A Stick-y Situation

Here's a shoutout to all those people who absolutely make their husband/friend/family member/ cab driver STOP THE CAR because you saw some really cool branches by that Bank of America ATM. 

I think I need to create new Pinterest board entitled "Things to do with sticks". 

Here are a few of my favorite nature-inspired ideas that really "stick". 

  via

 This is a super easy idea to DIY, and given that they're even tied together with string, you can remove as needed! I love incorporating natural elements like this into my seasonal decorating, especially around Christmastime and springtime.

Via

Driftwood hurricane idea courtesy of Anthropologie. I literally could put this anywhere, anytime. I may actually just carry it around with me.

I've got immediate plans to DIY this bad boy- just ordered some driftwood from this shop on Etsy and my hot glue gun is warming up!

And of course this Branch-o-lier from Mrs. Limestone at A Brooklyn Limestone in Progress. It's so pretty for the holidays, but wouldn't it be fun for Halloween, too? Maybe with some black crows perched ominously? As you can tell, it is barely summer and I am already jonesin' for Halloween. Just 5 more months, people!

I just love the impact that these few, and usually FREE touches make!

If you come across any more stick touches, you need to let me know ASAP. 

I'm not kidding.

I Flippin' Love This Chick

Not only does she have rockin' style, I more or less peed my pants reading her blog today.  Who is this, you ask? None other than Bri at Me, You and a weiner. 

Dear Bri, 

Let's be buds. 

K, thanks. 

Some photos for your enjoyment: 

This is an ikea hack-ed dresser. Can you believe it? You can see the progression here

Her gorgeous home has more than enough high-style-for-peanuts-prices-DIY to feast your eyes on, but it's her commentary that makes this a trifecta of entertainment. 

That's one bad ass wiener. 

Oh and I'm seriously jealous of her DOG's bed. 

'Nuff Said- check this lady out. 

xo,

Chair Redesign HELP Needed!

Here's the thing. I have this set of four chairs. I got them because we had no chairs when we moved into our apartment in December 2010. The chairs are not bad, really. As a matter of fact I think a lot of people like them; I like them too. BUT I have a feeling that my dining room is taking a turn for the worldly- eclectic thing instead of the shabby chic french thing. My dining set is VERY fransch (thats 'french' with an accent) shabby chic. 

Should I redo the chairs in keeping with the french style and try to sell them all together as a set and start over from scratch? Or should I try to upholster them and make them more... current. My fear is if I try a bold pattern like ikat or chevron, they'll wind up looking puke-tastic.  Like peppy le pew in a cowboy hat. Doesn't work. He's french. They don't do that. Also, funny story. These chairs have been repainted 2 times now( in 4 months) because I can't figure out what the heck I want to do with them. See? I am nuts. Seriously. Head problems over here, people. 

white

gray 

My inspiration that tells me maybe, just maybe I can pull this crazy crap off : 

see? doesn' t that look so good?!

I should note that I plan on upholstering the caned back too... 

Here are some fabric choices I am considering: 

Are we noticing a trend here? Textural but still soft. 

What do you think? Honestly. But be nice to my poor muddled brain. I have no flippin' idea. I need help from all your fantastic designy-ness. 

xo,

Chic on a Shoestring Decorating Feature!

Oodles of thanks over to Kate at Chic on a Shoestring Decorating for featuring my $10 DIY Upholstered Headboard in this week's episode of Flaunt it Friday! 

I'm pretty honored to be in a league with some of the other AWESOME stuff that's up there: 

In LURVE with this chalkboard wall. Woah. Structured *check* Bold *check* Versatile *double check*. Dear owners of House of Chic and Penoche, I will be arriving on Thursday. 

Bold (and home made!) curtains by A Thoughtful Place.  Love those stripes!

So, Kate - THANK YOU! And congrats on reaching 1,000+ followers! If you haven't checked out Kate's blog, Chic on a Shoestring Decorating, go now! (But don't forget to come back! ) :D 

Have a great rest of the weekend! I, for one,  need to go mix up some more glaze if only I could peel my lazy butt off the couch... 

xo,

Lonny Inspiration

In an attempt to broaden and enrich my design spectrum, I turned to Lonny for some lovely design with lots of surprises. Here are some spaces that are giving me a serious case of Wednesday House-Lust.

Totally digging the table, digging the chairs. Wall mural? I could get behind it.  Especially with the drama of the other decor

I've always dreamed of a little cozy nook for casual dining and lazing about with a cup of tea and some cookies

How do I get one of these? Beamy = Dreamy

With a side order of THIS. 

Want to know the coolest thing though? In the most current issue of Lonny, they featured some thrift stores in West Palm Beach on Dixie Highway, of all places- MY stomping ground (well, close enough at least to where I get a little thrill). She's got a super fun house so I feel like I'm just snazzy by association.

I'm a girl who likes a thrift store to  be a thrift store (aka price range $0.25 - $15), but I might just have to go to have a look-see. 

Oh, and one last thing, her space was also featured on YoungHouseLove as the inspiration for their hall bathroom. So chic.
Happy Hump Day!

xo,

I'm Dreaming of a Beige Christmas

We are moved in! Sort of! Many thanks to moms and pops and the Clements family who helped us out!

Now we get down to business. decorating.

If I had to pick one word to sum up our new place it would be: BEIGE. Normally I would have broken out my paint swatches already, but since its a temporary place, I can't justify painting (even if it is just a teeeeny tiiiiiny accent wall), just to paint it back in 8 months. So I am coming up with ways to incorporate some color and pattern with fabrics and accessories.

My aesthetic is lots of clean lines, natural elements and textures. My color palate sings more to the tune of "dreamy", with crisp whites and dreamy grays. Here are some things that are really rocking my boat right now:

De-"bunking" the classic boys' room

Don't worry. It's not time to procreate yet- but I'm pretty sure one of the only saving graces of having three little boys would be THIS ROOM:

I love the visuals, the rustic yet modern edge and how practical it is! Got to check out The Bumper Crop