Will you spruce up my bathroom Mom?

For the past few days I have been visiting my son on the West Coast. On my last visit I spruced up his bedroom and on this visit I was challenged to spruce up his bathroom. Keep in mind he lives in a rental, which must be taken into consideration when developing the design. My assignment, and I did choose to accept it, was as follows;

• More masculine
• Use black
• No structural modifications to the room (no painting, etc)
• Shoe string budget

After several trips to several thrift stores, Target, Walmart, Michael's, Home Depot, and lots of painting and gluing here it is...

I purchased the rug, towels, and curtains from Target. I like using window curtains for bathroom tubs because they are longer. I do this by using a tension rod and hanging it higher than the builder-grade shower curtain rod. I think it gives a richer feel.

 

Approximate cost of these items was $40. This was the splurge.

Since there were so many projects involved in this revamped bathroom I will post them separately. Check back soon for the following projects:

• Mirror Makeover
• Shelving/Wall Decor
• Thrift Store Wall Art

 Thanks for visiting,

 

 

To Paint or Not to Paint (our Fireplace)

I have loved and hated our fireplace since day one. I love wood burning fireplaces and I love everything about brick. I actually think this fireplace is really beautiful...BUT...I think it looks overpowering in our small living/family room. I also think (actually I wonder) if painting it would make it less overwhelming (and more crisp).

The decision to paint (or fear of painting) is based on the permanence of painting and the fact that the window sills and woodwork throughout the home are all stained (brown). It is actually one of the things about the house that we love. 
 

 I have searched the internet looking for pictures of fireplaces that are painted white in rooms with brown stained window casings. I only found a few...

this is probably the closest photo I could find (sorry, have know idea where I found it)

Then I decided to just search for photos of white painted fireplaces that are similar to mine. 

from minhus.blogspot.com

 from HGTV's Rate My Space

 from simplyklassichome.com

from fireplacedecorating.blogspot.com

So, after this search I think I am more inclined to consider white washing my fireplace. 
I know, a compromise but I'm still a little scared. 

This is what it will look like:

whiter with some color on the walls

So...what do you think?

 

Lucy's Nursery

Today I am going to share something that I did NOT do. Well I did paint the letters and drawer pulls but my son-in-law and daughter did the rest. I see so many posts showing pics of nurseries I felt it would be a crime not to share their work. I think it turned out great and of course Lucy loves her room. Enjoy!

(Thanks M&M for allowing me to share your pics)

Want to know more about this nursery? Check out M&M's Blog A Baby and a Bulldog.

Thanks for visiting!

 

Blue Pillar Candleholder

If you live on the east coast you know that much of the area was hit by an end of winter snow storm yesterday. I think it was winter's way of saying "goodbye". And with the end of winter comes spring and one of my favorite holidays...Easter. With spring also come the new PB catalogue and all their new stuff. In my last inspiration post I was reminded of my love of the color blue and in the fact that I don’t have any blue in my home décor. So when I saw this I wanted at least one and was inspired.

At my last run through the local thrift store I found this...

  ...and I immediately got to work.  

First, I mixed up a blue and white paint to make just the right light blue color. So that the paint would adhere I sprayed the candleholder with Zinsser Cover Stain Oil Based Primer. I then applied the paint with a brush and q-tips (to get the paint inside the holes). After the paint dried I very lightly sprayed the candleholder with Krylon's Looking Glass spray paint making sure not to cover the entire surface and leave lots of blue showing. 

I know it's not mercury glass but I like the way it turned out and I like the fact that, at least during the spring, I will have one item of blue in my home. 

**********************************************************
3/10/13 Update: I found the little sister!!
 

Story Here

 Don't they look good together?

Thanks for visiting! again

Inspiration from the Beach

This past weekend we attended an event at a beach I have been to many times since a child. Like all the other years I recognized many of the same familiar things...stores, eateries, arcades, and so on, but this year it dawned on me how long they have remained the same. Not only are the structures the same but the smells (love funnel cakes) and the colors are also the same and part of my memory. Below I have shared a few of the picture I took that might inspire me during my home decorations.

#1 - Boogie Boards.......

 

Not So Mellow Yellow 

From Mad About Hue, Westchester Magazine.

 

from Houzz

A guest room from The Decorologist

From Marmalade Interiors

From Eclectic Living Home

#2 Waffle Cone..............

I love the color of ice cream cones, waffle cones, and caramel, especially mixed with whites and ivories.

from Houzz (Benjamin More Peanut Butter)

  

From the Home Makeover Diva

Petrie Leather from Crate and Barrel

#3 Jelly Beans...........

Don't you just love the color (and taste) of jelly beans.  These photos where shot at a candy store on the boardwalk. I did resist the jelly beans but not the chocolate covered graham crackers at the store a few feet down.

How great would it be to have a laundry room decorated in colors of jelly beans?

PB Ironing Board Covers

  

 

 From Vintage Metal Art

#4 Salt Water Taffy