HEAVY METAL IN HOME DECOR

This article about heavy metal will not require you to listen to amplified guitar or wear a ripped tank top. It simply exposes the beauty of metal in interior design, outside of hardware and stainless steel appliances. I've encountered a number of really beautiful images of with innovative uses of corrugated metal and it reminded me of a previous article about achieving this look in your home.

This modern aesthetic may appear extreme to some but refreshing to others. Depending on the context, metal can make a space feel industrial, commercialized, cutting edge, or just simply add interest to a room. When paired with natural wood, metal takes on warmer qualities and becomes more livable. What's even more convincing is that using metal in your interior finishes can even prove to be a cost saver. I challenge you to uncover your inner rock star and take a look at how this raw material is changing the face of design.

 Danenberg Design

Interior designer Dan Danenberg gained inspiration from bamboo Asian shade shelters and created this remarkable stainless steel ceiling canopy. Other displays of metal craftsmanship can be found in the stainless-steel Japanese Furo soaking tub, metal framed mirrors, and hammered nickel sinks.

 Frederick + Frederick Architects

Want to achieve an industrial look in your kitchen? Try refacing your cabinet doors with economical and hardworking corrugated steel. Combine this look with shiny black countertops for a style that teeters on the border of rugged and refined.  

eclectic bedroom design

DIY: For around $30 you can craft a nifty headboard out of corrugated tin metal roofing. Your creative headboard problem is solved!

london interior designer Celia James

For those afraid to fully commit to the heavy metal look, start small with accessories. The steel Gothic carver chair and metallic wall panel makes a cultural statement in this simple vignette.

For more examples of this look in home decor, design inspiration, and advice click here to visit my ideabook for houzz.com

HOW NOT TO BUST YOUR DECORATING BUDGET

Now more than ever it is important to manage your spending, especially in regard to your home decorating projects. Staying on budget can be tough when there are so many options in the marketplace.

 via Caldwell Flake

I was recently offered a chance to experience the new American Express Prepaid Card and to learn about its many benefits. Currently, I'm in the process of decorating my master bedroom so the offer couldn't have been more timely. I'm always looking for easier ways to monitor and track my spending.



The American Express Prepaid Card allows you to establish a budget and stick to it. You can track your expenditures online and reload the card at anytime without a fee. The card works much like a credit card and can be used anywhere they accept American Express, even online at at ATMs. You also get many of the same benefits as a general American Express card holder such as:

-fraud protection
-purchase protection
-roadside assistance
-discounts and special offers
-world class 24-hour Customer Service and much more...

Getting started is easy and hassle-free. I ordered my reloadable prepaid card online and received it in the mail within a few days. Once I received the card, I activated it, connected the card to my bank account, then transferred the funds designated for my decorating project. Easy!

I've had much success in using the American Express Prepaid Card during my shopping adventures and can't wait to show you what I've done so far. The process worked so well that my husband asked to reload the card and use it to keep up with this gas expenditures. I'm all for keeping each other accountable for our spending, but he's going to have to order his own *wink*.

Would you consider trying the American Express Prepaid Card? I highly recommend it. Here's a link to order your own: www.americanexpress.com/prepaid

FTC Disclaimer: Funds were provided to load onto the American Express Prepaid Card for reviewing purposes.

SWELL CAROLINE GIVEAWAY - EVERYONE WINS

Congratulations to the winner of a $35 Swell Caroline Gift Certificate

Linda of The Lennoxx. Please email me to claim your prize.

WAIT THERE'S MORE...

The oh so generous ladies of Swell Caroline has offered all BluLabel Bungalow readers FREE shipping within the 48 contiguous United States. Just enter the discount code: blulabel at checkout! See I told'ya! Everyone wins!

Many thanks to everyone for your participation! xoxo

PROJECT ORGANIC GLAM

I'm so excited to get started on a new luxury condo project involving a few of my favorite fall colors--plum, mustard, green, brown, you get the idea. We're also combining a few rustic elements to pull together a look I call Organic Glam... Weathered wood, mirrored accents, crushed velvet, and a fun feminine color palette is what I prescribed for this stylish female doc. I also pulled inspiration from this breakfast/sitting area designed by Christy Dillard for the 2011 ASO Showhouse. This was one of my favorite spaces in the home. I could've lingered here all afternoon.

The upholstered chairs below made me regret not adding teal to the design plan. Can't wait to see what I find once I start shopping.

 
What colors will you incorporate in your home this fall?

SWELL CAROLINE GIVEAWAY

[CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED]

Happy Monday folks!

After a fun filled weekend with family and friends, I figured I would continue the party with a giveaway from my gal pals at Swell Caroline!

One lucky reader will receive a $35 gift certificate to purchase from Swell Caroline's assortment of stylish jewelry, watches, and totes.

 
Jewelry is one of the most versatile accessories to give a boring wardrobe new life, wouldn't you agree? Just take a look at a few of these pieces and the prices are terrific! 

Here's one of my personal favorites, the Elizabeth Necklace...




Here's how to enter (up to 4 possible ENTRIES):

1.Browse Swell Caroline and tell us your favorite piece (leave a comment below)

2. Follow BluLabel Bungalow and leave another comment for a second entry

3. Like BluLabel Bungalow and Swell Caroline on Facebook (third entry)

4. Tweet about this giveaway and leave a comment letting us know (fourth entry)



The winner will be announced on Friday morning!