Creating an Entrance AND Reader Participation Time

How I love a pretty foyer. Such a great place to make a big first impression.

via DecorPad

Unfortunately, our home doesn't have one. . .There is an open entry, but no walls to put a pretty chest, a big mirror, lamps, etc.  This is when you've got to work with what you've got.  This is how our sad entrance looked up until a few weeks ago:

And, after my meager attempt to give it a little life:

My upside-down-garden-stool-turned-umbrella-holder:

I also added a bright red crab print (a gift from Laura) by the front door.  I'm not sure what having a crab by your front door says about you, but I think it's a happy touch :)

Next step?  This front door is going black:

 

So, what statement does your entrance make?  It's been a while since my last reader participation post, but I do love seeing your spaces.  Email me a picture of your foyer or entry, along with a link to your blog (if you have one) and I'll post reader pics a week from today, Wednesday, July 7th.  Can't wait to see what you've got!

Easy (and Inexpensive) DIY Fabric Roller Shade

I loved the above image from Domino when I originally saw it and must have subconsciously had it in my head when I bought a yard of this fabric in the $4.99 remnant bin:

I decided to try my hand at a DIY fabric shade to add a little drama to our guest bathroom makeover.  (When I say "diy," I'm almost embarassed.  All of my projects are so simple, I'm pretty sure a monkey could do them. . . .  )

So, here's what I used: a $5 roller shade from Wal-Mart, fabric & fabric glue.

These shades were super easy to size--just measure and tear:

You see who actually ends up doing the bulk of "my" projects. . . We just left a couple of inches of fabric on all sides so that we could fold over a seam.  We used the glue sparingly and only around the edges.

Window before:

Window after:

Like this look?  IKEA is a great source for striped fabric in these fun colors:

Sponsor Spotlight on Comfort Works

I was recently contacted by Rachel, who along with her business partner, Henry, has created the Australian-based company Comfort Works.  They specialize in custom IKEA slipcovers, as well as draperie panels, coverlets and pillows.  I liked the idea of specialized fabrics for IKEA upholstery--so many of us have it and this is an easy way to update or customize a piece you may have had for a while.

Some of my favorite product offerings:

 

Their site is a virtual workroom, with lots of fabric samples to play around with, quick quotes, and online chat help.  You can even order free fabric swatches.

And, best of all, Comfort Works is offering FREE shipping to the U.S. on any orders of $200 or more.  Be sure to visit their site and explore all of their custom options.   And, a big thanks to Comfort Works for becoming my latest sponsor.

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Are you interested in advertising your design related business or blog?  Find all of the details here.

Bright, Happy Colors

I'm loving this bright color palette used by Tracery Interiors in one of their latest projects:

This was part of a designer showhouse project.  You can see more photos of the room here.

I'm off to tag items for a very hot garage sale I'm having in the morning. . . Happy Weekend!

Be Still Giveaway Winner. . . .

And, the lucky winner of the Be Still giveaway is:

Megan of Little Blue Prints.  Thanks so much to all who entered and to Be Still for sponsoring this wonderful giveaway.  Megan--can't wait to see what you choose from her shop!

Goodwill Hunting

Earlier in the week, I stopped by Goodwill (baby in tow, strollers in van, etc.) and found this for $20:

(It reminds me alot of my sister's dresser that I blogged about here.)

Since I had my hands full and no way to get it home, I left it there.  But, of course I kept thinking about it. . .

So, I went back.  And, found this newly marked price tag:

Yes, I think that was God's sign that it should probably be our new TV console :)  I painted one coat of gray this morning but I think it's going glossy white tomorrow to match our bookshelves.  And, I'm still debating on what to do with the pulls.  I think I'll just clean them up.  Here's a sneak peak:

Also at Goodwill, I found this urn for $2 (just stuck a moss-covered ball from Michael's in it) and this painting for $4.  Not sure if it says "tacky" or "I have character," but I thought I might paint the frame and see if I get inspired.

What have you found at Goodwill lately?  I just love the thrill of the hunt.

Last Chance to Enter Giveaway from Be Still

Just a friendly reminder that today is the last day to enter for a chance to win a product of your choice from Be Still. To enter, go here.  You can also post to your blog, Facebook or Twitter for an additional entry.

Besides pillows, Be Still also offers a beautiful selection of linen napkins:

Winner will be announced tomorrow morning.  Good luck!

Updated Family Room Pictures

I snapped some updated pictures of our family room yesterday for a guest post I'm doing next month, and thought you might enjoy seeing them. (It was a rare moment. House was quiet; toys were swept quickly out of camera view. . . )

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Don't forget, you still have a couple of days to enter the giveaway from Etsy shop Be Still!  The winner gets to choose a product from their store.  Go here for details.  Winner will be announced on Friday.

Online Decorating Project: Caycee's Guest Bedroom Makeover

You may remember my online decorating client, Caycee, and her beautiful family room update. Since then, she also asked for my help with her guest bedroom.  I was happy to take on the challenge, especially since she had the same problem many of us have--a bedroom full of furniture that she had grown up with and had to somehow incorporate.

Before:

I thought the lines of the bed were really pretty, but the all-dark wood matching set made the room feel heavy.  The solution: lighten things up with lots of paint and beautiful accessories.

Some inspiration pictures I clipped while working on her design plan:

And, the finshed idea board:

To lighten things up, I suggested she paint the bed (the focal point of the room) black and break up the set of furniture by painting the other pieces white--all of this against a light gray wall color.  We then brought in black and white accessories and a beautiful crystal drum chandelier for sparkle. 

After many hours of work on Caycee's (and her husband's!) part, the room went from this:

To this:

Before:

After:

Thanks, Caycee, for allowing me to share your beautiful guest room makeover!

If you would like online decorating help, email me for details at emilyaclark@bellsouth.net.