Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Pink and Green

My favorite colors.  Together.  Separate.  Pale Baby Pink and Pale Celery Green. Medium Rosy Pink and Lime Green.  Hot Fuschia and Kelly Green.  And, every shade of Pink and every shade of Green in between.  I love them all! Here are some random pictures of pink and green rooms and accessories.
Love the headboard, but not really the white frame on the white wall.   
Very dramatic!
This room so seems to blend with the outside! 
Sometimes Pink & White with just "greenery" works too!
A more sophisticated look.
So feminine and girly...

Love this one!
I could design a room around this rug!
So fun, but practical?
A unique place for the rug...I normally wouldn't place under the ottomans!

So, of course, somebodies bedroom here was going to be pink and green.
Jenna's favorite color has always been pink, so I gently nudged her to my special colors.  Tomorrow, I will share with you her room.  Pink and Green from top to bottom. Some fun painting techniques and a little faux bamboo thrown in too!

The really great news?  I have another Pink and Green room! Natalie, Miss Middle Daughter has pink walls, but nothing for the faint hearted.  With her room lights on at night, you can see her Pinkness from 1/2 mile away...no kidding!  Anyway, one room at a time...tune into tomorrow for Daughter Number 1's awesome room! 
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Monday, March 7, 2011

Terrarium Transformation

So, about a month ago, I saw a decorative terrarium in a flowershop/gift shop in Amish Country here in Ohio that I thought was unique and soo cute! It was about $50 and felt sure I could go home, google it, look on Amazon, or wherever, and find it way cheaper. I started searching everywhere.

Just last week, these were in my new Pottery Barn catalog. I was temporarily very excited. But it was $99 for the small one, and $249 for a large one. No going!

These are a few other pictures I found on the web, some of them not even available for sale. But, the cheapest was $59. 



 Uggh!! So, you can imagine my surprise when I found one at TJ Maxx a few days ago!! It was $20!  It was a unfinished grayish color.  Loved the size and shape and price, but not the color/finish.  Before:

This picture actually looks pretty good, but it was really the wrong shade for my house...I don't have any gray, and a little too primitive looking for my taste. And, after seeing the ones in PB, I was really liking the creamy color.  So, it was redo time.  It wasn't as easy as just a can of spray paint though.  First the glass needed to be taken out, but there was silicone holding it in. Had to scrape that all off without damaging the thin plates of glass.  The end of the lid had to come off so the glass would slide out.  The hardware had to come off as well as the ribbon to hold lid up. 
This had me wondering if it was all worth it!

So I started to spray it with an ivory matte paint.  I kind of panicked.  It looked worse.  The little nail holes were more predominant and I was worried for awhile.  I kept pluggin' away.  I used some spackle and covered the holes, sprayed it a little more, and started liking what I saw.  Then I had the idea of a little glaze-like look.  I decided this would be perfect:
I also thought about shoe polish, but this ended up with the effect I was after!  It just took a small amount on a rag, rubbed on and then wiped most of it off.  I also took a very light grit sandpaper and took some of the paint off around the edges for a bit of a antiqued/worn/used look.  Then, I cleaned the glass, put the hardware on and spent awhile (!!) deciding what to put in it.  I decided on a few fresh plants, a pop of color, a thrift store tiny green vase (25 cents) and a cute little bird tealight holder!
Finished terrarium:
Now, I need to decide where it will be permanently.  I originally liked the idea of the kitchen table but it will be a lot of moving every day/night for every meal.  Our large coffee table is another option, but it will affect my hubby's view of the TV, so that may not fly either. I want this to be a piece that transitions from season to season.  Maybe next month I will do a robin's nest with a spring theme, and I can't wait for a beach theme this summer with some shells and white sand. So excited to change this every month or so!
The terrarium is in the family room for now.... FYI...the dimensions are approx. 15" wide by 12" deep by 18" high. I am loving this one!

What would you put in it?
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Thursday, March 3, 2011

Ideas

So, I've been wanting to redo our formal living room since we moved here...it hasn't been priority, and I guess it isn't awful, but the furniture is 15 years old, dated and there is no style or cohesiveness in the room.  I have been debating and thinking and searching for the right color scheme for years. I believe that there should be flow at least on the first floor with colors and themes, and since I have green everywhere it has been difficult. But, I don't want another "green room" but it does have to blend because of the proximity of the living room to the foyer and formal dining room, which flows into my dark olive 20 foot family room walls.  
I have been loving the "turquoisy" bluey-green coloring for sometime, but was unsure how to incorporate it in my home.  My favorite place in the whole world (and has been, since about age 8) has been the beach.  Not exactly the Atlantic Ocean kind of beach, but where the water is the most gorgeous shade of blue-green you can imagine and where the creamy sand just melts into the azure water.


This is it, right here....oh my...


It doesn't get any better than this...this is what I want to capture!

  Ok, do you get the idea? I have heard a million times on HGTV or read in magazines that if you have a place that inspires you to bring it into your home.  I really dismissed it all as hoopla until now.  I can't have the beach in Minster, but I sure can have the feel of the beach in my home.  No, I'm not talking about a beach inspired room complete with nautical ropes and "Gone to the Beach" schotscky-type plaques.  More like a feeling or a mood that is inspired by the colors and textures of the oceanside.  (Ha! Am I getting a little too deep here?) I realized that a little celery green mixed in will blend then with the rest of my home. I found these images that go along with what I'm saying!

 
This is a rug (about $2000) but captures the coloring theme I'm after! Also, the geometric pattern has been so trendy lately!


This is the feeling of calmness and simplicity I want to project.
   
I addition to the colors I have chosen, I am also attracted to some patterns and textures. I love the trellis/bamboo/geometric prints that have been popular in the last few years. Some examples:

Love this subtle stencil maybe on one wall, almost monochromatic.


Love the pattern on the chairs. Maybe on a side chair or a small table?
Love this lamp.  I want to get away from two end tables on both ends of the couch, so maybe one table lamps and then a crystal floor lamp with a colored shade?
I found a print that I absolutely adore on Etsy. The artist is Donna Geissler and here is a link to her shop. http://www.etsy.com/shop/donnageissler?ref=seller_info  It is not of the ocean, but so inspiring. I think this would be a beautiful focal point above my couch.
Hmmm....framed, or canvas?  What do you think?
Or, do you think I should truly stick with a ocean inspired print?
 I'm thinking an upholstery fabric with some texture. A palish blue color. 
This is a Waverly fabric called Pebble Caribe  (how fitting!) What you can't see properly is the blue-green flecks that are so gorgeous, yet subtle enough for a large sofa....did I mention I'm just recovering my current one?

So, I've got some more work to do.  First job is to finalize upholstery fabric for couch and a secondary print for chairs and/or drapes. I just want to know how Candice Olsen does it on Divine Design on HGTV.  She picks up a swatch here and a paint color from there and Voila' in ten minutes she has a whole room figured out... in my next life...
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Saturday, February 26, 2011

Trends for 2011

I ran across this article today at StyleatHome.com.  I am wanting to redo our formal living room and wanting to keep up with any new trends.  I was pleasantly surprised to see a couple of these things!!


1 Do use pattern in your home and use it often. Pattern is the antithesis of stuffy and boring - use it to enliven and invigorate your space.

2 Do mix colour and pattern together. "This creates a unique and individual look. Long gone are the bland 'hotel' generic looks of the last decade," says Lisa Nicholl, CEO of inVU Drapery Co.

3 Do layer different patterns. "Mix as many as you like, keeping in mind that varying scale is the key. Patterns like animal skins and geometrics are considered neutral to stripes and florals," says Lisa.

4 Do use wallpaper. If you haven't used wallpaper already, 2011 is the time to try.

5 Do use a patterned rug. Graphic floor coverings are so modern and fresh.

6 Do use brass. It is a metal that is making a big comeback. "Polished, antiqued, hammered - you name it, we're doing it," says Meredith Heron, Principal Designer of Meredith Heron Designs.

7 Do use gold. It's another metal making a strong comeback in 2011.

8 Do use layers upon layers. "Spaces that look like they have evolved over decades vs. styled and contrived in the moment are very 2011," says Meredith.

9 Do collect vintage. "Purchase items such as lamps, mirrors, prints and ornamental pieces to look as if they were collected or handed down, rather than purchased at a big box store all at the same time," says Lisa.

10 Do use anything patina. This worn look on metals gives items a story and history.

11 Do mix and match collectibles. "They do not necessarily all match in colour or style but somehow work harmoniously in a room because they were purchased with love and inspiration rather than desperation," says Lisa.

12 Do use vintage chairs. "Get rid of your faux leather brown Parsons dining chair and think about introducing vintage or mid-century second hand dining chairs," says Yanic Simard, Principal Designer of Toronto Interior Design Group.

13 Do up-cycle. "2011 is about re-using, recycling and up-cycling," says Yanic.

14 Do think pink. "We're doing it in a fresh way in 2011," says Meredith. Honeysuckle, Pantone's colour of the year is sweet, optimistic and lively.

15 Do be bold and individual with your colour choices.

16 Do use muted colours. Benjamin Moore's colour of the year, Vintage Wine, is deep and moody. Paired with other muted tones, it lends itself to a sophisticated, upscale palette.

17 Do use Travertine. "Popular in the '80s, travertine - to my great delight - is making a huge comeback," says Yanic. "It looks stunning, is less expensive than marble and it is a renewable material."

18 Do use geometric shaped tiles in your backsplash or bathroom. Hexagonal, herringbone or stylized floral patterns bring glamour and drama.

19 Do spend money on statement light fixtures. "They may seem expensive but you use them every day," say Juli Daoust and John Baker of the shop Mjölk. Invest in a cluster of clear glass globes or a sculptural pendant.

20 Do use coloured lampshades. Swap the classic white drum for a custom shade in an unexpected colour. Use a neon or saturated colour to add a fashion pop.

21 Do layer with lighting. "A lamp is no longer just a practical element. A lighting source can easily become a decor statement - combine various fixtures to create different moods, from lively to ambient," says Sebastien Fauteux, General Merchandising Manager for Urban Barn.

22 Do  declutterwith style. "But be sure to keep everything accessible with decorative hooks, stylish storage boxes, intricate jewelry trees and countertop organizers," says Sebastien.

23 Do reflect your personality. "Let your home be a reflection of your tastes, inspirations and aspirations. Pull your decor style from places you've traveled, your hobbies, interests or values," says Sebastien.

24 Do redefine value. "Value doesn't mean quantity. It means buying things for the home that you enjoy looking at and using," say Juli and John.

25 Do set your own course. Be individual and curate your home with inspired patience.

I am one step ahead of the gold and brass trend! With my traditional styling, my door hardware and some of my lighting is still the traditional brass.  This is the 3nd place that I have read about this trend!  Just when I was thinking I had to start to redo/replace some of it, I now have the edge!! Woohoo! Also, loving some of the geometric patterns and textures out there right now...I will follow up in another post. As far as repurposing and reusing, I have been doing that forever...It is probably what I do best...
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Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Family Room Fix up

I purchased a new sofa and loveseat for our family room when we moved in, and then a second burnt orange leather loveseat last year for more seating options. Other than that, I used what furniture we had and for the most part many things transitioned into this home beautifully. 
This set of bookcases along with the corner unit was purchased for our home in Toledo.  It works perfectly in this spot behind our sofa.  The corner-type bookcase though, use to be in this corner by our window wall.
BEFORE:
It worked well there, but truly needed to be at home next to it's matching bookcases.  What then would go in this corner?  A few weeks before Christmas, Home Decorator's Club was having another free shipping weekend on all purchases.  I had thought of a bombe chest, but most I liked were upwards of $800. 
This one was the cheapest I  could find for $589, but it is much smaller.
Loved this one, and same size but $989!
Loving the simplicity of this one. 
Mine was on sale for $249, and I had a "store credit" of $50 for a past purchase that was slightly damaged. So, $199, no tax, free shipping is pretty hard to beat! It was my Christmas present to myself! Although I will admit, it is not solid wood, the color, shape and size is just what I needed there.

 It took me a few weeks and after looking for a print that would work, settled on a sunburst mirror which is all the rage. 
this on is only $99 and available from Ballard Designs.
Love this one, but $470? (c'mon!)
Love the look of this one over a fireplace...
This is a DIY, but didn't want to go out trudging in the snow looking for 78 matching sticks! If you feel crafty, the directions are at:
MINE:
It is only 20 inches, so not huge, but also did not come with a huge price tag like the others.  In fact, It was the cheapest I could find, but still looveee it!.  $20 from Amazon...(I think $5 for shipping) 
I found the lamp at Hobby Lobby for $13, and the marble egg at TJ Maxx for $7 on clearance.  The frame and vase are so old, I can't even remember how cheap they were  :)
The boring corner space now:


This will be an area that I will redo every month or two.  I'm sure seasonal items will be most appropriate and possibly replace the potpourri bowl.  The chest has four large wonderful storage drawers that are already filled. Just tonight I noticed that my handles are not as detailed and large as some of the other chests...hmmm, maybe I will have to look for other ones...but they have to have the same "one hole" style.
Opinions, ideas, yes or no?
What do you think?    
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