Your Home, Living Room, Storage & Cleaning, Design, etc, News & Trends, Storage & Organization

Ever thought your could over-clean? it's true: Going overboard with your decluttering can lead to a sterile, impersonal look. Here's how to avoid it.

over cleaning Does your room look THIS clean? We're sorry. Photo: Monalyn Gracia, Corbis

The phrase is probably ingrained in your head: "A place for everything and everything in its place." But what happens when you finally make it to the end of your to-do list and all those treasures, knick-knacks and objets have been thrust away in their designated "place"? Oh, you get a room like this one. Clean, yes, but so devoid of personality, it looks a little like an asylum (albeit, one with chic seating).

We turned to interior designer and stylist Patrick Hamilton of Ask Patrick -- a guy who not only knows great style but is well versed in the difference between tidy and barren.

"Knowing when to say when applies to Michelob Ultra, tequila shots... and even decluttering. Don't strip all the life out of your rooms in the pursuit of a more minimal lifestyle," Hamilton tells us, adding that anyone who wants to spend time in a stark white box should stick with a museum membership -- not a hyper-bare home.

The key is to have a strategy for the items that you leave out. Don't just start decluttering and give up halfway with items left out (which could be even worse). Go through your items and figure out what decorative items should stay out all the time. "A room stripped of all 'finishing layer' stuff doesn't say much about you... and makes it look like you just got robbed," Hamilton explains.

But which items warrant a place out in the open? Probably more than you think. "Tighter groupings of more items work better than one lonely item on each and every horizontal or vertical surface," he says. It might feel counterintuitive, trying to declutter while still leaving groupings out in different spots, but Hamilton is right: The groupings will complement the clean space, giving guests both focal points and a place to rest their eyes.

Want more Decor Don'ts?
Decor Don't: Too Much Lighting
Decor Don't: The Toilet Seat Cover
Decor Don't: Matchmaker, Matchmaker

Filed under: Famous Homes, Celebrity Homes, Cool Homes

Sip your morning coffee while taking a virtual tour of our celebrity house of the day. Today: Welcome to Gayle King's.

Gayle King -- Oprah's bbf -- used to live in this Greenwich, Connecticut house, but now the residence is on the market to rent. For just $24,500 a month, you can stay in this 6-bedroom, 8.5-bathroom. But that's not all you get. Along with over 10,000 square feet of house to roam, you get the over 4 acre lot it sits on. Sounds like you need a month to just explore the property!

Thanks to our friends at Realtor.com, we have a few photos to share. The Greenwich mega-house is owned by Oprah's company Overground Railroad LLC. So wait, doesn't that make Oprah... Gayle's landlord?

This Georgian-style house was built in 2000, so it's fairly new. Its New England location is far from the hustle and bustle of big-city Chicago. Just from the outside, you can tell this is a grand house -- the french front doors, the huge driveway and even bigger yard.

This kitchen is immaculate. Granite countertops, a huge island and a view to the backyard while you're cooking. We wonder what King has whipped up in this kitchen. It would certainly see a lot of use if we stayed there!

An eat-in kitchen takes full advantage of the bay windows and natural light. There's plenty of seating and plenty of room to pull up more chairs. The vaulted ceiling has several skylights which further brightens up the space.

Talk about a formal dining room. The heavy drapes, ornate mirrors and dark wood detailing create a traditional formal area. And the ornate ceiling doesn't hurt at all. With a fireplace on the far wall, we can easily see this room hosting winter holiday dinners.

Want more celebrity homes? Virtually tour the house Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem have on the market. And take a look at Jack Nicholson's beach front (and mountain front) home.

family kitchen Raenovate.com

Filed under: Kitchen, Your Home, Projects

A family kitchen wins the "Ugliest Kitchen" award, then gets an inspiring makeover. Goodbye pink countertops!

This Michigan home has been in the same family since the 1930's. And even though it changed hands over the years, the kitchen pretty much stayed the same.

But after winning the Inman Company's "Ugliest Kitchen" contest, this family kitchen finally got the love and attention it needed.

Before the renovation, the kitchen was stark and sterile. We love antique sinks, but this one looks better suited for the garage. The ceiling fan and wood door stick out like sore thumbs. And, um, is that a pink countertop? Seems to be the only color in this white kitchen.

The freestanding dishwasher is more of a nuisance than an upgrade as it's plopped next to the door and is too close to the fridge. The oven, also freestanding, is without counterspace on either side.

Would you want to cook in here? We wouldn't.

family kitchen Raenovate.com

Ugly kitchen no more! Yes, that is the same space, and now it's a family kitchen to be proud of. The homeowners knocked down the wall where the oven once rested and replaced it with a breakfast nook.

Forget the pink countertops and aging white cabinets. Dark, rich cabinetry instantly transforms the space, and the taupe paint creates a warm inviting atmosphere. Looks like that awkward dishwasher was trashed. In it's place -- a stainless steel refrigerator and additional cabinets.

An island provides more counter space and fills the center of the kitchen. And check out the back door: It's been painted a glossy white.

family kitchen Raenovate.com

This side-by-side photo is a tell-all. Instead of the fridge, this wall is now home to the cooktop and microwave. And no more patterned linoleum flooring -- It's now a neutral tile. The in-cabinet and under-cabinet lighting illuminates the counters, and the multi-toned backsplash finishes off this family kitchen for an updated look.

Now what's for dinner? Because we're ready to cook!

Want more "ugliest?" Don't miss these best of the ugly ShelterPop stories:
Ugliest Chair
The Ugliest Couches

Filed under: Storage & Cleaning, Storage & Organization, Cleaning

A recent study on cleaning habits by the American Cleaning Institute reveals that men and women clean at different rates -- and for different reasons.

If you think you care more about cleaning than your boyfriend or husband, you're probably right. According to the American Cleaning Institute's 2011 Spring Cleaning Survey, women ages 18 to 29 are more likely to wipe down and disinfect the kitchen counters daily and vacuum, mop or sweep the floors compared to men of the same age group.

men clean Getty

And while 82 percent of respondents said they would do some pretty serious spring cleaning this year, men had some fairly interesting motivating factors. "When it comes to doing the 'dirty work,'" reports the ACI, "30 percent of Generation Y men agree that if it wasn't for spring cleaning, they probably would never clean."

Oh, gross.

Women said they tend to clean when their space begins to look messy or when they're expecting company. Men, on the other hand, clean when their home starts to smell.

If you're thinking about where you're going to start your spring cleaning, use the cleaning survey as your guide: 73 percent said they would start in the bedroom, then 65 percent would head to the kitchen and bathroom.

If you're feeling inspired by Generation Y men's slovenly ways, here are some stories to get your spring cleaning on track.

Spring Cleaning: Tips From a Pro
Spring Cleaning For Allergy Sufferers
Cleaning With Vinegar: Spring Cleaning Guide

Brooke Lea Foster is an editor at ShelterPop. Get more of her at MommyMoi!

monogramming ideas La Plates

Filed under: Kitchen, Bedroom, Your Home, Bathroom, Fun Stuff, Design, etc

Forget monogrammed towels. There are so many more interesting home items to put your initials on. Think: Wine coolers, candle holders and more!

We've all seen monogrammed towels and monogrammed coasters. But we figured there had to be more to personalize than terrycloth and cork, so we compiled monogramming ideas that you might want to consider next time a wedding invitation finds its way to your mailbox.

So often monogramming is monotone -- whether it's the engraving or in the embroidery. So you can understand our obsession with La Plates. The vivid colors, varied lettering and eye-popping patterns give you endless options for personalization. La Plates, $22 each, will brighten up any kitchen -- or dinner party. The melamine plates are great for outdoor use too. Bring on the barbecues!

monogramming ideas Ralph Lauren

This next monogramming idea is one you'll want to keep for yourself! Ralph Lauren's super soft, cashmere fringe throw, $495, is the ultimate cozy accessory for any bedroom. And thanks to a ton of color options, this is one you can get away with giving again and again. True, the price tag is high but if you're looking to splurge, this is a real keepsake.

monogramming ideas Williams-Sonoma

Here's one for the dining room. We like this Williams-Sonoma stainless steel wine cooler, $65. It makes the perfect gift for your vino-loving friends. The sleek finish and personalized lettering looks elegant in any dining space.

monogramming ideas Carved Solutions

For a fresh -- and clean -- bathroom monogramming idea, why not order some soap? We like Carved Solutions bar soaps. (And so does Oprah!) You can buy individual bars, $15, or box sets of three or six, $30-$45, and choose your font. This is a great housewarming or hostess gift.

monogramming ideas Pottery Barn

Any living space can be instantly warmed with candles. So here's a monogramming idea for your living room, family room or den: Candles! But instead of choosing an engraved wax candle, we decided on these Pottery Barn candle pots, $19-24, so your lovely monogramming doesn't melt away.

For other personalize home ideas, check out Custom Decor Featuring...Your Face!

Filed under: Famous Homes, Celebrity Homes, Cool Homes

Sip your morning coffee while taking a virtual tour of our celebrity home of the day. Today: A 90210 treat.

Actress-turned-author-turned-realty-star Tori Selling and her family are on the move. Which means you can grab her California home...for $3.199 million that is. The villa style house -- built in 2001 -- was recently put on the market. With 6 bedrooms and 6.5 bathrooms, there's no waiting for the shower in this house.

Thanks to our friends at Realtor.com, we can get past the community' gates and take a peek at Spelling's place.

Welcome to Tori Spelling's. Looks like there's plenty of parking, so pull right up. We love the red roofing and villa architecture of this home. (Take note of the balcony, off of a the master bedroom, perhaps?) The blue door and matching planters give you a bright welcome. And so does that super green lawn!

This is a dream kitchen. The black countertops and white cabinetry is a clean look that will always be classic. The extravagant parquet flooring adds visual interest and brings in warmth. Divine!

First, let us tell you -- this is just one of three living spaces we've seen so far in this house. This sophisticated tan and blue room is our favorite. The mirrored tables and velvet banquette are just enough glam to make this room grand. Speaking of grand, we wonder who plays that piano...

If the ample living space of the first floor still isn't enough for you, there's yet another option. Just walk up to the master bedroom -- complete with sofa, chairs and table. It's a private living area with the convenience of a bedroom. We like the soft blue and metallic decor. Topped off with a crystal chandelier, this room has an elegant yet relaxing atmosphere.

Key Phrase Realtor.com

This bathroom looks fit for a king and queen with the chandelier and huge tub. But in case the soaking tub isn't big enough for you...

Key Phrase Realtor.com

...you can relax in this gigantic in-ground pool. If the California sun is shining (like it usually is) there is plenty of space to lounge poolside. And thanks to the underwater lighting, it looks like this pool never closes.

Don't miss any of our daily celebrity homes! Check out yesterday's listing: Gayle King's Connecticut House for Rent.

romantic bedroom Emily A. Clark

Filed under: Bedroom, Your Home, Projects

Just married? Ditch the childhood furniture and decorate a romantic bedroom for two.

Interior designer Emily A. Clark came to the rescue for one newlywed couple in need of a serious bedroom makeover. The couple's eggplant and lavender master bedroom looked like a little girl's room -- no surprise, since they were using her childhood furniture.

The couple wanted a room that felt more grown up. How'd they fare? You be the judge.

BEFORE: With little light from their table lamps and heavy dark drapes shutting out natural light, this master bedroom was dark and uninviting. The cluster of purple throw pillows only burdens the space, while the night stands look straight out of a college dorm room.

romantic bedroom Emily A. Clark

AFTER: Light and bright. Clark replaced the couple's fuddy-duddy bedframe with a bold black (and extra romantic!) canopy bed. She had fun with patterns too, choosing bedding in an elegant, not-too-feminine print. Pillows were custom ordered in Dwell Studio fabric and a monogrammed throw pillow adds just a bit of just-married cheer. A black and white rug breaks up the room without having to change the carpeting entirely.

Even though there was little space for a sitting area, Clark made room for a salvaged thrift store bench. We love that she snuck in extra drawer space by using small bureaus as nightstands. Add in a grown-up lamp and a pop of color thanks to red flowers and this space looks like a mature bedroom.

romantic bedroom Emily A. Clark

Recognize the armoire? It's the same one in the first photo but refinished in the same color as the bench. Clark hung a fun, geometric mirror over the dresser to add a little glam moment, while a few framed photos from the couples' wedding are on the dresser.

Ready for another amazing makeover? Check out
Family Kitchen Makeover: From "Ugliest" to Unbelievable
How to Reupholster a Chair (and Give Your Kitchen a New Look)

Filed under: Design, etc, News & Trends

We just can't get enough of high-low partnerships. Feel the same way? Check out the full home look book from the Target and Calypso collaboration and let us know what you'd buy!

A snapshot of the home collection. Photos: Target

We could go on and on about how obsessed we are with these pieces, or how much we're itching to have those metallic poufs at home. But instead we'll let the pictures do the talking. And you tell us: Which pieces make your wish list?

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Target & Calypso Home

$12.99 each

$19.99 each

$3.49-$3.99

$4.99 each

$12.99

$12.99

$24.99 each

$59.99

$59.99

$2.99 each

Looking for more collaboration news?
Sneak Peek: Crate & Barrel Gets Marimekko Flair
Shabby Chic and Michaels: Collaboration Alert
Converse & Marimekko: Collaboration Alert!

home decorating trends Meninos

Filed under: Your Home, Fun Stuff, Design, etc

Technology isn't just giving us more ways to communicate -- it's giving us more ways to decorate. Check out these decor finds inspired by your favorite gadgets.

First we found pillows inspired by the IPhone. Then we came across welcome mats and coasters, and pretty soon we realized we'd hit on a full blown home decorating trend.

And you thought your gadgets were fun. These tech decor items will plug you in to what's hot at home.

Here's a home you'll want to slide into, thanks to this creative doormat, $69, Meninos. All gadget lovers will recognize the famous slide tab from their iPhones. Don't worry, it doesn't actually open the door. Although that would be cool!

home decorating trends Meninos

Another great find on Meninos, these iPhone app coasters, $59 for a set of 16. Let guests rest their glasses on these amazingly-true-apps coasters. The set of 16 will leave you entertained with your favorite app icons, from weather to maps. You even get Safari! (Well, kind of.)

tech decor CB2

Pixels aren't just for your TV or computer screen. Thanks to tech decor, you can pixelate your pillows! We like this one from CB2, $49. It's much more comfortable than falling asleep on your laptop.

tech decor PBteen

PBteen has these awesome computer key boxes, $19 each, perfect for accessorizing any home office. Not only do they store desk supplies, they act as giant sticky notes! You can write reminders on them without shuffling around for paper.

tech decor Art. Lebedev Studio

What fun: Takes a traditional item -- like nesting dolls -- and give it an up-to-date makeover. These six nesting dolls at Art. Lebedev Studio, not available for purchase, are labeled in order of byte-size, starting with bit and ending with terabyte. The tech twist to a Russian staple has us impressed!

tech decor ginepro.org

Okay, we don't necessarily endorse buying this iPod coffee table, price on request -- aka iTable -- but we had to include it. This table is built to order by designer Mirko Ginepro in white, black or yellow. The over-sized hollow iPod is perfect for magazine and book storage. And the "screen" is transparent glass, so you can see your reading collection.

tech decor Modnest.com

Want a slightly more subtle tech decor idea? What about this sleek, modern table that is in the shape of a cursor? If the orange is still a bit too show-y for you, the table, $94, Mod Nest, also comes in black and white.

tech decor Etsy.com

What would a printer be without ink cartridges? Not much. What would ink cartridges be without a printer? A chandelier. (At least that's what Etsy store Lowell and Louise, $120, makes with them.) Add some color to any room with their cartridge lighting.

tech decor Othmar Muehlebach

For an interesting electronic combo, check out this printer toaster by Othmar Muelebach. Or would it be toaster printer? However it goes, this is a toaster that looks like a printer. The award-winning gadget -- that toasts in the fashion of a printer -- was created by a Swiss designer. We wonder if we will ever see this on the retail shelves...

tech decor Cristian Zuzunaga

Cristian Zuzunaga, a London artist, has taken tech decor to another level through his numerous collaborations. All have incorporated pixel designs into sofas, bedding and runway looks! Some have been displayed in showrooms and some are available for a special, limited edition period. His latest work is pixel rugs, available through the website, about $4,855, 3,318 euros. He also has pixel cushions and scarves.

For more tech decor, check out iPhone-inspired pillows!

So what's your favorite app you want to turn into tech decor?