living room decorating

How to Decorate a Bedroom in a Week: The Projects

{I know you guys are going to hate me, but there are no after pictures in this post. Sorry! There are just too many projects and pictures here. Next post. Promise.} While Ali and I were shopping for fabric and accessories, my mom tiled the floor with this beautiful black marble. There are <a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+tile+a+floor&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a">lots of great tutorials</a> online for how to tile your own floor. My mom is awesome and fast. This was the last bathroom in their house to redo, so my parents had already invested in a tile cutter and the other necessities, but it is easy to rent a tile cutter from Home Depot or Lowes. We used black grout and 1/8" spacers. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJy9OQL1Z0HYL7ulhTpkXYIcJn16dwM_zB3YBRo0DvJy8Ez_lcm_v1gBDB9Kpf1s_2YRqmhq2SSTNLWIFcocANTum6eWjn7gnM2NgKBG8c90Xq4d4d7v-uQkPWU6AK_Pn42x2UWo-BsNt/s1600-h/IMG_6020_0053.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446103662621208146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJy9OQL1Z0HYL7ulhTpkXYIcJn16dwM_zB3YBRo0DvJy8Ez_lcm_v1gBDB9Kpf1s_2YRqmhq2SSTNLWIFcocANTum6eWjn7gnM2NgKBG8c90Xq4d4d7v-uQkPWU6AK_Pn42x2UWo-BsNt/s400/IMG_6020_0053.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGvvQ7jwYlpP8z6e1nyU6ujJJ9Lfa6xIuCjnV-0rT0mTyfQVwQ0-OvPICWaiRJX7ipNMsd75-eK6ajdbpePpQ8-viLKpJz6YWbOht_XyHElj7C_QshpVR5ilNMspeA3h8IoUsVWZtvbRMO/s1600-h/IMG_6021_0052.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446103667680385474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGvvQ7jwYlpP8z6e1nyU6ujJJ9Lfa6xIuCjnV-0rT0mTyfQVwQ0-OvPICWaiRJX7ipNMsd75-eK6ajdbpePpQ8-viLKpJz6YWbOht_XyHElj7C_QshpVR5ilNMspeA3h8IoUsVWZtvbRMO/s400/IMG_6021_0052.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 263px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrC1wpUjLBxvyOoCq7uIC0nxfdnwljvAgrQEot4Ehyphenhyphenpi25Ga16fsv3gaLB9RtubdI5M2rNH86zdnsrvMdXv4XWnQdcgP8_8wInfD8u7hW5EW4sc35O_r3nhmaZ5nQxoPunDk6oOc0JAS7/s1600-h/IMG_6022_0051.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446103676779742562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrC1wpUjLBxvyOoCq7uIC0nxfdnwljvAgrQEot4Ehyphenhyphenpi25Ga16fsv3gaLB9RtubdI5M2rNH86zdnsrvMdXv4XWnQdcgP8_8wInfD8u7hW5EW4sc35O_r3nhmaZ5nQxoPunDk6oOc0JAS7/s400/IMG_6022_0051.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> By the time we got back from shopping, the grout had dried and it was time to get going on the other projects of the room. First up: the walls. To save time, I always roll first and get as close to the edge as I can with the roller. Then I cut in with a two-inch angled brush after the rolled portion is dry. Repeat as needed. I rarely use painters tape. Just a steady hand and a wet rag to clean up and mistakes. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVJtsXk-l98catig7EnLKJ5rm0-oK7vg11L4E9T6ma7lhJFl7dv-YUsrZfunLTk8LkwQyt2h1roUzY2y7bN9IkwJchW21cI789uSde_UD2Pe240xscNiAiMw1a9xlCxTVvvcvreU5GxYK3/s1600-h/IMG_6027_0046.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446103685167945890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVJtsXk-l98catig7EnLKJ5rm0-oK7vg11L4E9T6ma7lhJFl7dv-YUsrZfunLTk8LkwQyt2h1roUzY2y7bN9IkwJchW21cI789uSde_UD2Pe240xscNiAiMw1a9xlCxTVvvcvreU5GxYK3/s400/IMG_6027_0046.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 244px;" /></a> The walls in the bedroom were painted RL's Montauk Driftwood and the bathroom walls were painted Hopsack. We softened the color of the Hopsack by about half with the addition of white paint. The result is a pretty oatmeal color that was better suited for the bathroom space and looked better next to the new pale blue wall color. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446101858363521794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3cgQqHOrQjpF28fzmy4ONvP4SZAYEg1nu96GGeH3sxlauih9Um9z-SNgvm5vnvK_VkUGGhhu8D51prxYfRDTZo0IutjyAISAR1sGx4zU9IG6NpmWaA6Tao1zTCSL0xx0qfQt_0poLYDVl/s400/IMG_2637.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /> While the walls were drying, we painted the furniture. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEv9L8fAdFXSL-2KKoGQrBCKJ82wXBF-KwIdZv7pRCzWFDhl5niCHBZYp_AqGeNxXOrYfL8Sf6Lv9-7aqBKPQKeohTuFkrvwup-YP0YJ0CbejjEKMACZqjnDjam-mTR3QUs5Q21QPWaTO/s1600-h/IMG_6031_0042.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446103801582150306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEv9L8fAdFXSL-2KKoGQrBCKJ82wXBF-KwIdZv7pRCzWFDhl5niCHBZYp_AqGeNxXOrYfL8Sf6Lv9-7aqBKPQKeohTuFkrvwup-YP0YJ0CbejjEKMACZqjnDjam-mTR3QUs5Q21QPWaTO/s400/IMG_6031_0042.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 355px;" /></a> When I don't use spray paint, I almost always roll on the paint with a foam mini-roller, let that first coat dry and then come back with a brush for all the grooves. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhYF1MuRkqnzRIOyj8_8A6GILEWF1RbHbkSwpJEhB3FG_AX5Tm08NJkAEao1L1qRvaAkLjaWTUnPKBoAGcX5xgCLxe8zRmawy6v8IwWkUWMKWxECDV34CcDEbPuAl05rgzQqYrU5-sJ3wL/s1600-h/IMG_6026_0047.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446103682272489538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhYF1MuRkqnzRIOyj8_8A6GILEWF1RbHbkSwpJEhB3FG_AX5Tm08NJkAEao1L1qRvaAkLjaWTUnPKBoAGcX5xgCLxe8zRmawy6v8IwWkUWMKWxECDV34CcDEbPuAl05rgzQqYrU5-sJ3wL/s400/IMG_6026_0047.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 255px;" /></a> We used Ralph Lauren's Smoked Glass on the bed and Hopsack (no white added here) on the night stands. The curtain rods were spray painted Heirloom White. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9lI4dwfhiseJFl1H_z4NBLQsycliMnZnJGrrejncybGlIliHv8xh3-QF9fj8gciNtvNKoKflrBvjCxTBuly6DeWNrRPqHo8gHi978ptEG8XHPb46g4KQwJDuv5RThK7V6EMZIOzQqk3cs/s1600-h/IMG_2782.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446103371944223090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9lI4dwfhiseJFl1H_z4NBLQsycliMnZnJGrrejncybGlIliHv8xh3-QF9fj8gciNtvNKoKflrBvjCxTBuly6DeWNrRPqHo8gHi978ptEG8XHPb46g4KQwJDuv5RThK7V6EMZIOzQqk3cs/s400/IMG_2782.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 341px;" /></a> The antique-glazed white console table was painted Martha's "Yellow Magnolia". <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn4BWwE7VcRKlC7XVThd6LL0ICtmDBW-0042Te1pfnd4STMoaZSN6sJ1b18S3m_Z_2jSx08_kw7IFXp15nFMfnmNU37EFBd0SXuuyU30ApvqvgTw0_3UAVc8hceERP-nxCabhixDNw9ZP2/s1600-h/IMG_5991_0082.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446103394982412706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn4BWwE7VcRKlC7XVThd6LL0ICtmDBW-0042Te1pfnd4STMoaZSN6sJ1b18S3m_Z_2jSx08_kw7IFXp15nFMfnmNU37EFBd0SXuuyU30ApvqvgTw0_3UAVc8hceERP-nxCabhixDNw9ZP2/s400/IMG_5991_0082.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> I just used a $3 sample pot of paint for this project. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzgjSAxYVlZ7N_pEJEtHpTCqNxLr173k_bUSHfGdE-rwGYdK033CKMYbQsNne8SUBqCmN8s-vxJmQES0BWg1SBTpx9pb10VrL33aKPPBpszbgAv54gJKVXuSzQBYSf3a1DmMydZnRJk9f/s1600-h/IMG_2747.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446102011939396978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzgjSAxYVlZ7N_pEJEtHpTCqNxLr173k_bUSHfGdE-rwGYdK033CKMYbQsNne8SUBqCmN8s-vxJmQES0BWg1SBTpx9pb10VrL33aKPPBpszbgAv54gJKVXuSzQBYSf3a1DmMydZnRJk9f/s400/IMG_2747.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> The hope chest got some decorative molding and two coats of a slate blue color we mixed with paints we had lying around to save cash. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirbfdSS74E8RjcXyIj51Ukxbg3Uhfdux68ZbtstRtFSZZFHBWYL7Fy3e29KdJLxNOx_Bt2gHrDZt0bIEHmKgvquJCkEe7ugHWzyyZ5jIeAWfSu0aS15ZRv2j6smKcap9AA-n64P8XHqcI/s1600-h/IMG_2780.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446103135076497314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirbfdSS74E8RjcXyIj51Ukxbg3Uhfdux68ZbtstRtFSZZFHBWYL7Fy3e29KdJLxNOx_Bt2gHrDZt0bIEHmKgvquJCkEe7ugHWzyyZ5jIeAWfSu0aS15ZRv2j6smKcap9AA-n64P8XHqcI/s400/IMG_2780.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaODXqj9U-mAibn20aPygnCEAO2RRfnr0gmSdEAJHa5SZzJmVQSn_mbgYL8tsycgcR_18MWU1FNzy98cpbvGWuXYjlcKoj5ljzeVfKyq6dvf8qzdgLDwSZ36UWDGhiZ3g4-RDS42g0UcKH/s1600-h/IMG_2781.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446103139088976754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaODXqj9U-mAibn20aPygnCEAO2RRfnr0gmSdEAJHa5SZzJmVQSn_mbgYL8tsycgcR_18MWU1FNzy98cpbvGWuXYjlcKoj5ljzeVfKyq6dvf8qzdgLDwSZ36UWDGhiZ3g4-RDS42g0UcKH/s400/IMG_2781.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> The top of the hope chest was reupholstered with the floral fabric. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfKSeuzzXX4ngtingptZefhlEe9LGVaKuMnRvs3i_NHi13QquGb2e82gEAOluj_H59KVgxp-vpcwLhqyq5fJDhgmQGyG6uxQxwyKt2gMqeeGX-l95nr2s5Nnj2WPUZcyxZtL7QquegvNQC/s1600-h/IMG_2783.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446103377149257234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfKSeuzzXX4ngtingptZefhlEe9LGVaKuMnRvs3i_NHi13QquGb2e82gEAOluj_H59KVgxp-vpcwLhqyq5fJDhgmQGyG6uxQxwyKt2gMqeeGX-l95nr2s5Nnj2WPUZcyxZtL7QquegvNQC/s400/IMG_2783.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> These little decorative tins were spray painted Heirloom white. We got them on major clearance from Home Goods. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggs7XfNv6AWixFlT7TBl2hg4pLBjdgiRof0WpN3JqshENbl1IKPzLll550uskJq7PGdqNY7Ydfxjw9gHUtb6JCrdgEij8tKf7_ZQBBIP6kFloXmzRa_KoyNQS-89UxqtJCgBTQh1sT9npA/s1600-h/IMG_2784.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446103378534748770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggs7XfNv6AWixFlT7TBl2hg4pLBjdgiRof0WpN3JqshENbl1IKPzLll550uskJq7PGdqNY7Ydfxjw9gHUtb6JCrdgEij8tKf7_ZQBBIP6kFloXmzRa_KoyNQS-89UxqtJCgBTQh1sT9npA/s400/IMG_2784.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> Moving on to some of the more involved projects... <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjE8Q3pXd2ate7pJXku7lXEeXSfEDNiJpfZFtaXB9NgGtNixyxCWMUvXhgVYP9iPGMwVAo_kk75yRm3q5_NO4aR_pJCcFVhIcyUo7vJ6dZsrjx3ZsQhz8pZZ5ff2DRR5afNNmWtj01t45T/s1600-h/IMG_2764.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446102686187562050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjE8Q3pXd2ate7pJXku7lXEeXSfEDNiJpfZFtaXB9NgGtNixyxCWMUvXhgVYP9iPGMwVAo_kk75yRm3q5_NO4aR_pJCcFVhIcyUo7vJ6dZsrjx3ZsQhz8pZZ5ff2DRR5afNNmWtj01t45T/s400/IMG_2764.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> Ali picked up this book in the clearance section of her local library for just a few dollars. We had 400 beautiful botanical plates of gorgeous wildflowers to choose from for framing. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTguQSypUhCwZnb41oVapY9t0aC922irE4vtvlqbyvKqkyaaD7PDaJ_kjgMy7MKILiH9J5ABBff-aiPxP2tULagNwA6f5Wpihyphenhyphengp3bDAGVkDsjbXYlhscJr59bmuPnp0UDzJQTGLLCSmv/s1600-h/IMG_2765.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446102692320652002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTguQSypUhCwZnb41oVapY9t0aC922irE4vtvlqbyvKqkyaaD7PDaJ_kjgMy7MKILiH9J5ABBff-aiPxP2tULagNwA6f5Wpihyphenhyphengp3bDAGVkDsjbXYlhscJr59bmuPnp0UDzJQTGLLCSmv/s400/IMG_2765.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> These frames from Michaels are so great and I've been using them in lots of projects lately. They come in two-packs for $7. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qIdd7vghhX7HCCWfaVlxQbHqwB55Mg2g6pieLHgTmguoseHQ_DZEex_cAgfkGfAwr-Y5vvFHirkhrywMgKgCM1SGJvUPjDulFjU9TwP8LX0gIvkkJ-XU56Z9LSUnlhEvSkF4Nv-Q74XU/s1600-h/IMG_2757.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446102032865160562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qIdd7vghhX7HCCWfaVlxQbHqwB55Mg2g6pieLHgTmguoseHQ_DZEex_cAgfkGfAwr-Y5vvFHirkhrywMgKgCM1SGJvUPjDulFjU9TwP8LX0gIvkkJ-XU56Z9LSUnlhEvSkF4Nv-Q74XU/s400/IMG_2757.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> You can use them without mats, but I decided to use these mats, also from Michael's, for about $2.50 each. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZfoaYTKfA5jDe7NjAsN-z55UYt6rHjEVvwcWTfySdSLl5r-bwiDSRcZSGs-6QwV0kO5uE_GRD24Fs3Alk7_G-lzIWy4-Y9ac3fEIR1K07aYtDRmnZS0ikDqgvwSq-bmUGtGEMKgy4ZEj/s1600-h/IMG_2758.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446102388176500914" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZfoaYTKfA5jDe7NjAsN-z55UYt6rHjEVvwcWTfySdSLl5r-bwiDSRcZSGs-6QwV0kO5uE_GRD24Fs3Alk7_G-lzIWy4-Y9ac3fEIR1K07aYtDRmnZS0ikDqgvwSq-bmUGtGEMKgy4ZEj/s400/IMG_2758.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> We measured and mapped out the gallery wall. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiapjIOFAjXqsdlu7N_eZx6M-V5ZDHkeMTRiEfUVu9YFg9N5PtkgT041AdUCmoAoo-DUa6AhQ84QTnI7frGOwkWSnnSPexovWGmu7eVLIXmQnYLHuCHsU8t8Jsw4v6O4uN0JZDop0tQE-2K/s1600-h/IMG_2779.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446103129664845554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiapjIOFAjXqsdlu7N_eZx6M-V5ZDHkeMTRiEfUVu9YFg9N5PtkgT041AdUCmoAoo-DUa6AhQ84QTnI7frGOwkWSnnSPexovWGmu7eVLIXmQnYLHuCHsU8t8Jsw4v6O4uN0JZDop0tQE-2K/s400/IMG_2779.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> And you'll just have to wait to see the afters! ;) but here's a sneak: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3L84hM0ptMre9qV7ay5wAwBEOctgMwqgaqjw0bBfveoHD07A_kWW59gsrj8PO3hKM2POCIvCfC6PXVeyxanjjHtal7hT-rEh5SbiMNalT8h6V68dSxGk0bi0cYbs4Msg81ZxS-6EciXG/s1600-h/IMG_0399_0173.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446132733389769682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3L84hM0ptMre9qV7ay5wAwBEOctgMwqgaqjw0bBfveoHD07A_kWW59gsrj8PO3hKM2POCIvCfC6PXVeyxanjjHtal7hT-rEh5SbiMNalT8h6V68dSxGk0bi0cYbs4Msg81ZxS-6EciXG/s400/IMG_0399_0173.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 364px;" /></a> Remember the giant round mirror from Home Goods? I sanded off the scratches and rough spots. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_AYSRlXsjJwhpd1xP6k03x9IRQlX3bIPkw5QfxyaoaxefQe-LQTdd-zWclVA2x4UbQe_0n6JkwAd96yTV-IRxBejuLFJ5PD2e1cPWyRnzuthXtU382ipRYGkQVAm7Ol3YLJupqg-PEdT/s1600-h/IMG_2754.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446102027899682130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_AYSRlXsjJwhpd1xP6k03x9IRQlX3bIPkw5QfxyaoaxefQe-LQTdd-zWclVA2x4UbQe_0n6JkwAd96yTV-IRxBejuLFJ5PD2e1cPWyRnzuthXtU382ipRYGkQVAm7Ol3YLJupqg-PEdT/s400/IMG_2754.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> Then I brainstormed ways to evenly space out these little wooden floral appliques. At first I was just going to find the center point and then draw some straight lines on the mirror with a dry erase marker for registration marks. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmiMqk6TeAE4UdlEAZAJNwutV07DaK7M7adI3x3clQ1C6I6dcYpqxlBmJR4ma6g1FCCojEAPCg4NRy9uS0iDE1kdq-hgrHHj0WfE5f-Cq2cvZ16rZf_oewiP5W2eUTGkpV9A7T7nfS9WRY/s1600-h/IMG_2750.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446102013123836834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmiMqk6TeAE4UdlEAZAJNwutV07DaK7M7adI3x3clQ1C6I6dcYpqxlBmJR4ma6g1FCCojEAPCg4NRy9uS0iDE1kdq-hgrHHj0WfE5f-Cq2cvZ16rZf_oewiP5W2eUTGkpV9A7T7nfS9WRY/s400/IMG_2750.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> Then my dad reminded me about geometry! (who says you never use math in real life?!) It was surprisingly easy to figure out how far to space out the appliques once we determined the circumference of the frame. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlP8abXIDWgiVCGZHQrck3bhmoJPfW6cAkWGgnT9NRAXCX7P3KMAtKUuQc8GCaCx80jgE8v02IaPGG_joHqs9OIjjnpwahbM4efMiNRlV_HSb5nz5trIWRJN6E-UH6wJ8ScRmGVX8fkG8y/s1600-h/IMG_2753.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446102023913438162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlP8abXIDWgiVCGZHQrck3bhmoJPfW6cAkWGgnT9NRAXCX7P3KMAtKUuQc8GCaCx80jgE8v02IaPGG_joHqs9OIjjnpwahbM4efMiNRlV_HSb5nz5trIWRJN6E-UH6wJ8ScRmGVX8fkG8y/s400/IMG_2753.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> I glued each piece down, let the wood glue dry and then put on the first coat of paint (Martha's "River Mist"). I wasn't too worried about the paint getting on the mirror because paint cleans off mirrors so easily with a little windex. Any tougher spots clean up very fast with the help of a razor blade, so no tricky painters tape needed. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUiwbZg4f9vLoodzYyAtm1wkf7EeJXGi3XmRaml3Bxc_o0-oPGwNLXV5CwRtKbPRXqXOWUArbjilec6sbjH8VxmsorLV1wP8ILfSwDcOTJ6gX_8ZI9DZV0X1HlmTROyG63-81hNOAI11G/s1600-h/IMG_2767.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446102700822045826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUiwbZg4f9vLoodzYyAtm1wkf7EeJXGi3XmRaml3Bxc_o0-oPGwNLXV5CwRtKbPRXqXOWUArbjilec6sbjH8VxmsorLV1wP8ILfSwDcOTJ6gX_8ZI9DZV0X1HlmTROyG63-81hNOAI11G/s400/IMG_2767.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 312px;" /></a> My mom was a busy little seamstress while we painted. She turned the 18 yards of Barbara Barry Poetical linen into six beautiful panels. We wanted the panels black-out lined, but that lining can be expensive with so many yards needed, so we used $10 canvas drop cloths from Home Depot for the lining. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHYcQms7Id9TKouk-Iu7pLDgHhSg5Ic5vixUdrR78X-K5AWVa0LshNfYD2gm1_5E0c01axIUU6Zn78vzoyTRlh0Djo9FEXO15l7xLE-q31MvYmgQcvjnp-dbVJMs21h1s2hxTqDqk_2BBx/s1600-h/IMG_2731.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446124841306890898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHYcQms7Id9TKouk-Iu7pLDgHhSg5Ic5vixUdrR78X-K5AWVa0LshNfYD2gm1_5E0c01axIUU6Zn78vzoyTRlh0Djo9FEXO15l7xLE-q31MvYmgQcvjnp-dbVJMs21h1s2hxTqDqk_2BBx/s400/IMG_2731.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7wZJ0R4jTPpIoTcrRlG6bvYgi1Y2yDr8rgIBLSrO1HwE2sbCHOiYsVoQ5yL02-gkXLqbCrpeCKMLjC2os0_8HH6sFU0ivtGRwVPKuDYu2cJ72-oKGt9achFx2kdzDPPVXWYKevpfSA4q/s1600-h/IMG_2763.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446102421211332226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7wZJ0R4jTPpIoTcrRlG6bvYgi1Y2yDr8rgIBLSrO1HwE2sbCHOiYsVoQ5yL02-gkXLqbCrpeCKMLjC2os0_8HH6sFU0ivtGRwVPKuDYu2cJ72-oKGt9achFx2kdzDPPVXWYKevpfSA4q/s400/IMG_2763.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> Also to save on cost, we decided to forgo curtain rings. Mom sewed in a panel with evenly spaced slits for the curtain rod to weave in and out of. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm5wICseCQR9Qi5afO8OUsIAMAC1bXy1C6CpilJH8KigwVcMcVa4WjZvwXspZK_4tIdXisXBQTKszL4xXqnhb5mVkT6XhypgtW_5ZjawX7jp1GoG3-mu1MuSMMpJ0Ep89xjH3B6bXB1b7i/s1600-h/IMG_2762.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446102412710120434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm5wICseCQR9Qi5afO8OUsIAMAC1bXy1C6CpilJH8KigwVcMcVa4WjZvwXspZK_4tIdXisXBQTKszL4xXqnhb5mVkT6XhypgtW_5ZjawX7jp1GoG3-mu1MuSMMpJ0Ep89xjH3B6bXB1b7i/s400/IMG_2762.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim8NL2PP7Uy6llDOlrjBHzu_YmhYWH2Lie3ogIikDZJUVm7oZ-SRpbrRpA6gGhHdbKwkVeCa-OqSsgrzspj4tKvM2xaxY5uYMJukui2KnU92JH668pqA7vMhlBKX4IrvqAvqjzRDVi5x10/s1600-h/IMG_2759.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446102400226084418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim8NL2PP7Uy6llDOlrjBHzu_YmhYWH2Lie3ogIikDZJUVm7oZ-SRpbrRpA6gGhHdbKwkVeCa-OqSsgrzspj4tKvM2xaxY5uYMJukui2KnU92JH668pqA7vMhlBKX4IrvqAvqjzRDVi5x10/s400/IMG_2759.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> The result is actually really similar to the drape of a pinch pleat (as you'll see tomorrow in the 'after' photos), but does not require rings and hooks and also takes a lot less time to sew than pleats do. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGr-oPFoolG6X75TglER7ayoxFcSNhe-3t8HQ4usnPh2ttY8WEsCj7orC1nwfQYCVNQhOXcqus6E2IB2EpGpmnejOKv-sUmN6aMvRennBImCv0Ew8aZIIS7vykxfw45KqZLadL1x4GiJ0/s1600-h/IMG_2760.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446102404835295234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGr-oPFoolG6X75TglER7ayoxFcSNhe-3t8HQ4usnPh2ttY8WEsCj7orC1nwfQYCVNQhOXcqus6E2IB2EpGpmnejOKv-sUmN6aMvRennBImCv0Ew8aZIIS7vykxfw45KqZLadL1x4GiJ0/s400/IMG_2760.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> My favorite project from the room redo was inspired by the <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2010/02/layered-mirrors.html">mirror-on-mirror image</a> I posted about a few weeks ago. Tricia Huntley, who was the interior designer behind the layered mirror image, emailed me after my post and shared <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/dc/how-to-layer-mirrors-105503">her strategy for hanging her mirror</a> on a mirror. Basically, she used a lot of planning, foresight and a contractor. We really didn't have any of these things, so we just made do. So I decided to look for a very lightweight mirror. I knew this mirror from IKEA would be perfect. It was light and is sort of reminiscent of a Venetian mirror, but more modern. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93Gh2UOyqJV4LRnsYQd0MAiVmbLK3bsDzpC9Xgd0InCpnWvYY7KZCgxRof7T8yc8P4LAhIVKcdph1VWoYTWpsuC15IalR6T-I9vi98Lf9icrYah-f7uC3k_5eyayCqQg4jNbZ1FBJad_m/s1600-h/IMG_2647.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446101867054314066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93Gh2UOyqJV4LRnsYQd0MAiVmbLK3bsDzpC9Xgd0InCpnWvYY7KZCgxRof7T8yc8P4LAhIVKcdph1VWoYTWpsuC15IalR6T-I9vi98Lf9icrYah-f7uC3k_5eyayCqQg4jNbZ1FBJad_m/s400/IMG_2647.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> Here's where my secret weapon came to the rescue. Have I ever shared here how much I love 3M Picture Hanging Strips? They are amazing. No holes required and each strip holds up to 10 pounds. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir0Sy-dZxBQity6cWTMKtHVyk8GBnEoYxjrOAdt4k5XYWVBNuPAFMDeKEQHEKVXnIaqU6YFcWEJuw57PMy7u5hD7nay1P571ljOBa2CTUVL5nL_LnQdjzn4a_EGpaZGguNKziUZ6OsrdWK/s1600-h/IMG_2770.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446102706601147970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir0Sy-dZxBQity6cWTMKtHVyk8GBnEoYxjrOAdt4k5XYWVBNuPAFMDeKEQHEKVXnIaqU6YFcWEJuw57PMy7u5hD7nay1P571ljOBa2CTUVL5nL_LnQdjzn4a_EGpaZGguNKziUZ6OsrdWK/s400/IMG_2770.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> We used six strips on each mirror just to ensure a strong hold. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZsnBZQxt3PXheGCODFZRJwLV6P7ZaPMWxk3S06Es48Vuhxstoyg7vQ0UE_FQmFITEfhwYq7u4NA-Nuv_KhyphenhyphenrVDC3gJRoQaWH6CBK_Dhp0OTeGGNbT_1UQuWFf3QjJV3su4oxQM0VVneg/s1600-h/IMG_2775.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446103121162291186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZsnBZQxt3PXheGCODFZRJwLV6P7ZaPMWxk3S06Es48Vuhxstoyg7vQ0UE_FQmFITEfhwYq7u4NA-Nuv_KhyphenhyphenrVDC3gJRoQaWH6CBK_Dhp0OTeGGNbT_1UQuWFf3QjJV3su4oxQM0VVneg/s400/IMG_2775.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> Measure twice, stick once! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWCiT_GNOKK8ASNe9kQs9PgmtpQZru7Bry8B3OLcsIDQfoFmkV17k0bt5ksGNQLifZdxy5SCFDzWICD4AT_jokna2T-O1N770Qw_FqnK-Zl4_x2ScDw9R6nFjRnS3g7U-kADLyeaF9NOMT/s1600-h/IMG_2772.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446102709363691506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWCiT_GNOKK8ASNe9kQs9PgmtpQZru7Bry8B3OLcsIDQfoFmkV17k0bt5ksGNQLifZdxy5SCFDzWICD4AT_jokna2T-O1N770Qw_FqnK-Zl4_x2ScDw9R6nFjRnS3g7U-kADLyeaF9NOMT/s400/IMG_2772.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> The result is amazing. You'll love the photos tomorrow! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8N4bEMfU3OHBX12tvhrO9r5q0VhW2A-VxFGtU2rUUhxUT5lFZJNNTKlPiKG8jyWjGG_kzqR6MIgZbsAEYIY9GS4gYDCqd1oER04lNE-26UP2Q91UYuoD9Uw8Ha1WyMVHYI7dhyphenhyphen95TeqY/s1600-h/IMG_2777.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446103127795189186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8N4bEMfU3OHBX12tvhrO9r5q0VhW2A-VxFGtU2rUUhxUT5lFZJNNTKlPiKG8jyWjGG_kzqR6MIgZbsAEYIY9GS4gYDCqd1oER04lNE-26UP2Q91UYuoD9Uw8Ha1WyMVHYI7dhyphenhyphen95TeqY/s400/IMG_2777.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> Once all the major projects we done, we brought all the accessories in and started unpacking. It looked like Christmas morning aftermath. Such a mess! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LNTZvt-1zexLb39qRCKkZ_-jOyrQvR4lRO3jOAfVUfy21wftc6l5QHMNK2R4beE1sNHjxvNFgCKBNsHh8-g9m2GSem-5McVUWp-q0NmPYaaEemo7JENOjMo9vLnSnd0TCVA_lrbVqeOg/s1600-h/IMG_2735.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446101877111406818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LNTZvt-1zexLb39qRCKkZ_-jOyrQvR4lRO3jOAfVUfy21wftc6l5QHMNK2R4beE1sNHjxvNFgCKBNsHh8-g9m2GSem-5McVUWp-q0NmPYaaEemo7JENOjMo9vLnSnd0TCVA_lrbVqeOg/s400/IMG_2735.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> See you back here tomorrow morning for the after photos!

How to Decorate a Bedroom in a Week: The Projects

{I know you guys are going to hate me, but there are no after pictures in this post. Sorry! There are just too many projects and pictures he...

2:34 AM

How to Decorate a Bedroom in a Week: Steps 1-4

Last week I posted this picture of Barbara Barry's Poetical fabric and a few paint swatches that were the inspiration for my parents new bedroom. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbfLtVETUcmCZ3QwWL_uYKDJfjQQ-LV34fUhGty6mSqlD7yNJDNKaUvrpF1Vih8SudAymEsc_skl0okzXLiTiLphGK3GNp9hyphenhyphenb229q3yaC1nmmHUpMB0Y5x_7yEaPYJxEoyTOtGVR9d8by/s1600-h/IMG_2626.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445010857754181202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbfLtVETUcmCZ3QwWL_uYKDJfjQQ-LV34fUhGty6mSqlD7yNJDNKaUvrpF1Vih8SudAymEsc_skl0okzXLiTiLphGK3GNp9hyphenhyphenb229q3yaC1nmmHUpMB0Y5x_7yEaPYJxEoyTOtGVR9d8by/s400/IMG_2626.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> I posted that picture prematurely because we ended up going in a little bit different direction with colors after going shopping for complimentary fabrics. So pretend that I never posted that first image and I'll start over with my process. :) Step #1: Assess the Room. Take a critical eye to the space and figure out what's working and what's not. If you're having a hard time putting your finger on what's wrong, ask a stylish friend to come over and give his/her opinion. Sometimes it just takes a fresh set of eyes. My parent's room hadn't been redone in years and it was time for something more current. It was funny how as soon as we laid out some of the new fabrics, my mom started tearing the room apart. "All this red has to go NOW!" <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUHSNU9qvd98z55iGUfiKVtsM-X6oJLDrWniFP1CbGjBrnpYCcE3dpJBCPAvGfFQZ7GNqmrGLuJ25PXqD9gy7wMQd8xAGJKaDfcm79ZLpcn0SPQ7ztXy3BOm_vbzhZ1VejaJPYAsw3LQK/s1600-h/IMG_5993_0080.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445010509906464882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUHSNU9qvd98z55iGUfiKVtsM-X6oJLDrWniFP1CbGjBrnpYCcE3dpJBCPAvGfFQZ7GNqmrGLuJ25PXqD9gy7wMQd8xAGJKaDfcm79ZLpcn0SPQ7ztXy3BOm_vbzhZ1VejaJPYAsw3LQK/s400/IMG_5993_0080.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> The bed needed to be centered on the wall. The TV cords needed to be inside the wall. All the furniture needed new paint finishes. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0ksd_6veexCnlkxe4Yoi6SnU9-6XQB9zYxV5x-MePPWR22KWAps9UyRxNjTbFwCPG0FymnwnIL8TwwgOE3_cHdq9EBkaaHbjD9Q1KfHC-nsWqSpkdo8AGcxUp9oW9fKeKtlZAmC_nNZX/s1600-h/IMG_5996_0077.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445010504620226930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0ksd_6veexCnlkxe4Yoi6SnU9-6XQB9zYxV5x-MePPWR22KWAps9UyRxNjTbFwCPG0FymnwnIL8TwwgOE3_cHdq9EBkaaHbjD9Q1KfHC-nsWqSpkdo8AGcxUp9oW9fKeKtlZAmC_nNZX/s400/IMG_5996_0077.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" /></a> The bathroom was in for a complete overhaul, including new flooring and a new paint finish on the cabinets. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMSP6-jcPxOpoayXIfJJfG5LMUUPLTYolckifsP8y9iZW2kvGq1mdwQo4G33TBkCShEcOLrgzADrWK35enqBhfZCpCSrOe8a4fvrw34deUZWkIQpNJ14-WeMsfQeJ0slGsfEE-Vr-H-uJ/s1600-h/IMG_5987_0086.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445010499363612562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMSP6-jcPxOpoayXIfJJfG5LMUUPLTYolckifsP8y9iZW2kvGq1mdwQo4G33TBkCShEcOLrgzADrWK35enqBhfZCpCSrOe8a4fvrw34deUZWkIQpNJ14-WeMsfQeJ0slGsfEE-Vr-H-uJ/s400/IMG_5987_0086.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" /></a> Every single wall needed fresh paint. More lighting, art arrangements better suited to the scale of the room, and all new bedding. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzcU0j8IEhu3L7hlu7Vl8t3vU5cnos0nL-T_qRtVRfH7J3wNdqeJMr5OTMzTDVI1MJprKrrcBiCLX2GEDOGfYxaMaIsj04olZmMRvWh15TobzbXyMeCw6eQzsSBoJQjqjX7WtYjJVrqnKJ/s1600-h/IMG_5986_0087.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445010493488618818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzcU0j8IEhu3L7hlu7Vl8t3vU5cnos0nL-T_qRtVRfH7J3wNdqeJMr5OTMzTDVI1MJprKrrcBiCLX2GEDOGfYxaMaIsj04olZmMRvWh15TobzbXyMeCw6eQzsSBoJQjqjX7WtYjJVrqnKJ/s400/IMG_5986_0087.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" /></a> And we had less than one week to accomplish all of it. So I left Grace and Claire with my mom for some fun Grammy time. Then my sister, Ali, and I took our two babies shopping. Step #2: Fabric Shopping. I always, always start decorating a room with fabric. Nothing inspires me like textiles. And while I love to buy fabrics online, there is nothing like shopping for fabrics in person to get a true sense of the color and feel. I get nervous about buying expensive fabrics or lots of yardage online without seeing the fabric in person first. <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8bQgxGOoN-NgA0Y7xyl4QzEPMonXXNGAmLbUZvtHGlCK5tANcBhVc8nz5NK1qypQoNVVCSxSSoTBQaTzTdkDybnmBDqh3ButTEVbJPKRduxp9Xbtyt43SWNTXyQeqsfgicEhXApo8muC/s1600-h/IMG_2657.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445011064914007426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8bQgxGOoN-NgA0Y7xyl4QzEPMonXXNGAmLbUZvtHGlCK5tANcBhVc8nz5NK1qypQoNVVCSxSSoTBQaTzTdkDybnmBDqh3ButTEVbJPKRduxp9Xbtyt43SWNTXyQeqsfgicEhXApo8muC/s400/IMG_2657.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a>My gorgeous sister, Ali, who makes the best design assistant in the world. Miss you, sister! </div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkcNkCNSj37o328z3q20wPLEVC7_wOQSnsvvGzHf6CA-lJKzqIV20drrxFusOfYSifEqKxb1GDLZcV-6MTdL2G_39nwHt19qTEz-83raRPEQLQy0kQr7CfgMcuL2IaBKtTSYlOcCz0CtSF/s1600-h/IMG_2356.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445011438944490738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkcNkCNSj37o328z3q20wPLEVC7_wOQSnsvvGzHf6CA-lJKzqIV20drrxFusOfYSifEqKxb1GDLZcV-6MTdL2G_39nwHt19qTEz-83raRPEQLQy0kQr7CfgMcuL2IaBKtTSYlOcCz0CtSF/s400/IMG_2356.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> I brought a swatch of the Poetical fabric to Home Fabrics last week and my sister and I did some scouting for secondary fabrics. Originally we were looking for something with that aubergine color. But then I spied a whole roll of Suzanne Rheinstein for Lee Jofa 'Hollyhock' for $6.99/yd, which was great with the Poetical. And just like that the color scheme changed. We ditched the purple and took on yellow. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGV-9w9zp-Dc70RNt7tiKCdFMCF_wt6gjmc1Wxx30zVTs2Mh6Iv1DKSkyghkh-v6nxYWWtLQJao8B0yC7uRj3eWgQLOgQ80TvCRXeA7tnV3I1-51gdQDuxyAU_EN3UoBV3xxXMbi3BSGZb/s1600-h/IMG_2655.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445010863489857186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGV-9w9zp-Dc70RNt7tiKCdFMCF_wt6gjmc1Wxx30zVTs2Mh6Iv1DKSkyghkh-v6nxYWWtLQJao8B0yC7uRj3eWgQLOgQ80TvCRXeA7tnV3I1-51gdQDuxyAU_EN3UoBV3xxXMbi3BSGZb/s400/IMG_2655.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> {Which is a mini step just to keep in mind: Be flexible. Don't get so attached to an idea or color that you make poor decisions or miss out on better options.} After grabbing the Hollyhock, it was easy to select other patterns from all the great options at Home Fabrics. We got a few yards of a Robert Allen yellow ticking stripe, a gray, blue and yellow floral, a subtle leopard print and a lovely pale aqua damask. All of these were less than $7.99/yard. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YyVsOXpo4LjP5tWInHDeitFGDFnw_bcrYe2nLuFboMvigurq97BgCafvdyfcF93GFHxa8pL1ANKFwffsiZ8E9T4nqTrWRWT22Obac-Uy9oDOFfg_H2XUJpiMxGS-6oaMG5acFXMuMQvb/s1600-h/IMG_2661.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445011071405984194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YyVsOXpo4LjP5tWInHDeitFGDFnw_bcrYe2nLuFboMvigurq97BgCafvdyfcF93GFHxa8pL1ANKFwffsiZ8E9T4nqTrWRWT22Obac-Uy9oDOFfg_H2XUJpiMxGS-6oaMG5acFXMuMQvb/s400/IMG_2661.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> These secondary fabrics would be used for pillows, a new shower curtains and small upholstery projects. Step#3: Commit to Paint Colors. Make sure you always buy your paints after you have your fabrics. It is so much easier to match a paint color to a fabric than the other way around. We kept some of our original paint ideas. Ralph Lauren's Mauntauk Driftwood, Smoked Glass and Hopsack were purchased. But the other colors were traded out for two colors in Martha's new line at Home Depot: Yellow Magnolia and River Mist. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-kjNbhRe1HaEZp1jOcfUVqNJLHBFq2OVugLGe3mujEkxGO5RanJ6aUPJ4UtP_mu0ePL3uvVJdI5Z6EBp7qA75J8c0iKOntDzTFq5C1DNVIX1580r8G3ZG06h5q0CUwLzk7CApp7FAEf9/s1600-h/IMG_2732.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445011298725227346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-kjNbhRe1HaEZp1jOcfUVqNJLHBFq2OVugLGe3mujEkxGO5RanJ6aUPJ4UtP_mu0ePL3uvVJdI5Z6EBp7qA75J8c0iKOntDzTFq5C1DNVIX1580r8G3ZG06h5q0CUwLzk7CApp7FAEf9/s400/IMG_2732.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVo0grOFAoBk94yoWshxmgdh4Y-YdN8er_s3WniEGDAihog2AXTNc6NVhwNlKHIfn7CX5vgGUsAG5r8Jz6HTaNDsEKOe-JBrKSml0_E8DcojzawCUvz-8xCNzrx5XQCAgVqynKeMYdbf6M/s1600-h/IMG_2733.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445011304451308162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVo0grOFAoBk94yoWshxmgdh4Y-YdN8er_s3WniEGDAihog2AXTNc6NVhwNlKHIfn7CX5vgGUsAG5r8Jz6HTaNDsEKOe-JBrKSml0_E8DcojzawCUvz-8xCNzrx5XQCAgVqynKeMYdbf6M/s400/IMG_2733.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> Step #4: Shop for Accessories. Here's the really fun part. Bring your fabric and paint swatches with you. Don't forget to take some measurements of your space before hand and bring along a tape measure. And make a list! Don't buy something just because it matches your color scheme. Make sure you know where something will go in the room before you purchase it. Though if you're at a store with an easy return policy, its probably just worth it to buy anything that might work and then just return the no-go's later. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaN-aSrTPY-mMabVnyJBocjBiiD01T95Imbt74R3noaVOUyMLZGlsKljvMW4wMOmzf1IEet3J8ErU7XoQsc2OPB5sRYTbFNt0xRmrnWQWBjoi-DuXHUPoDW3eNJxyroMRHYHXSFeJj3RbH/s1600-h/IMG_2681.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445011282688554338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaN-aSrTPY-mMabVnyJBocjBiiD01T95Imbt74R3noaVOUyMLZGlsKljvMW4wMOmzf1IEet3J8ErU7XoQsc2OPB5sRYTbFNt0xRmrnWQWBjoi-DuXHUPoDW3eNJxyroMRHYHXSFeJj3RbH/s400/IMG_2681.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> We scored majorly at Home Goods. I had my fingers crossed that they would have a pair of yellow lamps. And it was a good day: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdK9G9l1LfKb9Bt_tRzdhrf1YZ6rTXicBIsDX0VrtghwmPWz4mDVRlUYqjAwOEql9k1UE5BUmbzPU-JM1I8L6DLOdwAAbIPS-HMzUlo5uHu17ySMtqVb42vRtkAKSnR3r67iGX7JdjvnPq/s1600-h/IMG_2671.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445011073809247922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdK9G9l1LfKb9Bt_tRzdhrf1YZ6rTXicBIsDX0VrtghwmPWz4mDVRlUYqjAwOEql9k1UE5BUmbzPU-JM1I8L6DLOdwAAbIPS-HMzUlo5uHu17ySMtqVb42vRtkAKSnR3r67iGX7JdjvnPq/s400/IMG_2671.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> I know these lamps are a much brighter yellow than the mellow marigolds in the fabrics we selected, but I think it's so important to layer shades and tones of colors in the room's palette. That's how you get depth in a room. I needed a large and interesting mirror for the vanity area. At first I liked this huge, thick wooden mirror from the clearance section, but I worried that it was too heavy, even if we painted it out in a lighter color. We needed something with more mirror surface and less frame. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpHAP9mp5Kn7ot_8vaaBqM7T5GyMJhewzcwJe-OU1D4p39gj5urhvdCPr5SVnOAEaHkhis5Y1d4E0G9HZu_ZojUJxqThI39Fs4ckd9TGIbc4SXM2P22xAD6aPb14-VVC1tWY2Il4R0E4p0/s1600-h/IMG_2674.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445011088911066306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpHAP9mp5Kn7ot_8vaaBqM7T5GyMJhewzcwJe-OU1D4p39gj5urhvdCPr5SVnOAEaHkhis5Y1d4E0G9HZu_ZojUJxqThI39Fs4ckd9TGIbc4SXM2P22xAD6aPb14-VVC1tWY2Il4R0E4p0/s400/IMG_2674.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> This 36" circular beauty was $40 on clearance and I knew we could come up with something fun to spice it up a little (and to cover the scratched up surface). <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjTnp3VjxRtWxN7_8AJKII8smSbNAUyaZwfOl8sdujn6W3i7MJllYHV8cq0qBMvXIFWVBj8V_QXNAVG-vhRfyi9jH0UStbqOz8JtxC6PnE0qdmzArS1kRSKtpqSpz81Jxc31kzNcuQCny1/s1600-h/IMG_2676.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445011078070695122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjTnp3VjxRtWxN7_8AJKII8smSbNAUyaZwfOl8sdujn6W3i7MJllYHV8cq0qBMvXIFWVBj8V_QXNAVG-vhRfyi9jH0UStbqOz8JtxC6PnE0qdmzArS1kRSKtpqSpz81Jxc31kzNcuQCny1/s400/IMG_2676.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> Other accessories were piled in (three carts worth!!) at Home Goods and then we hit up a vintage furniture store that was going out of business. There we bought an old vanity stool for $12 and a bunch of accessories (and some other goodies for clients back home - thank goodness for the extra suitcase!). We also went to some used book stores looking for art books and to Target and IKEA. Once we had all the major items on our list, it was time to sit down and brainstorm a second list that included all the components we would need for the projects of the room. Most of the items from this list were at Michaels, Joanns and Home Depot. The car was JAM PACKED and it was time to get started on the actual projects for the room. I took this photo while I was loading up at Home Goods. Two mature ladies in gold sweat suits walked by and said "Oh my goodness! Are you a decorator? Or just a serious shopper?" I said "yes." <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEivpsk54_uUxeIONqj38M4Bl9_CIgUWiFbo0kQ5p-YW7OT5WRQtF_8qsVoE2aUX6M2HedlIJ8ko3uHTdBX_2VSSA7cyVLCwqmC1onSGZY4yha5wYPV-xLpMfY2-lYm_itLXg9APQPXKpM/s1600-h/IMG_2684.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445011290092062914" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEivpsk54_uUxeIONqj38M4Bl9_CIgUWiFbo0kQ5p-YW7OT5WRQtF_8qsVoE2aUX6M2HedlIJ8ko3uHTdBX_2VSSA7cyVLCwqmC1onSGZY4yha5wYPV-xLpMfY2-lYm_itLXg9APQPXKpM/s400/IMG_2684.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> Come back tomorrow for all the DIY goodness.

How to Decorate a Bedroom in a Week: Steps 1-4

Last week I posted this picture of Barbara Barry's Poetical fabric and a few paint swatches that were the inspiration for my parents new...

7:28 PM

Back, but not all here

Hi everyone! I'm experiencing some serious burn out this week. We had a wonderful two-week "vacation" to Arizona, and while it was wonderful to visit with family, there was not much relaxing happening. And flying alone cross-country with three little ones was not such a treat, though that went better than expected. We got home last night at 1:00 am and my body totally fell apart. The dreaded flu. To add to all that, I'm seriously feeling the weight of a neglected business and blog right now. I'm so sorry to friends and clients/potential clients that I owe emails to. And SO sorry that I have not posted all week! Bad Jenny. On a better note, we finished my parent's bedroom on Saturday and it is really beautiful. I have all sorts of great before and afters for you that I promise to post tomorrow (hopefully) and on Saturday to make up for the radio silence this week. I'm going to try to sleep off this flu and then hit the keyboard like it's nobody's business. Talk soon. love, jenny PS just because I hate to do a post without any design inspiration, I'll share these awesome little pendants from IKEA that I spied this week (wish I could find the link). They have about a 5 inch diameter. <div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_2651.jpg" /></div> They are battery operated and hang from your ceiling on a string (AKA no hard wiring required). Love the modern shade style and the black, white or red color options. And you can't beat the price: $20. A great option for us renters with boring kitchens. What about hanging a series of these over a kitchen bar with some 1/2" wide gold chain from Home Depot? cool.

Back, but not all here

Hi everyone! I'm experiencing some serious burn out this week. We had a wonderful two-week "vacation" to Arizona, and while it...

9:13 PM

My Decorating Process - Fabric and Color Inspiration

One of the projects I've been working on here in Arizona is my parents' bedroom. A few of you have asked me about my design process, and since this project will be in major fast forward (less than a week, start to finish), I thought it would be fun to document and report on the project day by day. When I'm decorating a room from scratch, I always like to start with fabric. I am so inspired by pattern and color. Put a piece of pretty fabric in front of me and I can dream you up a room in about 30 seconds flat! So when a couple weeks ago my mom asked me to start brainstorming ideas for her bedroom, I knew I needed to look for some fabric inspiration. Right bef0re we left Delaware, I stumbled across about 18 yards of remnants of this gorgeous Barbara Barry for Kravet linen, "Poetical', and that was the starting off point for the room. <div align="center"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/poetical.jpg" /></div> It's gorgeous - a little bit modern, but still with a floral and feminine feel. The gray and creamy white colors are perfectly neutral and were a great jumping off point. I emailed my mom a photo of the fabric when I found the remnants and she gave me two big thumbs up. I brought all the fabric with me to Arizona. When I got to my parents' house, mom and I sat down with my new collection of Ralph Lauren paint chips, and we brainstormed color palettes. <div align="center"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/insp2.jpg" /></div> We decided on a very pale blue/green/gray for the walls, called 'Mountauk Driftwood'. My parents four poster bed would be painted a dark and moody slate, called 'Smoked Glass'. The en suite bathroom walls would be a dusty gray called 'Hopsack', cut 50%. Other accent colors would be a gray green called 'Kauai' and a deep aubergine called 'Persian Violet'. These colors would be used on bathroom cabinets and other accent pieces. <div align="center"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/insp1.jpg" /></div> Next step: Painting!

My Decorating Process - Fabric and Color Inspiration

One of the projects I've been working on here in Arizona is my parents' bedroom. A few of you have asked me about my design process,...

2:29 AM

Give Away Winner: Monogrammed Hand Towels

Give Away Winner: Monogrammed Hand Towels

Thanks to all those who entered the monogrammed hand towel give away ! The chosen at random winner is Shannon ! Shannon, please email me wit...

10:29 PM