Pre-holiday Spruce-Up: The Vintage Blue Tile Bathroom

This week marks the official start of the holiday season (though, according to malls and big box stores, it's perfectly appropriate to start celebrating and shopping in September!). As such, I had the itch to get a jumpstart prepping for holiday guests; the first place I wanted to start: our vintage blue bathroom. 

I shared the photo above on Instagram one morning last week, as I could hardly wait to show off this work-with-what-you've-got spruce-up, which required little more than incorporating items I already had into an otherwise-ignored space. In the spirit of Thanksgiving gratitude and contentment, I challenged myself to work within the limits of what I had rather than undertaking a full (and completely unnecessary) renovation and, in doing so, I proved to myself that the smallest changes could turn one of my least favorite spaces into one of my favorites.

J.Crew Indigo Top becomes Footstool Upholstery

Maybe it was the sudden early-fall chill in the air this weekend, but it was the perfect few days to take on a few projects around our house. Aside from today's project, we got busy tackling bathroom tile demolition that I'll share more about soon!

Today, I wanted to share my first DIY in a very long time--an antique footstool brought back to life with, of all things, a J.Crew cotton top.

My New--but Antique--Rug

I'm off to a late start this morning--potentially good things are a-brewin'--but I had to make time to share my recent purchase: a beautiful and well-worn antique rug now living in the den.

Out With the Old {For Sale}

I firmly believe that, in order to move forward, it's important to start with a clean slate. In that vein, I've got several items I'm selling to make way for things that I won't be able to live without.

So, here's to clean slates. Maybe you'll find something you like!

My Latest Craiglist Finds

I don't like to brag because I'm convinced it's bad karma, but last week I made out like a bandit on Craigslist. Combined, my two finds were just over $100 which is a pittance compared to the beauty and function they add to our home. Let me show them to you!

Faux Bois Dining Chairs

Whew...it's already Thursday? I know I've been bad at posting this week but I've been busy resuming my non-vacation life...you know, grocery shopping, cleaning, prepping for trick-or-treaters, etc. One of my (many) errands this week: dropping off donations to one of my favorite thrift stores, which I did yesterday.

While there, I had the find of a lifetime--a complete set of 6 faux bois Louis dining chairs. I know, right? Oh, and they were $35 a piece. Let that sink in for a bit...

Finding Beauty in Utilitarian Materials

Lately I'm finding myself drawn more and more to the creative minds out there who see beauty and potential in the most humble utilitarian materials. Weird, right? For example, concrete, rope, and kraft paper are just few affordable materials that are readily available and waiting to be turned into one-of-a-kind accents for any home.

As the autumn approaches, I'm gathering ideas for projects I can tackle with a quick trip to any hardware or craft store. Perhaps you're feeling the itch to get creative this September too, so here's a rundown of my favorite easy-to-find utility materials that are begging to be reimagined!

Make Your Own: Rope Side Tables

About two weeks ago, the latest Ballard Designs catalog arrived at our door. It didn't take me long to zero in on a woven garden seat that was versatile enough to double as a side table for our living room or den...but I balked at the cost: $160/seat! I needed two, and $320 for small pieces felt like an extravagance.

With some brainstorming, I came up with a much less expensive solution that a) met the need for an accent table and b) mimicked the look of woven rope. Let's me show you how I DIY'd it.

Wrapping Paper Wall Organizer

If you're anything like me, you find yourself collecting hoarding wrapping paper (especially when it's from Target and a super great price, right?) It's tough to say 'no' to a cute holiday pattern, but the stuff can be annoying to store. So, when putting my craft room together, I was inspired to concoct a simple, inexpensive way to keep my many rolls of wrapping paper neat, tidy and accessible when I want to use them.

New Round Coffee Table for the Living Room

Last Thursday was my birthday. My husband and I opted for a low-key day without a lot of fanfare or big presents because, after all, we bought a house only a month ago! But, I couldn't help treating myself to an inexpensive birthday present to myself: a coffee table.

Framed Feather Art

In the same vein as other forms of specimen artwork (like butterflies, insects and leaves), feathers are an example of the beauty of the natural world and a reminder that design can be found all around. I took advantage of this inspiration from nature to add artwork to our living room walls.

Vintage Floral Painting...Now, New and Improved!

This week has gotten away from me but before it does, I wanted to share a picture of the newly spiffed-up vintage floral painting that I bought while I was in New Jersey a few weeks ago. The frame was pretty nicked, so I applied a generous coat of liquid gold leaf as an accent. The original matting was haggard and yellowed and the pretty acrylic painting deserved something better, so I sprung for a new white mat.

Old art like this, unearthed from an antique shop, makes me a little wistful. It makes me daydream about the person who painted it or the person who admired it long before it was my turn to do so. I bet he or she loved it as much as I will.

My Guest Bedroom: Tortoise Bedside Tables

Today, I wanted to continue chatting about my guest bedroom, specifically a bit about the nightstands I found for it. But first, I wanted to thank everyone for your lovely comments on the new built-in shelving in the guest bedroom. You all know how to make a gal feel good!

We Should All Be Shopping at Land of Nod

Seriously.

Land of Nod, the youthful branch of Crate and Barrel, is aimed at children and preteens; but after reviewing their stock last night, I found more than a few items that would blend easily into a sophisticated, adult setting. Plus, because Land of Nod is marketed as children's decor, the prices feel like a steal.

Check out what I'm liking from Land of Nod:

(1/2/3/4/5)

(1/2/3/4/5)

What do you think? 

Are there any items from Land of Nod that you're eyeing for your sophisticated spaces?

I may be ordering an item or two before the day is through.

Have a happy weekend, all!

Shopping for Antique Bargains in Maine

While in Maine over the weekend, I couldn't help but try to fit in a little bit of antique shopping. 

I appreciate the prices and options that can be found when traveling to a new place, especially because I haven't found any amazing bargains in my local Philly-area shops lately. 

I ended up bringing home quite a bounty!

My first find: a beautiful rattan basket that has already proven to be a versatile piece.

I was hoping to pop a large palm in it, but it might also hold some blankets in the winter or double as a table if flipped over. This basket was all of $9.

Find #2: a set of 8 authentic Fornasetti white-and-gold "Musicalia" porcelain coasters, which is selling on Ebay for $175. Are you prepared to hear how much I spent?

$2 per piece, or $16 for the whole set.

My third find adds a bit of kitsch and cuteness to my black and white bathroom. This piece is a handmade embroidery with a powder room-perfect message on bathing. It will fill the otherwise-blank wall space in the bathroom, and it only cost $20.

Last but not least, find #4: another Moroccan-inspired side table for only $28.

You may remember I found a similar table while in Maine during Thanksgiving. It seems like Maine is the mecca for Moroccan tables (try to say that ten times fast).

If time permits, I'll paint this table this week. 

Now, what do you think of my finds?

After striking out at Philly-area shops lately, I was pleased to come home with some truly special bargains.

Adding It Up

Ever found a catalog piece that is the perfect price for your budget and the right size for your space, but also a little "meh" aesthetically? It happens to me all the time.

While not every item in our home can be a show-stopper, there should be a few that are. What separates the standard piece of furniture from the special piece is just an extra detail. Today, I've gathered a few ideas that will disguise a catalog item's not-so-special provenance and will have your family and friends questioning where you found such a unique treasure.

Want to transform a budget side table into a beacon of Art Deco glory?

(table via Lamps Plus and gold leafing kit via Rex Art)

Why not introduce some gold hardware and gold legs to glamorize affordable West Elm cabinetry?

(console via West Elm, hardware via Paxton Hardware, spray paint via Utrecht)

How about infusing a neutral, feminine bench with a sophisticated print and color?

(bench via Home Decorators, fabric via Parlor Textiles, Galaxy paint via Benjamin Moore)

How about taking a timeless chair and pairing it with an unexpected DIY upholstery treatment?

(chair via Overstock, Azurite, Bluebird, and Artesian Well paint via Home Depot)

Why ignore the pleadings of this MDF parsons console to be covered in a chic linen fabric?

(console via Ikea, linen fabric via Gray Line Linen, fabric glue via Amazon, and staple gun via Amazon)

With some easy to find additions to affordable pieces, your home will look custom and unlike any other.

Would you consider making some of these additions in your space?

New Series: You Better Shop Around

A few weeks ago I posted a round-up some of my favorite "steal vs. splurge" finds that promised to save you tons o' cash on products that varied only in terms of price. As it turns out, I received such overwhelmingly positive responses to this post that I thought I'd make this into a semi-regular feature, which I'm calling "You Better Shop Around". 

The truth is, I love hunting for deals and sharing them with anyone who will listen. 

So, let's dive right into the first entry into this series!

On the look out for a linear metal-framed coffee table?

The steal: Dakota coffee table, $120

The splurge: Box frame coffee table, $280

(a difference of $160!)

Need a touch of brassy, twiggy goodness to pair with your favorite chair?
(thanks for the heads up, Dina!)

The steal: Twig accent table, $50

The splurge: Twig table, $470

(a difference of $420!)

Longing for a handsome upholstered bench to add a bit of masculinity to your space?

The steal: Hampton pillowtop bench, $360

The splurge: Marit ottoman, $600

(a difference of $240!)

Want to introduce some woodsy lighting to your walls?

The steal: Branch sconce, $315

The splurge: Bare branch wall sconce, $550

(a difference of $235!)

What is your take on these steal and splurge options?
Does more expensive always mean better?

And, if there's anything you're longing to find in a less-expensive option, send me an email or a tweet and I'd love to track it down for you!

You Better Shop Around

Thrift store shopping didn't yield a new piece for my living room this weekend, but I did do a little online window shopping and I realized something: as the song goes, you better shop around (oh yeah, you better shop around). 

Sure, it can be easy to just snatch up something you love without doing due diligence to see if you're really getting the best deal, but I'll show that mucho dinero can be saved with a little patience and internet investigation.

Perhaps I'll save you some cash today...

Crazy for a glassy architectural coffee table, like me?

The steal: Almar coffee table, $730

The splurge: Origami coffee table, $1,298

(a difference of $500+!)

Desiring a gorgeous leather mirror in which to admire your beauty?

The steal: Hanging circle mirror, $410

The splurge: Captain mirror, $1,200-$1,600
(a difference of $800-$1,200+!)

Need an African-inspired table that doubles as seating in a pinch?

The steal: Carved wood side table, $200
The splurge: Village table, $575
(a difference of $375!)

Looking for a woven basket to help organize your stuff?

The steal: Rectangle basket, $40
The splurge: All-in-one organizer basket, $70
(a difference of $30!)


Desperate for a little porcelain light in your life?

The steal: Bone china table lamp, $195
The splurge: Hector table lamp, $225
(a difference of $30!)

What do you think of these steals?
How much have I saved you?
(and, lest you think I got all "spendy" on you, many of these items are relative steals--I'm a bargain hunter, through and through)

Striking Lamp Gold!

This weekend, I didn't make it to the auction I mentioned on Friday but I did manage to strike lamp gold at a Habitat for Humanity's Restore in New Jersey. 

I walked away with two beautiful lamps with a crackled finish. Each were in fantastic condition and, get this, only $10 a piece! 

One of the two lamps was quickly set up on my end table in my living room.

And the second lamp I found, also in a crackle finish, was absolutely brand new. Still had the tags on it! 

And, as it turns out, it was a $225+ Martha Stewart Lamp! For $10!

It never ceases to amaze me what can be found at a secondhand/thrift store! 

Have you benefited from the "new year" donation cycle and found any great thrifted items recently?

Contemplating Coffee Tables

In the last week, I've decided that I need to make a few revisions 'round this apartment. Perhaps it comes with the territory of the new year, but I'm planning some rearranging in the near future. Swapping things around won't exactly placate the need for some freshness and change though, so I know what I need to do:

2012 must-do #1:

Get a new coffee table, stat

Here's what I'm currently working with:

My mid-century table isn't terrible, and I like its height because we eat dinner at this table more often than not (just keepin' it real). Yet, I'm desperate need to banish some of the wood tones in the living room and would love to introduce some glass, some brass and/or some marble in its place.

The simplistic lines of Jenna Lyons' vintage Knoll coffee table as well as its substantial size are just what I'm looking for:

(via Casa Sugar)

and I definitely want a table with sufficient surface area for displaying books, like Jordan Ferney's:

(via Oh Happy Day)

At this juncture I'm gathering inspiration and opinions; but if money were no object, I'd have a tough time deciding between these pretty (and pretty pricey) options:

(Harvey Probber travertine coffee table via 1st Dibs, $3,800)

(Origami coffee table via Anthropologie, $1,300)

(French brass hoof cocktail table via 1st Dibs, $4,450)

(Two-tier coffee table via 1st Dibs, $1,980)

(Two-tier brass coffee table via Ebay, $595)

Ideal characteristics of my new coffee table:
--glass
--brass
--marble
--sizeable

Do you have any great options that meet this criteria?
Opinions are welcome!