November 22, 2009

Mad for plaid

It’s not just for school girls anymore.  Plaid, the Scottish classic, is one of those trends that comes and goes…and it has come again in everything from clothing, desk accessories, and dinnerware to upholstery and lamps. 

Jeffrey Banks Plaid Tidings Set of 4 Dessert Plates

porcelain dessert plates

 

Ralph Lauren Home fabric

Petite Square Crystal Lamp

Williams-Sonoma Lamp

Tartan Desk Collection

Williams-Sonoma Desk Accessories

 

breakfast nook

Better Homes and Gardens

Going overboard with plaid can be easy.  Try using it in small doses around the house.  A tartan throw on a solid-colored bed or sofa is great.   My favorite plaid fashion item has always been the kilt…see what I mean?

Liam Neeson in Rob Roy

Men in plaidSean Connery

November 20, 2009

Join me on facebook

The Stellar Spaces facebook page is now official.  Join me by searching “StellarSpaces” on facebook.  You’ll be able to see what sort of projects I’m working on with clients as well as check out organizing and decorating tips on a regular basis.  So, become a fan….please!

Out of clutter, find simplicity. From discord, find harmony. In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.
– Albert Einstein

November 17, 2009

Don’t break the bank

A room makeover doesn’t have to cost a fortune.  Consider the following examples. 

living room before makeover

yellow walls highlight the artwork above the family room fireplace while the couch faces a clear, glass, mod coffee table

Notice how the gold wall becomes a focal point now, especially since fireplace surround is now white.   Before, the room was too uninteresting.  THIS is a great example of a ReDesign…using what you already have!

kitchen barstools with light tan, ornate, stitched fabric

Before, this room was comfortable but not very exciting. 

ruffles line the bottom of the casual, cottage-style slipcovers with brown buttons running vertically down the back of each slipcover

photos source:  www.myhomeideas.com

I bet you didn’t even notice the barstools in the background, and no –  the counters have not been changed – only the slipcovers.  Even if you aren’t into ruffles, slipcovers can make a huge difference.  Just go for something a little more tailored if ruffles aren’t your favorite design trend. 

Each of these makeovers cost less than $200.  Don’t think it’s possible?  Contact an Interior ReDesigner today and realize it IS possible.

November 15, 2009

Easy assembly

My daughter will be turning 11 in a couple of weeks.  For her birthday this year, she has asked for a new bike and a desk.  Very practical, don’t you think?  Well, of course that’s not her entire list but those are the items I like best.  Yesterday we went on a search for the perfect desk for her room. First we stopped at TJ Maxx because earlier this week, I was shopping there and noticed a cute little writing desk (or so I thought at the time) at a great price.  So when I was presented with her birthday list and noticed “desk,” I knew we had to check out the desk I had seen earlier.  Once in the store, I pointed out the desk to her.  She immediately grimaced with disgust (as almost-11-year-old girls do so well).  That’s when I noticed it wasn’t a desk…it was a small console table with a drawer.  I guess earlier in the week, I wasn’t on the look out for a desk but that’s how it was categories in my memory.  I probably should do something about that…but I digress.  Back to the desk/ console:  double duty, right?  Not exactly.  She was right (ah hem)…it wasn’t going to work.  Since I had to pick up some items at Target, she asked if we could look at the desk selection there.  Good idea!  Of course, she found the perfect desk to coordinate with her room at Target.  I was happy because it wasn’t an exhaustive shopping trip to multiple stores AND the desk was on sale (my favorite!).  Even better, once we made our purchase and brought it home, the desk  took only minutes to assemble.  Actually, it took 15 minutes.  The clean up of the box and packing contents took longer than the assembly itself!  The only thing I really had to assemble were the legs and they only had to be attached to the desktop (which was pre-assembled).  Easy and cute – my favorite combination when it comes to “requires some assembly” items. 

FYI:  This desk at Target (and www.target.com) is the “Cottage desk.” 

Step One:  open box…

I really love when things make sense and have pictures!  (So nice and neat…)

I didn’t even have to figure out which washer was the spring washer and which one was the flat washer!

 

She couldn’t wait to get her new desk set up in her room.

 

Let the homework begin!

November 13, 2009

The natural look for less

Do you have a lackluster or outdated lampshade that you’re ready to toss?  Instead, take a few minutes for an easy do-it-yourself makeover.  Since I can never seem to find the “just-right” lampshade, I’ve decided to go the DIY route. 

There are lots of options for the materials here.  Since I have another lamp I want to coordinate with – and it’s linen, I’m looking for another natural fiber. 

Here’s what you’ll need:

spray adhesive or fabric glue (depending on the material you select)

AND

  • sheets of natural fibers from a craft store
  • OR
  • grass cloth wallpaper from a home improvement store

Cut the material to fit the shade – remember to leave an extra inch at the top and bottom and where the sides of the material meet.  Spray both the shade and the back of the sheet generously with adhesive.  Wrap the cloth tightly around the shade and fold over the extra width at the edges.  Let it dry overnight. 

Tip: Make sure your original lampshade is free of dust before adhering the sheet of natural fiber.

 Home - Pier 1 lamp - linen drum shade, chrome

For another great DIY lampshade au naturale, check out Creative Little Daisy.