Butcher Block Counters–So Many Reasons to Love Them!

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…

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**  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.

Shelly

Inspiration {plus a design tip}

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.

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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).

Shelly

DIY Trend: Faux Marble Contact Paper

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…

 I heart Organizing

 I Heart Organizing

Style Me Pretty

Style Me Pretty

 NordicDays

Nordic Days

A Thoughtful Place

A Thoughtful Place

 Our Humble Abode

 Our Humble Abode

Burlap and Lace

 Burlap and Lace

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!

Shelly

Fashion Focus: Off The Shoulder Fashions

 As the weather has warmed (ok, it’s gotten down right hot), have your noticed all the off-the-shoulder fashions that are showing up everywhere?

Just as I started writing this blog post I clicked over to Instagram and noticed a new posting from fashion illustrator Inslee.  How funny that they very topic I was writing on was depicted in her latest original art drawing entitled June.  Just goes to show you how hot this fashion trend is.

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original art–June by Inslee

For spring and summer, I think the off-the-shoulder look is lighthearted and fun and is a look that most people can pull off.  I do however think there are a few rules you should follow when wearing this look…

1)  Don’t Wear a Bra with Straps! Off-the-shoulder tops are meant to be worn strapless bras so that the shoulder area is clear.  Nothing ruins this look easier than your bra straps showing.

2) Opt For a Loose Causal Fit! Because you are exposing skin already, you want your top or dress to be loose and carefree.  A more form-fitting off-the-shoulder top should be saved for evenings out or special occasions.

3)  Avoid This Look if You Have Broad Shoulders!  If your broad shoulders are a feature you don’t like to play up then you might want to avoid this look.  Off-the-shoulder styles will make the shoulder area look broader.

4)  A Longer Length is Better than a Shorter Length!  Off-the-shoulder looks feel more like sportswear when they are longer in length.  Look for styles that hit at the hip as these will be most flattering with shorts, slim pants and skirt.  When it comes to dresses,  lengths that hit at the knee or slightly below as well as maxi dress styles are the most flattering.

5)  Off-The-Shoulder Styles Warrant Bold Jewelry!  This is look is perfect when you want to show off a statement necklace or blog earrings and it’s a great way to draw attention to your face.

Here are a few of my favorite spring and summer off-the-shoulder pieces:

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Nordstrom

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Nordstrom

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Forever21

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Asos

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Asos

So what do you think?  Is this look for you or will you be passing on this fashion trend?

You can see more of Inslee’s fabulous artwork, in her online shop!

Shelly

UpStyling Hardware Store Garden Sheds

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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.

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The Hunted Interior

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One Room, Two Looks–Budget Friendly Tips for Changing the Look of Your Decor

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When it comes to decorating my home, like most of you I want to invest in pieces that will serve me long-term.  I need pieces that are classic and timeless but allow me to change the look of my decor from time to time (which is the norm rather than the exception) without costing a lot of money.

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  Changing the look of your decor from season to season is easier than your think, if you start with a solid foundation and know what decorative accessories will give your look the biggest change impact.

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