Rain on a Tin Roof

Category: Decorating

Budget home decorating ideas for those with champagne taste, but on a beer budget.

How to Coordinate Paint Colors Throughout Your House

I can’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve attempted to select a paint color and it has ended in either tears, drinking or both.

Usually both.

Throwing of hands in the air, slamming of fists on tables and/or walls is typical as well.

Obviously, buying sample pots of paint and testing those out on your walls is the way to go, but if I bought a sample pot of paint for every color I thought may work, I would have a closet full of sample paint pots.

One of my biggest challenges is often coordinating paint colors throughout my house – thus why there is a lot of black and white in my home. However, a few months back I went to a meet-up at the Behr paint headquarters in Atlanta and had an ‘Ah ha’ moment.

Also, Behr isn’t paying me to tell you this, I just think that everyone in America should know this so we don’t all spend a combined $1 trillion dollars on paint samples and/or doctor’s bills that resulted from hitting walls after still not being able to find a paint color after 20 freakin’ samples.

How to Coordinate Paint Colors

This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

Seriously, you’re gonna love me for all time after I tell you this.

Ok, this is the Behr color center at Home Depot.

The color center is broken down into eight horizontal rows.

Rumor has it that every paint color within rows one and two coordinate with each other. The same is true of rows three and four, rows five and six and rows seven and eight.

Therefore, if you select paint colors from within the same row group (i.e. rows 1 & 2 or row 3 & 4 or row 5 & 6 or row 7 & 8), then all those colors will coordinate or harmonize well throughout your house.

I know, right, mind blown. Or at least mine was.

So I tested their theory. I went to Home Depot and randomly grabbed paint chips from the various rows, noting what rows they came from. These are all paint chips from rows one and two:

Y’all. They weren’t lying. The top picture consists of all the color cards I got from those two rows and the bottom images are just cards I pulled out to show that the theory really is true.

Now, not everyone loves that much color. Here are paint chips from rows five and six – more muted tones:

Once more, they all harmonize well together.

I also grabbed some color cards from rows seven and eight:

And those worked too! As you work your way down the color center, the colors tend to get less bright. I failed to get color cards from rows three and four as the employees started looking at me a little funny, so I just took what paint chips I had and ran.

Isn’t that so cool? While I will always love a good black and white paint combination, I am so glad to know this little trick because it will come in handy at the 70’s Landing Pad since I haven’t figured out all the paint colors there just yet.

Did you know about this? Please don’t tell me I’ve been living under a rock for the last 10+ years of my painting life!

Here are more home decorating posts you’ll find helpful too…

How to Make a Moodboard for Room Designs – making these boards are easy and they are great for helping you determine what will and won’t work in your design!

Decorating on a Budget – 5 Ways for Decorating Your Entire Home on a Tiny Budget!

6 Decorating Ideas to Distract from Popcorn Ceilings – before you make a mess and go scraping them off, read this first!

Free Printable Project Planner – a printable planner that will help you plot out your next room makeover and stay on budget.

You know you don’t wanna miss any of this crazy.

Sign up to get my posts delivered to your inbox here.

Stalk Me Here:

Pinterest / Facebook / Twitter /Instagram

SaveSave

February 4, 2016
Lighting for $300 or Less: Chandeliers, Flushmounts and Sconces

There are two things I’ve wanted to tear my hair out over with the renovation of the 70’s Landing Pad – the master bathroom renovation and lighting. Oh wait, I forgot about wallpaper removal. Make that three things. And then there was the paint color selections. Hell, let’s just go on and admit that this whole reno is going to send me to the looney bin sooner than I expected.

Anyway, this post is supposed to be about lighting. To date, I have bought one single light fixture for the 70’s Landing Pad – a lucite chandelier (just like this one) from a local antique store. You guys aided in that purchase by telling me to go ahead and just buy it when we were chatting about the kitchen plans. When I went to go buy it, it was marked down and I got an extra 10% off, so it ended up being $150. Thanks for enabling me, y’all. I am madly in love with it, but can’t decide the best place to put it. Entry? Dining Room? Kitchen?

And then I started looking for lighting for the rest of the house.

And that’s when I lost my shit and preceded to find the nearest corner to go into the fetal position and cry.

Lighting is expensive. Or maybe I should say pretty lighting is expensive. I mean I could just go with the single bare bulb look complete with white ceramic base in every room and it would only set me back $10 each, but where’s the fun in that?

So I scoured the internet. I promise you, there is not a single solitary lighting site (or lighting store within a 100 mile radius) that I haven’t looked for affordable and pretty lighting at.

While I haven’t necessarily set a lighting budget, I knew right off the bat I can’t (nor do I think I could ever bring myself to) spend $800 on a ceiling light – not even a chandelier. In my head, I was looking to spend $300 or less on bigger fixtures – chandeliers, pendants, and flush mount lights. For sconces, I didn’t want to spend anymore than $100. So here is what I’ve come up with…

Lighting for $300 or Less

This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

Chandeliers & Pendants for $300 or less

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10

Chandeliers are my weakness. Seriously, if I could put a chandelier, preferably a lucite or crystal one, in every room I probably would. Unfortunately, my pocketbook doesn’t agree with me…nor does Grunt Labor.

1. Acrylic Framework Chandelier, $300 – this one is begging to be put over my kitchen banquette area, no? There is also a larger rectangle version available, but it’s a bit more pricier at $374.

2. Black Geometric Pendant, $196 – this one could also work over the banquette area, although it isn’t quite as glam. It does come in more colors as well.

3. Millau 9 Light Chandelier, $215 – This chandelier gets the best bang for your buck award. It’s huge and only $215. I’m not a fan of the fabric shades on chandeliers because they can be a pain in the butt to clean, but I’m wondering how this one would look without the shades. I’ve got one ordered to find out. Stay tuned…There is also a smaller five light version available for $155.

4. Top Hat Pendant, $94 – this is in the running for the light fixture in the Circus’ room – how fun is it?! A top hat as a light! And now that I think about this, I may just be able to DIY it…hmmmm

5. Nested Pendant, $274 – a bit crazy, a bit glam, but fun.

6. Penn Brass Pendant, $97 – these are smaller sized pendants, so they won’t work well for over a dining table, but are great for islands. The hall bathroom in the 70’s Landing Pad has two pendants on either side of the mirror and I’m thinking these would work perfectly for that space.

7. Geometric Pendant, $80 – also a smaller pendant and now that I look at them more closely, maybe they would work better in the hall bathroom. And this is why I have only purchased one single fixture. I effing hate lighting decisions. Thoughts?

8. Teardrop Chandelier, $129 (on sale right now) – You’ll never believe where this one is from – PB Teen! The store might be geared for teens, but I love a lot of their pieces for myself.

9. Black & White Drum Pendant, $200 – This is another contender for the Circus’ room. I think the stripes give it a “circus” feel, but could also grow with her.

10. Botanica Drum Pendant Light, $300 – I just found this one and think it would be perfect for the kitchen with that pop of green. There’s also a smaller version for $229. See – I can’t make up my mind in the slightest.

Flush and Semi-Flush Mount Lighting for $300 or Less

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

1. Bell White Flush Mount, $60 – the award for best bang for the buck in flush mounts goes to this baby. It’s pretty and it’s a hell of a great deal. This light will be gracing the hallway and most likely the master bathroom.

2. Tekoa Semi-Flush, $258 – I’m totally digging the geometric shape of this fixture.

3. Tear Drop Flush Mount, $109 (on sale right now) – another great option from PB Teen. This one may make into our master bedroom.

4. Vega Flush Mount, $249 – this flush-mount is kind of like a chandelier to me – and I like that. A lot. This bad boy is going in my living room at the 70’s Landing Pad.

5. Midtown Vogue, $98 – It does slightly resemble the “boob” lights, but it’s a bit more chic.

6. Cadence Flush Mount, $115 – oh how I wish this one were in brass – it would be a no brainer.

Wall Sconces for $100 or Less

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8

Shockingly – all of these came from Wayfair. I thought Wayfair was more pillows and accessories and some furniture, had no clue they had such great lighting. By far, their prices on sconces were the best for what I was looking for.

1. Margeaux 1 Light Wall Sconce, $89 – to me, this one has a “bamboo” feel to it. It is also available in a double sconce here. These were a top contender for my master bathroom.

2. The Saber Wall Sconce, $69 – I am 99% sure this is what will end up in the master bathroom.

3. Dunwoody Wall Sconce, $48 – brass may be my first love, but a good shiny chrome is my 2nd.

4. Urban Renewal Sconce, $98 – a brass industrial feel

5. Winston Sconce, $99 – these had me at hello. The only problem was that I was worried they wouldn’t give off enough light with those tiny bulbs.

6. March Sconce, $61 – another pretty chrome option.

7. Chrome Sconce, $66 – and another chrome option.

8. Digby Sconce, $62 – the touch of black with the shade is nice on this one.

We will still need one more sconce for a wall in the den/man cave and I have no clue what will go there yet, but I’m willing to bet it will be one of these.

Ok, what are your thoughts? Which ones do you love/hate/think I should use?

You know you don’t wanna miss any of this crazy.

Sign up to get my posts delivered to your inbox here.

Stalk Me Here:

Pinterest / Facebook / Twitter / Google+ / Instagram

SaveSave

January 7, 2016
Masculine Bedroom + Office Makeover Full Source List

Affiliate links may be contained in this post.

I realize it’s been well over a month since I first showed you the masculine guest bedroom and office makeover – A.K.A. Bill’s room.

Essentially, Christmas threw up everywhere and this post kept getting pushed to the back burner.

This room is by far one of my favorites and really, I just pulled it together, Bill came up with the plan and he knocked it outta the park. We used a mix of new items with ones we already had, we DIYed a thing or two and of course, we mixed in a few yard sale and thrift store finds. Here’s the full source list for everything in the space – if something is no longer being made, I tried to find a similar version for ya.

Faux Sheepskin Area Rug (Chocolate Color, We went with an 8′ x 11′)

We also removed the footboard and added feet to the box spring to eliminate the need for bed rails.

Faux Fur Blanket / White Quilt / Green & White Pillow (similar one, mine originally came from Target about a year ago.)

Paint Colors: Limousine Leather & Bit of Sugar

I’ll be honest – I didn’t think that white quilt would work at all. Bill was very specific about not getting a comforter because it made him too hot, but he didn’t want something too thin either. He found the white quilt and when we got it home, I was so surprised at how well it worked in the space. I do think though that without the fur throw it would have been too stark.

White Side Table / White and Black Faux Fur Pillow (Similar) / Jack Accent / White Deer Head (similar and similar)

The black and chrome chair is vintage and was a yard sale find that was once covered in rust. This chair is actually the exact same one – minus the rust mine had. Wassily chairs are also very similar and honestly, prettier, but more expensive. The drapes are just your basic white ones from IKEA.

Green Glass Lamp

Framed Art

The dresser is vintage. For local Chattanooga folks, it came from the Insyde Outsyde Shop. I wasn’t using the mirror that goes with our master bedroom furniture, so I propped it on top of Bill’s dresser.

DIY Bookshelf / Vintage Record Holder (Similar)

We made the bookshelf ourselves after we saw a similar one for $1000 that I just couldn’t bring myself to spend that much money on. I found the record holder at a yard sale. Urban Outfitters has a similar new option and Etsy is full of vintage ones.

The horse print was a yard sale find and unfortunately, I can’t find any similar ones online. The vintage pennant was a gift from a friend, but you can find lots of those on Etsy.

And finally, my office portion of the room…

Desk Chair / DIY Desk

I’ve also got a post about stylish and comfortable desk chairs here if ya need that.

If I left anything out, let me know y’all!

And can I just say – I’m really glad the Christmas decorating hoopla is winding down… #thisgirlneedsatimeout

And if you didn’t see the full before and after of Bill’s room, you probably should. He kinda killed it.

Masculine Bedroom Makeover

You know you don’t wanna miss any of this crazy.

Sign up to get my posts delivered to your inbox here.

Stalk Me Here:

Pinterest / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

SaveSave

December 14, 2015
Masculine Bedroom and Office Makeover

How many uses can you find for one average sized bedroom?

Well around here, we can find three.

Apparently, we like a challenge.

I thought that as kids got older, they liked to spend more time with their friends – away from the adults in their lives.

Apparently, I was wrong.

Or either Bill is the exception.

It seems the older he gets, the more he’s here.

I’m not complaining – I’ll take all the quality time I can get; he’s off to college next year.

In the meantime though, the room he was inhabiting was not very “Bill.”

While Elvis loved his jungle room, apparently Bill was not fond of a similar theme with the leopard print wall in his room.

I was also invading part of his space with my office area.

So I told him he could decide what he wanted to do with the room.

I know – I couldn’t believe I uttered those words myself.

The only conditions were that it did still have to have the bed, as the room is also our only guest room, and my desk had to stay in the space. Anything else was up to him.

I set him up on Pinterest one night – and held my breath.

I prayed he wouldn’t pin some hideous basketball/baseball/football/soccer ball border circa 1992. I cringed as he looked at bright orange Tennessee Vols decor. I finally had to leave the room.

About 30 minutes into his browsing, he called me back in and presented me with his pick – a masculine black and white room with fur accents and wood tones.

I don’t know if I was ever more proud of him.

I asked him if he was sure he liked that. He did. He was actually excited about it. And then he said the words I would have never dreamed he would say – “I think we should add in some pops of green too. That would keep it in line with the rest of the house.“

Oh. My. Stars.

This is what we ended up with…

I really don’t know who was more excited about how well it turned out – me or him. It is perfect for him, it works just fine for guests and my office space is still in the room – just out of the way.

*A big thanks to Home Decorators Collection for helping with this project so Bill can have a bedroom that doesn’t resemble the jungle room.

Here’s the breakdown…

Masculine Bedroom Makeover

We definitely wanted black in the room, but didn’t want the entire room to be black. We opted to paint one wall completely black and then paint black halfway up on two of the walls.

The bed stayed, however I removed the rails and added feet to the box spring – it was ridiculously easy. It really helped to open up the room. I also think it makes the headboard really stand out against the black walls – I love that wood grain against the black wall. We opted for a white quilt on the bed, accented with a super soft and cozy faux fur throw and a green accent pillow.

Most of the time, he totally ditches the quilt and sleeps with the fur throw. He. Loves. it.

My desk used to be on the wall coming right into the room – it was way too overwhelming there though. We moved it to another wall and found a vintage mid-century modern dresser to place along the wall for some much needed storage.

A chocolate faux fur rug from Home Decorators Collection covers most of the carpet in the room. The rug was a steal of a deal. I got an 8 x 11 for under $300. When Bill came home and saw it for the first time, he immediately laid down on it and hardly moved for the rest of the night. We did keep the chrome and black chair in there, but got smaller side tables for each side of the bed.

The tables have open geometric shapes on the sides, so they are very airy feeling, which is great for small spaces. There is still plenty of room though to hold knick-knacks on the top.

He picked out the dresser himself (we found it at a local vintage shop). I pulled the mirror that actually goes with mine and Grunt Labor’s bedroom set out of storage to prop on his dresser.

He fell in love with Finneman the dog as soon as he saw him.

He didn’t really have to convince me – I thought putting the dog in a bedroom rather than as the typical entry decor was a genius idea. However, if you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen that the Circus has tried to make the dog her own. She’s drug him all around the house and adorned him in hair of tinsel, a ballerina costume and most recently a combination of items that make him look like he’s a cross between an Egyptian pharaoh and a Disney princess.

The art and deer head on the dresser was in the room before, it still worked pretty well with the space, however we did add in a green glass lamp that I wouldn’t mind stealing for my own room.

When he said we needed green accents, there was no way I wasn’t going along with that one. 😉

I also love the shade on this lamp – it’s a woodgrain look that goes great against the black and white wall.

The other side of the bed may be my favorite part of the room though.

Bill and I made, (yes we made!) a bookshelf for this wall.

The full tutorial for the bookshelf is here. We decorated with some vintage items around it – including my grandmother’s guitar which he thought was a pretty cool touch.

The other occasional table is on this side as well.

And finally, on the wall opposite from everything else is my workspace.

It’s tucked away from everything else and I also kept this wall entirely white to visually separate the two spaces. I’m one smart cookie, right?

No, I’m not at all. It was just a random idea that happened to work. 🙂

So what do you think of the masculine bedroom makeover? Bill did a pretty good job, didn’t he? He only had a smidgen of help…

You might wanna see this too…

DIY Modern Rustic Bookshelf

How to Add Feet to a Box Spring

***Giveaway Now Closed.***

And…Home Decorators Collection is giving away a $50 gift card to one lucky guy or gal!

Use the Rafflecopter below to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This post was a collaboration with Home Decorators Collection. However, all opinions and pride in the teenager’s design skills are 100% mine.

November 5, 2015
King Headboards for $300 or Less

I am not a snuggler.

I can be a snuggler for about five minutes and then you need to get off of me.

Grunt Labor isn’t a snuggler either. This is good.

However, he does roll over in his sleep quite a bit and while doing so, his face sometimes becomes thisclose to mine and he breathes right on me.

And I hate that.

I do love him though, don’t get me wrong. He knows I can’t stand him breathing on me. Some nights I give him an elbow or kick to get him to roll back over. If I’m feeling nice and don’t, then I usually don’t sleep great or it takes me forever to get to sleep and then he feels terrible the next morning when he finds out I didn’t sleep because he was breathing on me.

We need a king sized bed.

The best sleep we get is when we stay in hotels with king sized beds. I love him, but I need him to be on his side of the bed. In his defense, he says there are some nights I get right up on him, although I don’t remember this, so I cannot attest to its validity. Maybe he needs me to be on my side of the bed as well though.

So we’re on the hunt for a king size headboard and/or bed that won’t cost a year’s worth of preschool.

Here’s what I’ve found so far…

This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

King Headboards for $300 or Less

Sovereign King Headboard

This headboard also comes in other colors as well. Its upholstered in vinyl, so not quite as cozy as another material, but would be very easy to wipe down when its dusty. It has a very chic shape to it.

Curl King Nailhead Headboard

This one is also available in ivory. Its upholstered in linen, so a bit more cozy and it’s neutral, so it would work with lots of styles.

Clique King Headboard

Also available in ivory, this one has some tufting and is also upholstered in linen.

Confession: I may have lied a little about the next three headboards being $300 or less. They are all actually $320. I just couldn’t let a measley $20 not let me share them with you…

Seville Velvet Headboard

I won’t lie – I love that green, however it is also available in five other colors.

Floral Patterned Headboard

I never thought I would be a floral patterned headboard person, but I love the rich hues on this one. Other patterns also available.

Blue & White Patterned Headboard

The blue dots on this one aren’t perfect, which is what I like about it.

Annabel Black Headboard

This one is definitely more on the manly side, but I’m still digging it. Its upholstered in vinyl and I think it would look awesome against a dark green wall.

Rectangle-y Modern Headboard

Sadly, this was the only non-upholstered headboard I found that was under $300 and that I actually liked. To me, it has a vintage-y mid-century modern feel. I do think it would be really pretty painted a fun pop of color.

Do you have any great headboard sources? Help a sister out. I need to sleep.

You know you don't wanna miss any of this crazy.

Sign up to get my posts delivered to your inbox here.

Stalk Me Here:

Bloglovin / Pinterest / Facebook / Twitter / Google+ / Instagram

SaveSave

October 27, 2015
10 Stylish, Comfortable and Affordable Office Chairs

You don’t have to compromise style for comfort in your office! These stylish office chairs are pretty, but also comfortable and easy on the wallet!

We need to get something straight.

Not that you didn’t already know, but just in case.

Comfort trumps style.

There. I said it. I’m sure some furniture manufacturers are screaming at me now.

Let me give you a prime example.

When I first created my office space, I used a vintage chair I had made over for the space. It wasn’t technically an office or desk chair.

The chair was ok for a little while, but as I was increasingly at my desk more, I started getting horrible back and neck pains. After moving my computer to the kitchen table to work one week, I realized the problem was my chair. While it was pretty, it was not comfortable for my desk. Overall, it was a comfortable chair, but it wasn’t made to sit in front of a computer all day. It was made to sit in a living room or den.

And while I had gotten a couple of massages out of the whole thing, the massages didn’t make up for the pain.

So I ponied up and bought a real desk chair.

And it just might have been the best money I have ever spent.

Well, aside from cheap beer money.

I do still get the occasional neck or back ache when I’ve been in front of my computer for far too long, but it’s just every once in a while.

The best part about my office chair though is that its comfortable and stylish.

And y’all, that is hard to come by in an office chair.

So I have searched this vast land that we call the internet and found 10 stylish and comfortable home office chairs….

This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

Pretty Office Chairs

Now ya’ll, please realize that I have not tried out every one of these chairs. I do what I can, but I can’t do that much.

Although wouldn’t it be great to just get paid for testing out chairs all day?

Note to self: work on that.

I’ve read the reviews on each and based on that and my own experience with office chairs, I think these would provide the most comfort and style in your office.

Additionally, most all of these are height adjustable swivel chairs, so you can easily adjust and get around.

Neutral Color Office Chairs

My Office Chair

This is the updated version of my office chair. It’s my hero. It has a chic modern look, but the white can work with just about any style.

White and Gold Task Chair

If you prefer a Midas touch in your office, here ya go. At less than $100 and with great reviews, this one is a real winner. No arm rest though.

Rolling Armchair

If you don’t want your office chair to look like an office chair at all, here ya go. Also available in a gray hue.

Brown Faux Suede Chair

This beauty could be a good chair in a modern office used by both guys and gals.

Black and Gold Office Chair

Isn’t there just something powerful about black and gold? This one is also available in other combos as well. Looks like it has quite the comfy seat cushion!

Colorful Office Chairs

Green Mid Century Office Chair

Oooo, that green! Everyone will be green with envy of your desk chair. Also available in an aqua color.

Blush Office Chair

Isn’t this one a beauty? Those curves! This one is also available in a beige color here.

Blue Velvet Chic Office Chair

The blue is beautiful, but paired with that gold base, it’s a home run! Also available in a green hue here.

Stylish Patterned Office Chairs

Cow Print Desk Chair

Y’all! Cow print on an office chair! How fun is this?!

Leopard Office Chair

Leopard print on a desk chair? I’ll take two please…

Seen any great office chairs around? Share them with us below!

Looking for more great office ideas on a budget? I’ve got you!

DIY Chippendale Desk – this desk only cost $200 to make, but would have cost thousands to buy!

Home Office Makeover Full of Budget Friendly Projects – and style isn’t compromised!

DIY Built In Cabinets – easy to follow tutorial for using stock cabinets to create built ins.

Want to remember these chairs for later? Just pin the image below!

You know you don’t wanna miss any of this crazy.

Stalk Me Here:

Pinterest / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

October 15, 2015
My Favorite Green Color Combinations for Decorating

It was love at first spray when I made the Kate Spade Inspired Lamp Makeover.

I had met my decorating color soulmate and there was no turning back.

Green and I went together as well as me and cheap beer.

Well, almost. Let’s face it – cheap beer will always have my heart. Oh, and Grunt Labor too.

I think one of the main reasons I love green so much is because it looks great with my second in line favorite colors.

The Best Green Color Combinations for Decorating

Affiliate links may be contained in this post.

Green + Navy

My Kitchen

Painting the lower cabinets navy was by far one of the best decisions I have ever made. My green barstools just pop off the navy and white.

Green and Navy Nursery

This nursery. No more babies for me, but this nursery is just adorable. I am digging that dresser. I wouldn’t turn my nose up at it in my own house. Just sayin’.

Green and Navy Dining Room

No doubt, the rug and the green accent wall totally make this space.

Green and Navy Bedroom

Another bold green wall with navy accessories. I’d take those X-benches too. 🙂

Green + Red

Red Hutch Makeover

If you are one of those people who think green and red only belong together at Christmastime, I’m so sorry for you. I’ll be honest – I use to think that too. But let me tell you, I think the combination is bold, pretty, and unexpected.

Green and Red Living Room

This living room – and the entire house – was featured in HGTV magazine a while back. I drooled the entire time I read about it.

Living Room Tour

Those might just be my favorite lamps in the whole house paired with my favorite curtains.

Green + White

Green & White Cane Inspired Accent Wall

You can never go wrong with green and white – its perfectly crisp.

Green & White Bedroom

While the bed is a bit too fancy for my taste, this green and white bedroom wouldn’t be too hard to pull off. Paint all the walls green. Make everything else in the room white. Showstopper.

Green and White Stairwell

I’ve always thought that photo frames together in the same color make a big impact. This stairwell proves I was right.

Green + Black + White

Green and Black and White Chair Makeover

Green + Black + White = Oh so right.

Look, she rhymes!

Green and Black and White Bathroom

Y’all, this is a bathroom. A bathroom. The whole space is stunning.

What about you? Any favorite green color combinations?

You know you don’t wanna miss any of this crazy.

Sign up to get my posts delivered to your inbox here.

Stalk Me Here:

Bloglovin / Pinterest / Facebook / Twitter / Google+ / Instagram

August 24, 2015
Best Sources for Affordable Wall Art and Favorites Under $50

In case you didn’t know, I’m not an art connoisseur.

Now a cheap beer connoisseur, I am.

Ok, really just Miller High Life.

Here’s how I decide what art to hang on my walls:

I browse online and/or thrift stores.

Ooooo, I like it.

Look at the price tag.

Ooooo, its cheap.

Buy it.

Ooooo, its expensive.

Leave it.

Pretty straightforward, no?

While there may never be a priceless hand painted original piece of art hanging in my home, excluding the circus’ art, these pieces either already reside here or will at some point.

Because they’re pretty.

And cheap.

And nothing beats pretty and cheap together.

Best Sources for Affordable Wall Art & Favorites Under $50

This post contains affiliate links.

1. Etsy

Abstract / Tallulah Shaw / To The Night / Gemstones

Etsy should probably be a given for anyone. Its packed with hundreds and hundreds of talented artists who thankfully sell their prints at affordable prices. Not only can you find actual prints, but you can find loads of printables to use as wall art for usually $5 or less. I don’t have that glorious abstract in my house yet, but you’d better believe I will soon. I love the colors. Tallulah Shaw is from the Janet Hill Studio. I love every single one of her pieces, but can’t choose just one or find the perfect place for it yet. The bottom two are both hanging on the black and white gallery wall in my living room.

2. Kirkland’s

Buffalo Canvas

Ahh, Kirkland’s. I could sing of your glorious home decor deals for days. Not only can you snag super cheap and pretty accessories at Kirkland’s, but its also a great place for snagging wall art at an amazing price – like this big Buffalo Canvas for $25. Twenty-five freakin’ dollars.

3. Society6

Cow Watercolor / Lips Watercolor / Banana Leaves / Donkey

I just discovered Society6 when I started working on my gallery wall (I know- I was living under a rock), but its one of my new favorite places for art. Its a marketplace full of individual artists. You can buy their prints at great prices, but you can also get most of those prints on pillows, totes, and just about anything else you can dream up. I’m not kidding. Every print above, excluding the cow, is on my gallery wall. The cow will be someplace soon though. And a few family members may even get one for Christmas presents.

4. Furbish Studio

Ginger Jar / Everyone’s a Dumb Whore / Neon Headdress

Ahhh, Furbish. You are like my go-to place for random colorfulness. I mean really, who wouldn’t want that dumb whore cross-stitch hanging in their office. And also, who thinks to cross-stitch dumb whore into something?! Genius, I say, genius! And a neon headdress? A NEON HEADDRESS.

5. Waiting on Martha

Lion Watercolor

And then there’s Waiting on Martha. She’s full of a little bit of everything – wall art, yes, but also barware, bedroom decor and more. Have you ever seen a more precious lion?

And my favorite source for frames…Target.

Room Essentials White Wood Frame

This simple white frame is my go-to for any style of art. This frame is the kind I used all around my gallery wall. It comes with a white mat and works great to highlight even the smallest pieces of art. If you aren’t into white, you can always spray paint it a different color. I opted to leave them all white for my gallery wall though.

Ok, spill the beans. What are your go-to art sources and faves? You know, we don’t keep secrets around here.

You might also want to see…

Free Printable Horse Art

Free Banana Leaves Watercolor Printables

You know you don’t wanna miss any of this crazy.

Sign up to get my posts delivered to your inbox here.

Stalk Me Here:

Pinterest / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

SaveSave

August 13, 2015
The View from the Floor | Painted Ceiling Designs

This post is sponsored by HomeRight, however all opinions are 100% mine. This post contains affiliate links.

Sometimes I lay on the floor.

For no good reason at all.

Sometimes I close my eyes.

And daydream.

Sometimes I stare at the despicable popcorn ceiling and try to find the strength to remove it.

I usually decide I’ll pay someone to do that before I scrape ceilings again.

Sometimes I just ponder life’s mysteries.

Either way, the ceiling is usually ugly.

And most of the time, my wondering leads me down a rabbit hole of painted ceiling designs.

via

Should I go for a bold, yet classic black?

via

Or an un-expected punch of purple? I am usually never a purple girl, but man this one is reeling me in.

Should I change the color on my pink ceiling?

via

Perhaps, I should bring the ceiling color a third of the way down the wall too?

Or maybe a cool and calm coral like Shavonda did?

via

Or I could just pull out all the stops and turn my ceiling into a circus tent.

No.

But I will give them stellar execution on that ceiling. They have far more patience than I do.

All of this ceiling dreaming usually ends in me deciding that I don’t have the strength to strip the popcorn ceilings off another room again.

But one day.

When I have had enough liquid courage to make me crazy enough to want to take off popcorn ceilings again, I’ll have a real pretty view from the floor.

If you are already lucky enough to be free of popcorn ceilings, here are my best tips for painting ceilings A.K.A. what I learned from my pink ceiling adventure…

Ceiling Painting Tips

1. Always use flat paint on ceilings.

Ceilings (especially ones with removed popcorn) tend to have lots of imperfections. Using a satin, semi-gloss or gloss finish will only highlight those imperfections. Flat finish paints tend to hide them better.

2. Clean the Cobwebs.

Just admit it. My ceiling corners are usually littered with cobwebs and yours are too. 😉

3. Tape off.

Tape off any surrounding trim, light fixtures, etc. Yes, there is a difference in using plain old masking tape versus actual painter’s tape. Masking tape will not give you those crisp paint lines. With painter’s tape, you do have to firmly push down along all the edges after you put the tape on the wall to activate the tape against paint bleed. My usual go-to painting tape is FrogTape.

4. Use a Quick Painter.

If you have a hard time cutting in around a room, use the Quick Painter.

The quick painter is this fabulous little tool that you suck your paint into, click the pad in place and run it right along trim, light fixtures and where the ceiling and wall meet. This little tool can also eliminate the need for taping in some cases.

5. Use a good, easy to use, roller.

When I paint any walls or ceilings, I use a PaintStick EZ-Twist.

The PaintStick EZ-Twist fits onto your paint can. You pull back on the handle to draw paint into the tube. When the tube is full, twist the handle to release paint onto the roller and start painting your ceiling. No paint trays needed, so fewer trips for more paint. The EZ-Twist isn’t too bad to clean up either.

6. Remove any painting tape as soon as you put your final coat on.

A lot of people think they are supposed to wait to take the tape off until the paint is dry – don’t wait! If you wait, you risk the paint drying to the tape and the paint coming off with the tape.

Need Wall Painting Tips? I’ve got you covered…

So who wants to take off my popcorn ceilings so I can have pretty ceilings everywhere and not just in my bathroom?

Yea, I figured there wouldn’t be any takers.

You know you don’t wanna miss any of this crazy.

Sign up to get my posts delivered to your inbox here.

Stalk Me Here:

Bloglovin / Pinterest / Facebook / Twitter / Google+ / Instagram

Disclosure: This post was a collaboration with HomeRight. All opinions and longing for beautiful views from the floor are 100% mine.

SaveSave

July 23, 2015
13 Stunning Home Ideas I Found in One Place

Last Wednesday they let me into the Nashville Symphony Show House.

Builder, Castle Homes; Architect, Wade Weissman

I know. Its gorgeous. Go ahead and take a minute to close your gaping mouth.

I’m quite certain the powers that be must have never read my blog before to know that this gal is borderline redneck and hadn’t set foot in such a fancy house before – otherwise they may have thought twice before sending my invitation.

I walked out of that house scolding myself for using inappropriate language in front of people who never met me before, but brimming over with DIY and decorating ideas.

I quickly got over the inappropriate language scolding. I feel overall they became better people for having met me.

The ideas though – my head is still spinning. Here’s 14 stunning home ideas that I took away from the Nashville Symphony Show House – and really, there were waaaay more than 14, but I felt I should cut it off somewhere instead of keeping you stuck here reading all day.

1. Create an entryway nook to your bedroom.

Design by Julie Couch Interiors

Obviously, we won’t all have the space for this, but I fell in love with this little entry of sorts that was carved out of the master bedroom.

2. Always, always, always go for lots of windows in the bathroom.

Design by Julie Couch Interiors

Now, if you live in a neighborhood where you can open a window and toss a muffin to your next door neighbor, you’ll also want to invest in some window shades, as your neighbor doesn’t want to see your rear end.

3. And hang your mirrors from the ceiling.

Design by Julie Couch Interiors

I had never ever ever seen this idea before, but I thought it was genius – hang your mirrors from the ceiling!

4. Go for a window in the shower too.

Design by Julie Couch Interiors

Its much easier to wake up with a pretty view as you shower.

5. Add “drooping” greenery to your floral arrangements.

Design by Julie Couch Interiors

I don’t know about you, but it seems I’m always wanting the leaves on my flowers to stand up right alongside the actual flower. I was smitten with this arrangement though that has “drooping” greenery.

6. Clad a bookshelf – front, back, and sides – in barn wood.

Design by Julie Couch Interiors

These bookshelves were built-ins, but I think you could easily re-create the look with regular bookshelves by just gluing on barn wood or pallet wood.

7. Turn a vintage dough bowl into a succulent garden.

Design by Castle Homes

I’m not 100% sure that is a vintage dough bowl, in fact I don’t think it is, but it very much looks like one. Just make sure your bowl is lined very well to prevent water damage.

8. Feathers are always right.

Design by Rozanne Jackson Interiors for The Iron Gate

There’s a good chance I left drool on this pillow. I’m already plotting out my own DIY version.

9. Opt for the really tall lamp.

Design by Rozanne Jackson Interiors for The Iron Gate

I love the sophisticated lamp paired with the rustic-industrial nightstand.

10. Always have at least one old piece in every room.

Design by Rozanne Jackson Interiors for The Iron Gate

Like this mirror. Just gorgeous.

11. Use a vintage showcase as bedroom storage.

Design by Rozanne Jackson Interiors for The Iron Gate

This could very well be my favorite idea from the house. In one bedroom, there was an old showcase from a store that held records and such. I am crazy over this idea.

12. Go for the chimney that touches the sky.

Design by Mark Simmons Interiors

One day, when I save enough money from buying cheap beer, I’ll have a chimney that touches the sky.

13. Remember the 3 T’s when it comes to container gardens.

Container Gardens by Carmen Johnston Gardens

Something tall, something thick, and something trailing – all planted in a triangle.

See what I mean? Stellar home ideas.

Looking for more great home decor ideas…

20+ Living Room Ideas – gorgeous, livable spaces!

How to Coordinate Paint Colors in Your House – one little tip that will save your sanity!

14 Real Life Bedroom Ideas – ideas that are both functional and pretty.

You know you don’t wanna miss any of this crazy.

Sign up to get my posts delivered to your inbox here.

Stalk Me Here:

Pinterest / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

June 15, 2015
Decorate My Space: Hope’s Kitchen

A couple weeks back I asked for y’all’s help on decorating my stairwell.

You were amazing with your responses.

My stairwell isn’t decorated yet, but I’m still mulling over all your ideas.

I thought it might be fun to ask for reader submissions and let everyone help out on decorating another space!

The first one up is Hope’s Kitchen.

Let’s start with her color scheme ideas and inspiration.

She knows she wants these colors:

source

However, instead of that darkest brown, she would like a soft buttery yellow, kind of like this one…

source

Hope says: “I’m in love with French country. A touch of industrial. And a touch of blue.”

source

source

Her exact words for this space above were “Love, love, love.”

source

She is also a fan of the red and yellow combination in this kitchen above.

source

And the red and yellow in this kitchen.

Alright, so there’s her inspiration. This is her current kitchen. Keep in mind, she is in the process of a renovation!

She is going to make this dresser her kitchen island:

Isn’t that such a cool idea? She doesn’t know what color to paint it though!

She also knows that her kitchen countertops will look like the island countertop in this photo:

source

That wood will be on both her island and other countertops. She also knows she will have a beadboard backsplash.

Her biggest dilemma is figuring out what paint colors to use where.

So, what do you guys think?

She wants a red, buttery yellow, and neutral toned space – what colors should go where?

My first thoughts are to paint the cabinetry white, the island red, the beadboard backsplash yellow and the walls one of the neutral colors.

Leave your opinions in the comments!

Need more kitchen ideas?

How to Make Laminate Counters Look Like Soapstone – I did it and it’s easy!

DIY Kitchen Island Ideas – ideas for creating your own kitchen island that you probably haven’t thought of!

DIY Kitchen Banquette – build your own banquette!

10 DIY Countertop Makeovers – makeover those countertops on a budget!

You know you don’t wanna miss any of this crazy.

Sign up to get my posts delivered to your inbox here.

Stalk Me Here:

Pinterest / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

April 28, 2015
10+ Kitchen Ideas for Decorating, Organizing, and Storage

I am all about a pretty space.

I’m also all about a real life space.

The problem is that pretty + real life don’t always work together.

And real life tends to trump pretty everyday of the week.

I always struggle with finding that happy balance between pretty and real life in the kitchen.

Prime example: the chips will always live on top of the fridge. No, its not pretty, but that’s where we expect them to be, so that’s where they will always be come hell or high water unless we magically get more pantry or cabinet space…which I won’t hold my breath for.

That being said, these are my best kitchen ideas for merging real life and pretty.

Doritos bag on the refrigerator not included.

10+ Kitchen Ideas: Decorating, Organizing, Storage

#1. Create a coffee station.

This coffee station has only been around for the last few months and let me tell you it has made my morning coffee ritual so much smoother. You see, I tend to want my morning coffee faster than the Keurig can make it. I know – that’s like the purest definition of impatientness (which probably isn’t even a word) ever. It is what it is. I corralled my K-Cups, sugar, and spoons all on a cheap little IKEA tray to get my coffee in my mug as soon as possible. The only thing that isn’t there is the creamer in the fridge. Obviously, its not realistic to leave the creamer sitting out overnight uncovered, so I used that pitcher for my spoons. The little Cafe du Monde sign is a nice reminder of my favorite city in the world.

#2. Use a locker basket to hold fruit.

I hate those banana hanger/holder things. I have no idea why, but they drive me crazy. Instead, I use a vintage locker basket to hold all our fruit.

#3. Use a shiny pitcher to hold cooking utensils.

When I found that silver pitcher at Goodwill, I nearly peed my pants. It does the job of holding all the ugly cooking utensils, while adding a touch of chic.

#4. Use a tray to corral salt, pepper, olive oil, etc.

Right beside the silver pitcher is a small rustic-y tray that holds salt, pepper and olive oil. The tray keeps everything corralled in one spot and makes them feel unified.

#5. Bring in color with barstools.

Lots of kitchens lack color. In fact, just about everything in my kitchen is black and white except for the barstools and curtains. In terms of furniture, barstools are pretty cheap, which makes them a perfect candidate for color. Buy a cheap pair at Target and spray paint them or scour thrift stores for some to makeover. I gave my barstools a kelly green and navy blue makeover a couple years back and I’ve been in love ever since.

#6. Switch out your hardware.

Granted, I painted my cabinets and switched out their hardware, but never underestimate the power of just switching out hardware. Grunt and I did this at our little cottage and it totally changed the look of the entire kitchen. We probably spent less than $50 on new hardware and it had a big impact. You can even change the location of your hardware and cover the holes easily.

#7. Don’t want to trade out your hardware? Try restoring it.

If your hardware is pretty old, chances are, it could use a good cleaning. Clean it up and you might realize you have a little gem under all the grime. Here’s how to restore your hardware.

#8. Build your own island or peninsula.

Yes you can. I know some of you were just like, “No way can I make my own island.” Y’all, if Grunt and I can, anyone can. Our kitchen island (in the photo with the barstools earlier) was made from porch posts and salvaged barn wood – and it only costs about $100 to make, excluding the counter. And if you don’t want to build one, look at these seven different kitchen island ideas – you can even use a dresser for an island.

#9. Have fun with sweets.

This mohawk lollipop holder is definitely not all that kitchen-y. Its not really even needed. Buts its fun and quirky. And I like that. The kid especially loves getting her lollipops out of the mohawk.

#10. Use locker baskets for cookbook storage.

A kitchen ideas post wouldn’t be complete without my vintage locker basket cookbook storage. Almost three years and they haven’t budged.

#11. Ditch some upper cabinets for open shelving.

When Grunt Labor and I started the kitchen reno, I knew I wanted open shelving somewhere. Originally, I wanted it on both sides of the window (and would still like that), but there wasn’t enough space for the shelving we bought from IKEA on the left side of the window. The shelving is pretty and functional. In the photo above, its holding my whiteware, but now it actually holds dishes and glasses. You can see our entire kitchen renovation here.

What are your best kitchen ideas for decorating, organizing, and storage?

Want more real life decorating ideas?

14 Real Life Bedroom Ideas Anyone Can Do – totally doable, totally real life.

20+ Living Room Ideas – for every kind of design style.

You know you don’t wanna miss any of this crazy.

Sign up to get my posts delivered to your inbox here.

Stalk Me Here:

Pinterest / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

February 20, 2015
7 Super Simple, Super Cute Electrical Tape Crafts

Apparently, this week is a tape themed week. That’s cool – tape is cheap. And cheap crafts are the best crafts. So bouncing off of the Duck Tape Fringed pillow, here are seven super simple, super cute, (and super cheap!) electrical tape crafts!

Electrical Tape Crafts

Electrical Tape Lampshade

I felt like this lampshade was lacking a little, so I upped it’s fun faction with a quick application of electrical tape! Find out how I made this electrical tape lampshade here.

Kate Spade Knockoff Photo Frame

This photo frame retails for about $30. That isn’t a bad price, but you can make your own for about $3 or $4 and yep, you can do it with electrical tape. Grab the tutorial for this Kate Spade Knockoff frame here!

Electrical Tape Wrapped Candles

Aren’t these Electrical Tape Wrapped Candles from Southern State of Mind just so clever?!

Electrical Tape Photo Mat

Customize your frame mats with electrical tape from 6th Street Design School.

Electrical Tape Wall Frame

Instead of buying a wall frame, make your own custom one with electrical tape like these Electrical Tape Frames from Stars for Streetlights.

Electrical Tape Washer and Dryer

Now this Electrical Tape Striped and Dotted Washer and Dryer from A Beautiful Mess is so cool! Would make doing laundry a lot more fun, right?

Electrical Tape Storage Box

Give your storage boxes a chic upgrade with this Black & White Electrical Tape Storage Box tutorial from Decoist.

Want more tape crafting inspiration?

Here are 20+ Duck Tape Crafts and Projects – oh, the power of duck tape.

Don’t miss these 17 Easy Crafts and DIY projects either – you’ll be amazed at how easy, yet how pretty they are!

You know you don’t wanna miss any of this crazy.

Sign up to get my posts delivered to your inbox here.

Stalk Me Here:

Pinterest / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

SaveSaveSaveSave

October 30, 2014
14 Classic Black and White DIY Projects for Any Space

I love color. I love kelly green and navy blue and red. And I love black and white. Why? Because it goes with kelly green and navy blue and red. Oh, and also pink and orange and purple and any other color under the sun….These 14 black and white diy projects can be worked into any space.

14 Black and White DIY Projects

Black and White Kate Spade Photo Frame Knock-Off

Black and White Criss-Cross Accent Wall

Black and White Quote Art (With Free Printables)

Electrical Tape Lampshade

Black & White with a Pop of Pink Dining Room from The Shabby Creek Cottage

Black and White Striped Pots from Dimples and Tangles

Black and White Magazine Holders from Cuckoo 4 Design

DIY Black and White Awning from Simple Details

Spray Painted Black and White Chair Makeover from Little Green Notebook

Red, Black and White Chair Makeover from Upcycled Home Blog

Painted Black and White Striped Umbrella from What I Wore

Sign up to get my posts delivered to your inbox here.

Looking for more great home decor projects?

Find out just how versatile electrical tape can be when it comes to home decorating here!

Love green? Then be sure to see these emerald green decorating ideas.

A classic navy more your thing? See these navy projects and ideas then.

October 7, 2014
5 Easy Steps to Decorating a Bedroom

Redecorating a bedroom? The struggle is real, right? It gets overwhelming fast! Will the bedding and drapes coordinate? What paint color would be the best? Is my old furniture still going to work in the space? I’ve been there and after quite a few frustrations, I think I’ve finally came up with an easy method for how to decorate a bedroom.

Let’s talk about the boudoir today, shall we?

What are your thoughts on decorating it? Easy? Hard? Somewhere in the middle?

Our first bedroom makeover was definitely harder for me. Or I should say, it just didn’t come together as easily as other makeovers have. That could probably be why I changed it a little more than a year later.

Since then, I’ve figured out an easier method for decorating a bedroom.

Of course, this the “Jenna” way of decorating a bedroom – most definitely not the official way – but I fly my own freak flag.

Proceed with caution.

How to Decorate Your Bedroom

This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

Before you start anything, gather some inspiration photos. You can create a pin board of bedrooms you like or just save images to your computer. Also, make of list of any needs you have for the bedroom – what definitely needs to be changed or not changed? Keep those a priority as you work on your plan.

Step #1: Start with Fabrics

Top Left Fabric / Bedding / Leopard Pillows / Bottom Right Fabric

The first thing you want to do is select your fabrics for your bedroom. This includes bedding, accent pillows, window treatments, rugs, and any upholstered pieces such as a headboard or chair.

I know – you are wondering why aren’t we starting with paint.

Never ever ever start with paint.

It is much easier to first find fabrics you love, and then a complimentary paint color.

Trust me on this one.

For me, I like to have solid colored bedding and then throw in patterns with pillows and / or curtains. I also like to keep my larger pieces in a solid color – even neutral. This just makes it easier to switch up your decor whenever you want! My current headboard is a creamy beige and anytime I have changed things up in the room, I haven’t had to worry about changing the headboard. It works with anything.

I have found that buying fabrics online is much cheaper than in store…but I know its stressful picking out fabrics when you can’t see them in person. I have some tips here for how I buy fabric online without seeing it in person first.

Step #2: Evaluate Your Furniture

Gray Nightstand / Mod Rocking Chair / Cowhide Chair (I’m dying!) / Dresser / Chest

Take stock of your furniture. Do you need any new pieces? Would your current pieces look better if they were painted? Does your hardware need an update?

As you know, I am a fan of updating my furniture. Simply put – they don’t make furniture like they used to. Yes, it may be cheaper now, but 9 times out of 10 the quality is going to be poor. When I did our bedroom makeover, I most definitely wanted to keep our dresser and chest. However, the hardware was lacking. I gave the hardware a quick and easy makeover with Rub ‘N Buff. That stuff works wonders on hardware – and really anything.

What about chairs? If possible, I love to have at least one chair in a bedroom. Its just a nice little space for a reading nook or to put your shoes on. If its an upholstered piece, make sure the fabric will work with your other fabric selections you chose in Step 1.

Step #3: Select Your Wall Paint

It is much easier to select a wall color when you already have your bigger items such as fabrics and furniture selected. Get paint chips you love from your local hardware store and bring them home.

Do not try to select a paint at the hardware store.

Their lighting isn’t what the lighting in your bedroom will be. Trust me, it is totally different. I have made this mistake before.

Bring the swatches home and lay them out with your fabric selections in your bedroom with your lights on. Get rid of any ones that automatically scream, “This doesn’t work!”

Narrow your paint colors down to 2 or 3. Go get samples of those and paint small patches on your bedroom wall. Once dry, place your fabrics beside the colors and see which works best.

Step #4: Put It All Together

This is the easy step. You’ve made all the hard decisions – fabric, furniture, paint colors, etc. Now its just time to put it all together. Pull as much stuff out of the room as you can. Tape off your trim, cover up your flooring and any furniture and paint those walls! Go ahead and take the time to touch up trim if its needed.

If you are re-doing any furniture, do it now.

After you paint, bring it all back in. Start with your large pieces such as dressers, night stands and chairs. Work your way to your window treatments, bedding, and then accent pillows.

Step #5: Bring in Accessories

Gold Lion Head / Mirror / Lamp / Pocket Watch Clock / Lucite Box / Fitzgerald Quote Print

I am one of those people who believes that sometimes when redecorating a bedroom or any space for that matter, you have to pull all of those trinkets and accessories out of the space and do some heavy editing of what you had. Pull out all those lamps, pretty storage boxes, clocks, frames, vases, knick-knacks, etc. After you put all your big stuff in the space – furniture, bedding, window treatments – come back in and slowly add in your lamps, mirrors, etc. Sometimes you may just find that less is more. This was exactly the case in my recent dining room makeover. There was simply way too much crap in that space.

Do you have any great tips on decorating or redecorating a bedroom?

Need more bedroom inspiration? These might help…

14 Real Life Bedroom Ideas Anyone Can Do – real, doable ideas!

Well Traveled Master Bedroom Makeover – a master bedroom makeover with a “well traveled” vibe.

Masculine Bedroom Makeover – a masculine bedroom that’s still full of character.

You know you don’t wanna miss any of this crazy.

SaveSave

October 2, 2014
How I Buy Fabric Online (Without Seeing It In Person First)

Want to get more helpful tips like this one delivered right to your inbox? Did I mention it’s free? SIGN UP HERE!

It may be 2014, but I am still so skeptical about purchasing items online.

I’m always worried whatever I order isn’t going to look like what it looks like online or it will be different than I pictured it.

This is especially true when its a larger scale item or something that costs a good bit of money.

I absolutely despise paying return shipping fees if its not what I expected.

A lot of times though, prices are just so much better online than in store.

For example, fabric.

Oh my goodness, I could stay in a fabric store FOR-EV-ER.

(Please picture me saying FOR-EV-ER just like the kid with the glasses said it in The Sandlot.

And if you don’t know what I’m talking about, run and find a copy of The Sandlot and watch it.

Even though my brother subjected me to watching it over and over and over again one summer until the VHS finally gave out (thank you, lord), it really is a great movie.

Ok, back to fabric. I love fabric. I buy fabric and have no clue what I’m going to do with it all the time – I just think its pretty.

However, fabric can be so ridiculously expensive – except in this great realm of possibilities that we call the internet.

Seriously y’all, when I was using dial-up internet 15 years ago to download music illegally from Napster (we had no clue it was illegal then), I never dreamed I would one day be able to purchase just about anything I wanted with the click of a button.

Toilet paper. Click.

10 swimsuits from Victoria’s Secret (so you can try them on in the privacy of your home, only to return all 10 of them). Click.

Fabric. Click.

Now that I’ve rambled on and on about The Sandlot, the amazingness of the internet, and other things that the cheap beer I am drinking has led me to type, let’s talk about the real question here:

How I Buy Fabric Online Without Seeing It In Person

This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

Fabrics Pictured Above, Left to Right:

Fynn Jade / Portobello Vase / Linked Navy / Kaleidoscope / Guitars / Hockley Mandarin / Coral Stripes / Morrow Cool Grey / Feathers

Buying fabric online can be tricky.

Is the picture really showing the fabric’s true color?

Is it going to work with your rug?

Will it work with your curtains?

What about those pillows you want to be buried with? (Oh, maybe that’s one just me.)

There are two ways (according to me) you can rest assured you made the right fabric choice when buying online:

1. Order a sample of the fabric (for the patient person and large fabric purchases)

Many online sites that sell fabric offer samples of their fabric as well. Personally, my favorite online fabric stores are Online Fabric Store and Fabric.com. At both stores, you can purchase a small square sample of the fabric you are thinking about buying for about $2 per sample. Shipping and handling on samples are usually free. In 5-7 days you get your samples, put them against your rug, your curtains, your accent pillows, etc., see which works and then order it. You still get the savings of buying your fabric online, you just have to wait a bit longer.

When I was re-upholstering my dining room chairs, I went this route in selecting the fabric. The material I wanted was more expensive than any I had purchased before, so I wanted to make sure it was the right choice. I highly suggest going this route when you are purchasing a large quantity of fabric or a fabric that is more expensive than usual.

If you are impatient like I am most of the time and don’t like to wait to get your samples or the place you are buying from does not sell samples, you can go with option #2.

2. Create a collage of your fabric options and your current patterns & colors in your home (for the impatient person)

This is the route I usually go when buying fabrics online. I’m usually impatient and when I dream up a project – I want what I want when I say that I want it.

First, save images to your computer of the fabrics you are considering. You can usually drag them to your desktop on a Mac or do a right click and save image on a PC.

Next, take photos of your rugs, curtains, wall colors, etc. If you can find these items online, you can also save the images as you did above.

Now, go to PicMonkey and click Design, then select one of the options, I usually click the 5×7 one. Leave the canvas color white. Click on the Overlays button, which is the butterfly icon on the left side. Select Your Own at the top and choose a file of one of your fabric options. Continuing adding in all your files with the Your Own button until you have all your fabric options, rugs, curtains, wall color, etc. on the image.

Make the images larger so that you can actually see the curtains and patterns and play around with them until you decide which work best together.

This method is what I used for selecting the fabrics on my screened-in porch makeover. Here is what my image I made on PicMonkey looked like in the end.

And just in case you are wondering what all those colors and patterns are:

I grabbed images of the colors of my porch floor from Home Depot, then just pulled in the rest of the images of the fabrics I was considering. I knew I was good to go with all my fabric choices after making the collage on PicMonkey.

Don’t believe me?

Its all good, I wouldn’t believe me either – I’m a freak. See how it all came together in the porch reveal here.

Need affordable, but pretty fabrics? Then be sure to see these 50+ Home Decor Fabrics Under $15 a yard!

And if you need a way to protect that fabric read this about How to Waterproof & Repel Stains on Fabric.

More Helpful Picmonkey Tutorials:

17 PicMonkey Tutorials, Tips & Projects – you won’t believe all you can do with it!

DIY Party Invitation – Yep, I even create my kiddo’s birthday invitations with it!

How to Make a Party Banner with Picmonkey – easily customizable for any party!

You know you don’t wanna miss any of this crazy.

Sign up to get my posts delivered to your inbox here.

Stalk Me Here:

Pinterest / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

SaveSave

July 28, 2014
9 Outdoor Living Spaces You’ll Never Wanna Leave

As you guys know, my new favorite happy place is my screened-in porch. It’s colorful, it’s relaxing, and it’s the perfect place for a cheap beer or two. Or three. Here are my favorite outdoor spaces – both mine and others. A.K.A. places I wouldn’t mind have a few beers at…

9 Outdoor Living Spaces You’ll Never Wanna Leave

A Colorful Screened-In Porch Makeover

Warning: It’s quite colorful! I dare you to not smile while looking at that porch! It’s my new favorite place!

A Thrifty and Colorful Deck from The Happy Housie

This deck is perfect for admiring that view of the water!

A Patio Full of Pallet Furniture from Place of My Taste

Short on cash? Use pallets to make your own porch furniture!

Astroturf Patio from Makely Home

I am a sucker for astroturf! I love how Makely Home used pieces of Astroturf on her porch.

Refreshed Patio from Hi Sugarplum

Hi Sugarplum never disappoints. I’m especially digging her layered rugs there.

A Cozy Deck from Southern State of Mind

Pretty sure I wouldn’t shake my head at chillin’ on this deck.

Patio with Colorful Pallet Furniture from One Lucky Girl

More ideas for reworking those pallets!

Thrifted Patio Makeover from Liz Marie Blog

Is that not an incredible makeover?! Liz Marie is full of thrifty ideas for outdoor spaces!

Screened-In Porch and Deck Combo from Our Fifth House

No one else but Carmel from Our Fifth House can combine lots of different elements and styles and create a space so gorgeous!

Are you ready to get your outdoors on?

I’ll bring the booze…. 😉

What are your best tips for decorating outdoors?

Need more great outdoor decorating ideas?

12 Outdoor Furniture Makeovers – great ideas for refreshing that old patio furniture!

13 Ideas for Sprucing Up Your Front Door and Entry – add some curb appeal to your home!

Fantastic Outdoor Projects – from DIY swings to furniture and more, you’re sure to find something here you’ll want to make!

You know you don’t wanna miss any of this crazy.

Sign up to get my posts delivered to your inbox here.

Stalk Me Here:

Pinterest / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

July 24, 2014
7 {To Die For} White Kitchens

Ok, maybe not To Die For, but you know what I mean. They are good.

Way good.

Let’s talk about white kitchens for a moment, shall we?

First off, let’s define them. To me, a white kitchen is one that is mostly white of course. It doesn’t mean that all the cabinets have to be white, the backsplash white, or the countertops all white. To me, it just means that when you look at the overall space, it feels light and airy.

Personally, I love white kitchens. To me, they have the most clean lines and seem the most inviting.

White Kitchens

When Grunt Labor and I bought our foreclosure, I knew I wanted to make the cabinets white and have subway tile in our kitchen. We went for a white on white on white scheme with the cabinets, countertops, and backsplash, then brought in color with the barstools, and character with the island. I do have to say though, I am starting to crave just a bit more color in here – I’m thinking I can bring some in with a couple rugs.

And on a side note – everyone always asks me how hard it is to keep white cabinets clean. Well honestly, I’m not the best at keeping them spic ‘n span everyday. I don’t have time to wipe them down daily. However, when I do get around to wiping them down, any grease, dirt, or smudges come off super easily with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.

via

I love the simple white cabinets in this kitchen and the classic subway tile. What I really really love about this kitchen though are the pops of black and white. Those countertops are perfection and the black and white rugs tie it all in.

via

Sara Richardson is one of my all time favorite designers. This kitchen she designed is to me, breathtaking. On one side, you’ve got the clean white cabinets and then bam that navy and brass island just make it all pop.

via

Yep, more navy. I am totally digging the white cabinets on top, navy on the bottom. Even though this space has some definite color, it still has that overall white feel to me with the countertops and backsplash.

Four Generations One Roof has a beautiful white kitchen. She brought in some color with her backsplash and tied it together with her rug. I love the cozy cottage feel.

via

This kitchen is definitely on the modern side. I’m not 100% crazy about the style of it, but I love how it shows that you can have lots of black in a kitchen and still have it feeling light and airy by painting the walls white and doing a white backsplash.

Mom 4 Real has another beautiful white kitchen, but had the genius idea of removing some of her upper cabinet doors and painting the backs with a fun teal color. Such a great way to add color, while still keeping that white kitchen feel.

What are your thoughts on white kitchens?

Love ’em? Hate ’em? Somewhere in between?

Looking for more kitchen inspiration?

See how I made my boring and basic laminate counters look like STONE! It was easy! And don’t miss these other 9 DIY countertop ideas either!

Check out these 7 Kitchen Island Ideas you would have never thought of!

Here are 10+ ideas for organizing, decorating and storage in your kitchen.

You know you don’t wanna miss any of this crazy.

Sign up to get my posts delivered to your inbox here.

Stalk Me Here:

Pinterest / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

June 24, 2014
9 Nursery Ideas That Won’t Break the Bank

Let me go ahead and squash what all of you are thinking.

I am not pregnant.

Nor do I have any plans of being pregnant. I am a one and done parent. Or even a one and fun kind of parent. To all you other parents out there that have multiple children, my hat is off to you. The thought of having another one just makes me want to go take a nap. Grunt Labor, the kid, and I are perfectly happy as a unit of three.

Over the past week during the fiasco of preparing for the kid’s birthday party (details coming soon), I started thinking about her nursery and what all has worked in there for us, what didn’t work and what I would do differently. I thought some of you guys with kiddos on the way, may want to hear my words of wisdom.

Or not.

But trust me, my words of wisdom on nursery ideas and decorating is far better than my words of wisdom on actual parenting. At least I can admit it.

(more…)

May 27, 2014
14 Real Life Bedroom Ideas Anyone Can Do

Ok, ya know how sometimes when you are reading a magazine or browsing on Pinterest, and you see those perfectly gorgeous bedrooms? There is high end wall art, beautiful mirrors, comfy bedding, and perfect antique furniture.

And you know that the bedding alone probably cost $1000?

If you have $1000 to spend on bedding or on a mirror or wall art, by all means, go for it.

I don’t.

Hell, I can’t remember when the last time was that I had $1000 to spend on a whole room.

Oh, wait, yea, I haven’t ever had that.

So, for the rest of us that want beautiful bedrooms without breaking the bank, here are 14 real life bedroom ideas that anyone can do.

Real Life Bedroom Decorating Ideas

#1 – Create An Accent Wall

Creating an accent wall is one of the easiest things you can do that gives huge impact. For the easiest route, go with one single color. I love this bold pink accent wall that SAS Interiors did. I’m also very into bright pinks now. Obviously, a bright pink wall isn’t going to work as an accent wall in many of our bedrooms. However, think bold for your accent wall. You want it to make a statement. The accent wall in my entryway is Rich Navy and it works perfectly for the space. If you want to really step up your accent wall game, you could stencil a design onto your wall. That is exactly what I did in our guest bedroom with this leopard accent wall. The walls were all white with black moldings – it was very stark. With the accent wall, it tied everything together perfectly and added some much needed interest to the walls.

#2: Do a Mini-Makeover

Sometimes, we just need a little freshening up. I did a makeover in my master bedroom last year, but a couple months ago, I felt it needed a little something. Instead of doing a full-fledged makeover, I gave it a mini-makeover. I kept most of the main elements of the room, but changed the look with paint and a few other little ideas.

#3: Get yourself a vanity.

Option 1: Build a floating vanity table.

I did this in my walk-in-closet, but you could do it in your bedroom if you wanted to. I desperately needed a place to sit down and put on my makeup, so I build a simple floating vanity table that even has storage. The tutorial for it is HERE!

Option 2: Turn an old armoire into a vanity.

If you have enough room in your bedroom, this is a great idea for creating a vanity space. How cool is this old media cabinet turned vanity? I could totally sit there and primp for an hour. Until the kid gets in the way…

#4: Paint a Headboard on Your Wall

Beds and headboards can be expensive. Hopefully, you can luck up on a good used one that you can makeover or you can DIY your own. You could also just paint a headboard on the wall and call it done. Seriously ya’ll, this headboard is like two lines of paint and one stenciled design. So easy and gorgeous! If you aren’t into painting on a headboard, you can purchase a headboard wall decal. Yes friends, I said a headboard decal – and they look great!

#5: Decorate your room around your favorite icon

Most of us all have a favorite icon or celebrity. Hopefully its someone classic like Princess Diana and not Eminem, but hey if Eminem is your idol, who am I to judge? This Audrey Hepburn inspired bedroom is just too adorable. Really, how easy would it be to take your icon and use them as inspiration in your bedroom? Just think about their favorite colors, what movies they’ve been in and pull from that!

#6: Create a Reading Nook

I love a good reading nook just about anywhere, but especially in a bedroom. I am one of those people that believe bedrooms should always have at least one chair – and that chair should be perfect for reading in.The reading nook in my bedroom is simply a single chair and side table. You’ll never believe where that chair came from! I am dying over that adorable reading nook for a kiddo from These Moments of Mine. Really, how cute are those curtains? A kid would love hanging out in a place like that, heck I would!

#7: Make Storage Decorative

I don’t know about you guys, but there is never enough storage in our bedroom. Half of my clothes are in the guest closet and we are busting out of our dresser and chest of drawers. To save a little closet space, Grunt Labor’s ties are stored outside of the closet. We took an old coke crate and turned it into decorative storage for his ties.I also kinda sorta maybe have a good bit of jewelry. Fake jewelry of course, but there’s a good bit of it. Grunt Labor gave me this bust of David for Christmas (from this Etsy store) that I use to store my necklaces that I wear most often. Its pretty, quirky, and useful.

#8 – Upholster Your Box Spring

When it was time for the guest bedroom to get a makeover, I knew I wanted to keep the bed we had in there. The problem was that a bed skirt didn’t hang right on it.

I fixed the problem by upholstering the box spring. It was easy to do – no sewing required – and it added some extra color and pattern to the room.

#9 – Create an Office Space with Skinny Furniture Pieces

While also plotting out the guest bedroom makeover, I knew I needed to somehow incorporate an office space in there for me. However, the room isn’t large, I needed the office area to take up as little space as possible.

I created the office space by taking an old kitchen table and putting a hutch from a yard sale on top of it to create a desk. There is still ample storage, but it doesn’t take up much space at all.

#10 – Save Money on Bedding by Buying the Basics

As we all know, I am cheap. As I said at the beginning of this post, I do not have $1000 to drop on a room, much less on bedding.

One idea to save on bedding is to buy “basics” and liven them up with pillows and other elements.

#11 – Create Your Own Art

In both the guest bedroom and master bedroom, I created my own art.

In my master, I made all the animal print wall art using Picmonkey and then found inexpensive frames that I spray painted.

In the guest bedroom, I took an old framed print and replaced the prints with this hello darlin’ wall art.

#12 – Add Drama with Moldings (Real or Fake)

Moldings add interest to any room, a bedroom is no different.

If you are good with wood and have basic DIY skills, you can easily do moldings similar to what Evolution of Style did in her bedroom.

If you want to go the cheaper route, you can create faux wall moldings, as I did in my guest bedroom and office space.

#13 – Keep Bedding Mostly Neutral

When it comes to bedding, its always smart to keep it mostly neutral.

I can easily tire of patterns. That’s why I went with simple white bedding with a pop of coral around the edges on my bed. I can easily change the room color, pillows, throws, etc without having to worry about clashing with lots of other colors or patterns.

#14 – Keep Existing Furniture and Give It a Simple Makeover

You don’t have to do extensive paint jobs to give your furniture new life.

I am crazy about my dresser and chest of drawers in my bedroom. However, the pulls were definitely lacking some luster. I easily brought them back to life with Rub ‘N Buff.

What are your go-to bedroom ideas or decorating tips?

Find more bedroom ideas on my Pinterest board!

Want more real life decorating ideas? Don’t miss these then…

10+ Kitchen Ideas for Decorating, Organizing, and Storage – functional ideas for your kitchen that are pretty too!

20+ Living Room Ideas – real life living room decorating ideas that are actually doable!

14 Stunning Home Ideas – stunning home ideas that you might not have thought of before!

You know you don’t wanna miss any of this crazy.

Sign up to get my posts delivered to your inbox here.

Stalk Me Here:

Pinterest / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

May 13, 2014
20+ Living Room Ideas

Y’all, I never thought in a million years I would ever show you my living room. Seriously. I don’t know why, but for me, decorating the living room has always been a struggle. I’m not even quite sure what it is. To inspire me in my living room endeavors and to hopefully inspire you, I’ve gathered 20+ living room ideas that will hopefully help us all out. Unless you are a living room decorating genius. In that case, I bow down in your genius presence.

20+ Living Room Decorating Ideas

Create a Gallery Wall Around Your Television

In the living room at our Beloved Foreclosure, I created a black and white gallery wall around our television. It helped to distract the eye away from the not-so-pretty television and also worked in meaningful art pieces to us. It was a pretty simple project and you can see how I did it here.

Don’t paint over the knotty pine – work with it!

We have knotty pine paneling at our farmhouse and I wouldn’t change it for a thing! Instead of working against it and trying to cover it up, I work with it – here’s how!

Mix and Match with a Collected Modern Living Room

You can tour my whole Collected Modern living room that includes the black gallery wall and get easy and affordable ideas for your space as well.

Waterproof Living Room Upholstery

To keep those pretty sofas and chairs looking newer longer, give them a protective coat that will waterproof and repel stains from the material. Find out how here. No plastic covers from the 70’s needed. 🙂

Go Traditional, but Casual

In our farmhouse, we opted for a traditional living room that would stand the test of time, but also a casual one that we could relax in. Tour it here.

Give Black Walls a Chance

In the living room at our 70’s Landing Pad, I really wanted to create a dramatic, 1970’s but updated feel. Black walls and deep jewel tones helped to achieve that look. Tour the space here.

Got that 70’s Paneling? No problem!

If you’ve got some serious 70’s wood paneling going on, don’t fear! Here are five ways to decorate around it and make it look good!

Add Pops of Color with Accent Chairs

Affordable accent chairs are a great way to add pops of color and pattern to a space! Here’s a list of 20 affordable, upholstered accent chairs.

Go for Oversized Art

Create a stop-you-in-your-tracks focal point with big, oversized art. Some of my favorite pieces of oversized art is here, along with the easiest way to hang them.

Duck Tape Those Curtains

If all you can afford are some basic curtains, spice them up by trimming them out with duck tape along the edges. Here’s how I did mine.

Layer Your Rugs

I really wanted to have some pattern mixing in my living room and I really wanted a cowhide rug. I didn’t have the money for a real cowhide rug, so I made my own DIY Cowhide Rug.

Create a Meaningful Gallery Wall

I am a huge fan of decorating with objects that are meaningful or attached to special memories. My Southern Girl’s Gallery Wall does just that.

Neutral is Beautiful

If there is anyone that can show us how beautiful a neutral living room is, its Jamie. Don’t miss these neutral, yet beautiful living room ideas.

Choose Two Colors and Go With It

Charming Zebra’s living room space is just calling my name. I LOVE those chairs. The dark color she has on the wall is balanced perfectly with all the white accents.

Create a Photo Gallery Above Your Sofa

I love photos. I love displaying photos. The problem is that I don’t always know how to display them beautifully. I love how Suburbs Mama created a photo gallery above her couch.

Mix Rustic with Glam

I love this mix of rustic and glam that Jones Design company has going on. The linen couch has a rustic-y feeling while that mirrored side table is 100% glam. Genius combination.

Install Board & Batten to Create a Cozy Cottage Feel

The Wood Grain Cottage installed board and batten in her living room. It creates such a cozy feeling.

Go Bold with Red

I mentioned that I was adding more red to our living room when I showed you the buffet makeover. I love all of Carmel’s red touches in her living room. And that gold trunk as a coffee table – I die.

Add Built-Ins to Anchor Your Space

I have always been a huge fan of built-in bookcases on either side of a fireplace like Making Lemonade has in her home. They are a classic.

Mix Patterns and Textures with Both Fabric and Furniture

I will fully admit that I stalk Dimples and Tangles. She can mix patterns and textures like nobody’s business and we both share a love for green. I would have never thought a rattan chair could be so fabulous, but she made it happen in her space.

Mix and Match Pillow Patterns

House by Hoff shares some great tips for mixing patterns with pillows – something I always struggle with.

Make Your Coffee Table More Functional

Check out AKA Design’s coffee table. Its large, so it can accommodate lots of goodies, but its also a chest. Hello storage!

Go Overboard with Pillows

I have drooled over this photo from Blue Skies and Sunshine numerous times. Seriously – all those pillows are just begging me to jump on them. And the colors and patterns are perfectly mixed.

Formal, but Beautiful Living Room

Some of you may not know, but Sarah Richardson is my absolute favorite designer. I love everything she does. Everything. This living room is very formal, but its just so beautiful. The soft touches of pink are gorgeous.

Light & Bright Colorful Living Room

Hi Sugarplum is another gal who can mix colors and patterns like nobody’s business. I love all the bright colors on her couch.

Go Bold With Your Sofa

Ok, so I know this one isn’t exactly real life for most of us I mean, my circus would have that glass coffee table shattered in 2.1 seconds. However, I just couldn’t resist not showing you this gorgeous blue velvet couch. I’m also a huge fan of how the art is hung on the bookcase. I’ve seen that in many places before, and I want to fit that in somewhere in my home.

My head is swimming with living room decor ideas.

What about you?

Do you have any great real-life living room decorating ideas to share?

Loved these? You’ll want to see these awesome home decorating ideas too then….

How to Coordinate Paint Colors Throughout your Whole House – SO much easier than you think!

10+ Kitchen Ideas for Decorating, Organizing, and Storage – ideas that are functional and beautiful!

14 Real Life Bedroom Ideas Anyone Can Do – seriously great ideas that are doable!

How to Accessorize a Space without Over-Accessorizing – it can be tricky, right?!

You know you don’t wanna miss any of this crazy.

Sign up to get my posts delivered to your inbox here.

Stalk Me Here:

Pinterest / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

SaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSave

March 10, 2014
Emerald Green Decorating Ideas

According to Pantone, the color of 2013 was emerald.

And that was just fine by me. I did not call to complain.

I’m sure they breathed a sigh of relief that I approved.

Not.

Really, I’m not one who changes everything in my home just because a new trend is out or something is hot at the moment.

But, emerald and I – we got along fabulously this year.

And will continue to do so throughout 2014 and probably the better part of my life.

Emerald and I are just destined for each other.

I mean, it is my birthstone.

Here is a 2013 emerald re-cap including some of my own projects and some fabulous emerald green decorating ideas.

Emerald Green Decorating Ideas

DIY Faux Malachite Tray – this was so easy to make! You can’t mess it up!

IKEA Tarva turned Drink Bar

And then there was the Kate Spade lamp. This project was the one that started it all.

And then, there are my barstools. Oh, the barstools. I do still adore them so.

I also discovered that sometimes the simple combination of white and emerald is just perfect. Such was the case with this French country chair makeover.

I want these chairs.

No, I really really really want these chairs from Jen Langston Interiors. Seriously, if I just had one of these in my entire house and no other seating, I would be good.

Jennifer from Dimples and Tangles is a genius. If you don’t know about her or her fabulous hall of green mirrors, you are missing out.

Grunt Labor chose the paint color for the front door this summer. Why did he choose this color? Because of its name.

Precious Emerald. He said he wanted to be able to tell people his front door was a precious emerald.

This dresser is not only emerald, but it also combines one my other favorite things: gold.

A simple, yet fabulous combination from Something is Done.

This entryway is simply amazing.

I am usually not a fan of yellow. However, this combination of yellow and kelly green is beautiful from Honey.

I love all campaign furniture. But, put a coat of green on it and combine with gold. BAM. Gorgeous from Centsational Girl.

And since there was extra precious emerald paint left over, I used it on this restored rocking chair.

I die. Those stairs. Oh. My. Word.

It would be the perfect place for me to give my rendition of Scarlett.

Don’t you think so?

And while showing you how I transformed this Goodwill tray into an emerald gem, I told you about the rules of 1/2 off Goodwill shopping days.

Wasn’t that a fun read?

Or did it make you want to call the asylum on me?

I honestly don’t know that I would get any work done at all sitting at this gorgeous desk from Design in Bloom.

Typically, I loathe ceiling fans. However, this one is awesome. Why is it awesome? Because it has emerald painted blades. See the full tutorial from How Joyful here.

And what is Pantone’s 2014 color of the year?

Radiant Orchid.

I may have to make a call about this one.

Love green (me too!) and want more green decorating ideas?

Here are my favorite green decorating moves and here are the best green color combinations when it comes to decorating!

You know you don’t wanna miss any of this crazy.

Sign up to get my posts delivered to your inbox here.

Stalk Me Here:

Pinterest / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

December 27, 2013
10 Navy Projects and Ideas

Maybe you have figured it out by now.

Maybe it was the barstools, or the chevron tray, or the new buffet.

You have most likely figured out, that I love navy.

Its classic and can work with most any color. My favorite navy combination being navy and kelly green.

Here are some of my favorite navy projects and ideas.

(more…)

September 27, 2013
How I Find Money To Feed My Decorating Addiction…And Sometimes My Family
Sign up to get my posts delivered to your inbox here.

I’ve been back and forth in my head as to whether or not to write this post. Some of this info may be nothing new to some of you, some of it may be really helpful. Take it or leave it. Either way, here it is.

Decorating can be expensive. And I do it cheaper than most.

Sometimes, DIY projects cost more money than I thought they would. Its still cheaper than paying someone else to do it or buying something new, but sometimes I just spend more money on it than I thought I would or I look back at what I spent and am like, “Wow, maybe I should have waited on that one.” Seriously, it seems like I can’t go to the Home Depot once a week without spending $75 on projects.

That may not sound like a lot to you, but to this frugal gal, it is.

And it adds up.

I have learned to be resourceful and find money.

You see, I go out to my backyard and start digging, hoping to find mason jars full of cash that someone before me forgot they had buried.

Ok. I lied.

I don’t do that, but I know of a place where that is rumored to be true.

And no, I won’t tell you where.

Here’s how I find money to pay for all my DIY projects.

And occasionally to feed my family. I mean really, projects or my family eating?

Its a clear decision.

Projects!

I’m joking.

1. Sell items on Craigslist

I keep Craigslist in business. Seriously. I sell anything that my family no longer uses on Craigslist. When the kid outgrows clothes, they go on Craigslist, when I get tired of those candles sconces, they go on Craigslist, when I switched out my living room chairs, they went on Craigslist. People on Craigslist probably know my phone number by heart now. Which is scary. Y’all if something happens to me, find out who viewed my Craigslist postings last.
- Clean out your closets
This may be a no-brainer to some folks, but go through your closets. Get rid of what you haven’t worn in a while. Go through your kids closet. If it doesn’t fit, don’t keep it! Group all the same sized items together and list them on Craigslist. I typically ask $1 – $3 per piece of clothing and give a discount if they buy it all. Usually, someone ends up buying it all. Its out of my way and its money in my pocket.
- Get rid of decorative pieces as your style changes
Once I get tired of decorative accessories, I first ask myself if I can make it over in some way that I would still like it. If the answer to that is no, then it goes on Craigslist. I always ask a little more than what I’m willing to take for it, because people will want to bargain with you.
- Go through your garage and craft room
If you are a DIY-er or crafter like me, you may have random things laying around that at one point, you thought you must have for a project, but now you don’t really need it or like it anymore. Maybe you are like me and have 15 bottles of old glass jugs that resemble moonshine bottles and you really don’t need all 15. Put them on Craigslist. Those jugs I thought no one would want, sold in a day.
- Sell your old furniture as you buy new
When I purchased my new Ikea wingback chairs you may have noticed in my home tour, I knew in order to pay for them, I would need to sell the chairs that were presently in my living room. I sold one to a friend and one on Craigslist. Selling the old chairs paid for more than half of my new chairs.
- Be sure to renew your listings on Craigslist
There are thousands of new posts on Craigslist every day. If you don’t renew your postings, they will get lost in oblivion. Once you post to Craigslist, go into your account and hit that renew button beside your listings every couple of days. This simply moves your post back to the top of the category you are selling in.

2. Sell items on Local Facebook Yard Sale Groups

Did you know that many areas have local yard sale groups on Facebook? Yep. I’m a member of four different yard sale groups in my area that have thousands of members. I post on there regularly. Those people know me well now too. To find the yard sale groups in your area, just do a search for them. Type in something like “Chicago yard sale” or be more specific and type in an area or suburb around you. You may have to hit the “Request to Join” button in the right corner of the page.
- When you put an item on Craigslist, put it on your Facebook Yard Sale Groups as well
A huge timesaver and great way to get your items out there in more than one place is by listing them on Craigslist as well as on Facebook. Every time you renew a listing on Craigslist, go to the Facebook yard sale groups and “bump” your items back to the top, by simply commenting on them. I usually just write “bump” as my comment or “Still available.”
- Make sure you follow the rules of the Facebook groups
Many groups will typically have rules that are pinned to the top, they will usually tell you how many times you are allowed to bump a post or how to go about selling an item on there. Also, if you have your item listed in more than one group, list it as cross-posted, so others will know it is listed elsewhere as well.

3. Yard Sales

I keep an ongoing pile of items I no longer want. Some of the larger items or ones I think would sell on Craigslist or Facebook get listed there, but if they don’t sell, they stay in the pile until its time for the yearly shindig that we call a yard sale. And if they don’t sell at the yard sale, its off to Goodwill with them.

How do you find money?

Liked this one? See these too then!

Three Things That Could Cut Your Electric Bill in Half – don’t miss these simple ideas to save you a little green!

15 Days to a Clutter-Free Home & Some Extra Cash– declutter and make a little money in the process!

You know you don’t wanna miss any of this crazy.

Sign up to get my posts delivered to your inbox here.

Stalk Me Here:

Pinterest / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
September 13, 2013