A little Inspiration...

Has anyone else been watching HGTV's Design Star?

Well if you have, you would have seen last weeks episode when the group splits up into two teams and they have to make over a deserving family's home inside and out.

Like usual, everyone did a great job on their task (except for Miera, that lady is crazy) but the highlight of this episode for me was the herringbone fence Stanley & Britany made.

Here's the before:

And the after:

Britany came up with the concept and Stanley constructed it.

Someone please try this and send me pictures because I love it!

Make sure you watch tonight's new episode!

All photos via

Little Updates

I managed to fit in a few small updates to the bedroom this 

weekend in between yard work and more yard work.

First, I painted my plain white lamp shades dark teal and I'm really liking the effect.

I felt like this side of the room needed some dark, saturated colors 

so I whipped out some acrylic paint I had stashed away and painted it on with a foam brush.

My next little bedroom update is I finally hung some art above the dresser.

I found a set of vintage metal wall frames while thrifting and used one of the free print outs I posted about last week to fill them.

 

So there's my little update.

Teal lamp shades...

Horse art...

And a sleepy cat.

He's not really an update, just more of a lazy blob.

Ikat Tile

Sarah Baldwin, of New Ravenna Mosaics, created these one of a kind ikat tile back splashes.

Can't you just see this being a stunning focal point for any kitchen or bathroom?

Thrifty Tips

Has anyone picked up a copy of Laura Spencer's, I Brake For Yard Sales?

I'm still waiting to get my hands on it but MSN Living featured

a few rooms she put together using vintage/used items all while using a limited budget.

These are honestly my favorite types of makeovers because it takes true talent to turn something old and ugly into new and refreshing.

Here are a few of her rooms:

She offers a lot of great tips on what to use while on a budget.

Here, she found original art for $75. Compare that to a well known artist who charges in the hundreds or even the thousands and you've saved yourself quite a bit.

Another trick up her sleeve is hunting for deals on the Internet.

She found these designer nightstands on Ebay for only $135 a piece.

Everyone knows a great solution to unattractive fabric.

Reupholster! (Just like I had these chairs redone here)

And here the chairs are in a fun plaid print:

It's hard to believe that almost everything in this room was a thrift find!

I need to be more like this woman!!

Last but not least, the coveted campaign furniture...

(Very similar to my dresser, here)

Loving the inspiration!

Everyone needs to own a copy of this book!

Click here to buy it at Amazon.com



Secrets From a Stylist....Holiday Special!

My DVR is currently over loaded with holiday specials that I haven't got around to watching yet.

Well the other night I managed to fit some TV time in and watched Emily Henderson's show, Secrets From a Stylist. Not only did she give this lucky couple a complete living & dining room makeover but she also decorated their space for Christmas!

There's so many things I want to try just from looking at these photos.

By the way, if you love the gold glassware as much as I do, you can find them in silver here.

(The gold set is sold out, boo)

DIY "Globe Snowmen"



Source found Here

DIY Monogram Art

I have a quick DIY personalized art project for anyone to try.

I know monogramming isn't everyones thing and to be honest, I'm not really the type to go get a pillow with my initials stitched on it.

But I thought old metal letters & a shadow box might be a modern take on a fluffy 3-letter pillow.

My supplies:

• Vintage metal letters I picked up from an antique store this summer. N is for my husband's first name. M for my first name and R for our last name.
• Shadow box from West Elm
• Basic sewing pins

The letters were probably from an old building or sign. They had double sided screws that were easy enough to twist out with a pliers.

I was left with the perfect size hole to place a sewing pin head in. I made sure they fit snug enough so the letter would be held up tight.

All that was left to do was put the letters in the box.

Right now my DIY art is kinda hanging solo.

I think it might look good in a collage so hopefully I can put one together soon.

No fluffy pillows here!