Inspired
I have walking pneumonia. This week has been really rough. I am going crazy now that I have started to feel a little better but not nearly well enough to leave the house. Since I can't get out of the house (shop) or work on any of my house projects, I decided to have a little internet fun.
I really like the fabric from the post below. I love the color ways and the fun print. It sort of reminds me of my blog banner. Lots of orange, green and turquoise. I thought it would be fun to build a guest room based on these colors.
I've seen a lot of guest rooms lately done with two twin beds and an oversized nightstand in between. I like the look.
The room above is really pretty, but it's maybe a little plain. Granted, my mind's a little foggy right now, but I remember reading somewhere that Kate Spade said that you should put really strong colors and patterns in guest rooms. Something that you love, but that you know you couldn't stand seeing for more than a month straight. But also something fun enough that your guests will be entertained. The crazy color combo in this fabric will do just the trick.
Upon closer examination of the eBay auction, there are only two yards of this fun print available. That's just enough for a few accents though.
I'm thinking two matching boudoir pillows with orange or turquoise ball fringe.
Maybe this great burnt orange duvet cover from Pottery Barn folded up at the foot of the bed? I love all the French knots.
White linens with chocolate brown embroidery from Restoration Hardware.
Another accent pillow. This one's from Twinkle Living.
A DIY upholstered head board in turquoise linen with white nail head trim.
And my beloved X benches flanking the bottom of the beds. This time in a fun brown and white zebra.
Also from Ballard Designs, this awesome and graphic green trellis wallpaper. Talk about a statement!
This beautiful faux bamboo vintage Baker chest would go between the two twins.
I love this beautiful lamp from Crate and Barrel.
And this gorgeous leaning floor mirror from Z Gallerie.
Here's all of it put together. What do you think?
I really like the fabric from the post below. I love the color ways and the fun print. It sort of reminds me of my blog banner. Lots of orange, green and turquoise. I thought it would be fun to build a guest room based on these colors.
I've seen a lot of guest rooms lately done with two twin beds and an oversized nightstand in between. I like the look.
The room above is really pretty, but it's maybe a little plain. Granted, my mind's a little foggy right now, but I remember reading somewhere that Kate Spade said that you should put really strong colors and patterns in guest rooms. Something that you love, but that you know you couldn't stand seeing for more than a month straight. But also something fun enough that your guests will be entertained. The crazy color combo in this fabric will do just the trick.
Upon closer examination of the eBay auction, there are only two yards of this fun print available. That's just enough for a few accents though.
I'm thinking two matching boudoir pillows with orange or turquoise ball fringe.
Maybe this great burnt orange duvet cover from Pottery Barn folded up at the foot of the bed? I love all the French knots.
White linens with chocolate brown embroidery from Restoration Hardware.
Another accent pillow. This one's from Twinkle Living.
A DIY upholstered head board in turquoise linen with white nail head trim.
And my beloved X benches flanking the bottom of the beds. This time in a fun brown and white zebra.
Also from Ballard Designs, this awesome and graphic green trellis wallpaper. Talk about a statement!
This beautiful faux bamboo vintage Baker chest would go between the two twins.
I love this beautiful lamp from Crate and Barrel.
And this gorgeous leaning floor mirror from Z Gallerie.
Here's all of it put together. What do you think?
Should I Reupholster or Slipcover?
Jodi wrote in with this question:
Hello! I found your blog through google while trying to find some cool slipcovers for two wing chairs that I just inherited. I LOVE the prints from Anthropologie but am having no luck finding any slipcovers remotely close. Do you know of any places that carry unique slipcovers or is this something I'll have to reupholester on my own? Thanks Jodi
Well, Jodi, I searched and searched for cute slipcover options. And I think we ran into the same problem. There was definitely nothing worthy of the Anthropologie connection.
I did find some nice basics. I like this $40 version from Overstock that's in a neutral gray.
The problem with non-custom slipcovers is that they can really look sloppy. Though this one is really not all that bad. You'd need to add a few punchy pillows to spice it up a little. Maybe an ikat or a crewel work pillow from Anthropologie?
Here's another neutral slipcover option from JC Penney, also $40.
It seems to me that you ultimately have three options, Jodi:
1) Reupholster the chair yourself.
It can seem scary and intimidating, but the benefit, besides the obvious cost saving, is that you have all the fabric options in the world. You can make your pair of vintage wing chairs look like they were bought for $3000 a piece straight from Anthro. When really you dropped about $50 in fabric, thread and staples.
I am no professional seamstress by any stretch of the imagination, but I think a project like this is completely doable for just about anyone.
2) Slipcover it
I already mentioned that I think stock slipcovers can look sloppy. I guess it all depends on how much you will be using these chairs. Will they be used in a formal, seldom-used space? Or a primary living area? All the slipcovers I've ever seen needed adjusting each time someone sat down. To me, it's not worth it.
However, if you do decide to go with the stock slipcovers, I've heard that a good way to keep the cover where it should be is to roll up a magazine or two, bind it up with a couple rubber bands and stick the roll in between the seat cushions. Repeat on all sides as needed.
And, you know, if you go with one of the slipcovers I linked to above, which are both 100% cotton, you could unleash some of you artistic skills and fancy up the plain fabric using stencils and fabric paint. I would buy this book.
Or revisit the September 08 issue of Martha Stewart Living, which has some great stencil patterns.
3) A happy medium
A sort of hybrid option is to sew your own slip cover. This way you don't have to acutally upholster the chairs, but you get to pick out your own fabric and you can get a better fit. I would use the instructions from this great Apartment Therapy post. I think the results are beautiful.
And I'm sure you could pay a seamstress to do this for you, if you really don't want to touch a sewing machine.
A quick note about fabric: Go with a print that has a random pattern, so you don't have to worry about matching up the repeats. Stripes would be an absolute nightmare.
There's a great fabric store in my area that sells upholstery grade fabric seconds for dirt cheap. Look around your area for a similar store. Or check on eBay. Here are a couple of upholstery-grade linens I saw on eBay today that would be fun and easy to use.
Good luck, Jodi! I can't wait to see the before and after!
Hello! I found your blog through google while trying to find some cool slipcovers for two wing chairs that I just inherited. I LOVE the prints from Anthropologie but am having no luck finding any slipcovers remotely close. Do you know of any places that carry unique slipcovers or is this something I'll have to reupholester on my own? Thanks Jodi
Well, Jodi, I searched and searched for cute slipcover options. And I think we ran into the same problem. There was definitely nothing worthy of the Anthropologie connection.
I did find some nice basics. I like this $40 version from Overstock that's in a neutral gray.
The problem with non-custom slipcovers is that they can really look sloppy. Though this one is really not all that bad. You'd need to add a few punchy pillows to spice it up a little. Maybe an ikat or a crewel work pillow from Anthropologie?
Here's another neutral slipcover option from JC Penney, also $40.
It seems to me that you ultimately have three options, Jodi:
1) Reupholster the chair yourself.
It can seem scary and intimidating, but the benefit, besides the obvious cost saving, is that you have all the fabric options in the world. You can make your pair of vintage wing chairs look like they were bought for $3000 a piece straight from Anthro. When really you dropped about $50 in fabric, thread and staples.
I am no professional seamstress by any stretch of the imagination, but I think a project like this is completely doable for just about anyone.
2) Slipcover it
I already mentioned that I think stock slipcovers can look sloppy. I guess it all depends on how much you will be using these chairs. Will they be used in a formal, seldom-used space? Or a primary living area? All the slipcovers I've ever seen needed adjusting each time someone sat down. To me, it's not worth it.
However, if you do decide to go with the stock slipcovers, I've heard that a good way to keep the cover where it should be is to roll up a magazine or two, bind it up with a couple rubber bands and stick the roll in between the seat cushions. Repeat on all sides as needed.
And, you know, if you go with one of the slipcovers I linked to above, which are both 100% cotton, you could unleash some of you artistic skills and fancy up the plain fabric using stencils and fabric paint. I would buy this book.
Or revisit the September 08 issue of Martha Stewart Living, which has some great stencil patterns.
3) A happy medium
A sort of hybrid option is to sew your own slip cover. This way you don't have to acutally upholster the chairs, but you get to pick out your own fabric and you can get a better fit. I would use the instructions from this great Apartment Therapy post. I think the results are beautiful.
And I'm sure you could pay a seamstress to do this for you, if you really don't want to touch a sewing machine.
A quick note about fabric: Go with a print that has a random pattern, so you don't have to worry about matching up the repeats. Stripes would be an absolute nightmare.
There's a great fabric store in my area that sells upholstery grade fabric seconds for dirt cheap. Look around your area for a similar store. Or check on eBay. Here are a couple of upholstery-grade linens I saw on eBay today that would be fun and easy to use.
Good luck, Jodi! I can't wait to see the before and after!
Kaitlyn and her best buddy Madeline....
are EXTREMELY refined young ladies..
but even the MOST refined young ladies need a break once in awhile!
Thanks for the adorable pictures Nonny! Those are two fabulous little ladies. :0) Angel
One more post on the "Right To Life Bill"
Well- here was my first big moment stepping out on the politics ledge. :0) I was super nervous- I won't lie. I fully expected to get flamed... but guess what... I didn't. I truly appreciate your comments and concerns as well as your kindness to your fellow commenters. It is great to hear people get involved in a valuable discussion in such a respectful way. I know these issues can bring out very strong feelings. I love that I have wonderful blogger buddies and we are able to talk through these issues. I have had only respectful and kind commentary even on such a hot issue. What a testament to the quality of people who read this blog.
My heart is to educate those who may not know what their voting choices may mean for our country. I just want us all to be educated when we fill out our ballets. Soooo....since some of you may prefer CNN to Fox news I thought I would add this overview to make sure we have a well balanced perspective. We all have a LOT to consider this Nov 4th. Happy Voting!
After this post I will temporarily retire from the political field and move on to greener pastures. You never know though- I may be back! LOL! ;0) Angel
My heart is to educate those who may not know what their voting choices may mean for our country. I just want us all to be educated when we fill out our ballets. Soooo....since some of you may prefer CNN to Fox news I thought I would add this overview to make sure we have a well balanced perspective. We all have a LOT to consider this Nov 4th. Happy Voting!
After this post I will temporarily retire from the political field and move on to greener pastures. You never know though- I may be back! LOL! ;0) Angel
Surely there is a line we won't cross....
See bottom for links to some of my sources...
How is this OK? How can we continue to rationalize this happening to the least of these? I believe there is a lot of grey in this world and you will find me very accepting of different views. Still though- surely we can see there is a line- there is right and wrong in this world. There is good and evil. Can anyone see it anymore? Can anyone truly believe this is good- this is OK? There are some things I have a hard time keeping quiet about... Angel
NOTE: I am generally very careful about what I put on this blog. I would not want to put info on here that is not accurate. I did my best to research this subject thoroughly before making my decision. As many sources will state- the large difference of opinion comes in whether we believe that a baby is capable of living with medical care once outside the womb. I believe that a baby born with any signs of life is entitled to medical care. Here are just a couple of the sources I used as I researched this issue... if you want to find out more about the ability of premature babies to live with medical care then I encourage you research it and make and informed decision.
FACTCHECK.ORG
NRLC WHITE PAPER
How is this OK? How can we continue to rationalize this happening to the least of these? I believe there is a lot of grey in this world and you will find me very accepting of different views. Still though- surely we can see there is a line- there is right and wrong in this world. There is good and evil. Can anyone see it anymore? Can anyone truly believe this is good- this is OK? There are some things I have a hard time keeping quiet about... Angel
NOTE: I am generally very careful about what I put on this blog. I would not want to put info on here that is not accurate. I did my best to research this subject thoroughly before making my decision. As many sources will state- the large difference of opinion comes in whether we believe that a baby is capable of living with medical care once outside the womb. I believe that a baby born with any signs of life is entitled to medical care. Here are just a couple of the sources I used as I researched this issue... if you want to find out more about the ability of premature babies to live with medical care then I encourage you research it and make and informed decision.
FACTCHECK.ORG
NRLC WHITE PAPER
I need this bowl
I'll mail a big fat reward to anyone who can tell me where I can get this beautiful bowl.
I'm being serious too.
I'm being serious too.
The day my life will be complete...
...is the day when we have a home big enough for a library ladder.
I think ladders in open spaces are functional and oh so beautiful.
I think ladders in open spaces are functional and oh so beautiful.
Next question-
If you have a toddler who verges on the brink of death constantly.... dives off chairs... rams into doors without blinking.... jumps down steps.... flips backwards consistently... dances and jumps around with abandon... what could this mean?
A. You have a future stunt man (or woman) on your hands
B. This toddler has an odd sort of death wish
C. Child was inspired by the gymnasts in Beijing and is secretly training for the 2024 Olympics
D. This supposed little cutie is actually a robot from the future with a steel endoskeleton therefore feels no pain and can not be stopped (Oh wait- I think I have been watching too much Sarah Conner Chronicles)
E. Little one is secretly scheming with her sisters to drive their mother to the loony bin so they can steal all the chocolate from the pantry
OK... Here's another question...
Theoretically would Sea Salt Chips and Junior Mints be a bad choice for a mommy's dinner say 1 or 2 or 3 nights in a row? Again this is all in theory. ;0) Angel
The question of the night....
Does it make you a bad mom if you put your 2 year old to bed at 5:45pm cause you just can't make it till 7pm????? Let's just say this mom then leaves the room rejoicing that the toddler is now in bed.... is that wicked? This is all theoretical of course. ;0) Angel
Venetian Blinds - Design 101
I had a total 'blonde moment' in Venice.
I kept seeing all these beautiful blinds everywhere on all the windows of the canal-side villas.
I snapped photo after photo of these lovelies and then caught myself as I wondered out loud to my husband,
"I'm crazy about all these blinds that I'm seeing everywhere. I guess they really like Venetian blinds here...in...VENICE!! Venetian Blinds! Venice! Oh man, I'm stupid."
Embarrassing story aside, I really do love these blinds and all the different ways they can be trimmed out.
I've had these fabric blinds from Target up in my house for almost two years now. Shades are a great alternative to curtains, especially in small homes like mine, where floor space and furniture arrangement is limited. In the past, I've added various trims to the shades with my trusty hot glue gun, but nothing has looked like I wanted it to. I came home from Europe, determined to turn my blinds into something that would make the Venetians proud.
With a little white grosgrain and some hot glue, it's easy to turn stock fabric blinds into something special. I like the way the white is very subtle against the ivory shade. I didn't want anything too showy and I think this color combo does the trick.
And as a great bonus, every time the late afternoon sunshine sifts through my pretty blinds I can hear the gondoliers singing and can smell the fruta del mar.
I kept seeing all these beautiful blinds everywhere on all the windows of the canal-side villas.
I snapped photo after photo of these lovelies and then caught myself as I wondered out loud to my husband,
"I'm crazy about all these blinds that I'm seeing everywhere. I guess they really like Venetian blinds here...in...VENICE!! Venetian Blinds! Venice! Oh man, I'm stupid."
Embarrassing story aside, I really do love these blinds and all the different ways they can be trimmed out.
I've had these fabric blinds from Target up in my house for almost two years now. Shades are a great alternative to curtains, especially in small homes like mine, where floor space and furniture arrangement is limited. In the past, I've added various trims to the shades with my trusty hot glue gun, but nothing has looked like I wanted it to. I came home from Europe, determined to turn my blinds into something that would make the Venetians proud.
With a little white grosgrain and some hot glue, it's easy to turn stock fabric blinds into something special. I like the way the white is very subtle against the ivory shade. I didn't want anything too showy and I think this color combo does the trick.
And as a great bonus, every time the late afternoon sunshine sifts through my pretty blinds I can hear the gondoliers singing and can smell the fruta del mar.
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