living room refresh

Who knew a couple innocent little Craigslist purchases would create such a
staggering domino effect! I've been arranging and re-arranging furniture for the past
 two months, hauling it downstairs and back up and have come to the realization that
clearly we need a bigger house! :)
 I thought I'd share a few of the changes to our living room so far.

Remember when these vintage chairs popped up on Craigslist, and I couldn't resist them?
 I always knew a pair of chairs would fit perfectly in our bay window, and they did, but it
was the beginning of a domino effect I didn't see coming! The sofa had always been there
 and the only other option for it was against the wall - I wasn't sure what I'd think, but I'm
 loving the new look after placing the mirror from the dining room above it and creating
 an eclectic gallery wall.  

I love how the bay windows are more visible without the sofa obstructing the view, and
 the comfy down cushioned chairs tuck into the space and create the best reading nook.
 

As much as I loved the bold floral pattern I was a little skeptical if it would mix with
 what I had. You guys know I don't stray far from my neutral base so I can change things
 up on a whim. Well, it all came together and the only new items I bought were the citron
 ikat pillow and the artwork on the bottom right.
Remember the day I showed you how to shop Goodwill, both were finds from that
 outing, the coral chevron ikat pillow was a steal from there last year that inspired
  my family room spiff up.

(sorry about some of these bad pics, my weather app didn't forecast clouds till later)

I dug out this DIY Rope Vase I made a couple years ago for my Cinco de Mayo party
  centerpiece. I love the texture and the casual vibe keeps some of the traditional pieces
 from looking too stuffy.  

 

The other irresistible find that added to the chaos was this HUGE ornate mirror,
 originally finished in a dark stain giving it a heavy appearance. I lightened it up
 with two coats of Gold Rub 'n Buff, applying with a toothbrush so it still had some
 variation in color vs a solid painted look. See below.
My  DIY framed batik gallery wall that was here is piled in the dining room in the process
 of being re-hung, the good news is it gives the room a fun unexpected jolt of color, looks
 great with the chairs, and ties everything together without being matchy!  
 

You can see the finish on the mirror here, I'm still tweaking it, I think it needs a few
more brighter highlights throughout.
 The shelf and greenery hide our thermostat. :) It worked before, but now looks a bit off,
the thought of an ugly thermostat right there in the middle of the wall gives me hives!

Progress should be picking up over here after the One Room Challenge is over in
 just two short weeks! I'm thinking of having a sale and parting with a few
Craigslist treasures ~ you'll be the first to know!

spring mantle in bloom

Happy Monday, friends!
It was a gorgeous spring weekend, one of my favorite spring sights are the profusion
of beautiful crabapple trees blooming throughout our city. We're fortunate enough to have a
 huge tree in our backyard, I love bringing the branches inside and was inspired to create a
spring arrangement for our mantle.

 My abstract from Kerry Steele Art easily moves from room to room and is always a
 favorite to bring out for spring and summer. The intricate black scribble is by me,
detailed tutorial to come, haha! :)

Layering the sunburst mirror and artwork in front of a larger mirror adds dimension
 and interest. Off topic, but I don't think I've ever mentioned how much I dislike the
 color of our mortar - ugh! It has this peachy hue to it. (Except in a couple of these pics
it looks like a totally weird yellow!)
 One of these it's going to make it to the top of the to-do list!
 

Grab your pruners and go cut yourself a huge vase of anything fresh and green from
 your yard, and have a wonderful week!
 

     

honey I shrunk the house

I've always been obsessed with HUGE statement mirrors!
So, imagine my reaction when this popped up as I was casually scrolling
 through Craigslist.

It's huge you guys - I brought in the dining room chair for scale!
63 x 88 - Asking $500

Here's how it went down at our house:
ME (screaming):  Oh my goodness, I really have to have this!
This is so amazing, come check it out.
(Do you have any idea how many times I've said that? A lot!)

MR. SIMPLE: Well you better hurry and get it.  

#thealltimebesthusbandeverinthehistoryoftheworld

I text the seller, who I already feel sorry for because the ad indicates it's her
favorite piece of furniture she's ever owned. :(

TEXT: I LOVE your mirror and would like to buy it, I can pick it up tomorrow.
Would you consider $300?
SELLER: Great, how about $350?
ME: Perfect, I can come first thing in the morning.

When we arrive, she is a young girl and clearly LOVES her mirror,
I try to convince her it couldn't be going to a better home and not only will I LOVE it
 as much as she does, but my blog readers will get to see it and they LOVE stuff like this.
When we leave she asks if she can come for coffee to see it,
and emphasizes with an, "I'm serious!"
Mr. Simple is giving me the look with raised eyebrows, but I understand!

I think the dark color feels a little heavy and I'm wondering about a lighter color.
What do you all think about gold or a light color?
 

Villa Sophia - Designer Juan Carretero

homebunch.com

 surroundpix.com.au - adorehomemagazine

 Lloyd Ralphs Design

 
Interiors by Sandra Espinet

Happy weekend friends, we're getting a big dose of spring weather, I can't wait!

new client - fireplace update suggestions

I'm working with a new client and know they aren't the only ones with a

 fireplace that gets lost on a two story wall. They were kind enough to let me share

their fireplace and the ideas I'm suggesting. They're avid collectors of art and have

 beautiful pieces that would make a stunning statement against a white wall with

 trim detail. These are my ideas for them to consider.   

Add interest and texture to the wall surrounding the fireplace with molding in a grid

 pattern. A piece of their art would be beautiful hung on this wall treatment.  

desiretoinspire.net

Here is their fireplace, which could benefit from being beefed up by simply adding a larger

 board on top creating a deeper mantle and extending the sides to create the illusion of a

more substantial piece. I always find it helpful to take a photo of anything you're working

 on.  

Simple trim detail around fireplace.

bhg.com

Beef up the existing molding, building out closer to the edge of the wall. 

houzz.com

Decorative detail around the fireplace and cleaner lines above. 

bhg.com

remodelandolacasa.com

A mirror above the fireplace is one of my favorite looks, theirs would reflect pretty

 arched windows and the yard.

Add a deeper mantel, corbels, build out to edge of wall. 

 allthekingshouses.tumblr.com

Oversize mirror, similar to Ikea Songe, again add trim work to increase the size.   

 justinehughjones.com

Build out to edge of wall and add oversize mirror with framing detail

bhg.com

I'm anxious to see what they think, do you have a favorite?

one room challenge...bedroom reveal(s)

Finally!!

A HUGE thank you to Linda @ Calling it Home, the genius behind this fun challenge

that puts our creativity, perseverance and patience to the test! 

If you remember back to Week 1, it was my goal to make our little 13' x 11',

 1938 bedroom feel large and luxurious using DIYs, Craigslist, and my favorite

 budget friendly stores, Homegoods and Ikea.

Here you go... 

No surprise, I went with my favorite neutrals that I can change up on a whim

when I'm in the mood for color. A lot of pattern and texture keep it interesting.

I stenciled three walls with the Cutting Edge Alexa Stencil.

BEFORE...

The headboard was a score from Craigslist, originally red and gold. A little gray paint 

gave it the timeless look I was hoping for. The velvet pillows are from Ikea, I added

 the Greek Key trim and made the leopard lumbar last year. 

A small console fit perfectly in the bay window, and ended up being a great place for the tv.

 The Chippendale chair was another Craigslist find, I painted it high gloss white and added

a faux sheepskin upholstered seat. The black and white print is framed fabric and the

confetti vase a simple diy.

I love my new bleached natural woven shades, I had them raised to help with

lighting for the photos. 

Mr. Simple's nightstand, I love the classic, masculine statement the agate bookends

 and brass magnifying glass from Rejuvenation lend to his side.

The 63" Ikea mirrors behind the nightstands give the illusion of a larger space, I added

 the top detail for a custom look. 

I used a pair of Ikea Rast dressers as nightstands, but not before doing a hack!

 Ikea Rast Dresser - Covered in Faux Ostrich

 Ikea's new work lamp is a favorite, I love mixing metals and styles. 

Opposite our bed is an oversized print of the exterior of the hotel we stayed

 at when we were married in Italy.  

In keeping with my tradition of showing you what I'll do come spring and summer,

here are the neutrals with a pop of color... :)

The lamps, hotel bedding and bright throw are all from Homegoods.

I was smitten with the Greek key trim and added more to pillows from World Market,

and made gray and white lumbar.

The bedskirt is Nate Berkus Patras Chamomile, and was a super easy diy.

I brought in my favorite abstract from Kerry Steele, and a purple pillow with

another nod to Chippendale. 

Don't be fooled by the glamorous vibe, 

keeping it real with our spoiled Rio that shares the end of the bed with us!

I can't thank you enough for following along, and all of your support and kind comments!

I have lots of fun behind the scene details I couldn't fit in,

 stop by for an update next week!

Now go see what these fabulous ladies are revealing and don't forget to

stop by Linda's on Thursday to see the reveals everyone has worked so hard on!

Calling It Home

Chinoiserie Chic 

Classic Casual Home 

Cottage and Vine 

Design Addict Mom 

Design Crisis 

Design Indulgence 

Design Manifest 

The English Room 

The Green Room Interiors

Henhurst Interiors 

Little Black Door 

Maddie's Nest 

Mix And Chic 

My Notting Hill 

Pawleys Island Posh 

The Pink Pagoda

Shelter

Simple Details 

The Vault Files 

Linking up with Kim @ Savvy Southern Style - Wow Us Wednesdays 
and
Sarah @ Thrifty Decor Chick December Before & After

fall bathroom and how the painted fixtures are holding up...

Hey everyone, sorry for no Monday post, my One Room Challenge

project I worked on over the weekend ended up being quite the challenge, and at 10:00

 on Sunday evening, (my usual blog writing time) I was DONE!

On my list for today was adding some warm touches to our bathroom for fall and winter.

 I loved the spring and summer look with my pink flamingo, abstract artwork and rug,

 but for now this is the new look...

I didn't intend to change out the mirror, but I found two of these awhile back on clearance

at Homegoods, the plan was to use them above the nightstands in my bedroom, but the plan

changed :) and I knew I could use them for a client, so I kept them. Long story short, one

 was sitting in my living room, and I thought I'd try it. I was waiting to see if I liked it before 

touching up the wall paint, I like it... 

 I love the soft warm glow the swing arm lamps give the the room.

Last week a reader asked how our painted fixtures and shower enclosure were holding up. 

It's been a little over six months since I prepped and spray painted the shiny brass, and

 thankfully they look exactly the same as the day I painted them!

Here are photos taken today of all the areas that get the most wear, the faucets at sink

 and shower, the handles on the shower doors and the track inside the shower. 

 A fun surprise & big thank you to Kate over at Centsational Girl for sharing my simple

 diy confetti vase from her Autumn Party, my friend Jennifer's table setting was featured,

 too. She had over 200 projects linked up, the go-to place for fall decorating ideas!

Linking up with Kim @ Savvy Southern Style WOW Us Wednesdays