May 30, 2014

Before and After: A Man Cave in the Making

May 30, 2014/ Mallory

When my husband and I moved into our new home, he was so excited to have an extra room to call his own. It wasn't huge, but it was his :) The previous owners used it as a bedroom for their 5-year-old son, who apparently was really into safari animals. Perhaps you are starting to imagine where the "before" in this before and after began.

The little boy's room had a safari theme, complete with bamboo fencing on the lower part of the walls and a metallic gold faux finish on the top. The brown chair rail, foot boards and outlet covers were dating this 21st century room/house at least 30 years. It's the little things, people. It really is. So, since the room was not exactly putting the "man" in man cave, I got to work.

After ripping off the bamboo and trim, which unfortunately was put on with a nail gun and liquid nails (aka will damage drywall upon removal), I decided to just cover that part of the walls. I wanted to add a little more interest to the space with some wainscoting and crown molding anyway so it seemed like the perfect solution.

Just changing the paint scheme, standard white on the bottom and Benjamin Moore's Charcoal Slate on top made a HUGE difference. It already felt like an entirely new space. The rest was just finishing off the details and adding the wainscoting stiles.

Wall color: Benjamin Moore Charcoal Slate

Pardon the iPhone photography and moving boxes, but you get the idea. Quite a change, huh? Since this photo was taken, the walls were touched up and adorned with a gallery of Jon's military memorabilia. Once we finish up the space and decide on the last furniture pieces, I'll be sure to post another picture. In the meantime, I hope this shows you just how much a little paint and trim can transform a space. I absolutely love it. And whether or not it stays a man cave or turns into another bedroom later on down the road, it'll be great either way. No extra painting/renovations needed=music to my husband's ears.

Unfortunately for him, my mind is still churning and working on several other rooms in our home. A designer's home is never done. :) But I digress... Here's one last side-by-side comparison of the room:

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

May 09, 2014

DIY - Buffet Turned Media Console

May 09, 2014/ Mallory

Is it just me or is it hard to find a good-looking media console these days? You know, one that isn't run-of-the-mill. One that has some character AND function. Something like this captured from the Bijou & Boheme home tour at Style Me Pretty. Just gorgeous.

Or one like this featured on Apartment Therapy. Isn't she a beauty?

Sadly, all of the ones I find myself swooning over in catalogs don't quite fit into the budget of my long-running house to do list. That is when I turn to my good friend, Mr. Craigslist.

So much is good about the media console above. The sleek, high-gloss black finish, the golden details, the "open" cabinets for easy remote use. I want. I want. And Craigslist came to the rescue when I spotted this guy, coming in at $245. After a few adjustments I think he could really turn into something special. His bones are good, and he's got good lines. The rest is in the details...

Brass pulls /// Metal Sheet /// Krylon Leafing Gold Paint Pen

Steps needed to achieve the look:

1. Cut out holes center of cabinet doors to apply metal sheet backing (step 4)

2. Sand, prime and paint furniture in high gloss black paint

3. Embellish with painted gold trim accents and new drop bail pulls

4. Attach metal sheets (painted gold or brass to match hardware) inside painted buffet doors

5. Enjoy!

March 14, 2014

Sprucing Up for Spring

March 14, 2014/ Mallory

Well, I had a long blog post set for you guys and then my screen froze and it was all lost. Sometimes technology is not my friend. But perhaps that mishap works to your benefit as I can tend to be long-winded at times. Allow me to cut to the chase.

This warm weather and prolonged hours of sunshine has lit a proverbial fire under my bottom and has me wanting to breathe new life into my home. Here are a few of my favorite ways to do so, just in time for spring.

1. Plants. If you have a green thumb, by all means use it. Bringing plants and flowers into your interiors is great way to freshen up a space. Small pots and vases can be sprinkled throughout your home at very little cost. If you don't have a green thumb, succulents are your friend. I was gifted with one a couple of weeks ago and lo and behold, it's still alive! If I can do it, so can you.

2. Candles. Trade in your cinnamon and cloves for some gardenia and lemon scents. Nothing says spring like the smell of freshness.

3. Updated linens. Whether it's a new monogrammed hand towel for your guest bathroom or some bright throw pillows for your sofa, purchasing a few new linens is an easy way to update a space without redoing the whole room.

4. Cleanse. Everyone is all about juice cleanses and body cleanses these days, but what I think we need is a home cleanse. Pick one room each day to go through and discard of unnecessary items and find a home for those things that constantly get shuffled around. Just tidying up a space can make it feel new again!

5. Enjoy! When your cleaning and updating is done, reward yourself by actually sitting back and taking it all in. What good is a great space if we don't stop and take the time to enjoy it?