So you guys should know by now that I’m a fan of repurposing items and buying products that are multi-function and decorating for special occasions is no exception. Case in point: my Christmas entertaining challenge for Houzz (which, by the way, you should totally check out if you haven’t already because you could win a $250 voucher to the homewares store of your choice) where I vowed to only use items I already had.

It got me thinking that I’d like to take the idea further. Here is my roundup of home decor that will create a wonderful festive atmosphere but that are non-specific enough that they can be incorporated into your everyday decor (and free up that precious storage space).

This month’s Houzz guest picks combines two of my favourite things: home accessories and typography. Check out this and loads more examples in my alphabet cushion soup over at Houzz.

I actually don’t have a single rug in my home so I am completely unqualified to compile a roundup of rugs. But be a gem and don’t tell the nice people at Houzz who let me write it, mkay?

See my picks here.

1. Love Mae 2. Elum Paper 3. Vera Bradley 4. Paper Source 5. Hello Lucky

I love funky wrapping paper but gosh it can be hard to find locally. Paper Source gets my pick for their beautiful and sometimes quirky patterns and bonus points awarded for their worldwide shipping.

I recently had a conversation with a friend who is struggling with an uncommon storage problem: firewood. Depending on where you live, of course, open fires and pot belly stoves might be very common but they’re certainly not here in mild Adelaide so I can’t say I’d ever thought about it.

I’ve seen some great examples of using built-in niches for wood storage, but if  – like my friend – that’s not an option, try one of these options on for size.

1. Haven Vintage on Etsy | 2&3. AK47 | 4. Peters of Kensington | 5. Ikea | 6. Freedom | 7. AK47 | 8. Ikea 

I think the main thing to keep in mind is that you don’t need to search for something specifically designed for firewood. Look out for any kind of large, sturdy box, trunk, bin or crate.

(Hope that helped, Jo! x)

1. Paperchase goes fun and floral.  2. There’s a Kolo in every colour.  3. Edna Mae makes it easy with a ring-binder and refills.  4&5. Paper Source has something for very taste.  6. From Smiggle, the masters of cheap’n'cheerful.  7. Classic red leather from Profile.  8. Amazing craftsmanship, appealing colour combos and unusual imagery makes Grimm a winner.  9. Modern Australian classics by Corban & Blair.

Post-wedding and -honeymoon I’ve got photos on the brain (and the to-do list). With so many options these days, I want to know what you prefer. Do you like the couldn’t-be-easier pocket inserts, the timeless look of dry mount or the layout flexibility plus protection offered by peel & stick film?

You can easily freshen up your kitchen for loose change just by adding a fun new tea towel. If you think these examples might be just a tad too good to use on the dishes, stretch it over a basic canvas for cheap kitchen art in a flash.

My pick: I can’t go past the hilarious juxtaposition of the Tea Rex.

1. Fox and Cubs by Lush Designs.  2. Showpony is telling you what to do.  3. I pity the fool who doesn’t have a Mr Tea towel.  4. Bottles by Unity Peg.  5. Cute townhouses from Hunky Dory Home.  6. Butterfly Love by Ros Shiers.  7. Rob Ryan proves that his intricate paper cut designs can even make a humble tea towel look poignant. 8. Tea Rex by Jay Jay Burridge.  9. The coolest Hairy Lady I’ve ever seen, by Third Drawer Down.

It’s T minus one month here at wedding central which means it’s time to get into the nitty gritty stage of planning, like the ring “pillow” I whipped up (inverted commas because I’m using that term loosely). This innocent sounding item is in fact worst offender for the it’s-a-wedding-so-of-course-you-want-white-satin-and-lace mentality. Happily (and thanks largely to Etsy) there are now some beautiful and original alternatives to fit your style.

1. Pink Frosting  2. Soul’s Bliss  3. Floral Designs by Lee  4. Paloma’s Nest  5. Estilo Weddings  6. Bragging Bags  7. Bean Sprout  8. Eleen  9. Giggle Room  10. Dear Jes

The elegant ceramic dish from Paloma’s Nest wins my vote this week because it won’t leave you wondering after the wedding, “What on earth am I going to do with this?”. It will easily transition to being a stylish and understated keepsake in your family home.

1. Think Geek  2. MoMA  3. Fred  4. Mint Inc.  5. Sur La Table  6. The Crafty Basket Company  7. Akiko Itoh  8. Kikkerland  9. CB2