Today I'm excited to share a new Picture It: Design Inspiration. I love creating a room based off of a single beautiful image, and this month I'm focusing my attention on designing a mood board specifically for a bedroom. I know I can't be the only one with a bedroom full of random left-over furniture, and hand-me-down accessories. Our bedroom needs a bit of work, that's why you don't see it on the blog very much. I'm hoping I'll have time to spend some attention on it this year, but in the mean time, I thought it would be fun to use this lovely picture to base an entire bedroom design around. Here's my inspiration: Original Source It's such a beautiful picture, and I think the ...
Inspiration
What’s Inspiring Me
Every now and then, I like to share pictures that inspire me. And with summer approaching, I've been soaking in as much exterior inspiration as possible. We have a pretty blank slate. Sure, we have grass and a few trees and bushes, but we have a lot of work to do and I can't help but day dream about a little bit more landscaping. Of course, I have high hopes that the wind will actually die down and we can enjoy our yard and patio. It hasn't happened yet, but I have hope! One of the things that made the list for our 2014 project goals, is the addition of more landscaping. It's going to be on our yearly goal list for years to come, but I can't help but share what's inspiring me. You ...
5 Projects To Make Under $30
We all like a bargain, right? I know I do. Often times I'll see something that I love, but flinch when I see the price. That's why I love making things for our home. I still get the look that I want, but at a much lower price. Today I'm sharing 5 projects to make under $30. And you'll be surprised at how easy these projects are to make... 1. For that lovely high end look without the price tag, my driftwood mirror is easy to make and adds that perfect natural touch. Don't have a beach nearby? Me either! I found all my driftwood by our local river! 2. Looking to spruce up your garden this year? These DIY wire garden globes are easy to make and require minimal supplies! Just think ...
Hometalk & Michaels Pinterest Party Projects
Happy Valentines Day! I hope you have an absolutely wonderful day! If you've been on Hometalk, Pinterest, or Facebook lately, you've probably already saw a few of the amazing projects floating around for the Hometalk & Michaels Pinterest Party. Just in case you missed the big announcement, you can find the details here. I shared my project a couple of days ago and I absolutely love it. It's simple, but full of meaning! But today, I thought you might like to see all the a-mazing projects that other bloggers have been making and creating for the Michaels pinterest party. I seriously couldn't wait to share them with you! Everyone created their projects based off the ...
What I’m Crushing On…
There are a few things that really catch my attention... Things that I have a huge crush on... Things that make me stop dead in my tracks... Things that make home feel even more special... Things like... PLAID: Can't get enough of it. It's so warm, casual and home-y. And, truth be told, I've always liked plaid, but now that it's popular I'm even happier! It makes finding plaid fabric that much easier! These plaid blankets warm me right up! And buffalo check is also fabulous... I'd sit here all day! (Source Not Found) This is such a cozy bedroom... and that plaid blanket is perfect! WOOD CEILINGS: Be still my heart. From beams to planks and coffered ceilings, I am in ...
Dreaming of an Office
If there's one room that we really need to focus on, it's our home office. I'm dreaming of it big time! We do currently have an office, but I haven't spent much time on it. We really need to change that. Anthony and I have both agreed that it needs to be a priority. Our simple organization system isn't cutting it. I have boxes full of supplies, fabric piled on top of them and more stuff on top of the fabric. That makes it a bit hard to find things. And I hate not being able find things! Nothing gets me more irritated. We've been thinking of different ways to add storage while still making everything pretty and functional. I think we've got it figured out, and I've even scored a few ...
Friday Favorites
I've been working on a few different projects (coming soon) and Anthony and I are getting ready to start on a several powder bathroom projects... I can't wait! In the mean time, I thought I'd share a few lovely images that have left me so inspired and motivated! Here they are: I'm completely in love with everything in this home office... sigh... via: Tessa & Hans Neleman This bathroom has so many unique touches... lovely! Via I'm completely smitten with this bedroom... Via From the very first time I saw this dining room, I was in love. Everything is perfect! Via And just look at these light fixtures... They're identical to our breakfast nook light. Plus, this ...
Powder Bathroom Inspiration: Take 2
I've been known to switch up a plan from time to time. I'm a wanderer, a drifter of sorts. I think that I'll have the perfect plan for something, totally decide on doing it, implement a few things, then change my mind. I guess that means it wasn't turning out as I had hoped.... Our powder bathroom has been stuck in a rut for a while now... You might remember my first inspiration post that I shared here. I still love everything about those rooms, but I've found a different inspiration in them then I previously shared. Funny how that works, huh? But, the thing is... I have finally created the room in my head. From top to bottom. I can see the accessories, the colors, the wood tones ...
Garden Shed Inspiration
I've been working on several projects lately, and while some of them are close to being done, none of them actually are.... I had big plans to show you something new in the laundry room today, but it didn't happen. So instead, I'm veering off course and showing you our pretty little garden shed.... HA! What a laugh! You see, we have this sad, sad, sad little garden shed. It was on the property when we bought it, and I think it's safe to say that it hasn't seen a coat of paint in yeeaarrss. See what I don't show you? Ya... You're not missing much! But the good news is, I have big plans for it! Here are some of my favorite garden sheds, all of which have given me an extra ...
Kitchen Backsplash Inspiration
Remember when I told you about the project goal list for 2013? Well, today we're going to be exploring number # 3 on that list: Kitchen Backsplash. When we built our house we had to decide on the areas where we wanted to splurge up front. Things like appliances, cabinets, stucco, rock work and real wood flooring were all on our list. Things that could be added over time weren't as important. For instance, I knew that I really wanted double ovens and they totally changed the layout of the kitchen, so we decided to include them in our budget. Double ovens are much easier to plan for up front, and we really weren't interested in doing a total gut job on the kitchen anytime soon. Plus, ...
Creating My Signature Style
Recently I came across several amazing posts by Darlene at Fieldstone Hill. After reading about the importance of finding and creating my own signature style, I was inspired to do just that. I found it a little ironic that I stumbled upon her site. Lately, I've been working on distinguishing my style and she provided so many excellent tips to get started. We all know that sources of inspiration are everywhere. From magazines, to Pinterest and blogs, there are so many great ways to get inspired. While this is wonderful thing, I find that it can leave me a little bit confused with what I really like. In order to create my signature style, I had to identify what I really loved and ...
Powder Bathroom Inspiration
Since the powder bathroom went on our 2013 project goals list, I thought that I had better start gathering a little bit of inspiration to get motivated. Our powder bathroom is right off the entry way, which makes it one of the first rooms that you see when you come inside our home. Especially if you stop to take off your coat and shoes. And, umm, obviously people use it. Quite a lot. Other than a couple of pictures and a fake plant, this room is empty. It needs some love. And a cohesive design. Here's what I'm using for inspiration: Source Source Source Source Not Found- Sorry! Source Source Source After we install a new wall treatment, I can't wait to get started on a ...
Breakfast Nook Update: Refinished Dresser
Hello and Happy Friday! I'm back with yet another breakfast nook update. Now that we have added the bench, it's prodded me to finish several other projects that I've been wanting to accomplish. When I originally told you about the breakfast nook changes, I showed you my to do list: 1. Make a bench out of existing cabinets the full length of the window. Hopefully I can find the cabinets at Habitat for Humanity to save on cost. Fingers crossed! 2. DIY a bench cushion. 3. Hem curtains to allow for bench. 4. Get new pedestal table. I’ve been searching Craigslist and think I might have found one on the cheap. Just a little paint and elbow grease and we’ll have a show ...
Laundry Room Console Table
I've been bitten. By the furniture bug, that it. The laundry room is getting ready for a complete makeover. Remember? We talked about this. I shared everything that's been brutally bugging me since we moved in. Happy times. Anyways, I was cruising around the great www and I ran into a lovely console table that practically had my name etched into it. It was completely perfect, except for the depth, oh, and perhaps the price... Yes, at $1,099 this table is quite the catch. Source Ah, but look at all the loveliness! The thick wood top with the iron frame. It's a perfect mix. And, it's similar to the original inspiration that I showed you before: Source But, like I stated ...
Breakfast Nook Plans
Lately I've been daydreaming of my most recent obsession: Sunny breakfast nooks with bench seating. Yes, you read that right. I've been obsessing over breakfast nooks. And bench seating. It's what I do... my mind is constantly changing, organizing or decorating something. You'd think that I would get tired of it. Actually, it's the exact opposite. I thrive off of it! Honestly, the more that I let my mind wander, the better my ideas get. Does that happen to anyone else? Anyways... Since we have a dining room and a breakfast nook, I've recently decided that I want to make our breakfast nook, well, breakfasty. I want to add a comfy bench with usable storage and numerous pillows, a ...
DIY Stick & Twig Star
A couple of my favorite additions to our entry way have been the skeleton key art and the stick & twig star. They were both so easy! And completely FREE! I knew that I wanted the addition of a star in the space, but I didn't want to spend any money on it. Bring on the creativity! The first place I turned was to the great outdoors. What's more free than sticks and twigs? Ummm..... nothing! Ok, maybe rocks... but sticks were the much better option... Although now that I'm thinking about the whole rock star thing it could be pretty cool. Hmmm.... thinking... thinking... Anyways, this is so very easy! No joke! Here's what you'll need: -Sticks -Hot Glue -Piece of ...
Skeleton Key Art
One of the biggest impacts in our entry way has definitely been the skeleton key art. We love it! And it was FREE! You heard me (or read me), FREE! This entire project came about because my husband was rummaging through a box of his old keys. He pulled these out and I snatched them up as soon as they hit the counter. Such a treasure! I already had the frame and the burlap, so I spent ZERO on this DIY project. Oh the sweetness of it. It's seriously one of the easiest things to make. Here's what you'll need: -Picture Frame -Cardboard (if your frame is missing the glass) -Skeleton Keys (I used 3) -Hot Glue Gun -Super Glue -Scissors -Pencil -Ruler or ...
Entryway Updates
Oh Boy! I've been working on our entry way, trying to collect things here and there, but I've also been busy making a few things of my own! And I couldn't be happier with the way it's progressing! It's a rather happy feeling when your style comes alive. Don't get me wrong, I've thought that our entryway has been making some seriously awesome progress, especially with the addition of our stripe wall, but that was just the base. It still needed the little extras that would take it to the next level. The things that would make it feel like ours. I want our entryway, as well as every other room in our home, to reflect who we are as a couple and family. By doing that, our guests should get a ...
Secretary Reveal
It's a happy day around here! Our secretary is finally finished and we love it! I'm still amazed at the power of paint and how quickly it can transform! Seriously. Here was the before: And the after: I'm in love with this piece of furniture! It was practically meant for this corner and now it owns it! We couldn't be happier with the way that it turned out. Because I wanted the smoothest finish possible, we sprayed painted the entire thing except for the back at the top. I hand painted that with Chelsea Gray. Looove it! Everything pops against the dark color, which was exactly what I was going for. After finally talking my husband into ...
Living Room Secretary
Before I get busy on another furniture painting project, I felt it was necessary to show you the before pictures of our family secretary. It deserves more than just a quick before & after post because it's been in my husband's family for years! My husband grew up doing his homework on this secretary, so it holds many special memories for him. It wasn't too long ago that we were visiting his parents and I ran across it in the spare room. It was lovely! I told my husband how awesome it would be painted. At first, he thought I was crazy! He thinks that I want to paint everything. Ha, maybe I do! I started to point out all of the ware and tear that it had suffered throughout the years ...
Crazy For Stripes….
I've recently decided that our entry way is lacking a little personality. And I've always liked the look of stripes, but lately I've been a little nutty over them. Every time I see them in a room, I get excited. But, I'm picky about my stripes... I don't want anything hugely bold, but rather soft and subtle. These rooms have my heart racing! Via Via Via Via Oh boy. I love me some stripes. They're practically perfect! I can't wait to get them painted in our entryway. We already have the base color and now it's just choosing the perfect "stripe" color, which I think is handled! Seems like it could be a great weekend project! I. Can't. Wait! ...
