Style Archives | Page 43 of 100

Gift Wrap Inspiration: 3-D Butterflies for Mother’s Day

April 30, 2015

The inspiration I get for wrapping gifts comes from a variety of places. Whenever I shopping, reading a magazine or even watching TV, my eys are always focused on litte details that may inspire me. Inspiration can come from a piece of artwork, a spool of ribbon or even a rug pattern.

When I started thinking about how I was going to wrap my mom’s Mother’s Day gift, the card I bought for her became the inspiration. I loved the butterfly and flower design and the touches of glitter that made the card sparkle.

After studying the card, I knew I wanted to create a 3-D version with butterflies and flowers and I found just what I was looking for in the sticker aisle of Michaels.

I picked up a set of butterfly stickers and paper roses, and used a paper mache box, gift wrap and ribbon I already had on hand. The gift wrap is a beautiful gold embossed diamond pattern from HomeGoods and the ribbon is a reversible satin from my favorite ribbon source MayArts.

I wrapped the top and bottom of the box separately in the gold paper and used two different ribbon colors as wraps around the box.

The butterflies and flowers are placed in a random pattern on the top of the box and secured with glue dots.

The ribbon is secured under the bottom of the box so it will be easy for my mom to open her gift without messing up the top arrangement.

It’s always a treat to send my mom a little something that I’ve crafted and I know she will love her gift and the gift wrap.

Mother’s Day is May 10th!

Product + Inspiration: Hemnes Shoe Cabinet

April 28, 2015

When it comes to furniture functionality and chic diy transformations the Hemnes Shoe Cabinet is probably one of my favorite Ikea hack pieces. The slim size of this piece make it ideal for narrow closets or hallways and the piece can be used for much more than shoe storage.

You can create a compact mud room next to the front door and use the top drawer to hold keys, chargers, batteries and other daily essentials.

Ikea sells several styles of shoe cabinets including this 4 drawer version.

There are a thousand and one ways you can customize the shoe cabinets to give it a unique style.

via Apartment Therapy

I love this library look achieved by adding brass label holders with pulls.

via Windgate Lane

A couple of coats of paint and stylish knobs can dramatically change the look of the basic shoe cabinet.

via I Heart Organizing

O’verlays has created a collection of designer overlays to fit the Hemnes cabinets which is another easy way to get a designer look in a flash.

I love the look of two shoe cabinets placed side by side to function as a console cabinet.

Most of the shoe cabinets are available in black-brown and white or a wood grain finish.

The shoe cabinet can also work to hold cold weather accessories, files, cords or lightweight books.

The 3-drawer Brissa shoe cabinet is a great buy at $39.99 and looks great customized with a wood frame and brass cup pulls.

via Yellow Brick Home

I love these Ikea shoe cabinets so much and have been trying to figure out where I could put one of these in my home.

Here’s a round-up of all the Ikea styles available…

I hope you were inspired.

30 Minute Decor Refreshers {easy and affordable}

April 27, 2015

Can you believe May is almost here? Before you know it store shelves will be stock with holiday items and we’ll all be planning to ring our jingle bells. This year is soaring by way too fast and to be honest it has me a little anxious. The anxiousness I feel has put me in the mood for change. I’ve been finding little (and inexpensive) ways to change-up my fashion, my routine and my decor. Surrounding myself with a new look feels good and has squelched my desire to go out and buy a bunch of new stuff (except for the two new pair of shoes I just bought 🙂

Today I’m going to share with you simple decorating ideas to refresh your home and later in the week I’ll share easy ideas to change-up your fashion style.

Let’s take home decor! I love it when you can change the look and feel of your decor without spending a lot of money or exerting a lot of effort. Many times a new look can come from using what you already have and other times spending a little money can make a big impact. Whether you rent or own, have a large house or a small one, there are easy ways to make major changes in your decor in less than 30 minutes. Here are some of my favorite quick change decorating tips.

********

DO THE SHUFFLE

One of the easiest and no-cost ways to freshen up your decor is by moving things around. Shuffle the seating in your living room or switch out artwork from one space to another. Use what you have and give you home a new look.

GO GREEN

Plants bring a sense of energy and life to a room so mix a few plants into your decor and feel and rooms come alive.

ORGANIZE IT

Having things organized is one of the ways that I make my home feel good. Spring is a great time to de-clutter, donate what’s no longer serving a purpose and organize everything from the kitchen to the closet. Your home will breathe a sigh of relief and so will you.

GO THRIFTING

When it comes to adding new accessories into your decor, it doesn’t have to break the bank. Visit a few of your favorite thrift stores and see what gems you can find. And as you shop, don’t overlook something that may need a little TLC with paint or fabric.

Painted vases via It All Started With Paint

PAINT SOMETHING

Revive an old piece of furniture with paint or think about painting an accent wall in your home. Painting is cheap, easy and yield results in a flash.

RE-WORK YOUR BOOKSHELVES

You’ll be amazed at how spending a little time taking things off your bookshelves and re-arranging the items can freshen up your decor. Once the shelves are cleared, place the items you love most first and then work your way to your least favorite items. You may realized that the items are the bottom of the stack are no longer needed which will help you de-clutter.

CHANGE UP YOUR TEXTILES

For less than $10 you can replace the pillow covers on your sofa with new ones from Hobby Lobby and for less than $40 you can replace the duvet cover or drapes in your bedroom with something fresh from IKEA. When adding the new textiles, think about changing up your color theme which will be an instant style refresher.

PAINT SOME FRAMES

Have you ever thought about giving your artwork a new look by painting the frames? A quick coat of paint can change the look of a single piece of art or and entire gallery wall.

So what’s you favorite way to refresh your decor?

Are These Trends Over-Exposed??

April 23, 2015

One of the things I’ve noticed since I started blogging is that when a popular blogger decorates with hot design trend, it starts showing up all over blogland in one bloggers home after another. As I designer, I’m exposed to the trends more than the average person and while I find myself gravitating towards what’s ‘hot’, I’m starting to feel like some design statements are becoming overused.

What I see happening is that homes are losing their unique personality because everyone is jumping on the same bandwagon. And it’s also happening in fashion too!

Take the black and white Ikea Lappljung pattern. First it was the pillow…

and then the rug. Or did the rug come first? It wouldn’t surprise me if every home in American owned one or both of these items.

(I own the pillow)

And I’m not even going to mention the Vargyllen pillow.

Now let’s take a look at six trends that may be reaching the level of over-exposure…

I’m seeing this Malakos Malachite pillow showing up in so many bloggers homes and on the pages of magazines. Malachite has been a major trend for several seasons now and while malachite furniture can be pricey, in a pillow the trend becomes something everyone can afford.

Ok, how many of you have seen this Eliza J Scarf Print Maxi dress showing up on fashion bloggers feeds over the last two weeks. I think this is the ‘it’ dress of the summer and will be showing up at parties, soirees and even blog conferences across the country. I spotted the green version at Dillard’s a few weeks ago and even considered buying it myself.

It appears that a hot commodity in bedding these days is the black and white Linden Duvet from Crane and Company. I’ve seen multiple bloggers/designers using this set in recent bedroom designs and I think it just highlights the fact that black and white color palettes are popular right now and classic will always be in style. I love this bedding but I’m going to put a twist on the look for my spring bedroom refresh that I’ll be revealing next week.

Need a little something to hang on the wall? Well, how about the Beverly IV Tropical Palm Leaves image that is showing up in droves across blogland. It’s bold and dynamic, and fits in with the bohemian modern decorating style that so many people are loving these days. If the art is a bit much for you, this pattern is also trending in pillow form and as a wallpaper.

Another super hot wallpaper design is the Cole and Company Birch Tree pattern. It’s being used in just about every room of the home but I especially love it in a bathroom. It’s fun to see such a unique look become so popular. If you’re interested, you can purchase the UK design wallpaper from Anthropologie here.

When it comes to flooring, this Basket Weave Tile just might win for tile of the year. The black and white color combo is classic and easily mixes with any accent color. While the tile might be most suited for the bathroom, I must admit I also like it as a kitchen backsplash.

So, what’s your take on these trends becoming over-exposed? Are you one to join in on the fun or are you doing your own thing?

Design Trends Come Alive at the ASO Decorators’ Show House

April 20, 2015

Hello and welcome to a new week! As you may have noticed, the blog has been a little silent the last few days. Last week was one of those weeks when my schedule got the best of me and blogging got pushed to the side. Despite everything and a week of rainy days, I had a good week and got lots accomplished.

One of the fun things on my schedule last week was a preview event for the Atlanta Symphony Decorators’ Show House. Along with select designers and bloggers, I was invited to a private tour of the home before it opened to the public. Having attended many of the ASO show house over the years, I must say at this years’ show house, Chateau Soleil is one of my all-time favorites.

Let me take you on a little tour….

Built in 1998 and designed by architect William T. Baker, the 14,000 sq. foot French style estate sits on 2 beautifully landscaped acres. Named for its sunny, golden façade, Château Soleil is a show-stopper both inside and out.

…

Read the Post

Outdoor Living: Garden Bench Style

April 13, 2015

There is just something about a garden bench nestled amongst tress in the yard or cozied up on a front porch. In addition to adding architectural interest in your yard, a decorative garden bench is a perfect way to personalize your outdoor living space.

…

Read the Post

Inspiration {plus links to love}

April 10, 2015

Happy Friday!

I’ve got some great links for you to enjoy today but first I wanted to say Thank You to everyone that took the time to wish me Happy Birthday here on the blog, Facebook and instagram. You really know how to make a girl feel special. I spent the day with a good friend shopping Scott’s Antique Market, received lots of cards and a special gift in the mail from another friend and had a relaxed dinner at my favorite Mexican restaurant with the hubby. All in all, it was a great day!

Enjoy these links and have a super weekend!

What do you do to Find Your JOY at Home?

Such a beautiful outdoor space with lots of DIY ideas.

If you need a dose of spring, check out these amazing photos.

The quirky details in this home tour will make you smile and the bathroom will make your envious!

Her painting and DIY skills never fail to impress and I must say this is one of my favorite pieces she’s ever done.

Do you love grilled cheese sandwiches? If not, this might change your mind.

It’s a Day of Celebration

April 9, 2015

Today’s my birthday and I thought what better way to celebrate than to bring you some party inspiration.

******

A garden party is the perfect way to celebrate any special occasion during the spring and summer. A table runner made from turf add a touch of realism and whimsey!

ConfettiStyle

Tutorial for ribbon tie gift boxes here.

source unknown

I’m off for a day of fun! First up Scott Antique Market (I haven’t been in months) and then a birthday dinner with the hubs.