7 Styling Essentials

October 18, 2013 By admin 9 Comments

I love interior design, I truly do.

During design school I learned about space planning, textiles, specifications, plumbing, electrical, furniture history, and the list goes on.

Unfortunately I was left of my own to figure out how to style a space.

Granted my training provided an excellent starting point, but I had to iron out the details myself.

I still find myself learning new things everyday, but I have determined 7 styling essentials that do the trick every.single.time.

Here are my 7 styling essentials for a coffee table:

1.2.3.4.5.6.7

1. A Tray – I always find it best to divide the accessories into piles. Whether it be 2,3,or 4 piles, a tray helps divide the items and adds an interesting layer.2. Flowers – Flowers add the perfect amount of softness. I went with pink peonies to contrast the tray and add a little color.3. A Bowl – A bowl adds height and dimension. I selected this one because of its shimmer and uneven edges. The rough edges contrast nicely with the soft flowers.4. A Ball: This spiky gold ball adds the right amount dimension and texture. It’s round sharp edges really draws the eye in.5. A Book: A coffee table wouldn’t be complete without a couple of books. I would stack a few books underneath this Domino decorating book for a little height. I love the soft color and pattern on the cover of the this book.6. A Whimsical Item: I like to add one small whimiscal item. This bird is cute, playful, and unexpected.7. Coasters: Coasters are not only practical, but they can be beautiful too. These blue agate coasters from West Elm add a pop of color and pattern. Although these styling essentials are made specifically for a coffee table, the general principles can be applied to styling any space. I hope this helps!xo,

Under $600.00 Boy Bedroom Design!

October 16, 2013 By admin 15 Comments

Since I have designed a $400.00 girls nursery design, $440.00 girls room design, $400.00 playroom design, $500.00 guest bedroom design, I thought it was about time to create an affordable boys room design.

I tried to make it crisp, modern, playful, and masculine.

You can purchase everything on this design board for under $600.00!

+I adore the decorative antlers. I think they are the perfect unexpected item to hang above the bed. You can buy them here for $40.00!

+The side table is form IKEA. You can purchase it here for $13.00.

+I think the headboard makes such a statement in this room. You can purchase it here for $250.00. Since it is so simple, I would think about attempt a DIY to save some money! You could buy this b&w striped fabric for $8.00 a yard.

+This table lamp is on clearance for $15.00 from Target. I like how it is simple yet has an industrial vibe.

+I love these mini paper deer heads. They are tiny, but I think they would look so cute hanging in a grouping. You can buy them here for $9.00.

+The pillow can be purchased here for $35.00.

+The rug can be purchased here for $135.00.

+I adore this light from Urban Outfitters for $65.00!

+You can purchase the Young Wild Free printable here for $5.00.

Total: $567.00!

So what do you think? Do you like the crisp modern look or prefer something a little more soft?

xo,

Thrifty Tuesday: IKEA Bookshelves Hack!

October 15, 2013 By admin 22 Comments

I have a soft spot for yellow, like a real big soft spot.It almost brings tears to my eyes thinking about selling my yellow television stand in a couple of months. I just love that thing.So, satisfying my yellow obsession in my next rental is a must, and I have a feeling these bookshelves will do the trick.

Now I know this is old news, but there is no better (or affordable) way to create this look than using the VITTSJO shelving unit from IKEA. They only cost $70.00 and paint up real nicely.

Although I am pretty convinced mine will be painted yellow, I wanted to share with you a round-up of my favorite VITTSJO shelf hacks!

I love how this whole room is styled, but especially those pretty IKEA Shelves!

Rachel from The Pencil Shavings pretty much killed it with her IKEA shelf hack.

The gold spray painted metal paired with the blue campaign dresser…so perfect!

(I also recommend checking out her home tour here…the before and afters are impressive)

Speaking of gold and blue, have you seen Emily from Name 5 Things formal living room tour?

Don’t walk, run.

I also spy some yummy Ikea shelves painted gold!

Clearly gold is the color of choice for this hack, but look how good it is in this room!

Lastly, Samaa from Honey Sweet Home is making me drool with her gold leafing action.

So pretty.

So who is ready to run out and buy one of these bad boys?

I know I am.

xo,

Pin Therapy!

October 14, 2013 By admin 16 Comments

Sometimes you just need a good Pinterest sesh. There is something therapeutic about pinning, it’s almost as satisfying as actually purchasing the item, am I right?Here is a little sample of what I have been pinning lately.I adore this kitchen. Swap out the hardware for a little brass action and I am in heaven.