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Monday, January 30

Shower Me with Ideas (and some Comment-Love)!


So I was watching "Bang for Your Buck" on HGTV this weekend and they were evaluating three major remodels in Wisconsin, each costing $70,000. One project was an entire kitchen, and the addition of a full bathroom and outdoor deck area. The realtor and the designer toured the kitchen with high praises, and then came to the bathroom where the homeowners (frugally) decided to forgo a custom tile shower and opted instead for a 3-piece fiberglass unit...uh oh! I guess that was a bad choice. The realtor had a hissy fit and said that even a cheap ceramic tile would have been better than the (pretty nice) unit they chose.

Well, my husband and I have been going back and forth about what we would like to do in our master bath remodel since we moved in last August. My husband decided he wanted to re-coat our shower unit and not do tile - but I'm happy to report I changed his mind! After seeing this episode, I told him what the realtor said and he conceded. Yay! Love you Ro!

Now the sky's the limit (within a budget, of course!) and I'll admit I'm having a blast searching for ideas for our new master shower. Here are some amazing remodels I came across on Pinterest and elsewhere. Leave me a comment tell me your favorite! (Ok, so the outdoor shower is impossible for us to do here in New York, but it was so beautiful and got so many re-pins and comments on my Pinterest board, I had to post it here for you to enjoy, too!)

Source: decorpad.com

Source: curbly.com

Source: Pinterest

Source: decorpad.com

Source: graniteindenver.com

Source: decorpad.com

Source: decorpad.com

Source: decorpad.com

Source: modwalls.com via Pinterest

Saturday, January 28

How's it Hangin?

I love buying art; but not from galleries - can't afford it! I prefer to purchase my artwork from more unconventional places, like Goodwill, Salvation Army, yard & tag sales, antique stores, and estate auctions. Over the years, I've accumulated quite a collection, a majority of which is currently stacked up on the floor in both our master bedroom and den calling out to be displayed. Typically, I hang my artwork in basic linear configurations, or one painting per wall. BOOOORING! I would like to be more creative in how I hang these prized possessions, make more of a statement and get that WOW! factor. So I cruised around Pinterest recently to get some inspiration. Originally, I was going to title this post: "How's it Hangin? 5 Ways to Hang Your Artwork," but what I realized was there really isn't a WAY to hang artwork. I am truly amazed at how many different and unique art displays are out there, and I've only just scratched the surface!

Here are some of my faves that are *choice* (*choice* - I may be saying this more often. We just enjoyed watching "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" the other night, and that's one of Ferris's little sayings. If you haven't watched it in 20 years, like me, I recommend another view):

Source: destinedtodesign.blogspot.com via Pinterest

Source: imgspark.com via Pinterest

Source: Pinterest

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via Pinterest

Source: ohdeedoh.com via Pinterest

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via Pinterest

Source: media.restorationhardware.com via Pinterest

Source: joannagoddard.blogspot.com


Source: joannagoddard.blogspot.com

What I discovered was that certain rules I assumed needed to be followed were tossed out the window! Matching frames, pictures with the same color palette, all must have white matting, etc., etc. Some of these beautiful displays are lovely and haphazard - a beautiful mess, yet memorizing! I think one of my favorites is the wall with the pictures creeping up and over the doorway. *Choice!* I admit, there are a few in my sampling which look measured and calculated and they are lovely, too. But for the most part, I say, no laser level or measuring tape needed. Just go for it!

Thursday, January 26

Quotable Decor

I adore quotes. Encouraging, motivational, wise, noble, eccentric, humorous, educational. When a person can say something so succinctly and clearly in just a handful of words, yet it is so enlightening that it stands out from all the other noise in this life, this is truly profound.

Since I love quotes, and I love decorating, I set out to find creative ways to incorporate quotes into my decor:

Source: paloma81.blogspot.com via Pinterest

Source: thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com via Pinterest

Source: openingceremony.us via Pinterest

Source: designspongeonline.com via Pinterest

Source: www.weddingbee.com

Source: http://memoirsofawannabegypsy.com

Source: http://madamenoire.com

Source: http://justbesplendid.tumblr.com

Do you have a fun, unique way to display your favorite quote in your home? Please share!

Tuesday, January 24

My Top 10 on Pinterest (so far)

In honor of this being my 10th blog post, I'm doing a "Top 10" list of images I've pinned on Pinterest:


# 10 sentimental pin - my very FIRST re-pinning

Source: gardendesign.com via Pinterest


# 9 first "gray+yellow" pin

Source: traditionallymoderndesigns via Pinterest

 # 8 my style (& blogging) idol, fashion blogger Dree Harper of www.createthatstyle.com

Source: Create That Style via Pinterest


# 7 fantasy bed

Source: createthatstyle.com via Pinterest



 # 6 ink lust begins....

Source: hellowkittyems.tumblr.com via Pinterest


# 5 the search for a new me

Source: Pinterest


# 4 homesick - remembering Seattle

Source: yama-bato.tumblr.com via Pinterest


# 3 chair fetish

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via Pinterest


# 2 chevron obsession

Source: kfddesigns.blogspot.com via Pinterest

 
# 1 no words

Source: Vogue via everythingfab.com via Pinterest

Down in the Decorating Dumps? 3 Ways to Brighten the Mood!


For most of the world, winter has arrived in full force. Here in the Northeast, we are experiencing cloudy, sun-less days that are short, wet, and dreary. If you're like me, you may also be experiencing some dreariness indoors, too!

Here a 3 ways to get your spaces out of the "decorating dumps":

1. Get New Shades! Take a look at your lamp shades. If they're a bit too dusty or dingy to be revived, consider purchasing some new ones. I have two lamps in my living room that have dark, leather-look shades and I'm excited to swap them out for white drum shades. It will brighten the room considerably and won't break the bank!
Source: dear lillie via Pinterest
2. Brighten Up! Winter is a great time to accomplish indoor chores. One great way to brighten your space is to freshen up your painted walls, doors, and trim. Whether its just a quick coat of white over white or a completely new color, paint is a cost effective and easy way to lighten and brighten your home.

Source: stylemepretty.com via Pinterest

3. Smell the Flowers! Especially during the winter months, fresh flowers do wonders for a room. Flowers add beautiful, bright color and lovely fragrance to any space. So bring a little Spring into your home with a lovely bouquet, just because.

Sunday, January 22

Reviving the Conversation Pit

Bell-bottoms, feathers, fringe, bright wallpaper are some 70s trends that have reappeared on the style scene in recent years. And now I'm considering reviving yet another forgotten fad: the Conversation Pit.

Source: interiordesign.net
Source: klad.com
Source: openbuildings.com
Source: bry-backmanor.org

I have a small/den office area that is currently being used as storage for excess inventory for my shop and gallery. I was originally going to make this a boring office space, but I was inspired by a quick flash of a conversation pit room in the opening credits of the TV show, "Selling L.A." (Don't blink or you'll miss it!) The idea of a cozy, comfy retreat with built-in couches around the entire perimeter covered in cushions and pillows.... *love*!

*MyEH Tip: Take Control! Don't let the room dictate its use ("office" "den" "family room"). Instead, allow your lifestyle - or your desired lifestyle - to influence decor and function. For example, my "office" space could have been set up as a couple of desks and some shelving, but because I'm on my laptop 99% of the time I'm working, I'm designing a fun, retro, lounge area as an alternative. Think outside the box!

Haven't told the hubby yet. There are a few "major construction" elements that need to occur in that space first before I can start to work my design magic, like closing off an "extra" doorway to the master bathroom, and maybe even closing off an exterior doorway to the deck (there are already two others).

Here's a BEFORE image (total disarray :( )


AFTER pictures - if I can convince Orion ;) - will be posted in the future.

What do you think? Is the Conversation Pit worthy of reviving in today's spaces?

Friday, January 20

Cuckoo for Cardigans

While some may be cuckoo for cocoa-puffs, I am a little nutty when it comes to cardigans. I recently took a tally, and let's just say I have more than 20 but less than 100. :)

Source: Pinterest; imgfave.com
Source: Pinterest: nevernotknitting.blogspot.com
Source: Pinterest; chictopia.com
Source: Pinterest; hm.com
Source: Pinterest; griffithsrated.blogspot.com
 
I decided to explore Pinterest (*love*) for some ideas on how to incorporate my love of the cozy, knitted, soft, warm wardrobe staple into my home decorating. I found these wonderful and creative ways to style my home while giving homage to my love (aka "addiction") to cardigans. Which is your favorite? (I think I love the ottoman best!)

*MyEH Tip: If you go through separation anxiety when it comes time to sort and simplify your things, consider re-purposing special items, like a favorite old sweater re-purposed as a pillow or tea cozy! But make sure it will be something practical and useful, otherwise donating is the best option.

Have a cozy Friday!

Source: frenchbydesign.blogspot.com

Source: Pinterest; countryliving.com
Source: Pinterest; lunareeceart.blogspot.com
Source: Pinterest
Source: Pinterest
Source: Pinterest; thedesignfiles.net
Source: Pinterest; theberry.com
Source: Pinterest; designsponge.com