Bringing back the beadboard!

FREE IMAGES If you are on a tight budget but need a major makeover, a cheap solution might be right in front of you! Check out some awesome ways to use beadboard, and make it look expensive:

via iheartnaptime

via homewithbaxter


via houzz


via 11magnolialane


via thistlewoodfarms

Inspiration: Using color in the bathroom

FREE IMAGES If you need a little change in your decor, the bathroom is a small, less intimidating space to start.  Sometimes I get my fix just by changing out my shower curtain and bath mat. Or, you could brighten up your bathroom with some color. Since most bathrooms are the least amount of square footage in a home, it's an easy weekend makeover that won't leave you regretting the time you spend.


via designsponge

There are so many way's you can liven up a room. Paint, tile, curtains, rugs, wall art, and accessories are some options you can start with!


via decorchick

You can start small with a spot of color by painting your cabinets and accessorizing to match! Or simply choose one wall to paint if you are afraid it might be to overwhelming to paint the whole room a bright color.  I can't decide if I like this peach or not - I'd have to see the rest of the room.  I love the rug though!


via prepaganda

Go wild with a wallpaper, stencil design, or maybe even stripes! Pick a color that makes you smile every time you walk in the room.


via bhg

Can't choose one color? Find two that work great together and keep it simple with the rest of the accessories. Let the paint color be the decor..

Gray and yellow are two of my favorites.


via Elle Decor

Nervous about a big change? Stick with the accessories! You can still brighten up your bathroom and your day with a little accessorizing.

Small laundry room inspiration

FREE IMAGES When did it finally sink in that I was a homeowner?  It wasn't when I was carrying boxes in to our living room or kitchen, it was when I walked past our laundry room for the first time.  I know it sounds silly, but I have never had my own laundry room - I either had to go to a laundromat or down the hall to the residents' laundry room. However, since this space isn't usually seen by guests it tends to be put on the back burner for any updates. I like to remember how grateful I am to finally have my own laundry room by keeping it functional and organized.  Below are some dream laundry rooms for inspiration

Even if you only have a laundry nook, make it feel more luxe with an updated lighting fixture, and sleek shelving with organized supplies.
via BHG

Love this Stain kit idea!
via BHG

You can still make a small laundry space work for you and be pretty too. Making the most of the room you do have may take a little creativity and narrowing down your items to just necessities, but making it functional will really help you enjoy this space.

via fourgenerations

Don't forget about the accessories! Have fun with them and mix them up since there are a lot of different small items that get put in the laundry room. Baskets and clear jars keep smaller items from creating visual clutter.

via flicker

Giving your laundry room a makeover doesn't need to be pricey. A few cabinets and a table top to fold your clothes can really make a difference in the room. Also adding a touch of color with some paint can make it feel more like a homey space than a commercial laundry.

via houzz

If you laundry room has plenty of space you might consider a wash tub or sink, and some hang up space for those items that need to hang dry.  I think laundry room slop sinks are a must.  We don't have one yet, but it's on my registry! A rug can also add a little comfort to this space to keep it from being to stiff and cold. 

A Step in the Right Direction: Ideas for Updating your staircase

FREE IMAGES Although stairs aren't something you would think would be part of your home decor, there are ways to bring it to life! As much as I'd like a second floor, we don't have stairs, but I do have plenty of ideas for when I do!  Changing up the stairs to fit within your style can really finish off the view and create a focal point.

via houseofphilia

I love the subtle gray stripe on these steps that tie into the room beside it. A painted runner can add a little something extra to your steps without the cost and installation process of an actual runner.

via houzz

Two toned steps really make this staircase so elegant. I love the dark and light that flows throughout the house and making the stairs match really ties it in with the rest of the decor. 

via Adore Mag

via Southern Living
A staircase is a great way to showcase art too.  Gallery walls have an especially big impact.

via bhg

Another option would be to change out the railings for something new! This can really change your view of the stairs depending on what you choose like these thinner railings above really make the stairs feel more open.

via Lonny

If you're really ambitious, consider wallpapering the stair risers.  I love this look, but I wonder how durable it is.

Fashion Forward Apartment

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When it’s time to find apartments, you probably think about the size, location and available amenities, but what about style? How can you make your apartment unique and represent you, rather than looking like the boring, cookie-cutter versions that everyone else has.  It’s easier than you may think.


via interiordesigning.net

Here are a few tips to find that perfect apartment:

One of the best ways to design a fashion-forward apartment is to start with the best possible unit. You will find apartments that are better than others when it comes to unique features or modern upgrades. For example, apartment communities like BRE Properties include amenities such as dishwashers, washing machines and updated kitchen appliances. If the unit looks nice from the start, half of your job is already done.


via ghoofie.com

Before you sign a lease to the apartment, it would be a good idea to figure out what the lease will allow you to do. Can you paint the walls or hang pictures? Find out what you can do and ask if there is any process you'll need to take to make any changes!


via lifearts.blogspot.com

While a splash of color on the walls will go a long way in making the apartment unique and stylish, there are plenty of things you can do even if you can’t paint. Start by hitting the magazines and online sites like Pinterest.com. You’ll find the latest apartment fashions and design ideas.


via Pinterest

If you’re on a budget, it’s time to hit the thrift stores, swap meets and online classifieds. You can find furniture, decorative pillows, pictures, shelves and more if you keep your eyes open. Some colorful throw pillows, well-placed decorations or table centerpieces can help transform a lackluster room.


via bhg.com

Consider getting crafty as well. It’s quite easy to make curtains and other decorative items that will give your apartment a sense of individual style. You can even recycle items for an eco-friendly touch. Wine bottles turn into flower vases and milk crates turn into side tables. There are lots of ways to repurpose everyday items into distinctive decorations.

via Pinterest

Even if you can’t find apartments that are stylish, with a little creativity and imagination you can still create a space that suits your sense of style.

this post is in partnership with breproperties

31 Days of Decorating on a Shoestring Budget, Day 6

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Hi there, thanks for stopping by my 31 day series.  If you've missed the first 5 days you can find them here:

• Day 1
• Day 2
• Day 3
• Day 4
• Day 5 

Day 6:  Paint New Stuff (if the price is right)

I remember when I discovered blogs a little over 2 years ago and I thought "what is the deal with everyone spray painting every thing?!"  At that point, I hadn't spray painted anything besides some rusty old patio furniture.  If I had something sitting around that was old and out of style I would just donate it.

Now I know better.

You can give something a completely new life with some paint.  If you've been reading blogs for awhile you probably already know this so you might be saying "duh, Kate... this is old news".

But, have you ever bought something new and painted it?

This is where you're thinking "Kate, why would I pay good money for something brand new if I have to paint it?  I don't have the time or money for that."  

Of course, and neither do I.  BUT, if I find something new that is cheap enough I don't have any qualms about painting it.

You've got to change your mindset when you're shopping.

I found a pair of brown lamps at a local furniture store.  They came with big white shades that looked horrible with the brown base.  They were $178 a piece.

I think they actually look better in this picture than in real life.  Normally, I don't mind brown but these were a very ugly brown, which I lovingly refer to as "doo-doo brown".

I could barely appreciate the beautiful gourd style bases on these things through their doo-doo brown paint.  

Luckily I did see those pretty bases because they were on clearance for $10 bucks a piece.   

This is quite a deal for any lamp... especially when you compare them to these other pretty gourd lamps.

Picture via Visual Comfort & Co.  

The above lamp by Visual Comfort & Co. is on sale for $314.90, originally $629.  

What a deal! (said in my most sarcastic voice ever)

Image via West Elm

These pretty lamps from West Elm go for a more, ahem, reasonable price of $149.

I hit the doo-doo brown lamps with some Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in French Linen plus a natural colored linen-like shade from Wal-Mart that I already had.

I think it's quite an improvement.  Although I might distress it a little to bring out the ridges.  Not sure yet.  At least doo-doo brown is gone for good!

This was definitely a situation where I felt it was OK to paint something brand new, the price was so low it was worth the extra effort.  If these would've been full price I wouldn't have even considered it.  

When you're out shopping and you come across a great deal that isn't quite right, consider if a little paint would go a long way in making it right and think twice before you pass it up.

Have you ever bought something new and painted it?

31 Days to Decorating on a Shoestring Budget, Day 3

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Day 3:  Paint!  But this isn't going to be about what you think it's going to be about...

Painting is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to give a room new life.   Since just about every decorating blog tells you to paint your walls for high impact at low cost, you might be thinking "duh, I already know that". The difference is, I'm going to tell you where to find cheap prices for paint.

If you are struggling to spend the money on a gallon of paint check your local paint stores for mis-tints.  They sell these at just about any place that mixes paint.  I have the best luck at a local family-owned paint store.  They always have a huge selection because they mix a ton of paint, that's all they do.  Places like Lowe's, Home Depot, Menards, Wal-Mart all will have rejects too, just not usually as many as an actual paint store.

Most places sell their mis-tint paint dirt cheap.  Usually under $10.  The last one I bought was $5 for a full gallon that retailed for $37.... score!  It ended up not being quite right (we affectionately called it "baby-poo brown").  But hey, I was only out $5 bucks.  I then sold it in my garage sale for what I paid for it.  If you are ultra picky about paint color this may not be for you because obviously, you can't pick out the exact color.

If you don't want to buy a mis-tint, wait for a sale.  The big box stores seem to run their paint on sale randomly and especially around holidays. Sherwin Williams runs 30% off about once a month and 40% off every so often too.  Great quality paint and decently priced when on sale.

One of my favorite things about Sherwin Williams is their super big sample sizes that run $5.99 for 31 fl. oz.  Most sample sized are about a third the size and sometimes cost the same or maybe a dollar and some change less.  These samples can be tinted to any color and are part of the paint sales they often run which really makes them a great deal.

I bought a sample of paint tinted to the color I wanted for my bathroom on sale for 40% off for $3.60.  It was more than enough to paint my small powder room pictured above.  For a larger bath I've used 2 samples and paid a whopping $7.20!  Dirt cheap prices for high quality paint in the color of your choice.  (by the way, Sherwin Williams is not paying me to write this).

PLEASE CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO CONTINUE READING. :)

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Does Choosing Paint Color Make You Nervous?

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I don't know about you but I often have one heckuva time choosing paint colors.  I spend days a lot of time on Pinterest and the rest of the www. looking for that perfect color.  This may be the most ultimate waste of time because as I learned from the Kermit the Frog paint debacle, you can not trust your computer monitor to give you an accurate depiction of what a color will actually look like, ever.  Sure, it can give you an idea but that's about it.  Trust me on this one.

Paint is hard.  It makes me nervous.  What if I choose the wrong color?? OMG!  The world will coming crashing down around me!!

Just kidding obviously, but paint is hard, isn't it?  The worst that can happen is that you will have to re-paint.  Which is a major bummer but definitely not the end of the world.  So why do I get myself so worked up when choosing paint colors??

Well, first of all, I'm cheap.  I can't bare to blow $30 on a a gallon of paint only to find out it's the wrong color.  God bless the paint companies that FINALLY started making little jars of paint samples.  Brilliant!

Second, I'm lazy.  If I paint it once I don't want to re-paint it a few six months days later.

Third, I'm a perfectionist.  The color has to look exactly right or it will bug me for the rest of my life (or maybe just when I'm looking at it).

Finally, I'm an interior decorator.  My house is one huge advertisement.  People expect it to look good and if it looks good enough it might score me a new customer.

My current paint project (that is going all wrong) is our Master Bathroom makeover.  Mr. Chic did a fabulous job putting up beadboard and now it's time to choose the paint (which I've already chosen 3 different times).

Here it is....

Twilight Grey by Behr

This isn't a great picture, it looks a bit lighter than it is, it's borderline too light, from the picture I think it looks too light.  But remember, never trust a computer picture about paint!   

Mr. Chic HATES it.  He wants something much darker.  He usually is easy to please when it comes to paint colors so that is concerning.  Especially since he worked so hard doing a nice job on the beadboard, I don't want to "ruin it" in his eyes with bad paint. (more pressure for that perfect paint color!)


 I did the ultimate painting no-no and bought a gallon of paint without buying a sample!  I broke my own number one rule when it comes to paint.  I had taped the swatch up on the wall, not good enough!!


Months ago when I first started experimenting with paint color I thought I was going to go for a brighter aqua blue.  These were 2 fails that are still on my wall.  At least I only bought sample sizes.

Oh yeah, this is on my wall from my little assistant too...

It's my favorite part of the bad paint color and I might have trouble painting over it. :)

I'm beginning to think I should just stick with my neutral brown tones that are on the wall already.  I still have the paint, it would be so easy.  I got some really cute chevron towels (that Mr. Chic also hates) that look nice against them too.

Hmmm, decisions, decisions.

Does choosing paint color make you nervous or am I just some kind of paint-phobic crazy person?

Beadboard Bathroom Sneak Peak

FREE IMAGES Well, hello.  How is your year going? 

No, really.  I meant to say year (not weekend). 

Like, how is 2011 going for you?

Mine is going by extremely fast. Yours probably is too because for some reason, time just flies.

I'd like to say that I've made a lot of progress on house type projects this year now that it is more than half over but then I realized that I haven't. 

I recently remembered that waaaaay back in January I posted this nice little "Home Goals 2011" list HERE. 

It seemed like a good idea at the time.  But then, I forgot about it.

I just thought they would naturally occur as we continue to do projects around the house throughout the year.

But, they didn't.

This doesn't mean I haven't done anything over the past 7 months.  Just not things on the old "Home Goals 2011" list. 

However, this changed last week.  Mr. Chic and I decided to paint the boy's bathroom which just so happens to be numero uno (#1 for those who don't hablo espanol) on the Home Goals 2011 list.  The paint led to the beadboard. (hooray for beadboard!) which slows down the process as beadboard is a little more complicated to install than rolling on paint. 

So, here is a little sneak peak.  We Mr. Chic hopes to be finishing up the installation by the end of the weekend and then the fun part, decorating!!

Here is a before...


Before



In progress...
 (don't worry, the chair rail will be painted white and the wall will be covered where you see the sloppy blue paint job. :)

How about you?? Have you completed your "Home Goals 2011" project list?  Hope I'm not the only slacker out there. :)
  

Valspar Free Paint Sample

FREE IMAGES Hi friends!  Is it old news that Valspar Paint is giving away free paint samples for 100 days?  If you haven't heard, they are still doing it at 9:00 cst every day until that days limit is reached.  I finally got there before the limit last week and ordered my sample... Whoopee!  I'm so easily excited these days...does that mean I'm getting old?!

I decided to choose a green color for my office/mom cave.  Green can be very tricky... I mean really tricky.  I am looking for a green that is in the family of green apple green but not quite that dark.... make sense??  Definitely the kind of color that you should put a sample up on the wall before choosing (real paint sample, not the little color swatch card taped to the wall).

Anywho, I chose my green, "Afternoon Delight" (nice name, HA!), from the Lowe's website and waited excitedly for my package to arrive.  It came in a neat little box and I was so excited!  Like a little Christmas present in February... how fun!! 

I opened the box and found the paint swatch of "Afternoon Delight"... umm... it's a little... uhh... bright.

Dunn,dunnn,dunnnn..... FAIL :(  It's even worse looking in real life.

Aww mannn, I had such high hopes that I had picked the perfect color.  Not even close... it's borderline Kermit the Frog green with a hint of 80's neon green.  Not exactly the look I'm going for.  I'm sure my computer screen varied the color just enough to make it look perfect, but not exactly accurate.  It doesn't look too bad in my picture, but believe me, it's crazy bad.  But, never fear, I will be able to use this green on some craftiness sometime soon. 

Besides picking the wrong color (thank you very much to my computer screen color variations) this is a really sweet little deal.  You get your paint sample (fail), a cute little roller with a tray and 2 roller heads, a packet of complementary colors swatches and a coupon for $5 off your next Valspar gallon purchase.

What a nice little package!

 

The best part is it's completely FREE, you don't even have to pay shipping! 

So thank you Valspar, I'll be buying some green paint soon with my $5 off coupon, it just won't be "Afternoon Delight". 

Have any of you friends found the perfect apple green tone that's not too dark??  Would love to see it!   
PS:  This post was not endorsed by Valspar, just think this is a great promotion they are doing. :)

Linking:  Under the table & dreaming