coziness in june

Photo from traditionalhome.com

This is a living room I have admired for a long time: Barbara Westbrook's design for Traditional Home's Atlanta Showhouse series. I liked it so much, a while back, I created a design board inspired by it for a contest on decor8.com. I did not win. Nonetheless, there were so many elements of that room that I craved in my own home. Let me share how I implemented them in my new living room arrangement.

I loved the combination of looks: casual and sophisticated, natural and structured. I moved my seating area to the center of the room to create a better dynamic for conversation and a vibe of pure coziness. I switched out my modern wool rug for a jute one with loads of natural texture.


The color palette in this area is now a little more subdued and earthy. The symmetry of the furniture's positioning reads as sophisticated.


I brought my bench in from the dining room, grouped it with a rug from the bedroom, and my bookcase to fashion an entry area. The pattern on the rug brings in a geometric element, much like the lines on the coffee table and throw pillows in the inspiration room.


I am really enjoying the feeling of two separate spaces being carved out of this one room, and yet its still inviting.


There are several other things I would love to do if I had the budget, but for now, this is just perfect. Making do with what I already have provides a certain level of satisfaction that seems to whet my appetite for change just enough... until next time!

the light bulb switches on

Okay, here I am. Ready to get back into this. My new goal: break the 100 postings mark. I am so close, its not even funny. This will be my 98th! I apologize for not having posted in such a long time. Its not for lack of decorating ideas though, seriously. My creative mind never really stops ticking, and most of the time, its actually pretty darn annoying.

The initial problem enters when I look at magazines and other blogs to get inspired, and instead, feel defeated. There is so much already being done out there, and I have been somewhat dormant for a while. Then, in lieu of rising to the occasion and putting my ideas in writing, or working them out in reality at home, I succumb to the notion that I have nothing to add. What's the point, so many other people are doing it and they do it so much better than me...Well, whatever, I am SO over the self pity party. THAT too, has been done before.

I want to start fresh, in a way. I often get frustrated because I just can't afford to complete every project and buy all the items on my wish list. But then: I have to remember: this is a blog ABOUT decorating on a budget. This is a blog about doing what you can with what you have, being inventive, and decorating with a LITTLE, rather than ALOT. I don't want to encourage you to just go out and buy what's trendy. No, no my friends, that would be way too easy. Besides, where is the creative expression in that? Nope, its not about making your home look exactly like a page in a design magazine, but a reflection of your personality and a shelter for your creature comforts, all the while communicating good design.

So, I am back with refocused energy. How can we ultimately create spaces that make us feel alive or relaxed or cozy or content, without spending big bucks? With a little vision and a random dose of bargain hunting karma, it can happen.

My challenge for you this week is this:
Find a picture in a magazine of a room you LOVE. Pinpoint the elements of this space that you admire. For example: light and airy, a good furniture arrangement,a unique color combination, interesting uses of texture and fabrics, a nice balance of modern and traditional, etc. Then look at your space with fresh eyes and get creative. What can you do to achieve these elements with what you already own, or by adding some inexpensive decorating finds?

I will do the same, and show you what I can come up with next week. This could be really fun assignment! Feel free to email me your ideas and I will be happy to provide input. Good luck!

RAGS again!

Hooray! Spring and summer flea markets, garage sales and auctions are just around the bend. Next weekend's Kitsap Rotary Annual Garage Sale will help to jump start the season. One day only, Saturday, April 18th, you'll be able to prowl the Kitsap County Fairgrounds for trash and treasure. The sale starts at 8am and ends at 2:30 pm, so be sure and get there early to snatch up the good stuff. There won't be time for second thoughts! A silent auction will also take place on the grounds.


I know I wrote about this last year, but here are a couple of refresher tips to be properly prepared for treasure hunting:
1. Bring a list or notebook of measurements regarding project ideas. (Like wall dimensions for art work or a head board)
2. Bring your tape measure.
3. Paint chips and fabric swatches, just in case.
4. Your digital camera with photos of rooms needing certain pieces.
5. CASH!
6. Water and snacks to keep in the car if you plan on spending the better part of your day "sale-ing"!

Remember my finds from last year?

The $5 upholstered headboard. I covered it with a $20 twin quilt from TJ Maxx and a roll of nailhead trim.





The $10 office chair that I painted light blue.



An art book I purchased for $2, from which I pulled prints out and framed for the gallery wall.



Another side of the RAGS event to consider: donating things to be sold. You can drop off salable items on site at the pavilion on Monday April 13th starting at 1pm. This is a great way to get rid of clutter and be green! Check out their site for more details on donating.

There's no telling what might be found at these sales, so keep an open mind. I wish I could go next weekend, but I will be out of town! If anyone out there ends up going good luck, and send us pictures of your finds!

wanted: industrial organic chic

Hope lives in a classic Victorian apartment in San Francisco. She recently wrote to me about her small bathroom, and the design challenges it poses. She needs privacy from her neighbors, the sink is unsightly in more ways than one, and the space lacks the pulled together look she wants.

While Hope and her husband prefer different decorating styles, she used the words "industrial organic" to describe the aesthetic they both like. Splashes of earthy browns, warm oranges and leafy greens are found throughout their home. They favor contemporary over shabby chic. So, here's my input on how they can achieve the look they are after in their bathroom.


Let's start with a big design statement. The Amanda shower curtain by Bliss Living boasts a graphic but organic pattern in green and brown. Its modern punch provides a great counterpoint to the classic claw foot tub.

A design this large in scale tricks the eye and expands the space. Like a work of art, the functions as the room's focal point. The browns in the pattern will actually complement the hues on the sink, helping it recede, rather than stick out.


For the windows, I would suggest making a fabric panel the same width of the window, and half its total height. Hang this from a suspension type curtain rod at the middle of the window, like a cafe curtain. Use plain white cotton or linen, which will provide privacy, but still let some light in.

Make a similar panel to cover the whole open self situation above the sink. Keeping the look clean and tidy. Maybe you could even mount a large rectangular mirror on some hinges and make a vanity door?

Pottery Barn's organic bath linens come in a great pale green, lending a pop of color to the bathroom. The towels run from $8-$24. If you don't want to spend quite that much, I have found that Target offers a nice variety of soft greens in their various towel collections.

The storage cabinet that Hope currently uses looks and functions just fine, but reads more traditional, as oppposed to clean and contemporary.

Replacing it with one of West Elm's teak bath towers would add that organic element Hope and her husband like. The open shelves keep things breeezy.

Wire baskets by CB2 would help contain smaller items, with an industrial edge. Alternatively, scrounge antique shops for the authentic versions in different sizes.


To complete the updated and natural vibe in the bathroom, put a jute runner on the floor to tie all of the elements together. This chunky design by Pottery Barn fits the need perfectly.


These pieces work together to add warmth and edge to the bathroom. Good luck Hope! Let us know what you think!

serious about pickling

I am revisiting the idea of pickling my dining table. I am still seeing whitewashed and limed oak furniture, and have begun some more serious research on the processes themselves.

My second hand trestle style dining table.

For starters, I have yet to identify what type of wood my table is. I'd like to think I am not totally ignorant to the main differences of wood species, but I am stumped. It seems too soft to oak, but too hard to be pine. I am certain that its not mahogany or cherry, but could it be fir or beech? It is definitely not maple. I'll have to ask my father-in-law over for coffee soon, I think he could ID it if pressed.

Any ideas as to what type of wood this is?

I would like to get this settled before I choose a finish, as each technique performs differently depending on the wood type. Also, which process is easiest? Truth be told, I don't want to half-ass this one, but I am not looking for a serious upper body work out either.

Briwax sells their liming wax for only $15 online.

WhateverI choose, I will most likely need to strip the original finish off first. This is a step I am not looking forward to. I may even need to do some sanding and use a little wood-fill here and there. This table has seen better days and also has a couple of warped areas. The surface seems thirsty to absorb any drop of liquid- it tends to favor oily salad dressing and red wine. The grain has even taken on a glamorous sheen, thanks to the glitter from this year's artsy Christmas cards.

I defintiely have plenty of time to really plan this out, as it will be a stinky, outdoor project. I just wanted to get it in writing so you guys can hold me to it. Plus, I thought maybe someone out there has done it, and could offer some advice. Remember how pretty Pottery Barn's Shelton series was? I think my table has the potential to really come into its own with a similar finish.

Pottery Barn's Shelton dining table (may no longer be available).

tiny rental kitchen

The tiny kitchen in Tiffany's cozy apartment, for rent in Bremerton right now!

A friend of mine, Tiffany, just bought a cute little house in Bremerton with a newly refurbished basement apartment. It looks like a great, cozy little space to live, but Tiffany is having a hard time deciding how to make the tiny one-butt kitchen look more appealing to prospective renters.

There are nice, new appliances, and a new sink, counter top, and base cabinet, but it is still tiny. Just not much room for stashing cooking essentials and pantry basics. Well, what can be done? Conventional stock cabinetry is too cumbersome and limiting, so I had to think outside the box.

Mainly, I would suggest open shelves above the sink for storage of dishes and glass ware. Maybe you could provide some heavy duty baskets or bins the renter could use to hide pantry items. Mount the shelves about 15" above the counter top to allow for any small appliances. Perhaps you could fit some shelves in that little corner under the counter as well?
this photo by Paul Costello, found on dominomag.com

Speaking of appliances, a microwave would hog up most of that precious counter top. A free standing unit near an outlet, just outside of the kitchen might be an option. Otherwise, maybe there is way it can fit on the shelves above the sink?
this photo found on apartmenttherapy.com


For storage of pots and pans, I liked an idea I found on apartmenttherapy.com. A peg board with "S" hooks, ala Julia Child. You could even paint it a fun accent color to add some vibrancy to the space. Mount a narrow spice shelf right above the stove, and you have yourself a convenient little cooking station.


Great shelving options are available and cheap at IKEA.
The Utby kitchen island would lend storage and style, just outside the kitchen.


The Grundtal series has a variety of flexible accessories for the wall.


Lack shelves in green would standout against the neutral walls next to the window.


I found lots more inspiring photos on apartmenttherapy.com, where they have dedicated an entire micro site to apartment kitchens, kitchn.com. Here are a couple of more shots of really small kitchens. Check out the site for more ideas!



Good luck Tiffany! Send us photos when you have your solutions in place!

looking for a pendant

I am looking for a pendant light for my home office. About a year ago, we took down the non-operative and disgustingly ugly ceiling fan. For that same amount of time, there have been bare wires just dangling down. The abscence of a fixture has become one of those things I tend to forget about until I am prepping the house for company, and suddenly realize how ghetto it must look to outsiders.

A couple of things to consider when buying a light fixture:
Why am I lighting the space? How much light to I need?
A work space: you need the room to be well-lit in general.
A dining room: opt for mood lighting vs. task lighting.
A living room: your ceiling fixture(s) just adds to the general ambiance, while lamps and picutre lights illuminate certain zones in the room.
The kitchen: definitely go for concentrated task lighting.
Your bedroom: a pair of wall sconces might lend a flattering glow but enough provide light to read by.
The bath: overall lighting for the ceiling fixture, and concentrated light near the vanity.

Here are a couple of my faves for the office from my top online sources for style. Of course, I want to keep it as cheap as possible, but I am seeking a modern fixture to add punctuation to the space. Tell me what you think.

At $129, the highest price, is West Elm's faceted glass pendant. It lends a sort of rustic and refined element, but remains contemporary with the clear bare bulb. It only accomodates a 60 watt bulb and is about 14" in diameter.



Ikea's Leran pendant boasts nautural elements and a very modern shape. At 24" wide, it certainly would provide a great sense of scale to the office. It is $90 and can take up to 150 watts.



My most fave, and the least expensive option, is cb2's Eden Pendant. It is clean and simple, totally mod, and only $50. At about 20" in diameter, with a 100 watt capabilty, I think it would be the perfect size and provide ample illumination.


Any thougts on what look I should save up for? Here are a couple photos of my office so you can make a sound decision.