refresheddesigns.

framed!

2012-03-02T01:00:00.004-07:00

Have you been noticing all the black-framed windows everywhere? I love them! They really add instant impact, don't you think?

Ong & Ong

via Skonahem

Richard Shapiro via Commune

Tommy Smythe via House and Home

House and Home

Pernille Kaalund via Desire to Inspire

vosges paris

Inspired Design

via

Happy weekend everyone!

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room of the week

2012-03-01T01:00:00.001-07:00

The room of the week is the kitchen of a farmhouse in Provence restored by NY stylist Annie Moore. This is what I love about mixing old and new. The room is modern and unique while keeping the integrity of the original structure and natural elements. The exposed wood beam with the glass backsplash tiles that run all the way to it is amazing. Mixed with the modern designer chairs and the sleek box shade pendant, this French farmhouse kitchen is perfection.

photo by Nicolas Matheus via

You can see more of this restoration at Cote Maison.

I'd love to hear from you and for you to follow my blog. Leave me a comment below, and check out Linky Followers on the sidebar. Thanks, you made my day!

black & white day 4 (and a Pinterest project)

2012-02-29T01:00:00.003-07:00

Before I show you the amazing black and white room for today, let me also invite you to take a look at a great Pinterest collaboration board from Molly over at The Waffler. Molly's cool idea was that bloggers collaborate in furnishing this amazing SoHo Loft:

If you'd like to join in the fun, or just check out what furnishings and accessories I've pinned to this board, along with other great pinners, go to the SoHo Loft Pinterest Board. And check out The Waffler- it's super cool.

OK, now for the ooh and ahhh image:

This room is by Johanna Flyckt at Vintage. The small bits of black ground the otherwise light and flowy and soft room. I love the casual elegance of the full-length drapery in the doorway, contrasted with the black industrial pendant lights and stool. And of course the rustic wood is amazing. Lovely room.

I'd love to hear from you and for you to follow my blog. Leave me a comment below, and check out Linky Followers on the sidebar. Thanks, you made my day!

trend to try: concrete walls

2012-02-28T01:00:00.016-07:00

Maybe its my crush on industrial style, but lately I'm loving the trend toward concrete for interior design. It's moving from the floors to the walls and ceilings now. It adds a minimalist cool factor and is organic, especially paired with wood or other natural elements.

Alexander Stutz via Commune

Mitri Hourani via Marie Claire Maison

source unknown, via Shelterness

vosges paris

Elle Decor

via Micasa

Mark Dubios, via Architectural Digest

Martha Sturdy via House and Home

via Urbinlivin

via Loft Life

Christoph Roedig via NY Times

Is this a trend you would try?

I'd love to hear from you and for you to follow my blog. Leave me a comment below, and check out Linky Followers on the sidebar. Thanks, you made my day!

green idea: eco-product roundup

2012-02-27T01:00:00.003-07:00

First up, Sit and Read Rug Chairs, made from mistakenly over-dyed rugs hand-stitched onto wrought iron frames. By Sit and Read and Still & Co.

I'm loving these modern drum shades from Inhabit that are created from fabrics that are made from 100% post-consumer waste.

I also love these great upcycled pallet bed and sofa ideas from Style It Chic.

And finally, isn't this bamboo alarm clock so cool? This and other modern bamboo products by Lexon.

Got any other great green products to share?

I'd love to hear from you and for you to follow my blog. Leave me a comment below, and check out Linky Followers on the sidebar. Thanks, you made my day!

IKEA wallpapered chair tutorial

2012-02-25T16:35:00.004-07:00

Thank you all so much for your atta girl's on my IKEA chair hack that I posted as part of my office makeover project. This was a $20 chair from the clearance section of IKEA that had been scratched and marked up on the seat. I had lots of questions on how I covered it, so here are the steps. So easy!

1. Use an allen key to unattach the backrest.

2. Trace the back onto the backside of the wallpaper you want to use (twice, one for each side).

3. Cut a little larger than the trace that you made, with scissors.

4. Use spray adhesive to glue it onto the back side.

5. Use a sharp utility knife to cut along the edges of the chair to get the wallpaper nice and neat.

6. Repeat for the front of the back rest, and the chair seat.

7. I used just a touch of semi-gloss polyurethene to go over the wallpaper, to make sure that the edges didn't fray from use. Don't use too much, as it will wet the wallpaper and bubble it.

8. Use a pencil to punch the holes in the chair back where the screws go, and then screw it back onto the chair.

9. Voila! Show off your pretty chair.

Linked up at:

I'd love to hear from you and for you to follow my blog. Leave me a comment below, and check out Linky Followers on the sidebar. Thanks, you made my day!

what does vintage really mean?

2012-02-24T01:00:00.145-07:00

Design Sponge

I'm not talking crop year of my favourite red here (hey, I'll drink wine from a box). I'm talking about cool furniture and decor that's selling for a mint these days. I know I throw the term vintage around without really thinking about it; what is really considered vintage, as opposed to antique?

Mod Pieces

It's generally agreed that an antique is at least 100 years old or more. Think stoneware crocks and wing-back chairs. Think handmade, from real craftsman and artisans.

Honeycomb Creative Co.

Vintage seems to be a little harder to pin down. Some sources claim anything between 20-80 years old qualifies. So I guess that awful heart-shaped pine step-stool that I toll-painted hunter green in 1992 is vintage? Ha! I don't think I'd get rich putting that on e-Bay!

Vintage Seekers

I like the definition that Lucy Evans, co-founder of Vintage Seekers, gives:

"To me, vintage means classic design with enduring appeal. It's what falls between antique and contemporary. A vintage piece is original, authentic and between 25-100 years old." (courtesy Living Etc.)

Schoolhouse Electric

There are also different kinds of vintage, from farmhouse ( milk crates and baskets), to kitschy (bold groovy colours), to elegant (white linen tablecloths), to industrial (architectural salvage).

Vintage Seekers

When I think about the kind of vintage I'm drawn to it's modern minimalist - pieces by mid-century modern designers that were mass produced and available to all. Classic and simple.

nest goodies

Then again, I might classify my '80s Strawberry Shortcake collection as priceless vintage!

What does vintage mean to you?

I'd love to hear from you and for you to follow my blog. Leave me a comment below, and check out Linky Followers on the sidebar. Thanks, you made my day!

is it Spring yet?

2012-02-23T01:00:00.004-07:00

Ok, ok, I know it's only February, but I feel ready to add a touch of Spring into my home.

Do you change up some of your decoration according to the season? Are you ready to go from this:

to this?

Apparently I was already feeling the need for natural elements inside the home back in December when I wrote a post about bringing the green inside. Check out some other inspiring greenery filled-spaces here.

Come on March...or May.

I'd love to hear from you and for you to follow my blog. Leave me a comment below, and check out Linky Followers on the sidebar. Thanks, you made my day!

one room challenge - week 6 - home office reveal

2012-02-22T01:00:00.074-07:00

Phew, six weeks went by fast! I have to give it to Linda at My Crafty Home Life for sparking this blogger challenge to finish a room. I'm pleased with how my office/library turned out, and it has been so inspiring to watch the transformation of my other challengers' rooms. You can go back and watch the progress from the beginning here.

So my design board kept me on track with the white-with-pops-of-colour-industrial-comfy plan for my office.

The "before" was a rented beige empty room. I painted the walls white, added a white desk, shelving and storage credenza. And I mixed old and new, like vintage wire baskets for magazine storage with a new knock-off Eames armchair.

I abided by sustainable design through creating artwork with leftover materials, and papering a damaged chair I already owned to make it new again.

I added personality through industrial hanging lights, a vintage poster of my favourite travel spot, and a colourful mood board.

And I made this a budget project by creating a great daybed and making my own corner headboard.

To see my room progression from the beginning, hop here. Hope you find some inspiration from this and the other rooms in this series. Be sure to go check them out!

My Crafty Home Life

Living Savvy

Dutch. British. Love.

Trapped in North Jersey

The Pink Pagoda

Rue de Emily

Kim Macumber Interiors

Nicole Scott Designs

Saved by Suzy

Thanks Linda!

I'd love to hear from you and for you to follow my blog. Leave me a comment below, and check out Linky Followers on the sidebar. Thanks, you made my day!

the allure of imperfection

2012-02-20T22:23:00.001-07:00

"To be perfect is to develop expanding imperfection". ~ Ethylios

Perfect can be, well, boring. I love pretty magazine and blog pictures, but I'm drawn most to those that are imperfect and interesting. After all, people aren't perfect, so why would we try to make the homes we live in perfect? They should be a reflection of us, with all of our beautiful and alluring imperfections.

Take, for example, this mirror that my brother made as a gift for me years ago. It is my most favourite possession, because it is perfectly imperfect. The barn boards it is made from are weathered, and there are flaws and cracks, which make it even better. Don't you think it is much more interesting than a store-bought perfect mirror?

One of my favourite bloggers, The Nester, celebrates perfect imperfection and is hosting an imperfection party. Hop on over to enjoy more beautifully imperfect projects.

In need of ideas and inspiration to help you begin or finish refreshing a room? Contact me about e-design services, starting at $75.

black and white day 3

2012-02-20T01:00:00.013-07:00

It's a holiday here today and I'm ~~procrastinating~~ preparing some healthy meals for the week ahead. I'd be much more eager for this task if I was able to do it in one of these black and white kitchen beauties. One is industrial, which I'm crushing on these days, and the other is a little more classic. However, notice the attention to detail in both, like dark wood and black trim on the windows and cabinets, showpiece sinks and appliances, marble counters, and attention-grabbing pendant lights.

Rebekah Zaveloff via Houzz

House and Home

In need of ideas and inspiration to help you begin or finish refreshing a room? Contact me about e-design services, starting at $75.

room of the week

2012-02-17T02:00:00.001-07:00

Have a cozy weekend all.

Apartment Therapy

In need of ideas and inspiration to help you begin or finish refreshing a room? Contact me about e-design services, starting at $75.

refreshing a room through vignettes

2012-02-16T01:00:00.008-07:00

I'm always changing things up in my home. And usually it is with stuff I have somewhere else that I simply move to a new spot and create a fresh new vignette. I helped some friends do just that at their home last weekend, and they were thrilled to be able to decorate their renovated house without spending much on new items. They couldn't believe they had so many beautiful yet ordinary things in their closets and cupboards.

Don't overlook jars, bowls, tins, boxes, baskets, trays, vases, interesting utensils, cutting boards and books. And there are always branches or grasses or pine cones outside in the yard or the park. Fresh flowers don't hurt either.

Here are a few vignettes around my home these days.

Check back soon for before and after shots of my friends' cute renovated home.

In need of ideas and inspiration to help you begin or finish refreshing a room? Contact me about e-design services, starting at $75.

one room challenge - week 5

2012-02-15T01:00:00.017-07:00

If you've been following this blogger challenge to finish a room in six weeks, you've seen the progression of my office/library. This week, since the room is almost complete, I got to work on organizing and storage solutions, because this is a room that has to be functional as well as stylish.

First off, I needed a way to display my many magazines so they were neat and easy to reference. I stacked some on top of the locker-style credenza and put some in vintage wire crates.

A bamboo tray corrals my electronic gadgets and a vintage tin box keeps note cards and stamps handy.

I used a round basket to hold wallpaper and kraft paper.

A grouping of tin cans, jars and bowls on my desk holds essentials. And this great vintage wooden box holds my business cards.

Finally, my filing cabinet drawer is organized with kitchen dishes that make useful little cubbies for small items.

So, as you can see, any room makeover of mine isn't complete without great organization solutions!

Hope you enjoyed, and please enjoy the other bloggers' rooms as well:

My Crafty Home Life

Living Savvy

Dutch. British. Love.

Trapped in North Jersey

The Pink Pagoda

Rue de Emily

Kim Macumber Interiors

Nicole Scott Designs

Saved by Suzy

In need of ideas and inspiration to help you begin or finish refreshing a room? Contact me about e-design services, starting at $75.

black and white day 2

2012-02-14T01:00:00.005-07:00

The home of designer Adrienne Vittadini. Photos by Peter Vitale.

In need of ideas and inspiration to help you begin or finish refreshing a room? Contact me about e-design services, starting at $75.

mid-century modern dining room reveal

2012-02-13T01:00:00.016-07:00

I live in a rented condo with a small dining area opening onto the kitchen. Not a big canvas to work with, but a blank one, with two beige walls and a not-so-lovely hanging chandelier (sorry, I can't seem to find the before photo).

I love the clean, simple designs of mid-century furniture, and after months of searching found an amazing vintage teak credenza and Danish rosewood dining chairs. I recovered the chair seats and paired them with a fantastic knock-off Saarinen tulip table that I got at a fantastic knock-off price.

Unfortunately, I couldn't do anything about the linoleum floors, but the walls I could get creative with. I wallpapered one wall behind the credenza in strippable wallpaper that I can remove easily when I move. I changed out the chandelier for an updated drum shade, and added art through a vintage poster and a piece of my own design (details here).

Much better than the boring little square area I started with, and it adds some much-needed personality to my little condo!

In need of ideas and inspiration to help you begin or finish refreshing a room? Contact me about e-design services, starting at $75.

before and after: quick vintage chair update

2012-02-12T01:00:00.005-07:00

I was recently lucky enough to find a set of six vintage rosewood dining chairs of Danish design. I adore these chairs, but of course the seats needed to be recovered.

These chairs are the finishing touch to my little dining room (check back tomorrow for the reveal) and I wanted to find a modern but not too flashy fabric in navy.

I found this plaid for 60% off, so it cost me a total of $12 to cover all six chairs. Easy-peesy to do with a staple gun (my favourite tool) - it took only an hour!

Now if only a personal makeover was that easy.

In need of ideas and inspiration to help you begin or finish refreshing a room? Contact me about e-design services, starting at $75.

green idea: repurposed barn

2012-02-10T01:00:00.003-07:00

What's the ultimate in repurposing? Possibly turning an existing barn into a kitchen addition. That's exactly what designer Mick De Giulio did in a project featured in House Beautiful this month.

The farmhouse style is in keeping with the building but modern conveniences are seamlessly embedded to make this kitchen functional.

Lucky homeowners, don't you think?

In need of ideas and inspiration to help you begin or finish refreshing a room? Contact me about e-design services, starting at $75.

work space of the week

2012-02-09T01:00:00.034-07:00

I'm drilling down further into my "room of the week" series to specifically post about inspirational home offices and other work spaces, which I have a keen interest in. I've been finishing my own home office/library, and I know a lot you are in need of a dedicated space in your homes for work/hobbies/reading/hiding. Carving out this kind of get-away room is important, as it not only keeps all of the "stuff" related to our work activities from being scattered in every room of the house, but it also gives us a place where we can be inspired, creative and productive.

So to get on with the inspiring, here is the first work space of the week. Actually it's two work spaces in the same home, from one of my favourite blogs- Stylizimo. These his and hers offices use my favourite colours: black, white and gray. Notice the clean lines and industrial feel. Don't you love the hanging worklamp, and the long white desk? I could definitely work in either of these rooms.

Oh, and this image and the Eames-inspired chair is what prompted my own choice of desk chairs, as you will see in the One-Room-Challenge Series.

In need of ideas and inspiration to help you begin or finish refreshing a room? Contact me about e-design services, starting at $75.

one room challenge - week 4

2012-02-08T01:00:00.026-07:00

OK, I'm heading into the home stretch now on finishing up my office. If you missed the first part of this 6-week challenge to finish a room, check out the posts starting in week 1. This week, in an effort to save money and practice what I preach about sustainable designing, I created home-made art, and hacked a discount IKEA chair that had been in my storage closet for a while, instead of buying new.

First up, DIY art. I made 3 abstract paintings out of leftover mdf board from another project. First I used primer and then just tried out some patterns until I was happy with the result. Then I drilled a hole in the back of each for hanging on the wall.

Next was figuring out how to use an IKEA Nordmyra chair that I picked up a while ago in the clearance section for $20. It was all scratched up, but nothing a little camouflage wouldn't fix. I simply cut pieces of wallpaper to size and used spray adhesive to cover the seat and back. I also covered it all with a glaze, just to make sure the edges held tight.

Check out this post for a tutorial on how I wallpapered this chair.

So I am almost there with the room. Just figuring out storage now, so that the office is not only pretty but functional. Check in next week for a post on my organizing solutions. And to see this challenge from the beginning, here you go.

And make sure to check in on the other talented participants to see how their rooms are progressing.

My Crafty Home Life

Living Savvy

Dutch. British. Love.

Trapped in North Jersey

The Pink Pagoda

Rue de Emily

Kim Macumber Interiors

Nicole Scott Designs

Saved by Suzy

Linked up at:

In need of ideas and inspiration to help you begin or finish refreshing a room? Contact me about e-design services, starting at $75.

black and white day 1

2012-02-07T01:00:00.002-07:00

I've long gravitated toward black and white in fashion. I usually try to talk myself out of it - too cold, too boring, too overdone. I've realized recently that despite my mom's voice in my head saying "wear a little colour!" my closet is still filled with blacks, whites and grays (and maybe a navy here or there).

style.com

It's shouldn't be a surprise then, that black, white and gray spaces are what catch my eye in every design magazine and blog I read. So, as the design rule goes, stick with what you love.

In this new "black and white day" series I will feature a fantastic black, white or shade-in-between space that I admire. Yes, a pop of colour here and there will always be fun, but from now on I am letting my own little voice in my head shout out "black and white is classic and will always reign!"

Sorry Mom.

candy black design

Are you a fan of black and white spaces?

In need of ideas and inspiration to help you begin or finish refreshing a room? Contact me about e-design services, starting at $75.

i'm obsessed with...industrial style design

2012-02-05T01:00:00.010-07:00

I'm loving how industrial elements are making their way out of only being in trendy loft spaces and into lots of different styles of homes. The style mixes especially well with mid-century modern, rustic-modern and Scandinavian styles. But you can find a glimpse of it here and there even in more luxurious rooms as well.

Industrial style is defined by organic elements like brick, concrete, wood, and exposed pipes and beams, and by vintage utilitarian items like work lamps and steel cabinets and chairs. It's a great way to decorate sustainably, since you can usually find these things at flea markets, scrap yards or antique fairs.

Do you like this trend? Are you adding any industrial elements to your home?

In need of ideas and inspiration to help you begin or finish refreshing a room? Contact me about e-design services, starting at $75.

room of the week

2012-02-03T02:00:00.012-07:00

While perusing one of my favourite design blogs last week, Desire to Inspire, this kitchen from designer Gregory Mellor spoke to me.

Something about this space is calm and inviting. I love the dark cabinets and the dark open shelving, which you normally see in either white or wood. The high contrast with the white plank ceiling and white subway tiles makes the space interesting, yet it is still very serene. The mix of materials such as the industrial-looking pendant, vintage dishware, and mixed vintage modern chairs is superb.

Lovely, don't you think?

In need of ideas and inspiration to help you begin or finish refreshing a room? Contact me about e-design services, starting at $75.

bedroom refresh

2012-02-02T01:00:00.023-07:00

I posted a few days ago about the DIY bed side tables that I reclaimed. They were the inspiration I needed to give my bedroom a little refresh and tie everything together.

I rent, and so I am stuck with the builder-beige walls; therefore I worked with a taupe and pink theme. The wallpaper on the back of the new side tables matches the taupe colour of the new bedspread and the curtains that I already had. I love this colour, especially with the pink and cherry coloured accents. These include DIY canvas art above the bed, and matching vintage dressing table bench. I posted on these projects here.

I keep my jewelry on display both on my dresser in pretty dishes, and on my wall as art in old picture frames with the glass removed.

I didn't have a lot of money to spend on this room, so other than a splurge on the curtains and the bedspread, everything was handmade or vintage and fixed up. I found this great old bench at a flea market a while ago, and now it acts as a place to stack books close to the bed.

Got any great budget decorating ideas to share?

In need of ideas and inspiration to help you begin or finish refreshing a room? Contact me about e-design services, starting at $75.

one room challenge- week 3

2012-02-01T01:00:00.012-07:00

Week 3 and February 1st already! I made some great progress over last weekend and crossed some things off of my to-do list. Today, I'm going to show you my headboard project for my corner daybed.

I have a single mattress in the corner of my office where I want to be able to curl up and read. I wanted a more finished look, so I decided to make a headboard. I started with 2 sheets of plywood cut to size for me at Home Depot.

I purchased a single bed foam mattress topper from Wal-Mart for $17 and wrapped the boards with that and some batting over top. This was quite easy, and I actually didn't even use spray adhesive, as the staples held it tight. Then I cut the white sailcloth I purchased and wrapped it around and stapled tight. I used simple eye hooks on the back of the boards and hung them to the wall on nails.

I was planning on tufting the boards, but actually liked the casual look for this room. But it did need something to finish it, so I added nail head detailing along the edges. Simplest thing ever and cost only $2 for a box of 25 nailheads.

So now you are getting the idea of my white room with pops of colour. I also did some DIY art and hacked an IKEA chair, which I will show you next week.

Make sure to hop over and see the other talented bloggers' progress on their rooms.

My Crafty Home Life

Living Savvy

Dutch. British. Love.

Trapped in North Jersey

The Pink Pagoda

Rue de Emily

Kim Macumber Interiors

Nicole Scott Designs

Saved by Suzy

In need of ideas and inspiration to help you begin or finish refreshing a room? Contact me about e-design services, starting at $75.

no-spend diy art project

2012-01-31T02:00:00.023-07:00

My blogger pal Tiffany, at Living Savvy, endured a no-spend-month challenge throughout January. She created lots of decor goodies without spending a dime. So impressive! So today she is hosting a no-spend party and I submitted a no-spend diy art project that I completed recently.

I needed new art for my refreshed dining room I'm working on (tulip table is arriving today, so check back soon for the reveal), but I didn't have anything left in the budget. So I took an IKEA Ribba frame that I already owned with a picture in it that didn't appeal to me any longer, and painted right on the cardboard backing that it came with.

I painted a coat of white primer, and left the brush strokes showing. Then I used some watercolour paints and simply created an abstract masterpiece! Ha!

Anyway, very simple, and no cost, so it works for me and my dining room. Thanks Tiffany for hosting this party and for inspiring us to be creative instead of buying new!

I'm linked up over at Living Savvy; be sure to check out the other no-spend projects.

Also linked at:

In need of ideas and inspiration to help you begin or finish refreshing a room? Contact me about e-design services, starting at $75.

before and after: pretty nightstands

2012-01-29T13:51:00.007-07:00

I'm so excited. I found these brown '60's nightstands on Kijiji for $15! I liked them because they have a simple, mid-century modern shape and have both a drawer for closed storage and an open shelf for books and magazines.

Here is how I purchased them.

First, I removed the hardware, filled in the holes with wood filler, and lightly sanded.

Then I used a CIL primer for laminate surfaces, let it dry, lightly sanded, then painted a coat of CIL glossy trim paint in white. I let that dry then added a coat of polycrylic high gloss for a protective shine.

Then I added wallpaper to the back of the shelf and as a liner inside the drawer. I simply cut to size and used an adhesive spray.

And finally I drilled new holes in the centre of the drawer faces for the new knobs.

And voila! They turned out pretty well if I do say so myself. They are now in my master bedroom.

I'm linked up at:

In need of ideas and inspiration to help you begin or finish refreshing a room? Contact me about e-design services, starting at $75.

green idea: repurposed airline carts

2012-01-27T02:00:00.001-07:00

In my weekly search for inspiring repurposed and upcycled home decor and design ideas, I came across a fellow blogger's fantastic post about repurposed airline carts. I am so taken with these that I am simply going to send you over to A Room With A View to see these neat vintage carts that have been upcycled by Skypak. Thanks Liza for this great post and for finding this great resource!

All images from Skypak via A Room with a View

In need of ideas and inspiration to help you begin or finish refreshing a room? Contact me about e-design services, starting at $75.

green idea: creative diy headboards

2012-01-26T02:00:00.007-07:00

I have headboards on the brain because I am making one this weekend for a daybed. Headboards, in my opinion, are so important in completing the design of a bedroom, and they offer an opportunity to express some personality. You don't have to spend a lot and you don't (and I'd venture shouldn't) have to buy one with your bed frame. I think it is much more interesting (and eco-friendly) to create one. Here are some wonderful examples.

via Apartment Therapy

via Kaboodle

via Molitli

via Homes and Gardens

via Jamie Herzlinger

Centsational Girl

Vivaterra

via Apartment Therapy

via DecorPad

Stylizmo

via Apartment Therapy

In need of ideas and inspiration to help you begin or finish refreshing a room? Contact me about e-design services, starting at $75.

the one room challenge- week 2

2012-01-25T01:00:00.124-07:00

Well I am in a white-out after this weekend. Not from snow, from my all-white office/reading room. I painted the walls pure white during my second week in The One Room Challenge, a 6-week challenge with fellow design bloggers to finish decorating a room. Last week I told you a bit about the spare room in my condo; this is the inspiration photo I have chosen as my favourite.

from the Marion House Book

As my philosophy for design is to minimize consumption, re-purpose when possible, and use eco-friendly products when they make sense, my office makeover will follow that creed. The paint I used on the walls last weekend was CIL Naturaliving no-VOC paint in "White on White". I have a pretty low budget and plan on creating a lot of things from scratch or upcycling. I already have a desk, a daybed and a credenza, and I am only purchasing two new pieces of furniture- a desk chair and a filing cabinet. And I'm going to keep my eyes open for interesting thrift store finds as I go.

To make sure I stay on track, I am going through the proper design process for this room makeover:

1. Figure out what style and mood I want to create and find inspiration pictures I swoon over.

2. Create a design board with colours, furniture elements, lighting, etc. This will keep me on track throughout the process when I get distracted by a great pillow that really doesn't work with the design.

3. Lay out a plan. Set a budget. Make a list of things to buy or DIY.

4. Proceed with accomplishing everything on the list and see the space come together. There is room for a little tweaking along the way.

So then, here is step #2: my design board.

And step #3: my to-do list (if crossed out they are complete!)

-~~order eames plastic armchair (reproduction)~~

~~-paint room~~

-purchase file/storage unit

-DIY fabric headboard for daybed

-DIY wallpaper projects

-DIY art

-DIY pillow covers

~~-find industrial-look hanging lamp for above desk~~

~~-find vintage lamp~~

-create magazine storage solution

-style and finish room

I hope you follow along with me, as well as with the other 14 gals who are taking on this challenge!

See you next Wednesday!

My Crafty Home Life

Living Savvy

Dutch. British. Love.

Trapped in North Jersey

The Pink Pagoda

Rue de Emily

Kim Macumber Interiors

Nicole Scott Designs

Saved by Suzy

In need of ideas and inspiration to help you begin or finish refreshing a room? Contact me about e-design services, starting at $75.

the art of storing magazines

2012-01-23T02:00:00.004-07:00

As I get deeper into the One Room Challenge, in which I am refreshing my office/reading room, I am thinking about my very large magazine collection and wondering how to store and display them all. The solution must be something cheap and/or homemade. So I've been looking around and have found some ideas.

source

I have a weakness for magazines and books as decoration within my home, so they will always play a big part of many of my rooms. I love these DIY storage ideas. Which do you think I should try?

In need of ideas and inspiration to help you begin or finish refreshing a room? Contact me about e-design services, starting at $75.

not a builder basic bathroom

2012-01-23T01:00:00.009-07:00

My brother, the builder, has a townhome project on the go and has asked for advice on how to turn a small-standard-layout-builder-basic-bathroom into something a little more special, without spending a fortune.

Actually, there are a few easy ways to do this, and they make all the difference. Some nice tilework, a contemporary vanity, sink and counter, a framed mirror, and bling lighting will amp up a basic bathroom.

contemporary bathroom design by toronto interior designer Avalon Interiors

Sullivan Design Studio

In a small space, I like the floating vanities with open space underneath. As long as there are some drawers for storage, it is functional yet gives an open feeling. And I'm also a fan of using a furniture piece for a vanity- whether new or vintage.

via DecorPad

Oh, and make sure you frame the mirror above the vanity, but don't get the matching one to the vanity. Go with something different and oversized.

source: isuwannee.com via Pinterest

An upgraded countertop from laminate to granite or marble is a reasonable cost for a small vanity. Or you could check out some environmental options for countertops here.

by Kevin Oreck via cococozy

Tiling doesn't have to be the expensive glass kind. Inexpensive subway tile is 100% more interesting than drywall. And good light sconces and a cute hanging light overhead will wow. I wrote about mini chandelier lighting in the bathroom here.

Architectural Digest

In a small room, these upgrades will not add all that much more to the overall cost. But they have a big return on investment.

contemporary bathroom design by vancouver interior designer Claudia Leccacorvi

source: studioten25.com via Pinterest

via House Beautiful

Aren't they worth a little extra effort?

In need of ideas and inspiration to help you begin or finish refreshing a room? Contact me about e-design services, starting at $75.

re-purposed diy decorating projects

2012-01-20T02:00:00.025-07:00

Happy Friday everyone. Feel like taking on a simple DIY project this weekend? Here are ideas for repurposing easy to find items into snazzy additions to your home.

Source: cafeaudeux.blogspot.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: alifesdesign.blogspot.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: marthastewart.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: bhg.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: marthastewart.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: imperfecthome.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

In need of ideas and inspiration to help you begin or finish refreshing a room? Contact me about e-design services, starting at $75.

global design inspiration

2012-01-19T01:00:00.002-07:00

This room by Swedish stylist Jennifer Jansch calls to me. I love the all-white shell, the industrial low-hanging pendant, the colourful rug, and the modern sectionals mixed in with the ottomans. Mixing styles makes for such a refreshing room. I might suggest this one is modern/swedish/industrial/bohemian?

Room by Jennifer Jansch via Skona hem

In need of ideas and inspiration to help you begin or finish refreshing a room? Contact me about e-design services, starting at $75.

the one room challenge!

2012-01-18T01:00:00.014-07:00

I'm thrilled to be participating in the One Room Challenge, created and hosted by Linda over at My Crafty Home Life. Fifteen design bloggers will be blogging every Wednesday for the next 6 weeks about our progress in redesigning and decorating one room that needs to be finished!

Check out week 2, week 3, week 4, week 5, week 6.

My room is an office/reading room. I currently rent a condo with a small, long and narrow room with no windows, but with fantastic french doors. Right now it is a blank space with a single bed and my desk.

I want a light and comfy space to curl up for some reading, and a functional area for my desk and office needs.I'm thinking of going with a white scheme, like some of the inspiration rooms below, but there are some others here that I love as well.

Source: blog.stylizimo.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: themarionhousebook.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: designspirationsk.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: decorpad.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: housetohome.co.uk via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: adesigndock.blogspot.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: houseandhome.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

What do you think? Next Wednesday you will see what I have decided to go with, and I will show you a design board with the elements I need. I will be trying to put together this room using a mix of new and old, and with sustainable design in mind. If you have any ideas, please send them my way. I'd love to hear from you.

Make sure to hop on over to the other participants in this challenge to follow along as they finish a dynamite room of their own.

My Crafty Home Life

Living Savvy

Dutch. British. Love.

Trapped in North Jersey

The Pink Pagoda

Rue de Emily

Kim Macumber Interiors

Nicole Scott Designs

Saved by Suzy

In need of ideas and inspiration to help you begin or finish refreshing a room? Contact me about e-design services, starting at $75.

cabin fever

2012-01-17T01:00:00.056-07:00

Brrr...it's cold here in Calgary right now! Makes me dream of being curled up in front of a cozy cabin fireplace. But not any cabin. A sleek contemporary cabin. Take a look at these beauties.


light-filled Aspen retreat via Vogue

modern and wide open living space via Style at Home

sleek, black contemporary cabin kitchen via Squidoo


even cabins can be elegant! via desiretoinspire

mid-century mod cabin via Vogue

white walls+ antlers = cozy cabin via desiretoinspire

cool contemporary cabin bunkie via digs digs

great use of reclaimed wood via delight by design

contemporary chic cabin bath via Style at Home

cozy casual cabin via Apartment Therapy

wonderful cabin porch for chatting via Architectural Digest

an Eames chair fits perfectly in a modern cabin! via Billblog

I could happily spend my winter in any of these lovely modern cabins. Could you?

In need of ideas and inspiration to help you begin or finish refreshing a room? Contact me about e-design services, starting at $75.

trend to try: plaid

2012-01-16T01:00:00.006-07:00

So the friend of mine that I blogged about last week that bought the tulip table and chairs is going to cover his chair seats in a green tartan plaid (to match the plaid in his VW bus - cool huh?).

Source: thedecorista.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

So that got me thinking about plaid and how to use it in a modern-non-English-country-home kind of way. Actually, plaid keeps making an appearance every few years as a trend that seems to last, and there are some really nice ways to mix it into a contemporary home. Plus, it's so cozy for winter!

Source: elementsofstyleblog.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: designsponge.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: elledecor.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

via Architectural Digest

via Country Living

So what's your take on plaid? Is it a trend you will try?

In need of ideas and inspiration to help you begin or finish refreshing a room? Contact me about e-design services, starting at $75.

refreshing a little boy's room

2012-01-13T01:00:00.000-07:00

Friends of mine have asked for help in redecorating a room for their growing toddler. While I don't have much experience with kids' rooms, digging for inspiration has been so much fun! There are a lot of great ideas, colours, themes and chic looks to choose from. My pals are going for a blue and brown scheme, so here are some of my favourites with those hues in mind, and some that aren't, but were too darn cool not to show you.

Source: homeloto.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: marthastewart.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: designwali.blogspot.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: decorpad.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: marthastewart.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: bedroominteriordesign.org via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

In need of ideas and inspiration to help you begin or finish refreshing a room? Contact me about e-design services, starting at $75.

mid-century modern rug search

2012-01-12T02:00:00.026-07:00

Rugs can really refresh a room without having to change much else. At the moment I'm looking for the right rug for a sleek, mostly white, mid-century modern living room with dark wood floors, a very light grey-green sofa and mustard yellow accents. Here are some ideas so far. What do you think?

Bold yellow to go with the accents?
via Mix and Chic

I'm liking the neutral chevron pattern.
via DecorPad

Maybe blended blocked colour?
via Apartment Therapy

A dark gray-brown shag might work.
via jaytalorid

Stripes could add to the mod look.
via DecorPad

Could go for a more bohemian eclectic look.
via ekoshyun

Black and white chevron could look pretty chic.
via DecorPad

Or a black and white Greek key pattern to amp up interest?
via DecorPad

Maybe just simplify and go with a jute or seagrass?
via DecorPad

Or go for bold with cowhide?!
via DecorPad

Any other suggestions?

In need of ideas and inspiration to help you begin or finish refreshing a room? Contact me about e-design services, starting at $75.

room of the week

2012-01-11T01:00:00.006-07:00

This wintery white room feels crisp yet cozy. Love the wood and natural elements.

from House Beautiful

In need of ideas and inspiration to help you begin or finish refreshing a room? Contact me about e-design services, starting at $75.

storing and styling firewood and other fireplace "stuff"

2012-01-10T01:00:00.009-07:00

The wood fire was so cozy and warm when I was staying at my parents' home over the holidays. But there is a lot of stuff that needs to be kept handy to make wood fires, not the least of which is lots of wood. So how do you keep it handy but also looking stylish and neat?

Here is how my Mom does it.

And here are some other great wood storage ideas.

Source: thediversionproject.blogspot.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: pleasesirblog.blogspot.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: remodelista.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: ffffound.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: designsponge.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Aren't these wonderful ways to store wood with style? Now if only they came with a cute wood-boy to carry it in for me...

For the inspiration and help you need to refresh a room, contact me about e-design services, starting at $75.

real life colour inspiration

2012-01-09T01:00:00.002-07:00

I was home in New Brunswick on the East Coast of Canada for the holidays, and it was a sight to behold, as always. Fresh snowfall made for wonderful winter pictures that are filled with real life colour inspiration.

For the inspiration and help you need to refresh a room, contact me about e-design services, starting at $75.

innovative green design: unusual bathroom vanity

2012-01-08T02:00:00.001-07:00

How's this for repurposing? A vintage bike turned into a bathroom vanity. Brilliant!

By Benjamin Bullins via Inhabitat.

For the inspiration and help you need to refresh a room, contact me about e-design services, starting at $75.

spotlight on...the Saarinen tulip table

2012-01-06T02:00:00.013-07:00

A friend recently purchased a Saarinen tulip table and chairs, which I've always loved for their simplicity and clean lines. The tulip table is a classic that comes in various sizes, shapes and colours and will never go out of fashion. And it is so versatile that it can be used with many different styles. From casual to formal, from modern to rustic, this fits into practically any home.

Via Living Etc.

Eero Saarinen was a native of Finland who moved to the U.S. to study sculpture and architecture. He then turned to furniture design and hooked up with Florence Knoll Bassett and Charles Eames. They became three of the biggest design names in history for their modern and organic furniture designs. Saarinen's Pedestal table and Tulip chair were created in 1956 when he worked for Knoll Associates, which still produces the collection today. His objective was to "clear up the slum of legs" in domestic furniture.

Mission accomplished, and much, much more.

Via DecorPad

Via Cococozy

Via If Its Hip Its Here

Via Room for Thinking

Via DecorPad

Via Living Etc.

Via Design Sponge

Via House Beautiful

Via Mallie + Posh

Via DecorPad

Via Elle Decor

Which version is your favourite?

For the inspiration and help you need to refresh a room, contact me about e-design services, starting at $75.

the right direction: plank wood walls

2012-01-05T02:00:00.041-07:00

I'm loving wood plank walls right now. They can look modern or rustic, or even a combination of both. And what makes the look really interesting is the direction the planks are laid - equally impressive both horizontally and vertically. Hmm...I can't decide which I like best.

OK, this one is tile that looks like wood, but still...

All images and sources via Pinterest.

Which is your favourite?

For the inspiration and help you need to refresh a room, contact me about e-design services, starting at $75.

bold colour: tangerine tango

2012-01-04T02:00:00.008-07:00

As I said in my new year's post, I don't necessarily believe in following trends. Some, however, are fun to try. One of Pantone's colour predictions for 2012 is Tangerine Tango.

Not quite orange, not quite red, this is a wonderful but bold colour that could be tricky to add to a room. But there are ways, both subtle and not-so-subtle, in which it can work. As I've said before, I recommend using trendy colours as accents (ie. not on a $5000 sofa) so that they can be easily changed later.

Source: hirshfields.wordpress.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: access.decorati.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: traditionalhome.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: theinspiredroom.net via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: elledecor.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: houseofturquoise.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

So will you be trying this colour in 2012?

For the inspiration and help you need to refresh a room, contact me about e-design services, starting at $75.

beautiful ways to recycle mason jars

2012-01-03T03:00:00.006-07:00

Source: suziebeezie.tumblr.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: heatherbullard.typepad.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: myblessedlife.net via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: blogs.babble.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: shechive.files.wordpress.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: blogs.babble.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: weddingbee.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

For the inspiration and help you need to refresh a room, contact me about e-design services, starting at $75.

welcome to 2012

2012-01-01T19:50:00.001-07:00

Source: wishflowers.tumblr.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Happy New Year! I always use this day to reflect on the past year and look ahead to what the new year could bring. When pondering interior design for 2012, I think many more people will be looking at ways to make their home their own without spending too much, without consuming too many new materials, and by leaving a light footprint in the process.

Source: keswickcountry.blogspot.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

There are all kinds of trend predictions at the beginning of a new year. For example, this year the Pantone colour is Tangerine Tango. The paint retailers all have their own colour predictions, including blues, greens and yellows. The use of more colour in general is trendy right now. Mid-century modern style furniture is hugely popular, and using wood in design is more popular than ever.

Source: maisonboheme.blogspot.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Trends come and go. I say what you should remember is to make your home comfortable, functional, and a place that gives you a great feeling when you walk in the door. Homes are for living and for reflecting who you are. So if you are not particularly drawn to retro furniture, don't buy it. Doing what's right for you and your family will always be on trend.

Source: centsationalgirl.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

That said, I love updating my space and keeping it fresh, while staying true to myself. So if you want to make a few changes and wonder where to start, here are a few ideas:

1. Look outside. Keeping colour palettes close to natural tones will always be a good choice. Use greens, blues, browns and whites that are found in nature. Add splashes of colour here and there if you want to make it fun and lively. And bring things from the outdoors in. Use wood, stone and greenery throughout your home.

Source: gallery.apartmenttherapy.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

2. Stick to neutrals. Neutrals (black, whites, grays and browns) will always stay in style. The trendy neutral now is gray, in all shades. I particularly love gray because it is modern and goes with either cool or warm colours.

Source: houseofturquoise.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

3. Use trends in small ways. If you like to try the trends, add them in places that won't cost much to change if you get tired of them later. Instead of finding a vintage sofa, try a side chair or table. Don't change up your curtains just to get a trendy colour in the room. Try changing the paint instead. It's much cheaper to change again later.

Source: desiretoinspire.net via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

4. Start with the essentials.

Make sure you have comfortable and classic seating in your living room so that you can have great conversations when entertaining, and have a usable space for everyday use.
Create a focal point. It could be a fireplace, a sideboard with a great display or a fantastic piece of art.
If you don't have one already, create a great headboard for your bed. It completes a bedroom.
Update your lighting. Start slowly and just do one at a time. Keep your eyes open for vintage pieces and big box lighting that is cheap and chic.
Layer. Creating lots of texture though layering pillows, throws, curtains, linens, etc will add a coziness to your home that both you and guests will love.

Source: bing.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

I hope this helps you think about what you would like to do in your home in 2012. All the best for a wonderful year!

For the inspiration and help you need to refresh a room, contact me about e-design services, starting at $75.

happy holidays!

2011-12-24T11:00:00.001-07:00

Christmas tree crazy

2011-12-23T03:00:00.000-07:00

As we head into Christmas weekend, here are trees of all sorts in all sorts of places.

Source: alifeofbeautyandgrace.tumblr.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: mydesignchic.wordpress.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: inspirebohemia.blogspot.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: marthastewart.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: lolalina.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: camillestyles.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: bhg.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

Source: scandinavianretreat.blogspot.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

For the inspiration and help you need to refresh a room, contact me about e-design services, starting at $75.

amazing repurposing for your home

2011-12-21T06:00:00.008-07:00

The best and easiest green idea for decorating your home? Repurposing. Here are my picks of the week for ultra cool repurposing projects.

repurposed barrel

Source: themarionhousebook.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

repurposed tin cans

Source: poppytalk.blogspot.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

repurposed cable spool

Source: storageandglee.blogspot.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

repurposed truck coils

Source: bazzerka.tumblr.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

repurposed loft windows

Source: remodelista.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

repurposed baking trays

Source: newenglandprepster.tumblr.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

repurposed mason jars

Source: etsy.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest

For the inspiration and help you need to refresh a room, contact me about e-design services, starting at $75.

global design inspiration: using nature

2011-12-20T05:52:00.002-07:00

You probably know by now that I love bringing things inside from the great outdoors to design and decorate with. So this design from A1 Architects in Prague made me swoon. Like their website says, "the secret of architecture lies in naturalness."

For the inspiration and help you need to refresh a room, contact me about e-design services, starting at $75.