Design Day Friday: From Pinterest to Reality - Bedroom Basics

I am a Pinner. I have boards and boards filled with inspiration and reference. (Feel free to follow, just click on the link to the right.) Pinterest is not a new concept. For years and years designers like myself have used pull sheets and tears to create inspiration boards and design plans for clients. Pinterest puts it all in one place and is easy to use. More importantly it has made great design accessible and ignited the design fire in folks that were once intimidated by the concept.

Its been a while since I have posted a "copycat" room or "faux" version as I call it. I thought it was a good time to do one, since fall often brings about room updates and renovations just in time for the holidays. I found a room that is neutral, functional, cozy and in a color palate that is popular.

What I love most about this room is that it is uncomplicated and can be easily tweaked to fit almost any room size.  The basic elements and the accents can be changed to any color palate. If you are afraid of layering, this is a great room to start with, its almost fool proof. Here are the basics:

Layer one: Walls, Windows and Floors

Dash & Albert - Swedish Strip Rug
8 x 10 - $390

Jcp.com Bamboo Shade - Oak $30-$90

Jcp.com - Prelude Curtain $20

Layer 2 - Furnishings and Lighting

Jcp.com - Kensington Headboard Q - $144

Pier1 - Ashworth Bedside Chest $299

Lamps Plus - Sofia Table Lamp $69

Layer 3 - Bedding

Ikea - Alina Bedding- biege - $30

Ikea - Alina Beddding - White - $30

Pottery Barn - Cable-Knit Throw $79

Pottery Barn - Peacock Pillow Cover - $39

Layer 4 - Accessories

The finishing touches! Add some books to the nightstand. Cut some seasonal flowers or greenery from your yard and put them in a pretty vase or container. Don't be intimidated by the details. This is where you can make your design make. Remember my basic rules: Don't get stuck on matchy-matchy. We have already created a neutral base and color palate from our first three layers. My other rule? Try it! Play with arrangements and grab something unexpected to give the room life. Grab some old plates from the kitchen and hand them on the wall. Make a project with your kids and frame it. Find a cool flea market bench and paint it up to sit at the end of the bed. Whatever you do, have fun with it.

Voila! By the by, did you notice the price tag on this project? All totaled up, we did this for approximately $1200 to $1500! Not bad for a whole room makeover. Get creative and bargain shop or DIY some of the items and you can cut your cost even further. Send me your projects. I'd love to see what you create. Now, what are you doing this weekend? Happy Decorating! Ta.

Design Day Friday: Wallpaper with No Commitment

Antlers

Mention wallpaper to anyone not in the design industry and you'll probably get a facial expression similar to asking a 6 year old to eat brussels sprouts. Well, ask me and I'll tell you I love wallpaper AND brussels sprouts!

The stigma of wallpaper is likely derived from the mid-century foils, florals and chintz patterns that covered bathrooms, bedrooms and kitchens and when removed took everything but the plumbing down with them. Later, the wallpaper boarder trend reared its ugly head. Rooms suddenly became accessorized in the same way a poorly placed belt accentuates the worst part of your figure. Hence, wallpaper hung its head in shame. (pun intended). 

The wallpaper of today isn't granny's wallpaper and designers are using it in the most creative ways ever. Wallpaper can add unique personality to a space that takes it from average to spectacular. In many of today's mass-market-architecturally-lacking new construction homes, wallpaper can add texture and drama to a cookie cutter floor plan...and...it just got better. I have been introduced to a product that takes wallpaper love to a whole new level.  It's wallpaper without commitment.  Not to mention it comes in fabulous graphic prints. Don't stop at walls. This stuff could be the next chalkboard paint! 

It's from a company called Chasing Paper. A female owned company, so we especially love them, that developed a peel and stick paper that stays in place but removes without harming the surface below. Making it very forgiving to install. Here's what Chasing Paper is all about:

"Peel it, stick it, love it. It's beautiful, well-designed paper that will stick to nearly any surface. Go ahead and get creative!

Chasing Paper was born in the hustling sparkle of New York City, but its roots are in the Heartland. It was created from conversations with serial movers, stylish mamas, renters who feel like anything but, DIYers, and, of course, commitment-phobes. 

Chasing Paper is for everyone. It makes small projects affordable and big jobs a breeze. We are invested in the accessibility of simple design and the power of transformation." 

They have a ton of designs, but I picked my top five (which changes all the time). Who can blame me? Happy Peelin' and Stickin' Ta.

That's a Plus

Sexy Hexy

Simple Stripe

Circle and Pop

Dot

Photo credit: Chasing Papers