Blog Page 223

Absolutely beautiful, elegant bedrooms

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via Lonny Mag
via House Beautiful
via Interiors Porn
via FLickr

Absolutely beautiful, elegant bedrooms

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via Lonny Mag
via House Beautiful
via Interiors Porn
via FLickr

Patio Inspiration

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Utilize your space under your deck. Always a great idea. Great job here.

Where we live, it’s not uncommon for the deck to be off the second story and there be an open space or patio with a walk out basement. What to do with that open space can be a struggle for many!

Here are a few ideas to get you inspired to use that extra space instead of wasting it:

One of the most common reasons for it to not be used is because it’s constantly shaded and depending on when the sun gets around to it, sometimes it’s just plain dark and dingy. Adding a fireplace can make this unused space a go to for some warmth and comfort. This will also extend the life of your outdoor space!
Screen it in! Keep the bugs out and enjoy some shade for a change. This will also open up the choices you can make decorating and furniture wise for the space!
Make it a party space! Set it up for some great gatherings. This also doubles as a back up plan for outdoor parties in case of rainy weather.
Add some storage. Make the space have usable storage for all your outdoor needs. Whether it’s under the stairs or along one wall, most outdoor spaces could use a little extra storage.
Light it up! Take advantage of the beams and the under side of your deck and make it the ultimate setting. Whether you simply add curtains from the beams and or string lights, this place can go from drab to romantic in minutes.

Friday Favorites

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With the amount of things that go through my inbox on a daily basis as well as great finds I see while I am out and about, I figured I’d start sharing some of my favorite things with you all!

This sunburst mirror is $299 from One Kings Lane and it’s absolutely stunning! There are so many spaces in my house I could imagine this being. 
Vera Wangs Ikat Duvet is simply gorgeous and I love the colors. You can find this at ideeli for $129-159.
These fun trays at Cococozy are adorable and I love the extra storage they’d provide. I could definitely picture them in my office. You can get them in bright colors or neutrals for $99 each. 
Last but not least, I am loving loving these Captiva Sling chairs at Serena & Lily for $350. They are perfect for some outdoor comfort and look so simple but comfy. 

DIY: How to change out a wall mounted light fixture

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This post may not be the typical sort of thing I feature, but I was lucky enough to receive two lighting fixtures from Westside Wholesale and wanted to show them off in a meaningful way by showing you step by step out to change out a wall mounted light fixture.  The lighting that was installed in our master bath when we moved in was nice, but it just wasn’t our style.  So I jumped on the offer two review some fixtures of my choice and went with a classic, sophisticated wall mount –  the Kichler 5367CH Bathroom Light.

Kichler 5367CH

Pretty.

Let’s begin.  Part 1: Removing the current fixture .  VERY IMPORTANT – Turn off the light switch that powers the fixture.

The existing fixture

Gather up any tools you think you may need ahead of time

Find the screw or peg that attaches the current fixture to the plate to remove the fixture.  Then, unscrew the back plate or begin disconnecting the wires (see below)

If you have to disconnect the wires first, you will notice black wires and white wires.  Black first and then white.  Untwist the cap connecting the black wires and then untwist them.

Next do the same to the white

Next, untwist the grounding wires

Loosen the grounding screw so you and release the grounding wire.

If you didn’t remove the plate before, do it now.  Your old mount should now be completely removed.

Depending on what shape box is installed in your wall already, you may need to pop out some of the “tabs” on the plate.  Then, assemble  the fixture as it will be on the wall.

 FIRST – twist together the white wires and top off with the screw cap.

Second, screw together the black wires and top off with a screw cap.  Third, twist together the grounding wires. I made a little video for you but it’s not working very well so I have two screen grabs above for you.  It is similar to removing an existing fixture except for the order.

Once you have connected all the wires from the wall box to the new fixture, it’s time to attach the plate of the new fixture to the wall.

Push the wires into the box, and screw on the plate.

Loosen up the ground screw and twist the grounding wire around the screw.  Retighten the screw.

Place the new fixture on the plate – lining up the screw holes on the top and bottom of the fixture to the holes in the plate.

Tighten the screws so the fixture holds firm and flush against the wall.

That wasn’t hard was it?

Now we just need to paint – and maybe get some matching lightbulbs…

I hope this has inspired you to take on a little DIY project and swap out any fixtures that need to go!

disclosure: I received the light fixtures as a sample from Westside Wholesale

Inspiring ways to use moulding

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We all probably know it it the details – the icing – that makes a place feel really special.  Unfortunately a lot of details can be costly undertakings for the average homeowner.  It was the photo below that got me thinking about different ways you can use crown moulding to fake otherwise expensive architectural elements or details…

Can you believe the window above started off as this…

Learn how at Funky Junk Interiors
via Pinterest via Funky Junk Interiors

You could make a chalkboard or frame that matches the look of the rest of your home…
 via Pinterest

A very thorough DIY on how to fake cabinets that go to the ceiling with moulding. This is probably more involved than most projects but what an impact it makes.
via I Heart Organizing

Framing an everyday contractor grade mirror with moulding is easy and looks like a custom piece! Remodelaholic has a great DIY (also the source of this image)

I don’t have hollow core doors like the ones above, mine are the standard white contractor doors, and I’d love to come up with a way to make them look as nice as Pretty Handy Girl did…
via Pretty Handy Girl

Have you ever used moulding in an unconventional way?

Inspiring ways to use moulding

0

We all probably know it it the details – the icing – that makes a place feel really special.  Unfortunately a lot of details can be costly undertakings for the average homeowner.  It was the photo below that got me thinking about different ways you can use crown moulding to fake otherwise expensive architectural elements or details…

Can you believe the window above started off as this…

Learn how at Funky Junk Interiors
via Pinterest via Funky Junk Interiors

You could make a chalkboard or frame that matches the look of the rest of your home…
 via Pinterest

A very thorough DIY on how to fake cabinets that go to the ceiling with moulding. This is probably more involved than most projects but what an impact it makes.
via I Heart Organizing

Framing an everyday contractor grade mirror with moulding is easy and looks like a custom piece! Remodelaholic has a great DIY (also the source of this image)

I don’t have hollow core doors like the ones above, mine are the standard white contractor doors, and I’d love to come up with a way to make them look as nice as Pretty Handy Girl did…
via Pretty Handy Girl

Have you ever used moulding in an unconventional way?

To paint or not to paint? The wood trim conundrum

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More than once I have been posed the question of how to make a home look fresh and modern when it is accented – or filled -with wood trim.  These days magazines are full of homes with doors, trims, moulding, banisters, and mantles all in white.  I won’t lie, I love white, but I also love original details in a home.  If you just can’t bear the thought of painting over the wood trim in your home – put down the paintbrush!  Choose other aspects of the home and decor wisely, and your home can still look modern and fresh, not dowdy.

Gorgeous.  Notice the modern, crisp lines of the furniture and armchair?  The sleek drapery solution?  The chrome and glass brought in by the coffee table and the lamp?  All of these items counterbalance the dark, heavy feeling of the wood trim.  Fill this room with brocades and velvet drapes in burgundy and hunter greens and you have dowdy and dark.  Use the above picture as inspiration and you have something really charming and unique.

Above is an example of using stark contrast to make a room feel modern.  If you have really dark trim, try using creams (cool creams)  and whites in your space and call attention to the trim.  I wouldn’t recommend this if you have particularly small rooms, because it’s contrast that has more effect on whether a room feels large or small, not whether you paint it dark or light…IMHO.  This all adds up for a really glamorous feel. The glass chandelier adds a modern flair.

The above is probably my favorite example.  It’s another illustration of mixing modern elements, like the sofa and artwork, and paying homage to the original bones of the home – the fireplace surround and the moulding. The navy and honey color of the wood looks super chic.

Below are three other shots of the same home, a Bed Stuy brownstone.  I think it’s gorgeous.

I would shave my head for those doors.  Wouldn’t hesitate.
I highly recommend reading this post by Jessica of Decor Adventures  (Also the source of the two images above). She has done a great job making her home look fresh and modern while preserving the integrity of her 114 year old abode.

Another option – if you are a bit bolder, is to go for unconventional colors.  The bright rug and yellow-green chesterfield add enough funkiness to keep the space modern and not stuffy.

Going Grey

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There’s something to be said about the color grey, especially in a home setting. It isn’t too feminine and it isn’t to masculine. You can pair it with almost any color, and it leaves such a crisp clean look to it!  I’m a long-time fan, hubby is a little harder to convince.  He thinks it’s boring…sigh…

In most cases, it goes great with keeping a room light and bright!
Style Me Pretty

via Pinterest via How To Decorate

Grey can be very romantic and calming in the bedroom. I can imagine this is a such a soothing environment to fall asleep in.

Love the dark brown and gray
via Pinterest via My House My Home

via Pinterest via Apartment Therapy

From elegant to cozy, it’s amazing how versatile it can be, so if you are struggling finding that perfect color for your space, you may be surprised at what grey might do for you room!

Other Blogs I’m Loving

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There are some seriously inspiring bloggers in my blogroll and I wanted to show off some of the great finds that they have been posting about on their sites that I am currently loving!

Mocca and Me did a room crush that I couldn’t agree with more! It seriously makes you want to curl up on the couch and open up a book. 
970851-1_l
These super adorable prints are from liberty heritage fabric but they are found on decor8blog which I absolutely love. Holly is so creative and such an inspiration. 
Blue Chevron Tile Floor
Maria Killam has an amazing post out about using ceramic tile to make a space eye catching. I love the different patterns and options she shows off and how much character they can add to the home. 
This fabulous kitchen which uses the two toned cabinets. I’m also in love with how simple and chic it is! Providence Ltd Design took my breath away with this one!
And last but not least, Pink Wallpaper is making me want to spend a little more time outside enjoying the weather this summer!