Briana Mowrey

"I want the Eames chair and I want the Saarinen table and I want them both."

Briana is a writer and senior editor for HGTV.com. Her self-described design style is "mid-century modern magpie." She lives in a Brooklyn apartment with her fiancé, their spoiled dachshund, Chauncey, and approximately one million old shelter magazines. She cannot wait until she is a home owner, and can wallpaper and/or tile just about every available surface.

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POSTS BY Briana Mowrey

Designer MacGyver: 5 Mason Jar Crafts for Your Valentine

by Briana Mowrey February 11, 2013 11 Comments

It’s almost Valentine’s Day and I’ve got love on the brain, big time. (Planning a wedding will do that to you, I guess?) If you’ve also got love on the brain and some mason jars on your hands, put the two together! A handmade craft is a perfect way to show that special someone you care. Check out this mason jar craft roundup and pick a project to surprise your honey. Bonus: If you’ve got little cherubs who like to get creative, most of these ideas are so easy that they can pitch in, too.

See More Mason Jar Crafts

Designer MacGyver: 5 Sisal Rope Crafts for Less

by Briana Mowrey February 4, 2013 7 Comments

Sisal rope was always one of those things we had in the garage when I was growing up, though I was never quite sure what to do with it. (Or why we had it in the first place, for that matter. Camping? Fishing?) After discovering all of these cheap-and-chic sisal rope crafts, I sure wish I could travel back in time and steal a length of it. Check out this rope craft roundup and lasso an idea or two for yourself.

Defend the Trend: Are Balloons Fun or Overdone?

by Briana Mowrey February 1, 2013 6 Comments

BRIANA: Balloons seem to be everywhere these days. Design blogs, magazine shoots, entertaining spreads, even engagement photography. (Especially engagement photography.) It’s starting to feel a little bit like the movie Up out there. So, are balloons fun or overdone?

KELLY SMITH TRIMBLE: Saw this project on an event-planner-friend’s Pinterest board and thought it was cute for an outdoor party in cold climates:

Otherwise, balloons outdoors freak me out a little. They remind me of the 1982 World’s Fair when I tragically let go of my red balloon and, through tears, watched it float to heaven. Plus, they always end up getting popped and becoming litter.

Designer MacGyver: Impressive Sharpie Marker DIYs

by Briana Mowrey January 28, 2013 8 Comments

My drawing skills are pretty average, but you’ll never find me without a Sharpie marker or two. (My mother will attest to the fact that my love of the markers goes back to my childhood, as I once ruined her living room end table with a black Sharpie and my imagination. Oops.) Fortunately, you don’t have to be an artist to do supercool projects with permanent markers. Take a look at these jaw-dropping decor ideas and let the ink fly!

Defend the Trend: What’s Up With All These Baby Heads?

by Briana Mowrey January 18, 2013 14 Comments

BRIANA: I usually strive for an air of impartiality in these intros, but I have to say straight out that I don’t understand the appeal of this trend AT ALL. However, several of you spotted it at High Point, so clearly it’s a thing! That’s right, I’m talking about baby heads.

baby heads at high point

I recently spotted this example on “Pinterest, You Are Drunk”, so at least someone else shares my sentiment about the phenomenon. But what do you think? Are baby heads sweet and offbeat or totally oddball?

MARIANNE: Ick. I don’t like dolls to begin with, so decorating with their eyeless, disembodied heads? No thank you.

KAYLA: This is my nightmare:

baby heads in a glass case

I don’t get it, I don’t like it and I want it to stop right now.

Designer MacGyver: 5 Popular Baby Food Jar Crafts

by Briana Mowrey January 14, 2013 4 Comments

I don’t have any kids yet (sorry, Mom!), so all I can do is envy those of you in that stage where you have a little bundle of joy and tons of baby food jars in your recycling bin. Because if my Pinterest observations are correct, those tiny containers are so darn handy and a very popular craft material! Take a look at some of these clever crafts made from empty baby food jars and get ready to do some MacGyvering. Just as soon as your tot finishes those strained peas, that is.

Via: Oh Happy Day/Photo: Kate Mathis

Designer MacGyver: 5 Vintage Teacup Crafts to Copy

by Briana Mowrey January 7, 2013 8 Comments

Did you catch the new season premiere of Downton Abbey last night? If you’re as obsessed as we are here, indulge your Anglophile tendencies with some adorable and appropriate vintage teacup crafts. These darling ideas are perfect for flea market finds and/or old teacups with minor chips and nicks in them. Finger sandwiches and tea cakes optional…though highly encouraged.

Via: Ideas

Defend the Trend: Are You Still Stuck on Wall Decals?

by Briana Mowrey January 4, 2013 11 Comments

BRIANA: Wall decals can be fun and are definitely convenient (especially for my fellow renters, holla!), but when I saw them in my fiancé’s grandparents’ home over the holiday break, I knew they’d reached peak saturation. So, are you tired of this trend? Or are you still stuck on decals?

KELLEY: I loved them at first – so cute! So clever! I especially liked the chandeliers. Now when I see them, I shudder. They feel so two years ago. Oversaturation is right!

Designer MacGyver: 5 Clothespin Crafts for Easy Organization

by Briana Mowrey January 2, 2013 10 Comments

Happy 2013, MacGyvers! Have you made a new year’s resolution yet? Getting fit is admirable, but a little cliche, no? How about getting your home in shape? According to my Internet sleuthing, all it takes is some ordinary clothespins and a little imagination. Take a look at these five clothespin crafts to get organized and spiff up your humble abode this year.

Photo: Country Living

Designer MacGyver: 5 Recycled Christmas Wrapping Paper Crafts

by Briana Mowrey December 24, 2012 2 Comments

Merry Christmas, MacGyvers! If you were wrapping or unwrapping presents today or tomorrow, this column is for you! Most people throw wrapping paper scraps away or save them for the next holiday, but what if you could recycle Christmas wrapping paper into something altogether more elegant? Take a look at these recycled Christmas wrapping paper crafts and get ideas to turn your paper scraps into something more than closet clutter or garbage bag filler.

Jen of I Heart Organizing has a smart, year-round idea for leftover wrapping paper: Pretty, graphic drawer liners! As she points out, they’re a nice surprise when you’re rummaging for your clothes. Take a peek at her suggestions here.