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"The Painted Interior Door"

Design is Never Done

They say, design is never done.  I couldn't agree more.  There always seems to be one more thing that needs to be improved, painted or recovered. And just when you get to a place where you think it's all finished, you realize your style has evolved and it's time to do it all over again.  I guess that's the fun of it though.   


Recently, after getting my new sofa back from the upholsterer, my front door seemed to be even more bland than it was before.  I had already planned to paint it, I blogged about it HERE, but after the new more streamlined sofa was in, it became even more of a priority.



I went back and forth about the color.  I originally thought about red, like the exterior, but that just seemed like too much.  I would've loved gray, but  that wouldn't work with the existing décor in the room.  I contemplated chocolate brown for a minute, but something about that just made me think it would look too matchy-matchy.

I finally landed on black.  There were more than a few fabulous examples of black interior doors, but I has some hesitancy about how it would look in my space.  So, I went for a brown black called Fired Earth.

Lowes.com - Valspar Fired Earth

I'm  usually really decisive about my decisions but I have to admit, this one had me a little afraid.


Of course,  once I got to this point, there was no turning back.  Plus I figured, what's the worst that could happen?  If I don't like it, I'll repaint it. 


By the time the entire door was covered with Fired Earth (which just looked like plain black), and only the edging remained, I was no more secure in my decision. What I did like however was how easy it was.  I swear by paint and primer in one.  You just can't beat the coverage it provides, not to mention the time it saves.

I'm always amazed at how color can affect you.  Just this small plane of black (instead of white), really changed the openness of the entire room.  Weird, huh?



By the next morning, after I'd had a few hours to live with it, and the light of day was shining in,  I really started to like it.  Yes, it eats up some of the light in the room, but it looks so much more polished and purposeful than the original white.

Here's the before and after. 

 

What do you think?  I'm thinking that painting doors may be addictive because as soon as I finished I couldn't help but start wondering...


...what door would be next.

"Rope and Home Decor"

Tie This Trend on for Size

It seems that rope is a big trend in home décor right now.  With good reason, since rope has a natural quality and adds  instant texture.  It also evokes a very casual feel.  From lamp bases to plate chargers, these days  I'm seeing it everywhere.
 
 

via Pottery Barn and Home Decorators

I decided to hop on the trend bandwagon, but with budget in mind of course.  I started by picking up a bag of rope for less than $6 at Home Depot. I intended to get the kind that they cut by the yard, but they had a pre-packaged option that was PERFECT.

Home Depot

 
Next, I had to decide what I wanted to rope-ify. Lol!  Hmmm?  A quick stop at Dollar Tree led me to these simple glass vases. 


Side note:  If you're in Charlotte, you must check out the Dollar Tree on Freedom Drive. Wow!  Seriously, the biggest location I've ever seen.  I digress.

Armed with my $1 vases, a hot glue gun, scissors and rope.....

 
... I began to glue the rope around the base of the vase.
 
 
 

You really only need a shot of glue every couple of inches.  Wrap until you've reached the desired height on your vessel.  Then, cut the rope and adhere the end with a final shot of glue.  The addition of a small pillar candle was all that was needed to finish off this super cheap and super easy DIY project.

 
 
Not sure if this will be their final resting place, but I do love the look for Spring and Summer. 
Bye- bye pine cones, hello rope.
 
 
 
 
 
Happy Good Friday Eve!!!

"The Easter Table"

I'm super excited about this post for a number of reasons.  First, I'm exploring incorporating more video into my blogs and second because I'd like to also begin to share some quick nutrition tips with you as well.  If you weren't already aware, I'm actually a Registered Dietitian by trade and I must admit after launching Dwell by Cheryl, the thought of leaving that piece of me behind made me a little sad.  Well, after receiving some very wise advice from a very knowledgeable source, I realized that maybe I don't have to leave it behind after all.  So on today's post, I'm giving it a try.  I'd love to know what you think.


With Easter swiftly approaching, I thought I'd share with you a quick and easy tablescape for your holiday dinner.   There's just nothing like a beautifully set table to make your meal more special, and it's not as difficult as you think.  Chances are, you've got all of those pretty dishes stacked away in the cabinets, so why not use them?

Here's how....


Side note:  Don't you love that I'm frozen with my mouth wide open.  Go figure. : )


Lastly, since we're discussing entertaining, it's the perfect time to think about what's on your menu.
March is National Nutrition Month and this year's theme is Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day.


I'm Blogging National Nutrition Month
Most people think that healthy eating is about giving up all of the foods they love, but your cultural traditions and food preferences can easily be incorporated into a healthy diet.  The key is:

  • Moderation- Maybe you can't eat the Glazed Ham, Macaroni and Cheese and Potato Salad, so consider switching out one option to a side salad instead.
  • Portion size- We all love sweet treats like dessert, but if you're planning on three layer Coconut Cake this Sunday, limit yourself to one slice with dinner.
  • Physical Activity- Easter weekend is all about celebrating the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, not to mention sharing the love that He shares with us.  What a perfect time to spend with family doing something active i.e. an afternoon walk or a trip to the park. 
 It's not about giving up your favorites at all.  It's about considering your total diet and overall pattern of food you consume.  That's what's most important.

For more information, including healthy eating tips, click HERE.

Have a very happy and healthy Easter!

"Swap Until You Drop"

If you've been following the blog a while, you probably recall me blogging about my annual Swap Party last year.  It's an excellent opportunity  to get a few friends together, clean out the closets and storage and get free stuff.  Over the years it's become quite the anticipated event. 
 

 
 
It's so funny how the very thing you no longer have use for are the things your friends may need. 
 
 
You can hardly get your items in the door before the other guests are ready to pounce on your swap inventory.  It's so much fun!
 
One of my favorite parts of the whole shindig are the selling feature tags (instead of prices) that we add to the items we bring. Some of them are hilarious.
 
 
 
 
Every year I say I'm not having the party this year, but I end up doing it anyway and I'm ALWAYS glad I did.  This year was no exception. It's also pretty cool that even though the process is random, no one seems to leave empty handed.
 


There is even enough for the hostess to get in on the fun.





You can read more about how the party works by clicking HERE. Special shout out to Elise Roberts for acting as the party photographer. Great job Elise!

Another great Swap Party, another fabulous weekend.  Hope yours was great too!

FYI: This is a great post to forward to a friend!  Be sure to have them sign up to follow the blog by entering their email below. 

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"Happy Times at Habitat Restore"

And a $2 Vintage Side Table

 
As I mentioned earlier this week, this past weekend was a thrifting sort of weekend.  After our very successful trip to the Estate Sale, we headed over to the Habitat Restore.  
 
 
I've been waiting to share the news that I've been asked by Habitat for Humanity Metrolina -Restores to be a guest blogger for their soon to launch blog.  Yea!!! I'm really excited.  But back to the weekend excursion.  

We must've spent almost two hours combing through the aisles at the Cornelius location.  Our goal was to get a little inspiration for the new Habitat blog, but we got way more than we bargained for.

From the moment we walked in it was one great deal after another.  Like this lovely ornate mirror that would be perfect for an entry.
 

 
It was priced at $35 and I'm kicking myself for not buying it.  Especially when I imagine that it could look like this...

 
 Or even this...

 
There were also very practical items like these house numbers. 
 
 
 
 
At first glance they might be easy to overlook, but with a little imagination look what you could do with them.

Mad In Crafts

 
Similarly, the drawer pull selection appears pretty standard...
 

 
...but a quick search on Etsy.com for a sheet of vinyl numbers/letters could easily turn this simple pulls into so much more.
 
 
 
And can I just ask, where was this dresser....
 
 
 
...when I was working on this room?
 



We rounded one corner and there it was...


 
Yes it was wobbly and tarnished, but I could see its potential despite its flaws.  It certainly didn't hurt that it was priced at $2.00.  Yes please!

I could hardly get home fast enough to remove and clean the glass, tighten the screws...



..and grab a can of gold spray paint.  It didn't take long before my tarnished gold side table began to reveal its true colors.
 
 
 
 
Like the look?  I found one just like it HERE.  Sorry it's not $2.00, but not a bad price. 
 
Jennifer- Pure and Simple Organizing

Needless to say, we had a fabulous time and scored lots of great deals (I'll tell you about others over on the Habitat Blog).

You just can't beat it when you have a basket full of home decor and improvement items and your total looks like this...
 

 Have you been to a Habitat Restore lately? 

"Decor Tips for an Apartment Bathroom"

TELL DWELL TUESDAY

I received an email from a reader inquiring about a feature on a Tell Dwell Tuesday post.  Her dilemma?  The bathroom in her rental. 
 
Looking for a way to freshen up the space on a budget, she forwarded over these photos of the existing space.
 

 
 
Knowing that she is looking to achieve a cool and coastal look for the space, I selected this bath as the inspiration. 

Traditional Bathroom by Huntington Design-build Robert Kocis


Here are my recommendations:

1.  Replace the existing shower curtain with fresh new option.  I think she's on the right track with the waffle weave curtain, but the color of the existing one is not quite right.



I'd go for a fresh white in a longer length.  Take advantage of the height and make the space look larger by drawing the eye upward.  Most people are unaware that shower curtains (off the rack) come in a variety of sizes.  This option is available on Amazon for less than $20 in several lengths and widths. 

2.  Add monogrammed towels (for display).  Nothing says fresh (and Southern) like a monogrammed towel.  If the look is too formal for you, try fun embroidered sayings instead of the traditional monogram. For example, "Wet" and "Dry" work well in a bath.
 
 
 
3.  Display simple art work.  People often neglect décor in the bathroom, but adding art can immediately dress up the space and help to carry out a scheme.  Simple seashell, fish or sea creature prints can add just the right touch. 
 
 
4. Pretty up the necessities.  Face it, the bathroom is a utilitarian space, but that doesn't mean you have to skimp on pretty.  I love storing bath salts, cotton balls and Q-tips in lovely apothecary jars.  They add instant sophistication to everyday items. 
 

Pottery Barn via


5.  Storage is a must in a bathroom, but keep it stylish.  Seagrass baskets would work perfectly with the beach theme without being too themed.  Target's Nate Berkus line has the BEST options. 

Nate Berkus Target

 6.  Add a spa vibe.  The easiest way to accomplish this is with fresh white towels.  I'm a BIG fan of white towels.  First, they are bleachable, which ensures that they stay fresh and white. Secondly, they add a plush and luxurious look to a bath instantly. 
 

Restoration Hardware via
 

7.  Infuse natural elements.  Sand and shells from your summer beach trip, beautiful succulents (that are easy to care for) give the space a more personal touch and add life.

 
 

via

 
8.  Ground the space with texture.  I love a fluffy bath mat (but NOT in front of the commode). This West Elm option in white would work beautifully.  
 

West Elm
 

9.  Add color.  She may not want to hear this, but I recommend painting.  Even in a rental.  The fact is, if you have to live (dwell) in the space where you are, it should be just what you want.  I don't think it matters whether you'll be there for 12 months or 12 years.  It's home and it should feel like it.
Paint is the easiest (least expensive) way to add color to a space.  It instantly completely changes things.  A cool blue/green would work wonders in this bathroom. Plus, a room like the bath is easy enough to repaint when you leave.  If you don't paint, you'll spend the entire time that you live there trying to compensate for the lack of color that one can of paint could've provided. 

 
 
Valspar Aquatic Edge
 
 
10.  Know when to say when.  There comes a point when it should be done.  It can be tempting to keep adding accessories and knick-knacks, but remember, as one very talented designer once said,  "Less is More" - Mis Van der Rohe

I hope this helps.  Happy Decorating....


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