The 10 Cent Designer

I first discovered the 10 Cent Designer, Lori Andrews, on flickr about a year ago; and was totally inspired. Her rooms are bright, modern, and usually have a quirky twist. I realized I have never mentioned her on my blog, what a crime.







These next ones are from her own home.

Wallpaper

Still trying to pick a wallpaper for my dining room.

Samples I ordered from Sherwin Williams.

Not sure about any of them so I just go in there and stare at them every once in awhile. It's really productive.

Here's how they looked online.


So while I continue to fail, here are some pretty wallpapered dining rooms that are not mine.

Top Row: Sarah Richardson, Design*Sponge
Bottom Row: Little Green Notebook, Decor Pad

Planning

My plans are to tackle the master bedroom next. Even though we aren't buying a king sized bed yet, I decided to decorate anyway. I can't take the beige box of ugly any longer.

I'm going for a color scheme similar to this:


I have many projects in mind to save some cash money. First is to give my dresser a makeover. My mom bought this for me when I moved into my first apartment and it is still truckin'.

Here it is in our last apartment:


I'm thinking wallpaper maybe?

via Knack Studios

Or stripes?

Via Life in the Fun Lane

Or paint it a sexy color?

via Knack Studios

Decisions.

For Sale

We're selling our couch and matching arm chair on Craigslist. Here's the listing if you are interested, both are in pretty good shape and are well made. They would be great for a first apartment.

Lengthening a Curtain Panel

I failed to notice that the two windows in my front room/dining room are not the same height and that one window is 10 inches higher from the ground; because I'm super smart and observant. So the curtains I bought were too short.

I had some leftover fabric that matched the curtains so I decided to use it to add the needed inches.


The curtains I bought were 84" long, and the top of my window is at 90" from the ground. I wanted to hang the curtain rod higher than the window, and I wanted the curtains to pool a little at the floor. So I added 14" of fabric - making the curtains 98" long. I hung the rod at 96".





I do not sew or own a sewing machine. I did this whole project with iron-on bonding tape. It was really easy. I "hemmed" three sides of the fabric with the tape, and then attached the fourth side to the curtain with the tape. Done and done!

Design Advice - Cailean's Entry Way

Cailean asked me for some help with her entry way table and surrounding area. Here's her e-mail and a picture of the space as it looks now:

I'm wondering what you would do with a space like this? It's right by our front door. The entry table is very helpful for library books and to have a lamp but it ends up looking very blah. The space above our mantel is also empty. I really love bright colors with black or white as a base. I wouldn't mind an all white house with pops of color! Anyway, colors like bright canary yellow, turquoise, red or hot pink, etc. I think my main issue is we have a mantel with two blank spots on either side and I'm not sure if we should hang something on either side of the mantel AND above it or just above the mantel. The side table needs......something! But it needs to be useful for the books.



Here's what I came up with to brighten up Cailean's space.





1. I think an entry way table is a great place to hang a mirror; you can give yourself one last look before leaving the house. This one from Target is affordable and cute.

2. For above the mantle I wanted to find something large enough to make a statement without spending too much. Framing this beautiful gift wrap meets both criteria, it's size is 22"X34" and it's only $3.75.

3. Although not shown in the picture, Cailean was worried about the blank wall on the other side of the mantle. I think this is a great place for some more art work, but in a smaller scale. These butterfly prints have all the bright colors Cailean loves and are only $25 for the set.

4. An entry table always needs something to catch mail and keys. Something like this simple bowl would be perfect.

5. Right now Cailean's kids use the table as a dumping ground for their books and school work. A couple of baskets placed beneath the table would be a great way to keep these items organized and out of sight, but still accessible to the kids.

6. A few modern vases on top of the mantle would add a little interest.

7. Lastly, a canister to collect loose change would also help to organize the entry table.

Links

I'm feeling a little lazy on this Friday morning, so here are some links I've been loving around the design blog world recently.



Kevin Sharkey's apartment featured on Apartment Therapy, including his unbelievable closet pictured above.

Michelle's cute and budget friendly bathroom makeover. That ceiling is amazing.

Cute and creative tiny birthday party. I am definitely game for anything that gives me an excuse to eat miniature food.

I would never have the patience, but this painted wallpaper is pretty impressive.

And completely not related to design, this video is pretty much my favorite thing that has ever been on the internet, ever.

Tart House Design : Client's Office

Here are the before and afters for an office install that my mom and I did over the weekend! We helped this client organize and accessorize her room, integrating some of the things she already owned, including all of her furniture. Because of this, we were able to stick to her budget of $300 for the whole room.

Before:


After:


Before:


After:




Before:


After:




Before:


After:




This client's needs for her office were pretty unique. She works from home; and in the morning while checking her e-mail at her desk, she also does her make-up and hair. So she requires a hybrid office/vanity situation. This was her set-up before we stepped in.


After:

We found this desk at IKEA in the as-is section (even though we couldn't find anything wrong with it) for $50!

In addition to helping her organize her vanity area, we also took on her armoire where she keeps pictures, craft supplies, etc. It was in dire need of an overhaul.

Before:


After:


Just shows what organization, a few new accessories, and some rearranging can do!

Easter

Love these Easter centerpiece ideas from Martha and Better Homes and Gardens.





This one is my favorite, colored eggs and carnations. So easy and cute.

Entryway Light

My entryway is in dire need of a new light. The current one is from the previous owner, it's too small and too ugly.

Here are some lights I am eyeing as possibilities to replace it.


Pottery Barn - $199
Maybe a little too rustic for my house.


1 Stop Lighting - $95
I like the shape and the price, but I'm afraid it might look cheap in person.


Home Depot - $229
Pretty, but do I want to spend that much?


Top: Home Depot - $153, Bottom: Lamps Plus - $197

These last two are probably my favorites. I like the Lamps Plus one more, but it is a little smaller than the Home Depot version (pictures are not to scale), and more expensive. Decisons, decisions.

And for good measure, one of my most favorite entryways and entryway lights of all time - the work of Lauren from Pure Style Home.

DIY Art

The bedroom makeover is in full swing. I didn't quite finish the painting this weekend and therefore we've been sleeping with no blinds on the windows, and the bed and dresser are pushed to the middle of the room. Zach is thrilled.

But I did finish some artwork for the room, easiest project ever. I will warn you, it's a little cheesy.

I typed these up and printed them at home. They are lyrics from "Earth Angel" by The Penguins, it was the song we used for our first dance at our wedding (I warned you about the cheese). Then I painted the mats gray using a leftover paint sample I had, and threw them in two Ikea RIBBA frames that I also already had. The font I used is called Traveling Typewriter, and you can download it here.



I love how they turned out! I think I am going to hang one above each of the nightstands.

Room Board : Living Room

Here is a room board I did recently for a client who had a very large living room to fill.



One of my favorite finds from this room board is the anchor pillow. It's from Bed, Bath, and Beyond; and is only $20!



If you'd like a room board, e-mail me for more info!