Roman Shades And Some New Fabric Makes A Whole New CHANGE

One thing that I really like is...CHANGE.

Remember this family room?  - 

Before:

 

I changed it up! By adding three new coordinating fabrics, changing lamps, adding a tree, adding molding to frame windows, and switching out the drapes/blinds for Romans and a new french door treatment...I got the CHANGE I wanted...

After:

Basement Family Room

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After:

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After:

(After photos were taken before client's frames could be filled with sepia photos)

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After:

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After:

March Decorating Tip Of The Month!

If you are hanging a window treatment that fully covers the front of a window; for example a valance, hang it further above where the window actually starts.  This will make the window appear larger and let in a lot more light with still the decorative touch! 

February Decorating Tip Of The Month!

One of quickest ways to freshen up and update your kitchen is to add a tile back splash. 

Check out this link at Daltile for some of my current favorites:

http://www.daltile.com/series.cfm?series=288&next=1&pg=1&rm=1#4372

January Decorating Tip Of The Month!

Always have a "focal point" in each room. Have it be what stands out upon entering that room.

 

Main Floor Make Over

This client purchased a rental property and wanted to freshen up this space, make it their own on a limited budget.  They wanted color, darker wood, new carpet, new blinds, valances to let lots of light in, and a warm homey feel.

*Unfortunately, the red wall color did not photograph like it is in person.  It definitely is not pink, but a rustic warm red color.*

Family Room Before -

Family Room After -

Entry Way Before - 

Entry Way After - 
(due to flash, color isn't as bright in person as shown below)

 

Dining Room Before - 

Dining Room After - 

Kitchen Before - 

Kitchen After - 

The white walls, linoleum, and appliances had to go.  To accommodate the light cabinets we found laminate flooring that had both light and dark colors present.  We upgraded to stainless steel appliances, added antiqued bronze cabinet hardware, new kitchen faucet, and a tile black splash to pull it all together.

I would say this space is definitely warmed up a bit without breaking the bank!

Girls Room

The Pottery Barn Look We Were Going For -

 

 The Similar Look At Less Than 1/4th The Cost! - 

Click to enlarge photo for detail: 
 

 

 

 

To achieve this look I purchased a used set on KSL which consisted of a desk, chair, nightstand, and dresser for $70. The set was around 20-30 years old, dark wood stain, formica brown tops, and had been painted several coats of white paint on top of that which was dinged up and chipping. I stripped it, sanded it, and added new wood round knobs ($10) http://www.homedepot.com and farmhouse style bunn feet ($68.55) (http://www.tablelegs.com). After preparing it for painting ($25 - Benjamin Moore Color color matched to Kilz at Wal-Mart) I sent it off here http://www.the-chic-life.blogspot.com who refinished them all for $225.

Total cost for all 4 pieces: 398.55

Compared to Pottery Barn Set: $1866.00 -

Dresser - $799

Nightstand - $349

Desk - $599

Chair - $119

 

October Decorating Tip Of The Month!

Hanging Pictures

Before hanging a picture, photo, or wall art on the wall...trace the image size on paper, cut out, and tape to the spot you were thinking on the wall. Leave it there for a day or two to study and make sure that is where you want it before taking a nail and hammer to your dry wall. This will save you unnecessary patching jobs and allow you to know for sure that that is where you want it!

 

Master Bedroom

 

 

 

 

 

September Decorating Tip Of The Month!

How To Measure Drapes and Curtains

Check this site out for the "how to":  http://www.factorydirectdrapes.com/store/comersus_howtomeasure.asp?mcid=#2 

 

Rules for Measuring Drapes and Curtains

A.-

WIDTH –is always measured and expressed first
when ordering.
HEIGHT –is always measured and expressed second
when ordering.

B. -

Use a RETRACTABLE METAL TAPE MEASURE to ensure accuracy 

(ie: NEVER use a cloth tape measure or a yard stick)

C. -

NEVER measure the existing drape or window covering.
You WILL NOT get an accurate measure this way.