Do Your Own Makeover

If you're an avid HGTV fan, or even if you watch occasionally, at one point or another, one of "those" shows has inspired you to do some kind of makeover, or maybe even go all the way and do a renovation.  Or maybe, simply the fact that it's time for change, has inspired you.

For either a makeover or a renovation, you should always start with pen and paper.  I'm a list maker, a thinker, and an over-thinker, so this is what I do.  There's a lot to consider so it's best to have thought through it all before you get started.  This way, you know what you will need before you begin and the process will go much more smoothly.

I put together short lists for each to help you get started.

For a makeover:

• Budget
• Layout and function (play around with different layouts, there is more than one way to place a sofa)
• What I don't like about my current room or style
• What do I want to bring in
• What is my color inspiration (for paint, upholstery, and accessories)
• Furniture to keep/replace
• Do I need to paint 
• Accessories to buy
• Final budget (the real one)

For a renovation:

• Budget
• Timeline (consider avoiding holidays and vacation)
• Structural changes that have to be made
• Optional structural changes
• Layout and function
• Furniture to keep/replace
• Paint
• Accessories to buy
• Storage options for furniture and accessories you are keeping
• Bids (contractors and subcontractors) (ask questions)
• Final budget

For each one I also recommend creating a mood board.  You can do that online or a small one on a poster board.  

These lists certainly can be more detailed based on how thorough you want to be.  The more thorough you are, and the more decisions you make prior to getting started, the smoother the process is going to be. While even the best laid out plans have hiccups, you're problem solving will be easier if you're prepared.

Enough talking, let's look at some pictures!

Lola's Bedroom

Click on link above to see

the whole room 

transformation

(Don't mind me)

Attic Transformation

Custom built-ins make this

room more functional.

The Backpack Wall

DIY Instructions on I'm Batmom's website

Fabulous bedroom makeover!

Great transformation from SincerelySaraD.com

theletteredcottage.net

Follow the link for more makeovers

What a difference paint can make!

Great farmhouse bathroom

Major structural changes, well worth it

You'll notice some of these are makeovers and some are reno's.  Each one resulted in a dramatic effect.  And I bet each one took some planning ahead to get the most out of the project.

The Internet is full of ideas or you may have some of your own.  Whatever your inspiration, don't be afraid to dive in.  If you feel you're not skilled to take on a project, big or small, enlist the help of a friend who you know has the magic touch and a keen eye...

Or you can give me a call, message me, email me and I would love to do this with you!

You can find me here.

Well, that was fun... Looking at some great makeovers and reno's and seeing the fabulous results.  Stay tuned for my next post coming soon.  If you really enjoy my blog, be sure to share it with friends.  

*** Disclaimer: None of the images above are mine.  All images are linked to the source from which I got them.  I do my best to give credit to the source, but sometimes links get crossed or are not included from the source, but I do my best to credit every image.

Size Does Matter! Scale and Proportion.

In Interior Design, there are many keywords which we'll use often to describe or apply a design.  Words like scale, proportion, size, balance, harmony, cohesive, flow, etc.  These words play a huge role in how a design comes together.  If you can't use these words to describe a design, then it's probably lacking and therefore, needs to be corrected.

There are fundamentals in the design process which need to be a part of the design in order for the design to feel complete.  A well-executed design will have such fundamentals.     

Today we'll go over a few example of how these words come to play in the design process, and we'll also see how the lack of or the elimination of affects the final design.

Here's a perfect example of how the scale of two pieces can complement each other when considering the space they are in.  Why does it work so well?  The length of the bench complements the width of the mirror creating balance.  Also, they are in a room that is bright and airy and clutter free.  

Picture: Amber Interiors

Here's an example of a space where the balance and proportion are thrown off creating an awkward look.  

If you're going to have a coffee table it should be the same height as the sofa.  In this case, I'm not sure this is a sofa - it appears to be a multipurpose sofa/daybed.  However, the coffee table is too low and you have to bend too far down to place something on it.  

Here's an example of the complete opposite.  Beautiful doesn't always mean perfect.

Coffee table is way too tall for the setting.

What a gorgeous room!  It is almost perfect in every aspect except for the big eyesore in the middle.  That table is way too tall for the setting.  Although it complements the design and the setting and is styled beautifully, it interferes making it difficult for the people in this conversation area to see each other.  A lower height cocktail table would perfect the space.

Here is a conversation area executed perfectly.  

Perfect conversation area!
static.squarespace.com

I can't take credit for this, but I am in love with everything in this picture.  The scale of the ottoman-style coffee table is perfectly proportioned to the size of the chairs.  Notice,  although the chairs vary in height and style, the dimensions and width and the complementing fabrics and color harmonize so well that it does not take away from the design and setting.

Tell me what is wrong with this next one?

A cute room for sure, but, Oh!  That thing in the middle!  While I think it's great to find a new purpose for old things to bring charm to a room, I believe they also need to be functional.  Okay, so it's sort of functional.  The scale of this "thing in the middle" is absurdly too small.  Now, I'm not here to criticize, I'm here to help you make your space functional and stylish without the absurdity of repurposing (formerly known as improvising) incorrectly.  And don't get me started on the scattered chairs and random things.  Extra seating is always great but make sure they are equal in "weight" to the other furniture and also, well placed to create a cohesive space.  

Scale and proportion also play a role not only in design but also in function.  

This table is really nice and appears to go great with the design of the room and the colors.  However, the height is too small.  Imagine trying to reach over to put your drink on the table.  There's a good chance that if you're not paying attention you're going to spill it.  The same is possible when trying to retrieve it as you're likely to bump it on the arm of the sofa.  And because the table is too small the lamp also looks disproportioned.  You won't benefit from the light of the lamp since it's too low.  If the table was taller then the lamp will look well proportioned too.

Finally, here is a wonderful example of scale and proportion.

A well-executed vignette

Everything in this vignette is perfect.  The mirrors fill out in the same width as the desk (proportion); the tall lamp is well balanced by the small flower vase and is a perfect size for the desk (proportion); the camera stacked on the books is well-balanced by the frame behind it, which also serves as an additional layer (I love layers!); and finally, the white rocks (displayed in odd numbers - always use odd numbers) contrast the color of the desk, frames, and lamp, but coordinate perfectly with the books, flowers, and mats on the frames.  Everything harmonizes so beautifully!

So many wonderful design elements were used in this vignette alone.  And, that's how a well-designed space should be.  Everything in the room should have a fundamental design element to it.  That doesn't mean that you have to be strategic about every item in the room, but when you use your fundamentals you will execute a design just like the pros.

Don't let yourself be too impulsive when putting a room together.  As much as you may love a piece of furniture or artwork, if it doesn't harmonize with everything else, if it isn't cohesive, if the scale or proportion is absurdly in contrast to the other pieces in the room, stay away from it.  Sometimes we're in such a rush to put a space together that we overlook details and let our impulses take over.  The best designed spaces aren't put together in one day or in one shopping trip.  A good space evolves over time.  

Now that you understand some of the design elements a little better, go ahead and find a space in your home that you can apply what you have learned.  Take a before and after shot and compare them.  In fact, feel free to comment and share them with me.

P.S. A little secret of mine is to look at a room through the camera lens.  I may think it looks wonderful but once I look at it through the camera lens, I can see what needs to be changed.  If it looks good through the camera then it's probably right.

Here's a little extra eye candy.  Look at the way these rooms use balance, proportion, scale, flow, etc.

Picture: buyerselect.com 

Picture: bassettfurniture.com

Picture: Pinterest (couldn't find original source)

Picture: Pinterest

               

*Disclaimer: none of these images are my own.  Opinions are all mine.  I have done my best to give credit to the image sources as I have found them.  

Coffee Table Talk

Creating a cozy feeling in your home has a lot to do with how you style it.  Styling your home doesn't have much to do with furniture selections as it does with all the little things that bring it together.

The living room is often the first room in your home that people will see.  Therefore, this room should be the most welcoming and feel the coziest.  It shouldn't feel cluttered and it shouldn't feel empty.

Most living rooms don't have a focal point, such as a fireplace.  However, you can create a focal point with what you do have.  The coffee table, for example, can serve as a focal point.  If you don't have a fireplace and you don't have room for a coffee table then you can use your walls.  On today's post, we'll be talking about the coffee table.

First let me give you some tips.  

The coffee table you choose should be about the same size of your sofa. If you have a long sofa, your coffee table should be about as long, minus a few inches.  The table height should be no taller than the top of your sofa seat cushions, or too low either.  If you have a long sofa and can't find the right size, work with two smaller ones that fit within the length of your sofa or try nesting tables that will allow you to extend. If you have a sectional, nesting tables will pair up really nicely because you can change the orientation of the tables to mimic the sectional.  A round coffee table might also work well with a sectional. 

With so many styles to choose from, which do you choose?  That depends on your style.  Do you want classy contemporary, luxurious, rustic, modern, or traditional?  Below are some examples.

A standard of 18" of space between the sofa and coffee table is recommended.  The table will be neither too far or too close.  

So how do you make the coffee table your focal point?  It's all in how you style it.  There are some basic accessories you should look for.  

- Natural or organic:  An organic element would be something like a seashell, driftwood sculpture, a mineral rock, or flowers.  You can never go wrong with flowers.  Flowers are easy to change with the seasons giving your room a more natural and fresh look.

- Books or magazines:  You can have a stylish look and keep your visitors entertained.  Look for books with covers that have coordinating colors - colors that match your decor.  Design books or architectural books are a good choice.  Magazines often have seasonal images on the cover - these will work great too.

- Candles: Nothing pulls a room together like candles!  A simple item, yet with so many color options, it's a great add-on to the table.  Group them in odd numbers on a tray or mixed with potpourri, sand, or rocks, or simply style them alone.  You can use candle holders, just be sure to keep them short.  Get creative with the candle holders.  Mix and match or repurpose something from around the house.  

- Tray: Use a tray to help organize a collection of random items you want to display, like the candles, or a bowl, a figurine or coasters.  Play around with them.  

It is important to keep it simple.  A cluttered table is unappealing and reduces the function of the coffee table if you are hosting.  If you're using flowers be sure to keep them short.  You don't want anything blocking your view.  The same goes for all other items, keep them low.   

One more trick to remember is to mix styles, shapes, colors, finishes and numbers - odd numbers always work best!

Okay, so I've gathered up some examples of different styles of coffee tables.  Which one is your favorite?  Mine is rustic, but I also swoon over glass, gold or brassy ones.

Transitional Wood Table

The transitional wood table: While the table matches the rest of the furniture perfectly, it is too small.  Also, it is too far apart from all of the furniture.  Pulled closer to one side will make the room feel more cohesive.

Geometric Brass Table

The geometric brass table: This table is perfect!  Perfect for the size of the sofa, and complements the decor in the space extremely well.  It's almost a statement piece all its own.


#flowers #organic #books #geometric #brass #glass

Tufted Ottoman
Image property of: Jay Jeffers

The tufted ottoman: This is one of my favorites.  I love tufted ottomans in any shape.  They are very versatile complementing both casual and luxury designs.


#trays #books #tufted

Rustic coffee table

The rustic table: This one is one of the most popular styles of coffee tables.  Probably because of it's natural and neutral beauty, but also because it's the easiest to customize.


#books #candles #rustic

Industrial coffee table

The industrial coffee table: Another versatile table style.  With a mix of wood and metal, it too can be customizable.


#rustic #industrial #books

Nesting tables

The nesting tables:  Another favorite of mine.  I love the look of layers and the option to play with the orientation of the tables.  This style of table is perfect if you have a sectional, especially an extra long one.



#nestingtable #organic

Glass coffee table

The glass coffee table:  A thing of beauty she is!  If you don't like the heavy look of a wooden or solid metal coffee table, this is a great option for you.  It allows the room to look airy and uncluttered even when styled as elegantly as this one.  And with the option to choose different metal finishes you're bound to find one you love.


#glass #flowers #books #candles #organic #chic










Well, we certainly have a lot of options in table styles.  And if you look at the details of each image you'll also find lots of great ideas on how to style them.  There is no perfect way.  The only way to correctly style a table is to do it with all the things that make it perfect for you.  

So, which is your favorite?  If you can, would you share a picture of your coffee table and how you styled it?



*Disclaimer:  The images on this blog have been accredited to the website in which I found them, they are not my own.

Buying Furniture

One of the biggest expenses you will have in your life and throughout is buying furniture.  It's inevitable.  You can live off of hand-me-downs for some time but at some point you will have to make a purchase.  It can be overwhelming and also very risky.  You can drive down any major street and find a store that sells furniture.  Then there's those you see advertising on TV all the time.  And then there are those ginormous furniture stores like...well, you know.  Wherever you decide to purchase your furniture from I strongly recommend keeping these things in mind.

• The cost of furniture
• Take inventory of what you really need
• Set a budget
• Add about 15% to that budget
• Stick to that budget (the original one)
• Measure the spaces of where you are going to put this furniture 
• Measure the doorways/hallways/staircases of where this furniture will pass through
• Measure the spaces between this new furniture and any existing furniture
• Measure everything all over again
• Window shop online
• Window shop at the store
• Do your research
• Compare online prices to store prices and competitors prices
• Make a final decision and make your purchase, or decide to wait.

Buying furniture is a big expense.  One that will make a significant dent in your bank account.  But remember that this isn't stuff you switch out often.  Most of this stuff will last you well beyond 5 years.  If you take the amount it costs and divide that by at least 10 years you will agree the purchase is more than justified.  And with this in mind I encourage you to follow all of these tips and go out there and get what you want.

First of all you need to understand the cost of furniture.  The prices vary between stores, whether it's a well-known retailer or a local furniture maker.  If you want quality you will end up paying more.  Solid wood furniture is going to be more expensive than hardwood.  Custom upholstery (when you get to pick the upholstery as opposed to buying what's in store) is going to cost more.  Custom furniture versus pick-and-choose is going to cost more.  

Next, take inventory of what you need, not what you want.  If you're a newlywed or just bought a new house you may not want to purchase all your furniture at once.  It will be overwhelming shopping for so much at one time, plus there are pieces of furniture that can wait to be purchased at a later time.  Make a list of everything you need, then go over that list at least one more time so that you prioritize the bigger, more important pieces.

Having a budget is key to not overspending.  Any store you walk into will have something you want, need, and like.  That doesn't mean that you have to have it all.  So, if you've made your list of priority pieces and stick to purchasing those first you will be sure to not overspend.  

This, also, is where adding that 15% may come in handy.  You may end up seeing something you absolutely love and it may cost more than you anticipated spending.  When it comes to furniture I always tell my family and friends that if you absolutely love it then go ahead and get it.  Unless it is insanely over your budget, you probably can justify the cost.  Why would you spend $1,000 on a sofa that's just okay when you're in love with the sofa that's twice that amount?  Yes, it's going to serve the same function but you're going to "hate it" at some point and in a few years will probably want to switch it out anyway, costing what you would have spent in the first place if not more.

That being said, stick to your original budget.  Don't allow yourself to spend that 15% contingency unless you find something that absolutely justifies it.  And if necessary let that added expense be the last thing you buy so that you know you will not "need" to spend it on anything else you are "in love" with.

Measuring is a very important part of the whole process.  You may have your heart set on a sectional sofa or a king size bed, but if the space isn't big enough then you're going to have one big problem when that furniture is delivered.  

 

Measure every space you need furniture for and take into account furniture that is already there.  If you're going to buy a sofa but already have the end tables then measure the space where the sofa is going to be so that you know what size sofa to get.  If your kids are going to share a room and you're going to have separate beds measure the room and make sure that the size beds (mattress and frame) will fit in the space.  The same goes for appliances.  Measure, measure, measure!!  That six burner range may not fit!  Also, be sure to measure the doorways, hallways, staircases, and pretty much any tight space that this furniture will be passing through.  Squeezing big furniture through small doorways will almost guarantee some kind of damage.  Don't risk it!

Window shopping online will save you a lot of time, money, and will help you keep your sanity.  Check out the websites to the stores you intend to shop and consider any local stores in your neighborhood.  See what the selections are, compare prices, factor in custom choices or call to get information, and don't forget delivery charges.  Don't forget to take advantage of sales.  You may want to wait a couple of weeks if necessary to get that extra 15% off, or free delivery.  Whatever will save you money.  If you've done your online window shopping you will know exactly where to shop and what stores to avoid.

Window shopping at the store can also save you a lot of money, and in the long run, a huge headache or heartbreak.  The same way you try on an outfit before you buy to make sure it fits, you can "try on" furniture to make sure it's right for you.  It may look comfortable but once you sit on it, you realize its support doesn't seem that strong.  The upholstery color and pattern may look appealing at first but may not be of great quality.  That dining table may have a gorgeous look and finish but once at the store you realize it's not solid wood, or it's made from a material of lower quality.

Doing your research is part of window shopping.  Find out what kind of material and upholstery options are available and what meets your needs so that when you make your purchase you will get exactly what you paid for.  Don't settle for sale items or floor model sales just to avoid the higher cost if that's not what you really want.    

Compare prices when you can.  You may not find the exact same furniture pieces in other stores, but you'll find similar pieces that you can compare.  Also, online prices may differ from in-store prices due to sales or promotions so be sure to ask if you can get the lowest price available.  

Once you've completed your window shopping online and in-store, done your research, and compared prices you are ready to make your decision and ultimately your purchase.  Making a decision doesn't necessarily mean you'll make the purchase.  It may just mean that you've decided to wait for either the sale or until the store offers new selections.  If it's not an item, like a bed, that you need right away, you may want to wait on it - especially if you're not in love with your choices.  

Buying furniture can be overwhelming, but it should also be fun, and ultimately you should be happy with your purchase.  

And if you're still overwhelmed about purchasing furniture after reading this I am more than happy to help you out!

Side note: other things to consider when buying furniture is a change in style.  You may currently have a certain look to your home, but you're ready for something completely different.  If you're buying major furniture pieces, this is the time to make that transition.  

Here are some links I found that could be very helpful:

Guide:How To Measure
furnishing design resources
How to measure for furniture

DIY Projects You CAN Do!

I have a confession to make.  I'm not a DIYer.  I have never DIYed anything.  I do, however, have a long list of projects I would like to try out one day.  There's a good chance that will never happen, nonetheless, the list continues to grow.

I have a designer's heart and mind. Not of a DIYer.  Some people assume that because you can design you can DIY.  Well, there's not much truth in that.  I can design a DIY project, but I most likely cannot make it come to life so easily.  Who knows, maybe if I take that leap of faith I will discover I'm good at both?!

DIYing isn't for everyone, but if you see a project you really like go ahead, take a shot at it.  And if you have a Mr. Handyman living with you take advantage and have him help out.

I will share with you a few of my favorites.  No particular style in mind.  I have very eclectic taste and these projects could easily be incorporated into any one's style.

Okay, so the most recent one I came across is this Diy Wood Doormat from The Merrythought.

Also, on my list is this amazing picture holder.  Even without pictures it would still be an amazing piece of art. 

DIY Geometric Photo Display  Valerie, from The Caldwell Project, walks you through, step by step, on how to make this wonderful photo display.  

Here's a really easy one.  This one is probably best for homeowners.  

House Numbers This project is from 4 Men 1 Lady.  I love that you can take this same idea and recreate it in any style you like.

She has several more wonderful ideas so I would definitely make time to check her out!

This next one may require a little more skill and special tools.  This would be a good time to ask the mister to step in unless you're extremely confident in your carpentry skills.

Diy Framed Chalkboard

If you're interested in more "skilled" carpentry projects be sure to check out her website.  Lots of wonderful ideas on there and lots of free plans to build them too.  Shanty 2 Chic

Now, if you're like me you love stores like Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, West Elm, and so on.  But realistically their products are very expensive.  So I found this video tutorial one how to make one of their very popular, very expensive mirrors.  Check it out.

Here's one for the ladies.  The link doesn't have a tutorial, but you get the idea.  

From flea market finds to savvy storage

Well, I guess I'll include one for the guys too.  This is a great idea to organize that garage.  Some skills required.  

Garage Storage Towers

Lastly, I will end with one that is at the very top of my list.  This will definitely require skill and a lot of patience.  Probably a couple to a few weekends to complete as well.  It is from one of my favorite DIYers, Vintage Revivals.

Pink and Red Honeycomb Wall

Truly this woman is talented and skilled!

Well, I hope that by now you too are inspired to design and create.  Don't be afraid to at least try something.  You just might discover something you're really good, or really bad at, but at least you'll know.

If you need some inspiration the best place I can refer you to is Pinterest.  I will warn you that it can be overwhelming, addicting, and fun.  So, if you don't think you can handle it you might not want to look.

So, to all of you future DIYers, good luck and let your creativity shine!

Here's a peek at other projects by some of the featured diy-ers.

Diy shelves               

Diy Bed

 Leather Handles

For the Love of Fall

Wow! It's that time of the year..summer activities and vacations have ended, the kids are either back in school or getting ready to go back, and parents "normal" schedules can resume.  The hustle and bustle of summer are officially over.  And now begins the next phase of this year's planning...the Holidays!  Ahhhh!

Most bloggers are probably way ahead of me, but I'm in no rush.  Besides I don't have deadlines to meet, or endorses to please.  I do this for fun.

If you've walked into any store you've already seen the displays of the holiday merchandise, and based on what I've seen there's no respect to order.  It's all out there already.  But I'm a person of order and I like to enjoy each holiday as its own.  So I've decided to tackle one at a time, assuming I would tackle any more after this.  

Skipping over Halloween as it's not really a favorite of mine I'll just jump right in to a season, really, and not a holiday.  Fall is probably my most favorite of all four seasons, not that we get all four seasons in Chicago anyway.  This is the time of year that as mother nature's design palette changes mine does too.  I've always been driven by nature's rich and luxurious palette, but this year my more muted, neutral palette is getting the best of me.  Being unable to commit to either one I've decided to try and combine them but also to enjoy each one individually.

In my living room I have a neutral palette.  Its main colors are different shades of gray, blue, and yellow.  In my dining room it's a whole other world.  There's dark wood tones, greens, reds, yellows, and teal.  Talk about a mash up!  It's too expensive to change out but I make it work...sort of.

I've gathered some pictures (mostly from Pinterest) that will help me to decorate my home in working with these palettes.  

Let's begin with the living room and its more muted, neutral palette.  Here's what I found.

      

The last image is from: missmustardseed-fall-decorating which also includes the tutorial on how to paint pumpkins these gorgeous colors!

Other links are: www.the36thavenue.com

As beautiful as pumpkins are you may not find any natural colors that work with your color palette, so in this case it's time to DIY...get creative.  Paint them or decorate them to match your unique palette.

Here are some images of more traditional, nature inspired pumpkins and decor.

Here are the links from:

Honey We're Home Rustic Glam Fall Mantle
stonegableblog.com and it includes a tutorial on how to put it all together.
shelterness.com and several more wonderful ideas.

Now, for those of you who lack a palette, if you're style is more modern, with no definitive color I haven't forgotten about you.  

  

Here are the links from: 

Honey We're Home Pumpkins
cloudfront.net
www.lushome.com
meredith.com
alwaystheholidays.com

So go out there, get your pumpkins and start decorating.  Don't be afraid of mixing it up and creating your own style.  Get creative and find different ways of displaying them.  Also, go store hopping and see what you find.  Pier 1, Hobby Lobby, Michaels, Home Goods/Marshalls/TJMaxx always have wonderful ceramic, metal or cloth pumpkins which bring a lot of style and fun to the home.

My favorite design trick is to layer, layer, layer.  If you notice all of these pictures include more than just pumpkins and are not limited to fall decor (for example the succulents).  

Enjoy fall.  Before you know it you'll be decorating for that other holiday.  

Disclaimer:  These images were sourced from Pinterest except where direct source links are provided.  Go ahead and click on the links and follow these wonderful bloggers/designers.


 
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