living room decorating

Paint by Numbers Wallpaper

I think <a href="http://www.target.com/Paint-Number-Gerbera-Daisy-Wallpaper/dp/B001DYPBP6/ref=sc_qi_detaillink">this wallpaper</a>, on clearance for around $20 a roll (27 in x 27 ft) at Target, could be a fun project.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/att11.png" /></div><br />It's from <a href="http://www.jennywilkinson.com/wallpaper.html">Jenny Wilkinson's Wallpaper-By-Number's Series</a>. The background is a pretty aqua blue, but the flowers and leaves are white and meant to be colored in by you with your choice of paint, colored pencils or markers.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/att12.png" /></div><br />The possibilities are endless! I like the idea of a fun fuchsia/orange/teal/black combo for the inside of my girls' closet.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Gerbera-half-painted.jpg" /></div><br />And floral wallpaper inside girlie closets always reminds me of Ruthie Sommers...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ruthiesommerscloset.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">image via Domino</span> - which, I'm sure you've heard by now, can be viewed online at <a href="http://www.brides.com/about/domino-magazine">Brides.com</a></div>

Paint by Numbers Wallpaper

I think this wallpaper , on clearance for around $20 a roll (27 in x 27 ft) at Target, could be a fun project. It's from Jenny Wilkinson...

2:30 AM

Katy's Chairs

I get asked to post upholstery tutorials A LOT. I do have plans for some tutorials later this year, but every piece of furniture needs a different approach, so it's not really a 'one size fits all' sort of thing.<br /><br />For now I keep responding that the best way to learn how to reupholster furniture is to read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Singer-Upholstery-Basics-Step-Step/dp/1589233298">this book</a> (my favorite) or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0865733198/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?ie=UTF8&cloe_id=3e9feaa3-df56-4437-82f6-d3f845e413ba&attrMsgId=LPWidget-A2&pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=1589233298&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0VHBA7F7R8PK5ENHJYT3">this one</a> (also great), and then to slowly, taking pictures all along the way, take apart the original upholstery. That's the best way to learn what works for your specific piece. And then just recreate!<br /><br /><a href="http://k8sanythingandeverything.blogspot.com/2010/06/my-experience-with-upholstery.html">Katy</a>, one of my old college friends, recently moved into a new home and has been doing all sorts of fun home projects. Check out this headboard she made. And don't you love those euro shams?! The fabric is from Joanns!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_0816.jpg" /></div><br />Katy had never taken on a big upholstery project, but she was determined to reupholster these inexpensive craigslist chairs for her bedroom:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_5504.jpg" /></div><br />She paid careful attention to the original upholstery and reproduced the same look in the <a href="http://www.interioralternative.com/browse.cfm/lovely-lattice-d8490/4,4305.html">new fabric</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_0797.jpg" /></div><br />The only sewing she did was to make the piping.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_1043.jpg" /></div><br />I think she did a great job and she saved herself a bundle of money! My upholsterer would charge a few hundred each for the labor on these chairs.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_1134.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_1125.jpg" /></div><br />Are you brave enough to reupholster used/vintage furniture? I promise it's not as scary as it looks!

Katy's Chairs

I get asked to post upholstery tutorials A LOT. I do have plans for some tutorials later this year, but every piece of furniture needs a dif...

2:32 AM

Winner: Burke Decor Give Away

Winner: Burke Decor Give Away

1,000 owl/hoot/who jokes later, the winner of the Burke Decor Owl Umbrella Stand is JENNIFER ! Jen, please email me when you have a minute....

6:40 PM

DIY Chevron Rug

I've got some fun Reader DIY posts lined up that I'm really excited about. First up is an amazing painted rug project!<br /><br />Reader <a href="http://wearetheraddest.blogspot.com/2010/06/nursery-sneak-peak-rug.html">Miggy</a> was inspired by <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2008/12/dear-kate.html">this LGN post</a> and by Nick Olson's painted chevron rug. She picked up a $30 white flatweave rug from IKEA, similar to <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30137898">this one</a>:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/0102877_PE248490_S4.jpg" /></div><br />and got to work taping it up in a chevron pattern:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/P6126824sml.jpg" /></div><br />Then she used a dry brush technique and applied some regular latex paint in two different shades.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/P6136829sml.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/P6136831sml.jpg" /></div><br />I love the effect of the dry brushing!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/P6136836sml.jpg" /></div><br />Miggy is using this rug in her daughter's nursery. Can you believe the total cost was $36 and about 3.5 hours of labor? I love it.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/P6136840sml.jpg" /></div><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Do you have a submission for my Reader DIY series? </span><a href="mailto:pearlstreetinteriors@gmail.com" style="font-style: italic;">Email me!</a>

DIY Chevron Rug

I've got some fun Reader DIY posts lined up that I'm really excited about. First up is an amazing painted rug project! Reader Miggy ...

2:25 AM

Dwellers Without Decorators

<div>So loving this new-to-me blog, <a href="http://dwellerswithoutdecorators.blogspot.com/">Dwellers Without Decorators</a>, written by Glamour editor, Suze Yalof Schwartz.<br /><br />That owl looks <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2010/06/give-away-from-burke-decor-owl-umbrella.html">familiar</a>...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/FD.jpg" /></div><br />If you love a good before/after series, check out all the 'Chez Moi' posts in her sidebar. Here are some of my favorites from her NYC apartment renovation. All photos by <a href="http://www.danhallman.com/">Dan Hallman</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/LR1-1.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/LR4-1.jpg" /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/LR2-1.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/H1.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/MasterRug.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Dendone1.jpg" /></div><br /></div>

Dwellers Without Decorators

So loving this new-to-me blog, Dwellers Without Decorators , written by Glamour editor, Suze Yalof Schwartz. That owl looks familiar ... If ...

2:35 AM

Give Away from Burke Decor - Owl Umbrella Stand

If you're wondering what's on-trend for home decor and accessories, go no further than <a href="http://www.burkedecor.com/">Burke Decor</a>!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture2-8.png" /></div><br />Check out their inventory <a href="http://www.burkedecor.com/">here</a>, and then leave a comment on this post  for a chance to win this adorable <a href="http://www.burkedecor.com/Owl_Umbrella_Stand_p/two3987.htm">owl umbrella stand</a> from Burke Decor.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/TWO3987-2.jpg" /></div><br />It's a show-stopper in these Jonathan Adler entries:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/bench4-jonathonadlerpic1.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/45a0a0e019f0.jpg" /></div><br />Wouldn't you love an owl in your entry too??<br /><br />Thanks to our friends at <a href="http://www.burkedecor.com/">Burke Decor</a> and thanks to you readers for supporting the companies that sponsor LGN!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Comments will be closed on Sunday, June 27 at midnight. One commenter will be chosen at random and the winner will be announced Monday. Good luck!!</span>

Give Away from Burke Decor - Owl Umbrella Stand

If you're wondering what's on-trend for home decor and accessories, go no further than Burke Decor ! Check out their inventory here ...

2:31 AM

Criss-Cross Drapes

Criss-Cross Drapes

So wanting to copy the look of these curtains I saw the other day at Ethan Allan. Who would have thought that a criss-cross pattern would lo...

2:32 AM

Give New Life to a Lamp Shade

My little sister went back up to college yesterday, but before she left we did a bit of thrifting for her new apartment. Hands down, the best find was a perfect vintage yellow ginger jar at Goodwill for about $4. We used some of the <a href="http://www.lsfabrics.com/fabric_catalog.php?pid=9079">fabric</a> left over from <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2010/05/mom-and-dads-updated-family-room.html">this ottoman slipcover project </a>to dress up an inexpensive and plain drum shade from Walmart. Then we glued cream bias tape along the top and bottom rims to cover up the unfinished edges of the fabric.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/lamp-1.jpg" /></div>I love it and wish I had kept the lamp for myself!<br /><br /><em>PS The very talented Janell from Isabella and Max Rooms recently posted a super thorough tutorial on covering lamp shades with fabric. </em><a href="http://isabellaandmaxrooms.blogspot.com/2010/06/how-to-cover-lampshades-with-fabric.html"><em>Check it out here</em></a><em>.</em>

Give New Life to a Lamp Shade

My little sister went back up to college yesterday, but before she left we did a bit of thrifting for her new apartment. Hands down, the bes...

2:29 AM

Been Busy

I have been in Arizona for my Grandmother's funeral. It's been a special time for me - hearing lovely stories about her life and celebrating the gracious woman she was.<br /><br />This last week was spent helping my mom put out some of Grandma's things she inherited, like a few pieces of silver brought over on the boat from Sweden, hung here in a shadow box.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/spoonshadowbox.jpg" /></div><br />We also hung a few pieces of china from different sides of the family.<br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/plateswall.jpg" /></div><br />I like the way they look together, especially in the mirror, which is the view from the entry.<br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/plates2.jpg" /></div><br />As much as I love a good DIY project, I think there's nothing like incorporating family heirlooms or pieces with special meaning into home decor. I smiled and thought of Grandma each time I sat down at the dining table this week and got a glimpse of the plates or silverware.<br /><br />PS Evelyn inherited my grandmother's eyes. Even better than china.<br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/evie.jpg" /></div>

Been Busy

I have been in Arizona for my Grandmother's funeral. It's been a special time for me - hearing lovely stories about her life and cel...

2:31 AM

How much would you pay a decorator?

Remember <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/03/garden/03cheap.html?pagewanted=1">this feature from the NY Times</a>? The article is about a newlywed couple in NYC who wanted help decorating their first apartment.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/articleLarge.jpg" /></div>I always love getting some insight into how other decorators work (and how much they charge! $10,000 for this room, in case you're wondering.***And to clarify, the designer volunteered her work for the sake of the article and the press. It's written in the features in the margin that she would have charged $10k for the room.)<br /><br />Here's the before:<br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture_4.png" /></div>and the after again:<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/articleLarge.jpg" /></div>Another angle:<br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture_2-1.png" /></div>Overall, I like the changes to the space, though my two favorite elements were pieces the couple already owned - the Empire dining chairs and the <a href="http://www.artnet.com/Artists/ArtistHomePage.aspx?artist_id=15686&page_tab=Artworks">Hunt Slonem</a> butterfly painting.<br /><br /><div align="center"><img height="414" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/artwork_images_139_496202_hunt-slon.jpg" width="617" /></div><div align="center"><em><a href="http://www.artnet.com/artwork/425968039/139/hunt-slonem-red-butterflies.html">Red Butterflies, 2008, by Hunt Slonem</a></em></div><br /><br />I did love the idea of vinyl stripes in the dining nook! Such a clever idea for renters with a no-painting policy.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><img height="509" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/popup.jpg" style="height: 523px; width: 415px;" width="395" /></div>The decorator spent $100 on the brown vinyl stripes, which were purchased through <a href="http://www.wallsneedlove.com/#SlideFrame_1">Walls Need Love</a>. If you're after the same look, you might consider contact paper, or at the very least, shopping around on etsy for the vinyl.<br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture_2-1.png" /></div><br />What do you think? Worth $5k+ spent on new furnishings? What about the additional $10k in decorator's fees?<br /><br />My thoughts on pricing for a decorator (just the fees - not the purchasing budget) have changed a lot over the past few years. I'd love to hear your thoughts - especially you fellow decorators. Is $10k for a NYC living/dining room too much, not enough or just right?

How much would you pay a decorator?

Remember this feature from the NY Times ? The article is about a newlywed couple in NYC who wanted help decorating their first apartment. I ...

7:19 PM

A big kitchen would be nice too...

A big kitchen would be nice too...

I haven't had a chance to look at the new Lonny yet, but I saw this kitchen on another blog and got super excited for the new issue. Do...

12:26 PM

Oriental Rugs

Oriental Rugs

A number of you have asked about my sources for small and inexpensive oriental rugs. Flea markets and thrift stores are the best places to l...

5:15 PM

Dreaming of Small and Efficient Kitchens

<div align="center"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/3022395405_9f85bc0e4c.jpg" /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/stephaniestokes1-kitchen-otm-0708-x.jpg" /></div><div align="center"><em>Stephanie Stokes</em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/MlinaricHenryZervudachi12.jpg" /></div><div align="center"><em>Desire To Inspire</em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/melissaruty17copy.png" /></div><div align="center"><em>Mellisa Rufty</em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/6a00e5505fecd38833012875b686ac970c-.jpg" /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/annasui2_large.jpg" /></div><div align="center"><em>Elle Decor</em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/saragilbaneinteriorskitchencloseupp.jpg" /></div><div align="center"><em>Sara Gilbane</em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/3675379677_185afe3b19.jpg" /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/oprah.jpg" /></div><div align="center"><em>O at Home</em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/tracery_dougdaviskitchen_main.jpg" /></div><div align="center"><em>Tracery Interiors Blog</em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/velvetandlinen4359348314_f2b5157216.png" /></div><div align="center"><em>Velvet and Linen</em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/viabrynwoodbottomspainteduppers.jpg" /></div><div align="center"><em>via Bryn's blog</em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/viamyNottongHillLoriLudwickBeall_07.jpg" /></div><div align="center"><em>via My Notting Hill</em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/hbx-decorating-Berger-6-0709-xlg.jpg" /></div><div align="center"><em>House Beautiful</em></div><br />How do you make your small kitchen more efficient and beautiful? I like to put small and very inexpensive oriental rugs in my kitchen. They are comfortable underfoot, clean off easily and always elicit compliments from guests.

Dreaming of Small and Efficient Kitchens

Stephanie Stokes Desire To Inspire Mellisa Rufty Elle Decor Sara Gilbane O at Home Tracery Interiors Blog Velvet and Linen via Bryn's bl...

2:27 AM