Ava's Bedroom Update Part 2

This week has been so busy that I've been unable to spend quality time on Ava's Room.  The hem job on her panels is proof...sad, I know.  I used Stitch Witchery Iron-on Hem Tape (which is okay) but I really should've taken the time to precisely measure the length instead of just eyeballing it.  I've been fighting with the notion of pulling the old sewing machine off my closet shelf.  I read Janell's excellent drapery tutorial series AFTER hanging Ava's curtains.  I think I will try to take some time this weekend or beg someone else to tidy up my work. It would probably be a good idea to hem the curtains properly as well as reinforce the grosgrain ribbon trim.  By the way, I'm pretty satisfied with the trim! It was quick and easy, I just glued it to the panels with Fabri-Tac. 

Ava is my sideline cheerleader and loves to watch me work in her room.  In her little voice, she will occasionally say, "ooh nice!" It's the little things that make it so worthwhile...
 
To carry out the polka dot pattern in the room I added a bit of ribbon trim to a lampshade I bought ($3) at a liquidation warehouse. The lamp is one of two I bought from Target when I got my first condo.  The other lamp is in the boy's room awaiting its fate.  The frog teapot was a gift from Ava's Godmother, the floral in the ceramic baby shoe was created by my Aunt.

Other plans include a wall mural inspired by the scrapbooking paper in the image below.  How sweet would it be to also line the drawers of her armoire with this same print?

 

Now that I will have to spend my weekend redoing the curtains due to my impatience, I know for sure I will take my time when creating this mural.  It won't be nearly as busy as this paper's pattern.  I plan to feature a few of my favorite flowers like the one I circled above.  

Hopefully you've learned from my mistake and will take your time when completing your design projects.  I will spend my free time redoing what should've been done right the first time.  Attention to detail is so important especially when working on a space with a small budget.  The idea is to create a look that appears to cost more, when you really paid less. Lesson Learned!

Tall Tales: The Makings of a Two Story Family Room

On Saturday, by default (he didn't want to look for the remote), my husband watched an episode of Christopher Lowell's show on the Fine Living Network where he designed this two story living room.

Then his grumbling began about our two story family room. We then started to discuss a wish list for the room.

Of course I was already prepared to show him inspiration photos I gathered...I'm way ahead of him on this one!

 

 

Before the momentum wore off, I quickly phoned my drapery consultant to come over and give us a price on a simple, contemporary window treatment with this fabric and hardware.

During our meeting, my husband learned these panels are not functional, but strictly for aesthetics.  It's so funny how his thoughts were directed toward function, mine beauty then function! As for the lower windows, I would love to leave them bare, but I think I will be overruled...Oh well, you win some you lose some.  It's funny how this all came about from him involuntarily watching ONE design show...I'm just so happy this project will take place sooner than later.

Fashion Friday: Sika Designs' Upcoming Collection

Not to be a tease...but here's a glimpse of Sika Designs' upcoming collection. 

 Owner and Fashion Designer Phyllis Taylor sent over exclusive photos of the collection not yet featured on her site.  I will gather more details and hopefully an interview with her about her inspiration for the new line.  Currently she's splitting her time between her boutique (in the UK) and in Ghana where production is taking place.  She's definitely worth the wait.  Surely, you too will be hooked on her interpretation of Gold Coast Glamour. In the meantime, if you've been living under a rock and have never heard of Ms. Taylor, read this post to get caught up.

Have a great weekend, my friends.

Eddie Ross Loves A Challenge

Everyone is talking about Bloomingdale's Big Window Challenge and for good reason.  The Wonderful Wizard of Home Decor, Eddie Ross has flawlessly designed the Modern Woman's Living Room for Elle Decor.  The room is inspired by the mix of old and new, classic and modern, and what else but entertaining family and friends.

 I've always been a fan of Eddie and grew to love him more when I had a chance to attend his Larson-Juhl Framing Workshop in Atlanta.  It was at the workshop that he gave us a sneak peek into the design concept for the competition.

He and his partner Jaithan are such a wonderful team and have worked hard (but make it look soo easy) to turn his design concept into a reality.
So hurry over to Apartment Therapy to vote for Eddie and view the other windows.  There are two ways to vote for Eddie, choose one listed here...do it now!

Marie's Office Makeover

Marie, with the help of Erika Ward Interiors, learned how to use the furniture and accessories she already had to create a space she now loves. In case you missed the process, in a previous post I discussed 4 Ways to Save Money on Your Design Job. With each step, I demonstrated how I was able to help Marie achieve this transformation:

Here is one project I forgot to mention in the previous post. I purchased 1 yard of this fabric from Lewis and Sheron and used this tutorial to take her dull office chair from drab to fab!

Marie's new curtains look great in her newly transformed space. She can always add decorative trim to the panels if she wants to give them a customized look.

Marie is so satisfied with her new office, we are now moving on to her guest room....

Here are a few take home points when designing your own space.

I hope you enjoyed following me through this process! Is there anything here you would like to try in your space?

Ava's Bedroom Update

It was a few months back that Project Nursery featured a custom mood board I designed for Ava's big girl room. At that time, she and her twin brother shared this room:

Since then we moved and other priorities took precedence over her room decor until now.  It's now been five months at the new house and I'm finally on track to creating a fresh, playful little space Ava can call her own.  Fortunately she hasn't voiced her design preferences which means I don't have to entertain the idea of a Dora the Explorer wall decal or comforter set.

Initially I planned to purchase all new furniture, but then decided a few secondhand finds would leave more decorating dollars for other projects such as the boys' room.  Last week I found this armoire for only $20 on Craigslist...and here's the transformation:

Armoire Paint : Ballet Slipper Pink, Krylon

Hardware Paint: Metallics Brushed Nickel, Krylon

If the decision was left to my husband, he would've simply added a fresh coat of white paint.  That too would've been gorgeous, but I really wanted a girly statement piece.  Next, I will add a cut glass top to protect all of my hardwork!

I hope that this will both inspire and encourage you to try thrifting  (if you haven't already) and let me know what deals you find.  So what do you think so far? Don't you agree that pink was the way to go?

The Solid Gold Treatment : Aurum Lounge

While on my morning (blog) rounds, I came across a photo of my favorite Atlanta nail spa.  I then followed a link to the designer's website, browsed his portfolio and found this:

The Aurum Lounge in Midtown.  Oh my, where do I start!? Being the lighting fanatic I am, those gorgeous oversize lamps were the first thing that caught my eye...then the artwork which I later learned is actually a television screen! The bar chairs are so Elle Decor and the flocked wallpaper panels with random paint splatters are so edgy and chic...

 

And is this gold lame tufted seating? Did you notice the floor lamps and accent tables are dripping with gold paint? I love it...what a visual feast!  Someone quick bring me a cocktail.

I'm always on the lookout for little urban hangout spots for a girls' night out or even a place to have a drink with the hubby after a date night dinner.  This place Aurum, latin meaning Gold, is swanky to the nth power. The interior alone earns Aurum Lounge a spot at the top of my "loungin" list.  Can't you envision this place being used in a movie scene or for a photo shoot?

In the mood for more opulence, glitz, and sheer fabulousness? Pour yourself a glass of wine, sip with your pinky up, and visit the Habachy Designs website.

Junk in the Trunk

I've been combing Craigslist and scouting a few thrifts stores looking for some design potential.  There's lot's of talent out there...and a lot of junk, too. Here are a few items that made the cut and are on to the next round. 

I can go so many directions with this lamp! It's in good condition, but I am contemplating rewiring it just to be safe.

This piece is really too small to serve as a true bulletin board, but the frame would be great on a mirror. Wouldn't you agree?

I found this armoire on Craigslist.  It orginially was listed with a matching nightstand, for a grand total of $50 for both!  The seller sold the nightstand to someone else, but offered the armoire to me for just 20 bucks. I had to pick it up right away since she was moving the next day...not a problem, I sent my husband over a.s.a.p! I'm planning to put this in Ava's Room. 

What treasures have you found on your hunt? Or as Joi would say, "What's good in your 'hood?"

Evolution of My Home Office - Part 3

Here we are at Part 3 of the Evolution of My Home Office!  In part 1, you saw my office in very raw form shortly after we moved and in part 2 you witnessed me going a bit crazy with a can of gold spray paint.  Since then, I've purchased a "meeting table" and chairs, reupholstered seat cushions and a lampshade, hung curtains, refurbished an old bulletin board, and painted my desk a high gloss black!  Here is the final look:

The idea to cover the lampshade came after last month's post about burlap.  It was so simple, easy, and cheap! I'm very happy with the results.  Click here for instructions on how to revamp your old lampshade.

 

 If you have the option, I recommend positioning your desk in front of your window.  Taking in a view from the outdoors is much more enjoyable than looking at a wall. If you are a nosy neighbor like I am, this is the place to be!

 

 

If you like these ideas, you may want to read my previous post: 7 Steps to Styling Your Bookcase Like A Pro.

Here are the above-mentioned reupholstered seat cushions.  Originally covered in a cream microfiber, the chair had the shape I desired, but it desperately needed a punch of color.  I purchased a yard of the Saralisa fabric from Ikea for $8.99, cocked and loaded my staple gun, and went to work on every chair in my office that had a cushion.  Click here to see how.

 

I am finally at point where I feel comfortable with the look and feel of my new office.  There are just couple of items on my list, such as purchasing a new office chair and perhaps creating a gallery wall opposite my desk. In the Spring, I will paint, switch out the curtains, and reupholster the seat cushions. Aside from these things, it's on to Ava's room.  SIDE NOTE:  I can't wait to show you the piece I scored on Craigslist! It's going to be adorable when I'm done!

So what do you think of the new office space?

Atlanta Snow...

...and school is closed.  I can hear laughter coming from the Northerners.  Oh well, be back in a few...

Everyone Craves a Fresh Space

When I think about what people truly want in their homes two things come to mind, comfort and beauty.  If you have little to zero dollars for decorating, try simply cleaning and organizing.  A clean space truly does wonders for the mind, body, and spirit.

Here in blog land I'm reading excellent posts that motivate readers to get up and get organized. I, for one have cleaned my office from top to bottom and enjoy what feels like a new space!  After you clear the clutter, try styling your space as if you were preparing it for a photo shoot.  Take a look at one of your favorite rooms in your inspirational file. Really study the picture, take note of the details.  For example, let's study the room below:

First, clear off your nightstand (for goodness sakes) and only add back the things you love! A great piece of photographic art or flowers may be all you need.  Fresh plants and flowers ALWAYS bring life into a room, act as natural air purifiers, they make you feel calmer and more optimistic and reduce fatigue.  What to do with the remains of your edited nightstand? Toss it into the drawers or a storage basket underneath! Next, let the sunshine in and clean the windows while you're at it. Lastly make up your bed. Whew, that wasn't so bad...

This bedroom below does double duty as a home office.  If you life in a space such as this, be sure to at least clear your desk every night before you go to bed. Who needs the stress of waking up to see a load of paperwork staring you in the face?

On to the kitchen.  Your kitchen may not be this beautiful, but do take pride in what you already have.  I remember growing up when I'd ask for something new, my Grandparents always stressed the importance of treating what I already had as if it were the thing I wanted.  I tell you readers, this changes your whole perspective.  Clear the counters, mop the floors, wipe down your cabinets, and again add fresh flowers.

Why does everyone rush to clean up when guest arrive? To make them feel comfortable? If it makes them comfortable, wouldn't you be more comfortable to have a clean home even when no one is around.  Don't get me wrong my house is not a pristine palace, but there is hardly a panic to prepare it for guest.  I can easily clear the floor and surfaces at a moments notice. After all, a clean space trumps lackluster decor in my opinion.

Now if you are totally comfortable in your dirty, disorganized space I'm sure you've already left this blog post.  It's okay by me, at least you are happy in your own home.  If you are not, consider the above suggestions and see how you feel afterwards.  You may realize that the new puchase you were about to make really wasn't necessary. If you take care of what you have, it may be all that you need. Your thoughts?

*images courtesy of Brad Ford Interior Design. He'll be making a special appearance on Friday from 10-11am at The Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings Market (closed to the general public)discussing blogging and the value of social media marketing.

Tastemaker Tuesday: Lee Kleinhelter

In case you haven't heard of Lee Kleinhelter, I'm sure you have heard of her home decor boutique Pieces, Inc.  in Atlanta.  The blog world as well as publications such as Elle Decor, Cottage Living, InStyle, Lucky and Domino have featured many items from this high-end boutique . And with a boutique known for its "sophisticated and youthful with a bit of Southern Califnornia or Hamptons style," I couldn't wait to get a peek into the owner's new home.  Lee, along with her husband, decorated their condo in Sovereign (a high-end Buckhead high rise) in only two short weeks!  Take a tour of this glamourous, yet family friendly home courtesy of Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles Magazine.

  Enjoy the tour as much as I did? High end design doesn't always have to be so pretentious!

Be sure to check out Pieces if you haven't already! You're in for some serious eye candy.

Urban Paint's Unique Perspective

Happy Tuesday everyone! While performing my morning (blog) rounds, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this post from Q of Urban Paint.  She too is an interior designer and lover of fashion and style. Check out how she uses her awesome collection of jewelry and accessories to illustrate her New Years Resolutions! Here's one of my favorites...  Love it, Q you rock!

4 Ways to Save Money on Your Design Job

The new year comes with new resolutions and if you are reading this blog, I'm sure one of them has to do with decorating. I'm currently assisting a client, Marie, in redesigning her home office on a tight budget. Little did she know, she had more to work with than she initially thought and is pleasantly surprised to be already 80% complete. By using what she already had and following the suggestions below, my client saved precious design dollars and is soon ready to tackle the next room. Here's 4 ways you can, too!


1. Take Inventory

First, make a list of items you have in the space that are working for you. In this case, Marie has a great desk, storage for books, and tons of file storage. Then, make a list of items or furnishings you need in order to make the space function for its intended purpose. Marie doesn't need much for this space other than paint and accessories.

2. Hold an Audition

Look around the house for items that capture the look you are going for. Audition them for a spot in your new room. Marie's current office is cluttered and very stoic, far from the "feminine-but not fussy" look she's requesting. I suggested that she move the bookcase and file cabinets into the closet and replace the bookcase with a curvy dresser I found the in the closet of a neighboring bedroom. She had a great lamp in the Master Bedroom that she was willing to relocate it to the office.

3. Become a Painter
Marie is not a professional painter, but she thoroughly enjoys it and does a very good job. If you on the other hand detest it solicit help from a friend who knows what they're doing..just save the beer (and pizza) for when the job is complete. I suggested she paint the window wall Coral Reef and the other three in Wool Skein (both Sherwin Williams Paints). Below is the color inspiration for this design.

inspiration via Amanda Nisbet Design

4. Seek Professional Help
Maria Killam said it best, "Hire a professional for everything you can’t do professionally yourself." Based on my assessment and Marie's design preferences, here is a quick sketch and a mood board I put together for her to use as a guide.

Receiving professional help from the beginning can alleviate frustration and prevent you from spending money on items you really don't need. For this design, Marie simply purchased paint, curtains, a curtain rod, 1 yard of fabric, and a lamp to complete her home office decor. Stay tuned for the final reveal!

If you would like to schedule an online or in-home design consultation (Metro Atlanta area), please email me at info{at}erikaward.com or call (404) 507-6110