The Budget Entry Upgrade Reveal!

    

My entry has been in need of a makeover for quite some time now.  Sometimes when you move from one home to another, the furnishing from the previous home don't work quite as well in the new home.  However, we typically make them work, at least temporarily, never really loving them. That was certainly the case with this dated wrought iron bench.  I finally said goodbye to it at my recent yard sale. 

 

 

I had my mind fixed on a more updated entry that included seating and storage.  I blogged about my plan on my Updating the Entry post.

 

It all started with the awesome storage ottomans I mentioned last week that I found, of all places, Wal-Mart, A Surprising Source for home décor.  Then, I was so pleased with my previous hack of the Ikea Vittsjo nesting tables last year, that I decided the line's laptop desk would be the perfect addition. 

 

 

A quick spray with my favorite gold spray paint, and instantly I had a much classier entry.

 

 

As it would happen, those ottomans from Wal-Mart were waaaaaaaaaaaaay nicer than I thought they'd be.  The description said they were cream and brown, but up close, they're really more taupe and brown.  Lucky for me, I happen to like that even better.

 

 

 They are the perfect spot for storing my winter weather accessories....

 

 

With the ottomans and console in place, I moved on to accessories.  I picked up this horse statue for $3 a month or so ago at the Metrolina Expo.  I figured it was a perfect candidate for a little spray painting project and the price was right.

 

 

Then I recalled that I purchased this framed red ribbon (from Target) at Goodwill a while back, but never could figure out what to do with it.  A horse red ribbon, a gold horse statue; Hello equestrian theme.



 

Not that I've ever actually been on a horse, but it sure makes for a cute vignette. Lol!  Combined with my newly stenciled wall, I love the result. 

 

 

 

At $150, I think I did pretty darn well.  Now all I need is a new runner.

 

 

  And so it continues....

 

Source List

Kirkland's- Lamp

Ikea - Desk/Console

Wal-Mart - Storage Ottomans

 

 

 

 

"A Scandalous Space"

I love Thursdays.  Not just because it’s Friday eve, but lately because it’s the day that ABC’s Scandal come on.   I literally have to schedule my entire evening routine around that show.  And, from the looks of my social media feeds, timelines and posts, I’m clearly not the only one.

 

Olivia Pope has the absolutely best style.

 

People Stylewatch

And while I love the clothes and those coats (oh the coats)......

 

 

I’m even more intrigued by the well-designed spaces featured on the show.  For example, have you noticed how simply cozy her apartment seems to be?  It’s typically dimly lit and she’s usually sitting in a comfy spot in deep thought, or nestled snug in her luxurious bed on the phone with Fitz.

 

via Pink Eggshell

Speaking of her bedroom, It’s really not a look that’s all that difficult to achieve.

As revealed by Kimberly Ward on the Pink Eggshell blog back in October, the bedding is actually available to the masses at West Elm. 

West Elm

Even better than that, it's on sale for 50% off!

Kirkland's

Kirkland's

Similar lamps are totally get-able at Kirkland's.  I love that what's bedside isn't totally symmetrical.  It's so "real".

Target

And, a tufted headboard can be yours pretty easily from Target.com (available in a variety of colors).

via

So maybe having an Olivia Pope bedroom won't get you a drama-filled Olivia Pope life (not that you'd want it), it can make for a very cozy, luxurious and reasonably affordable space.

Happy Friday #Gladiators!

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"The $642 Makeover Reveal"

We'll it's 2013 and it's back to the grind.  Let's do this!

 

 

I'm excited to share with you today a truly budget friendly makeover.  The entire project from start to finish was only $642.  While at home, I had the opportunity to do a quick makeover on my Aunt Sarah's upstairs sitting room.  She recently had the room repainted and was looking to give it a fresh update. 

 

 

 We were looking to do something light and airy and well, coastal....

 

 

I shared about the project recently HERE. So without further delay, here it is....

 

 

BEFORE

AFTER

As a courtesy to my clients I don't typically share prices and sources for items used in their projects, but my Aunt was thrilled to let me share with you guys how far you can stretch a few dollars.

I used this great Lowe's sunburst mirror to create a focal point on her small fireplace mantel.  We'll talk more later about this on my next post. 

Lowe's - $28.00

This small Kirkland's lamp was just the right lighting for my Ikea hacked end table. 

Kirkland's $19.99

 

 

 

 BEFORE 

AFTER

Seating was essential but the space was extremely small.  We opted for this mocha colored loveseat from Ashley that happened to be on sale at a local discount retailer.

Ashley Furniture- Darcy Loveseat  $319 Sale

BEFORE

 

AFTER

 

 

She already had two of these Target seagrass dining chairs and they were the perfect addition to the coastal vibe we aimed to create.

 

Target

 

 

 BEFORE

AFTER

 

 

The Ikea nesting tables and these gold sconces were also used.  For $12 each, they were a no brainer.

 

 

Ikea

 

 

For just $642 we created an entirely new room with a coastal color scheme, low priced retail finds, a few well placed accessories. Proving once again that design really can be within reach.  

 

Here's to a new year!

Easter Color Extravaganza: Mellow Yellow!

I so remember getting baby chicks for Easter.  Awh, fresh eggs... The good ol' days.

Yellow is most certainly one of the hottest colors this Spring.  These pieces are currently on my wish list.  

The Limited



Target

                                                  

Ann Taylor



A quick Internet search to some of the popular design retailers reveals homepages that look like this one. 



Zgallerie

Recently I posted the idea board for a nursery I'm finishing up, so you know how much I'm loving yellow and grey right now.  But, grey isn't the only color that looks great with yellow.  Check out this fresh yellow, white and green combo.

I'm actually a bit surprised that I like this yellow, white and blue scheme. 

I have a color very similar to this one on my kitchen walls, but I really wish it was on my cabinets.  How cute....

With so many variations, yellow is also one of those colors that can go horribly wrong pretty quickly (i.e. school bus yellow).  So be careful.  And, when in doubt, try adding it to your existing scheme or a neutral color palette for a quick update. 

Lamps Plus

I'm so totally in love with this chair.  

Kirkland's


What color is left in the Easter Color Extravaganza?  You'll have to wait and see....

"Design Trend: Ikat!"

Since starting to blog, I must admit that I sometimes feel pressured to stay up on the current trends.  In the past, I pretty much liked what I liked and that was it.  However, when you have an audience depending on you to provide ideas, tips and inspiration, it's no longer just about what you like.  While recently reading the April issue of Traditional Home, I was elated to see one of my favorite design trends featured in an ad.  Honestly, I feared it was on it's way out.  It's Ikat (pronounced 'e-kot')

What is Ikat? Well, it's a dyeing technique used to pattern textiles that employs a resist dyeing process similar to tie-dye on either the warp or weft fibres.  The defining characteristic of ikat is the dyeing of patterns, by means of bindings, into the threads before cloth construction, the weaving of the fabric, takes place. Herein lies the difference between ikat and tie-dye. In tie-dye the fabric is woven first and the resist bindings are then applied to the fabric which is dyed.

You may have noticed (if not, you will now) that is seems to be EVERYWHERE. 



J Crew



Z Gallerie

Kirkland's

Rugs USA

Target

I love it!  So, what's the easiest way to incorporate this trend into your home?

• Bedding - Easily changed out from season to season and a low-cost investment.

Williams-Sonoma Home

•  Pillows are an even lower cost option that are ideal for adding a quick update to a space. 





Photo Source


• Drapes - As you know, I'm a huge fan of print drapes, since most people tend to lean toward solids for upholstery, walls and even floor coverings.  Print drapes instantly give a drab room life.  Although this one may be a little too "lively" for most, Ikat fabric is available any a variation to suit just about everyone's taste.



Southern Living/Photo by: Laurey W. Glenn



• Rugs - There are so many more options available than in the past.  A rug, is another great way to add a little (or a lot) of pizazz.

Emily A. Clark Interiors (Rug by Rugs USA)

Finally, speaking of rugs, we've got a Fabulous Giveaway coming this week.  So get ready! 

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