Scenes from the Weekend

August 20, 2012

Happy Monday All!

Is it me or do weekends seem to go back faster and faster the later into the year we get? I can’t believe it’s almost September and that Fall is right around the corner.

I had a really busy weekend, filled with lots of creative projects. First I painted some of the picture frames and a mirror I bought the Longest Yard Sale. I went with high gloss black and love the finished look…

Since the weather was a tad cooler than it has been I was also able to begin painting the metal card I found at a thrift store several months ago for only $8.00. Up until this weekend it has been too hot to paint (paint and humidity don’t mix). Here it is with just the first light coat of gold paint. After several more coats of paint I plan to add a design on the top and then use this baby as a bar cart. Cocktail Time is just around the corner!

And, while I was in paint mode I decided to paint some small trays I picked up for .25 cents each with chalkboard paint. I thought these trays would be really cute as part of my tabletop decor at each place setting for the holidays.

In between painting, I was busy making some new Clipboards, Cute Clips and Push Pins to add to the ConfettiStyle Designs Etsy Shop. All the new goodies will be available by Friday.

New Clipboard Desk Sets

A new collection of Cute Clips!

New Designer Clipboards!

And these fun hand painted wood push pins!

I also worked on pulling together lots of new vintage finds to add to the shop….50 new items in total are coming your way!

With a lot of projects out-of-the-way, I’m looking forward to the week ahead. It is gonna be a crazy one but filled with lots of good stuff…

My brother is coming for a visit and a work trip. I’ll be going with him to a U of L Alumni event on Tuesday and look forward to meeting NBA basketball great Darryl Griffith and Atlanta’s own Monica Pearson.

I’m also in the midst of finalizing the details of the Vintage Affair Sponsor Party for the non-profit organization where I am a member of the board of directors. The big event for the Commmunity Assistance Center is Sunday evening!

I’m working on two design workshop presentations I’ll be presenting in September at a local retail store here in Atlanta. For those of you living in Atlanta, I’ll be sure to let you all know when and where so that you can come join the fun. The workshops will be all about Fall Decorating and Entertaining!

And finally, I’ve got an Etsy Crafters Meet-Up Friday evening that I’m looking forward to. There are lots of Etsy shop owners here in Atlanta and many of us will be getting together to socialize craft and have fun.

Oh, and there’s some design work that will be happening in between all this fun as well. I’m exhausted just thinking about my week!

Here’s hoping that your week ahead is a good one!

Room of The Week: Cottage Living

August 17, 2012

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The older I get the less formality I seem to seek in my life. A casual room like this appeals to my sense of comfort and relaxation without losing a bit of style! The light wood walls are the perfect backdrop for the cozy linen fabrics, wicker furniture and natural flooring. All of these design elements work in perfect harmony to create a space that’s easy to live in.

What a dream retreat!

Tabletop Inspiration: Vintage Style

August 15, 2012

One of the best parts of entertaining is pulling together a unique party decor. Right now I’m all about vintage looks and the charm that goes with it so I thought I’d share a few style tips and design ideas on how to pull a vintage look together.

Entertaining Vintage Style

Style Tip: A foundation to any vintage table setting is a mix of vintage china and dinnerware. Collecting pieces with different colors, patterns and styles will give your table true vintage personality and layering from larger to smaller pieces will create dimension at each place setting. Shop thrift stores, flea markets and estate sales to score your best deals.

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Style Tip: A really simple and inexpensive way to add a vintage touch to your table is with vintage dinner napkins. While vintage napkins can be found at flea markets you can also shop for vintage sheets and pillowcase, cut them into napkin squares, pick the edges and use them as napkins! I love this idea not only for its ease but also because the napkins are wash and go.

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Style Tip: Use vintage dinnerware in unexpected ways. As a teacup collector, I love the idea of using teacups for things other than tea. Teacups as mini flower vases will add an elegant touch to your table and I also like the idea of using teacups to serve dessert in.

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Style Tip: Lace=Vintage. The addition of a lace tablecloth or topper will add instant vintage charm as well as make your table pretty. If you want an even more eclectic look, try dying your lace in a fun color.

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Style Tip: What fun it is to mix and match your silverware? Start collecting pieces you like and before you know it you’ll be able to create a fun look at your next party. And, don’t be afraid to mix gold and silver pieces together.

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Style Tip: Sometimes a more casual dinner party does not need a tablecloth. Instead, bring vintage style to the table by creating a runner using vintage tiles. When it’s time for another party, use the tiles as placemats to change things up a bit.

If you’re really crafty, try decopauging vintage fabric pieces on to plain tiles to create a custom look.

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Design Idea: I love a good vintage inspired DIY project like this bandana tablecloth. This look is great for an outdoor party or old-fashioned BBQ.

Michael’s or Hobby Lobby carry a vast range of bandana colors so the color possibilities are endless.

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Design Idea: If you’re looking for an inexpensive and versatile centerpiece, try grouping a collection of vintage vases and glassware together and adding a flowers all in the same color family.

For a quick DIY project, try painting thrift store glassware in soft, vintage pastel colors.

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Style Tip: Layering is a key part of vintage charm and this table setting is a great example of how to get the look. Layer from the bottom up, using different textures and materials.

Larger Vintage Dollies make great placemats and smaller sizes are great to wrap around a plain napkin.

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Design Idea: Silverware Caddies are a look that has been used for years with more antique and vintage inspired table decor. Simple pockets like this one made of burlap can be dressed up with vintage looking flowers, pearls and lace ribbon.

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Style Tip: Another great idea of using something for what it’s not meant for….curtain rings as napkin rings!

Vintage curtain rings are another thing to add to your thrift store shopping list. Look for rings in antique gold or brass with clasp the resemble claw foots.

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Entertaining in vintage style is all about the combination of items you use..mixing, matching and layering. The beauty is not in repetition but in the randomness of things.

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Thanks for stopping by today!

Room of The Week–Small but Effective

August 10, 2012

Sometimes all it takes to create an inspiring work space is a few pretties, a little organization and a pop of color!

Wishing you a weekend filled with lots of INSPIRATION!

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What Decorating Habits do You Have?

August 9, 2012

Have you ever thought about the Decorating Habits you have? Thing you do around the house that make it your personal space, allow you to feel a peace under your roof and those things that give it the feel of home you want.

The other day I was thinking back on some of the things my mom and dad always use to preach to me, some of which became decorating habits for me at a young age and still stick with me to this day. My decorating habits are things I often do unconsciously but things that I must do to make my home just right. Here are a few Decorating Habits I think many of us live by. The ones in red and habits I personally have adopted.

* MAKING YOUR BED DAILY!

I remember my mom telling me that if I left my bed undone my day would feel undone and she was right. On those rare occasions when I was younger and just threw the covers up I usually had a day that didn’t go as well as it could have. I make my bed every morning, no exceptions!

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* SURROUNDING YOURSELF WITH FRESH FLOWERS!

Sometimes I splurge on a really gorgeous bunch of flowers but often I just head to Trader Joe’s and pick up some inexpensive stems. Flowers just make me happy and make my home feel good.

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* LEAVING YOUR SHOES AT THE DOOR!

This is one habit I have fully adopted. Sometimes I slip my shoes off at the door and most times I don’t. I do like the idea of not dragging in dirt and germs from outside and really like the idea of how stylish shoe storage at the door can be.

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* BURNING CANDLES TO ENHANCE THE MOOD!

I am a candle burner and burn candles year round, even in this 100 degree weather we have in the south. I love how candles can enhance the mood of a room as well as the moods of the people who live there.

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Another person that loves to candles as much as I do is Emily of Cupcakes and Cashmere. Just so happens she wrote a great post on DIY vintage teacup candles the other day that will inspire you to make your own!

* HIDING YOUR STUFF

One of my main decorating habits is living with out clutter. That doesn’t mean that I live without a lot of stuff, it just means that I like my stuff to be hidden away, in a organzined way. That’s were baskets come in. Baskets are one of my key decorating accessories and I use them throughout to hold all the things I don’t want just out in the open…DVD’s, CD’s and books and mags.

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* USING THE REFRIGERATOR AS AN ORGANIZATION STATION

Since I don’t have kids, my refrigerator door does not house alot…a calendar, a shopping list pad and a hook to hang papers needed for any upcoming appointments. But, I do like the idea of people creating an organized display space on their frig if it fits the family’s needs.

The wrong way…

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The right way…

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While many of the decorating habits listed above center around organization, things like decorating with family and travel photos or hanging inspirational quotes around your home might also be a decorating habit.

Decorating Habits, like a beautiful accessory, are simple little touches that make your home what it is and make living in it the experience you want. It’s the little things in decorating and design that really count!

So, I’d love to know what decorating habits you have. Leave a comment and let me know the scoop.

For those of you looking to build upon the decorating habits you already have in place and for those looking to establish a few new habits, this article from HGTV might propel you forward!

Chalkboard Inspiration

August 8, 2012

Even though the look has been out and about for a while, I’m still loving the look of a chalkboard wall or frame as part of a rooms decor.

Here’s some fresh inspiration if you been waffling on the idea of adding chalkboard to your home.

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What a great way to personalize a space!

Room of the Week: A Stylish Mudroom

August 3, 2012

While mudroom designs have come a long way, these spaces are often designed with major function and minimal style. This mudroom however is the total opposite…high on style, luxurious details, beautiful finishes and attention to detail. The function is still there but the space has been “styled” so that it blends in with the rest of the homes decor. Such a stunning space for come and go and store everyday necessities!

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I love the trim detail on all the cabinet doors. A little design detail like this goes a long way in making a simple space spectacular. And, the addition of the console table, lamps and accessories add personality and style.

Have a terrific weekend. If you happen to be attending the Longest Yard Sale, look for me somewhere between Kentucky and Alabama and be sure to say Hi!

On The Bookshelf–New Design Books for Fall

July 31, 2012

Books are truly an obession for me and I am always keeping my eyes and ears open to see what new releases are coming out.

This fall there will be a load of fantastic new interior design books released. Here are the titles I’m most looking forward to reading (and adding to my collection)!

Click on each book cover to read more about the book and pre-order your copy!