A little DIY-ing

I loved these cute letters from Pottery Barn



Super cute but also really flat.  


I made these for less than $20.00!

(The chandelier casts these shadows on the wall)

Supplies:

Wood letters

Paint

Scrap Book Paper 

Modge Podge

Foam brush

Exacto Knife

Ribbon

I painted the sides of the letters the same color as the walls. After the paint dried I used a thin coat of modge podge to adhere the paper to the letter. Let the letters dry face down for at least two-hours. 

After the paper is completely dry use the exacto knife to cut the excess paper off of the letter. The best way to do this is place the letter face down and slowly trace the letter with the knife. 

A thin layer of modge podge on top of the paper and you're done!

Half way there on Abby's room!

The furniture arrived on Wednesday followed by the mirror and the bedding. It's a big step forward but we have much more to do.


Here's what we have done so far:

I'm looking for a cream quilt for the end of the bed. Something simple but girly...not as easy as I thought it would be.

I added the ribbon and hook. It adds interest to the otherwise simple mirror and makes it a little less "Batman", according to the hubby.

I picked up the hook at Hobby Lobby. It's a heavy dark metal, which matches the bed, the chandelier, and the hardware on the chest.

My next priority is panel's for the windows. 

The windows are centered on the wall and have adequate space on either side to do something dramatic. Right now I am thinking double wide panels in this pretty damask:


                                  

I'm hoping to score a pair of side table's from a furniture rehaber if I can get a few childless minutes next week. On those side tables I'll eventually put these burlap beauties:

I'm searching for just the right creamy shade of chalk paint to make these a little less bright and shiny. 




A cute little slipper chair in the corner and we should be finished!


So what do you think of my take on shabby french chic?

Audrey's Old Room

Audrey and Abby's bedrooms are the same size, so when it came time to assign rooms we decided to give Abby the room with the bigger bathroom.  Being older has to have some perks, aside from the joy of watching your younger sister, giving her things because she is pitching a fit and you just want her to stop, having to "set a good example" while you are doing everything...sorry, first born syndrome coming through.


Audrey's room has quickly become something much more mature in design. With its creamy pink walls and ribbon stenciled accent wall. After today's shopping trip I have decided Audrey is getting the boot and the girls are going to switch rooms.


I saw this bed at Arhaus a few months ago. I waited for a sale and in two weeks she'll be here!


                              


I Think the ribbon design of the bed will compliment the stenciled accent wall, which the bed will sit against.                      
                    


Because the bed is iron I decided to pair it with the Cream Bombay Chest  to keep the room light and maintain the bed's drama as the darkest piece in the room.




This chest reminds me of a piece my grandmother has. It comes in black, green and blue and would be a wonderful addition to any room. It's depth makes it a great option for a TV stand but it's still not too imposing for a foyer.


So far on the walls I have these prints from Art.com:

                               Sophie

                                 Alex

I had them mounted on wood. This saved me a ton since you don't have to pay for the frame. They really exceeded my expectations! If you want a print but don't want to spend hundreds on a frame it's a great option.

I also recently picked up a few of these really cute shadow boxes from Target:

I'll be posting pics of the room as soon as the furniture comes!!

It's so much fun when the pieces fall into place in bedrooms and in life :-)

-Stephanie

Desperately Seeking Side Tables

My search for two side tables for my living room chairs has lead to a small obsession with ceramic garden stools. I first saw the stool used as a side table in Traditional Home.

Cute right!?!

I needed something short to go next to my slipper chair and I had to avoid wood since we have a dark wood coffee table. It's really perfect!

                                      

                                


 I found my stool at Wisteria but Ballard has some adorable versions, like this Lotus Stool (LOVE!)

                             

I can't think of a place where a stool wouldn't work, hence my problem. I'm keeping my eye out for a stool that is just the right shade of blue to put in my bathroom next to my tub.


The stool is a fantastic way to add a different shape and material to your room. 


Run out and buy one! Where would you put it?


-Stephanie

Dear Fabric, I love you.

When we moved in I knew I wanted custom window treatments. I also knew I primarily wanted to work around the blue family. I just love the way blue makes you feel. 


What I didn't know was how fantastic fabric can be. I'd never had a reason to walk into a fabric store. So when I was introduced to the many high end fabric stores that grace my area it was really amazing. I'm sure the fabric snobs that work at these places knew I was a newbie as I loitered in the aisles and marveled at the textures and details and of course the prices! 


The first window I tackled was in my kitchen. I happened across this beauty and it was love at first sight.

She became this...

The trim is an understated brown ball. I love that it doesn't draw much attention but adds a bit of whimsy.

The foyer window seat came next. I decided on a wood bead trim and found the perfect one at a local fabric store. Of course, they had one yard left and it was discontinued so the hunt continues!  

The window seat is still a dark little space in need of light and something...I'm just not sure what. Right now it serves as a lovely space to hide when my 3 year old doesn't want to eat or go to swim lessons.

In the office I strayed from blue and chose something a little more masculine. According to my husband masculine must be in the eye of the beholder ;) I followed that thought up with a few jokes at his expense.

Only 9 rooms to go. What do you think of my progress so far?

Thanks for stopping by!

Stephanie

Excited to Share!

After reading my fair share of home design blogs I have decided to document the high's and lows of decorating a house that a family can live in and love.

Really, it's an experiment of sorts. Can you design a home to be stylish, comfortable and child proof?

I am fortunate enough to live across the street from two wonderful interior designers. Lucky for me these brilliant women have become great friends and have helped me through the process so far.

I would love your opinions (good, bad, what were you thinking). Fire away and hopefully enjoy!