2. Stationery:
The word wallpaper may conjure up the kitschy prints in a 1970s kitchen—until you see the craft ideas in Derek Fagerstrom and Lauren Smith's Wallpaper Projects (Chronicle). Create beautiful stationery using the dreamy designs available through Hygge & West ($5 per 8??" x 11" sample; hyggeandwestshop.com ).

Not crafty? Rifle Design's vibrant, folk-art-inspired stationery is sure to put anyone in the letter-writing mood (starting at $4; riflepaperco.com).

Next: Artistic housewares