Search Results for: are house

Let’s Get Crafty: Ribbon Tassel

March 12, 2011

As I am adding the finishing touches to my bedroom makeover, I decided to create a one-of-a kind tassel to hang on the door.

I’ve always loved tassels and have them all over my house. To me, tassels are just the touch you need to add a bit of detail to a piece of furniture, entrance door or curtain tie-back.

If you’re needing a finishing touch for a room in your home, try making your own hand-crafted ribbon tassel.

Here’s the how-to:

Supplies needed:

Wood Finial—you can find a variety of styles at your local hardware store or at a flea market like I did. (I paid $2.00 for mine).
Spray Paint—in a color to coordinate with your theme. My color theme is black, white and yellow.
Ribbon of your choice. I used the following May Arts Ribbon styles: EM10 , AR10, AH27, AKN10, ARR27, 336-38-10, BH09, DH10, ADD10, 341-10, 347-78-10
Hot Glue Gun
Scissors
Bead (for dowel top)

In order to get your finial ready for your tassel, you need to do two things:

Drill a small hole into the top of your finial. This hole will be used to secure your ribbon handle.
Spray paint your finial to work with your color theme. My finial was originally stained brown, so I spray painted it a high gloss black to coordinate with my ribbons.

Next, you can create your hanging loop. To do this, I threaded both ends of a 10” length of ribbon through a large silver bead. I knotted the loose ends of the ribbon to keep the bead on.

Now you’ll need to cut your ribbon into various lengths. Having different lengths of ribbon within your tassel will give it more movement and interest.

I cut selected ribbons in 13” lengths, 11” lengths, 9” lengths and 7” lengths.

Once all my ribbon lengths are cut, began gluing them to the bottom of my finial.

I glued one style of 13” ribbon on first by laying the ribbon face side up in a cross pattern. I glued the finial to the middle of the ribbons.

Next, I glued two pieces of 11” ribbon onto the finial bottom, followed by two pieces of 9” ribbon and lastly, two pieces of 7” ribbon. Continue gluing ribbons onto the finial bottom in various spots so that the lengths vary in position around the based of the finial.

Once all your ribbons are glued in place, glue your handle into the hole drilled at the top of your finial. Push your bead down so that it sits on the finial top.

I added a loop of 1/8” yellow ric-rac (ARR27) around the finial base to give a finishing touch.

And there you have it, a super easy, but very stylish Ribbon Tassel to give your home a little pizzazz!

Style & Savings

March 9, 2011

If you’re looking for a unique piece of furniture to add to your home, hurry over to Horchow and take advantage of their 25% off sale, on all furniture.

You’ll find unique tables, mirrored pieces, magnificent upholstered seating and stylish accent tables.

Sale ends Friday at 6AM. Enter the code ELEGANT to receive your savings.

Happy Feet!

March 3, 2011

With the string of almost 70 degree days we’ve had here in Atlanta, (ok, so it’s only been about 3 days), me and my happy feet decided to take a trip to one of my favorite places, DSW Shoe Warehouse.

I don’t know what it is about that place, but seeing endless rows of shoes is so comforting to my soul. And, the thrill of the hunt that hits you when you enter their doors is just so exciting.

As I walked the aisles, I was excited to see that the gladiator sandal look was out, and that chunky heels, wedge sandals and bright colors are in for Spring.

As someone who is pushing 5″ 3″ tall, I am all for a shoe that will give me a boost and make me look “so much” taller.

Here are some of the looks I am coveting for Spring:

I love the turquoise color of these wedge sandals and how great they will look with a white outfit.

A bit feisty to wear with a cute dress!

Totally too high to wear as an everyday shoe, but these are so my colors!

I so love this shoe. I’d wear them with a pair of wide leg jeans, a simple tee and lots of bold jewelry.

A classic that would go with just about anything.

After spending over an hour at DSW, I immediately left there and headed to a nail salon where I got a long overdue pedicure. Now, I am ready for Spring and can’t wait to wear my new spring sandals.

Aerosole Peep-toe Sandal–cute and comfy!

What style of shoe are you looking forward wo wearing this Spring?

images via gradientmagazine, fashionologie, zappos, dillards, nine west, target

Hot Commodity…Chevron Prints

March 1, 2011

Long before the Nate Berkus show I loved the look of Chevron Prints. Now that I watch Nate daily (via dvr), I’ve developed a mad obsession with the pattern.

There is something so refreshingly modern and hip about chevron prints, yet I can easily envision them incorporated into a more traditional room environment.

The Dhurrie Rug that adorns Nate’s TV set is was part of his custom product line for HSN. Unfortunately the rug sold out, and is no longer available.

But, I did surface up a great option available for purchase from West Elm.

If you need a little more inspiration, before jumping on the Chevron Print band-wagon, check out these inspiring images!

via belle maison 23

I love the visual movement a chevron print adds to a space. This pattern is great to use in a small room, keeping the eye moving and making the space feel larger.

via chic little house

via belle maison 23

As an accent rug, chevron prints are a wonderful alternative to an all over pattern.

via alicia b designs

Chevron or zig zag prints as they are also known, are wonderful on furniture and accessories.

via fashionable interiors

via Etsy–plumcushion

via casa sugar

the love list via designophile

via grace hilt on design

via houzz

via interiorly

via nest dallas

via jacquie severs

via notable inspiration

Windsor Smith chair via bella by Karah

This chair is so adorable. I love the mix of chevron print and that stylish geo pattern.

Tori Burch’s dressing room via belle maison 23

via decorpad

A great application for subway tile.

via pepper design

via riley sittema

If you’re the crafty type and want to save a bit of money on a chevron print rug, here’s a great tutorial by Carissa who writes the lovely blog, The Fabulous Design File. Check it out here.

I feel a Chevron Print in my future. Maybe a decorative tray?

Are you loving Chevron prints as much as me?

Design Crush: WINDSOR SMITH

February 28, 2011

There are so many wonderful designers in the world today, it’s often hard to create a list of my favorites, without the list being a mile long.

If I was to cull my list down to my top 50 all-time favorite designers, the fabulous Windsor Smith would definitely make the cut!

Established as a UK designer, now living in LA, Windsor’s design esthetic certainly reflects the glamorous side of hollywood, while at the same time being classic, approachable and so very understandable.

Here’s a look at one of my favorite designers…Enjoy!

Windsor’s Take on Design:

“I like to create libraries where men with names like Howard, Bing and Spencer sat in cashmere sweaters and contemplated the 13th hole on the Bel Air golf course. I am drawn to a simple but elegant time when the women were so legendary that surnames weren’t necessary…. Slim, Babe, Coco…”,

Windsor’s Custom Furniture:

Is there anything more glamorous than a pink loveseat? Check out more of Windsor’s custom furnishing here!

Windsor’s Rooms:

I love how the subtle shimmer of the wallpaper add a bit of understated glamour to this room. And that chandelier is drop-dead stunning.

In my opinion, every room, whether it’s formal or casual needs a touch of animal print.

The skirted coffee table gives this space distinct style.

Simply elegant.

This is one on the most inviting kitchen tables I’ve ever seen. Dinner party anyone?

The red pendant light makes this space come to life!

Pretty In Pink! I could spend hours in this bathroom.

Have a style inspired week!

Cheers,

Shelly

photos via: Windsor Smith Home, House Beautiful, Dear Designer, Design Lines Ltd.

What I Bought

February 22, 2011

If you’ve followed along on my blog, you know that I am in the midst of a master bedroom makeover...

The Reality

The Inspiration

And, that I’ve promised to share any great finds I come across on my shopping excursions.

So, I’ve hit the stores looking for lamps, behind the sewing machine crafting a few items, and scouring unique shops looking for decorative accessories.

After a client appointment last week, I stopped by a store that my friend Robyne has told me about. Home Grown Living is tucked into an old house, on a side street in Roswell, GA. All Robyne had told me about the store was the that they carried great products, had lots of mercury glass and their prices were very good.

Upon entering, I was mesmerized by all the vintage inspired furniture, antique tables, candle holders, pillows and a wonderful selection of mercury glass items. And, I was definitely wowed by the great prices.

The store is not large, but is filled with lots of lovelies, some of which made their way home with me.

Here’s what I bought…

Etched Mercury Glass Lidded Jar–$30
Small Mercury Glass Votive Holder–$18
Black Bud Vase–$12

After Home Grown Living, I dropped in on my local Goodwill and found a great treasure…

Silver Tray from GoodWill–$0.99 (oh yeah)!

Here are all the items waiting for a home in my master bedroom.

Home Grown Living does not have an active website yet, but I’ll be sure and let you know when they do so you can buy some of their great items.

Have you found any great bargains lately?

Accessories–The Key Ingredient

February 11, 2011

In the process of setting up my home design office, I came across the handouts I created for the design workshops I conducted in my store.

As I looked through the files, I found a handout for a workshop entitled The Ten Decorative Accessories Every Home Needs. This was one of my most popular workshops, and reading through the material reminded me just how important accessories are to the overall feel of a room.

via My Home Ideas

With the re-decorating of my master bedroom in full swing, I know I need to accessorize the right way, in order to achieve the look and feel I want. So, as a friendly reminder to myself, and a bit of inspiration for you, here is a condensed version of my workshop….

THE TEN DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES EVERY HOME NEEDS!

Just like a recipe, every design plan has key ingredients that are needed to make a complete design statement. Without these key ingredients, the recipe or design of your room will not hold together. While not every room in your home will incorporate the essential accessory items, most should!

1. Picture Frames–Whether you hang them on the wall or use them on tabletop surfaces, frames are a great way to personalize a space. As a general rule of thumb, I always like to use frames of the same color, but vary the shapes and sizes for visual interest. Uniformity of color will give your photo arrangements more impact.

via Easy Peasy Chic

2. Baskets–Nothing breaks up the flow of a well designed space more than clutter. And, baskets are a great way to contain clutter. Use baskets to hold the things you use on a daily basis, while providing a decorative statement and a touch of texture to your space.

via My Home Ideas

I must admit, I am the basket queen. I use them in every room, and especially like lidded styles so my “stuff” is hidden.

via Inspiring Interiors

3. Greenery–It doesn’t matter whether you are a “faux” or “real” greenery person as long as you use greenery as a decorative element when you decorate. Not only does greenery provide an element of nature, but it also provides visual softness to a space. And remember, if you’re not a plant persons, flowers can substitute for greenery any day.

Cottage Living via Cozy Cottage Cute

4. Books–The wonder accessory! Books are such an easy, practical and stylish way to accessorize your home. I love the personality that books add to a room and the subtle structure they can give to a bookshelf or tabletop. Stack ’em high or stack ’em love, leave them raw or cover them in a beautiful paper!

Books also serve as the perfect riser upon which to display a decorative object.

via Tobi Fariley

via All Things Home

5. Pillows–One of the quickest and most cost-effective ways to add style to your bed or furnishings is via pillows. When decorating with pillows, grouping different shapes, patterns and/or textures will provide the most visual impact.

Coastal Living via My Home Ideas

via Trendszine

Elle Decor via Decor Pad

Quick tip: If you sew and want to make pillows quick, try using decorative dinner napkins as your shell. They are already square and many measure 12″ x 12″ , the perfect size for a small accent pillow.

6. Blankets & Throws–The perfect layering element. To really make a room come to life, you need to incorporate layers throughout the space. A throw draped over a sofa back or chair arm is a great way to add layers within your decor. Use a bold accent color or one that has a wonderful texture to bring your space to life.

Check out the pattern mixing going on in this room…Lovely!

7. Artwork–Every home needs wall decor/artwork to give a sense of personalization and visual interest for the eye. To achieve a stylish and eclectic look, mix traditional framed art with 3-dimensional wall decor or mirrors.

via Decor Pad

8. A Unique Furniture Piece—While most rooms have a defined style, every room needs an unexpected element to make it stand out. A unique piece of furniture (the shape, the color, the material) will give your space character and sass!

I love the use of oversized accent tables as night stands in a bedroom.

via House Beautiful

9. Candles–Candles are luxurious, provide ambience, add light, infuse scent and are mood enhancing. Using scented candles in your home will engage all your senses and create a feeling of relaxation.

via Coastal Living

10. Great Lighting–Nothing makes a room feel sad more than a lack of lighting or the wrong lighting. When it comes to decorating, position lights in three corners of the room, so that the space can function well and provides a warm wash of light over the entire space. And, don’t think your light fixtures all have to match–mixing styles will make your room feel more vibrant and stylized.

via Decor Pad

Remember, when it comes to decorating your home, the big picture definitely counts, but it’s the details that really matter!

Do you have a favorite accessory item?

My Bedroom Makeover–Part 1

February 7, 2011

I’ve wanted to re-do my master bedroom for some time now, but wasn’t sure what direction I wanted to go. Then, I came across these pillows while shopping Target.

Let me just say, my heart skipped a beat and I knew immediately what my color palette would be….Black, White and Yellow, with maybe a touch of grey!

These darling pillows are from the Dwell Studio line, made exclusively for Target. I have always loved the classic, modern looks offered by Dwell Studio, and really love that I can get the look at Target prices.

So, with my color direction set, I’m was in need of some additional inspiration. Check out these fabulous bedroom images, decorated in my chosen color palette.

via decorpad

I love that the crisp white sheets serve as the backdrop for the bold pops of color. To mix it up a bit, I think I am going to use a combination of white and black sheets with a white matlesse bedspread as the cover.

via country living

This is a beautiful bedroom, but I am looking for a bit more punch. I envision some version of black and white drapes dressing up my window. I have a chair in my bedroom now, that needs a bit of updating…yellow or black may be the answer.

via pottery barn

This look is a tad too cute for me, but I love the ideas of mercury glass lamps with a black shade. Hum???

via vi.sualize.us

I love this room, but it definitely has a more modern feel than what I like. Maybe I’ll incorporate some black and yellow accessories in my room.

So, with all this wonderful inspiration, what’s a girl to do???

Decorate of course, with a few restrictions in place.

No painting the furniture or walls (a request from the hubby). The bed that is currently in my master bedroom is a medium wood tone. I have a four-poster bed in storage that I want to paint high-gloss black one day and use as my master bed, but until then, I will work my color theme around my current set of furniture.
Re-use as many accessories as I can (maybe with a face-lift or two).
Add a touch of red, since it’s my favorite color and makes me smile.
Incorporate a few DIY projects to add that personal touch.
And finally, do it all for $500 or less.