Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Little Things...

Hi there!  Sorry for the absence, but life got in the way again.  Darn, don't you hate when that happens?  Before I know it, days go by, then weeks and then guilt starts to set in because I haven't posted.  It seems like I have yet to master both blogging and keeping up with life (being a mommy, a wife, working, cooking and cleaning).  Sorry.

These days it is all about accomplishing the 'little things' that is making me happy.  I've been doing little improvements around our home, for example, like finding the perfect space to hang up my three antique butterfly prints.  God only knows how long these have been in storage. 


I'm also making progress on some home projects which keep me excited and motivated.  Sorry, no pictures yet, but soon.  I promise.  

On a different note, don't you love when you see an idea that inspires you and then you see this idea pop up several times.  Case in point - I love this idea of the bed in the corner with a map mural of sorts wrapping around the corner.



Great way to fill up a large space with affordable art that makes an impact and can be very educational for youngsters!!

Hope you all are having a good week!!

Monday, February 11, 2013

Unfinished Furniture

The idea of using unfinished furniture and transforming it to look great is nothing new.  I feel like five years ago there wasn't much selection in this arena, but things have certainly changed.  The other day, I browsed a couple of websites and was pretty amazed by the possibilities!



I love this little girl's room designed by Estee Stanley.  See the nightstand?  I found a very similar look for probably a fraction of the cost ($99).  

No need for a nightstand?  How about the same style as a bookcase?  I could this see using this in a nursery ($109).

I found the below table/desk and was considering using it in the corner of my dining room.  But, I wasn't sure?

And, then the other day I saw a photo of a living room Katie Fine designed and see the black desk/table in the corner?


I was like A-ha!  I really like how it works in this space.  So, perhaps it could work.  Besides, if I tire of it, I could always use it again in my daughter's room for her desk.   I'm particularly fond of the french inspired style.  See below.


So feminine and sweet.  I also love the idea of using it as a night table as well, like Sasha Adler did in her bedroom.  


All you would need to do is paint it black, use a gold leaf pen for the edging and you're suddenly sporting a very chic desk!   

Speaking of bedrooms, I really like this headboard and I think you could really be creative with upholstering the framed box so it would be padded.  


Not really sure?  Here is some inspiration....



I could go on and on.  I found many pieces that could work in your home from demilune consoles to three drawer chests.  Personally, I would look on craigslist first to see if you can find the perfect piece, but if that fails, going the unfinished furniture route is a great option especially when you have to work within the limitations of a tight budget.  



Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Nearing the finish line...

If you've been following along, you know that I'm helping my friend make some design decisions for her living room and dining room.  Previously I posted some fabric options for her to consider for her living room.  Well, it has been an evolving process.  Good news - final fabric decisions have been made!  See below.


The fabrics from left to right will be drapes, sofa, pillows, upholstered roll arm chair.

Originally, we were looking at Annie Selke's scramble fabric for the roll arm chair, but couldn't find the perfect color.  As an alternative, we found (and love) the John Robshaw Prasana fabric because it resembles the curves of Annie Selke's scramble fabric but also has a touch of red.  If you remember, my friend's dining room has red walls so this will tie in nicely.  

To refresh your memory here are the furniture pieces that will find a new home in her living room:

Sofa:


Roll Arm:


Wing Back Chair and Accent table:


{Ignore pillow, rug and paint sample on wall}

Now imagine these pieces upholstered in the fabrics above (obviously, not the leather wing back chair).  It's all very exciting and I can't wait to see it all finally come together.  To say I am living vicariously through my friend is an understatement!  

Friday, February 1, 2013

From eeewww to aaaahhhh....

The other day my friend sent me before and after photos of her hall bathroom.  She lives in a rental in Manhattan so she is always looking for quick fixes that don't involve huge renovations.  She wanted a to make her "ugly" (her words) bathroom into something a bit more appealing.

Before

A couple of rolls of Anthropologie wallpaper  (50% off) and here you go....

After

An easy, inexpensive fix with lots of impact.  She specifically chose this wallpaper so that it could tie in her yellowish greenish ("ugly") tiles.  That is taking lemons and making lemonade.  Also, she said that it had this sure strip backing (paste-free application) making it easy to put up.

Here is a blow-up of the wallpaper design:


Pretty, huh?  I know these days it is easy to get overwhelmed with all the gorgeous design pictures flying around pinterest.  Some days I think I need tons of money to do a complete reno (gut) job to get the room I want. I just am really impressed how my friend used what she had and worked with it.  I think those are some of the most challenging design jobs!!

Happy Weekend Friends!