Swedish Inspired DIY

BEFORE

My friend and roomie, Amy, has great style mixed with cool mid-century pieces (see that teak coffee table). 

Looking for art to go above her sofa she hasn't found a pricey piece she is willing to commit to quite yet. So we devised a solution. To Amy's credit 2 cute pillows are missing from the "before" shot.

With a little help from two of my favorite stores we got big impact on a small budget. We bought two sheets of fine paper from Paper Source. They have something for everyone with a variety of patterns and price points. The pattern for this project: Lokta Bean was under $5 a sheet! 

Pop them in Ribba frames from IKEA, under $25 each (this is where we thank Sweden) and voila! we have room brightening art for around $60. This particular paper was a little ruffly around the edges, emphasized by the glare in the photos--in person, not so noticeable.

Hint: if your paper is a bit thin and see-through, line the back with white paper or poster board like we did for added strength and opacity.

Down the road if she wants to switch it up, it will only cost a few bucks for new paper. P.S. her adorable new pillows are from CB2.

I'm feeling nostalgic for all things Scandinavia this week--thus the shout out to Sweden--because one year ago I was here: a beautiful marina outside Gothenburg Sweden.