Nesting

So, with the new year, I'm starting to make my mental to-do list for things I want to do around the house. When Keith and I moved in, we were SOOO lucky to be given lots of furniture by relatives. We also received lots of wonderful wedding presents, so our cabinets in the kitchen were full of everything we needed and our linen closets were stocked, too. But, we didn't have much in the way of decorations, per say. So, my purchases over the past few months have been in an attempt to make it more "homey" and establish a style for us Joneses.
I'm trying to be smart about my shopping decisions because we don't have a lot of money (hello, student loans and 1 income for 2 people- yay!). And, I want the things I buy to be nice and last us a long time. But- I am also bad about wanting it to be perfect. Like, now. Must control selfish desires :) Must remind myself that we are newlyweds and are supposed to be po' and just gettin' by and such....
Needless to say, when we took the Christmas tree down I was way bummed out to be staring at this huge void we now have in the living room. Dern it. I'll get to that one day...
In the meantime, I've been browsing the web, and design blogs, for some ideas that I can use that won't cost too much. This is one I REALLY want to do in my guest bedroom, above the bed. I'm working on updating that room now--


It's a plate wall! Isn't it fun and southern?



I like this symmetry- obviously there's one missing on the top left...


This is like the swooping blob version of a plate wall, but still kinda cool


This is Pottery Barn's version


An example above a bed.....

So- that's my newest thought.

Must. Collect. Plates.