DIY Decor & Crafts

Where’d Ya Get That?

Published on July 1, 2010May 25, 2011 by Our Humble Abode33 Comments

Here’s a source list for items in our house. If you have questions about anything, just ask!

Living Room:

Paint: Wicker Chair by Olympic and Behr’s Vermont Cream color matched in Wal-Mart’s Colorplace brand Rug: Flor Sofa: HOM Furniture Chairs: Dolce Lounge Chair from Target End Tables: Dror by Target Lamps: TJ Maxx Curtains: Target Throw Blanket: TJ Maxx Pillow Covers: Hand Sewn Fabric from Joann Bird Candleholder: Target Picture Frames: Wal-Mart, Target, Michael’s Artwork: Custom made by me Front Door: Home Depot Floors: Original Red Oak Hardwood

Living Room Other Side:

Rocking Chair: Lay-Z-Boy (is now in the basement) Desk: Repainted hand-me-down Desk Chair: Target Black Picture Frame: Target Large Frame: Target

Chair: Hom Furniture Mirror: Garage Sale-only $5.00! Candle Sconces: Linens N Things Pillow: I made it. Here’s how.

Entertainment Center:

Entertainment Center: Custom Built by Ben Door Hardware: Home Depot Modern Bar TV: 32″ Vizio from Costco Silver Picture Frames: TJ Maxx B Monogram: Target Candle Holders: Target Clock: Restoration Hardware on Ebay Tall Blue Vase: Crate and Barrel Short Blue Vase: TJ Maxx Wooden Sculpture: Target Magazine Files: IKEA painted Green Books: Used, Barnes and Noble Print: Made by Me Hour Glass: CB2

Dining Room:

Paint: Mistinted version of Restoration Hardware’s Silver Sage (The paint is from Wal Mart and they used the light base. The formula for one gallon is B-37, E-39.5, and T-37. This is the color used in our basement, too. It can look more green in some light) and Behr’s Vermont Cream-both color matched at Wal-Mart Dining Table: DIY Table Chairs: World Market Rug: Flor Curtains: Hand Sewn from Fabric From Hancock Fabrics Fruit Bowl: Thrift Store Plates: Linens N Things and Target Candle Sticks: Target Light Fixture: CB2 Curtain Rod: Wal-Mart Floors: Original Red Oak Hardwood

Guest Bedroom:

Paint: Restoration Hardware’s Sea Green, color matched to Behr and Behr’s Vermont Cream Headboard: Free from an apartment tenant Floral Bedding: Ross Sheets: Linens N Things Blue King Pillows: TJ Maxx Striped Pillow: Hand Sewn from Fabric from Joann Picture Frame: From my Great Grandma Photo: Forsyth Park Fountain taken on our Honeymoon in Savannah, GA White Nightstand: Built by Ben Lamp: Target Clock: World Market Candle Sconces: Bed, Bath and Beyond Curtains: Wal-Mart Curtain Rod: Target Apothecary Jar of Shells: Michael’s Pendant: DIY with coffee filters

Guest Bedroom Other Side:

Mirror: Found in the Trash-from Target Bedside Carafe: Two Glasses from World Market Shell: Target Artwork in the Hall: Family Tree made by Me

Main Bathroom:

Paint: Behr’s Vermont Cream and Restoration Hardware’s Lilac Vanity: Built by Ben out of Maple Drawer Pulls: Home Depot Countertop: Giallo San Francsico Granite Remnant Vessel Sink and Faucet: E bay Mirror: Reused from Remodel Light Fixtures: Home Depot Picture, Frame and Mat: Michael’s Glass Box: World Market Soap Pump: Target Lotion: Bath and Body Works Candles and Jars: Target Purple Towels: Target White Towels: Linens N Things

Main Bathroom Shower:

White and Grey Marble Tile (also on floors): Home Depot Faucet: Delta at Home Depot Shower Curtain: Target Towel Bar and Toilet Paper Holder: Home Depot

Master Bedroom:

Paint: Restoration Hardware’s Bay Laurel and Behr’s Vermont Cream Bed: Custom Built by Ben Coverlet: IKEA Pillow Shams: Linens N Things Throw Pillow: Hand Embroidered by Me Nightstand: IKEA Lamps: Home Depot Clock: World Market Pictures: E Bay Picture Frames: Michael’s Curtains: Wal-Mart Curtain Rods: Wal-Mart

Master Bedroom Other Side:

Mirror: Michael’s Upholstered Bench: HOM Furniture

Master Bathroom:

Paint: Behr’s Vermont Cream and Restoration Hardware’s Bay Laurel Curtains: Wal-Mart Floors: Absolute Black and White Marble from Home Depot Toilet: Kohler Highline from Home Depot Vanity: Built by Ben Countertop: Galaxy Black Remnant Ben Finished Shower Curtain: Target Towels: Target Towel Bar and Toilet Paper Holder: Home Depot Clock: Gift

Boy’s Bedroom:

Paint: Ralph Lauren’s Riesling and Behr’s Vermont Cream Crib: Garage Sale Dresser: Hand Me Down Curtains: Wal Mart Curtain Rods: Home Depot Crib Blanket: Crocheted by Me Sheets: Target Crib Skirt: Target Rocking Chair: Family chair Storage Bin: Tuesday Mornings Mobile: Made by Me Owl: Made by Me Silhouette: Made by Me E and V: Hobby Lobby Pillows: Made by Me

Bed: Hand Me Down Painted Red Bedding: Target Stuffed Animals: Kohl’s Pillows: Hand sewn by me Footprint Art: Inked Feet of my Boys Artwork: Canvas Painted by Me Bookshelf: Hand Me Down

Office:

Paint: Benjamin Moore’s Raisin and Behr’s Vermont Cream Cabinets and Shelving: Custom Built by Ben Countertops: Brazilian Cherry and Carrera Marble Desk Chair: IKEA Desk Lamp: Target Storage Boxes and Magazine Files: IKEA Curtains: Hand Sewn from Fabric from Hancock Fabrics White Marble Vases: Restoration Hardware Small Blue Vase: Target Little Bird: Felt Pincushion from Etsy Picture Frames on Shelves: Target Map Frame: Michael’s Map: Art.com Light Fixture: Home Depot Magnetic Tins: IKEA

Office Bookshelves:

Chair: Target Accent Table: Target Picture Frame on Table: Target White Vase: Target (was a reed diffuser) Storage Boxes: IKEA Brown Frames: Hobby Lobby Art in Brown Frames: My modern portraits Drawing Figure: IKEA Rose Candle Holders: Michael’s, Big Lots and Ross Bird Art: Custom Painted by Me Orange Clock: Hobby Lobby Wire Buildings: Target Butterfly Artwork: Custom Made by Me Globes: Garage Sales and Target Vacation Jars: Hobby Lobby filled with vacation items Books: Barnes and Noble, Thrift Stores and Garage Sales

Furniture Feature: Dining Table

Published on June 29, 2010September 9, 2010 by Our Humble Abode13 Comments

Before we could bring our new table in, we had to remove the old set. Then, I added a few more Flor tiles to the existing rug. Because our old table was round, the four square by four square rug was the perfect size. The rectangular table needed a rectangular rug. When I order Flor rugs, I always order a few extra squares of each design. This came in handy. I cut the dark brown squares to fit with the existing design. Then I taped them together because I didn’t have extra Flor dots. After about ten minutes, our ‘new’ rug was ready for the table.

Ben and I carried in the new table base, but the top was far too heavy for me to move. With a little help from a friend, we had a new table. Enough talk, here’s the completed table:

The overall size is 4 1/2 feet long by 3 feet wide, which fits perfectly in our dining room. The chairs tuck under neatly, fitting close the edge of the table, leaving two feet of walking space on all sides.

The apron is set in 1/2 inch from the legs, giving the base a polished look.

I love the clean, modern Parsons style legs paired with the more traditional marble top.

It’s a perfect balance of modern and traditional. The dark wooden chairs are comfortable and stylish, but still add warmth.

I wanted to show the marble off, so here’s an artsy shot:

I am 150% in love with our new table. What do you think? What is your proudest DIY project?

How To: Prepare for Guests

Published on June 25, 2010May 25, 2011 by Our Humble Abode6 Comments

As you may already know, I am somewhat OCD. I am a neat freak, but not a clean freak. I love to organize things, but hate scrubbing things down. But, I’ve been cleaning like crazy this summer. Why? We have and will have a ton of guests this summer. Two weeks ago, my friend from Portland visited. Last weekend, some friends from Minnesota stayed with us. Some of Ben’s family will visit this weekend. Then I’ll be out-of-town. While I’m gone, my cousin is staying at our house. A few days after I return, Ben’s brother and girlfriend are staying here for a week.

I like our guests to feel at home and have a few little items ready to use. Here are a few things I do, in addition to cleaning, to accommodate our guests.

A comfortable bed:

There are several components to a comfortable bed: the mattress, sheets, blankets and pillows.

Our guest bed is a king sized Sleep Number bed. This allows each guest to customize the bed to their ideal level of firmness or softness.

I prefer to use 300+ thread count white sheets. They’re soft, durable and easy to clean with bleach. Use a fitted sheet to cover the mattress and a flat sheet on top. Place the flat sheet face down, then fold over the comforter or blanket. This will show the detail of the sheets-notice the brown stripe on the sheet? Buy sheets that you would use, not just the cheapest ones you can find.

Keep a weather appropriate blanket or comforter on the bed. You can choose between a duvet or comforter, but make sure it’s right for the time of year. Doesn’t hurt if it’s good-looking, too.

Outfit your bed with four pillows, two medium to firm and two soft. In our case, the king sized pillows are medium and the standard pillows are soft. Having firmness choices will accommodate all guests, whether they sleep on their sides, back, or stomach.

Blankets and Towels:

I recommend keeping at least one lighter weight blanket in the guest bedroom closet. If guests are cold, they can add it. If they are too warm, they can remove the comforter and use the light blanket. I keep a few throw blankets for napping, too. If you have extra pillows, keep them in the guest closet, too. It will free up linen closet space and give your guests more options. Win-win.

It’s a good idea to invest in a set of guest towels. Include at least 2 bath towels, 2 hand towels, and 2 wash cloths. Getting room coordinating colors also helps differentiate from other household towels. You can keep these in the guest closet to keep your guests from searching for towels (or using the pretty ones in the bathroom if you’re like I am).

Storage Space:

Have adequate dresser and/or closet space to store clothes, suitcases and other essentials. We don’t have a dresser, so I keep the closet pretty empty and leave a handful of wooden hangers.

A laundry basket or bag comes in handy for guests staying for more than a few days. I prefer a bag because it takes up less space and I hang it on a hook, even more out-of-the-way.

Speaking of hooks, add one or two the to guest room to hang wet towels. You can choose an over the door system or hang some out of sight in the closet. I love our Urban Outfitters branch hook that hangs behind out guest bedroom door. It’s functional, but it looks so cute when it’s not in use.

Bathroom Essentials:

Keep at least one drawer empty or nearly empty for guests to store their belongings and tell guests they can use that drawer. I also keep q-tips, kleenex, band aids, and assorted pain relievers in this drawer.

I have a love for all things miniature. This happens to come in handy for some guests. I stock up on travel sized items such as shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste and brushes, bar soap, lotion, chapstick, and deodorant. I just wander through the travel section of Target and pick up things I use on a regualar basis. I keep a box in the bathroom with all the extras. If someone forgets something, I have a back up ready.

Extra Credit:

Give yourself 10 points if you have any of the following items:

1. Nightlights. I have a few stowed away in the guest drawer. I make sure to plug one in the bathroom. Most adults don’t want one in their bedroom.

2. A nightstand with a drawer. A nightstand is worth 5 points. I keep lotion, kleenex, mints, Tylenol, and a small first aid kit in the drawer. Throw in a bible for the real hotel effect and an extra 5 points.

3. A clock with an alarm. Most people use their phones these days, but it’s nice to have back up.

4. Bedside carafe. I used two glasses from World Market-one tall and skinny and another short, fat one stacked on top. It’s nice to have water close by.

5. Snacks. You can keep a few granola bars or crackers, to tide over any hunger. Mints and chocolates are good in my book.

6. Books and magazines. To keep your guests from getting bored, of course. If you’re really good, throw in some literature about your city-hot spots and destinations. I myself am not that good.

7. A fan. We have a ceiling fan with three settings, but you can have a standing fan, too. Whatever floats your boat.

8. Slippers and a robe. Again, the real hotel effect.

9. A mirror. What is better than a mirror? A full length mirror. We have a decorative mirror hanging on the wall.

10. Great smelling bath products; salts, scrubs, bubble bath, etc.

So, what do you do to prepare for guests? I’m dying to know!

How To: Light It Up

Published on June 10, 2010September 12, 2012 by Our Humble Abode7 Comments

Another item checked off my to do list. Our dining room light fixture wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t quite what we were looking for. So, I ordered this light fixture from CB2. The only problem? The fixture is meant to be plugged in to an outlet, not hardwired. That’s okay though, I have a handy hubby.

Here she is in the box:

Before we could install the fixture, we went to Lowe’s to buy a 2 in 1 ceiling plate. Because the light is meant to be plugged in, one was not included. Not to worry, we found one in a brushed nickel finish for $4.98. It is however a little more traditional than I was hoping for. Oh well.

We went home, ready to install. First, turn off your breaker. You can never be too safe!! Then Ben removed our old fixture.

He installed the new mounting hardware for the box cover and we measured the height (32 inches) from our table. Ben marked the cord and cable to know where to cut. He adjusted the cable to hang at the proper height and tightened the screws in place.

Then he cut the wiring, leaving 3 or 4 inches more than he needed. He stripped the ends and connected the proper wires to one another, securing with wire nuts.

I held the fixture while Ben hung the ceiling plate.

After about 10 minutes, we had a brand spankin’ new light fixture.

I think it’s great. What do you think?

How to: Add a Custom Touch to Framed Pictures

Published on June 9, 2010May 25, 2011 by Our Humble Abode2 Comments

Remember how cheap I am about artwork? Well, I have a few quick, easy and cheap ideas to spruce up your frames.

Idea number 1: Spraypaint the frames.

First, remove the glass, mat, photo, and back. Wipe the frame free of dust. Then lay down newspaper in a well ventilated area. Spray the frames, keeping the can about 8 to 12 inches away to avoid excess paint drops. Allow adequate dry time. Pop the photo back in, hang and enjoy!

Idea number 2: Double mat your photos.

First, buy or cut the outer mat to the frame dimensions. Cut the opening 1 inch larger than your photo. Then, buy or cut another mat with the inner dimensions slightly smaller than your photo. The outer dimensions should extend at least 1 inch beyond your outer mat’s frame to make sure coverage of the edges.

You can choose to use the same color for both mats OR add more focus on the photo by using a color that coordinates with your photo.

To make this look, I cut my white outer mat to fit my 16 inch by 20 inch frame. Then I cut a 5 inch by 7 inch opening which will accommodate my 4 inch by 6 inch photo. Then I cut another white mat 7 inches tall by 9 inches wide with a 3.75 inch by 5.75 inch opening. I painted the inner mat blue, leaving the depth white. After the paint dried, I taped my photo in place and then centered my small mat on the large mat. Place the large mat in your frame and hang!

Idea number 3: Draw a border on your mat.

To get this look, use a gel pen or marker in any color (I used a silver metallic gel pen on a black mat). Using a pencil, mark your edges at two or more points to make straight lines. Once you’ve marked all sides (with as many borders you’d like), line a ruler to your edge and make your lines. Do this several times to make a thicker band of color.

Here is a detail shot: