not your average file cabinet

file storage is always an issue in a small space.
unless you have it built in file cabinets, they seem to always be an eyesore.
i currently am in desperate need of functional file storage.
i was quickly reminded of these amazing file cabinet transformations.
hard to believe that this was once your typical metal file cabinet.

check out the diy steps here.

this transformation is also inspiring.


seems easy enough.
has anyone ever tried something like this?

room design giveaway reveal

i finally finished the design for the watson family.
alli won my room design giveaway about a month back.
she sent me a couple pictures of her current home with hopes to brighten it up and add some color.
she plans on keeping her existing sofas, entertainment center, and dining table, so i created a design that will complement her furniture but also add some life.
she said she loves color, especially blue, yellow, and green.
i hope you like it alli!

design tips for the space:
living room

1. when hanging your curtains, hang them floor to ceiling. this will give the illusion of a larger space.
2. i selected 3 fabrics to be made as throw pillows for your sofas. i recommend taking your old large ones off and replacing them with the new pillows. this will transform your sofa and help coordinate with the rest of the design.
3. i recommend painting all the walls, including the kitchen and dining, the new blue/grey color i selected. since your space is so open, one wall color would be ideal.


dining room
(i only created a design for the living room, but here are some tips for the adjacent space)
1. in order to make your spaces flow, you should add some color to your dining room. the black on black seems a little dark. instead of replacing your whole set, try replacing just the 2 end chairs. i would recommend a painted wood in a more lively color.
2. add a table runner to your table. i would select one with a pattern in a color that would unify the two new end chairs.
3. i would also put a mirror on the far wall. the reflection will add some depth to the space.

good luck!
i offer online design services like this one for $75.00-$125.00 depending on the scope of the work.
if you are interested e-mail me at danielle.oakey@gmail.com

embroidery hoops

embroidery hoops are the perfect way to incorporate funky fabrics into a space.
i think it looks unique and unexpected.




{all images from here}
speaking of unexpected, have you ever considered using cake pans as wall art?
{image from here}

i think i like it.

ork posters

while browsing through a magazine on the plane today i came across ork posters.
i find their graphic prints of metropolitan cities so eye catching.






i think they work in all rooms in the house.


i would like to see a collection of them in a childrens room.
seems like an aesthetically pleasing teaching tool to me.