A Couple of Affordable Finds of the Day

Well, the countdown for back to school has officially begun at our house.  This is our last week of freedom, and my kiddos are trying hard to enjoy the last few days.  Secretly, I think they're ready for some routine and to see their friends.  I know I am!!  I'm really craving some normalcy and routine.  So,  with that in mind, here's an installment of my "Finds of the Day" series.  I wanted to show you a couple of wonderful things I've found lately.  Both are super affordable and perfect gift ideas.

The Southern Cook

First, a great friend/mentor of mine, Margaret Agnew, has just published a new cookbook - The Southern Cook.   Margaret worked for Southern Living for years as a cookbook author, and then took a break to raise her son.  Now, she is back in the swing of things with a brand new cookbook.  I'm told this cookbook includes lots of traditional southern recipes like Hoppin Johns and Spoonbread as well as my "go to" recipe for Christmas Eve - Shrimp and Grits.  I've ordered my copy and can't wait to see what it includes.  No doubt it's going to be a wonderful addition to my cookbook library.   Also, it is the perfect price point for Christmas gifts for all your girlfriends.  Do something different this year and give your friends something they can use.  Who knows?  They may even invite you for dinner!

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Sweet Home Sewn

I spotted these precious dishtowels this summer and instantly fell in love with them! 

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Paige Willcut started her business when she was desperate to find some cute, simple teacher and neighbor gifts on the market.  After looking around, she decided to make her own!  Once friends saw them, they all started asking her to make them for their friends, and so the business began.   These dish towels are NOT monogrammed which Paige says is hard for some to overcome!  But rather they are truly Southern from the flour sack dish towels that all Southerners KNOW are the best dish towels! With the 7mm block lettering reminiscent of hand stitching.  The wording and embellishments are all customizable. Keeping the design simple is key to being able to keep the price low. Plus sometimes simple is better!  

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She has more than just the state of Alabama - she does fish with the name of your lake house and even holiday themed towels.  These make the perfect hostess gift and since they are customizable, they really show you were thoughtful in the gift you selected for your hosts! 

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If you are local, you can run by and pick these up at Marguerite's Conceits in Mountain Brook Village, A Little Something in Cahaba Heights, 3rd Street Promenade in Cullman, Homewood Antiques in Homewood, and The Paisley Pig in Bessemer.  Also, she has shops in other areas carry them - Moxii in Auburn, Freshfully in Avondale and even Ocala Traditions in Ocala, Florida!

I hope you have a marvelous Monday! M.

The Well-Dressed Home And A Closet Makeover

Over the last year, I've been working on a renovation project for this wonderful couple in Mountain Brook.  I've mentioned other aspects of this project here and here.  Among all the changes, we converted a small office the husband was using into a walk in closest for the wife. 

Also during the process, we replaced the dining room chandelier which was really not large enough for the space with something more to scale (I promise to show you pictures of the dining room at some point).  So, rather than get rid of the old chandelier, I suggested we move it to the new closet for a touch of girly glam.  Also, since the new closet was not very big, we hired a professional closest designer to come in and make the most of the space.   

Afterwards, my very organized client, "styled" the space with her things.  Notice how we painted the back wall a pale blue.  Initially, I wanted to wall paper this area, but we ended up painting it this beautiful color, and I think it was the right decision. 

My client came across this little stool in an antique/consignment shop.  After helping her pick out the fabric and trim, she redid it on her own!  I think the scale works perfectly in the space.

How many of you have crystal pieces similar to these stored in a buffet or closet?  Why not pull them out and use them in a spot that needs some sparkle.

Needless to say, I was BLOWN away by how beautiful it turned out and how indulgent it seemed to have such a wonderfully organized closet!  So, I went home and did my own. Here's the before of my closet (I know, shocking that I'm showing you this!) 

 I was lucky enough to already have the space built out with custom closets (it was here when we bought the house).  But, I had not really put the time and energy into thinking about what clothes I have and how to best utilize the space.

I actually have to share this space with my husband.  His things are on the right and mine on the left.

 Here's the after . . .

I did lots of purging (as in three garbage bags).  My rule was: If I had not worn it in the last year, I got rid of it!

 I also sat down and really thought about the things I planned to keep and how best to utilize the space for these items.  I even made room to "hang" my boots!

I took this picture before I was completely done.  I since have changed out the knobs with some pretty crystal ones and I have added a shelf above the luggage for my purse, keys, sunglasses, etc.  Everyday things I need.

Also, I cleaned up my husband's side up a bit too.
Overall, he's a pretty neat guy (in more ways than one, I might add)!

  I also replaced all my hangers.  I know it sounds indulgent, but I have never had a pretty closet, and I thought it was time.  This alone unified the space more than any other single thing I did.

No, I don't have a fabulous chandelier (will have to work on that one), but I just love being in there now.  I dare say, I don't mind putting laundry away anymore!

   Around the same time I was working on this project, I entered and won a giveaway hosted by Laura on her delightful blog Bright, Bold, and Beautiful for this glamourous book by the talented Annette Tatum . . . 

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When I finally sat down to check it out, I just had to laugh.  The book is about looking at what you wear and taking clues from this to decorate your home.  The idea is that your home should reflect the true you.

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  Well, of course all the images of closets in this book were amazing.  They just made me want to jump into the picture and look around.  So, after I read it cover to cover, I walked into my newly organized closet to see what colors, patterns, accessories I wear day to day.

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For the most part, I am drawn to the same colors for fashion as I am for interiors.  But, I've not really been bringing my love for accessories to the table for interior design projects.  So, I will be thinking about that more on current projects!  

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If you are interested in organizing your closets, I have a great contact I will share with you here in Birmingham to make that happen.  She is wonderful at coming up with the best use of a small spot.  

Also, if you just want to organize your current space, here are my sources for clothing hangers (these are a real find from a very organized friend), skirt and pant hangers and the boot hangers.   After I did my closet, I had two other friends do theirs.  Beware, it's contagious! M.

Basement Renovation

OK, so it rained all day yesterday, and it looks like more to come today.  I still enjoyed my pedicure, design magazines, and our meal was delicious.  But, no swimming or golf to be had.  We really needed the rain, so no complaints here.  It's gloomy, but only as far as the weather goes - I have a few finds to share with you today!

I'm working on a basement renovation for my sister-in-law who lives out of town.  We've been working via email for most of the selections; but I actually got to see the space this past Saturday.  We are very close to the finish line.   We started by selecting a light creamy wall color and new tiles for the floor (originally, it was a commercial grade flooring).  We have added a new stairwell railing and newell post along with some amazing built ins for storage.  They are also reusing most of the furnishings they already had in the space.

Now, I am sourcing artwork.  This space will be used mainly as a playroom for their children and hang out space for movie/football game watching for a the entire family.  So, it has to be "kid friendly with a grown-up feel."  Lastly, the final touches must be budget friendly.  The space is huge and the tile job alone really took up the majority of our budget.  

So, tall order - right?!  Well, here are a few ideas I have found to give them maximum impact on a budget.  

I would use the Ribba IKEA frames at $9.99 each and get those six kiddos busy on creating some masterpieces.

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Then as the children grow and the space becomes more grown up, they can switch out the artwork for sample patterns of wallpaper, or handmade paper for this look.

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This is another clever idea since you can easily change out the artwork as the children grow.  Just go out and find some vintage frames, paint them all the same color and you're set.  It looks like the art is attached to the wall with those clips you get at an office supply store.

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This is also an affordable IKEA find.  These work wonderfully. 

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Most of you know that I am not a huge fan of wall decals, but I have to make an exception for this one.  What a great way to fill a large wall in a playroom and make it easy to switch out your children's artwork.  

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When you have lots of kids, you have lots of books.  Look at this clever affordable idea.  These are metal gutters!  Who knew?! 

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This is a similar idea, but just using molding to create a book ledge.  This would be a wonderful way to fill up a large wall without taking up any space (depth wise).  Super clever. 

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Look at this one!  Again, nice, affordable way to fill up a large wall and easy access to change the artwork when you get something new to display.  

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Here's a more sophisticated take on of the same idea.

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Another one!  This could make an awesome chore list for all those kiddos. 

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These are those old fashion wooden pant hangers!  Talk about a clever idea.  I just love how the look of the space is totally different depending on the artwork you are displaying.   Also, notice the funky tray on the table - it's a mirror with the frame painted a bright color. 

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How about a magnetic wall, just paint it on and bring on the magnets. Super easy. 

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Another example of a magnetic wall - you can make this look as uniformed or messy as you like.  And, again, the room can evolve as the children grow.  You could start with crayon drawings and end up with maps of places visited! 

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And of course I had to include it!  The chalkboard painted wall.  What I think is great about this idea in my specific project is the room layout calls for a sitting/TV watching area and a separate pool table/gaming area.  I would love to see this in the gaming area as a neat place to keep score, talk smack, etc.   

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And this one is both - a magnetic chalkboard!  clever, clever.  Also notice the measurements on the corner for memorializing the grow of your kids.  too cute. 

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OK, I have to be honest here.  This is just too much for my Type A personality to handle.  It would undo me, but for many this is a mecca of organized clutter and to do's.  It really all depends on your personality and what works for you family!  My sister-in-law is way more laid back, so this may be the perfect solution for her. 

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So, I have to ask, which one (or more) would choose for an expanse of wall in a basement area!  I know my sister-in-law would love your opinions.  I think I've given her too many options! M. 

Clever Idea - Books in the Stairwell

I thought this was a great use of a stairwell wall.

Not sure how practical it is, but it looks fantastic.  When I showed this image to my husband he said, "Ahhh, great place to store old yearbooks that you would prefer no one access!"  Childhood can be rough.  M.

Hanging Artwork in Bookshelves

Artfully arranging bookshelves requires some skill.  The trick is to show off your accessories in an effortless way.  It's a balancing act - too much and they look over styled, too little and they feel disjointed and cluttered.

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   The most important thing to remember is bookshelves are an opportunity to create something special and unique in your space.  They offer a source of variety - you can constantly rearrange them to give you a different look depending on the style you are going for at the moment.

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 One thing I love to include in bookshelves is artwork. If your bookshelves have adjustable shelving, this is super easy to do.

Here are the steps to properly hang artwork in your bookshelves. 

Decide where you want to create the artwork vignette, making sure to maintain symmetry with the other shelves in the unit.  You may need to remove a shelf or two to create an opening large enough to accommodate the artwork. 

This is a picture of the bookshelves in our family room (at least a section of them).  You can see the artwork in the larger opening I have created by removing one shelf.

Select the artwork - preferably from somewhere else in your home (there is no need to buy something new).  I like to select pieces that will bring a bit of color into the space.

This is a photograph from a client's home and a great example of incorporating a darker framed piece of artwork into lighter toned bookshelves.

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Remember, artwork can include a mirror, plates, or really anything you we are clever enough to hang vertically on the wall.

Create the complete vignette for the shelf before hammering your first nail!  You need to make sure you are going to be happy with the entire shelf and how it reads, before you hang the artwork.  Take into consideration the space below the piece and how it's going to look overall.

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In my home, I chose to center the artwork.  But because the opening is large, I needed to include additional accessories to "fill in" around the smaller scale piece.

Properly Hang the Artwork.
Most built-in bookshelves have a floating back (meaning there is a space between the back of the unit and the wall).  So, if you attempt to nail straight into the back of the unit, the nail will go straight through and not support the weight of the artwork.  You'll then be left with an ugly hole in the back of the shelving unit.

Here's my solution.  Hang all artwork on monofilament from the shelf directly above the artwork.

Voila. You have the look.

Here's a close up of what I'm talking about.  The stack of books to the left go in front of the nail and hide the hardware. 

Here are my favorites for getting the job done.  I never leave home without these when I'm styling a client's home! 

Monofilament

Clear 60 lb. test Monofilament (or as we like to call it here in the South "Deep Sea Fishing Line")

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Small Picture Nails
I like these nails because they have a prominent head that will not allow the monofilament to slip off. 

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Self Adhesive Hooks

If the homeowner does not want a nail hole in the shelf, I use a self adhesive backed hook like this.  To use these, you place the hook flat on the above shelf with the top facing out (hope that makes sense!)

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Girly Hammer
I like this particular hammer because A. it's pink and B. it's only 12 oz. so you can easily handle it.

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Bumpons
It's very important to use these on the back of the artwork to prevent the picture from sliding and becoming crooked on the wall.  They are also super helpful for photo groupings to keep the series straight on the wall.

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I hope this gives you a new trick to use in your home!  Have a wonderful short week. M.