'Pretty Pretty Wallpaper'

Always wondered what to do with that pretty wallpaper, but never thought to cover your walls with it (who does that anymore)? Here’s one way to reuse that wallpaper that will enliven your medicine cabinets without overpowering your bathroom walls.

Tip: Stay away from grandmother-inspired floral wallpaper and make sure you’re using a brightly patterned wallpaper. Create a visual surprise, not a visual bore.

Example of wallpaper inside medicine cabinet

What you will need:

· 1/4 –inch foam core

· A roll of wallpaper in two different panels (will allow you to switch patterns)

· 3-inch paintbrush

· Mildew-resistant wallpaper paste

· Measuring tape

· Ruler

· Box cutter/craft knife

· Scissors

· Pencil

Bright, bold wallpaper choices

How to:

1. First, remove shelves and use the measuring tape to note the exact dimensions of the inside of the cabinet.

2. Cut the foam board to the exact measurements of the cabinet using the ruler, pencil and box cutter. The same dimensions should be traced with a pencil on the two rolls of wallpaper, and cut with a scissor.

3. Take the glue and spread evenly on one side of the foam board using the paintbrush. Lay the wallpaper down on the foam board slowly, starting on one end and smoothing out the paper and the air bubbles as you go.

4. Repeat this last action on the other side of the foam board, using the second roll of wallpaper.

5. Once dry, place the finished board inside the cabinet. The foam board should fit snuggly into the cabinet. Tap it lightly into place.

6. Put the shelves back in place and you’re finished! If you want to change the pattern in the future, just flip the board over!

Example of wallpaper used inside a curio chest

*This how-to project only works on cabinets with removable shelves. If your medicine cabinets don’t fit the bill, another way to create contrast is to paint the inside of the medicine cabinet a different color than the rest of your walls.

The point is to be resourceful and creative, and to revamp your décor in an easy and inexpensive way.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of simplystated.realsimple.com; mintdesignblog.com katyelliott.com

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'Lindsay Lohan Fired From Ungaro'

The Paris fashion shows wore on with the usual sprinkling of celebrities and notables in the front row. But at the Emmanuel Ungaro show on Monday, the show was definitely sans a certain Hollywood wild child: Lindsay Lohan.

Turns out that the celeb was reportedly asked not to make an appearance at the Ungaro show, and instead she chose to attend other shows like Chanel’s ready-to-wear. At the end of the Ungaro show, designer Estrella Archs took a solo bow – prompting the fashion media to ask: “Where’s Lilo?”

I guess those heart-shaped pasties that elicited gasps last fall won’t be making a comeback.

Former Chief Executive Officer Mounir Mouffarige enlisted the young star’s help to resurrect a fashion house that had gone through 5 designers in 5 years. He predicted that the involvement of Lohan in the line would make for “an explosive combination.”

Explosive was right. But not in the way Mouffarige, who has since resigned, wanted. The collection last fall gave off to a bad start; with its heart-shaped frocks deemed ‘off-target’ and an even stronger backlash from other critics that claimed it was the worst collection they had ever seen.

Ungaro himself even, the founder of the namesake fashion house who parted ways with the label years ago, publicly decried the collection.

Sources did confirm yesterday that Lohan has been fired from Ungaro as an artistic advisor. When asked by the media if she had been ‘sacked’ from Ungaro, the celeb coolly replied that there were some legal issues involved and she couldn’t discuss the issue further.

But let’s be honest: We’re all pretty sure here that had the collection been received well, Lohan wouldn’t be out of a fashion job right now.

As far as the fate of the Ungaro house, fashion critic Nicole Phelps of Style.com called the latest Fall-Winter 2010 collection by Archs “an improvement” since the last season.

Ouch. It looks like the fashion house can’t blame all the bad publicity on a case of celebrity collaborations gone wrong.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of independent.co.uk; whatshaute.com; mylifetime.com

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'The Best of Living'

What makes a living room go from cookie-cutter to swank and on the cusp of fashion? HGTV profiles some of the best living rooms in any and all styles (from traditional to modern or exotic) for a little style inspiration.

These are my favorites:

1. Maybe it’s because I am partial to city living that this urban living room designed by Nicole Sassaman is one of my favorites.

If you live in a high rise or home with stunning backdrop or vista, the goal is to make the view the focal point. Interior designer Sassaman accomplishes this by removing cabinets once located under the large windows and replacing them with smaller windows.

Notice how the designer opts for classic black and white, but chooses to experiment with the combination for an unexpected painting of the mantel and shelving. Learned Tip: Take your pick of two accent colors and don’t be afraid to paint a wall, mantel or furniture piece with the two colors for a nice twist.

2. It doesn’t have to take a trip to India, Africa or the South of France to summon the taste exotic spices, the adventure of a safari or the warmth of a Mediterranean breeze. Designer Amy Bubier brings a bit of the exotic to a neutral room through her choices in the accessories.

Lush pillows and throws with fringe, indoor plants, artwork and a statement chair bring this living room to life. Warm lighting (love the ceiling lamps) sets the mood.

Learned Tip: If you like to regularly update your home décor, it might be best to keep the wall colors and upholstery neutral. The room’s strength comes from the details.

3. Mix the old with the new for a result that is extraordinary.

Classic vintage chaises upholstered in pink with animal print pillows transform a living room that otherwise would be commonplace with its sea foam walls, white shelves and curtains.

Notice the white faux fur rug that matches both the shelving unit and curtains. The use of fresh cut flowers redistributes the pink to the rest of the room. Learned Tip: Don’t feel obligated to buy large furniture in order to update your décor – it could be as simple as adding a bouquet of flowers or potted plant to a coffee table or stand.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of www.hgtv.com