Renting an apartment or house may be a wise decision in the current real estate market, but that doesn't mean living in these spaces is necessarily ideal -- especially when it comes to storage and organization. Often, you're not allowed to put nails in the walls or take on any remodeling projects. You're expected to keep the space exactly as it was when you first moved into it, which means that you may have to deal with things like poorly designed closets the whole time you're there.

Thinking outside the box is crucial when you're a renter. So, here are some "out of the box" options to help you better organize your space:

Add more shelves to a closet or cupboard with variable height shelving or undershelf baskets:

Hang a lower rod in a closet without drilling holes into the wall with an adjustable closet rod expander.

Create a portable closet in a corner of room:

Cedar lined under bed storage boxes are good for holding out-of-season clothing:

Take advantage of closet doors with over door pocket storage, rods, or hooks:

Build extra shelving of all kinds with InterMETRO shelving:

What out of the box solutions have you found to help organize your rented space? Any tips, tricks, or products you've found are welcome in the comments!

We've covered bulbs and the different types of lighting in The Ultimate Turn On: Lighting and Bulbs on Wednesday so now for the fun part (insert big happy face here) shaaa-opping! We all love this part, right? This post will lead you to some of my favorite sources for lighting but of course please chime in if you have any to add to the list so Simply Stated readers can be in the loop, too. Ready? Okay, let's go!

The Emperor's New Lamp from the portfolio of Swedish decorator Isabelle Halling.

I've tried to group them into categories to make this a little easier to navigate...

Handmade Indie Design

• Perch Design - I am 100% smitten by their ceramic birdie pendants. Can you resist such cuteness?
• Cicada Home - Handmade lighting for as low as $38 on Etsy. Yes, Etsy!
• Draw Flowers - Handmade retro lighting from Italy on Etsy.
• NICE - Handmade lamp shades that are feminine, affordable, and fun. Another Etsy shop.
• Orike Muth - I am nuts for Orike Muth's handmade Asian-themed lighting. She's based in Germany but ships to America and she's really, really nice (I met her). Her work is far better in person, trust me on this, photos do little justice. When I get to Germany this summer I'll show you her atelier if you'd like so you can see for yourself...
• Re-Surface - A Brooklyn-based indie lighting designer with work that has a very urban edge to it, it's super unique. Also an Etsy seller.

Modern - Other

• Scandinavian Design Center - They carry some awesome Scandi lighting, I have a soft spot for the Emperor's New Lamp (shown in the photo above), the stylish new Can, the Norm03, and the Bumling in white. 
• Roost Living (UK) - Love their lighting. Not a lot of inventory, but what they do have is excellent and their selection rotates throughout the year so check back each season.
• 2Modern - A terrific source for modern lighting from task lamps to pendants, the selection is great.
• Design Public - Great lighting from lots of companies, I'm looking into ordering the Orbit chandelier myself, I've been wanting one for ages. I ordered a large pendant Mibo light from them last year and it's great. The guys who own it are super nice too, I've placed a few orders with them and I'm always impressed with shipping and exceptional customer service.
• Greener Grass Design - Unique lighting, lots of European designers represented, tons of different shapes and materials, makes decision making hard!
• Velocity Art & Design - Modern lighting, fantastic people to buy from (they have an excellent relationship with their clients), and they carry some fabulous lights from Jason Miller with a definite hip hunting lodge vibe.
• Modern Dose - Family owned and based in New York, lots of modern goodies to choose from.
• Hive Modern - A modern lighting lovers dream. What a massive selection!

New - Classic, Romantic, Whimsical

• Shades of Light - Everything from Sconces to table lamps. Prices vary. Don't miss their sale items.
• Ballard Designs - Lots of classic and romantic styles, a very large selection and good customer service. Be sure to check out their chandeliers.
• Horchow - Lighting for all decorating styles, sometimes the prices can seem a little hefty but if you sign up for their email newsletter you won't be disappointed. They frequently have 20% off sales announced via their newsletter.
• Maura Daniel - "I can resist everything except temptation" - Oscar Wilde. When a website greets you with a quote like that, you know you're in for a treat. Maura Daniel gives you a chance to customize your own lighting, from shades to bases.
• Michelle Varian - Love her wood veneer shades, brass accordion lights, and her very unique cluster lamp.
• Stray Dog Designs - Colorful, quirky, whimsical.

Vintage/Hollywood Regency/Industrial

• Pieces - I frequently cruise this shop for vintage lighting in bright colors and crisp white shades. So fresh!
• LUM - A place you go when you have money to spend, but wow what a GREAT place it is. Vintage finds like you've never seen before. So haute!
• Tonic Home - The owner is fabulous, I've heard so many great things about how she deals with her customers, it makes me want to sing her praises from the rooftops! The fact that she carries exquisite lighting doesn't hurt either. A little Hollywood Regency and a whole lot of fabulous.
• Paris Hotel Boutique - Vintage lighting with a French flair, the owner is sweet, her San Francisco home has been featured in several magazines, and her eye for all things French is impressive.
• A Glow - A vintage lighting shop on Etsy based in Texas. Affordable and nice!
• Empiric Studio - A great source for new and vintage lighting, some industrial styles available, another small business with a great reputation.
• Frenchblue & Co. - Great vintage finds, bookmark this site and cruise it often so you don't miss a thing.

A simple black task light can add so much style to a room.

Please note that I intentionally left out larger stores like Pottery Barn, West Elm, Anthropologie, IKEA, Home Depot, and Restoration Hardware because I assume you are savvy enough to know that they carry lighting so why waste your time!

The above list also does not include to the trade only lighting, or else I would include my good friends Zia Priven -- you can only go through a showroom or designer to purchase from them but wow, are they high quality, glamorous, and totally drool-inducing to say the least. And I'm not just saying that because they are friends, their lighting is what created our friendship in the first place. I found them and had to know more and a friendship developed. I digress...

Have a lovely weekend everyone... I'll see you bright and early on Monday morning!

(images above from Isabelle Halling)

As founder/editor of decor8, I'm approached daily by readers looking to locate everything from rugs to lighting. It's so much fun when I can seek and gather for them, I view it as an exciting treasure hunt. I was recently approached by a reader in Atlanta on a quest for modern outdoor fabric so I compiled an extensive list of resources. After sending them to her I realized that my Simply Stated friends may benefit so this post is for you. I think it ties in rather nicely with Patio Spruce Up: A Few Great Shops from last week. And since many don't have time to sew, I've included stores that sell plenty of pillows, cushions and in some cases, drapes too. Ready for a little patio redux?

Angela Adams outdoor fabrics. I think these are super crisp and fresh.

Outdoor pillows from SCAD's Working Class Studio.

Links to bookmark:

• Outdoor Textiles
• Kingsley-Bate
• Tropitone
• Warp Weft Co.
• Grandin Road
• Arthur Lauer
• Frontgate
• Ballard Designs
• Restoration Hardware
• Lane Venture
• Designer Fabrics
• Sunbrella
• Crate and Barrel

Juicy colors and ethnic patterned pillows from West Elm.

This geometric Robert Kaufman design is superb from Hancock's of Paducah.

Three of my favorite patterns over at Calico Corners (I love their stores).

And who can forget Pottery Barn, they are totally rockin' it this season with a hot collection of outdoor fabrics, accessories, and furniture. I'm crazy about this outdoor area with the low comfy seating, this looks like a sweet spot for grillin' and chillin'. The view isn't bad either. I lived oceanfront only once in my life and it was enough to make every home since not quite good enough. I loved all the entertaining my family did and falling asleep to the sound of waves at night. Take it from me, don't ever live on the beach if you don't intend to stay there for the rest of your life because it's the ultimate curse. I digress...

So ladies and gents, show of hands... how many of you have an outdoor space to decorate? Do you treat this space as an extra room in warmer months or do you tend to neglect it? Where do you shop for your fabrics, any good finds we don't know about yet? 

(images linked to their sources above)

From dressy boxwoods to casual wildflowers, there are so many plants and flowers to choose from to dress up your outdoor space. Whether you have a sprawling patio or a tiny balcony your options extend beyond greens and blooms to include furniture, outdoor fabrics, lighting, flooring, patio umbrellas, planters, garden tools, all depending on your needs and budget.

So tell us, where do find the good stuff?

All items shown above can be purchased here in the NYBG Shop.

Here's where I find some of my favorite things in addition to Target, Anthropologie, and Homegoods:

• Fat Finch
• Windowbox
• Grandin Road
• Ballard Designs
• GRDN
• Frontgate
• Smith & Hawken
• NYBG Shop
• Restoration Hardware

Lattice patio umbrella from Warp Weft Co., Swaziland Garden Pot from Anthropologie, campy planters from perch, simple spring plant and planter from Jayson Home & Garden, bead canvas sun hat and lilypad camp stool from Hable Construction.

Where do you shop? Any great stores to share that we don't know about? Do tell!

(images linked above to their source.)

This isn't a post dedicated to all the latest doggy gear but a story about how a lost dog found her home that helped lead a young couple to their home too. I guess you can call this a story of three strays and how each found what they were looking for -- and more. Meet Stray Dog Designs.

  A lamp finial, bird as decor, faux bois mirror and a pendant all from Stray Dog Designs.

It was 1994 in Mexico, beautiful  San Miguel de Allende to be exact, where mountains rise over cobblestone streets, the sun never ceases to shine, and the night sky spreads a blanket of stars before your eyes each night. Newlyweds Bill Pritchard and Jane Gray were just kids, expats who ran away from their life in America to explore new beginnings. A couple in love. But like all couples, the need to expand the family comes sooner or later, they just didn't realize that sometimes family comes to them simply by leaving a literal door open. And so came La Princessa, a stray dog that wandered in through their door one day that resembled a bat, all in black with dots of tan over her eyes and ears that stuck straight out as if she could fly. And fly she did, straight into their hearts as La Princessa became a new part of Jane and Bill's family.

As any newbie in an exotic land can confirm, there comes a point when the vacation is over and 'real life' kicks in. You need a job. Together, along with La Princessa, the couple scoured hidden corners to find unique pottery to import back to the states. After awhile, pottery wasn't enough -- they had bigger dreams since Jane had an eye for design and Bill had the energy to propel a business to the next level. With their beloved pet in tow, they discovered Guadalupe Alvarez and his tin workshop where together, they merged their talents to design a collection of whimsical lamps, urns, mirrors, and more that Jane sketched for Guadalupe who was able to transform her ideas into real, living objects. And with that, Stray Dog Designs was born.

A year later, the couple with big ideas relocated back to the states with their beloved fur kid and premiered Stray Dog Designs at the Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings Market in Atlanta, Georgia in 1995. And people came, and purchased, the good news spread, as it always does when you design a product from your heart. It shows.

  Sherry Etagere from Stray Dog Designs, $600 on sale.

Fast forward to 2003. Long time friends Robert Pregulman and Randy Hale were so impressed with Stray Dog Designs that in '06, they became partners. The little family of three grew to five.

Stray Dog Designs now includes lighting, tables, beds, stools, shelving, mirrors, storage, organizational items, and beyond with delightful lamp finials that are unique and fun. All in their signature color palette that radiates joy topped with a huge dollop of whimsy.

  Sconce, stools, and a trash bin by Stray Dog Designs.

Today Bill and Jane live on Lookout Mountain in Tennessee, with their three children and small zoo of cats, mice, fish, and their Great Dane, also a former stray dog. Robert and his wife Randy help run things from their office in Seattle. And though La Princessa may have passed, she will always be cherished as the stray dog that inspired two kids in love to follow their hearts ultimately leading to a thriving family life and business. Man's best friend indeed. So much can result from the love of a little dog.

This story inspired me so much today. I'm an animal lover and have experienced the power of pet ownership firsthand. Do you have a stray pet story to share? It's amazing how pets can heal, motivate, and bring so much joy. I have a few stories to tell, but someone has to go first by sharing yours because I'm tired from all this typing. Your turn. :)

(images from stray dog designs)

I don't know about you but our local stores were mobbed this weekend! Everyone was optimistically carting out everything from rakes and garden hoses to storage bins and cleaning supplies with a mission in view - clean and organize! With so many participating in the annual Spring Cleaning, and with Erin's informative posts on how-to get started, I thought I'd cover a few cleaning supplies that I use around the house that are not only effective, but are pretty nice to look at and in most cases, eco-friendly.

Above: Products by Method.

I decided a little over a year ago to take an honest look at my cleaning products and try to make better choices for not only my health but also for the environment. While the products I use aren't all eco-friendly, most of them are which is a huge accomplishment because I was chemically dependent -- addicted to all those chemical-loaded overly-scented cleaners because I didn't realize that good green choices existed. When I started discovering more of them at the stores I frequent, I realized most aren't any more expensive than their chemical-loaded shelf mates and they worked just as good and even smelled better -- more natural and refreshing. Another huge perk, especially for those who think/care about product packaging, many of the green products I'm finding lately are packaged really well and in some cases the logos are pleasing, the colors nice, and the graphics and simple yet pretty. No bold neon orange or obnoxious exploding graphics. It's okay to want to use products that are both safe and pretty. Makes cleaning less of a chore when your products look great, smell great, and do the job.

Above: Products by Caldrea.

What's in my cleaning caddy?

• An old favorite passed down from my mom for wood floors and cabinetry is Murphy Oil Soap.


• For wood furniture, I splurge on Caldrea furniture cream in lavender pine scent because it's a-maz-ing from scent to the gorgeous job it does on my teak and cherry. You have to look into Caldrea because although they are priced a little higher than your average cleaning products, they are biodegradable, use plant-derived ingredients and essential oils, and are not tested on animals. Their citrus mint yling ylang countertop cleanser is heaven and works wonders, not to mention how attractive their packaging is.


• I swear by Method foam hand soap, in fact the entire line of Method products are quite good and available at your local Target.


• O-Cel-O sponges are another must-have and just launched a new collection called Expressions for the design savvy crowd flaunting modern graphical prints.


• For dish soap, Seventh Generation lavender floral and mint is my pick, and for clothing I use their laundry detergent.

Most of my weekly stops like Target and the organic section in my local grocery store carries everything I need so shopping green doesn't require me to go out of my way to some special health food store. I can even purchase everything I use online. Talk about convenient!

Above: New "Expressions" collection from O-Cel-O available at Target.

So what do you use? Have you considered looking for more products that are better for the environment? Any tips on good eco-friendly products?

(images from caldrea, o-cello for target, and method)

Paint, wallpaper, window decals, do you like to mark your territory? We've covered wallpaper and window decals over the past few weeks here in Home & Organizing so why not consider wall decals now, also known as giant stickers for adults. You can use them on walls, ceilings, tiles, appliances, windows, shower doors, and even some floors. Best part, they're easy on - easy off, affordable (unless you go custom), and they're very landlord-friendly for those stuck in rentals who have to live with the current wall color - even icky avocado can be perked up with a bold graphic! Wall stickers can be removed without a trace + no harm is done to the walls = you'll get your security deposit back. Liking how that sounds.

With so many perks, let's look at a few of my favorite resources for finding wall decals. If you locate something you like, just click, buy, and stick it!

Form and Function based just outside of Stockholm, Sweden carries wall and floor vinyl decals that I find quite interesting -- not something you'd see in the homes of all of your friends so they make for an ultra stylish statement and a cool conversation piece. They have lots of stickers from French decal giant Domestic.

Stick Meon is a small atelier in Australia that I really like because I think the animals Deanna designs are really sweet.

Les Louisettes is a French company that is quite popular in France and parts of Europe. In the US, you can order them from Mortimer Snodgrass based in Montreal who ships all over and are such a pleasure to deal with. I like the idea of putting some on a mirror or on kitchen appliances, don't you?

Pop Cling is super unique, their range is incredible. They are a lot like art for the walls, very modern, urban and fresh. I ordered from them about a year ago and was so pleased with my transaction, they were a delight to work with and shipping was an absolute breeze. Excellent prices and quality, too.

Dvider is another company to look at. They stock wall stickers but there's a twist because they also carry free standing dividers for rooms that you can adhere decals to if you want to dress them up. Dividers are useful for loft spaces and offices so this is actually a clever product.

Not everything is vinyl, Beearo makes decals out of wood. Unfortunately they've closed up shop until April since they're currently relocating to Seattle and need to get settled in first, but bookmark them for future reference because once they're up and running you'll love their selection. Don't these look stunning on glass tiles?

Design 3000 in Germany stocks a lot of decals and wall woods in German. I keep staring at this bed, this flower-as-headboard thing is unexpected and fun. I see lots of DIY ideas for faux headboard using paint, stencils, and wallpaper but a decal like this would be the easiest of the bunch to apply and remove.

Think wall graphics are created equal -- whimsical, colorful, and modern? Harmonie Intérieure owned by graphic designer Fabien Barral and his wife Frédérique transform their designs and photographs into some amazing results, some with a slightly vintage look to them.

I love tile tattoos from Mibo, they're a great way to dress up a blah bath or kitchen. Just over 4 square inches, they are available in a set of six for $16/pack in several colors at 2Jane.

These are a break from the norm, a smart collection of transferable drawings by contemporary artists David Shrigley, Kate MacLeod, and Edwina White from Australian company Third Drawer Down. At $15 a sheet you can't go wrong. Available at 2Jane to pre-order for a May '08 delivery.

Blik is pretty huge, they have just about everything so spend some time on their website and see what you can find. They recently collaborated with graphic designer Mel Lim, whom I'm a fan of, to pull together some decals that I think would be beautiful in a kids' room or craft studio. I also love Anise by Ilan Dei for Blik, especially in white against a solid colored wall. Would look super pretty against silver-gray. Click here to see Anise.

I can't get enough of Ferm Living lately. Gosh I love what they're doing with vinyl!

Mother and daughter team Elaine & Nell Oliver design wall stickers and sell them on Etsy in their store Elly Nelly. 

Additional wall decal companies to visit:

Saint Honore - Funky, urban, edgy. I love their Munchhausen collection.

Target - Yup, Target. They carry a ton of options from kiddie stickers to grown up florals.

Paris-based Les Invasions Ephémères.

Aren't wall decals a-peeling? ;)

(images above linked to source)

When you think of window decals, I bet images of 1960s contact paper stuck on windows everywhere comes to mind. Yuck! Time to erase those memories because companies are now producing window decals that are as beautiful as they are useful. 1960s be gone!

Top : Strössel Design at Rare Device, Bottom: Light Effects.

Window decals are brilliant, whether you want to hide from a peeping Tom or you have a horrible view of a brick wall. They're a quick affordable solution (affordable unless you go custom) for maintaining your privacy and showing off your amazing sense of style while still allowing the sunshine in. And decals aren't only for privacy, here are a few additional reasons why you may want to look into them as an alternate window treatment:

1. Easy on:  They cling to the window's interior allowing natural light in while obscuring the view. Windex glass, wet it with water, remove film from the roll and position it on your window. Use a squeegee to remove air bubbles and water. Allow for it to dry. Trim edges if needed. Viola!

2. Easy off. Well sorta, depending on the film you use. There are two standard options, adhesive-free static vinyl film (my preference) and adhesive-based polyester film (not my choice). For the adhesive-free vinyls, you simply locate the corner and peel. No major removal nightmares involving stinky chemicals and razor blades. If you go with the adhesive-based films, well buyer beware. They're a pain to remove. Make sure you read the item description before you purchase so you know which type of film you are buying. Examples shown in the photos you see are of the adhesive-based polyester films - the easy breezy ones.

3. Pattern choices: Abundant! Companies manufacturer some pretty amazing patterns and since most come on a roll with designs that are multi-directional, so you can install them vertically or horizontally according to your liking.

4. Fade protection: Some can also be placed on windows to shield your furnishings from UV radiation to avoid your furnishings from fading in the sun, including artwork. If this is a concern, ask the company if the film you are interested in offers UV light protection.

5. Custom patterns available: Some companies customize film to suit your needs. You may have frosted numbers created to install on a transom window over your front door or even your family name. You can also send in your artwork and have it transformed into window film.

6. Application Options: Glass windows, shelves, interior doors, shower doors, and tables. Get creative!

Designs by Emma Jeffs.

For these reasons alone, it's obvious that this product is a terrific window treatment for the modern home. Would you like to learn more and view full-color examples of how and where to install them? Interested in purchasing? Here are a few of my favorites resources:

Tord White Floral window film - This is such a beautiful pattern, it's also available in red... And there are more where this came from over at Design Your Wall.

Emma Jeffs: I've been a long time fan of her highly decorative window film available here and here. The white Moroccan tile pattern in white is my favorite.

Strössel Design: Fabulously modern patterns from Sweden, available at Rare Device.

Brume: Their window film not only allows light in your space and gives you privacy, but because it laminates the glass it's nearly impossible to smash. You can also apply it to any glass surface.

Purlfrost: Plain or patterned prints are available as well as custom works available -- just send over your artwork!

Light Effects: Very unique film that looks like stained glass along with everything else from plain to fancy.

Additional companies specializing in decorating window film:

Decorative Film and Artscape.

Patterns from Brume.

Do you use window film? What has been your personal experience? If you're new to seeing it, what are your thoughts?

(images top: bottom:)