living room decorating

Mantel Styling Inspiration

Mantels are tricky to decorate! I haven't dedicated enough time to our fireplace mantel, and it's one of my least favorite areas of our house. I just threw some extras up there and have never really styled it. Whatever, I guess - it's fine for the next two months.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/mantel.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">(White ginger jars from Home Goods, Silver candy dishes from a thrift store, antiqued mirror from a flea market, Dala horses from eBay, art from Etsy and 20x200)</span></span><br /><br /></div>I have a few friends and clients who have been asking for mantel styling inspiration. And there are two fireplaces in our next place, so I could use a little inspiration myself.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jeffandrewsviawashingtonpost.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">DC Design House, via Washington Post<br /></span><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_00031.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Domino</span><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_8815.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Elle Decor</span><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/gasl_sara_story_02.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Sara Story</span><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/james-brittain-photo.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">James Brittain</span><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/18-browns-fireplace-0308-xlg.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Brown Design for HB</span><br /><br /></div>I  like a pair of topiaries, orchards or other potted plants:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/forge_river-1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Carrier and Co</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/sallysteponkussallystep.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Sally Steponkus </span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/porto-bello-erik-kvalsvik.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Erik Kvalsvik</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/fireplace.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Domino<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/4-browns-livingroom-0308-xlg.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Brown Design for HB </span></div><br />I also like quirky little collections:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/stephanopolous7-1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Elle Decor<br /></span><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/6-bozhardt-fireplace-0608-xlg-98291.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">HB</span><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/11domino.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Domino</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/LivingRoom2.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/honey3annmihn.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Ann Mihn</span><br /><br /></div>I've noticed lots of off-centered pairings of two accessories (usually candlesticks):<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/houseb6-klotz-armchairs-0708-xlg-41.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">HB</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/palsmith.png" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Martensen_3ashx.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Martensen via Desire to Inspire</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/livingroom2-de-6610362.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Country Living</span><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/3-makeoverdetails-livingroom-0208-x.jpg" /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/4005401801_0ae1914ea6.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/MIchaelsmithlivingroomviaUrbanGrace.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Michael Smith via Urban Grace<br /></span></div><br />Loving a great pair of sconces flaking the fireplace mirror:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/elledecor20053651398623_b63c1c8096.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Elle Decor</span><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/gasl_mirrors_round_06.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Domino</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/LivingRm.jpg" /></div><br />I also love the layered look. A great big mirror and a few small pieces of art, plus a little accessory or two:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/courtneygiles4.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">via Style Court</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/sarahr.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Sarah Richardson</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/3149437084_c15d0660b9_o.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/elledecor4427319562_feb7147378.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Elle Decor</span></div>

Mantel Styling Inspiration

Mantels are tricky to decorate! I haven't dedicated enough time to our fireplace mantel, and it's one of my least favorite areas of ...

8:13 PM

Seeking Simplicity

Seeking Simplicity

I love this kind of simplicity in a room. Quiet, but definitely not boring. Don't you love those demure little frames on the botanical s...

2:31 AM

Some Fun Reader Projects

Here are some of the latest reader submissions:<br /><br /><a href="http://happyhouseblog.blogspot.com/">Ginger</a> transformed two vases from a great store called Hunt & Gather in Raleigh, NC into these beautiful lamps. She added gold painted bases and updated shades.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/2009127.jpg" /></div><br />She says they bring her whole living room together:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/2009114.jpg" /></div><br /><br />Gloria fell in love with this acrylic lamp from Target, but the white shade was cheap looking,<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/lampproject16101.jpg" /></div><br />so she covered it up with fabric and nail head trim from Joanns.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/lampproject16103.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/lampproject16104.jpg" /></div><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/stereosandsouffles.blogspot.com">Jill</a> from Stereos and Souffles painted dramatic horizontal stripes in her bathroom. It looks like she used radiator paint here? I like the metallic sheen.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/frogtape.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/bathrmdoor.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/bathrmvanity.jpg" /></div><br /><a href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2010/05/04/making-roman-shades-from-mini-blinds/#more-8224"></a>My old friend, Bonnie, turned this orange Craigs list chair<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/wingchair.jpg" /></div><br />into an AWESOME orange chair, for her son's adorable nursery. She did a great job with the upholstery, didn't she?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/chairaftercompressed.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/nurserywithchaircompressed.jpg" /></div><br />And check out the adorable bird mobile Bonnie also made for the room...<br /><br />***UPDATE! If you want one of your own bird mobiles, Bonnie has an etsy shop here: <a href="http://babybubbo.etsy.com/" target="_blank">babybubbo.etsy.com</a>***<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/birdmobilecompressed.jpg" /></div><br />And <a href="http://megandtheboys.blogspot.com/2009/09/have-i-ever-shown-you-this-chair-i-saw.html">Meaghan</a>  transformed this $20 Goodwill chair herself<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_7031.jpg" /></div><br />into this<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_2994.jpg" /></div><br />with a little pink silk on the back!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_2996.jpg" /></div><br />Thank you for your submissions everyone!<br /><br /><span style="color: #339999; font-style: italic;">Have a project that you think my readers might enjoy? Please email photos to pearlstreetinteriors@gmail.com.</span>

Some Fun Reader Projects

Here are some of the latest reader submissions: Ginger transformed two vases from a great store called Hunt & Gather in Raleigh, NC int...

2:24 AM

Dining Room Dreaming

I love cooking and eating and congregating with friends and family, so it's no surprise that I get excited by a great dining room. I'm so happy that the apartment we'll probably get has a decent size dining area (with a fireplace! fun!)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/DSC_0063.jpg" /></div><br />It's a good thing too, because I already bought <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2010/03/dining-style.html">that huge farm house dining table</a> that, as it turns out, looks a lot like Tia Zolden's here:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/dininggreat.jpg" /></div><br />I can't decide if I will paint out the wood, ebonize it or keep the current dark stain.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/tiazoldan.jpg" /></div><br />There are a couple of key items that we're planning on spending a little money on after the move and good dining chairs are right at the top of the list. I want something really comfortable and really kid-friendly (and really gorgeous).<br /><br />I've decided that a straight-back Louis chair is the winner. Probably with some different, bigger host chairs:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/robynkarpPicture20.png" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Robyn Karp</span></span></div><br />I have plans for upholstering the seats in faux ostrich and the chair backs will get a fun print probably, or at least a contrasting color.<br /><br />Sort of like this Emma Jane Pilkington dining room. I love the colors here.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/emma_jane_pilkington.jpg" /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/comShop/customProdAction.do%3Faction%3DinitCustom?ruleID=2357&itemID=11175&itemType=PRODUCT&path=1%2C2%2C648%2C2655&iProductID=11175">Ballard</a> is a great source for Louis style chairs, and usually they accept COM orders. Apparently though, as I just learned, they won't accept vinyl or leather. So I'd be stuck reupholstering the new chairs and basically the cost of the Ballard chairs in the lowest grade fabric, plus the faux ostrich and print yardage and the reupholstery cost = a bazillion dollars.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture38.png" /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I don't want to jinx it, but I think I found a  local furniture manufacturer that will make my chairs (well, actually will just alter a current design they already produce) and use my  ostrich+print for the initial upholstery. All for less than half of the cost of the Ballard chairs. I'm going to check out the warehouse next week I think, so I'll keep you all posted.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/6a00e54ef51a888833010536b69582970b-.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Cottage Living<br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ED1008_Rowley_03.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Elle Decor</span></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/cmayaimage_thumb27.png" /><br /><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Christopher Maya via Cote de Texas</span></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture92.png" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">Domino</span></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/hb1-klotz-diningroom-0708-xlg.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">House Beautiful</span></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/christine1elle-11.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Elle Decor</span></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/renovationstyleannakohlerdining.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Renovation Style via La Dolce Vida</span></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ScannedImage-8.jpg" /></div>

Dining Room Dreaming

I love cooking and eating and congregating with friends and family, so it's no surprise that I get excited by a great dining room. I...

2:33 AM

living room decorating

Mantel Styling Inspiration

Seeking Simplicity

Some Fun Reader Projects

Dining Room Dreaming

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