If you're a procrastinator like me, then you know you can't possibly tackle your design to do list without first creating a mood board. And not a digital version, no, we need our inspiration to physically stay in our faces and not get lost behind 10 other apps. This easy DIY mood board is upcycled from an old picture frame and a broken lamp, won't put any holes in your wall, and will get you in the mood to kick off all your fabulous projects for the new year. More

A Brazilian woman, Dona Eunice, and her husband have been caring for children and their families for years. They've fed them, helped employ mothers in a sewing cooperative, and even adopted and took custody of 27 abandoned children. All their good deeds were rewarded by a Brazilian television show with a gorgeous sustainably-focused home makeover. More

Joan Crawford's infamous “no wire hangers!” is seen by some as the ultimate sign of mental and maternal unfitness. For others, like me, it's just sound advice. After all, she's got a point: Dry-cleaner wire hangers are bad for the environment, delicate clothing and a certain organizational aesthetic. Can't we just consider Crawford's cry as a slightly overzealous call to get our homes in order? Is Crawford just Kevin Sharkey with a bad rep and cold cream? More

When you think of haute hippie glamour and the design riches of the sixties and seventies, you think of the legendary scenes in London and New York, right? Well, one of the more innovative artistic minds of the time was right here in Chicago, and the company forged from the unusual but heady mix of high end handmade, Woodstock, couture, tie dye, and glitz — Maya Romanoff — is still here and going strong. More

Crates aren't a new storage idea, but I love this picture I found over at Gan Rugs. By painting the insides of the crates various shades of blue, you can introduce that inky blue color that's so popular right now into your living space without much of a commitment. More

IKEA SOLVINDEN Solar/Wind-powered LED Pendant Lamp
• $29.99
• IKEA

Living in Los Angeles means perpetual sunlight and a pretty good dose of Santa Ana winds throughout the year, making the new IKEA SOLVINDEN Solar/wind-powered LED pendant lamp a pretty good fit for illuminating an outdoor front or backyard area. The efficient LED bulb provides light for up to 12 hours before needing a recharge; time powering back up is about 9-12 hours in sunlight (12 if it's cloudy) and it's also rated for charge up of 24 hours with wind speed of 4 m/s. It's also a great way to teach children about renewable energy in action! More

No matter where you live, capturing rain to water landscaping or wash cars is a good way to use less potable water. However, depending on where you live, your rain water catchment system should be sized accordingly. Here are five questions to help you decide how big your rain barrel should be. More