Embellished Home: decorating

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Saturday, January 14, 2012

TO DO 2012

Instead of doing a resolution list for 2012, I wanted to create a list of things I would actually do!!

What better list to make than the home projects that need to be completed in and around our home. It will be a check-list of sorts. Don't get me wrong...I need to lose weight, exercise more, sleep more, more fun stuff with the kids, read more books, draw and sew more, save more, menu plan...but these are on the list every year. No matter what, I need to do more of each of those things whether its January or June! But a home project list will enable me to prioritize, flush some ideas out here on the blog and keep me accountable to at least attempt to get a few of them done.

Here it goes:

1. Re-do Master bath - This one is long overdue - it looks so bad! It's mainly our shower enclosure and tiling, but would like to get granite tops on the vanity area area too. Here are some inspiration photos!! So clean, crisp and totally functional.

via Pinterest

via Houzz

2. Stairs - Several spindles have become victims to my kids tag and Nerf gun games. Hoping to replace the wood with iron, re-stain the wood of the railing and bottom step and would love to incorporate a rug pattern for the stairs. Inspiration photo ...love the idea of carpeting with a fun pattern like leopard.

via Pinterest

3. Flooring - this would be a combo of wood flooring in main living area and entry downstairs (looking for something dark), plus tiling for kitchen, laundry room and bathroom. This is a tricky one, once you start on one portion of the downstairs flooring you kinda have to do it all. Plus this one is a pretty penny or two to do. Love these inspiration photos...

all via Pinterest

4. Landscaping - we cut down the big annoying, sappy, lots-of-leaves-all-times-of-year tree last Fall and trimmed up the big oaks. Now I need grass and a few small trees (to replace the 80's manicured topiary pair) - the dry Texas summers are killing what little bit of green we do have.

5. Drapes, drapes and more drapes. I have two pairs of store bought drapes in all my downstairs - the rest will need to be custom. They will be great though for adding a finished look to three rooms. Love these photos ....

all via Pinterest

6. Re-upholster my grandma's chairs that I was so excited to acquire. I can't wait to to do this one. It's funny how re-doing something old with little resale value, but tons of sentimental value, can cost twice as much as just buying new! Here's my fabric choice and I'm thinking a silver nail head trim around the bottom and on the inset of the arms.

Worldwide Fabric

7. Finish office. Got started on this one and then work took me away. Need organization, effective tools for storing fabrics, accessories, files, etc. And somewhere to sit!! This seems like a given but there is only an office chair in there nothing else. And most of all something pretty...because I like pretty places. Love these offices....

via Pinterest

I think this loveseat would be perfect for getting some work done or so one of the kids can hang out in there with me.

World Market

And then there's the this and that ...new entry rug, pillows to make in master, rearrange kids rooms, light fixtures, fans...the list goes on and on doesn't it??? But I just checked one off the list ...check out the gorgeous rug I just bought for the entry! So excited to see it - hope its perfect!

Overstock.com

What are your plans for 2012? Did ya make a list? :)

Saturday, January 7, 2012

4 ways to "freshen" up a room!

Since the New Year is here and you're probably without your holiday decor... does your home seem a little drab or even boring? Take this opportunity to start with a blank slate and make a few simple and inexpensive changes to freshen your home in 2012.

Here are my top 4 suggestions for simple changes with high impact!

Paint - A room can be painted in a day and is an inexpensive DIY project. Color can transform any room in your home. For 2012, Benjamin Moore Paints say their palette choices takes a soft, calming and safe approach to color trends. Their top pick for 2012 is Wythe Blue, a blue green hue with a cool gray cast to it.

See Wythe Blue in action at House of Turquoise. Love this color!!

Benjamin Moore said the hue’s appeal is due in part to its calming quality, referencing its ability to create a “comfortable and stable ambiance -- an antidote to the frenetic pace of today’s daily life.” Other color picks for 2012 include steely blues, soft and dreamy grays, soft neutrals, spicy tones like Persimmon and warm earth tones. Benjamin Moore structured their choices into four select color groups—Eclectic Elegance, Earth & Sky, Sense & Sensibility, and Spiced Life in Color Trends-2012.

Pillows - Adding a few new pillows to a room can bring new pattern, interesting texture and color to your space. Retailers like Target, Home Goods, West Elm, Pottery Barn and Crate & Barrel have a lot of choices to fit any style at reasonable prices. Check out these fun options from Target!

Can't find what you are looking for? Get some fabric (cloth napkins will do as well) and make your own. There are several easy no-sew tutorials on the web. Check out this one or Google no-sew pillows for more options.

Accessories - Pick out a few new accessories and re-arrange the ones you have. For instance, take a look at any of your "flat" services like a coffee table. Have a lot of metals and shiny stuff - add contrast with a rattan tray or wooden box. This Rattan Tray from World Market is $19.99. Use the tray to house the remotes, a decorative bowl, coasters or a small plant.

Have a little too much of the "natural" look going on - add a pop of something different like a modern silver frame or bowl or contemporary art/photography book. I love this small bowl from Crate & Barrel for $19.95 - shine and color all in one.

Take it one step further and rearrange your accessories. Try taking everything down from a few areas and use the accessories in a new place or in a new way. Maybe a decorative bowl previously sitting on a side table, now holds antique keys or decorative moss balls on a console table.

Wall Art - Add some art! This can be a fun and crafty project. Find a calendar that has great pictures - think landscapes or travel. Mat and frame yourself. Mod Podge craft paper, fabric or family photos onto canvas {there are several projects on Pinterest using this method}. Find some great art in used books of botanticals or birds. Check out a discount store like Half-priced books. Use maps or atlases. Love how the colors in this map are brought out through the pillows, chairs and vases.

Use interesting objects to create a wall installation - like various small mirrors, antique plates, a collection of crosses or family photos {see more about a gallery installation in a previous post of mine}. Great art doesn't have to be expensive - check out places like Pier 1, Target, Home Goods, World Market and other major retailers for great selections.

Take a little time to try one of these ideas to spruce up your home for the New Year!

Monday, January 2, 2012

Fun shopping at Rink Gallery

Over the Christmas holiday, we did A LOT of driving!!! We went thru 4 states - Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa. We had great weather and a great time visiting family. Hope each of you had a joyous holiday!!! I am looking forward to a fantastic 2012.

While in Oklahoma staying with the in-laws, I happened upon a fun shopping excursion - Rink Gallery. Housed in an old ice skating rink, Rink Gallery is a collection of suites with vintage, antique and re-purposed finds. You can find vintage signs, antique chests, old records, framed art, memorabilia, funky accessories, refinished furniture and everything in between. This is MY type of place! I love shopping in places like this not only because of the history and nostalgia of looking at old things but the inventiveness of folks in how they upcycle these items into something current and fresh.

Here are a few pics of my shopping trip, too much great stuff to take pics of it all. You will just have to check it out for yourself!

I loved this shelving - would be great in a playroom with baskets for each nook. Attach a little chalkboard tag to label each basket {legos, barbies, etc} so the kids can put their own toys away!

I LOVED this side table!!! I really, really, really wanted this table. Did I say I loved this table??? Where would I have put the table for the car ride home with all our luggage in back? Strapped to the roof was not an option....sadly....but I did consider it...for a minute or two.

This vintage bowling team picture cracked me up! Wouldn't this be a fun addition to a gameroom?

Loved all the color of this space! Especially the bright and graphic painting technique on the back wall.

This high-gloss, blue tray table was so cool! Fun and funky!

I couldn't walk away without buying one of these. An old bike wheel, re-purposed as a photo holder with clothes pins to attach your favorite photos, notes, cards, memos, etc. It has hanging hardware attached to the back. Love this idea!

And of course, I am always on the look-out for my favorites - silver and pewter pieces. I had to have these - love the curves, shapes and patina. And since I love all things in turquoise - had to nab the wire tray too!!

If you are ever in the OKC area {Bethany}, check out Rink Gallery. Great way to spend an afternoon browsing.....and buying!

3200 N Rockwell Ave
Bethany, OK 73008

(405) 787-7465

www.rinkgallery.com

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

5 picks for Neutral Rugs

Looking for a new rug? Need something neutral to provide a good base for a room or for your entry? A neutral rug will help to ground a room and will help to differentiate spaces within a room (like separating a seating area from a dining area in a long room).

Look for rugs with neutral colors like grays and beiges with classic patterns like quatrefoil, diamonds, etc. Tone-on-tone rugs also provide great visual texture without the distraction of competing colors or patterns. I prefer the look and feel of wool rugs. They are durable and plush to the touch, provide dense pile that is soft under foot and in general will last the test time longer than synthetic rugs. If you go for hand-tufted or hand-woven rug, you can expect to pay a little more. Here are my top picks for neutral rugs.

Capel Arrondelle Baroque Parchment Rug from Layla Grace 5x8 100% wool - $498

Luna Moroccan Trellis Beige Rug from Overstock.com 5x8 100% wool - $161

Safari Rug from West Elm 5x8 100% wool - $249

I know what you're saying...animal print??? Don't be intimidated by the animal pattern, the soft gray and ivory make this rug a fun neutral option.

Morocco I Taupe Area Rug from Home Decorators Collection 5x8 100% wool - $269

Candice Olsen Cocoa Carved Area Rug from Overstock.com 5x8 100% wool - $374

When ordering a rug online, be aware of any additional charges for shipping for an over sized item. Also, look into their return policy in case you don't like the rug once it gets into your home.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Christmas Fillers

HoPe you had a WonDerFul Thanksgiving with your family and friends. As always, mine was a blessing and a precious time with family - Lots of food, CARDS and games, napping, a little vino, and plenty of laughs!

And now onto the Christmas Season!! I started my decorating last week (there is never enough time) and I truly love the process of decorating my home for the holidays and I take my time doing it. I consider my approach to Christmas decorating to be "layering". I add a little more over a few days until I get the look I love.

I wanted to share some fun ideas for a particular decorating idea, using glass vessels, apothecary lidded jars, large glass cylinders and similar glass pieces to decorate. I love to fill these with everything from candy to candles. You can have a singular arrangement or put in groups of three or more. They look great on entry tables, as centerpieces, counters and mantles. Here are some ideas from Pinterest.

Christmas beads and glitter branches

Candy canes, bows and small candy cane painted balls

Christmas balls

Candles

Fruit and fresh greenery

You can find inexpensive glass containers like these at places like Target, TJMaxx, Marshall's, Walmart and even dollar stores...you may already have some of your own. You can fill them with just about anything - I love the look of fresh cranberries in water with a glass candle in the middle. Try using m&m's, red hot candies, marshmallows, fake snow, miniature pine cones, reindeer moss to surround a candle as well. What about bringing the outdoors in - fill a glass cylinder with glitter-spray-painted pine cones or branches. You can weave some small Christmas lights through the branches for a festive look. Pottery Barn has several packaged fillers like acorns, small sparkly pears, Christmas stars, and more. The options are endless!

Whatever you decide to use as fillers - it's a beautiful and easy decorating idea for Christmas.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Easy Powder Room Makeover

Check out this Easy Powder Room Makeover that you can do in a weekend. Being budget conscious, most of the items can be found at Lowe's with a few accessories from ZGallerie, Target and Pottery Barn. Get your powder room ready for the holidays and all your guests!