living room decorating

eBay Art

I love to buy inexpensive art on eBay.<br /><br />This is my favorite search:<br /><a href="http://art.shop.ebay.com/Paintings-/551/i.html?Date%2520of%2520Creation=Pre%252D1800%7C1800%252D1899%7C1900%252D1949%7C1950%252D1969&Original%252FReproduction=Original&Medium=Oil&_catref=1&_dmpt=Art_Paintings&_fln=1&_ssov=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m282&_mPrRngCbx=1&_udlo=0&_udhi=200">Paintings, original, oil, pre-1800-1969, $0-$200.</a><br /><br />Here are a few favorites up for auction right now:<br /><br /><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Original-Oil-Canvas-R-Reinhold-Pallas-Painting-No-Resv_W0QQitemZ280477824303QQcmdZViewItemQQptZArt_Paintings?hash=item414dc7f52f">floral still life</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8GttPqEg41f6RLnBpAzKNVYtLq29ElaZExlWueYzZm6XRY37H6uSrs97nf9SOfNsA6TJkbb2SbQksVTGzknF2MKq1UAKhg6NiHyHSXFx4CkwE_t5APDOZQCtfFrun_t1Ue11mA7miBmgS/s1600-h/Pallas100.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448646423119587058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8GttPqEg41f6RLnBpAzKNVYtLq29ElaZExlWueYzZm6XRY37H6uSrs97nf9SOfNsA6TJkbb2SbQksVTGzknF2MKq1UAKhg6NiHyHSXFx4CkwE_t5APDOZQCtfFrun_t1Ue11mA7miBmgS/s400/Pallas100.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 311px;" /></a><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Rainbow-Fleet-Nantucket-Harbor-Oil-Painting_W0QQitemZ190380620274QQcmdZViewItemQQptZArt_Paintings?hash=item2c5391b9f2"><br />seaside scene</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivkhjJ0YBwSs8i42eFi_jrB-ABp4JTHay5WAhZ1ghsT9FWg3NZSQ9wsGMAY2yu45WgM2-a7rFYsMywM347JEl4pIhrJYNpargyWbCnXPzEjlMR6qL98gOHzqJ_1Y3aqgTG8Gaf90W3wODy/s1600-h/Picture+13.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448646418176407842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivkhjJ0YBwSs8i42eFi_jrB-ABp4JTHay5WAhZ1ghsT9FWg3NZSQ9wsGMAY2yu45WgM2-a7rFYsMywM347JEl4pIhrJYNpargyWbCnXPzEjlMR6qL98gOHzqJ_1Y3aqgTG8Gaf90W3wODy/s400/Picture+13.png" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/STUNNING-IMPRESSIONIST-OIL-PAINTING-1930S-CLAPP-1939_W0QQitemZ250595651174QQcmdZViewItemQQptZArt_Paintings?hash=item3a58aa2e66">pretty landscape</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6xnjv6abZCKByvDukKYQhdqoVZ40G2Sdx7r5qK19MEe9dfxh2HbocKdh_sLq4G32i9iwe-xf6_GWQPlSNO0APiiL9dwO8D713sg6ZmY_p1zZzFZcLT_vbQJCxvV9x1FL78puWRxEysiOF/s1600-h/Picture+14.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448646409772152178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6xnjv6abZCKByvDukKYQhdqoVZ40G2Sdx7r5qK19MEe9dfxh2HbocKdh_sLq4G32i9iwe-xf6_GWQPlSNO0APiiL9dwO8D713sg6ZmY_p1zZzFZcLT_vbQJCxvV9x1FL78puWRxEysiOF/s400/Picture+14.png" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 298px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/KLEIN-French-Impressionist-Flowers-Mixed-Media-Painting_W0QQitemZ280477340887QQcmdZViewItemQQptZArt_Paintings?hash=item414dc094d7">un-floral floral.</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlw2e5p6Q8T5CwkEjShzvQJkZqTh8i5kQYkOrlOJc9RIDCTKioIGgEg5fvf5kTIYMtFw1hvkMIFUn99UuDR5DGZGL__PijdhfApIaFO340JNpMsyqx3xy-bJit_OQgIqKQTBLCYCcOvmci/s1600-h/1268159928630_P1014008.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448646401839368082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlw2e5p6Q8T5CwkEjShzvQJkZqTh8i5kQYkOrlOJc9RIDCTKioIGgEg5fvf5kTIYMtFw1hvkMIFUn99UuDR5DGZGL__PijdhfApIaFO340JNpMsyqx3xy-bJit_OQgIqKQTBLCYCcOvmci/s400/1268159928630_P1014008.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><br />Another <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Modern-Floral-Still-Life-O-B-Listed-M-Boccacci-N-R_W0QQitemZ260567067840QQcmdZViewItemQQptZArt_Paintings?hash=item3cab01ecc0">floral</a>. Love this one.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuf5DQ8dThXIw7-lXbfrOriH2VqfcKqo1eWWzjZbKHKmWShkDS5BuMqj1cBI-TeGfBud_L4hLT-6EgL8MHRhqI0NSrkgRdKWxpxARVSmmliFzebOn5aCYsm4eaoEH4V93WflKwHOpm5YFD/s1600-h/Picture+15.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448646396589860562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuf5DQ8dThXIw7-lXbfrOriH2VqfcKqo1eWWzjZbKHKmWShkDS5BuMqj1cBI-TeGfBud_L4hLT-6EgL8MHRhqI0NSrkgRdKWxpxARVSmmliFzebOn5aCYsm4eaoEH4V93WflKwHOpm5YFD/s400/Picture+15.png" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 370px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/1939-Village-Street-w-Steeple-Ted-Richards-oil-on-board_W0QQitemZ350327345509QQcmdZViewItemQQptZArt_Paintings?hash=item5191231165">Village street</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_JXm5wVW1lk0JUSMH7s3CQJU2NpEZ4FNpPWopUBWxQSuIfrwYoXPKqfYa56bKQqGPljP-f3lEf-xVyrNRwsEOusC9e3b5GtEoMFlMAZn47HuIvznH7HSBMg348tSELAWsn8zPBwSh2Yf_/s1600-h/354645884_tp.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448646283113562962" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_JXm5wVW1lk0JUSMH7s3CQJU2NpEZ4FNpPWopUBWxQSuIfrwYoXPKqfYa56bKQqGPljP-f3lEf-xVyrNRwsEOusC9e3b5GtEoMFlMAZn47HuIvznH7HSBMg348tSELAWsn8zPBwSh2Yf_/s400/354645884_tp.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Sweet-still-life-with-hydrangeas_W0QQitemZ140390253870QQcmdZViewItemQQptZArt_Paintings?hash=item20afe9452e">Painterly hydrangeas</a> in a bamboo frame? What's not to love?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wvPRcWfTyhhZljTH1_4OLYYwzZbS1OXtxWdCyTAJxsPqj97aKJtkYYuPDfHL-rQUb75aP3z4PZCNHXffn3gN_yhukHcofSV72_512xn3IDOBaC5oXD4YK0BObtc-ZcWMKHZ0vkqpCILV/s1600-h/Picture+16.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448646275359031506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wvPRcWfTyhhZljTH1_4OLYYwzZbS1OXtxWdCyTAJxsPqj97aKJtkYYuPDfHL-rQUb75aP3z4PZCNHXffn3gN_yhukHcofSV72_512xn3IDOBaC5oXD4YK0BObtc-ZcWMKHZ0vkqpCILV/s400/Picture+16.png" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 328px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Miniature-Impressionist-Oil-Painting-Signed_W0QQitemZ170457505651QQcmdZViewItemQQptZArt_Paintings?hash=item27b00f1f73">Tiny lovliness</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtYzc7FWbs7JYJxpcmG-70mwVRAPNoxSzqhnHzqVYhZOG483H04Vx4ba9t40lDcihUfsMmOy2r4-mmu5KOwZFnmPwJcQZED2H6rhEcz7b5hIz3kVHlzV5cK79DqX9lfk4eJ5ryCNkwsmF/s1600-h/Picture+17.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448646265512883922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtYzc7FWbs7JYJxpcmG-70mwVRAPNoxSzqhnHzqVYhZOG483H04Vx4ba9t40lDcihUfsMmOy2r4-mmu5KOwZFnmPwJcQZED2H6rhEcz7b5hIz3kVHlzV5cK79DqX9lfk4eJ5ryCNkwsmF/s400/Picture+17.png" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/1950s-Abstract-Oil-Painting-Mid-Century-Modern-signed_W0QQitemZ150422374774QQcmdZViewItemQQptZArt_Paintings?hash=item2305df4976">Moody abstract</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoUwB_zdCAjaCpJHYP0iUTNpdJ6DbFg8aqJFDpxvGegcy1MhKikQ2hyphenhyphenYqcJRgz8UxusP8cw4sNV4dXQvTVa21twLRdj3guJarsMjmbMTuRAzpc-FKfu-sYxLHIaOEl4M1REWxgVBM3FZjh/s1600-h/354383526_o.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448646252708710306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoUwB_zdCAjaCpJHYP0iUTNpdJ6DbFg8aqJFDpxvGegcy1MhKikQ2hyphenhyphenYqcJRgz8UxusP8cw4sNV4dXQvTVa21twLRdj3guJarsMjmbMTuRAzpc-FKfu-sYxLHIaOEl4M1REWxgVBM3FZjh/s400/354383526_o.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><br />This oil is my favorite piece of art in our home. I bought it on eBay last year for almost nothing - it felt sort of dishonest, I got it for so cheap.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/DSC_0032.jpg" /></div><br />I love the lady peeping out behind the flowers. And the colors just sing to me.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/DSC_0039.jpg" /></div><br />I think it's from the 20s or 30s. The canvas is pretty crusty and a little saggy. It could use a professional cleaning and it really needs to be restretched, but all that can wait a year or two.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/DSC_0050.jpg" /></div>

eBay Art

I love to buy inexpensive art on eBay. This is my favorite search: Paintings, original, oil, pre-1800-1969, $0-$200. Here are a few favorite...

2:32 AM

Winner: La Plates Give Away

And the winner of a set of four <a href="http://www.laplates.com/La-Plates-monogrammed-melamine-plates-s/25.htm">custom salad/dessert plates</a> is <a href="http://moss-hill.blogspot.com/">Christy</a>!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_LoK7qOJBAUmVaJppIKZ_O5nJoc6KnMVG-i8NvjyotSH7HeW6ogJ_v3jPG6407e5T2JigtmzJ_92_h82ZBobp-Ohizqz8g9n8697NqBlMPuiq_nuwgUHVSdFrYQq2GvpTJ0bGGV-n1v-/s1600-h/Picture+18.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448711662745298498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_LoK7qOJBAUmVaJppIKZ_O5nJoc6KnMVG-i8NvjyotSH7HeW6ogJ_v3jPG6407e5T2JigtmzJ_92_h82ZBobp-Ohizqz8g9n8697NqBlMPuiq_nuwgUHVSdFrYQq2GvpTJ0bGGV-n1v-/s400/Picture+18.png" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 122px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />Christy, please email me with your contact information when you have a minute. Congrats!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Moses.jpg" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Check out the <a href="http://laplates.blogspot.com/search/label/Celebs">La Plates blog</a> for lots of fun pics of celebs that love La Plates.<br />This plate went to Gwyneth Paltrow's son, Moses.</span></span></div></div><br />And don't forget that LGN readers get 10% off La Plates <a href="http://www.laplates.com/La-Plates-monogrammed-melamine-plates-s/25.htm">plates</a>, <a href="http://www.laplates.com/La-Plates-Accessories-s/32.htm">platters</a> and <a href="http://www.laplates.com/La-Plates-Accessories-s/32.htm">placements</a> using the code LGN10. Place your order before barbecuing and picnicking weather really sets in!!<br /><br />Thanks again to La Plates.

Winner: La Plates Give Away

And the winner of a set of four custom salad/dessert plates is Christy ! Christy, please email me with your contact information when you ha...

9:22 PM

GIVE AWAY from La Plates

Welcome to our newest LGN sponsor: <a href="http://www.laplates.com/">La Plates!</a><br /><br />La Plates offers personalized 10" melamine plates, salad/dinner plates, platters, placemats, acrylic trays and ice buckets, cups and napkins, coolers and totes.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS,Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic,ITC Avant Garde,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: black;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/LaPlates_SPRING10_rect.jpg" /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><br />Lara Shelton started <a href="http://www.laplates.com/">La Plates</a> in 2008 with the goal of bringing fashionably hip and casual/kid-friendly designs to the table. And I think it's safe to say that she has been wildly successful in reaching that goal. Her monogrammed dinnerware and accessories are so gorgeous and so fun.<span style="color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS,Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic,ITC Avant Garde,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS,Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic,ITC Avant Garde,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: black;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/LaPlates_PLATTER_vines_orange_scrip.jpg" /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><br />Fun dinnerware for outdoor or indoor place settings:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS,Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic,ITC Avant Garde,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: black;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/LaPlates_TABLETOPwithTOTE.jpg" /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS,Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic,ITC Avant Garde,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: black;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/LaPlates_TABLETOPcaddy.jpg" /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS,Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic,ITC Avant Garde,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: black;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/LaPlates_TABLETOPblackSQUARES.jpg" /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><br />And there are great <a href="http://www.laplates.com/La-Plates-Accessories-s/32.htm">acrylic trays</a>, for the lucite lover in all of us:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS,Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic,ITC Avant Garde,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: black;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/LaPlates_ACRYLICsmTRAYout.jpg" /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Remember this bag that I posted about in December? <a href="http://www.laplates.com/Personalized-Canvas-Bags-p/580.htm">La Plates carries it</a>!! I just got mine from La Plates last week, and I have to say that I LOVE it. It is big, but not ridiculously so. I've been using it as a work bag and it is perfect for all my paint decks and fabric samples, a laptop and notepads. It would make a really great diaper bag too. I get all sorts of compliments on it when I'm out and about.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS,Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic,ITC Avant Garde,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: black;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/LaPlates_SundayCatchall_MANGO.jpg" /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><br /></div></div>La Plates is kindly offering a set of <a href="http://www.laplates.com/La-Plates-monogrammed-melamine-plates-s/25.htm">four custom salad/dinner plates</a> for one lucky LGN reader. To enter, please check out the <a href="http://www.laplates.com/">La Plates site</a> and leave a comment with the style of plate and monogram of your choice.<br /><br />I'm having a hard time choosing between the <a href="http://www.laplates.com/Clovers-p/0088.htm">clover</a>, <a href="http://www.laplates.com/Greek-p/0094.htm">Greek key</a>, <a href="http://www.laplates.com/Modern-p/0101.htm">modern</a>, and <a href="http://www.laplates.com/Squares-p/0096.htm">squares</a> patterns. And there is something to be said for the <a href="http://www.laplates.com/Plain-p/0100.htm">solid plate</a>...choices, choices!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/LaPlates_SPRING10_rect.jpg" /></div><br />Comments will be closed Sunday, March 14 at midnight.<br /><br /><span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 130%;">P.S. the code LGN10 will get readers 10% off all plates, platters & placemats. Thank you, La Plates! </span><span style="color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS,Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic,ITC Avant Garde,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>

GIVE AWAY from La Plates

Welcome to our newest LGN sponsor: La Plates! La Plates offers personalized 10" melamine plates, salad/dinner plates, platters, placema...

2:31 AM

Box Spring Covers

One of the commenters from yesterday's post reminded me that I forgot to explain the box spring cover solution in my mom's room.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/full2.jpg" /></div><br />I read about the idea of using a fitted sheet to cover box springs in <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/good-things/clever-box-spring-cover">Martha Stewart Living</a> several years ago and have used the idea in many bedroom projects. We used a simple blue-gray fitted sheet from the clearance bedding section at Bed Bath and Beyond to cover the box springs of my parents' bed. While I love a good bed skirt, sometimes they are just fussy looking. This is an easy and inexpensive solution.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/012709boxspring.jpg" /></div><br />If you want a streamlined look, but don't want to use a second sheet, I have a client who uses and loves these <a href="http://www.restorationhardware.com/rh/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod770002&navAction=jump">matelasse box spring covers</a> from Restoration Hardware, available in many different colors.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeLFTpJtZ7Ux_SDAvDyUNYIEmYyqJX9NiT27bngNtjrsZpKosiMtq442DySUAGXUvGqXcWIgpAwmIuagQDPMUE5IJlGAQ_JbN-fxfaVY_KhLPRY4yduZfQIBzRKOGPuOA7xnv1Hr0_5cap/s1600-h/prod770002_WIN07.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446847362104307906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeLFTpJtZ7Ux_SDAvDyUNYIEmYyqJX9NiT27bngNtjrsZpKosiMtq442DySUAGXUvGqXcWIgpAwmIuagQDPMUE5IJlGAQ_JbN-fxfaVY_KhLPRY4yduZfQIBzRKOGPuOA7xnv1Hr0_5cap/s400/prod770002_WIN07.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 390px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />And if you do use the fitted sheet idea, do yourself a favor and pick up some <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002K94Q7W/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_3?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B0014AMBWK&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1YVT7E2ZHXNP6Z076BXB">fitted sheet clips</a> to help everything stay nice and tight.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP1mc5wJsjLxn5gUB6qGXRiZL1ab5zibYi31MBMegWwAycKVye614JA-bgmzPmvieasJgFxqDJneq_qnbv6_Ibly1cCGvBSIJnWgkVK3z5YDAJhXyEL5sGJfSuDDrA_cSrkHseOIvCJ8Op/s1600-h/31qOAbl-RPL._SS400_.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446846645215312258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP1mc5wJsjLxn5gUB6qGXRiZL1ab5zibYi31MBMegWwAycKVye614JA-bgmzPmvieasJgFxqDJneq_qnbv6_Ibly1cCGvBSIJnWgkVK3z5YDAJhXyEL5sGJfSuDDrA_cSrkHseOIvCJ8Op/s400/31qOAbl-RPL._SS400_.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>

Box Spring Covers

One of the commenters from yesterday's post reminded me that I forgot to explain the box spring cover solution in my mom's room. I r...

2:31 AM

My Parents' New Bedroom

Are you ready for a crazy amount of pictures?<br /><br />Welcome to my parents' new bedroom...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_0377_0195.jpg" /></div><br />You've come a long way, baby.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge2xHlAed9fmw_nsv4xD5-lb47m9ByEWUmiCw_FkwDn4xP6I8K_7LLRZdFqnid0yNmyLaYosnH9z6uQE7V5aQTOhPIWE3b6tMJowONB0XvzQjdjLFMBQ_6naf-dQ1PFjLECRIwYtNSTtok/s1600-h/IMG_5993_0080.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446531746416630930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge2xHlAed9fmw_nsv4xD5-lb47m9ByEWUmiCw_FkwDn4xP6I8K_7LLRZdFqnid0yNmyLaYosnH9z6uQE7V5aQTOhPIWE3b6tMJowONB0XvzQjdjLFMBQ_6naf-dQ1PFjLECRIwYtNSTtok/s400/IMG_5993_0080.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />The drapes are really the focal point of the room. I love how they turned out. And the yellow Home Goods lamps really pop against them.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_0383_0189.jpg" /></div><br />Someone asked why we didn't buy vintage lamps and just paint them yellow. The idea crossed my mind at one point, but between the cost of lamps, paint and new shades, I thought it was a better use of our time/resources to just spend the $39 on these. Also, I wanted a ginger jar shape, or something similar, with a smooth surface. Anything with more pattern or texture would have been too much with the drapery fabric.<br /><br />The nickel alarm clock is from Target. The blue decanters are vintage and the tray is from IKEA.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/lamps.jpg" /></div><br />Here's the other side of the bed. Do you spy the tins we spray painted from Home Goods? The side tables are painted in RL's Hopsack and the bed is RL's Smoked Glass. Many of you asked about painting the furniture here. It's always a good idea to prime and put a coat of sealer on furniture that gets a lot of use, like bedroom furniture does. Remember that the secret to a smooth and long-lasting paint finish is multiple thin coats with drying time in between!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/sidetable2.jpg" /></div><br />The small sunburst mirror is from the Home Goods clearance section ($10, I think). The yellow rosette pillow is by <a href="http://www.target.com/b/ref=in_br_browse_box/179-6924054-1161733?ie=UTF8&node=404152011&search-alias=tgt-index&frombrowse=1&rh=p_36%3A%240-%2424">Dwell Studio for Target</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/front.jpg" /></div><br />The <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30046474">white duvet</a> is from IKEA. It has a lovely pleated detail that makes it look more expensive than IKEA bedding usually looks. The quilted coverlet at the foot of the bed is from Home Goods.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/bedding.jpg" /></div><br />We bought the down Euro shams on clearance at Home Goods and made new covers out of the Robert Allen yellow ticking stripe from Home Fabrics and yellow piping from Joanns. Mom was so sick of sewing that she decided not to put in zippers and just made envelope slips.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/005.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/006.jpg" /></div><br />The botanical prints series is one of my favorite parts of the room.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/art2-1.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">If you'd like to purchase the same book we used to make this print series (Wildflowers in America), there are <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/1558595643/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&qid=1268121267&sr=1-1&condition=used">sellers on Amazon</a> basically giving copies away. Some are only a penny, plus shipping. Not bad for 400 botanical prints!  There are all sorts of gorgeous, colorful prints in the book. We went with yellow, white and blue flowers for our print series here.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/art3-1.jpg" /></div><br />We didn't finish this project before I left, so my mom just sent me pictures of this little footstool that she reupholstered in the subtle leopard print.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/001.jpg" /></div><br />It belonged to my great grandparents years and years ago. I think my mom swiped it from our old family cabin.  :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/002.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">In case you didn't notice, my parents' bed is really high off the ground and this small stool helps the little kids climb into grammy and granddaddy's bed for morning cartoons.</div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/010.jpg" /></div><br />My <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2009/01/old-family-photo-wall.html">Grandpa Russell</a> made my mother's cedar hope chest, so it has a lot of sentimental value to us. It really needed a paint job though.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1pPYHQqaT4elUUEiSas38rPHZC7OpNkid8dI0sqm2CdArVQy1NU0X9f9AkawipSqyte5USsKXdRUV_UOWdJTbuyGzr40OAhZsIqkwM5R9SZl6o4DCDYpPBo1nXkLdsjPOSbzFOy5-hM_/s1600-h/IMG_6005_0068.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446531755162804530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1pPYHQqaT4elUUEiSas38rPHZC7OpNkid8dI0sqm2CdArVQy1NU0X9f9AkawipSqyte5USsKXdRUV_UOWdJTbuyGzr40OAhZsIqkwM5R9SZl6o4DCDYpPBo1nXkLdsjPOSbzFOy5-hM_/s400/IMG_6005_0068.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />And I think the addition of some decorative moulding did just the trick to break things up a little. We also reupholstered the seat cushion with a soft floral. The pale blue bolster is from IKEA.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/bench.jpg" /></div><br />My parents' en suite bathroom got a serious make over too.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQgy_zLXJkQqgqs4tTdcFwBvTw6h6fk0J1d-M7vJbh1zzzwR11U_MAqVuklBjDypdYU1hpMeA11_GT_S3tju2aFjaetKf_CAIbU2Q_zbFUKwVJwd7slTXs2bJfs4i2YTi2eIdLR1g5HtC9/s1600-h/IMG_5987_0086.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446531739947353394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQgy_zLXJkQqgqs4tTdcFwBvTw6h6fk0J1d-M7vJbh1zzzwR11U_MAqVuklBjDypdYU1hpMeA11_GT_S3tju2aFjaetKf_CAIbU2Q_zbFUKwVJwd7slTXs2bJfs4i2YTi2eIdLR1g5HtC9/s400/IMG_5987_0086.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" /></a><br />New paint on the oak cabinets (Zinsser primer first, then two coats of Martha Stewart's River Mist).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/tile3.jpg" /></div><br />New black marble floors. Bath rugs from Home Goods.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/tile4.jpg" /></div><br />A new shower curtain that my mom sewed using the Lee Jofa Hollyhock from Home Fabrics. I had her sew it extra long (about 85"). We re-installed the rod at the taller height. It's amazing how that simple change really opened up the room.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/shower3.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Then, of course, there was the mirror project. We hung <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00133528">this IKEA mirror</a> on top of the old boring sheet mirror using 3M picture hanging strips.</div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/mirror3.jpg" /></div><br />It really took things to the next level and I can't wait to use this idea again in another project.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/mirrors.jpg" /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_0424_0148.jpg" /></div><br />And lastly, here's the vanity area. My mom turned a second hand (and broken, I think?) dining table into a console table by cutting off the end and adding a pair of legs to the back. Looks great, right?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/console1.jpg" /></div><br />It used to be an antiqued white color, but we gave it a fresh coat of Martha's Magnolia Yellow. The little bench was purchased at a vintage shop for $12. We reupholstered the seat in a pretty damask that mimics the wall color.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/console3.jpg" /></div><br />Didn't the circle mirror project turn out pretty? I think it's sort of like a feminine version of a Captain's mirror.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/console4.jpg" /></div><br />The floral wooden appliques were purchased at Michaels and adhered with a little wood glue before painting.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/console5.jpg" /></div><br />We hung the mirror low enough to be useful while sitting and high enough so that you can see yourself while standing.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/console6.jpg" /></div><br />The photoless frames (whoops! ran out of time!) are from Home Goods, as are the blue lacquer boxes. The curvy gray box on the end used to be a hideous gold (from Marshalls clearance aisle), and I think it looks great now, painted in Hopsack. The tray is from IKEA and the other accessories are vintage.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/console7.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Phew! That was a lot of photos! :)  Last ones:<br /><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/full1.jpg" /><br /><br /></div>Hope you enjoyed this little tour of my parent's overhauled master bedroom. True that it was a lot of work to accomplish in a week's time, but we had <span style="font-weight: bold;">so much fun</span> doing it together.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_0381_0191.jpg" /></div>

My Parents' New Bedroom

Are you ready for a crazy amount of pictures? Welcome to my parents' new bedroom... You've come a long way, baby. The drapes are rea...

7:22 AM