Upholstered Headboards

My sister Kristen has been making some changes to her master bedroom lately, and recently she made her own upholstered headboard! More on this to come, but in the meantime, it got me thinking about how much I love upholstered headboards! 

Here are some of my favorites...

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Someday I would love to have an upholstered headboard. I think I will follow Kristen’s lead and make one myself! Here are a few pictures of some DIY upholstered headboards, and you can click on the links below the pics to visit their sites for some very helpful instructions!

From Budget Wise Home

From Centsational Girl

So what do you think? Do you love upholstered headboards as much as I do? 

Lindsay

Botanical Print Inspired Bedroom

I recently designed a bedroom inspired by these botanical prints...

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I love botanical prints (especially when they are hung in a grid pattern) and the colors they introduce into the room. You can make your own version of this art by framing pages found in a book, such as Botanicals: Butterflies & Insects.  

Here is the design board...

The art really set a peaceful, feminine tone for the rest of the room, so I kept the main pieces neutral (bed frame, bedding, dresser, rug) and added color through accents (pillows, bedside table, lamp). 

One of my favorite pieces is the beautiful upholstered headboard! I love the shape and tufting; what a great combination of style and comfort. 

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I’m also loving the rug; it’s from the Martha Stewart Living line, and it comes in five color options. The large scale of the flowers really give this rug a contemporary feel. 

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I hope you enjoyed this botanical print inspired bedroom!

Lindsay

Modern Art Prints

There has been an explosion of modern art prints being used in design lately, and I’m happy to join in! I love prints like these because they add a touch of whimsy and splashes of color and pattern. They look great on their own or incorporated into a gallery wall. I recently found Plum Street Prints on Etsy and instantly fell in love with their art. Here are some of my favorites...

Aren’t they so cute?! And best of all, they’re affordable! Plus Plum Street Prints can also design custom prints (a great gift idea!) 

They may not be for everyone, but I for one love these modern art prints! 

Lindsay

There's no place like home!

It’s been almost a year since Brad and I moved out to sunny California. We were able to go home and celebrate Christmas with family and friends, but we haven’t been back since. Until now that is! Brad and I are taking a summer vacation back home in Michigan, so I won’t be blogging much for the next week or so. I am beyond thrilled to go home and see my family and friends! I’m sure I’ll have a lot to report when we get back, but until then I’ll leave you with this picture...

There really is no place like home!

Lindsay

Ikea Karlstad Sofa

I don’t own an Ikea Karlstad Sofa myself, but if we were in the market to buy a new sofa, I think this would be a contender. 

Obviously with a starting price of just $399, the affordability of this sofa makes it desirable. But I’m also drawn to it because of the removable covers you can purchase that are machine washable, a definite plus for those of you with kiddos or pets. I also enjoy the clean lines of the Karlstad Sofa; its classic design can be incorporated into many styles. Here are just a few examples. 

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So whats your take on the Karlstad Sofa? Leave a comment; I’d love to hear what you think!

Lindsay

A few of my favorite pins

I just wanted to share some of my latest finds on Pinterest! If you’re not familiar with Pinterest, you can read more about it here. 

I instantly fell in love with this cute light fixture; it’s so unique. Maybe a DIY project for the future?

This bathroom feels so calm and soothing; I love the yellow and white color scheme, and that claw foot tub has me drooling. 

Bryn, from Bryn Alexandra Interiors, completely changed the look of this upholstered headboard by simply adding a patterned throw on top. Genius!

I love this idea for a nonfunctioning fireplace!

Kate, from Centsational Girl, designed this beautiful outdoor living space! I especially love the wine barrels repurposed as side tables. 

These images and more can be found at my Pinterest Page. 

Lindsay

Bay Window Treatments

Recently, my sister Erika called me up and said she was ready for some new window treatments for her room. After a few minutes of talking, what started as simply “looking for new window treatments” turned into a mini makeover (much to the delight of my parents!) 

After talking more with Mom and Erika, I discovered a few more details...

1. This mini makeover would have to be done on a small budget (and rightly so, considering Erika lives at college most of the year and won’t be home to enjoy her new room).

2. The window treatments would have to be something that could translate into a guest room (which is the plan for Erika’s room down the road). 

I’ll have more on Erika’s mini room makeover later, but today I want to focus on the window treatments. Because the windows in the room are bay windows, they are a little more difficult to address, especially on a small budget. Normally I love to see bay windows dressed with tall panels, but by the time you add up the cost of 6 curtain panels and bay window curtain rods, it was clear that was not an option. 

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However, I did come up with some alternatives, equally as beautiful, and more budget friendly. 

Option 1: Hang only two curtain panels flanking the side windows. 

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Option 2: Hang curtain panels on the wall in front of the bay windows. 

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Option 3: Find an alternative way to hang curtain panels. 

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After talking with my Mom, we decided to combine options 1 and 3! I’m so excited to see how this will turn out; I know adding new window treatments will make such a difference in Erika’s bedroom mini makeover! I’ll keep you posted on our progress! 

Lindsay

10 Tips for Arranging a Bookshelf

I’ve found that arranging a bookshelf is a lot harder than it first may seem, so I’ve compiled a list of 10 tips that will help you arrange your bookshelf like a pro!

1. Determine the function of the bookshelf. Are you using the bookshelf to store books, display decorative accessories, or both? After you’ve determined how you will use the bookshelf, you can then decide what books and accessories you would like to incorporate. 

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2. By stacking books horizontally and vertically you instantly add visual interest to your bookshelf. 

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3. When placing accessories on bookshelves, remember groupings in uneven numbers are more pleasing to the eye. 

4. Maintain a balance of books and decorative accessories and remember the entire surface of the shelf doesn’t have to be covered. Creating open spaces helps keep the bookshelf uncluttered and gives your eye a place to rest. 

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5. When you’re arranging your bookshelf, it helps to take a step back every so often. A new perspective will help you notice areas you love or spaces that need improvement. 

6. By varying book heights, you create a laid back feeling; whereas grouping books with the same height creates a more formal look. 

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7. Painting or adding pattern to the back of bookshelves helps create depth and adds character to any bookshelf. 

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8. Experiment with color! You can create a sophisticated look by using one color or a tone-on-tone scheme, or you can mix it up and create a whimsical look by arranging books by color. 

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9. For a clean, organized look, try storing paperback books and magazines in baskets on your bookshelf. 

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10. Remember there is no right or wrong way to arrange a bookshelf; create a bookshelf  with the design and function that you and your family will enjoy!

Lindsay

His & Hers Office Spaces

I’ve been on a bit of a design board kick lately. They are so much fun to create! I decided one night to create a board that represents my dream office, and as I was searching the internet, Brad told me he wanted one too! Apparently our dream house will have enough room for Brad and I to have our own office spaces! So I set off to work, first by asking him questions on how he envisioned the space, and then searching for some inspiration online. Brad wanted a room where he could sit at his desk and get some work accomplished, but once finished, he could move to a spot where he would be able to relax and “listen to music or watch a movie.” On the other hand, I wanted a professional space where I could meet with clients and work on writing for the blog. After both design boards were complete, all I could do was laugh. They could not be more different! Here is Brad's dream office...

Brad’s office has a monotone color scheme; earth tones are very relaxing for him, so I added in punches of color through fabrics that will be used as window treatments and accent pillows (you know how I love a good patterned window treatment). 

We both decided to add some great visual interest by lining the back of the bookcase with fabric as well! I picked the art above the desk both to add another burst of color as well as to create a calm, peaceful feeling in the room.

Brad enjoys furniture with clean, modern lines, so I chose various textures (wood, metal, wicker, upholstery) to make the space feel warm and inviting.

Here’s a run down of the sources used in Brad’s office.
Rug   Couch   Desk   Desk Chair   Bookcase   Fabric   Lamp   Art    Vases

Here is my dream office...

The color scheme in my office was inspired by the art which is full of color; I love combining blues and greens.

I also wanted the space to have a sophisticated look, so I added the gray geometric rug.

I chose a streamlined desk that can function as a space to sit and talk with clients as well as keep the look of the room clean and uncluttered. I added a file console to integrate function and organization to the office. The fabrics will be incorporated into the room as window treatments, an accent pillow, and a DIY message board. Using turquoise accents throughout the room helps to unify the space and adds a burst of life without being too overwhelming.

Here’s a run down of the sources used in my office.
Rug   Desk   Desk Chair   File Console   Fabric   Desk Lamp   Console Lamps   Art   Vase   

These design boards were a lot of fun to make. I enjoy how they reflect mine and Brad’s personalities!

I hope you enjoyed them as well!

Lindsay

July 4

Happy 4th of July! In honor of today, I have collected some patriotic pictures incorporating red, white, and blue! I hope you are able to enjoy this day with family and friends. 

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Lindsay