Kitchen Renovations

Remodeling your kitchen can be quit costly, but if you budget properly you can save money in some areas and splurge in others.

Where to save:
Countertops- By choosing a man-made stone like quartz you will save money in the long run. Although you may spend about the same amount as granite upfront, there is no maintenance cost for the future. With granite you have to continue to seal it every year, to help maintain its life and that could get costly.

Lighting- You want to chose great light fixtures that work perfectly with your new space, but I don’t think you should have to spend outrageous amounts of money on them.
Check out these websites for low price fixtures: rejuvenation.com & lbclighting.com

Where to splurge:
Backsplash tile- Your backsplash normally isn’t that large of an area. So spend many to really jazz it up, after all it is the accent piece in the kitchen.

Appliances- Kitchens are normally the most used space in your home, and the room that really helps sell your home. So spend the money on efficient appliances, ones that will make you happy by making your life a little easier. After all, if you are re-doing your kitchen do it the way you would really want it to be done.

Let me know if you have any remodeling questions, I am here to answer them anytime.

Images via:
Pinterest.com

 

Color Board: Living Room

Well, the countdown till we move into our new place has begun. We are signing the lease next Saturday morning, getting the keys and moving everything in. We are so excited!

Here’s what I'm thinking of for our living room..

The colors: chocolate brown, cream with burnt orange accents

I found a great chair that would work perfectly with the furniture that we already have. Some accessories, curtains and a rug is all that we need to complete the room. 

Images via:
Homedecorators.com

Thrifty Thursday: Cleaning Tips and Tricks

I recently came across some really helpful cleaning tips and I wanted to share them with you.

Ceiling Fan Cleaner

apartmenttheraphy.com

Slide a pillow case over each blade and wipe them clean. the dust goes in the pillow case and can be repeated until all blades are clean. When you're done, take it outside and shake it out.

Sticker Remover

realsimple.com

A little got air quickly loosens price lables- with zero fingernail chipping.

Scum Remover

realsimple.com

Remove soap buildup from glass shower doors by spinkling a few drops of water onto a used fabric softener sheet and start scrubbing.

TV Cleaner

realsimple.com

Use a coffee filter to wipe down dusty and staticky computer monitors and tv screens.

Pan Cleaner

onegoodthingbyjillee.com

 1/4 cup of baking soda in a small glass bowl, squirt in hydrogen peroxide until it makes a nice paste. Then rub it on the stained/greased pan with a sponge or cloth.

Carpet Cleaner

elizabethbryant.blogspot.com

Scrape up the liquid.

Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on stain, absorb for 10 minutes and then vacuum.
Mix one tablespoon of clear dishwashing liquid and one tablespoon of white vinegar with two cups of warm water.

Use a white cloth/sponge to put the mixture onto the stain, then blot until all the liquid is absorbed.

Sponge off with color water and blot dry.

I can't wait to try these tips out. Let me know if they work for you? Or if you have any other helpful tricks up your sleeves.



Color Board: Master Bedroom

My husband and I are looking for a house (just renting) and of course I am already planning the design of the potential home.

Here is a color board of the Master Bedroom. 

We already have a bed and chest of draws.

Next on my list is silver nightstands (that I plan to find and redo with silver leaf).

A thrifted coffee table- turned bench, upholstered with fun fabric.

Navy bedding, with yellow accents around the room.

Gorgeous lamps, and drapery.

And crystal hardware to add a little glitz.

I can't wait- I will keep you posted on the house hunt.

And show you what else I have up my sheeves for the rest of the house.

Images via:
Yahoo.com

Insiders Tip: Chandeliers

When searching for the perfect chandelier for your home, you want to make sure you pick out one that is the right size for your room.

Do some Math
Add the length and width of room, this will give you the approximant diameter size.

Fixture Size
If you want to hang a chandelier above your dining table, the fixture size should be one half to three quarters width of your table.

Hanging Height
Dining table- 30”-32” above table.

Foyer- At least 7’ from the floor

Placement
Two story foyer with windows above door- Center fixture with windows.

Images via:

Decor Pad.com

Thrifty Thursday: Wine Corks

I found some fantastic ways to reuse and recreate things with wine corks.

Cork coasters

Cork board- for jewelry or anything..

Cork Bath Mat

Corks in a Vase

Cork Trivet

And we can't forget the bottle.

Twine Vase

Start saving those wine corks- I know I am!

Images via:
Pinterest.com

What’s New With Dwell?

I just found some heavenly pieces by Dwell Studio- you MUST check them out!

Gate Armoire

My favorite!

Antoine Console

I love with the Brass.

Mallory Chair

Just beautiful

Gold triangles glass vase

Pretty accents

Check out there website here to see more exquisite pieces.

Dwell Studio also makes a line for Target (LOVE) - here are a few pieces that I really like.

Dwell Perch Swoop Arm Chair


Medallion Circles Decorative Pillow

Check out the rest of their line by search "Dwell Studio" on Target.com

 

Images via:
Dwell Studio.com
Target.com

Upcycling

I wanted to share a few things that I have on my DIY to do list- I am very excited about them all.

Braided t-shirt scarf

Magazine Box - Fun wrapping paper and a shiping box.

Cable knit pillows - Reuse those old sweaters.

Covered Switch Plates - Scrap booking back is the best!

Picture frame tray
All you need is some hardware from your local hardware store, some spary paint and maybe some fun fabric for the inside!

Upholstered Bench - made from a coffee table
(I am on the hunt as we speak- for a neat looking coffee table.)

Pinterest has been a really inspiring tool for me. It seems like every day I am finding something new to make or recreate.

I will be sure to post photos of my upcycling.
What is on your DIY to do list, I would love to see your projects and hear your stories.

(Be sure to check out the links for how-to's)

Images via:
Pinterest.com
(and links above)

Trending Now: Ikat

What's hot in the design world right now, you ask? - IKAT.
It is gracing its presents everywhere you look, from fashion to dishes.

Ikat Curtains

Ikat Lumbar Pillow

Retro Ikat Pillows

Ikat Rug

Ikat Dishes

Incorporating these beautiful prints into your home will add a great deal of color and fun.

Images via:
Yahoo.com
Pinterest.com
(and links above)