Inspiration Archives | Page 53 of 95

Wood, Paper, Paint–A DIY Cocktail Tray

July 17, 2014

Have you noticed that I have a tray obsession? Well I do but I can’t help myself. Trays are such a fun accent for a table top, vanity, desk or bar cart and are the perfect accessory to help keep smaller items organized.

Recently I stumbled upon the image of this $65 tray in a magazine and knew immediately that I wanted to created my own version…for a lot less!

I picked up this unfinished wood tray at Walmart for $8.00 and grabbed a few paint chips from Home Depot.

Once home I pulled out my Fiskars Hexagon Punch and punched a variety of paint chip colors.

Next I spray painted the tray using Rustoleum Metallic Spray Paint in Aged Copper making sure to cover the entire tray.

I applied a thin layer of Mod Podge to the inside bottom of the tray and arranged my hexagons, randomly placing the colors.

Once all the pieces were in place I applied Mod Podge over the hexagons and all the sides and edge of the tray.

I love how my tray turned out. I placed it in several places in my home and finally decided to keep it on my bar cart as a fun summer accent.

Cheers!

I’m in a creative mood so look for more fun and easy projects to come.

Linking to:

Domestic Superhero

That DIY Party

DIY Furniture Ideas

July 11, 2014

Happy Friday!

Since I’m attending Haven today, a Home and DIY Blog conference, I thought it would be fitting to bring you some fabulous DIY Inspiration. These project take creativity to a new level!

How stunning is this coffee table. I can’t believe it was created with decorative garden lattice and a piece of plywood.

Garden Lattice Coffee Table

I think the idea of creating decorative door fronts using air vent covers is a pretty cool one.

Air Vent Door Panels

There are so many things you can create with copper pipes like these stylish tables.

Copper Pipe Table

Who knew dollar store mirrors could end up looking like this?

Mirror

Your local hardware store is a is filled with items that can be turned into DIY projects. The next time you’re there, take a stroll and see what inspires you.

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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Demilune Tables: A Unique Furniture Piece

July 1, 2014

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Are you familiar with DemiLune tables? The characteristic of this table style is its semi-circular shape which is designed so that the table can be pushed up against a wall.

As a member of the console table family, demilune tables feature three legs but are often overlooked as a design option in favor of their traditional four-legged console table companion. I however love demilune tables and think they are the perfect solution for many space challenged rooms.

Demilune tables are ideal for small wall spaces where a chair or larger piece of furniture would feel over-powering. Using a table with a shaped design detail will help to create visual interest and give that small space a focal point.

Traditional Home

When an impromptu cocktail table is needed, a demilune works great with just enough space to hold a few key party essentials. Demilune tables are also great to position in front of floor mirrors, creating lots of visual impact.

source unknown

One of my favorite places to use a demilune table is in a bedroom. The shape of the table works in a narrow space next to the bed and functions as a nightstand as well as a intimate writing desk.

BHG

Amy Meier Design

Both as a cost saving option and as a style solution in a foyer, two demilune tables facing each other is one of my favorite looks.

BelClaire House

Demilune tables can also be retro-fit to work as a bathroom vanity. The curves of the table add softness to what is often a space of hard lines and square shapes.

Architectural Digest

What to put in that space between the windows? A small scale demilune table works great to fill that space and serve as the backdrop to a beautiful wall piece and tabletop accessories.

Cote De Texas

Wall mounted demilune tables can be used like a display shelf in a foyer or hall and again is ideal when wall space is limited.

Designer SueEllen Gregory via Mix and Chic

When shopping for demilune tables, look for styles that feature scalloped or shaped details for added style.

SuCasa Designs

In a small kitchen eating area, demilune tables provide just enough room for two people to sit and eat comfortably. Hanging a large grouping of artwork over the table as shown in this photos is also a great way to give the table and surrounding area more visual impact.

Ladies Home Journal

Demilune tables are most often used in a foyer, next to the front door. The table scale keeps the foyer open while providing the perfect perch for keys and mail.

BHG

Other places to use demilune tables:

In smaller rooms, demilune tables can be placed under a wall-mounted TV but close attention needs to be given to ensure the table scales balances the TV.

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In bedrooms where twin beds are used, a demilune table is often a better design solution than individual night stands. When placed between the bed, the table works as a nightstand for both and is a great use of space.

A demilune placed at the end of hallway or at the top of stair landing fills the space without it becoming over-crowded.

I also like to use demilune tables in the nooks next to a fireplace. This is another spot where the curve of the table will add softness to the room.

And because many demilune tables are shorter and smaller in scale than a traditional console table, they work great positioned under a window.

The next time you’re on the hunt for a new table, consider a Demilune Table. Not only are they an unexpected option but a demilune table can work just about anywhere you’d put a traditional console table.

Happy Decorating!

DIY Gift Wrap Inspiration–Inspired by a Cake

June 27, 2014

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Since I love gift wrapping so much, I’m always looking for ideas and inspiration to use on my next gift. Lately I’ve been drawn to beautifully decorated cakes, decorated with flowers and bands of icing. My creative mind looks beyond the fact that these works of art are cake and focuses on how I can adapt the design into gift wrapping.

When you think about it, a cake is very similar to a wrapped gift because it is usually a square, rectangular or round shaped adorned with embellishments. Just like a present.

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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!

From the Ceiling to the Floor–Stylish Ways to Light Up Your Life

June 18, 2014

Have you ever spent time on the Lamps Plus website? It’s kinda like lamp heaven and you can easily get sucked in and find yourself spending hours looking all their fabulous lighting.

Lamps Plus is one of my go-to sources for stylish lighting (especially when the budget goes beyond the big box stores). On a recent lamp binge I unearthed some fabulous lighting options and found myself humming “you light up my life“, which by the way was a favorite of mine back in the day. Anyway, I don’t want to be alone in my fixation with Lamps Plus lighting so I’m going to get you hooked with my newest discoveries–from ceiling to floor! Check them out and you can thank me later.

This Antique Brass Ceiling Light would look great in a kitchen or powder room or even in a kitchen pantry.

The Liberty Gold Ceiling Light is just screaming to be placed in a powder room or hallway.

You gotta love the Feiss Urban Renewal Wide Brass Ceiling Light for a boy’s room or mud room.

The classic styling of the Jonathan Adler Parker Wide Brass Ceiling Light make it perfect for a bathroom, small foyer or closet.

Two of these Alcazar Brass and Mercury Glass Table Lamp on a console table would be stunning.

I’d put this Dimond Farmhouse Antique Brass Table Lamp in a men’s office or kids play/study area.

The Spotlight Brass Table Lamp would be a stylish way to accent a desk or craft area.

The Robert Abbey Sloan Aged Brass and Crystal Table Lamp is screaming “put me on a marble top side table.”

One on his nightstand and one on mine–that’s where I’d put this Robert Abbey Alice Antique Brass Table Lamp

So many places the Robert Abbey Fineas Alabaster and Brass Table Lamp could go–dining room buffet, bedroom, sofa table!

I can just envision the Circuline Satin Brass Floor Lamp next to a big comfy chair and ottoman.

The Astor Antique Brass Tripod Pharmacy Floor Lamp is perfect for a study, next to a leather sofa.

What a beauty this Arteriors Home Norman Glass and Vintage Brass Floor Lamp would be flanking a dark navy sofa and framing a fun gallery wall of art.

This is not a sponsored post, just sharing one of my favorite resources with you.

Party Inspiration: UnExpected and Crafty Ways to Decorate

June 17, 2014

In my book every day of the year is a great day for a party. And when it comes to party decor, I’m always on the hunt for unique and creative ideas to add to my party planning file. On a recent Pinterest binge I came across a few images that were not only beautiful but that spoke to my creativity. These tablescapes look sophisticated and elaborate but it is the details that make them great. Details that can be achieved with a little creativity.

image via

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