Project in Progress - Master Bedroom

I've posted about this particular project before.  At one point, I talked to you about stairwell lighting in this fabulous Mountain Brook house.  We are now working on fabrics for various rooms.  These selections we are considering for the master bedroom.

The room has a lot of green in it already and these fabrics will really compliment what she already has going on in there.  Fabrics are really one of my favorite steps in the process.  I think they can do wonders to freshen up a space without totally breaking the bank. 

The bed has a creamy linen headboard the client purchased years ago, and it still looks great.  We also moved a pair of sage green leather arm chairs into the space and placed them in front of the fireplace.  They were originally in her family room, and the scale was just not working.  So, now they look fantastic as a place to watch TV and enjoy a cozy fire.  For the leather chairs, we are repurposing a pair of chocolate and green pillows she already had in the bedroom.  They are in a simple foliage pattern.

For the bed, we are considering this bird fabric trimmed in a green silk flat flange.  This is such a beautiful, versatile fabric.  I have used it in a different bedroom and gotten a completely different look by accenting the peaching tones in the birds (this picture makes the peachy color look orange and it's really more subtle). 

The chocolate and blue fretwork fabric (below) will also be included on the bed, along with a deep chocolate velvet pillow the homeowner already had in the space. The center fabric, which looks like a combination of paisleys and damask pattern, will be a lumbar pillow in a third danish modern chair we are using to ground a corner and designate reading nook. 

Remember, you don't have to start completely over when redesigning a space.  By using just a few additional pillows in fresh fabrics with what you already have, the entire space will feel new.

Once we are completely finished with the makeover, I will show you the results!! M.

DIY Project

I've been working on a project with this really cute couple who live in Homewood.  We are freshening up their main living space which includes a dining area and family room in their adorable bungalow.

This space has a couple of things going for it.  It's open, so visually it feels large. It also has tons of light, so it's bright and cheery.  The house sits on a hill with a great vantage point and has wonderful views from the front and back.  The space also has it's challenges.  There's only one wall that does not have a door, window,  or fireplace on it which makes furniture placement difficult.  (In fact, they have arranged the furnishings every way imaginable, with no luck.)

I came up with a new layout for the space using their current furnishings and adding a few additional pieces with a better scale for the space.  We actually flipped the original placement of the dining room and sitting area to take advantage of the one large wall for the placement of the sofa.

So. . . .
At this point, you may be wondering why I titled this post "DIY Project" - I getting there, I promise!

 In my design plan, I included a starburst mirror over the fireplace for major impact when you enter the room (you can see it's placement in the layout above).  Since these mirrors can get really expensive and totally blow a budget, I did some research and found this amazing DIY starburst mirror.

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I knew this client could pull it off because the husband and his dad are both incredibly talented woodworkers.  Here's the result (the wife sent me this on her iphone, so the picture is small and not super clear).

They decided to use a coat of varnish over the entire thing just to bring out the color of the wood, but don't you love the different tones of wood included in the piece?!  We are going for a more rustic casual feeling in their home, but this could easily go in a glam direction if you painted it gold.  To get something like this . . .   

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There's your sneak peek!  Hopefully, my client will send me a few other pictures when they finish purchasing all the items and re-arranging the space.

If you are feeling inspired and would like to make one of these for your house go to Addicted 2 Decorating(she is so clever!) and read about the original project and then go to Blue Hydrangea to see the design we used which is a variation of the original project.

I have lots of other affordable interior design ideas.  Contact me if you would like for me to create a design plan for your space.  M.   

Find of the Week - Custom Canvas Artwork

Look what came in the mail yesterday!!  Megan at Easy Canvas Prints asked me to do a product review of a custom canvas. I loved the idea and decided to focus on creating something for my son's bathroom.  He has a couple of pieces of original artwork from school; but the space really needed something to pull it all together.  

So, I started by finding a picture of him doing something he loves - skim boarding.  He does this for hours at the beach.  In fact, this past summer, I looked up from my book to see him surround by a dozen little boys.  He was teaching them all his tricks.  Too cute.  So, I snapped this picture.  

When I showed him the picture, he said, "Whaaaat?! Nooo Mommmmm.  That is totally uncool to have a picture of yourself in your bathroom!"  Well, he IS 11 years old and it's all about being cool these days.

   So, here's what I did to make it work (for both of us).  I took the original photograph and using photo editing software came up with this Andy Warhol like effect.  There are lots of free photo editing websites to make any picture look like this with the click of a button.  

The result - a piece of artwork that has some sentimental value.

  

I also think it makes his bathroom feel more grown up and not as cutesy as it once was when he was really small.  As for Easy Canvas, their website is so user friendly.  They walk you through each step to create your canvas, and then it ships super fast.  As a friend of mine once said about Zappos, "I clicked 'Order' on the computer and like Chinese take out, the doorbell rang!"  OK, maybe not that fast, but it was less than a week.

There are endless possibilities with this great product.  Here are a few images to get your brain thinking about the perfect spot in your house for a photo canvas.

I love the ferris wheel in the grouping.  Very different and eye catching.

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Love a really huge Andy Warhol too.

Here they have combined a series of small canvases to give more impact.

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And my favorite.  I saw this a couple of days ago and was totally smitten.  I have to confess, I am usually not a pink person, but it works so well in this space (along with those photographs).  It feels like such a modern take on portraits.  

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If you have time, please click over and check out Easy Canvas.  They are my newest sponsor, so please show them some love!!!  Have a marvelous weekend.  See you Monday. M.

Detail of the Moment - French Tufted Mattress

Here is a detail I've been obsessing over as of late.  

See the cushions on those sofas?!  Divine.

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Works in traditional and modern spaces.  This image as well as the one above are from the talented Steven Gambrel and his design team.  I think it's a bit of a signature item for them. 

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Also love it for a window seat.

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This is from interior designer, Sherry Hart, who recently snapped this photograph at market.  Love the traditional ticking fabric.

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The more the merrier. Aren't they stunning stacked like this? 

This clever idea is from another amazing designer, Lauren Liess.

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Here's a close up.

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This custom look can get expensive, but not so with simple floor cushions.  This adds just a touch of the look to your space.

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I also ran across this affordable version at Pottery Barn (of all places) at $229.00.  Not bad.

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That's it for today!  I'm off and running.  Have a wonderful day. M.

Mid Week Pick Me Up

The kids were home from school yesterday - no power.  Now I'm looking at squeezing five days of tasks into three.  I don't know about you, but I need a little spot of goodness today.

Thought you might too.  This image made me sigh and think, "OK, I can do this!"

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And so can you!  Have a productive day. 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. 

No Labor for the Weary

Hope you have the most relaxing Labor Day!  That's the plan here at the Smith T house.

Here's what we have on the menu today:

Grilled Flank Steak 

(grill it medium rare and slice super thin).

This marinade is my friend Sarah's recipe and it is too yummy for words: Bragg's aminos liquid (or soy sauce), agave nectar, garlic, lemon juice, green onions, olive oil and dried Italian herbs.

Roasted Broccoli and Sweet Potatoes

(sorry no picture, I haven't made it yet)

Sliced Tomatoes & Lady pea Salad

I cooked the fresh lady peas in homemade chicken stock until tender.  Then put them in the frig to cool down.  When you're ready, slice the tomatoes, sprinkle on the peas and your favorite salad mix.

Last step, drizzle the entire salad with a dressing made of lemon juice, olive oil, lemon pepper, kosher salt and back pepper.

Other Offerings:

Swimming at the pool (it closes for season today)

Catching up on shelter magazines - such a chore (smile).

Mani/Pedi in a new fall color 

Trip to the driving range for the boys

Just a totally relaxing day

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See you tomorrow! M.