Decorating a Guest Room

I have recently made some changes to my guest room.  I liked the room before, but it wasn't flowing with the rest of my house as much as I wanted the room to.  So, I decided to change the bedding and update some decorations.  

The first change I made was with my bedding.  I decided to go with a more neutral base.  To bring in color, I added the green quilt and matching pillow.  Going with a more neutral base makes it easier to change your accent color.

I like to add a lot of pillows to make the bed look more inviting.  It's also good to mix and match the pillows so it doesn't look like a set.

I wanted to incorporate the green from the bedding throughout the room so you can imagine how thrilled I was when I found these matching candles.  I used the same two candles on the dresser, but I used two different candle holders to give a more unique look.  With each candle holder being neutral and natural they flow together even though they are different.

Aside from the bedding, this is where I made the most change to the room.  Even though I loved my DIY teal table, sadly it didn't match anymore.  However, I'm really happy with my replacement table.

When I was decorating this table, I wanted to keep it simple.  Because the table is so unique, my decorations didn't need to stand out as much.  I really like having family photos up in my guest room so I incorporated the frames from before and added these chunky brown candle holders.

With spring being right around the corner, I wanted to add a touch of color with some flowers.

I hope you enjoy the changes!

PotteryBarn Inspired Clock Wall

I was shopping around at PotteryBarn one day (I know...what's new) and I saw this clock wall that they had arranged above their counter.  I instantly fell in love with it.  After making sure nobody was around, I took a picture of it with my phone.  I'm sure no one would have cared if I took a picture, but what can I say I was a bit of a chicken about it.

As soon as I got home, I started planning out where I could recreate something like this.  I decided to create my clock wall on my upstairs landing.  It's such a big empty wall that always bothered me, but I could never find the right size artwork.  

Here is the wall before...

At the top of the landing, I have this window that I was looking to give a refresher to as well.  

Here is the window before...

After deciding on a place in my house to create this clock wall, I had to start finding materials.  I already had a round clock that I would use as my starter.  One thing that I found so unique about my inspiration was the over-sized pocket watch.  I knew that without that, I wouldn't be as happy with the final outcome.  I knew that PotteryBarn sold that pocket watch so I could always use that as a back up, but I really wasn't looking to spend that much on this project.  While at one of my usual HomeGoods trips, I found this red pocket watch clock.  I wanted all of my clocks to be black, so I decided I would just paint this one and not push my luck.  

Here is the clock before...

I used Rustoleum paint and primer in one semi-gloss black paint to paint this clock.  I covered the glass with paper and began to spray paint it.  I chose to do three coats of spray paint because it was such an easy painting project, but two would have been fine.  

Here is the clock after...

Once I had all of my materials I could begin my layout.  I bought all of my picture frames at Ikea.  I could choose from a variety of sizes and they were all very inexpensive, which I like.  While I was there, I also picked up another small clock.  Now that I had all of my materials, I could begin my layout.  The first thing I did was to measure out how large I wanted the artwork to be and recreate that measurement on the floor.  Then I could begin placing the clocks and frames where I wanted them.  Once I decided on a layout, I could see how I needed to print my pictures.

Instead of buying clock prints, I took my own pictures.  I had a few clock pictures from an old decoration that I used before, so I decided to take pictures of the actual artwork.  I took the pictures from all different angles and closeness to create different looks.  After I had my pictures printed and placed in the frames I began to hang them.  While I was doing this project, I decided to change out my light fixture that I have been wanting to update as well.

Here is my wall after...

 I wanted to have more unique window curtains because the space was lacking color.  I really liked the pattern and color of these mixed with the dark blinds.

Windows after...

Thanks for visiting!

High/Low Recreations - Ledge

You may have picked up on this already, but I really love PotteryBarn.  However, most things there are a little pricey for me so I like to use there ideas for my inspiration and try to find a more inexpensive way to create their look.

One thing that I have been eyeing in their catalog was a broken ledge.  I always thought it was a very unique piece of artwork and the look of it really flows with the decorations in my home.  The only problem was the ledge was $300.00.

I was out shopping one day at HomeGoods, which I frequent often, and saw a perfect replica of that same broken ledge.  I was so excited that I had finally found something similar.  Even better, the piece from HomeGoods was only $40.00 so you can imagine my excitement.

PotteryBarn inspiration...

HomeGoods purchase...

In my guest room...

If you are interested, this was a recent find so you may also get as lucky as I did.  Good Luck!

High/Low Recreations

I am excited to share a new section of my blog with you called High/Low Recreations.  In this section, I will be showing you how to take designer pieces and recreate them for a fraction of the cost.  Doing this is key to any room when you consider your budget.  Everyone wants the high end pieces, but without the cost behind them.

Here is my inspiration for the letter B I created. 

This is a page from the PotteryBarn catalog.  I really loved this vintage "W" in the background leaned on the desk, so I decided to recreate it on my own.

Here is what I came up with.

If you want to see how I created this click here

I am excited to show you how you can get the looks you desire without the high cost.

How to Create a Chalkboard

I really wanted to add a chalkboard to my dining room, but I didn't want to spend a lot of money on it.  When shopping at some of my favorite stores, chalkboards ranged from $100-200.00.  I was at the paint department at HomeDepot one day and came across chalkboard paint.  So, instead I decided to save myself money and make my own!  For my actual board, I used mdf.  The surface and edges of mdf are very smooth and there's also no wood grain.  The size of my chalkboard is 2x4 and 3/4 inch deep.  The cost for a board that size was around $10.00.  Before painting my board, I attached my hanging hardware to the back so that I wouldn't scratch the chalkboard finish when it was complete.  Directions on how to paint the chalkboard come with the paint.  I used a paint roller to apply my finish. 

I am still waiting on the right kitchen/food saying to put on my chalkboard, but for now I like "menu".  You can also use this for holidays and seasonal greetings as well as your menu for a dinner party.  It was such an easy project and I really love what it added to my dining room.  I decided to keep my chalkboard simple, but you could always add a frame to yours or cut the board into a shape.

Letter B

I really like how people incorporate their initials into their home.  It gives a subtle personal touch to any space.  I incorporated the letter B into my office for my last name.  When I bought the letter, it came in a black finish.  I wanted to create an aged gold look so it would compliment all of my oil-rubbed bronze pieces.

Before

After

To create this aged look, I took a small dab of vaseline and rubbed it lightly on the parts of the B that would naturally age.  Such as the corners and raised areas.  After applying the vaseline, I spray painted the entire B with two coats of gold.  Once it was completely dried, I took a paper towel and wiped the parts of the B where I applied the vaseline.  When doing this, do little bits at a time so you only wipe away portions.  This was a very fun and simple project, good luck!