5 Ways to add interest to a dining room

When someone says dining room, what picture appears in your mind?  Try  it.  List the elements.<br /><br />For many of us these words conjure up a dining room set with everything matching, a chandelier and some sort of hutch or maybe buffet.  Probably a picture of some sort will be included.  I bet matching is the most obvious characteristic. <br /><br />It doesn't have to be that way unless that's what you like. <br /><br /> Here are 5 ways you can  make your dining space stand out a little.<br /><br /><h4>Mix and match your chairs and table</h4><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQH-qAB58BWlQeNwjQsnk6d67Rt7awjwveTZmpDoAXwN-r0ayPcsvCc2s3CSPHddFvaW_xJVl4c_WHnniweLYD59CSEOQLTKYVKv_8BjxayoSaeb9LaXs-dMKoedjms0KilPMsxmH0sn4/s1600/different+dining+chairs+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="dining table, upholstered chairs, " border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQH-qAB58BWlQeNwjQsnk6d67Rt7awjwveTZmpDoAXwN-r0ayPcsvCc2s3CSPHddFvaW_xJVl4c_WHnniweLYD59CSEOQLTKYVKv_8BjxayoSaeb9LaXs-dMKoedjms0KilPMsxmH0sn4/s1600/different+dining+chairs+.jpg" title="Designing Home: 5 ways to add interest to a dining room" width="261" /></a></div><br /><br />The days of dining sets have moved behind us.  In many magazines you will see all sorts of mixing of styles, materials and colours. I love the look of upholstered chairs with a wood table. They soften the hard edges and provide some relief in the "wood" department. Some adventurous types will go for two different styles of chairs.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfCt66jeeIr7GkETBHmqSAU_5GDAA4mLkDOhFz3SzNN3ZmQ1VSzyG0zGX98Uzf7MiYlhFwYWryrTcQIfMb-8ttaDx_q_7mvloDpYE_liYXAm2OBt96Ck_eNdn7P8Cu0yC3WWzQRDajCtv/s1600/how-to-mix-and-match-dining-room-chairs-adore-magazine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="mixing modern table and traditional chairs" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfCt66jeeIr7GkETBHmqSAU_5GDAA4mLkDOhFz3SzNN3ZmQ1VSzyG0zGX98Uzf7MiYlhFwYWryrTcQIfMb-8ttaDx_q_7mvloDpYE_liYXAm2OBt96Ck_eNdn7P8Cu0yC3WWzQRDajCtv/s1600/how-to-mix-and-match-dining-room-chairs-adore-magazine.jpg" title="Designing Home: 5 ways to add interest to a dining room" width="333" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Adore magazine</div><br /> Another option if you aren't too adventurous is to upholster each of your wooden chairs with a different, but co-ordinated fabric.  Note how this room sports more traditional chairs with a very simple table. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1rXKu2LHSJw2fIhEfFuSVJHwiXBsjI7IfNgEWK38O_7pXJSlBmy8n95epkd1fgZX1NqvAPdTQ8FWVLv_owFuZ_0APYPiNH1fpbCD7cLf9qqWLYJQ_lKPB_ataIbRk3OL5YeUMNmRgfi_w/s1600/dining+from+doorway.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="mid century modern dining chairs, charcoal dining chairs, buffets" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1rXKu2LHSJw2fIhEfFuSVJHwiXBsjI7IfNgEWK38O_7pXJSlBmy8n95epkd1fgZX1NqvAPdTQ8FWVLv_owFuZ_0APYPiNH1fpbCD7cLf9qqWLYJQ_lKPB_ataIbRk3OL5YeUMNmRgfi_w/s1600/dining+from+doorway.JPG" title="Designing Home: 5 ways to add interest to a dining room" width="308" /></a></div><br />In the case of my own dining space, I painted my matching chairs charcoal  and upholstered them with a much lighter fabric to make them the centre of interest in  my sea of golden tones. I am trying to get up enough nerve to paint the solid ash buffets the same colour.   I'm not there yet.  It's difficult when your furniture is all hand made with love. <br /><br /><h4>Look for a harmonious  buffet </h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Forget about having a matching buffet (I wish I could!).  Look for one with the same undertone as your table  or chairs and similar lines if you like, or go for something painted or a different style entirely.  Some element of it should relate it to the room as a whole: wood tone, style, or colour of other objects in room.</div><br />Here are two I would choose for my space to work with my chairs.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMewudWlsVEzcHcDV-Frjo3oDdD0CLs8EDwNE_c5iD5P52F2ejY1CyHtUQn78uAb3wyILisMm5ei9XULqnLfCnm9xYZhGK8LN04_NZC2ySanEco2ke_ik0WjZ4MoHsB9GCqD_GeUMyNaSx/s1600/geo-charcoal-buffet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMewudWlsVEzcHcDV-Frjo3oDdD0CLs8EDwNE_c5iD5P52F2ejY1CyHtUQn78uAb3wyILisMm5ei9XULqnLfCnm9xYZhGK8LN04_NZC2ySanEco2ke_ik0WjZ4MoHsB9GCqD_GeUMyNaSx/s400/geo-charcoal-buffet.jpg" title="Designing Home: 5 ways to add interest to a dining room" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ukIuflpSc1NPm8Uq9YfJ1aH6-Lanh-CejYqLfCWZNxgxNnAQAMTnzrQfuygKhcl9ycv9UtIljC1d_7SOqYrkT1VVPAWTsV2uaCW-ZHGP3RkXai33c0OPz6ZnLxoZMGgOi7C3-l_n6vCl/s1600/5-Jessica-Hasten.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ukIuflpSc1NPm8Uq9YfJ1aH6-Lanh-CejYqLfCWZNxgxNnAQAMTnzrQfuygKhcl9ycv9UtIljC1d_7SOqYrkT1VVPAWTsV2uaCW-ZHGP3RkXai33c0OPz6ZnLxoZMGgOi7C3-l_n6vCl/s400/5-Jessica-Hasten.jpg" title="Designing Home: 5 ways to add interest to a dining room" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They certainly harmonize with the darkness of the chairs, the style is mid centuryish like the table and I like the fact they are both raised off the floor.  This openness will give the illusion of space, always an added plus in a small room. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h4>Have at least one hand made/original item</h4><br /> We live in a mass produced economy where the answer  to everything is in a big box store.  Not so.  Save your pennies, visit an antique shop, a fine craft store or gallery.  Look for something you love, made by the hand of an artist, and place it with pride knowing it's unique.  It doesn't have to be large.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKl4QkhGxZNZUCnYswwX-z1E117dCyIBDqBJ29NA31-Q8Ls3plkrL6ecQn4d7Ac3uss8JTYwbPivVaeX7WbuqXUWzVDWXiqYwtG1EQ6PZF4XD7_qbg1UxkoNktUiglDvR9W-xMc4wkUqav/s1600/DSCN0904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ceramic pot, Anita Singh, barnacle " border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKl4QkhGxZNZUCnYswwX-z1E117dCyIBDqBJ29NA31-Q8Ls3plkrL6ecQn4d7Ac3uss8JTYwbPivVaeX7WbuqXUWzVDWXiqYwtG1EQ6PZF4XD7_qbg1UxkoNktUiglDvR9W-xMc4wkUqav/s400/DSCN0904.JPG" title="Designing Home: 5 ways to add interest to a dining room" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This month I have a lovely pot on my buffet created by an artist friend, Anita Singh.  I love her work </div>because it always relates to the natural world.  Barnacle is always a conversation piece.  It is also the perfect example of my next point. <br /><br /><h4>Use a variety of textures</h4><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMh0ICe82V5p-4P2n8TCt3L6jBpPo28mE-rN-kghYhL8meMmueX0XRXhXF6st02CI0lCRsjOiEvhbLEB4qfEDASOFZ2QXOgJvKy3vz1FcbMLLdA8jh_U2RAjFJhinNToT8U7IuqVxFWAX/s1600/vase+and+candlesticks+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="white textured vase, silver candlesticks, mother of pearl" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMh0ICe82V5p-4P2n8TCt3L6jBpPo28mE-rN-kghYhL8meMmueX0XRXhXF6st02CI0lCRsjOiEvhbLEB4qfEDASOFZ2QXOgJvKy3vz1FcbMLLdA8jh_U2RAjFJhinNToT8U7IuqVxFWAX/s400/vase+and+candlesticks+.JPG" title="Designing Home: 5 ways to add interest to a dining room" width="301" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdVnEboqrDJXwcBK9v_NwiFx0AI9d-3CjRh6enAAlpcwEem7CRP8luZxu4Cuh-JAwUIIC1qGjGKTzJjzx3BXUkUWadczBPqaKz27n85zG9pJVMuS-8iW6OXjTzhlaDj8jQGvpcTs0ZHnXM/s1600/DSCN0901_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdVnEboqrDJXwcBK9v_NwiFx0AI9d-3CjRh6enAAlpcwEem7CRP8luZxu4Cuh-JAwUIIC1qGjGKTzJjzx3BXUkUWadczBPqaKz27n85zG9pJVMuS-8iW6OXjTzhlaDj8jQGvpcTs0ZHnXM/s400/DSCN0901_01.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Textures make the most interesting addition to spaces, and it is the element that I see under-utilized  in homes. In my space I have silk drapes, lots of wood grain, a highly textured plant container made from ceramic, a white wavy vase, metal candlesticks with mother of pearl, and two plants.  I love texture!</div><br /><h4>Choose one unexpected element</h4>Right now the pot my ferns are in is my an unexpected item.  It is so rough and worn looking and I have it paired with silk drapes. Other options could be your light fixture, a painting, something on your tabletop or a small piece of furniture in a corner.  Some would say it should have bling, but I'll leave that up to you.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhtZQUZ4H0C6S-5szEOmhIfIPr02NJ2BxOrY8Mc-eppkeX1dLYwkPYY-11HEG6gC9JhSnBcAL4FOWwtOCIGvK8PVlaAo6q-1dyFDvP_jPd9t4HPhosHRgUcxDNDq0TRxUPkUrJMuepHTM/s1600/DSCN0905+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="textured trough, boston ferns " border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhtZQUZ4H0C6S-5szEOmhIfIPr02NJ2BxOrY8Mc-eppkeX1dLYwkPYY-11HEG6gC9JhSnBcAL4FOWwtOCIGvK8PVlaAo6q-1dyFDvP_jPd9t4HPhosHRgUcxDNDq0TRxUPkUrJMuepHTM/s400/DSCN0905+2.JPG" title="Designing Home: 5 ways to add interest to a dining room" width="300" /></a></div><h4>What's your "interesting " score?</h4> This is a very arbitrary checklist, based on what is "current"  in my  decor reading and viewing.   Hardly scientific!<br /><br />No my dining room isn't perfect but hopefully it is interesting.<br />Just because I write about design doesn't mean my space is perfect (whatever that means) or that it even lives up to what I know about the elements and principles of design.  There's the small matter of competing priorities including: budget, interest and energy, connections to objects and furniture, beliefs about your role consuming and junking, and the desire for good old predictability in your environment etc.<br /><br /><br /><br />

5 Ways to add interest to a dining room

When someone says dining room, what picture appears in your mind?  Try  it.  List the elements. For many of us these words conjure up a dini...

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Finished basement kitchenette

<p>Hey hey! Well I’m getting things done this month, that is for sure. The <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2015/01/another-no-spend-month.html">no spend month</a> is in high gear and I’m purging and organizing and getting little projects done like crazy. It feels GREAT! But I’m dying to go shopping. :) I usually don’t mind it but I haven’t stepped foot a “fun” store for more than a month now. Starting to twitch a little bit.</p> <p>But did I mention I’m getting things done? I’ve had the materials for this project since two IKEA trips ago, which I’m figuring was about eight months ago. As usual, I am incredibly efficient and on top of things!</p> <p>This was our little basement kitchenette last year: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHiYKKkLwCAPrGs5_f6rhiP580eet3aprW6su4LGGS-POGgp5AyODyDXeDhno9BzZe_pu0BjHSLV8EKSeOOcVRrsMEjK-WSkLhpb1xyLfW3AKIIaG9q2L4NYrGwjzwJda8jBDQhh0YFbA/s1600-h/IMG_8309%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="stencil on gray wall" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRu6GvExZZyowAuqroANRpksiTQK2_4bK8NZDpg0-Gr8SWntXtDTAg9Am-PPNGyqaypruC6d9R90f1T98P-InXjUhj2j4s05BLdoWe96aVZIxiTc1BAUq3AREN9rXAQSacvgeSPByvNo/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="stencil on gray wall" width="500" /></a></p> <p>We had the cabinets installed and then I <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-basement-kitchenette.html">installed the countertop</a> and painted the cabinets. Then I jazzed it all up with <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/02/stenciling-wall.html">a fun stencil</a>. </p> <p>A few months later we had the sink installed and since then it’s been a really functional spot. Love it! I’ve always wanted storage up above but knew cabinets would feel too heavy and would block the lighting. </p> <p>So I picked up these shelves and the EKBY BJÄRNUM brackets from IKEA awhile back. (Sorry, didn’t mean to shout those at you in caps, but I copied and pasted that from their site cause I’m not even trying to spell that.) I could have just used basic stained wood for the shelves but these were the exact color I wanted and they were done, which is nice once and awhile: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTAYJDvpD40EkHDgsE3MQ61D5pEh1Wd4ubnaFDGacDkdcKZH8zrG7gHBu-xNRLpvHL2zlt0qcGuT3IoeSzUIjWrppey7a6MeW0G4FzPRQxg6Xf4AqRENJAabMfpdBe6OlF0dfSzUZSGY/s1600-h/FullSizeRender%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDCaSOvt09I5vOcMIt8Ozc_ppSJFkYWFaGp3ktCNBnfAjqPoaY8GKdP83bqFHb31ZwJ0AbetrCMCn6ZhPcvIgpT-QdpvysM1x9H5fEgZkd60IKUJ_NhfRHeShLg7c2y2i4LT9rL8wOvOo/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="500" /></a></p> <p>That’s actually one shelf – I cut it in half for this wall. So I only used two shelves total. The brackets were easy to install – some of them I got right into a stud: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9_nmMh40bq85zywjF7hJRULqDWIblGb4laJpfUdpZVZd972ZDW1F7In_4fjoU1WqfvI22F8Jo5YrFh8juk3d4hdd7Yqfc4rcQ6s2ZAUkCo5E8ECT41yibi6EA4e-ckMTSAD4hoW0uK8/s1600-h/IMG_1420%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="installing ikea shelves" border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjas0V987qcw1l8-lBg-WvJMUW_umsHmkC3tNLH4Pyi-1IL1DZeb4Rxvlv-onbR0X7v6XCd55ohaYxel6s-wZeU4WZHNRJ93hXqDpBv-tvtyrdIwXZ8bQ7vQDzaxsHWMtYUnUHZ1bye-k/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="installing ikea shelves" width="500" /></a></p> <p>And for the others I had to use anchors: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGYQ_SGUZQQQ9tLHkz9tVmLUNqOa6z2myWfFP7Z-M1kJVQccE7On8wg5y2I_M9sg3kZxmpivopERpNH0XPkzbQNvYfVCGRSlF_0K4zgSN5RcYCpyqMERLdxID1XnAeqfP_QqJw3e5ZAw/s1600-h/IMG_1419%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="EKBY BJÄRNUM brackets" border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiswwo5S8GTXVMuMOG4EICKBIlVTPSGgsKzbZfi8_aGljrHm74SxTwwJmTPaI9xF3mwebvWO-t2XB3WaKzNVE5P2LwW_FMhGU30JOykAPbuhLEMX5eR7muykaNCTaQ7ThKDU-DJMQRNjPI/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="EKBY BJÄRNUM brackets" width="500" /></a></p> <p>You just install one side, then place the shelf and bracket on the other side, make sure it’s level and then mark where your anchors need to go. When you have the anchors in, put the shelf and bracket back up and then secure it to the wall. You have to insert the shelf first! </p> <p>Funny thing was I’ve put this off forever and it took less than an hour to finish up. Typical! I wasn’t concerned about how strong they were because this one tested them out immediately: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim0qJCu9MVhIrFrQ3POJ2OOujfzCECyRykv8_vMEf0RlcnFa0q-iYmqd12ZETdwNOmCDVzREiMLQfRfeCNYVKQg5cdhZ14uOH5em_ohowqn6BgyOBiFkNRco09rk1gz5QFCEeInugw37c/s1600-h/IMG_1423%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkuIWHDCs8J8JOOIrSTG2f3k6KT68uAgvVsU7nJAqpQubDzupTc2uBX40_x8s06p4cLQPAWqeV-Plgd4UR6wbSpCqoIjTjFvRQbjcTgYkama0NrHf9NKbQhpecXPxPnNSPbFoiwrfmS_4/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="500" /></a></p> <p>Of course he did. </p> <p>My original plan was to hang three on each side, but I thought that would get a little busy. We don’t need a ton down here – just a few plates and smaller items so the four hold everything perfectly!: </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxWgJ2Ojs7ohf_dhK4cKUzb-dHTbaM50yBuKdOmJ0i0OKo_LF36_V6RSugTZolqnueYoNtrsTJe324zcOzKCapuIXHRQCqkUy27nBDAJexdNjYsYgnOGv9F_hNme2kFAjmIijM5IiuGo/s1600-h/IMG_1234%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="ikea wood shelves metal brackets" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazuIhISwkJRjVJ8GOcm40YCuHpXUKFD4XjnGgQ5-4buFNH003a39VNg4X5DPrwMLuBBIGW66cftG7WGWsZlSROoj2ae5HMSEKM6rhaJKDtq2TXW7m99yKE9OPblEtJ0lq6NrzoSRhsOE/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="ikea wood shelves metal brackets" width="500" /></a></p> <p>Here’s the basic sink we put in – it’s just a drop in but very deep. I gotta have a deep sink to hide the dirty dishes. ;) I went pretty basic with the faucet too and didn’t add a sprayer. Kinda wish I would have but we don’t use this sink a ton: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjauEOx1ZoVZbF2wiF96UGS7OhN2uAqDh7FgUrFJrl9CYtJXnLm-_g-_n2W7C91KU0So7fpEKYW6Mo0pinyFawRAX2UXhl52k0wMhd00ud5rQbXV4YrFC41tu_NwOEPHcVmel7kXMS-AsQ/s1600-h/IMG_1229%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="basement kitchenette sink" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif12YpT8FDr7Qc3Tc4wppXimHqVUkDe59CgrMtMmVF9bQi8xZVcMZ1pGMG5Nzw6IQ4v2MGEpGtFOYPeO7JuSRCMBBzJR-TlBo-KCvN_bppnsw9YQ2BbOB0HJknSC7WKGewjSCQHAixvXU/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="basement kitchenette sink" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I was using what we had to fill the wall – the dishes were on clearance last year, the basket holds towels and washcloths, the ball jars serve as glasses and the sign above is one <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2009/03/how-i-stencil.html">I made years ago</a>: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BTWvQVDnGCcopAgxSJcbarg-uC28nzq9kUPw1-l6EQzqn8YbQZH2oPPWXfRSuhnpOWbUbqyWwAYerHDzJpd-QgDpf6kHOzCri4GJ6GCSNjla5sGJu-U0cVWRM-T3iur6PeVnXKDlw6g/s1600-h/IMG_1235%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="ikea shelves metal brackets" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpExeAG82mpPxamtUHV9YPE8YYkqERa_u1GLNKg43fbn0g8T9WIS3KXfzLqsYYjnMz0Hr88unxmZ2OWYU1DfKC4EO0gb_w2AHVnabHGjL6Escfh_5WhPxcQorgaHF1bqgkUZgrf3jkj0k/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="ikea shelves metal brackets" width="500" /></a></p> <p>It all came together just like I envisioned it!: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBIHL6YRsJ5oOc0TMBUCF3aNLM30skPKKTME6EtApqcLPPBa_V2C_NHGP2IjIX71h4YWpvqnbPwyufbW005g0ArZleY9FAr-Bzjiz8w11-FSV0UZaeUg3Uv0TddG5FwO2uPRAm3fswRg/s1600-h/IMG_1236%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="EKBY BJÄRNUM shelves" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_J2_2UET4th3Rnbw7-exS5XH5wcUZtSZZsb94WQFJ6MbsYmJ-sqV0JgvO3uQhRNqo6clFgP_Pr1Mn8HAsV5XmjgAI7GpwYRQfvLo_nzLFz7_yNwHjITlEhlKzWRRz8EMpsEWInUmehs/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="EKBY BJÄRNUM shelves" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I may add a mirror to the middle to see how that looks. I don’t want it to get too busy so we’ll see about that. </p> <p>Here it is with the lights off so you can see the stenciled wall a little better: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4DnRddGAMvu2TkLc8ekZfknEsk_YYDYaAUmMYAH4Qnb5kHFLZ4fqcXWIK-eo5WD0nptn81eeJyzrrMZvB_w_QTIcg5hmFoBJvKuN4utzdoPL9Auaya8QdwG-7LeZI6OFMID-l05hjWA/s1600-h/IMG_1227%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="basement kitchenette shelving" border="0" height="708" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzV6rhmLQT7e_fRvY_bFiSbk8IrKclNNpdd8-kszcnHun_dZWYM3zyv2ucwRq6pS_JCne3FLNZBxtU_TA9aSQGdQqCSJeYhBgnoFWhYhUn-Y9reIceg7WQankDlFxHY-ah0IxwPok9-kc/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="basement kitchenette shelving" width="500" /></a></p> <p>We also have a small fridge and microwave down here in the stair storage. Someday I can see us adding to this spot and wrapping it around the corner to add a bar or something. For now that area to the right of the cabinets is the Bub’s indoor basketball “court” that he uses every day in the winter. :)</p> <p>When he’s older we may expand it a bit. For now it’s a great little spot with everything we need for movie and laundry folding nights: </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4QQqffl2X3uyscP6_xTa6SNg2vv7DfjI8hqn-RJv8DODkhcgFlWw1IVouWk-5vhYxcWoFn7CzKAUX0ocxGhr_7IQ-cdRrXw-WOGrz2XhXKsuYQGA3bib1VvrfzCMZWgDh_TsF5mF5yC0/s1600-h/IMG_1238%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="simple basement kitchenette" border="0" height="670" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLyVSzwPjK-sp9NQhPH0XiLOr7CW6IENvCU40mkHPRa9dtyco_DY2URNVklzJEpptisaXUTHE4gCGT5ySZuLZNEZrH2Wf90GmMvp3QricGWzGxc40xLbiWiX1qUz_M2aFOzDQYE1z1CMw/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="simple basement kitchenette" width="500" /></a></p> <p>This basement is a dream come true – we absolutely LOVE it down there. And now that we have cold drinks and running water we can just hibernate (which we did a lot over Christmas break). By the way…pizza rolls are the BOMB in a toaster oven. Just sayin. Try it. </p> <p>One project down, a million to go! :)</p>

Finished basement kitchenette

Hey hey! Well I’m getting things done this month, that is for sure. The no spend month is in high gear and I’m purging and organizing and g...

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Dining room turned library, finally!

<p>Hello my friends and happy weekend! Hope you have a fun (or just relaxing!) one planned. </p> <p>We’ve made a big stride in <em>finally</em> transforming the dining room to a library space that I’ve talked about for awhile now. It’s only taken a couple years. ;) Hello…it’s ME. </p> <p>More than two years ago I got <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/01/dining-room-turned.html">a wild idea</a> to get rid of our dining room and make it into a more useful space for us. We were starting with a very dark, dramatic room: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1XBvEPxjUaxpxm_vAl0LP6X9oEZT7kksAo1Ynq4TyaCnbYZFiMbSmY9f3vEqf1UaPbfw0SJYG9FOyjU4lBHJC0zuIzu8tsVAM-FdvsxLhtv4xxF5QE1jge1g8K_ePsEJZj8mYBKxHJnc/s1600-h/IMG_9633%25255B3%25255D%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chocolate brown dining room" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrSlla4_ZBmD0tnWLRKhL0Ivnf3lfs83l96euChEdnlqWRvyNxDyayZ0Cx01etwHPMezjbrL1d1q8Zc4o56LJY8Z-JviY5U3a_k9tmDGJ5i4GW-8at9JcEZ1vP1Gb6CNmne1RvDpGsiI/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="chocolate brown dining room" width="320" /></a></p> <p>Keep in mind this was kind of in between – I was painting the chairs and we had just gotten new floors that reeeeeally made the room feel extra dark. The carpet we had in there before helped to lighten it up.</p> <p>Thing is, we used this room maybe twice a year for meals. That’s it. Otherwise it was fun to dress up for blog posts, but we never ever used it. I can’t stand that – honestly, the thought of not using space in our home makes me twitchy. I’m not one for “fancy” rooms either – most of our spaces are pretty laid back. </p> <p>Soooo…I started on the process of <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/06/dining-room-built-ins.html">building the bookcases</a> to transform this space into a “library.” My Dad and I worked on them for months and they made a dramatic difference to this room. Then for awhile we had our old round kitchen table in the space just to fill it. My husband used it as his office in the summer months so he wasn’t down in the basement. (Lately he’s been in the kitchen – I think we need some windows in the basement!)</p> <p>Speaking of an office – many of you suggested still using a large table in this room so it could be a desk and a dining room when we needed it. I considered that for awhile, but we always came back to the chairs. We don’t need another big table and we’re not the neatest people. :) I really didn’t want papers and the computer to be the first thing people saw when they walked in to our house either. I think it would be lovely for people that are good about keeping surfaces cleaned off but we’re <em>so </em>not those people. ;)</p> <p>I have been looking for years for chairs for this space! Our plan all along was always to add four chairs in a circle as a conversational area. But four chairs are expensive – no matter how good of a deal. So I looked and searched and scoured Craigslist and couldn't find anything I loved. I found plenty that looked great online but I just can’t pull the trigger on ordering furniture I’ll sit in online. I have to be able to test it out. </p> <p>My husband had two requests – they had to have arms and they had to be comfy. I finally found something that worked when I was in World Market a month or so ago and stumbled across the <a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/charcoal+abbott+chair.do?camp=ppc%3AGooglePLA%3Anone%3A96244856339custom4home_decor%26custom0mirrors&adpos=1o1&creative=50632184099&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=CP6qkInF-sECFehaMgodx1oAow">Abbott chairs</a> -- they are super, super cozy:  </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjseYI6yhoXF83Wlh0dxb-kH9v5eDj4zWqTOosSVk3uN3YQKEZx_0ePnq86bGAXjH3kn_pADzia8d2sSU8RYakrpvZU0U_SIqAOaayrG-Li8d0H5mXkptEDdM7lKjZ5ZjGjmNwQ2AhLod8/s1600-h/IMG_0495%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="World Market Abbott chairs" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH87UaG0XvjocWTXeKGxs6nSh5rosVFRs0tGWBAV3vsGSTnXtSQ0oebQbctpOS4ffW__wMXKYNpeJeAPJRuPPzXkNBs0kOjduZKybR19gcAxvETNYC9ho6cyASkxMAeaJlgRlrVh9YJgg/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="World Market Abbott chairs" width="500" /></a></p> <p>The bonus is they were on sale down from $300 to $250. Then I got another 25 percent off of that, and then I had a coupon. So I got each $300 chair for about $170 – score!! WAY better than the $300-$400 I was finding online. They only had two in stock so I got those and then did a rain check for the other two. </p> <p>But when I got the two home I quite loved how they looked by themselves:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYuG5BtxU6mEmOfWaIXMqeZubke6u4kAFufLTGzOCcH4MFbrLn3-AH71HCmKlNzt9auM4Gf69EH33_VZWWaM7qnYszuLZa1J7bCS6FJgPJpfQpLB7R-2r_QMDO4Bb0z5mBp5mXiDen-28/s1600-h/IMG_0515%25255B2%25255D.png"><img alt="revamping dining room into comfy seating area" border="0" height="744" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4qu1Q5635AtcpOTj_dabZTG5co2VsxinC5Irg9WqGNZY5Hhsx79gllE5DiaEymh-HboEtZuXWhgnlYkvbwF98nS_v2fehrcCgM90QH48B3Cb_bTxz2ANX9oR33Tb8Jxd27tD12PjudM/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="revamping dining room into comfy seating area" width="500" /></a></p> <p>It felt nice and open and welcoming…I was worried four would be too tight. </p> <p>A couple weeks later two more came in so I stuffed them into my SUV and then put them out with these…and it was waaaaaaay too much for the room. My husband loved it and I always try to go with whatever he likes when he has a strong opinion, but it just wasn’t going to work. </p> <p>These are large chairs but even smaller ones would have been too busy. And they are crazy comfortable – I can curl up in them and still have room, I love that. More than anything we wanted them to be a spot where people would actually SIT. </p> <p>I lived with the four for a few days, trying to convince myself that they worked, but alas -- they did not. I wasn’t sad about spending half as much, that’s for sure!: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0LNHuTW1eNt5g-K6qrzlGBD4tbtMZJ5ydvLbYTtnSshBYfOaBE108w8Y6UxAJ9vADUZklYwUcg8Ve_3jg1eJZyAErPNJAPi_lBi9rLucMRqB3JvZsUVo5GkRZ9PASlsFwY54HnS9S37c/s1600-h/IMG_0502%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="dining room turned library" border="0" height="774" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqyzFxTpeCAlzhJrvPx9Yj3G9nOrg-CQwN3UgWg9YgdohTfqcgHW1pCERzbKbhT5FdEuBeXh4kBCN-ZZzaAWLd5YiOcULoOY1VE5kWjVvaL_8G5yiUyAsnoU4tDK3CX_QXsUqL0EH6MYc/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="dining room turned library" width="500" /></a></p> <p>One thing in particular that I noticed with the four chairs is that when you came in our front door you saw the back of a chair…it felt all wrong. And if this room was about four to five feet wider it would have been lovely, but I love how welcoming this feels.</p> <p>So we took the two back and it immediately felt right again. Ahhhh. ;) It’s a perfect mix – cozy and still open. Awhile back I put a lamp on the shelf for my husband while he worked. It adds nice low light for when we sit in here in the evenings: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKr3PTRCD-DsQURnQju-zb06k_1j3oyeAdN31FrD_nJ6NuUOS0jiZslDpAuGFs6vtanHNukoPVls8ptRijqvTT_qvREbbgf2thj18fVR3rfIlhtgr-4cN712Q3miz2xr7sut90ef6DIY/s1600-h/IMG_0512%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY bookcases with storage" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih1xkstBSVy1dnnpHPQx6c-g8bp1mao3fA_65Mwvh4vFLA9DVsdPo5O-O2TQ4-whKgCkcP6IlLgO4mX9Zoenz9vg8H0qbB1G3j6o5sonNeooC0H4jg9bb4wKcjgg1WoKUR1H2KPOeBn1c/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DIY bookcases with storage" width="500" /></a></p> <p>Of course the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/10/library-lights-finally.html">bookcase lights</a> on a dimmer are awesome too!: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmp4v1xKNQw45MdokuI6YF2EAhOMht2wqv8i8bn1V9mJJGg80Ex3nOwBF5AF0BPTvaGEhCQTtLeodARiggOpppA8qvE1lrEzQzdHB_w_BFLtK2qc5fjfaYBRwjlQFBjt2YMlYvayJMOk/s1600-h/IMG_0513%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY built ins with storage" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJPYX5KiVXDbR1UJyf7E5VacOn5eytm0Gj4WKpsgpBuBUrJkF4mb3WG5yFxtc9Y3GLMuTQaWNH11lU15s-PvfC0v6Hu6v0lE02q0l-mKgBOHDrogluiJ4v69N11gboYRjmviNoqofaUIk/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DIY built ins with storage" width="500" /></a></p> <p>A few months back I added this dresser that used to sit in my office to an awkward little spot in the room: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3uyE9NGqPuqKaO0BMBS-pFtFnNHfwrgeXm4QQBfQMHwMjbT-f2wFYnVUewW9jEmHskLOgYxDLRZlXIibESDw90dKaYl5JOr8Xszivv0-rTir_VZ8NjjhYs3YZX-Lij724I-Gf-9F9_w/s1600-h/IMG_0526%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="black dresser white hardware" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihXg61dkLaPkj79a9UqJxxrLKWxpWPn2lSWh452tQhtRiSjdUp2iPTJVallHwLUA7JtL-I9HSD4ZRruimO1k_IoVBEJIIzQlichbCFKYIKwDDZSxWkWUJ2KXLWWho5CgtWOOVOHtzWmBE/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="black dresser white hardware" width="500" /></a></p> <p>It’s in between the library (I think I can officially call it that now!) and the living room. There was supposed to be a small wall there but I asked the builder not to put it in and I’m so glad! I love this little spot now. </p> <p>So here’s a look back at what the room looked like a few years ago: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3P7IZuiLp3nkipOeNcQDY2ml-LYT5SDBU4jRFsC8ejLHXoq23twLZRn444iXDS7EWsnoK4A4uMK2PwuFZzA2H88G7Nnf8WrnH7vYF6pZ0A6T2yZlNsEi_xjr2eKrUY-QLjIDJ120Gl5w/s1600-h/003%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chocolate brown dining room" border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieq8OiEEX5N0cGGDhnYcli6Z6RKe2uXKh7OSsaXDBkjt5DzJRD8dQFPTFYHUsMiLpN6d05tWXzlIpuDnD5_A4lAvdAWwNvflzQgWUIFI6g3HIpBiUT1-8J3b7UTaFClvqRRNjxCDg_V1M/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="chocolate brown dining room" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I loved it (mostly) at the time, don’t get me wrong. But I love it so so SO much more now: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHHjXDxg4EpiaxA_w1uxAgcbTZ5hc77JxUjvdyYtCLEmUEt-1ZpBbrE31-gjcN5m7xDma3J9EHnOPCfWjs3IWGm9NQ98gm7kSk0XcM5mKsVay0HrdRdsi7AFEPj8I8Zmx9dCbB7lIz-g/s1600-h/IMG_0517%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="dining room turned library" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZPLsmvVNMWzBTWg6bz9dxgSmhTgIinMUQSFWaSLs72G1SAz3NSDAn9ux9ADGTodKicn07BYxRWeRSoYQBZlR6oaqF8PGMMU2fCvgPzjw4yEzm3Mqsz_Rjd5foyClz7W7hG8fXi_UV6zE/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="dining room turned library" width="500" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Big transformation, yes? I’m so thrilled that we have a spot to sit in here now. And yes, the living room is right next to it but I’ve known all along we’d use another comfy spot. This is more intimate and just adds another area for us to relax or sit and talk.</p> <p>The ottoman is one I’ve had for year from Meijer and I plan to build a bigger fabric ottoman on wheels to go in it’s place. We also really need a small table between the two chairs. I have my heart set on one of those tree stump kind of tables but they are <em>expensive</em>! I found on at West Elm that is perfect but it’s $200. Uhhh…NO. </p> <p>So I’ll keep looking till I find one that’s the right price and look. We LOVE this space though!! For the first time ever we actually spend time in here! I sit out there most mornings and eat my breakfast. The kiddo and his best buddy end up sitting there and just talking…I freakin’ love it. And of course, the animals are curled up on one of them every single day. </p> <p>The great thing about the two chairs is when we host big parties and I need this space for serving, I can just push the chairs around to the living room or by the windows and we’ll have plenty of space. It’s going to work really well I think. My sister pointed out (when I had her come to validate my thoughts on the four being too much) that with two more chairs that would be hard to do. </p> <p>Getting rid of the dining room isn’t for everyone I’m sure. But it’s going to work well for our family and I’m really excited how the space has transformed! Do you use your dining space or do you use it for something different? So many builders aren’t even including them in their plans now, isn’t that interesting? I wonder if the formal dining room will be a rare find in the future. </p>

Dining room turned library, finally!

Hello my friends and happy weekend! Hope you have a fun (or just relaxing!) one planned. We’ve made a big stride in finally transforming ...

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Accessories: A decorator's perspective

<h4></h4><span style="font-size: x-small;">Part 2 of 5</span><br /><h4>Accessorizing a client's home</h4>I'm often asked what is the most difficult job I do as a decorator.  Truthfully it is to accessorize a home.  Not because I can't create beautiful vignettes or select interesting objects, it's because I have a belief in individual expression in a home, and it is so difficult to feel this, and then try to create a look for someone else. The one thing I have as a decorator is an unbiased eye for someone else's space. That is helpful, and I often see new life in their discarded items.<br /><br /><h4>How I do it </h4>With clients I spend a lot of time chatting and gathering information.  I ask them to pull out all kinds of objects they already have, even ones they think they don't want anymore, and look for things to integrate with newly purchased objects.  Check out this <a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.ca/2013/11/accessories-making-it-all-work.html">post</a> to see one client's vignette.  I find out about their interests, travels, background etc.  I consider if they have children and what their interests are.  It is also worthwhile to look at children's art work for inspiration.  Another telling activity is to look at what is currently in a home and ask questions about its origins, etc.  When I ask how they want people to  feel/think when they come into their home, I usually get guidance for the overall look clients are going for.   Then I  put all the information together to come up with meaningful accessories that work for a particular  family.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-h5CogARq8WD2WLJCmiHQkrMR3SdM5msMKmQsjwNSAwKlsEkFrFp-eAP3hzxfTxkL2_O6OlWmVV19quk7ccM9sKmB25QxWMXL9UYdZLft41fG5Mw4th3QHivW2K20KZqmKNCePw3r7vg/s1600/OB-organic+accessories.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="inspiration board, organic, geometric, spring green" border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-h5CogARq8WD2WLJCmiHQkrMR3SdM5msMKmQsjwNSAwKlsEkFrFp-eAP3hzxfTxkL2_O6OlWmVV19quk7ccM9sKmB25QxWMXL9UYdZLft41fG5Mw4th3QHivW2K20KZqmKNCePw3r7vg/s1600/OB-organic+accessories.jpg" title="Accessories: A decorator's perspective" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Client inspiration board - organic references </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">This inspiration board was created for clients who were interested in finishing their space with additional accessories to add to objects they purchased during their travels.  When I looked at what they already had, I could see strong contrasts,  elongated textural sculptures</span>, and several vibrant colours.  I chose an earthy green, nature references and rounder shapes to work with the more elongated ones they already had.  I wanted to warm up the predominant " blackness" of their space and play into their obvious interest in geometric motifs and texture.  With the inspiration board in hand the clients chose to shop themselves over time to complete their space.  The flowers of course never happened!  Twigs were more their style.<br /><h4></h4><h4>A long term activity</h4>Adding the final touches to your home can take a long time.  You many have certain things in mind and can't find them; you many have budget restraints after purchasing big ticket items; you may be just plain exhausted doing everything else, and have no energy left to deal with little things. Or you can be bored with what you have and want to start over.   No matter where you are on the accessorizing continuum, you need to have a plan in place to create an interesting, personal space.<br /><div><br /></div><h4>Two ways to do it</h4>Of course the easiest way is to hire a decorator!  An inspiration board like the one above is a very affordable solution, and you can purchase all the objects referenced online, or you can use it to shop your area.  When people want to purchase locally, the inspiration board would contain objects/furniture available in the city.  Most decorators also have rates for personal shopping for clients.<br /><br />If you want to do it all yourself, I suggest the following:<br /><ul><li>Look online (Pinterest, Houzz) and collect inspiration images looking for patterns,  objects, colours, textures that  resonate with you; look at how they are displayed/arranged;</li></ul><br /><div>I keep way too many files on <a href="http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/margaretryall">Houzz</a> and <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/mryall/">Pinterest </a>to use as inspiration and reference when talking to clients about concepts. </div><div><br /></div><ul><li>Make a list of possible items for accessorizing from your inspiration images; have headings (e.g. art, table top vignette, pillow arrangements and styles etc. )</li><li>Remove all the accessories in the space you are working on and put them in another room; </li><li>Check your storage areas  and other rooms to see  if you have things that might have a new life in a different space;</li><li>Look at your collection and choose anything  that you love and think could work in the space;</li><li>Bring them to the room you want to accessorize and place any that work; </li></ul><br /><div>I went to my own storage area to see what extras I didn't have in use. Then I integrated some of them with arrangements I already had in my dining room to show you how many things can work and be changed around.  Obviously I care about these objects or they would have made their way to charity. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKXNr5onMbswbofJL_Z0Nbuxw0bZpXBqGxkop8LtWvs1uZC6jsTiubewOXdgkjNuMaoVNnMckZe2FuSuYHz6YZdhMjpXnRbvXNIL6hdSooKKaHeWJb9uZ7bo_2TPhSPJ0B4ebegrGOd5Xs/s1600/dining+vignette+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="dining room vignette, Boblen vase, accessories, " border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKXNr5onMbswbofJL_Z0Nbuxw0bZpXBqGxkop8LtWvs1uZC6jsTiubewOXdgkjNuMaoVNnMckZe2FuSuYHz6YZdhMjpXnRbvXNIL6hdSooKKaHeWJb9uZ7bo_2TPhSPJ0B4ebegrGOd5Xs/s1600/dining+vignette+1.jpg" title="Accessories: A decorator's perspective" width="320" /></a></div><br /> These two items on the right get used for all sorts of things.  The top is image shows a Boblen  vase that I wrote about <a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.ca/2012/11/a-must-have-vase.html">here</a>, and the plate is part of a set of 8 that I use for entertaining.  It also works as a candle holder or propped up on a small plate holder it becomes a graphic piece of art.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCkxoj_b2s7CgjMLlbocPyi3qe8-QBecNINdG2kfTkrzccQwnmbviD0LIdQg0juXfpjiaP_6lPm-BxuoOPcrEPSzKojb_tNpSd5glS5h8ibRrIjCkBtUJMpMpgRo1TXQ8cVRMM2nM2Abm/s1600/buffet+vignette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="wooden vase, black candle holders, fall decorating" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCkxoj_b2s7CgjMLlbocPyi3qe8-QBecNINdG2kfTkrzccQwnmbviD0LIdQg0juXfpjiaP_6lPm-BxuoOPcrEPSzKojb_tNpSd5glS5h8ibRrIjCkBtUJMpMpgRo1TXQ8cVRMM2nM2Abm/s1600/buffet+vignette.jpg" title="Accessories: A decorator's perspective" width="320" /></a></div><br /> The black mesh square tray was the base for a gift  I received last Christmas.  Black and square are two of my loves, when you add texture how could I let it go?  Anything hand made is alway a keeper especially when it has the beautiful form this vase does.  A few colourful berry branches the colour of the season can change the look completely.  Use your imagination about what additional seasonal objects you place in the basket/tray.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9SRH3tM4XzK98-F0gVnRquqWzRTzRdC0ltfemyG6Ta86OekRo1GhGOypngAHmQYrluTHXdslYCOZ2oZXHm26D163g5qwYlEIpCq4PeIAc7sIXuK3qaGNPkvfQXsCkMU4_TZ8IhV-bLMM/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="stone eggs, accessories, black candle holders, vignette " border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9SRH3tM4XzK98-F0gVnRquqWzRTzRdC0ltfemyG6Ta86OekRo1GhGOypngAHmQYrluTHXdslYCOZ2oZXHm26D163g5qwYlEIpCq4PeIAc7sIXuK3qaGNPkvfQXsCkMU4_TZ8IhV-bLMM/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" title="Accessories: A decorator's perspective" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And on to the stone eggs my sister gave me years ago.  This hand crafted white  bowl has a beautiful irregular form and can be filled with all sorts of goodies. </div><div><br /></div><div>You get the idea.  Once you've found homes for the objects you love,  you can...</div><div><br /></div><ul><li>Make a list of what else you will need;</li><li>Record needs and the size/height/colour of objects; </li><li>Take pictures of the areas you want to accessorize;</li><li>Go shopping (with your phone)! Don't forget to look in second hand stores, antique stores, dollar stores, craft studios, and on line second hand sales sites.  </li></ul><br /><div>Oh yes, trade with your friends and/or siblings!</div><br />Check back for Part 3 of my accessories posts where I visit a local home to explore how the owners went about adding the final touches to their new home.<br /><br /><br />

Accessories: A decorator's perspective

Part 2 of 5 Accessorizing a client's home I'm often asked what is the most difficult job I do as a decorator.  Truthfully it is to a...

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Dining room updates

<p>Hello my friends! It’s a lovely rainy fall day here, and what I think will be the last warm day we have in quite some time. I’m actually excited about that. :) I’m tired of sweating – bring on the crisp air, yoga pants and boots! </p> <p>I finally did something in another part of the house other than the family room…can you believe it? </p> <p>A while back I took the drapes down that used to hang in the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/search/label/living%20room">living room</a>: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0RdUT-v6j-yZdsjLcIsYrX1pwDa4pEavs3AJtZ8jWEkRWCsihxN_USE68EysjwmLI4j4WySgTmWNWOMkBZ3ul2M8BzbLBcpdNDg-JQlv7Lhyphenhyphen5Q7q5E1Gqso7sJA-txbHQyZJBUXFBUL4/s1600-h/IMG_1405_thumb%25255B7%25255D%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="" border="0" height="722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpo_cbYB4aPLQfV9uVp7QZsNNMSyb73BIqt5P-Imaswmon7SNjmABSwHH9Sepx1D6tPeBNGUr_qOML8p3hB0dZehtL1s-KI46oht5DojtptYasWlEBW_v0EQcU4CcWFDEcE1KhASzO8I/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="500" /></a></p> <p>This was in the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/07/pink-walls-begone.html">pink wall era</a>, so glad that color is gone! (They weren’t really pink but sure photographed that way.) </p> <p>Anyway, I took those drapes down after I added new <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/04/diy-craftsman-window-trim.html">trim to the windows</a> up front: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEBH_gEzmirzFQihnu_3guy8TzdXzyhyU90I1d7u8LsXVN22tA8CgXz8Mc-WWn586bZcnXW2vtGOq7vE745I-yZniuXXbyX1041Hu4SAUXokBdTPlNYD41FSf2HA3uVszDZ5KiB3YC4I/s1600-h/IMG_9214%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_9214" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNMprMJNDLt2S-4XxbL6BwTpOepLrguitJ5g8uWpYXTZngLJ8n4IHq1FBae-Z9GUs_n2W6G2iz2UnSRPNsnNJbUDCj_DpWDOUualxNadv6uYzflaWQbbt9NyUaHuo0q7f-p6AoP7vNAg/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_9214" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I like them simple like that – so much so that I don’t have any plans to put new drapes up, at least for now. </p> <p>I got to thinking that our dining room windows could really use something though. I do plan to trim them out the same way but in the meantime they were looking pretty bland: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXk0xfTadLG4fY5sNxDsutzoxHDLAmXD3n24W2uMFVoHY5petGhpDsTkalEhiHL9TTyR9_PKEKWnqM3nHgI_s8IKgk-Fp3R01-YlRvy_gmHJ3jPHTZxege1ocqGHpDLGvkylSOAJd6R10/s1600-h/IMG_0005%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcV4_OoU9ZPNLcXRtr6ucLo7oQSe0yL2w7W4xuvtrM2HrYTcO7TArkup_jRloE5Y7gtpeNGPrn0GTIYoWwDaAf28qwcJYD12y-1zw_3QheUJFxpD-hdp3Jk8eGW_-FyDnhuGaqbfskveI/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="500" /></a></p> <p>This was my before picture as I started working – excuse the mess. :) </p> <p>I took down the drapes that were the dining room years ago moved them to the family room: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvGP4c2ou4uwofKDbeDF_0piDD6Jk9QDfsiET1uhhNjfWmoYusAb1VpkSkfXQuVo54HSCY9R84o2rjSAmxCuOC6EI4sGWrDAfiaBB98ji7JgOUY2fHXAIDksAb6tAjkdqMA053SZOaus/s1600-h/IMG_7185%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_7185" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUkxrRxvgoDtKlfGVHaRI7ewkwd-Q6hXbeo-HWMUOmA7tuAIxLKrCPQSTeXAUAaL33-3NugP8PpP7XCrUjGInRM25ofXVIkMP7i8sYFI_rJlbImqRDLol6Q3CYjkxUV45jKuQE7ESVN2E/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_7185" width="500" /></a></p> <p>When the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/search/label/family%20room%20reno">wall came down</a> those drapes did as well. </p> <p>Anyway…I’ve had naked windows in the dining room for quite some time – I’ve been wanting to replace them but it hasn’t been a priority. Then I realized a couple weeks back I could use the drapes from the living room that I took down months ago. Are you with me?? ;) We’re coming full circle here. Kinda.</p> <p>Of course it can never be as simple as just hanging drapes for me. There’s always all kinds of little things that pop up along the way. The first thing I did was move the roman shades back down to inside the window frame. Years ago I mounted them outside just for a little extra light. It’s felt messy looking to me lately though and it only gives a couple extra inches of extra light so back they went. </p> <p>I had to patch where the shades were hanging:</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5aSOFzeDyQLMMeqoqo-hfdBGXRJKJz-BGRqCN0ARKO6_Xh5dHByOzx-_xF9UPhwwq7iTggYLA4ox-QcNWQ4Co0r65OViKLDvOAF7C9OzCUq92SekYROcNMfMSyq8P1vl6vKNmjDvZVDE/s1600-h/unnamed%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="pink spackle" border="0" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWshGUSjCgXVsluWhIt6KnhzCOgqRxvbyAmB5uw0z3m6rnO1tW8XH4kXkcjeDSeaLguIB9LuQDqqx8JwsEBYI16v1SpCjFX1nqkO5D0LH0UCJG5OiMYzhNdMi_KxYQyCSov8EKJ-STc8Q/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="pink spackle" width="290" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5pq2drsZnTwOBpziGyNfSiu5Z6md7bT_aolX3C8xn6hU3hCQvKlvIBz25nsAc5XWKZpVY7mSxz9s9XSHjYMrz_BfcLfxADoFIcbuj-lFfEC1hqudn5ksJeMqB_B3EW2H51Ocy7XUeik/s1600-h/2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="dap spackle" border="0" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4jQVYygG1-6QUY1G6SbpQj0fH4YU44VT_fHmFLZ0OVKYaoT-ROz_QhryYzgIkkK_xZC6mwKA1L8WjRCsRpRESBco3H5MA0TC2HrlNX6UacTGEMUESb0ZFL-Kj3s8yOvSwi2ICVYeuKG8/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="dap spackle" width="290" /></a></p> <p>When I took the brackets down they took chunks of drywall with them. Not sure why that happened – usually you’ll have problems with that if you put them up right after painting but I didn’t do that. </p> <p>Anyway, I patched those up with spackling – this kind goes on pink and is white when it’s ready to paint/sand: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgez3NSSGxpQWOPx_40aiRTd-W7Z3yfu0OfZjPXWQdAHa_FcnSXfpKSP-oGj4DkELjm4cecjCsaW6MlLY5CpfWsUUh259IWRpKK1y0CDwZC3rszpgC9x09EmvKDf4JEVqatpZfXfn_yuys/s1600-h/IMG_0010%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBhGNeVMKfqCyT8D3orT2uzBC8JzQauux4J9YmNxoBmpooEgfFruxJFMjrJI4Rmjloi7mv4Qu-Iye6cneIm4oQFuVFjTV9OI6inCemXiAwHX4u0MEi1_f4wqYdL9he1FfQFaJcUSPQgY/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="400" /></a></p> <p>Love that!! </p> <p>Hanging drapery hardware isn’t hard, it’s just a matter of hanging the brackets the exact same distance on either side of the window. I like to go out at least five inches from the window and usually at least a few above as well – I couldn’t go too high with these because I didn’t make them long enough. </p> <p>I just trace where the holes go in the bracket and then drill a pilot hole: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6iElaBoGxkqumyesUQvkWNzhogV4-0gAqboFoDzHIwMdW7geAyNL-xpyPBG_8XBvrJHwAtmC4gIuIH7GmS1cGiLf9f4-aQQusoVwTypDaWbu0y-IXNYl-A0LixZUbqRDWyLSOxVqmc6k/s1600-h/3%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="hanging drapery hardware" border="0" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWhQW93bnMEcL2kxPLLUZuLfTQaDO57SPzY9doMfplSP7G_d5Q1KWlXZ317Lzm6kbNK09ki5fYZkKN_5RoKuQkHeFolZfVVUiiURJzT0RwioUYw2m-GdzQy_Cn52CjyL_2SST_4GyXME/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="hanging drapery hardware" width="400" /></a></p> <p>I always drill a hole first before trying to get a screw in the wall – if I hit a stud then I’ll need to predrill anyway. If I don’t hit a stud I know I’ll need to use anchors, so it’s a time saver to just do that first. </p> <p>I got the hardware up on both sides and then realized the middle piece was going to hit the small molding I had around the window. Sooooo that had to come down…more patching and then painting to cover up the original chocolate brown color underneath: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbFa5zaGTvuH-Gque9oD4d0R47MvS2W2KQ5h4ktXwVIvxcfaiTf28R_C009Zlym_wWjkCnZzeRtgWIWBQSwvDeUvWt1khFe1BW42ST6bdKBcpKPpkrp0-bQod9d2nbVo1E_vQM7-Ogmw/s1600-h/5%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhshjEkn-3uuUQOD7kcieDVonhV41MSSie_q016I-WpxU6zBvRgYjh9grJpSzaleH6HIla1Ho9NsQIf93nIYqZ5PFTBVzmIxR1O7f5GdipEZuv27Mf6G5lvM1aYg52niJBAKIlNvvJsnFA/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="500" /></a></p> <p>Remember those days??: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1TGvZwDSAT9XW5BIW05HUK1eLk6c-M_6owr5hZrx0qqHiKdBzFvQjNrdICYsu_x7lTnnA1h0tnyoUGveRy6dYUFu9WRPDmZX9XbnyDy6sDzA7vg953ctmuiCwQZImqehL2ubXwup3fI/s1600-h/003%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chocolate brown dining room" border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUIlDOtjV2SUTnxfpzKwmNwYgqOYdGihrC2FQv9ZrKQTFiO9xJhAqU0PcOswZzxgiIXWtnsfNdupXNCLht_UB-rvCB0xfuO57hpeujG8U-iLsenZv1YvqTsLQ0bS5qqL5v8DXzcRP8fBE/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="chocolate brown dining room" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I don’t miss it. :) </p> <p>So THEN I get the drapes hung up and realize I didn’t like the stripes I added as a leading edge years back. I was using two panels on each side of the windows so the stripes were on either side of each one and it looked circus-esque. Not what I was going for. </p> <p>So I took them down, cut down the sides quite a bit and hemmed. I just left a bit of the stripes and I quite love the dark on the edges now: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmoUAWZc7M9v5WXATKs4yRehyhzJgWae7LqWWFRK1etTwbKnRmjVi4BbML3xmSvs32oGSfNdmnvSGmQZcEzo3HKBD6PRbaHK2iFF9EZVbhxu6YX-td6ielRnVzeT5ZBoColRNtl-9iSfU/s1600-h/IMG_0026%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="retreat blue citrine" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6vpfSN9tBlY5FuF64Li52TNVbvKwd93zOLw-N5c8ejuZYz0Z5tGjlNtDtIgqI2HRCyaILD54guU84aUSmGt6VJl-4XKIwy8FFaKYcvawDDpcDXc-thYLvC-DZz5JELjXtDqrpVXNIHk/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="retreat blue citrine" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I get asked about his fabric a lot – it’s a P. Kaufman fabric called retreat blue citrine. I’d like something a little simpler in this room eventually but until then these will do nicely. :) </p> <p>I “trained” the drapes like I showed you <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2009/04/easy-drapery-tricks.html">here</a> years ago:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi409BB8RvzR0SWTd0hyphenhyphenxkQsRKp2fUlpfj7pixUVu9EjGjr1_I8g8xsHVlIhLoFbb-N3RcYi-siuyMX9qp09_ZBYAY9BPDGraLhoYqYV_0ONrBRXRWNzs_w35TKXniOWC4etzaatAFxL8U/s1600-h/IMG_0007%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="training drapes pleats" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB71mSkxsRyJaFBEV1EWqpp8kw6ufYyJIutuHGXYhjxdLUvSuVfh0mooFu9TZeRpEVCIqwoBMwBvz2-mLT10Okzq1l1Vz59LtRJD2Mt1dzzcJbzTuzvVA-ToKzOXqxGZTMkYH9bStYVTk/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="training drapes pleats" width="500" /></a></p> <p>Combined with my fake pleat method it makes them hang much prettier! </p> <p>They add some warmth to the room and make it feel much more finished:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dbXnaH3KnYDMSse6kBZKlb5MqV3sFllM5rtPMkjNdNtUevyD4H-kJLXPuke2aZ_QLXvJviUgtrmSr1jxa18MLjQqSlLnutHs65yAglf67ud8zs7IDuInDn25a_RzQZ2GeeJQxfNNe9c/s1600-h/IMG_0020%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="p. kaufman fabric" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyjAzCpX4ef0eRZ1YUl7OKSA8D1Brw-s8CWoLQaU700OIvhheP-1tG4gP09iYVtLBmeaXj7Vv0f4QaUBiC5TF5NCYZocF_4r5ucTZZ-xVg9TrU3Uwhwc9mIIwJfj6Jz-5r5QtjSkB7-Fg/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="p. kaufman fabric" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I’m so glad I took some of the stripes off – they look SO much better with just the simple color along the side:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBIUNa_qqhIGY5BCciUdOiJx2ODBbUiEjqxvtqQqW5hOybR7YYnCPS_rR9s3pVp_i8ZV0M3SP8BlKsOm8gD9t6XseWUF6q0vDenzb9j29NxbChblCRBGMU0UEMznzU5r0OqkYXeKnePTY/s1600-h/IMG_0022%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="leading edge drapery " border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1GHsIkIBtfQWpt74h5FBIIEShjwfSabamNW_hN_WkbiB4ymeQgqJ4LozRRsQXtT8JgQlayu37-6PI5SV9gDBAhOGqzkZ7xik2qdsyP4G8amlQrlkHYim5dekrwR7hVz1wpwzVLXTxno/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="leading edge drapery " width="500" /></a></p> <p>These are two skinny panels together on each side – I cut the fabric down the middle for the other windows. I didn’t sew them together and you can’t tell. :) </p> <p>I hung these along a full drapery rod so we can close them if needed: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3EqmQCXW_IktlrufLLBgECSVPtRVspDxeRoByinRgXC5JaYZ19Ay2yHonKqNNbaGCzxI1ZTxVvf0YT9RYffBx4V3zsIwVD4hVAX9Oyv8PD85YitskTnLMRb4zx2WMcnBJ1EDDFRITxUw/s1600-h/IMG_0035%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="built ins dining room" border="0" height="662" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivzrQl0Ffwnqoxf8CGRxVTfyXviv6ECuN0cn4IpRZPWOf9Ym07-1-J0DBBKH_EJ4qH760MlL9UAjS9yJBbpuFIz4J1QWobAjUvoCN2uxzi2utqPpqJESMjz_jAEEbj1-cPfKT3LZWQsH4/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="built ins dining room" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I hear we’re going to get another nasty winter and I like being able to close drapes for some added insulation. It helps!</p> <p>The colors are lovely – the blue edge matches the background on the built ins almost perfectly. Someday I will add the window trim in here but I will still probably keep drapes up even after that. They definitely add some coziness to a room!: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvRmcsSVrMnsZYwl-2-KUzXeauWWuI1SaNkZkB_BqbJQylZdaPSGUYviOHlaujz-fmt5_eOs4D4FZ5vpz1DZjPbXR9B4pWQ5jS2afApIcBVq9q18Ljkdb6OD1ug6p5jF8HoIwkv-hSmU/s1600-h/IMG_0016%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="dining room DIY built ins" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOHkHjHonh5vEDNrH8hkXRFJdbVF24ZXeuzL4qlSlLwqcuEa0ENs_-LOFVVRWOtB1qzmGvtanYGSjvLu6s8u2hUo7QIyPE37TeBJBKBIpl_ZzVRCNsxaUvBNbqvoG-NbzwtIyL_EJ8w4/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="dining room DIY built ins" width="500" /></a></p> <p>This project ended up taking a lot longer than I thought it would, but it was free so I can’t complain. :) Another fall nesting project done! </p> <p>Do you prefer drapes or none? Do you use yours if you have them? We use our bedroom drapes every weekend so the bedroom is crazy dark, love it. If you want your drapes to be full and pretty while closed you’ll want to add to your yardage to make them wider. I don’t spend money on that since they are usually only closed at night and it’s just us who sees them. </p> <p>OH and we were waffling on keeping a table in this room but now that our kitchen table is plenty big I think we’re going to move ahead with our <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/01/dining-room-turned.html">original idea</a> of comfy chairs and a coffee table. Whoot! I think it will look lovely! </p>

Dining room updates

Hello my friends! It’s a lovely rainy fall day here, and what I think will be the last warm day we have in quite some time. I’m actually exc...

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The best things I’ve ever done

<p>Hello my friends! Our recent family room renovation has had me thinking lately…about the things that I’ve done in our house that have made the biggest difference. Some are little that only cost a few bucks. Some are bigger, but all are projects that I look at every time I walk by them and say “I’m <em>so glad</em> I did that.” </p> <p>There are a lot of them, but these are my favorites. :) </p> <p>This one is just “looks pretty” item but it was so easy and cheap! Last year I added some <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/06/diy-craftsman-garage-door.html" target="_blank">$10 hardware</a> to the garage door to make it look more like a custom carriage door and less like the basic one that it is. I LOVE how it looks every time we pull up to our house: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIqFIZD_aWMkjlZEmGKCnQ6uWdgJ2aeuMpPUzzIxJ5fxwh3ZTgDfBhvmKc7hnlMLGp_7lJxLjNofYE-j_MLgfCpAmd882Zwc3ydBsNmhZPtXUMvW0AsuIAewog1kvGZTcWR8nvIzEFt4/s1600-h/IMG_5683%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="diy carriage door hardware" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhguxp2ql8Wkw9dLvXqEQeZhWqjbGYoLKdLDgMOCoOn8DvZ5E1u8qL89Q5VdbJP12bzNyG1KGPXHkX0N4DWpI3mp9AjpC_nHAaX2wY5srZeXDW1cUGuI9n41XYrzooQ_JE4m30OJJUGc0I/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="diy carriage door hardware" width="500" /></a></p> <p>It’s such a little thing but it makes me so happy. They’ve held up well too – no rusting at all. I’ve heard these kits went up in cost a bit but I believe they’re still under $30 – not too bad. </p> <p>One that wasn’t so cheap but was still cheaper than paying someone were the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/10/library-bookcases-done-boom.html" target="_blank">DIY bookcases</a> in our dining room. They are the first thing you see when you walk in our house and they make a BIG impact: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoqc-gWgQW47siIe35-W38691esvtTLYFdBicEEJN3eyGuVDB2ASv6pwiHiUQmAO8XKcc_c93-emEoz1Q6XtVdIsgcXSqQSbYRXPgmT3vSPzKDfcEKE7svZMn6bogb3gIhyphenhyphenDd51QaPbwA/s1600-h/IMG_7236%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY built ins with kitchen cabinets" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DlU_QNdDEShZP1jcjDSlMP_2XhO_2xNhSc7cc2lmBMXGUW_jDA5WRToNMJ35kBeNDoqYvlrbDIxsFOeRp5zbA0fm6FxYbL57GK32YtDN1-fw-Ml3XRelS6JnvXewdlPDq0Al63pRW0I/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DIY built ins with kitchen cabinets" width="500" /></a></p> <p>Our plan all along was to make this less of a dining room and more of a lounging space – but I’m playing with the idea of a larger table again. We’ll see. I’m SO proud of these built ins – not only because they’re pretty but because they are a perfect functional solution for us. The added <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/07/dining-room-pretty-organization.html" target="_blank">serving ware storage</a> is an extra bonus. </p> <p>Another cheap and easy project that I am SO glad I did – adding <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/01/a-private-window.html" target="_blank">some privacy to our bathroom window</a>: </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5Ft2K_vWs0O87RUOalpIOMuWyMD1YduX0DoYKsZkwzMww9e_XHuoKsE2tfpQkEHMLb9-RcpQvbV5Rlqr0gr9XN0tATByDkj2_tlZpvbXuKupwDyLEwjI7F_yYsZjjuRjsQy4iaHwEig/s1600-h/IMG_4679_thumb%25255B1%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="covering window for privacy" border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyeQhFGMRyFD_qS43imadt-1s73xSnwgwhJ0l-pqNRsRULJSMDS-lcP4GxVsIsbYlOMqMbjfMaWP3LZ8sAMSPPevnVAb2UbAq9QDNaACYldBIU2JHWM27qj0XyTRU9b7H0jVyjBARpuY0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="covering window for privacy" width="290" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcwWM2V8cAxjubNILP0rh_e_NnCaaadgX_Oy77GfXYm7PrhCIs-uFsf3SXzsVHfO-gXZZGjeZaqdSCBS1Ierhk1Wf54wOV91qxkT1c2QwFa2VsyWwSOIi6oFLjxdaSwO2a5YMKU4fLbAw/s1600-h/IMG_4693%25255B14%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="privacy window" border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGKjNUfHpkvZ4-WRgsW5Qb3H53wbJxxro5UA3Ot37AOtrWO6rZkgPwf40tMpPIrsV-QqwJITiwjTcQljzKl8-j81OeaDgDCZYHdJadWfQj4u7w-EXzJaa8vRJpu-wxeloE0gb-8usqHY/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="privacy window" width="290" /></a> </p> <p>It took months before I stopped ducking when I walked by it at night, but now we’re used to it and I LOVE that it offers privacy but still lets the light in. And it was just a few bucks! I thought I not being able to see outside might bug me, but it doesn’t at all. </p> <p>Of course a BIG one, the project that got me thinking about all of these – the removal of the wall between our family room and office. Oh that was a happy day!: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdZ9MhJpdOp4PLkJAQ5TdaQdQo8bnqTtmRSvidnD05MEHITOuXV4akS7qH9bLonsekYicyQeSc8YfnWPMxcgBybvilJxhUSDVSx3iY3B98I-_vefI52_Jjtxyvg7p7745DZaLWhTVyXI/s1600-h/IMG_9385%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="removing a wall" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLzpL9FU7OjsTOh4_OEVesE7aZpdcTGApaJMdd08U5QapxViBnsdmHHtIjLqdemu_hk_QduTPzbFow0u6u3c5GlaO-9M45wKBVflQs6j1EiyZcKaYrD7MzKnIVEUBNcU3LHYY2YEcu_s/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="removing a wall" width="500" /></a></p> <p>It’s come a long way since this photo but this shows where the walls were. From the very first day all I could think of was that it should have always been like this – and I knew it was the right decision. This project is the most expensive of all I’m mentioning here, but it’s nothing compared to the estimates we got to add on to the house. (And it was a whole lot less mess too.) You can follow along with the progress on this room <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/search/label/family%20room%20reno" target="_blank">here</a>. </p> <p>Years ago I wanted to brighten up our kitchen and I started by covering the black outdated tiles on our backsplash with <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/06/beadboard-backsplash.html" target="_blank">white beadboard</a>. It made a HUGE difference in this room: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxnUT4mMt__HW9LmlqQK743DXN5rT7mOTpqkD0l_rCzXVhVOqSKVAUWmWpkcND9bvTvedoAgYl37FeX_L0QddQV92U4L825Pcce6hOoFJfsAjvhKKIYesJ5lFONdVj5pltCRFRZbUsr0/s1600-h/IMG_5555_thumb1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="beadboard backsplash" border="0" height="676" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ipVV8ROOk8fZkQ1R2SnU_OQZWTZIvXqS5TUvEzFxrFhh4p3DWpKuMOQVEmTIiEr4AmUJ8k5nMKdBItMyUji2uZsEMeS51m3YVp6FzOVAZQsGfeq-6rGMTss2LzFWplv0X8butSNm0bs/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="beadboard backsplash" width="450" /></a></p> <p>Yes, someday I will paint the cabinets, but in the meantime I can’t believe the difference it made in this space. All for less than $50 if I remember correctly. And yes, it’s held up incredibly well, I have no complaints! As long as it’s painted in a glossy white paint that you can wipe up easily there shouldn’t be any water or mess issues. </p> <p>Another big project was our <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/04/master-closet-reveal.html" target="_blank">master closet storage</a> that I created out of kitchen cabinets: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5G2Diy8-dSFPOXg_W7l2xGAwM8O56VydIEjXJrrEbw5S9se3T-ngWwm5nCCNzbhLjuqFbvisiI30N1l7nG_Y4jUseJi1I6T9cFJBsPWjklm7Mj8LQ0-Sa_6WeLJSWZvuIIKjgZq1S7k/s1600-h/closet2%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="closet system with kitchen cabinets" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1CUcTp0-WtgjNkTBisj8kTdcMUz1anT5ufsUNkY04PPo5wzSFoPo-GHBQmFFkcz19vVD3QUyAWeDFi5_merH7to2F8NaxaVIOMQQ81uy3W_REQysqxxkBSOfNp5CzBSHI9l9v9l6zxY/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="closet system with kitchen cabinets" width="500" /></a></p> <p>Our closet was truly the thorn in my side for years and years – an utter disaster area and I was so fed up with it. I wanted more storage but wanted it to be closed storage – not just shelves that I knew we would clutter up like before. The cabinets have worked BRILLIANTLY. Ugh, why didn’t I do it earlier?? I still have plans to add shelves in the corners for even more storage. Again, the cost of the cabinets was way, way less than a custom closet system. </p> <p>And finally, I know I mention it a lot but <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/02/how-to-take-carpet-off-stairs.html" target="_blank">ripping the carpet off our stairs</a> was one of the BEST things I’ve done, both for looks and functionally: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdJNssLg7jbaCf8pmAB2gvadjRp0tPACn8p54Q53dQNKiKAiufLtHKzdASWm8fF8BKyxS8L0UpO9wNWwpQGRd6UlOQ8d2Qj7IR87mLq0B8x1ZS36G7zwQ2b7Ker0NrCvLSB0gPWTuiPc/s1600-h/IMG_9274%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="taking carpet off stairs" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_zUvU_OAmg3CYuhJ8kLdzFu3PoInAIeSxbf4qVSu4uPykloia_5mskZUjSYGICdKOZ_qnwlvd4xE56s01VNYbDJV1F2CojSH3C5NhEaIGPbb-M-pcjZcbeGi6bbyyW6U1SRzS3Sz-R4/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="taking carpet off stairs" width="500" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>It is SO much easier to clean wood stairs than carpet! Just last week we had a drink spill down the steps and it was so easy just to wipe it up. All I do is vacuum them once every week (or two!) because we have three cats and a dog and you do see the fluff balls after awhile. Many have worried about how slippery the wood stairs are and I can tell you without a doubt that our carpeted stairs were more slippery than these. We each slid down the carpeted stairs a few times – it hasn’t happened once with the wood (knock on wood!!). This is just the case for our home, but I still think in general it’s easier to slip on that curved edge of carpet. </p> <p>Because we had real wood under our carpet this project cost me less than $50 – I just needed some wood for the landing, stain and supplies. It was one of the cheapest projects but also one that was a lot of work. Pulling up the carpet and tack strips was no joke – but so worth it in the end! </p> <p>There you go – my short list of the things that have made the biggest difference in our home, both in appearance and function. Function is HUGE for me – if it’s not going to work well for our family I’m not going to do it no matter how pretty it is. </p> <p>Are there things you’ve done to your home that you think made a big difference? Things you want to do that you know you would love? </p>

The best things I’ve ever done

Hello my friends! Our recent family room renovation has had me thinking lately…about the things that I’ve done in our house that have made t...

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