DIY - 2/16 - Yby5

Wall Collage Part 1

January 31, 2013 by carin Leave a Comment

What to do with an empty wall?

That’s the problem in my oldest daughters bedroom.

Last summer we made some changes to her room that you can see here. Somehow the months got away from us without completing some of the finishing touches. With her turning 13 soon, as in right around the corner, {GULP} she wants a more sophisticated space that defines her maturing style. Out went the pink carpet, pink walls and those posters that no longer seemed “cool”.

It left us with this large empty wall begging for some attention.

I love wall collages and admittedly I was steering her in this direction . They offer an afforadable unique solution to large walls. After scouring Pinterest together here are some inspiration ideas my daughter likes…

Source: alifeofblue.blogspot.com via Yby5 on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Yby5 on Pinterest

Source: emilyanninteriors.blogspot.com via Yby5 on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Yby5 on Pinterest

I think we’ll incorporate ideas from each while adding some personal touches.

A little paint on these two mirrors will be a great starting point.

In the meantime, I’ll be checking out our local thrift stores and estate sales for some great frames & mirrors. Throw in a latte and that sounds like my kind of day!

I have until her birthday in April to finish…no problem…a piece of cake!

*And can I say that I’m totally freaking out about her turning 13! It makes me scared, happy, sad, joyful, nervous…all wrapped up in one big emotion. My first born little girl is growing up into the most delightful young lady. I know great things are to come…right?

Filed Under: before & after, decorating, DIY, Home Tour, photos

New Pillow Covers

January 24, 2013 by carin Leave a Comment

We’re in the doldrums of winter.

Are you feeling it too?

It’s so cold out that the only thing I want to do is stay inside!

I decided it was the perfect weather to sew some new pillow covers for our sofa.

I’m kinda like a serial pillow cover-er (is that a word?)

You see, all I can sew is a straight line.

That leaves me sewing curtains or pillows.

I’m over the curtain phase so bring on the pillows.

Sewing pillows is a quick project (once I reaquaint myself with my machine).

I’m a quick project kind of girl…Nicole knows that all too well!

Can I tell you how many times I’ve recovered these pillows?

Check out my polka dot phase a few years ago-nice huh?

As my tastes change so do the fabric choices.

Although our off-white sofa has seen better days, it’s the perfect neutral.

It’s been one of our best “big” purchase decisions…do I dare say 20 years ago-yikes!

Funny enough I bought the fabric for my pillows back in November before knowing pantone’s color for 2013.

I am naturally drawn to greens and blues so when I saw the simple floral pattern I knew immediately this was it.

I’m thrilled with the results.

Wonder what I’ll do next time?

*********

Here are some 2013 pillow trends.

Which speak to you?

Source: homestoriesatoz.com via Yby5 on Pinterest

How about this awesome chair in pantone’s 2013 color of the year Emerald Green?

And that fabulous floral pillow-pure love!

Source: houseofturquoise.com via Yby5 on Pinterest

Linked up at:

http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/

Filed Under: before & after, decorating, DIY, favorites, furniture

TV Cabinet Update

January 22, 2013 by carin Leave a Comment

This is the time of the year when I look around my house and see all the “projects” I’ve put off for a LONG time. With the holidays over, I have a window of time before Spring kicks in to get some indoor projects crossed off my list!

First up…our TV cabinet!

We spend almost all our time in our family room/kitchen area, so this silly cabinet has called my attention.

The walls in our family room are a creamy yellow as is the cabinet. There was zilch interest or contrast to the piece.

However, it was paint the cabinet or the walls.

The much smaller project won out!

Let me remind you of the creamy-yellow color of before.

I love AS Paris Grey and have painted other accent pieces in the room with it… so choosing this was a no brainer.

After a coat of Paris Grey.

After a whole lot of sanding (such a bad idea to do right in the family room-Dust EVERYWHERE!) and new glass knobs.

*A great tip that we’ve used many times is to use baby wipes in place of sand paper. It takes off the paint where you want it with no dust. It’s awesome. (I was much to lazy and impatient to run out and buy more wipes…hence major DUST).