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Patio Paradise: The Plan + Mood Board

Patio Paradise Mood Board: Creating an inviting, relaxing patio oasis

I hope you had a fabulous Memorial Day weekend!   Not only did we spend time thanking those who served our country, but we enjoyed much of the long weekend soaking up the sun + enjoying the beautiful outdoors.  BUT like always, with playtime comes worktime.  Before setting our sights on BBQing & the beach, we worked all day Saturday on the outdoors.

Over the past month, we have been spilling hours into transforming our sideyard into a Patio Paradise!  I’m thrilled to be partnering with Lowe’s on this project to create a space that is inviting, relaxing, and truly a magical oasis.  With the new baby coming in just a few short weeks, I am banking on this new area being our stay-cation spot for the Summer.

Here’s a peek at the shopping and prepping that has gone into to making this Patio Paradise come to fruition…

Progress on creating a Patio Paradise

When you have a blah blank slate, there is alot that can be done. Only a few years ago, the area where our new oasis now sits was filled with a dilapidated above-ground pool + 15 overgrown trees.  It surely has taken a turn (for the better) since then!

Before

Before

I’m super excited for this outdoor space to be done & to share it with you.  As I’ve mentioned once and again (and maybe 48 other times), I don’t have a green thumb + many perennials are difficult to grow in my neck of the woods because of the long winters.  But, I can say that new buds are popping each day.  In no time, this space will be done and I’ll be able to share with you my new Patio Paradise!  In the meantime, if you’ve got your eye on any of the elements in my mood board, here are direct links to the sources…

Patio Paradise Mood Board: Creating an inviting, relaxing patio oasis

1. Outdoor Lights
2. Pergola
3. Garden Pot (navy)
4. Lanterns – Large & Small
5. Pillows – Blue Multi / White Medallion / Bird
6. (2) Side Chairs + Pillows
7. Loveseat + Coffee Table
8. White Garden Stool
9. Planter
10. Outdoor Rug
11. Pouf
12. Outdoor Fireplace

Once our Patio Paradise is complete, we’ll be ready for a big ole’ bash!  I wish you could all come.  The reveal + party pics coming soon.  In the meantime, later this week (or possible next week) I’ll be sharing the other outdoor spaces around our home.  Along with the patio, we’ve been busy updating the back deck + the front porch.  I better get back to work…

What updates have you made to your outdoor spaces this Spring?

Disclosure: I am super excited to be partnering with Lowe’s on this outdoor project.  I love working with Lowe’s because they offer a range of items with great design qualities.  As always, they did not tell me what to write, what to choose, and all thoughts are 100% my own.  They gave me free-reign on everything so my design ideas + thoughts are 100% genuine.

Easy Project, Big Impact: Reupholstered Chair Seat

Easy Project, BIG IMPACT RESULT: Reupholstered Chair Seat. Completely NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! All you need is a scrap piece of fabric (about 1/4 yard) + a staple gun. 2 minutes later, you're done. Change any chair NOW!

Most posts I have planned out a few days, or at least a day, before going live.  But not today’s.  I have been trying to check things off my to-do list and this project, start to finish, literally was done just a few minutes ago.  I posted a pic on Instagram (I’d love for you to follow along if you’re not already) and I thought I’d share a blog post about it.

Ready for a super easy, yet BIG IMPACT project?  Check out how I brought this old chair alive again with a simple change of fabric.  It’s so simple and I swear that ANYONE can do this.  Even if you’ve never DIYed anything in your life, you can do this.

Ready?  Here goes…

(By the way, these aren’t the best pics because they were taken with my iphone.  That’s how quick this project + post was pulled together)

Easy Project, BIG IMPACT RESULT: Reupholstered Chair Seat. Completely NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! All you need is a scrap piece of fabric (about 1/4 yard) + a staple gun. 2 minutes later, you're done. Change any chair NOW!

I’m sure you can pretty much “get it” from the picture, but basically you’ll need about 1/4 yard of fabric (this 1″ black & white striped fabric I snagged from the Online Fabric Store while at Haven Conference last year).

1. Lay the fabric right side down on a hard surface, then set the seat face down.  Rearrange the fabric as needed so it’s positioned as you’d like.  I wanted to make sure my stripes were even, so I adjusted the seat positioning accordingly.

2. Then, using a staple gun, start with one fabric edge, pull taught and staple.  Then work your way around the entire seat.

And voila, 2 minutes later or less, you’re done!

Super easy and look how much of an impact a simple seat cover makes!

A few years ago the seat started out like this after finding it at a thrift store…

BEFORE: Side Chair

After a little paint + a new seat cover, it looks totally fabulous & updated…

Easy Project, BIG IMPACT RESULT: Reupholstered Chair Seat. Completely NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! All you need is a scrap piece of fabric (about 1/4 yard) + a staple gun. 2 minutes later, you're done. Change any chair NOW!

Easy Project, BIG IMPACT RESULT: Reupholstered Chair Seat. Completely NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! All you need is a scrap piece of fabric (about 1/4 yard) + a staple gun. 2 minutes later, you're done. Change any chair NOW!

Now the chair sits beautifully in my master bedroom

Easy Project, BIG IMPACT RESULT: Reupholstered Chair Seat. Completely NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! All you need is a scrap piece of fabric (about 1/4 yard) + a staple gun. 2 minutes later, you're done. Change any chair NOW!

Projects don’t always have to be difficult and timely.  Sometimes the projects with the best +biggest results are the easiest!  Cheers to a fabulous Memorial Day weekend!

What has been your simplest and/or easiest DIY project, craft, or upcycle?

Toy Animal Instagram Photo Holder

I’ve been a little slow on sharing the progress of my boys room makeover, but believe me it’s almost done!  Except for the window panels that are still plain white (an idea will come to me at some point to jazz them up), the room is about 96.74% complete.  From the new wall color + the wallpaper, to the honeycomb shelves + the wood rolling toy bins, to the new leaning shelves, this room has been fully transformed from what it looked like before

One of the first DIY ideas that I thought about for this makeover (after seeing these animal photo holders) was to create something cute that could hold instagram pics (or any adorable picture for that matter).  It had to be something that pictures could easily be changed / swapped out.  And I loved the idea of using toy animals since we have a gazillion..

Voila, the creation of the Toy Animal Instagram Photo Holder

DIY: Toy Animal Instagram Photo Holder. So cute & easy to make. Perfect for a kids room or any eclectic space! Full tutorial at www.jennaburger.com

These cute little picture holders were pretty easy to make and I love how they give a new look to this part of my boys room.  The Ikea dresser was something we’ve had since he was about 2 years old, the mirror was repurposed from the kids bathroom (now they are mirror-less, o well), and the lamps were a recent clearance find at Target.

A few other accessories + layers and this space is coming together…

DIY: Toy Animal Instagram Photo Holder. So cute & easy to make. Perfect for a kids room or any eclectic space! Full tutorial at www.jennaburger.com

Want to see how I made them?  This is my original sketch, along with my supply list…

supply list

Here’s the supplies I used:

  • 2″ x 8″ x 4′ cut into into 8″ x 8″ squares (there will be wood leftover)
  • 3/4″ Round Magnets
  • Gorilla Glue (or any heavy duty, super sticky glue)
  • Toy Animals (I ransacked my kids toy bin, but you can find similar animals in the dollar bin or toy section)
  • Stain (I used leftover stain I had on-hand)
  • Command Strips
  • Level
  • Miter Saw (or have Lowe’s or other big box store cut the squares)
  • Coping Saw

DIY: Toy Animal Instagram Photo Holder. So cute & easy to make. Perfect for a kids room or any eclectic space! Full tutorial at www.jennaburger.com

Here’s the tutorial:

1. Using the miter saw, I started off by cutting the 4′ long wood board into (4) 8″ x 8″ squares.

DIY: Toy Animal Instagram Photo Holder. So cute & easy to make. Perfect for a kids room or any eclectic space! Full tutorial at www.jennaburger.com

2. Once the 4 squares were cut, I drilled a 3/4″ diameter hole (same size as the magnet) about 1.5″ from the edge. The hole only needs to be the depth of the magnet (don’t drill all the way through the wood) so it sits flush with the wood.  Once drilled, I placed the magnet in the hole to see if it was a good fit.

DIY: Toy Animal Instagram Photo Holder. So cute & easy to make. Perfect for a kids room or any eclectic space! Full tutorial at www.jennaburger.com

3. After all 4 squares had the magnet holes, I gave the surface a quick wipe-on / wipe-off staining.  I used espresso stain that I had on hand.  As soon as I poured it on, I wiped it away with a piece of lint-free cloth.  I still wanted to see the beauty of the grain, which is why I used stain versus paint.

DIY: Toy Animal Instagram Photo Holder. So cute & easy to make. Perfect for a kids room or any eclectic space! Full tutorial at www.jennaburger.com

4. Once the stain was dry, I adhered the magnet to the hole with Gorilla Glue.

DIY: Toy Animal Instagram Photo Holder. So cute & easy to make. Perfect for a kids room or any eclectic space! Full tutorial at www.jennaburger.com

Onto the toy animals…

5. Using a coping saw, the mister cut the animals in half.  It was a little weird & sad to chop these little guys in half, but it was all for good reason…

Tip: Toy animals that have a solid inside work best.  2 of the animals we cut were solid, 2 were hollow.  For the hollow animals, I packed them with play-doh, then inserted the magnet so it sit flush with where it was cut.  A few days later, the playdoh was completely hardened and the magnet fit snug inside just like the solid animal.  If needed, once the play-doh is hard, remove the magnet and add some gorilla glue or crazy glue.

DIY: Toy Animal Instagram Photo Holder. So cute & easy to make. Perfect for a kids room or any eclectic space! Full tutorial at www.jennaburger.com

6. Once the animal was cut, I drilled a 3/4″ diameter hole (same as the wood) for the magnet to sit inside.  Then I secured it with Gorilla Glue.

DIY: Toy Animal Instagram Photo Holder. So cute & easy to make. Perfect for a kids room or any eclectic space! Full tutorial at www.jennaburger.com

Let’s hang it!

7. I wanted the wood squares to sit flush with the wall versus using a picture hook, so I used Command Strips to hang them. And of course, I made sure they were level…

DIY: Toy Animal Instagram Photo Holder. So cute & easy to make. Perfect for a kids room or any eclectic space! Full tutorial at www.jennaburger.com

Once hung, the toy animal instagram photo holders were complete…

DIY: Toy Animal Instagram Photo Holder. So cute & easy to make. Perfect for a kids room or any eclectic space! Full tutorial at www.jennaburger.com

I filled the wood boards with a few of my boys favorite + funny instagram pics.  I actually just printed them from my computer, but there a bunch of places that develop instagram photos.  Or regular 4 x 6 or 5 x 7 photos will work too.

DIY: Toy Animal Instagram Photo Holder. So cute & easy to make. Perfect for a kids room or any eclectic space! Full tutorial at www.jennaburger.com

DIY: Toy Animal Instagram Photo Holder. So cute & easy to make. Perfect for a kids room or any eclectic space! Full tutorial at www.jennaburger.com

I love how this space turned out.  Here’s an overall…

DIY: Toy Animal Instagram Photo Holder. So cute & easy to make. Perfect for a kids room or any eclectic space! Full tutorial at www.jennaburger.com

DIY: Toy Animal Instagram Photo Holder. So cute & easy to make. Perfect for a kids room or any eclectic space! Full tutorial at www.jennaburger.com

Think this tutorial is fun + you may just want to try it?  Pin It or Save It for later…

DIY: Toy Animal Instagram Photo Holder. So cute & easy to make. Perfect for a kids room or any eclectic space! Full tutorial at www.jennaburger.com

Never thought you could do something with toy animals?  O, there are lots of ideas.  I have more interesting creative ideas coming soon… Stay Tuned!

5 Ways to Update a Bathroom on a Budget

There have been some really qualified “entries” for the ugly bathroom makeover.  I’m not going to lie…  some of you are in desperate need of direction & a plan on how to jazz up your bathrooms.  Most of the bathrooms I received pictures for, have good bones and are similar in layout of many homes, but they need to be taken to the next level to be practical and pretty!

Lowe’s and I are going through the pictures and next Monday will be the day when you’ll get to see what reader submitted bathroom we chose, along with a Creative Vision Board + ‘plan of action’ for the space.  In the meantime, I wanted to share my thoughts + ideas with ALL of you on 5 Budget-Friendly Ways to Update a Bathroom

5 Ways to Upgrade a Bathroom on a Budget: Don't neglect a needed bathroom revamp because of cost + no-experience. Instead, embrace what you have and revamp the layers of the existing!

I’ve been working on my fair share of client kitchens lately, which I adore, but I’m equally obsessed with revamping bathrooms.  Having an educational and professional background in architecture and interior design, I love how all the components- cabinetry, hardware, and all the details in between – come together and interlink to create an incredible result.  Even more so, I love all the added layers + color that can be brought into a bathroom to make it not only a functional space, but a magical oasis – remember I said last week, who doesn’t sneak away to the bathroom here and there for some peace + quiet?!

Unlike a typical 4 walled room in a house, bathrooms (as well as kitchens) can seem daunting when thinking about a makeover.  There’s plumbing, electrical, tile, and more that is involved in changing.  BUT, instead of neglecting the idea of an overwhelming revamp, embrace what you have and revamp the layers of the existing.  Not only will a budget-friendly bathroom makeover increase the value of your home, but it will also simply make you happy!

Ditch those apprehensive, scary thoughts and let me share my 5 Ways to Update a Bathroom on a Budget…

1. Paint

Easy (well fairly easy) and cheap!  There is nothing like a fresh new coat of paint on the walls!  And for a typical bathroom, from start to finish, it should really only take a few hours. Since the fixtures of a bathroom are often white or light-colored, think about adding a pop of color on the walls.  Or, if you’re desiring a serene and calming space, go light  – not white, but light.

Let’s start off with a bang.  Check out one of my all-time favorite before and after bathroom makeovers that incorporates a splash of color + fun on the walls, via BHG

Splash of color on the walls of the bathroom

To step it up a notch, consider painting the existing bathroom cabinet.  It’s not uber difficult to remove / upgrade a bathroom cabinet, but it does involve plumbing and the possible install of a new countertop and/or sink.  If that’s not within your wheelhouse, a new coat of paint will be the answer.

Whether wood or laminate, the bath cabinet can most likely be revamped.  If it’s not structurally stable or you don’t love the look, ditch it, but if it can be used there is a little prep work before you paint…  Start by removing the doors and give them a good cleaning (diluted all-purpose cleaner, wood cleaner, or white vinegar with a little warm water usually works). Lightly sand the surface – using a hand sander is best.  Then add a primer to seal the wood underneath and to give a solid base coat for the paint to adhere to. Then using a roller / brush combination or a hand sprayer, apply at least two coats of paint (read all instructions ahead of time and follow the directions on the product). The transformation will be breathtaking.

Check out this awesome bathroom upgrade with a newly painted cabinet…

hall-bathroom

5 Ways to Upgrade a Bathroom on a Budget: 'After' picture of a newly painted cabinetBefore and After Bathroom space by Centsational Girl

2. Hardware

The layers of any space are key to making it unique and interesting.  An easy upgrade in a bathroom is adding or changing the hardware on the bath cabinet.  I’ve found that bath cabinets often don’t have any knobs or pulls, and once added the cabinet always comes alive.  The cheap builder-grade vanity in my master bath had no hardware, so using a drill, I drilled 2 holes, added crystal knobs, and now the “black dress” is accessorized!

Jazz up an old cabinet with new hardware!

Check out how great this bathroom upgrade looks by The Turquoise Home

Jazz up an old cabinet with new hardware!

Jazz up an old cabinet with new hardware!

I love the new paint color on that cabinet & the new hardware looks fabulous!

3. Lighting

I feel the light fixture in a space is so important.  A fixture can truly make or break a room, and typically I live by the motto GO big, or GO home!  How many of you have those old eye-ball style fixtures with 3 or 5 or 7 bulbs across and every time you walk into the bath you cringe because it’s so bright? {It’s okay to raise your hand}.  Ditch em’!  I’m all for good light in a bath space, but you don’t need a blinding light that is glaring into your eyes every time you enter.  Upgrade to a fixture(s) that is different and maybe not typical for a bathroom.

I’m still loving the $17 light that I found at Lowe’s for my powder room.  The ‘before’ light was fine, but expected.  This light is functional + exciting >

DSC_0165

Unique + Functional lighting in a bathroom can "make" a space!

If you’re on a tight budget for your bath, grab a can of spray paint + a few new glass bulbs, to revamp an old, drab fixture. Check out how Lindsay of Makely Home transformed her bath light >

If you're on a tight budget for your bath, grab a can of spray paint + a few new glass bulbs, to revamp an old, drab fixture.Lindsay also has a great post on finding the perfect bathroom light!

4. Flooring

I know, it sounds like a big, scary project, but it doesn’t have to be!  As you may know, I continually profess my love for groutable luxury vinyl tile (LVT).  It’s a quick, easy (no experience needed), and budget-friendly way to cover up the ugly mess of a floor that you may have.  And if you don’t have an ugly mess of a floor, you might just want a change and LVT flooring is the answer.   There are also a bunch of other flooring out there that you may love and adore, but either way, new flooring will truly jazz up a bathroom hands-down!

Here’s a recent update I shared on how the groutable luxury vinyl tile floor has held up after 2 years.  If you’re thinking of installing this type of flooring in a bath or any space of a home, this is a must-read!

master bathroomm floor

Want proof that a new floor can make for a killer new bathroom, take a look at this before and after bathroom transformation by Roeshel of DIY Show Off

bathroom-makeover-before

New Groutable Luxury Vinyl Tile transforms this blah bathroom into an incredible space

Another idea for an easy flooring upgrade is wood laminate, which most of the time can be installed directly over your existing floor.  Take a look what Jen of I Heart Organizing did with her bathroom reno…

New Groutable Luxury Vinyl Tile transforms this blah bathroom into an incredible space

5. Layers

Last, but certainly not least, but actually the most important…  The Layers!  If you’re on a bare bones budget and have very little to spend, focus on the layers.  What layers? a pretty shower curtain, a simple window treatment (if you’re bath has a view of the exterior), artwork, hooks, shelving, etc.  The layers in any room of the home speak your style and share the story of who you are.

You saw a peek of Jen’s bathroom above, and here is the finished revamp >

The layers of a space are the most important. In a bathroom, incorporate a pretty shower curtain, shelving, artwork, and anything that simply makes you happy.How fabulous of a space and it ‘s mostly all existing and/or DIY!

Another amazing transformation is Paige’s hall bath of Lively Green Door >

The layers of a space are the most important. In a bathroom, incorporate a pretty shower curtain, shelving, artwork, and anything that simply makes you happy.

And lastly, check out this fun bathroom space.  With a few new elements (no fixture changes), look how it has come alive with new paint, a killer light fixture, and a gorgeous shower curtain.

The layers of a space are the most important. In a bathroom, incorporate a pretty shower curtain, shelving, artwork, and anything that simply makes you happy.via BHG

Are you now convinced that a bathroom doesn’t need a full gut to be fabulous?  Who’s ready for a makeover? 

As always, incorporate elements you love & those that are truly meaningful.  Look for inspiration around you before executing, and remember it’s not a race.  Now I’ve gotta get back to looking through all those ugly bathrooms to see which would be perfect for a makeover!  Be sure to check back on Monday to see if it’s yours!

Want to pin & save for later, here you go…

5 Ways to Upgrade a Bathroom on a Budget: Don't neglect a needed bathroom revamp because of cost + no-experience. Instead, embrace what you have and revamp the layers of the existing!

Kitchens are another space in the home that homeowners fear to upgrade because of time and budget.  Totally understandable!  BUT just as the bathroom can be revamped on a budget, so can a kitchen.  Check out my thoughts for 5 Upgrades to a Killer Kitchen

5 Upgrades for a Killer Kitchen

Before and After: Kitchen Makeover

I hope your week is going well and you’ve had some time to shop!

A few weeks ago, I shared a teaser about a kitchen that I just finished up for a local Client. The transformation is pretty spectacular and the space not only looks amazing and is now completely updated, the way it functions is SO much better.

Before and After Kitchen Makeover by @Jenna_Burger, SASinteriors.net

Here is the breakdown of what needed to change with the old kitchen…

Before and After Kitchen Makeover by @Jenna_Burger, SASinteriors.net

To start off, the Client and I evaluated what was wrong with the kitchen and how it was not functioning the best way possible. We discussed widening the space by adding an addition to the outside wall, but the cost would have been way too much. We discussed moving the sink location to the outside wall, but decided the current placement was better. In the end, the only large appliance to be relocated was the refrigerator, since ‘before’, it dominated the main focal wall. Other details that had to be addressed were:

1. The unused space above the upper cabinets

  • There was about 12″ of unused space, so we brought the new cabinets to the ceiling plane which allowed for additional storage, plus the taller cabinets heightened the entire room.

2. We removed the angled wall & countertops

  • The wall that separates the living room and kitchen was extended to define each space more. The layout is still an open concept, put eliminating the angled wall allowed for more definition and cabinet space.

3. The cabinets were dated

  • Enough said about that! The client wasn’t sad to say bye-bye to the old white cabinets.

4. Same with the countertop – dated!

  • The turquoise blue countertop wasn’t a color that they wanted to keep, so that also had to go!

5. The placement of the large refrigerator was dominating the main focal wall

  • Figuring out a new location was tricky! In the end, there was a pipe chase on the other side of the room that was boxed out around 1 pipe. It was crazy that this crucial floor area was going unused. After calling in a plumber and electrician to move the pipe location, the new-found floor area resulted in the new home of the refrigerator.

6. With the refrigerator location moved, wall space was freed up for more cabinetry = more storage!

  • The unused wall space next to the ‘before’ refrigerator allowed us to create a beautiful “china-style” cabinet.

7. Last, but certainly not least was the removal of the “popcorn” ceiling.

  • “Popcorn” ceilings create shadows resulting in the space feeling not as high as it actually is. It’s a pain to take down, but well worth it. For this Kitchen Makeover, the clients tackled it themselves (using Brittany’s tutorial) and they did a damn good job!

So that’s it in a nutshell.

The transformation is incredible.

The cabinets are all from Lowe’s and the team there was very helpful. I worked with the Client every step of the way in choosing the three-toned cabinet colors and all of the other selections. The Lowe’s team was great at helping us with all the nitty-gritty cabinet sizes and options.

AFTER

Before and After Kitchen Makeover by @Jenna_Burger, SASinteriors.net

Before and After Kitchen Makeover by @Jenna_Burger, SASinteriors.net

Before and After Kitchen Makeover by @Jenna_Burger, SASinteriors.net

Before and After Kitchen Makeover by @Jenna_Burger, SASinteriors.net

Before and After Kitchen Makeover by @Jenna_Burger, SASinteriors.net

Before and After Kitchen Makeover by @Jenna_Burger, SASinteriors.net

Before and After Kitchen Makeover by @Jenna_Burger, SASinteriors.net

Before and After Kitchen Makeover by @Jenna_Burger, SASinteriors.net

Before and After Kitchen Makeover by @Jenna_Burger, SASinteriors.net

Before and After Kitchen Makeover by @Jenna_Burger, SASinteriors.net

Tackling a kitchen makeover is quite an endeavour, but if planned out correctly from the start, the process doesn’t have to be overly grueling. My best advice is to plan ahead and choose / purchase all the new selections before anything in the space is touched.

Monogrammed Chevron Pallet Tray

As a Blogger, finding support throughout the blogging community is important for blog growth, friendship, and creative inspiration. For the past several weeks, I’ve joined forces with a few fabulous DIY bloggers and we’ve been helping each other with various aspects of blogging.  Along with our helpful “chats”, we were given a Blogging Challenge by Beckie of Infarrantly Creative to create a DIY project using specific materials – additional items could be added, but it was a must to use the required five.

What did I create you ask?

Well take a look… (and then keep on reading for the details)

Included in our Blogging 2 Better group was Monica & Jess of East Coast Creative, Allison of House of Hepworths, Brook of Being Brook, and Kim of Sand & Sisalall incredibly talented and inspiring women and friends!

To begin, this is the list of items that we were required to use, and actually I pretty much just stuck to the list and didn’t use many additional items.

Fun, but definitely challenging!  I was quite nervous at first trying to think about what to create with these 5 items and then it came to me…  A tray that would be perfect to bring items in and out while BBQing (or even just to display on the coffee table – you know I love trays).

Once I had the idea, my project was quickly underway, especially since I already had a stash of pallets in my garage for a few other projects.

Item #1 – Pallet

To start off, I determined the size of the tray that I wanted to make (17″ x 17″), so the Mister and I measured (4) 17″ long pallet pieces.

Using the reciprocating saw, we buzzed right through that wood :-/

I’m always leary about using the BIG TOOLS (even though my friend Brittany has empowered me with the right skills), but I helped out and made a boo-boo when cutting. No problemo – the Mister came to the rescue with his Band Saw and cleaned the edges right up.  In no time the (4) pieces of pallet were ready to make into a box.

Lining up the corners of the pallet planks, we hammered 2 nails into each corner.

Onto the bottom of the tray…

The only material used that wasn’t on the list was a piece of 1/8″ thick plywood that I used for the bottom of the tray.  Once the pallet “frame” was made, we measured the distance to the outer edges and cut it using the Band Saw.

Once the plywood was cut to the right dimensions, we nailed it onto the bottom of the pallet “frame”.

I gave the overall tray a quick sanding, and within 20 minutes it was done!

Now onto the fun part…  Using my second and third required items, fabric and Mod Podge, I lined the bottom of the tray with a brown and white chevron fabric.

To start off, I spread a nice coat of Mod Podge along the entire bottom of the tray.

Item #2 Mod Podge

Then I added the fabric onto the glue-y surface and made sure to get it nicely in the corners as well.  Make sure the fabric size is larger than the surface because in the next step, I’ll show you how I trimmed it.

Item #3 – Fabric

Once the fabric was well stuck to the Mod Podge, it was time to trim the fabric (this can be done before the glue underneath is dry).  Using a very sharp blade, I dragged it along the edge of the tray to trim the excess fabric.

Once the fabric was cut, I add a layer of Mod Podge OVER the fabric – no worries, it will dry clear!

Once the Mod Podge was dry (fully about 1 day later), it was time to add my last 2 items – the stencil and the color coral.

Using a new Word Doc, I found a font I liked (credit valley) and printed a large letter ‘B’ in lowercase for Burger (my last name).  Then I cut it out with a scissor and traced the outline on the fabric.

Item #4 – Stencil

Then filled in the stencil with a beautiful color coral (it needed about 4 coats, but it didn’t take long).

Item #5 – Coral

And here it is all complete!  My Blogging 2 Better Challenge was done and I was quite happy with the result.  What do you think?  Perfect for the indoors or out!

And you of course have to check out the other B2B Challenge Projects using the same materials.  It’s truly amazing how they’re all SO DIFFERENT!

Rustic Industrial Storage Bins by Monica & Jess of East Coast Creative Blog

Dangle Earring Frame by Allison of House of Hepworths

Fabric Wall Art by Brook of Being Brook

Pallet Art Surfboard by Kim of Sand & Sisal

I’m sure you know all these ladies, but if not, you are REALLY missing out!  Be sure to visit each of their great Challenge projects, as well as their daily DIY creations.

I link my projects to some of these parties: Skip to My Lou, Dittle Dattle, Between Naps on the Porch, Today’s Creative Blog, Stories of A to Z, All Things Heart & Home, Savvy Southern Style, House of Hepworths, Finding Fabulous, Creation Corner, The Shabby Nest, Tatertots and Jello, Thrifty Decor Chick, Tip Junkie

5 Minute Lamp Revamp with Spray Paint and Ribbon

For a while, I was on the hunt for a pair of lamps for the dining room buffet. They couldn’t be overly large, but something that would be unique and add a soft glow.  I had brought home a few options, but nothing was quite right.  Then one day when randomly shopping at HomeGoods for another project, I spotted this treasure –>

It wasn’t perfect, but immediately I had an idea up my sleeve.

Could I ever just leave anything alone?  NOPE!

My immediate idea was to spray paint the globe, but I wasn’t sure what color.  Should the lamp be subtle or dramatic?  Since the lamps were a nice piece of change (around $30 x 2), I thought a quieter color would “live” longer.  So, I hit up my favorite spot at my favorite home improvement store and chose a taupe color with a hint of gold.  Interesting, right?

The color name is Caramel Latte  – sounds scrumptious (I must have missed my morning coffee that day and got my fix another way, hehe).

Before starting the exciting transformation, I covered all the areas of the lamp that I wanted to protect.  So ONLY the basket-style globe was exposed and ready.

Now, I was armed and ready! I started off spraying my new fav color on the black globe area of the lamp. Nope, didn’t work. 

I wanted it to be lighter, so instead I first spray painted the globe white (basically as a primer)…

…THEN applied the Caramel Latte Color.  Yes, that’s what I wanted!

Perfection – DONE! well maybe not?

You know me…  I can never leave well enough alone.  I wanted to embellish the shades a little, so I decided to add two rows of ribbon in a taupe and burnt orange color.

Adding Ribbon to Embellish a Shade

  1. At the lampshade seam, dab a small amount of hot glue on the shade and attach one end of the ribbon.
  2. Wrap the ribbon around the entire shade (no need to glue all the way around). Trim the ribbon, fold over the edge so it doesn’t fray, and glue.
  3. Complete!

In about 10 minutes (well, for me it was 20 because I had two), these lamps got a total makeover and are completely unique for my space!

I hope I’ve inspired you with my Lamp Revamp to think-outside-the-box and create or transform something in your home.  Sometimes with a little spray paint and an idea, your options are limitless!

I link my projects to some of these parties: Skip to My Lou, Dittle Dattle, Between Naps on the Porch, Today’s Creative Blog, Stories of A to Z, All Things Heart & Home, Savvy Southern Style, House of Hepworths, Finding Fabulous, Creation Corner, The Shabby Nest, Tatertots and Jello, Thrifty Decor Chick, Tip Junkie

Outdoor Sculpture Made From Trash

DIY: Outdoor Sculpture using metal straps from an old barrel. Big impact with little work + no cost!

I hope you had a wonderful weekend!  It was a half rainy, half sunny weekend in my neck of the woods, so I took the opportunity to do some thrifting with my mom on Saturday and then some major DIYing on Sunday.  I actually worked on about 6 different DIY projects and am super psyched to share some of them over the next week or two.

One project in particular is a new outdoor sculpture that now sits in my garden that I made using, well…  trash.  It’s kinda crazy, but I love it!

Before the cleanout began for the sideyard makeover (which I’ve mentioned here and there over the last few months), there was an old wood barrel planter sitting in the corner, falling apart, and in desperate need for the trash.  When the time came for the barrel to hit the garbage, there was a DIY fairy that sat on my shoulder telling me to keep the corroded metal straps that once, long ago, kept the barrel together.


I had NO IDEA what I would do with them, but in the shed they went… for about two months… until the revelation hit me… How about making them into a sculpture??  Hmmm… That could work!

There was part of the garden on the sideyard that was bare and instead of planting more flowers, the vacant spot was perfect for my new-found idea.

How to Make the Trash Turned Sculpture

This sculpture took minutes to make – probably less than 10 minutes in all!  Using a drill with a metal drill bit, the Mister and I worked together and drilled 2 holes in each ring.  The holes were placed directly opposite of each other.

Once all the holes were drilled, we aligned the top and bottom holes of each ring.  We secured the rings at the top with a nut and bolt, and for the bottom, we used a 6″ tent stake which went into the ground.

And that was it!  I rotated the rings until the positioning was just right, and then sat back to admire this trash to treasure.

So what do you think?  Pretty neat, right?
What treasures have you made from trash?

I link my projects to some of these parties: Skip to My Lou, Dittle Dattle, Between Naps on the Porch, Today’s Creative Blog, Stories of A to Z, All Things Heart & Home, Savvy Southern Style, House of Hepworths, Finding Fabulous, Creation Corner, The Shabby Nest, Tatertots and Jello, Thrifty Decor Chick, Tip Junkie

Creative Vision Board: Bold Modern Office

Happy Wednesday!  Thanks for stopping by to check out my latest Creative Vision Board.  This new series that I started 3 weeks ago, has been a lot of fun to get my creative juices flowing and keeps me “in-the know” & “up-to-date” on new furniture, accessories, and decor that’s available across the web. Did you know that all the furniture and accessories that I showcase on my Creative Vision Boards are available for anyone to purchase (meaning they’re not to-the-trade only)?  These CVB’s are also a teeny glimpse at what I create for my E-Design clients.

Enough of the chatter, let’s take a look at my latest creation of a Bold & Modern Office

For this week’s Creative Vision Board, I started with the Club Chair in a turquoise colored leather – scrumptious, right?!  In the office, I envision two of these divinely comfortable club chairs off to the side with a black marble-top and silver legged, scalloped side table in between.  What a great place to read a book or review paperwork (or blog, hehe).

Now that you know the starting point for this space, let’s break it down like usual, with my three key factors to create a room – color, texture, and style.

Color

Last week’s CVB was quiet and serene, but since this is a modern office space, it was a must to introduce COLOR!  Starting with the walls, I would use a modern and bold geometric wallpaper on the focal wall behind the white, mirrored credenza. The remaining walls would be covered with wide horizontal stripes in quieter hues of cream and taupe/gray.

The crisp white desk would pop off of the faux cow hide rug which is layered over a dark wood floor and a classic herringbone natural-colored rug. Layers, Layers, Layers!

Other exciting colors in this office would be burnt orange and pistachio, as seen in the ottoman, fabrics, and accessories.

Texture

If you work from home or spend a significant amount of time in your office, it’s important to introduce engaging elements.  One way to do this is through texture.  This office has alot of textural qualities.  From the smooth subtle leather club chair to the faux cow hide rug to the chevron patterned cashmere rug, this office space is filled with texture and pieces you would want to touch all day!

Style

So much style in one space, I wish I could snap my fingers and instantly work in this office!  Don’t you? From classic to modern, this office has a good balance of old and new elements.  One of my favorite pieces in the room is the large, crisp white desk.  The purpose of a traditional desk is there, yet with a modern twist.  It is more open and airy than typical and has a beautiful X-leg.

My Advice to Design a Room Like This

Have fun and be daring when designing an office space. Create a space that is inspiring, engaging, and gets the creative process moving.  This is a room in the house that doesn’t need to be 100% cohesive with the rest.  Yes, bringing in elements from the rest of the house is nice, but you can truly make it a statement on it’s own.

Thanks for stopping by to check out my latest Creative Vision Board.  Has it inspired you to revamp your office?  Have you created an office space that you love being in?

* Creative Vision Board Disclaimer: Some CVBs are created for specific clients and others are created by me to inspire you.  Either way, specific resources are not provided because these are the types of creations that clients pay me for and if I gave the information away for free, no one would hire me.  BUT if you’re interested in specific pieces seen on my Creative Vision Boards or want to create the exact look in your space, you can gladly pay a nominal fee for the resources.  Nothing on my Creative Vision Boards are to-the-trade only and everything can be found on the internet. Also, if you have a question about a specific resource then my One-Question Consult would be perfect for you and/or if you’re looking for a new, custom created CVB, then you might want to take a look at my Jump Start Design option.  If you have a question about anything, email me!

Creative Vision Board: Serene and Sophisticated Bedroom

I’ve been super psyched for Wednesday to arrive so I could share my newest, latest, and greatest Creative Vision Board.  After last week’s Red Hot Eclectic Living Room board started off the series, I was hard at work conceptualizing and creating my latest “room”.

If you’re new to this Wednesday ritual, every hump day (a.k.a. Wednesday) I will create and share a new Creative Vision Board for a room in the home, then I’ll break-it-down explaining how I created the board and how you can create something similar for your space.

Drumroll please for this week’s, Serene & Sophisticated Bedroom Creative Vision Board

For this week’s CVB, I started with the chevron side table lamps (which in reality would be placed in front of the lamps on the nightstand).  Lighting often ‘makes’ a room, and just like last week, it was where I started when pulling this space together.  Because of the mere WOW-factor that these chevron beauties make, the other larger selections in the room took a backseat to compliment this dominant fixture.

Let’s jump in and break down the room even further using my three key factors to make a room: color, texture, and style.

Color

For me, a bedroom should be calming and serene, creating a heavenly oasis to retreat to after a long, exhausting day.  Believe me, I love color, but keep the vibrant hues for the other spaces in the home. With the deep navy and white on the lamp, I decided to introduce other blue tones into the space which can be seen in the rug and pillows.

Additionally to add a pop of color, I introduced the accent color of lime green – just a little goes a long way – that can be seen in the pillows and the garden stool, which would be perfect as a side table next to the chair.

Soft tones for the bedding, window treatments, wallpaper, and wall color are a perfect backdrop for this bedroom.

Texture

Tactile surfaces are a must for me when designing a space.  Whether a soft rug, grasscloth wall, or a high-polished lamp, texture in a room gives great depth and dimension!  A room could be all one color (bo-ring), but when different textures are introduced, it becomes completely engaging.  In this ‘room’, texture can be seen in the bamboo shades, the linen draperies, and the soft leather stool.  Even the chandelier has a textural quality.  Ooo, so much to touch!

Style

From classic to modern, this room is filled with elements of various styles, yet still reads as one cohesive space. One of my favorite elements in the room is the minimal, slightly-retro style chair with the orange and white floral fabric. What a divine chair for reading!

My Advice to Design a Room Like This

Start with the larger pieces in the room – the bed, chair, chandelier – and then introduce soft finishes and accessories that enhance the overall look and compliment the larger elements.  Think about the feelings that you want your bedroom to evoke and introduce colors that will project that aesthetic.

Thanks for checking out my latest Creative Vision Board – what do you think?  Would you love a bedroom like this?  If you have questions regarding any of the specific pieces shown in my Creative Vision Board, you can gladly contact me and we can work together through my E-Design service. Until next week… Happy Decorating!

* Creative Vision Board Disclaimer: Some CVBs are created for specific clients and others are created by me to inspire you.  Either way, specific resources are not provided because these are the types of creations that clients pay me for and if I gave the information away for free, no one would hire me.  BUT if you’re interested in specific pieces seen on my Creative Vision Boards or want to create the exact look in your space, you can gladly pay a nominal fee for the resources.  Nothing on my Creative Vision Boards are to-the-trade only and everything can be found on the internet. Also, if you have a question about a specific resource then my One-Question Consult would be perfect for you and/or if you’re looking for a new, custom created CVB, then you might want to take a look at my Jump Start Design option.  If you have a question about anything, email me!