How to Shop Etsy for Design Finds Like a VERANDA Editor

The article provides expert advice from a style editor on how to effectively shop the Amazon spring sale for home decor, emphasizing that Amazon has become a significant source for stylish home items. It highlights the vast selection on Amazon as both an advantage and a challenge, underscoring the importance of strategic shopping to identify genuinely good deals. The first key tip is to approach the sale with a clear understanding of desired interior design trends. Instead of aimlessly browsing, shoppers are advised to define specific colors, eras, prints, and styles they are interested in. This targeted approach helps narrow down the overwhelming number of products and makes the shopping process more efficient, preventing hours of unproductive scrolling. Secondly, the article recommends utilizing Amazon storefronts, particularly those curated by renowned designers such as Kelly Wearstler and Bobby Berk. These storefronts offer a pre-vetted selection of reliable and stylish options, saving shoppers the effort of sifting through countless items. Additionally, brand-specific storefronts help ensure that purchases are authentic and of good quality, rather than poorly made imitations. A crucial piece of advice involves meticulously checking product reviews. Given the potential for counterfeit or low-quality items on Amazon, reviews serve as a vital tool for evaluation. Shoppers should examine both ratings and written reviews, as negative feedback often indicates poor quality or misrepresentation, helping them avoid unsatisfactory purchases. Understanding the pricing history of an item is another critical strategy discussed. To ascertain whether a deal is truly advantageous, the editor suggests using tools like `camelcamelcamel.com`. By pasting a product link into this website, shoppers can view its lowest recorded price, average price, and price fluctuation patterns. This information allows them to determine if the current sale price is genuinely low or if the item has been consistently available at a similar price, indicating it might not be a time-sensitive bargain. Finally, the article stresses the importance of acting quickly once a desirable deal is identified. Due to limited stock, high demand, and fluctuating prices during sales events, waiting can lead to missed opportunities, with items potentially selling out or reverting to a higher price. The editor advises purchasing immediately to secure a good deal rather than risking regret. The article concludes by offering a selection of the editor's personal top picks from the Amazon spring 2024 sale, covering various home decor and furniture items like a textured quilt set, an ergonomic office chair, an LED floor lamp, a ceramic vase, an Oriental rug, a coffee table, a cotton linen tablecloth, dinner plates, and a floor mirror. These examples are provided to further assist readers in navigating the sale and finding valuable items for their homes. #Amazon #ShoppingTips #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #SpringSale #Deals #OnlineShopping #StyleEditor

Interior designer Alyssa Owens encountered a common design challenge in her client Stephanie Berger's Brooklyn rental bedroom: unevenly spaced windows where a king-sized bed was to be placed, coupled with the inability to make structural changes. Owens devised a creative solution involving extensive use of sheer curtains to camouflage the asymmetrical window placement and create a harmonious aesthetic. She opted for six sheer curtain panels behind the bed, sourcing them from Etsy vendor Cushions and More. The choice of lightweight chiffon fabric was deliberate, as it blurs the room's edges without obstructing natural light, unlike heavier materials such as linen or cotton. Owens describes the fabric as having a "luminous, almost liquid quality" that catches light and creates a hazy, cocooning effect around the wall-mounted artwork, effectively transforming the awkward windows into a cohesive design element. The Etsy seller offered a wide array of colors, heights, and customization options for width, which allowed Owens to achieve her desired look easily. For Berger's bedroom, she purchased three pairs (six panels total) to create a voluminous, enveloping feel. Two sets were in the color salmon, and one in Petal, each measuring 122 inches in height and 85 inches in width, featuring a pencil-pleat top with white hooks and a plain stitched hem. Owens strongly recommends ordering swatches beforehand, as the colors can appear differently in person. Beyond solving the window dilemma, the use of colorful curtains provided an additional benefit for a rental property: they introduce depth, texture, and color without requiring any alterations to the walls, a crucial consideration when painting is not permitted. Owens further leveraged the versatility of fabric in another part of Berger's apartment. In an office nook, she installed an ice-blue velvet curtain from the ceiling to demarcate the space from the dressing room, successfully creating the impression of a custom walk-in closet. This demonstrates the designer's strategic use of fabric as a powerful and adaptable design tool. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #RentalDecor #CurtainStyling #EtsyFinds #BedroomDesign #SmallSpacesSolutions #ColorAndPaint #DesignTips

The article provides a comprehensive guide on how to establish and grow a successful printables business on Etsy, emphasizing the potential for high profit margins due to the nature of digital products. Printables are defined as digital assets that sellers create once and then sell repeatedly in digital format, eliminating the need for shipping or fulfillment fees. Customers can print or use these items digitally after purchase, or utilize third-party printing services for higher quality products. The article categorizes various types of popular printables, including organizational tools such as planners, calendar templates, to-do lists, and chore charts, which can be sold individually or as bundled sets. Professional templates, encompassing résumés, business cards, invoices, and design portfolio templates, are highlighted as a lucrative niche. Digital stickers are presented as an accessible way to showcase creativity, with examples of businesses that integrate them with physical products. Tutorials for diverse skills, from drawing to woodworking and houseplant care, are also discussed as valuable educational printables that convert expertise into recurring income. Coloring pages, targeting both children and adults, are identified as a timeless solution for entertainment and artistic expression. Home décor printables, such as wall art and gallery bundles, offer opportunities for sellers with an eye for curation, though licensing considerations for copyrighted images are noted. Needlecraft patterns for hobbies like knitting, crocheting, and sewing, along with event invitations and decorations for weddings, birthdays, and parties, complete the list of popular printable categories. The six-step process for selling printables on Etsy begins with finding a specific niche by conducting market research, analyzing Etsy trends, and utilizing keyword research tools like eRank and Marmalead. The next step involves designing printables, which can be done using professional graphic design software like Adobe Creative Cloud or free alternatives like GIMP and Canva. The article advises sourcing royalty-free images and paying attention to typography, and suggests outsourcing design work to freelancers if needed. Setting up an Etsy seller account and opening an Etsy store are detailed, including configuring shop preferences, choosing a memorable shop name, and providing payment information for fees and payouts. Creating compelling listings is crucial, with emphasis on high-quality product photography, clear and keyword-rich titles (up to 140 characters), and detailed descriptions that outline the product's value, instructions, and a disclaimer about the digital nature of the item. Pricing strategies are explored, suggesting research into market rates and balancing affordability with perceived value, while also accounting for Etsy's listing fees (20¢ per listing for four months) and transaction fees (6.5%). Finally, promoting the store involves leveraging Etsy Ads and social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube. Offering discounts or free printables to accumulate reviews is recommended, as customer reviews are powerful tools for building trust and attracting new business. The article also discusses the potential to link an Etsy store with a Shopify store to manage listings from a central location, offering greater customization and avoiding certain fees, and positioning Etsy as a platform for discovery while Shopify serves as a comprehensive branded experience. FAQs address the viability, cost, and most purchased types of printables on Etsy. #Etsy #Printables #DigitalProducts #PassiveIncome #Ecommerce #EtsySeller #OnlineBusiness #CreativeBusiness #DigitalArt

This article details how to create a gallery wall, emphasizing that such a display is a deeply personal expression and an art form in itself. The author, an ELLE Decor Articles Editor, shares his personal experience and insights gained while social distancing, transforming his apartment on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. His primary inspiration for gallery walls comes from the Blue Room at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, an unconventional space where paintings, objects, and fabrics are arranged without strict hierarchy or perfect symmetry, reflecting a "wonderfully kooky" and helter-skelter aesthetic. The article outlines five key principles for creating an effective gallery wall. First, it encourages individuals to utilize existing family photographs and memorabilia. These items, particularly vintage black-and-white portraits, are described as inherently chic and serve as personal "Velázquezes," offering a sense of history and individuality. The author suggests asking relatives for old photos to incorporate into the display, highlighting the sentimental value and unique character they bring. Second, the article stresses the importance of planning the layout on the floor before hanging anything. This pre-arrangement phase allows for experimentation, treating the gallery wall like a puzzle where one's subconscious guides the composition. It advises considering the different media of the pieces, suggesting variety by placing a photo next to something other than another photo. Furthermore, it recommends taking into account the scale of the wall and any potential obstructions like furniture or lamps. The author suggests taking multiple photos of different layouts to compare and refine the arrangement, emphasizing that this stage should be an enjoyable part of the creative process. Third, the article advocates for embracing asymmetry and imperfection, asserting that "symmetry is for the birds! Perfection is in the askew." The author contrasts this approach with the precise curation of a museum, encouraging a more spontaneous and organic placement of items. The analogy of a chess move is used: once a piece is placed, it should largely remain there, unless it is drastically misaligned. This philosophy encourages a natural, unforced aesthetic, akin to Jackson Pollock's painting style, where each element contributes to the overall rhythm without needing to be perfectly symmetrical or aligned. Fourth, the article suggests that frames are beneficial but not mandatory, promoting a mixed-media approach. While some gallery walls might feature uniformly framed pieces, the author prefers a diverse collection of frames—gold, black, white, and ornate—alongside unframed artworks. This eclectic mix adds visual interest and a sense of effortless curation. The author provides examples from his own wall, featuring an African mask, a golden portrait, and a frameless oil painting, demonstrating how varied elements can coexist harmoniously to create a cohesive and intriguing display. Finally, the article advises against including "showstoppers" or overly dominant pieces that might detract from the collective impact of the gallery wall. While acknowledging that not everyone possesses museum-quality art, the principle applies to any item that is too large or possesses an overwhelming character, such as a movie poster or even a child’s vibrant finger painting. The goal is for the gallery wall to function as a unified whole, where individual elements contribute to a larger narrative rather than overshadowing other components. The author emphasizes that the strength of a gallery wall lies in the cumulative effect of its parts, allowing each piece to complement the others without vying for singular attention. #GalleryWall #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #ArtArrangement #PersonalExpression #IsabellaStewartGardnerMuseum #DIYHomeDecor #AsymmetricalDesign #CreativeLiving

This article highlights the increasing popularity of virtual home tours, particularly through platforms like Openhaus, which allow users to explore and shop items from influencers' homes. The focus is on influencer Anni Vanderbeek's two-bedroom Floridian condo, showcasing her 'cozy and moody eclectic style.' Vanderbeek refers to her chosen items as “unnecessary necessities,” emphasizing how small, thoughtful details enhance a living space. Her home tour offers a direct shopping experience, enabling viewers to purchase featured items directly from Amazon. The Openhaus platform simplifies the virtual home tour experience by allowing users to navigate rooms through a 3D interface and utilize dedicated icons to browse and buy products. This innovative approach to interior design inspiration streamlines the process from discovery to purchase. The article then spotlights ten specific items from Vanderbeek's home tour that exemplify her aesthetic and are available for purchase. These items range from statement lighting to functional kitchenware and decorative accents, providing a comprehensive look into her interior choices. The curated selection includes a Dellemade Sputnik Chandelier, noted for its modern appeal and potential for dramatic customization with gold chain accents. For the kitchen, HVH 12 oz Ramekins with Lids are featured, praised for their versatility in cooking and their display-worthy design. LandHope Glass Olive Oil Dispenser Bottles are presented as a solution for maintaining neat and minimalist countertops, with a focus on their no-drip spout and dust-resistant features. Storage and organization are addressed with the Hipiwe Mirrored Glass Keepsake Box, which offers a stylish way to store jewelry and can be customized by arranging smaller boxes within a larger one. Bathroom essentials include Tommy Bahama Bath Towels, highlighted for their plush, 100 percent cotton waffle-knit material, high absorbency, fade resistance, and low-linting properties. For art display, Luxsway Wireless Picture Lights for Paintings are introduced as an effective way to elevate any room by creating a personal art gallery. The Nuloom Rigo Hand Woven Farmhouse Jute Area Rug is recommended for layering, valued for its neutral, textural quality that adds depth to a space. A Gold Circle Wall Mirror is suggested for entryways, chosen for its ideal 36-inch size that complements console tables without overwhelming wall space. Table decor is covered with Lebenze Black Candlestick Holders, appreciated for their elegant design, sturdy base, and stackable nature for easy storage. Lastly, the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is presented as a high-end appliance for coffee enthusiasts, promising barista-quality drinks at home. Each item description includes its price and a link for direct purchase, reinforcing the shoppable nature of the virtual tour and the article itself. The overall presentation emphasizes practical yet stylish home decor solutions that align with an eclectic aesthetic. #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #EclecticStyle #VirtualHomeTour #InfluencerHome #ShoppableHome #AmazonFinds #HomeStyling #FloridaCondo