diy projects Archives | Page 5 of 9

DIY Business Card File

July 3, 2014

I have tried several methods for storing all the business cards I get from clients, bloggers, trade shows and businesses I frequent and some have been more successful than others. My latest storage option has been to file my cards by alphabet in a Rolodex business card binder. The notebook format has worked great and I like that it can be stored on a bookshelf or in a file drawer, plus the cards have stayed neat and organized. That is until I ran out of room.

Once all the slots for a particular letter were filled up, I began placing the extra cards toward the back of the book, in no particular order. You can image that this makes it difficult to find a card in a hurry. I’ve reached the point where my file runneth over. I needed a new solution.

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DIY Inspiration: My Favorite DIY Stools

June 23, 2014

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Footstools are one of my favorite accent pieces. I have several around my home and three thrifted pieces waiting in the garage for a makeover (before and after to come soon).

When it comes to DIY projects, stools are also one of the easiest and quickest projects you can undertake. The average size footstool only takes a yard or so of fabric and you can easily paint the frame or legs with a sample size containers of paint. In just a couple of hours you can create a unique accent piece that can be used in some many rooms of your home. Here’s a look a some of my favorite Footstool DIY’s and at towards the end of the post you’ll find a few room inspirations featuring stools. Enjoy and be inspired.

Faux Fur

Faux fur is following in the steps of an animal print and is fast becoming a classic decor element. A footstool in faux fur is a great way to introduce this material into a room without it becoming overwhelming.

Black and White

Classic black and white patterns will never go out of style because this color combo can be mixed with just about any other color combo. A fun footstool in a bold black and white pattern will work with just about any design style and is a great way to add a pattern accent to a room.

Floral

I love floral patterns but wouldn’t use a large amount of it in my home. For me, floral accents are best and a cute stool like this makes just the statement I’d like.

Plaid

Here’s another classic black and white pattern featured on a footstool. The classic plaid mixes well with the modern styling of the stool.

Crochet

I don’t know how practical a crocheted footstool is in a bathroom but it sure is cute. I’d put this piece next to the bed or a side chair.

Painted and Upholstered

Stools come in all shapes and sizes and this taller piece is perfect for a little paint and fabric refresh. This is an easy and inexpensive diy project that could be a beautiful accent at the kitchen counter.

Just a few other reasons why footstools are good to decorate with:

* It’s an easy way to add an accent color or pattern to a room

* Footstools can provide additional seating in a pinch

* Next to a chair, a footstool can serve as a small side table

* And naturally they make a great foot rest!

via Southern Living

via House Beautiful

via Country Living

via Better Homes and Gardens

Happy Decorating!

Butcher Block Counters–So Many Reasons to Love Them!

June 10, 2014

Over the last couple of weeks I’ve poured over images of kitchens with butcher block counters. I’m working on a design proposal for a client and hope to persuade them in to moving away from granite and going with wood. I for one love the look of butcher block counters but I understand that not everyone is on the same page as me. Selling my client on this look may be difficult but once I share with them the benefits of butcher block I think I can win them over. Here’s what I’m going to tell them…

** Butcher block counters are extremely affordable.

** Butcher block counters can be used in traditional, modern, french country or farm style kitchens–their look is versatile.

** You can paint your cabinets ANY color when using butcher block cabinets–there is no coordinating with a stone or granite color.

** Butcher block counters add natural warmth and beauty to a kitchen.

** Unlike some granite patterns, butcher block counters never go out of style.

** If wear and tear happens over the years, butcher block counters can be sanded down and refinished–other materials would have to be replaced.

** Butcher block counters can be environmentally friendly is you use reclaimed wood.

** They are a fairly easy DIY project which will save even more $$$$.

And they are just darn pretty!

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While it was once the king of countertops, over the last few years I’ve seen more and more people move away from granite. People are recognizing that surfaces like butcher block , quartz, marble, stainless steel and concrete can give a kitchen just as much style as granite can.

Do you like the look of wood counters or are you faithful to granite? I’d love to know.

Inspiration {plus a design tip}

June 7, 2014

Do you make changes to your decor for summer? I do and think the season of sun is the perfect time to add a bit of color to your decor.

Color can be added through textiles, tabletop decor, lighting or accessories. A little pop goes a long way.

Design Tip: For a quick and easy DIY color update, paint a large art canvas in a bold color and then layer a smaller fabric wrapped canvas on top (use Command strips or velcro to hold the smaller piece in place).

DIY Trend: Faux Marble Contact Paper

June 4, 2014

This has to be one of my all time favorite DIY trends–Faux Marble Contact Paper! What a simple and easy way to turn a basic piece of furniture, picture frame or just about anything into something chic and stylish!

Prepare to be inspired…

Yes, I know–so lovely! Want to create your own faux marble DIY, this seems to be the best source for quality white marble contact paper. Also available on Amazon.

Happy Decorating!

UpStyling Hardware Store Garden Sheds

May 29, 2014

How many times have you passed by those garden and tool sheds that always sit in the parking lot of your local hardware store? Me, maybe a thousand. On occasion I’ve thought that these sheds would make a fun a playhouse for kids or a unique man cave, but it wasn’t until I saw the transformation of Kristen’s gardem shed and her outdoor space that I began to think about garden sheds in a new way.

The Hunted Interior

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3 Ways to Create A Poolside Retreat Without The Pool

May 27, 2014

Hello there! I hope you had a great weekend and are easing back in to the work week. My mind is still on weekend mode but my to-do list isn’t giving me any time to play this week. Since I can’t get away in person I’m going to use the power of visualization to transport me to a relaxing poolside retreat.

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How magnificent would it be to spend the day poolside in a space like this? A perfect spot of an impromptu party or simply relaxing with a glass of wine and a good book.

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This is definitely taking poolside to a new level. My dream spot for sure.

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I love the idea of a little cabana set into the trees.

Ok, back to reality! For those of us that don’t have a beautiful pool outside our back door or can get away to luxurious beach resort, here are a couple of easy decorating ideas that will help you create your own personal outdoor retreat.

No. 1 –CREATE A MOBILE BAR

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A barcart makes every outdoor space feel like a relaxing getaway. Believe it or not, this stylish barcart is an IKEA hack and turned an inexpensive piece into a show stopper.

No.2–CHAISE INSTEAD OF CHAIRS

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If you want to create a relaxing retreat at home, forego the standard outdoor patio chairs and opt for a beautiful chaise lounge. A plush cushion and a reclined chair are the formula for instant relaxation.

No. 3–CREATE COZINESS WITH A CABANA

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One of the signature elements of every luxury beach side hotel and resort is a stylish cabana. With a little DIY work you can create a beautiful tented structure in your own backyard.

The official start to summer is almost here–is your backyard retreat ready to go?

Another Reason to Love Target

May 19, 2014

Just when I thought Target was the end-all, be-all I discovered they carried wallpaper. Not just any wallpaper mind you but removable, repositionable wallpaper. Removable, repositionable wallpaper opens up all kinds of decorating possibilities for anyone that wants to add a decorative wall treatment to their home but doesn’t want to invest the time or money to put up traditional wallpaper.

While the selection of wallpaper is not vast, the patterns are classic and the color options are on-trend and versatile. In total there are 6 patterns and 16 colorways to choose from and each roll of wallpaper is s 20″ w X 16.5′ long.

Here’s the line-up of my favorite patterns….

This classic lattice pattern is the perfect bold accent for an accent wall, foyer or powder room– Black and White Cable

Also available in this pond and gold colorway–Cable in Pond.

And Cable in Starlight

I know a lot of people are over chevron patterns but they are still a popular design statement. The chevron wallpaper that Target sells is available in several colors–Zig Zag in Mirage

If you like a more traditional look, the Chantilly in Blossom might work for you. This classic damask pattern in also available in yellow and brown.

I love this modern pattern, perfect for casual living space, bedroom or laundry room–Diamond in Twig

Also available is the soft seafoam color–Diamond in Horizon

Solid wallpapers with a subtle pattern or texture are perfect to foyers, hallways or powder room. This pattern, Weave in Compass and Gold is a classic pattern in a unique colorway.

As I mentioned, there are so many places that removable wallpaper can be used in your home and if you rent, wallpaper is the perfect solution for adding a style punch to your decor.

Here’s a little inspiration…

Wallpaper can make a small and mundane kitchen come to life.