Gothic Martha Stewart decoupages a table

A fun way to liven up your home decor is to decoupage wood furniture. Second-hand and thrift-store items can be great candidates for redecorating as long as they have some flat surfaces, which are easier to add designs too (if you're ambitious & have more time, go wild with more elaborately curved furniture).

In my Gothic Martha Stewart tutorial, I take a small table, paint it burgundy & black, then decoupage tarot cards on the top & shelf of the table. This makes for a quirky little end table in my living room. Read the step-by-step instructions, & get inspired to take on your own project. What will you transform? Share your ideas in the comments.

What I'm wearing: Grey sheath dress, Target | Purple & black striped cardigan, Old Navy | Grey tights, Calvin Klein | Purple suede pumps, Aerosoles | Purple crystal necklace, random accessory store | Purple crystal earrings, random accessory store

Gothic Martha Stewart Explains Curtains

The easiest way to customize your living space, whether it's a rental apartment or your own home, is to make curtains. I describe several types of curtain projects on my Gothic Martha Stewart site.

Not all curtains require sewing. Get long, long lengths of cheap fabric -- muslin looks nice and is frequently 99 cents a yard (don't overlook sheets and thrift-shop fabrics too). Go super goth & use lace or tulle. Wind it around your old curtain rods, leaving long lengths at each end. Allow the fabric to 'puddle' on the floor, tucking the ends under, no hemming necessary.

This is admittedly a decorative look, not functional. But you could add mini-blinds or shades (which, if you have average size windows, can be cheap) or second-hand sheers.

Feeling slightly more ambitious? Try no-sew gathered curtains, made with iron-on fusible tape or fabric glue. See full instructions. A variation is tab-top style curtains. If you do sew or are just learning, both these style of curtains are great beginner's projects because they only involve straight lines & only a few seams.

What I'm wearing: Dark floral knit top, H&M | Black elastic belt, NY & Company | Black crochet skirt, Coldwater Creek | Black flats, Aerosoles | Black beaded cameo necklace, random accessory store | Silver cameo earrings, vintage

Gothic Martha Stewart explains slipcovering furniture

Do you have a second-hand couch or chair that came with unpleasantly pale upholstery? When you can't afford a new piece of furniture and ripping off the current upholstery feels like too daunting of a task, slipcovering can be the solution to a more elegantly dark decor.

In my Gothic Martha Stewart tutorial, I discuss several methods of slipcovering, from simple to complicated. You can start by just throwing a piece of fabric over the offending furniture. This has pros and cons. It's cheap, fast, & easy. But it's messy because this kind of slipcover doesn't stay put on the furniture very firmly.

For a more fitted slipcover, you'll want to sew. Most commercial pattern books have patterns for slightly fitted slipcovers. These are a good start, & they're usually fitted over part of the back &/or arms of a sofa or chair.

For the ultimate slipcover, you'll need to custom-fit one to your specific piece of furniture. While that make seem daunting, it's less tedious than re-upholstery & will give a totally new look. Read more about slipcovering furniture, & see my burgundy velveteen slipcovered couch.

What I'm wearing: Pink patterned cardigan, Chadwicks | Black sleeveless knit top with ruffled neckline, Michael Kors | Black skirt, NY & Company | Black tights, Calvin Klein | Black flats, Aerosoles | Dark grey & pink pearl necklace, Salamanca Designs | Gunmetal hoop earrings, random accessory store

Gothic Martha Stewart stamps velvet

Did you know I've run a little site called Gothic Martha Stewart since about 1997? It's predicated on the idea of 'what if Martha Stewart did projects in goth themes & colors.' For a change of pace, I thought I'd share some of my favorite GMS projects over here. Such as...

Stamping Velvet
This is an easy technique you can use to decorate fabric for garments or home decor items. You can even stamp ready-made clothing, just as long as the item is loose enough to get an iron at & there aren't many seams in the way.

The only special item you'll need is a rubber stamp with a large, chunky design. Everything else you probably have around the house, such as an iron, a spray bottle, and a heavy hard-back book.

Follow the instructions in the complete tutorial, & get creative! This is easy to do for a scarf or bag, but stamped designs would be a lovely accent on a straight skirt or a flat portion of a jacket (think lapels, pockets, or center back).

What I'm wearing: Black velveteen jacket, White House Black Market | Black & white damask knit top, Speigel | Burgundy skirt, NY & Company | Black tights, Calvin Klein | Black & white T-strap flats, Nine West | Garnet drop earrings, London National Museum