"Oops I Did It Again: Bath Reveal"

Well, I've done it again.  I've managed to change something else in my home. I think it may be the fact that I've been here for five years now and things are beginning to bore me.  You know, variety is the spice of life. 

It all began with a Target shower curtain that I picked up at home at my favorite salvage store during Christmas break.  I got it for an unspeakably low price.  Seriously.  My original plan was to use it in a client's space.  However, while I was putting away the Christmas decoration recently I came across it and realized that I really liked it. 

I brought it inside to try it out, and the rest is history.  It turns out that with a few minimal changes I could change the entire look of my guest bathroom. Here's what it looked like before (click here).

All I needed was some new towels....

A new rug...

   

This one I scored on Joss and Main.  It's my first purchase with them. It was a good price and the delivery was extra fast (despite the estimated shipping date that was given).  It's also available here.

And a new spruced up place to put the extra rolls of toilet paper.  It actually took me longer to find this than anything else. I found the right thing at Pottery Barn, but refused to pay $24.99 for a place to store toilet paper.  

  

Guess where it finally surfaced?  Where else?  Goodwill (for $0.99).  A little gold spray paint and some guest towels....

  

And there you have it!

I'm amazed by how the smallest changes can make a huge difference.

See what I mean? Happy Monday!

"Winter Wonderland $13 Tablescape"

So pleased that I was able to get almost everything done on my weekend To Do list, especially since it was a pretty long list.  One of the first items was to take down the first of four trees and convert the Christmas tablescape to a winter one.

Mission accomplished!  As I mentioned in this post, I'd been wanting these First Frost plates from Target for years.  Mrs. Claus was able to find them at a discount retailer at home for a great price.  Instead of packing them away until next year, I decided to use them through the winter.  Why not?  The snowflake design certainly makes them versatile enough to go beyond the Christmas holidays.

Target

I picked these small metallic flower pots up at Goodwill (where else?) for $0.99 each.  I wasn't sure what I was going to do with them but for $3.00, I figured I'd find something.  I did.

On a late night trip to Lowe's, I scored these metallic pine cones for $2.00 a box, and a scheme was born.

I picked up two boxes of the pine cones, (even though I only needed the silver ones, I figured one can always use gold pine cones), some Spanish Moss and some clearance Christmas cactus.  Succulents are big right now and the cactus has that same look.

The addition of some "frosted' garland that I already had and a fabric remnant runner and, "Viola!"

  

It has the winter wonderland vibe I was going for, don't you think?  I'll probably keep it through January at least.  I'd say it was $13 well spent.  Dinner party anyone? Happy Monday!

P.S.  Can you tell I used my new camera?

"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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