Organize me!!

Living in a small house, space is valuable. Staying organized and coming up with creative storage solutions is a necessity. The master bedroom in our house only has one small closet, which is the husband's. My clothing resides in "my room" (aka the guest bedroom). : ) There is an armoire and a closet in there that is full of my stuff, which leaves no room for guest's things when they visit. I have been thinking about adding some storage into the master bedroom, so that I can clear up some space in the guest room. hmmmmm....

I drew up a lil plan so that Lucas could build my vision...

there is a 12" inset where I am wanting to build these cabinets, so it won't stick too far out into the space. I am hoping to get a small "closet" on the far right (so I can get that guest room armoire cleared out). Some drawer space on the left and a cabinet with some shelves in the middle for my shoes! And I've got a large mirror that is currently sad and sitting in the corner that will finally have a home!

Now...we Lucas just needs to scrounge up a little extra time! so thankful to have my talented handy man.

on the topic of organization...i found these fun jewelry storage ideas from MarthaStewart and Bosworth Hoedemaker. Teacups for storage and Jewelry as Art! too fabulous.

chair charm

We were super blessed to be given a great Duncan Phyfe dining table with eight shield back chairs when we first got married. It has four leaves and can open up to about twelve feet long. (WAY too big for our wee home, we never put a leaf in it.) The table is in good shape but the chairs are pretty beat up and worn out. I've thought about refinishing them, but we are putting wood flooring in the dining room, so I thought it might be nice to break up the wood table/floor by painting the chairs.

I feel like some people think it's a sin to paint over wood...

Eddie Ross (whom I admire for his fabulous thrifting skillz) found these two shield back chairs at a goodwill in New York and gave them new life with a bit of paint and a fabric change...

look how fun they turned out to be...
I'm definitely thinking a bit more neutral than that. I think I'll do a shade of white.

I was wondering if white chairs with the dark wood of the table would look too mix-matched so I've been looking around and I am feeling pretty good about what I'm seein. ;)

Sorry I don't have these pictures cited. Not very blog-kosher of me. I'll get better at saving my source when I find a pic, I promise. : )

bahaha...this is kind of pathetic...but this is the only picture I could find that would show the dining room walls, table, chairs, and floor. (Remember the floor will be wood)

So, what do you think about white?

Doggies

I was taking some pics of some of the tv cabinet and the pups got really interested in getting in the way and staring at me. haha....so I gave them a little camera time...

Mister Kody....
lil miss Heidi... gave the camera a lick after this one.

this little guy sure is alot of trouble...but i sure do love him. : )

Love my little friends...hope y'all don't mind me giving them some face time on here!

Sconce Sparkle

I found these lovely sconces at Restoration Hardware in San Antonio whilst shopping with my sis this weekend...

They could be hardwired into the wall, but I just love the little cord covers, they are so vintage looking. I also love the polished nickel finish..adds a little sparkle to our living room...

These turned out to be a better deal than the swing arm lamps I was previously considering.

They actually came with a little glass dish piece...

but I don't think I like them as much with the glass...
What's your vote??

WITH
OR WITHOUT??

Sewing for the USA

I went to San Antonio to spend the 4th of July weekend with my sweet sis. They have just purchased a most AMAZING casa, and she has been painting away and cleaning everything up to make it a home. This is the precious welcome sign that greeted me when I got there!

I brought my sewing machine and we put on our creative hats and made some ADORABLE custom window treatments for her kitchen and living room! We shopped for fabric and ended up with some really pretty stuff...isn't she pwetty stuff?? : ) Amanda has such a fun and cheerful disposition that translates directly into her design style. From her sunny yellow living room walls to her cheery blue kitchen cabinets with pressed tin backsplash, her cozy home is full of life and personality! Her fabric selections were such a fun combination of pattern and color...They look great and really make the house feel homey! (is that even a word? )

We ironed the hems and pinned it all together...

and sewed it all together on this super chic sewing table... (see how my lovely headband matches the drapes. So stylish. haha.)

And for the Living room Manda wanted grommet top drapes...

TAAADAAA!!!!

Workin on the kitchen valance...

Baaaaa! SO stinkin CUTE!!!

Manda and her divine kitchen window...

The lovely lady of the house with her beautiful drapes...

We found the huge mondo rodding at Pottery barn outlet. Marked down from about $220 to $20!!! Woo Hoo What a deal!!!

I had such a lovely time with the Lees, even though the Mister was sadly gone 30 of the 48 hours that I was there. Kirker and Manda were just so much fun to hang out with and I can't wait to go back!

Jute Boucle Bargain

I just found the most AMAZING deal at West Elm. An 8' x 10' Jute Boucle Rug for $199. The reviews I've read say that it is softer than your typical jute, but still gives that natural look. I also read that the fibers get softer with time and that it wears really well. It come in 5 different colors and it's sustainable/organic for all you greenies. ;)

I am seriously considering this for the living room. Just thought I'd share my super find with you. : ) http://www.westelm.com/products/r038/?pkey=crugs-flooring

Hmmm...

Ok...I'm also sharing THIS picture with you...I've been obsessing over it since it came out on the cover of last month's HOUSE BEAUTIFUL.I'm not really sure what it is about this room that keeps bringin me back. Maybe all of the creamy clean whites. Perhaps the delightful blend of skirted, chunky legged, and slender legged pieces. Possibly the animal print wing back. Definitely the greyed blue velvet, tufted beauty. Certainly not the orange graphic print pillows, or the floral print on the ottoman. Hmmm...

(this issue of House Beautiful was exceptional. I wasn't paid to say that.)

Simply Soothing

I was just browsing around my usual sites for ideas and inspiration early this morning and I just fell in love with several images from Timothy Whealon Interiors. All of his rooms are so different and creative. He does a wonderful job editing a space so that the overall feeling is soothing and comfortable. Love.