Inspiration Tuesday: Simple Summer Palettes

Country Living

Phoebe Howard

House Beautiful

HGTV

House Beautiful

House Beautiful

Calm, Cool and Collected.

Simple, Neutral and Fresh.

I love quiet, calm neutral toned rooms in the summer, when the outdoors is so beautiful. Let your windows be the art at this time of year, when everything is a showstopper!

Inspiration Tuesday: Alphabet Office

OK, how seriously cool is this office?  I am luvin it. I was on Rate My Space browsing for basement ideas (and anything else inspiring) and stumbled upon this little gem.



I'm not one to simply copy  a design, but I think this room is stellar. That awesome wall treatment is done by projecting words onto the walls and painting them, and then layering silver wall  words over top of them.

The room cost under $1500 to do start to finish, and you could probably come in even cheaper if you have a good Craigslist in your area.



The floor is laminate wood, and don't you love that crisp white trim against the gray walls? I also love how they worked around the basement windows by simply adding ap picture ledge beneath the window. The big items in the room are from Ikea and TJ  Maxx, and don't you love the collection of white accessories?



I love the interest that they added to the ceiling, so that it doesn't look so basement-y



And purple and turquoise add the perfect splash of color.

So what do you think? I think I love this room a little more each time I look at it. Feel free to comment here, or head over the Rate My Space to comment on this room!

Inspiration Tuesday: Fun and Easy Projects

Here a few ideas I have come across lately that I felt were so great I just had to share them! Take the time to check them out, they're all great!





This has got to be one of the most innovative storage solutions I have seen in a while. Becky over at Infarrantly Creative came up with a way to display board games by framing the play boards and clipping the pieces to the back. Check out her post for the step by step tutorial.



Sarah at Five Camels came up with this super chic yet ridiculously simple solution for displaying your necklaces. This has definitely been added to my to do list for the future, when life is a little calmer. Ha. Like that is gonna happen. :-)



Layla breathed new life into this table, with a lot of elbow grease and just a few supplies. Now it has the perfect timeworn finish for the farmhouse look she is achieving in her cottage.



The fabulous girls at Shanty 2 Chic came up with a genius idea for napkin rings, using curtain clips! This is such a great idea for parties, as the clips can hold any kind of party appropriate decorations.

And, finally, just for fun, Beth put together a post a while ago about the decorating trends of the blogosphere. If you are up for a good laugh, go check it out. :)

Inspiration Tuesday: Candice Olson Basements

Are you tired of hearing about our basement yet? I'm sorry. We're tired of working on it too. :-) This week we're taking a well deserved rest from the renovations and spending some serious time together, relaxing and reconnecting. In the mean time, here are some great basement designs from Candice Olson.

Inspiration Tuesday: No Rhyme or Reason

Today I'm sharing a few images of rooms I've come across lately that I love. No rhyme or reason to them, I just like them. Because I am random like that. :-)

ishandchi

Love the mobile, the collection of frames and the "desk" made from two folding tables.

tracey interiors

Love that stenciled wall, and doesn't that chair look oh-so-comfy?

pottery barn

Love that wall color, and that awesome framed collage. I'm itching to do a collage like this somewhere... but where?

What's inspiring you today?

Inspiration Tuesday: Fellow Renovators

We're up to our eyebrows in basement renovations, and, to be perfectly honest, it can get discouraging at times. I think the hardest part is the time right before you start rebuilding, and everything is torn apart and looks a mess and makes a mess, and you wonder what were we thinking to tackle this enormous project?

When we started the basement renovation, we had no idea that the previous owners had covered up huge holes in the walls, or shoddily replaced a door with chunks of drywall. We weren't aware of the fact that the basment was actually seven feet tall, and they had lowered the ceiling more than a foot in many places. We also found two windows that they had completely blocked off, drains they had covered, and electrical work that was a disaster waiting to happen.

Needless to say, it turned out to be a project that was far beyond what we were expecting, which was both overwhelming and discouraging. (Have I mentioned that my office/craft room was next on the list? oh, yes, I have)

That said, we're finally at the rebuilding stage (after months and months of demolition and carting garbage out to the curb) and things are moving along, albeit slowly. I'm finding great solace in other bloggers who have tackled huge renovations and either lived or are living to tell about it. ;-)

There's Kim and Ryan at Newlywoodwards, who renovated their entire home, and then bought a rental last year and renovated that too. I think they are actually reincarnations of Popeye and WonderWoman. :-) Click this link to read about their first renovation.

Then there's Layla and Kevin at The Lettered Cottage, who are slowly remodeling their less than picture perfect home into something seriously stunning.

And Jennifer at The Old Painted Cottage, who truly had a vision for her kitchen and dining room that took the rooms from sea-surfing weirdness to awesome.

And lastly, anytime I start to feel sorry for myself, I head over to Thirty Eight 20 and read about Emily and S's adventures renovating their log house built in the 1800's. Nothing, and I mean nothing, we've endured renovating compares to the stuff they've put up with: no running water, no heat... even no toilet for a while! These two are hardcore. I am in awe.

So there you have it. A bunch of people with mad skillz that encourage me to keep on keeping on, with the hope that one day, our little (!) basement project will be finished. Next week I'll start giving you pictures of the basement renovation, with lots of information and pictures and a few before and afters. Fun!

On a side note, isn't it funny how, when you're in the midst of a renovation, money begins to be represented in renovation items? Example: we have $60. Oh, perfect, we now have our new toilet. :-) A weekend of overtime = 2x4s and sheetrock for the walls. :-)

Have a wonderful day!

Inspiration Tuesday: Fellow Renovators

We're up to our eyebrows in basement renovations, and, to be perfectly honest, it can get discouraging at times. I think the hardest part is the time right before you start rebuilding, and everything is torn apart and looks a mess and makes a mess, and you wonder what were we thinking to tackle this enormous project?

When we started the basement renovation, we had no idea that the previous owners had covered up huge holes in the walls, or shoddily replaced a door with chunks of drywall. We weren't aware of the fact that the basment was actually seven feet tall, and they had lowered the ceiling more than a foot in many places. We also found two windows that they had completely blocked off, drains they had covered, and electrical work that was a disaster waiting to happen.

Needless to say, it turned out to be a project that was far beyond what we were expecting, which was both overwhelming and discouraging. (Have I mentioned that my office/craft room was next on the list? oh, yes, I have)

That said, we're finally at the rebuilding stage (after months and months of demolition and carting garbage out to the curb) and things are moving along, albeit slowly. I'm finding great solace in other bloggers who have tackled huge renovations and either lived or are living to tell about it. ;-)

There's Kim and Ryan at Newlywoodwards, who renovated their entire home, and then bought a rental last year and renovated that too. I think they are actually reincarnations of Popeye and WonderWoman. :-) Click this link to read about their first renovation.

Then there's Layla and Kevin at The Lettered Cottage, who are slowly remodeling their less than picture perfect home into something seriously stunning.

And Jennifer at The Old Painted Cottage, who truly had a vision for her kitchen and dining room that took the rooms from sea-surfing weirdness to awesome.

And lastly, anytime I start to feel sorry for myself, I head over to Thirty Eight 20 and read about Emily and S's adventures renovating their log house built in the 1800's. Nothing, and I mean nothing, we've endured renovating compares to the stuff they've put up with: no running water, no heat... even no toilet for a while! These two are hardcore. I am in awe.

So there you have it. A bunch of people with mad skillz that encourage me to keep on keeping on, with the hope that one day, our little (!) basement project will be finished. Next week I'll start giving you pictures of the basement renovation, with lots of information and pictures and a few before and afters. Fun!

On a side note, isn't it funny how, when you're in the midst of a renovation, money begins to be represented in renovation items? Example: we have $60. Oh, perfect, we now have our new toilet. :-) A weekend of overtime = 2x4s and sheetrock for the walls. :-)

Have a wonderful day!

Mood Board Monday: Wisteria Dresser

I came across Sarah's blog recently, and saw that she has a semi-regular party making mood boards! How fun! I signed right up, and today I'm showing you an imaginary room featuring this marvelous dresser from Wisteria.

I decided to design an imaginary dining room, that would be small and intimate, but still very elegant. This dresser turned buffet wouldn't fit in just anywhere! The palette (1)is really rich and layered, but still laidback, so that the dresser is still the focus of the room. The wall color would be Smoky Charcoal by Glidden. The aged silver of the dresser is repeated in the chandelier, mirror and napkin rings. The rest of the colors from the room are pulled from this painting (3) with lots of warm neutrals, light and dark green and smoky blue grays.

I'd hang this painting (3) over the dresser, opposite the large windows across my imaginary dining nook. The windows would be framed in ivory silk duponi drapes (4) and this beautiful and eclectic chandelier (5) would hang in the middle of the room. Beneath it, this blue gray rug (6) would add a bit of modern pattern, and provide a cozy cover for this classic white pedestal table (7). This room would be a place to settle in and enjoy a lazy morning or a long evening, so these upholstered chairs (8), in sage linen, would provide plenty of comfort.

This pewter mirror (9) would reflect even more light, as well as the view of the pretty chandelier. The topiaries (10) would sit on the dresser/buffet, and I'd finish off the room with a lovely table setting (11) of this beautiful china with a great pattern, some cream colored napkins with silver rings and sparkling crystal.

So there you have it. A beautiful imaginary dining room with loads of color and comfort, and lots of glam. Sources are below. Hope you enjoy!

Dresser - Wisteria

Curtains - Pottery Barn

Mirror - Overstock

Art - Allposters.com

Rug - Target

Chandelier - Shades of Light

Table - One Way Furniture

Chairs - Ballard Designs in sage linen

Table Setting - Waterford, and Bed Bath & Beyond, Bed Bath & Beyond

Topiaries - Ballard Designs

Linked to Mood Board Monday @ Pewter + Sage

Mood Board Monday: Wisteria Dresser

I came across Sarah's blog recently, and saw that she has a semi-regular party making mood boards! How fun! I signed right up, and today I'm showing you an imaginary room featuring this marvelous dresser from Wisteria.

I decided to design an imaginary dining room, that would be small and intimate, but still very elegant. This dresser turned buffet wouldn't fit in just anywhere! The palette (1)is really rich and layered, but still laidback, so that the dresser is still the focus of the room. The wall color would be Smoky Charcoal by Glidden. The aged silver of the dresser is repeated in the chandelier, mirror and napkin rings. The rest of the colors from the room are pulled from this painting (3) with lots of warm neutrals, light and dark green and smoky blue grays.

I'd hang this painting (3) over the dresser, opposite the large windows across my imaginary dining nook. The windows would be framed in ivory silk duponi drapes (4) and this beautiful and eclectic chandelier (5) would hang in the middle of the room. Beneath it, this blue gray rug (6) would add a bit of modern pattern, and provide a cozy cover for this classic white pedestal table (7). This room would be a place to settle in and enjoy a lazy morning or a long evening, so these upholstered chairs (8), in sage linen, would provide plenty of comfort.

This pewter mirror (9) would reflect even more light, as well as the view of the pretty chandelier. The topiaries (10) would sit on the dresser/buffet, and I'd finish off the room with a lovely table setting (11) of this beautiful china with a great pattern, some cream colored napkins with silver rings and sparkling crystal.

So there you have it. A beautiful imaginary dining room with loads of color and comfort, and lots of glam. Sources are below. Hope you enjoy!

Dresser - Wisteria

Curtains - Pottery Barn

Mirror - Overstock

Art - Allposters.com

Rug - Target

Chandelier - Shades of Light

Table - One Way Furniture

Chairs - Ballard Designs in sage linen

Table Setting - Waterford, and Bed Bath & Beyond, Bed Bath & Beyond

Topiaries - Ballard Designs

Linked to Mood Board Monday @ Pewter + Sage

Inspiration Tuesday: Canopied Romance

image taken from goodhousekeeping.com

I love the simplicity of this room and the romance. This would be a beautiful look in a master bedroom, a little girl's room, or even for a guest bedroom. So ethereal and serene. Obviously the bed makes this room, without it the room would just be ho-hum. The good news is that the furniture in this room is painted, so you could find deals in secondhand shops and perhaps on Craigslist to pull together a similar look.

Here is a new version of this four poster canopy bed, but it will cost you a pretty penny. Then you could hit up places like Target for the bedding (this set is oh so feminine) and lamps, and order a sheer canopy set here from Overstock. If you couldn't find a second hand set of nightstands, this one from Pottery Barn has a similar look. The wallpaper in this room is beautiful and understated, much like this beautiful pattern from Ballard Designs.

So what do you think? Does this style speak to you at all? Are a ruffles and lace kind of girl, or more of a plain Jane? Is there an element of this room that you would work into another style of room all together?

Inspiration Tuesday: Canopied Romance

image taken from goodhousekeeping.com

I love the simplicity of this room and the romance. This would be a beautiful look in a master bedroom, a little girl's room, or even for a guest bedroom. So ethereal and serene. Obviously the bed makes this room, without it the room would just be ho-hum. The good news is that the furniture in this room is painted, so you could find deals in secondhand shops and perhaps on Craigslist to pull together a similar look.

Here is a new version of this four poster canopy bed, but it will cost you a pretty penny. Then you could hit up places like Target for the bedding (this set is oh so feminine) and lamps, and order a sheer canopy set here from Overstock. If you couldn't find a second hand set of nightstands, this one from Pottery Barn has a similar look. The wallpaper in this room is beautiful and understated, much like this beautiful pattern from Ballard Designs.

So what do you think? Does this style speak to you at all? Are a ruffles and lace kind of girl, or more of a plain Jane? Is there an element of this room that you would work into another style of room all together?

Friday Fav: Focal Point and NYCLQ

Lynda Quintero Davids

In my opinion, queen of redecorating on a dime. This glam girl reinvents her living room every other month it seems, and always does it in high style. She is an expert at reusing and reimagining the items that she owns to create a totally different look for her rooms.

She first caught my eye on Rate my Space when I saw her taxicab-inspired living room and recognized it from a magazine I had just seen it in. I spent some time perusing her other rooms, and loved her style, her free decorating tips and her endless vision to constantly reuse her items. Here's the picture I recognized:

And here's the same room, with a totally different, tropical feel thanks to smart swapping and accessorizing.

And again, glammed up for the holidays, during the day and at night.

Changing the pillows, lamps, curtains and a few accessories brings a whole new feel to this room, as demonstrated by this redo, and yet another.

It's like "One Room, Five Ways" and "How to Re-Use What You Have" got together and had a baby. And I love it. To see more of her rooms and redos, do a search for her (nyclq) at ratemyspace.hgtv.com or check out her blog at http://nyclq-focalpoint.blogspot.com/.

Have a great weekend!

Linked to Finer Things Friday @ Amy's Finer Things