The DIY Bathroom Makeover-One Year Later

Just over a year ago, we executed this lil bathroom makeover on a shoestring budget, and completely DIY. You can read about it HERE. Countertops made of doors? Poppycock. Well, it happened. 

And here it is today ( like literally, just now. Ran upstairs to take a pic, clearly not caring that I should probably put  "cuter" towels out to stage and should've cleaned that spot on the floor....#reallife )

I havent changed the mirror like I thought I would, it was put on the backburner.

The wood and sealant I put on it has been awesome. It has completely held up, even when I had my doubts. There is constantly water on it, afterall, it's the kid's bathroom, and no change.

See? Even that shine is still there. So, bravo to Waterlox. I'll recommend you, always.

Evolution of a little girl's room - on a budget!

It's been awhile. Good heavens it's been awhile. I've missed us. I put decorating on the side lines for awhile but I am back. I dont remember the last time I read a design blog. Maybe a year? I have a few posts in mind, so excuse me while I update you on what's happened and what's to come!

This post is about my 7 year old's room. I like change. I grew up liking change, as my mom would re-arrange rooms and switch things up often. My own bedroom changed multiple times throughout the years, to grow with me. Makes me think of the year that everything had to be sunflowers. *rolls eyes* oh the 90's.

Fast forward to 2015, I now have an evolving little person, like myself, who likes bits of newness. Here's a quick look at her evolution so far.

This was her starter room. Antique Bed with Target bedding ( the knockoff West Elm ) that I dont recommend. It's horrible quality. Antique Mirrors hung and DIY board and batten.

A new paint job and rearrangement of furniture

A score on craigslist made us owners of an Ikea Loft Bed for $75. I moved her play kitchen/doll stuff into her room, making it that much more cute! I came to my senses and torched the Martha Stewart pom poms.

Summer 2015, as she requested to "give" her baby stuff to her little sister, and that she needed a "study space" ( remember, she's 7...) in it's place. I laughed and cried.

The rug was on mega sale at RugsUSA ( it's my go to for rugs ) for like $70? The white parsons desk is Amazon, The fur chair was a $5 ugly office chair, recovered with $8 fur from Joanns, and the accessories you see are from Home Goods. ( both prints under $14 each) Her striped sheets were Marshalls for $14.99. A big change on a dime. She freaked out when she saw it and does indeed use it to "study" ( insert eye roll)

Lightbulb Moment.

It's been eternity since I've blogged. I wont apologize, I didnt miss it! It was a nice break and although I still have a love and passion for all things decor, I've taken on a very very different career path. This remains a hobby, but this year I've realized a lot of things about myself, and being true to me. Dont get me wrong, I'm still taking on clients and am loving every one of you! But the days of obsessing over the newest releases and sales are gone. I dont even read other blogs anymore.

I've realized to truly go with my gut. Not paying attention to trends and what is in. For years you saw me updating dressers and lots of mixing old with the new and bringing old things back to life. That's just truly not me anymore. Gone with that phase of my life! I'm contemporary, I like clean, straight lines and no clutter. 5 feet away from me in a 70's gold lamp that I bought at a garage sale a few years back, and I laugh, because it's just not me. In fact, it makes me want to take a bat to it. I had hoped to age it somehow, or, honestly I dont even remember. It sits there gathering dust because I dont even turn it on. Does this mean I'm purging my house of all things vintage? No. I'm not going all crazy, I havent completely lost my mind. Will I get rid of some ish though? You bet your sweet ass I am.

I havent bought much for the home this year. I honestly dont even remember the last time I bought a home decor item ( probably the west elm duvet, in the post below )...as it just hasnt been a priority. I lost interest for a hot second and with this new job, I just havent had the time. So every purchase I make from here on out will be seriously thought over. Am I buying this because it's hot right now? Am I buying it because it's going to change the direction of the room? Am I buying this out of habit? If I'm on the fence about anything, I wont buy it. I encourage you to do the same. Every single item I've ever debated about, I've regretted and returned or sold.

Moving on.

Here's my latest purchase. I've looked forever for a new chandelier that gives off decent light. I took the plunge and my next post will be the review.

New West Elm Duvet Review

My last duvet, I had for about 10 years. It was a Hotel Collection Jacquard from Macys. Unfortunately I had gone to bed several times with Olive Oil/Aloe Vera on my legs and it stained over time, no amount of detergent or pre treatment could save it. I had been eyeing this one West Elm duvet for the last year but couldn't quite justify the price. Once my duvet got so hideous that I'd leave it on the floor, I knew it was time. Plus the West Elm one went on sale and I had a10% off coupon.

I'm pretty pleased with the quality. It's a lot thinner than I'm used to, but I'm realizing how much fluffier my bed looks and feels. My other duvet was very heavy and weighed down my down comforter.

The color is flax ( they also have a onyx and blue on sale ) 

And a side note, that candle? Smells like man. It's Black Tie from Bath and Body Works and it's like a sexy cologne. I cannot get enough.

DIY Oversized Print and Frame // Under $10!

Laundry room updates are coming along swimmingly. The paint is done ( was a grass green accent wall ) It's a large room that hasnt been completely utilized in the way it should so I'm building and adding shelves, that'll be in the next post. This corner has a large blank wall that needed a not so serious art piece, because next to it are the beach towels, and below is the recycling bin and cat door.

This little project cost very little, here are the supplies you'll need:

Stapler

$.96 Furring Board Strip ( 1x2x8 ) - You can have the guys at your hardware store cut it for you

Screw Eyes

Rope

Drill

For the oversized print, take a high quality photo, upload it to Staples.com and choose a Engineering Print. Size is up to you, I chose the largest, which is 36x48. It cost $7.79.

I had my furring strip cut into two 38" pieces, so a couple inches longer than the width of my photo.

First I made a pilot hole to make it easier to screw in the screw eyes.

I then laid the board down and was so eager to staple, I didnt measure the placement on the board. So learn from my mistake. Make sure you have equal amount of board hanging off the end before stapling. Then put a good amount of staples in the board.

This is what it should look like when done ( ignore the pliers, they were from repairing my mistake )

Add rope or twine or whatever you've got layin around ( otherwise you can have it cut for a buck  at the hardware store )

I'm quite pleased with the final product.

Not too fancy and just contemporary enough for a laundry/mud room!

Next up shelving for the other part of the room. Cheers!

Black Walls! Take the Leap!

Hello! I hope all of you enjoyed your Christmas! I sure did, and feel excited for 2015. I took the leap and painted my laundry room partially black a couple years ago, and I'm so glad I did. Next week I'll be posting about the newest laundry room makeover and additions. In the meantime, check out these great spaces with bold black! 

                                                  (apartment therapy above and below )

                                                 (homeadore.com above )

                                                        (ultralinx.com above )

( leseurinteriorsblog.com )