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New Look - New Posts!

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Fresh New Look!

Well, I've almost finished re-designing my new blog! Please visit http://livewellinteriors.wordpress.com/ for my new blog/website. Don't forget to enter your email address in the new "subscribe"box so that you can continue to receive automatic updates as I submit new posts (which I promise to start doing again on a regular basis!) Happy Reading!

Inspired By...

The work of Backen, Gillam & Kroeger Architects - between the sprawling open floor plans to the connection each interior has to the landscape beyond the architecture these homes simply stunning!

St. Helena Farmhouse-St Helena, CA

Calistoga Residence-St.Helena, CA

Oakville Residence-Oakville, CA

Oakville Residence-Oakville, CA

Oakville Residence-Oakville, CA

Yountville Residence-Napa Valley, CA

Diamond Mountain Residence-Napa Valley, CA

The Newest Addition...

So I've dropped the ball on this blog big time! But can you blame me for wanting to spend every minute of everyday with this little one :)

But....back to the world of design....I'm always looking for a great rug to complete a space without breaking the bank. In the latest issue of Canadian House & Home I came across a great DIY project which will transform a plain (inexpensive) sisal rug, into...well anything you want...in only a few steps.

1. Map out your pattern with painters tape

2. If you chose a stripe patten a foam roller works best, if you went for something more intricate stick with the good old paint brush & paint your pattern using an exterior grade paint (it will hold up better than interior paint)

3. Apply 3-5 coats and let the rug dry overnight

4. Remove the tape in the morning - and instant transformation!

I haven't yet given this one a try but plan to do so in an upcoming home office project!

Baby on Board

I haven't posted in ages! Between work & getting ready for our little munchkin it's been a bit hectic! I hope to get back into the swing of things soon - in the meantime, I thought I'd post some images of what's been consuming any free time I can grab! The nursery is complete - now all we need is the baby (which could be coming any day now!) Enjoy!

Pillow Talk

It seems, from personal experience, chatter with friends, and client requests that the master bedroom ends up being one of the last places in our homes to receive those "finishing touches"....after all we only sleep there right? WRONG! Your bedroom should be calm & relaxing but still reflective of your personal style....


Calming & Relaxing doesn't have to mean - neutrally bland - choose softer wall colors and a clean palette and then add punch of color/pattern with a throw or pillow.


Re-work & Re-use...hey if your lucky enough to own a vintage Louis Vuitton luggage set break that out of the closet and use it as your nightstand. If not, I'm sure you have some old piece of furniture that's dying for a little "TLC"

Got a space that just seems to large and open? Creating a canopy over your bed can help contain the space. An easy DYI solution: Purchase drapery hardware that can be mounted from the ceiling, then use drapery panels to create the illusion of a traditional four post canopy bed, with a modern twist

Manic Mondays

As if Monday's weren't crazy enough - add rain/snow to a morning commute and you get a recipe for "take me away to paradise please"

I'd settle for a few hours curled up in one of these spaces with a good book!

Nursery Works Chapter 3

Paint & Drapery Complete!


Before (yikes!).....


During - after 5 hours of taping and countless times of my husband and I saying "yellow, white, yellow, white, yellow white! God forbid we paint a line out of sequence!


After


And the Roman Shades actually work!


Up next:
Furniture, Art & Accessories...

DIY Weekend Project

Need a reason to stay away from the cold outdoors this weekend? How about a little DIY project....freshen up that old chair you have stashed in your attic or basement

Dark & Dreary...

Polished to Perfection!

What You'll Need:

-Fine Grit Sandpaper

-Paint Brush

-1 quart of latex primer

-1 quart of latex paint in a semi gloss finish

-Pliers (for removing the staples from your old chair)

-Staple Gun

-Nail Head Tacks or Grosgrain ribbon (Your choice!)

-1 yard of fabric

Step 1: "Select Your Finishes" Bright & Bold or Soft & Subtle

Will your new chair be used as an accent piece in the corner of the room - or as an extra seat to be pulled up to the dinner table for guests? Determine whether you want the chair to be a focal point or blend with your current pieces. Pick your accents - nail head tacks or a a simple ribbon can add just the right detail!

Step 2: "Sand, Prime, & Paint"

Use your fine grit sandpaper to scuff up the old wood frame to accept the new paint. Apply one coat of primer, then two top coats of your color of choice

Step 3: Reupholster Your Seat

Flip the chair over and unscrew the seat to remove. Use your pliers to remove the staples holding the original fabric in place. With your fabric face down on a table place your chair seat (face down) on the fabric. Pull the fabric tight and place one staple in middle of the seat (width wise) repeat at the opposite side and then continue your staples working your way out to the corners. Once you get to the corners you want to fold them in, tuck them towards the bottom of the seat and staple.

Step 4: "Finishing Touches"

If you are using your nail head tacks apply them to the front and side edges of the seat - or glue on your ribbon

Now pull up a seat and relax!

Before and After

At some point everyone has that one room in there home that becomes the "dumping ground" for furniture odds an ends. Below is a great transformation of a boring mismatched room with odds and ends - to a fresh new space!

Get this look on a budget with....

The one and only Expedit bookcase from Ikea at $199 is a steal. Since this bookcase has an open back you could achieve the contrast color in a few ways:

1. Paint the entire wall behind the bookcase your accent color

2. Get a few sheets of plywood- paint them up and nail them to the back of the bookcase - or find a great wall paper pattern and use that as your accent behind the bookcase

Crate & Barrel's Hennessy Sofa for $999 - has a long and low design perfect for afloating infront of a wall of shelving - remember furniture doesn't always have to be jammed up against a wall!

Ikeas's Vejmon Cocktail Table at $149 has a second shelf for extra storage

Don't forget your lighting layers or Overstock.com! This fabulous pendant with glass finial is only $89.99

West Elm's Jute Diamond Rug adds subtle texture and pattern - $299 for an 8'x10'

Ikea's Stockholm Sofa Table can double as a writing desk by slipping a small stool under it - or set it up as a bar with a great tray and cocktail glasses ($199)

Simple Shaker Style Brighton end table from Crate and Barrel gives you 2 shelves and a drawer for only $199

Chair option A & B

Option A: the Dalton Leather chair from Tarjae - that's designer code for Target :) its a great peice at a great price for only $599

Option B: would be a splurge at $1300 from William Sonoma Home - but come on - throw that punch of orange in front of those walls and your room screams "come hang out here!)

Now accessorize!! Take those old pillows you have - get yourself to JoAnn Fabrics and you have and instant upgrade for only $7 tops maybe! And who doesn't have an extra lamp or two laying around....try swapping out the lampshade - or spray painting the lamp itself for a quick fix!

All in all...you have fresh new space all under $3,000

Tip to keep in mind: When re-doing an entire room - make sure to mix and match your finishes- if everything is the same finish or material it may end up looking more static than inviting!