Guest room update.

My dad asked me how my guest room makeover was coming along today.

"Dad, it's taking me forever. I could probably get it done in 4 days but it's impossible when you have little kiddos."

He then told me he just watched The Bridges of Madison County and paraphrased a line from the movie, "When you have kids you put your life on hold to watch their lives grow. Then when they're grown and you pick your own life back up you don't know where to begin."

Preachin' to the choir.

So here's my slow progress on my latest room makeover.

I found these amazing green trellis sheets at HomeGoods several moons ago. I actually purchased them for a client who has run in to some snags so her room has been put on hold. Collecting dust in my closet I thought I'd put them to good use. I'm using them for a few things (don't want to prematurely ruin the suprise) but I will reveal that I cut them up and made a bedskirt. I simply detached the existing ruffle from the muslim and sewed on a new skirt. I will also reveal that I've given up on sewing machine. The thread broke 10 times while I was truckin' along. What up? I fooled around with the thread tension on my needle and bobbin to the extent of a few explicitives...still can't figure the darn thing out. Any ideas?

$16.00 on clearance (although I would have paid full price).

I was so thrilled I bought the last three sets.

I have to wait until my husband comes home to help me lift the mattress but here it is anyway.

During my Vegas thrift adventure I found this lamp for $5.00!

Check out who else found it:

(Image via Eddie Ross).

(Image via Little Green Notebook).

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Cutting Edge Stencil Giveaway.

Wallpaper is all the rage these days and I'm a huge fan. However, if you're not ready to fully commit to the cost, the involved application and what it may do to your walls then you may want to give Cutting Edge Stencils your consideration. They've become wildly popular for the versatility, selection and easy use. Plus if you decide you're ready for a change over time, you can just paint right over it.

You may remember I stenciled my Arizona guest bathroom ceiling with the "Trellis All Over" stencil with great results.

Photo by: Wondertime Photo

Here are more stunning examples from Cutting Edge Stencils:

Stencils can even be used on projects other than walls!

  Want to try your hand at stenciling?

It's easier than you think...

Cutting Edge Stencils will give away one stencil up to $50.00 to one lucky winner.

-Go to Cutting Edge Stencil's website here and let me know which stencil you'd pick if you were to win.

-For an extra entry "Like" them on Facebook here.

Leave a comment on this post. 

Giveaway will close Monday, 11/28/11 at midnight, MST, winner chose via Random.org.

Want to get your own stencil or one as a gift?

You can get 10% off your next purchase by entering code: "4ML10". 

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Guest bathrm before & after.

Our guest bathroom is done (for now) so it's time to reveal.

I first have to thank a few people for their contributions to this project.

-Thank you to my wonderful handyman husband for helping me position and reposition the stencil at least 150 times at midnight and helped me with the crown molding. All this without questioning my sanity.

-My sincerest thanks to my dear friend Michelle who is also the genius behind Wondertime Photo and snaps all the "after's" in my home. With no trace of natural light anywhere in the bathroom it was not the most ideal space to photograph. At one point Michelle turned off all the lights, used a long exposure and was able to get great shots. Who woulda thought? Talk about a professional. Thanks for being such a cheerleader.

-Last but not least, thank you to my project sponsors Dutchboy paints, Cutting Edge Stencils and Ghost Nest Hardware for sending me their fabulous products to test. More about their products this week.

Here we are before.

If you remember this house is not even three years old so everything is still in very new condition... just very "builder bland". My challenge was to simply spruce it up.

AFTER.

The first thing I did was paint all the walls in a calm, neutral color called Stonewall Jackson by Dutch Boy. Then I replaced the mirror with this framed mirror. It was once gold and hanging above my piano.
I also painted the cabinet black.

I Stenciled the ceiling with this great trellis pattern and added crown molding. It is one of Cutting Edge Stencil's newest patterns. That was a task! I had silver paint in my hair for days after I finished this because I sponged it rather than rolled it on.

Next, I changed out the existing, generic light for this very affordable and eclectic barn light in red. I once read somewhere (someone help me out here) that a designer said every room is worthy of a bold pop of red. Here's that advice fulfilled.

Couldn't ignore the hardware details. These unique knobs are from Ghost Nest. They are meaningful to me because I grew up in the Beehive State (Utah). More about this cool company this week.

Then I added some art and accessories. I found this bird (cast iron? REALLY HEAVY!) at Tumbling Tumbleweed Antiques. It was all rusted and felt too shabby chic so I modernized it by spraying it yellow. Before I accessorized this room it felt a little monochromatic. It really needed some pops of unifying color so or course I added bold hits of yellow.

This vintage cabinet was my most fun score. I looked for months for something to fill this odd little space with funky dimensions. I found it at the Paris Flea Market here in Tucson for $10.00. I covered the shelves in wrapping paper then took off the door so I could use it as storage and display.

This frame is from HomeGoods and was gold. I diy'ed it up a bit by spray painting it yellow. I then did my own little take on the "Keep Calm and Carry On" print and made my own reminder to my boys with the help of my computer.

When I was in Lexington Virginia I found this antique soap dish attached to a marble block.

Sources:

All photo images courtesy of: Wondertime Photo

Paint: Stonewall Jackson by Dutch Boy

Stencil: Cutting Edge Stencils

Knob Hardware: Ghost Nest

Red Light: Barn Light Electric

Art above toilet: Be Expert

Sisal Rug: Cost Plus

Shower Curtain: Urban Outfitters

Yellow Bird: Tumbling Tumbleweed Antiques (Tucson, AZ)

Vintage Cabinet: Paris Flea Market

Vintage Locker Basket: Paris Flea Market

Mirror above sink: Estate Sale Find

Yellow frame: HomeGoods

Archipelago Candle and Diffuser: A Fine Line Boutique

This week I'll post more about my project sponsors and diy projects in this room. Stay tuned!

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all I want for Christmas is...

As many of you know, I'm enamored with the idea that good design doesn't have to cost a fortune. I just love when second-hand furniture and clever people come together to produce magic.

I spied these chairs on Craigslist for $25.00 each. It took all my strength not to pick up the phone and buy them from the seller on the spot. Some new cushions and they'd be dynamite. Reminded me a lot of Joi's chairs from Nuestra Vida Dulce.

Speaking of Joi, have you seen her blog? This girl speaks my language.
Check out her living room.

She has serious vision when it comes to the potential of furniture. A lot of her furniture picks are pieces my grandma may have had in her living room.

Before.


After.

This ain't yo gramma's living room!

How about those ceiling medallions?...Genius.

Coffee table...$20.00 yard sale find.

Trellis pillows...sheets from Homegoods.

End table...$20.00 Craigslist makeover.

Her kitchen before.

After:


My favorite of all is a feature she does called, "What's Good in Your Hood?" She picks a reader's city and scours Craigslist for the best scores. She is to Craiglist what Eddie Ross is to flea markets.

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Stuff for sale!

Our backyard playground is covered with snow.  With three boys stuck inside, my home suddenly seems much smaller.  That could only mean it's time to finish the basement so my rambunctious boys have a place to rough-house all winter long.  

The current state of the basement is packed with furniture that I have collected and intend to use "someday".  Well someday is here and it's time for it all to go...sadly.  It's all going on Craigslist (and KSL for you Utah folk).  In the meantime, I thought I'd offer my loyal blog readers a chance to get in on the loot.  

Unfortunately it's local pick-up only (Salt Lake City, UT) unless you want to arrange your own shipping.  Email me if you see something you have to have...smhinckley at yahoo dot com.

First come, first serve (unless you reserve with Paypal payment).

Vintage School  Chairs: $15.00 each.  Buy four or more: $10.00 each.

3 turquoise and salmon: available. (SOLD).


4 mulit-colored chairs: SOLD.

Three yellow: available. (SOLD).

2 peachy-salmon, 1 yellow: available. (Peach sold, yellow available).

2 salmon: available.

(SOLD).
1 light tan: available.
4 darker tan: available.

Vintage nut/candy machine: $30.00.

Bamboo tables (made of metal and glass):
Measure: 17.5 x 17.5 x 18 (high).
$20.00 each.
(SOLD)

Large clock.
Measures 29 in. high.
$30.00.
(SOLD)

AV cart painted yellow.
Could be used as an end table, tv stand, drink cart, night stand, etc.
$25.00.
Measures: 26 x 24 x 18(high)
(SOLD).

2 green AV carts:
$25.00
Measures 26 x 24 x 18(high).
(Both SOLD).

2 available.
One has rusted a bit: $5.00
(SOLD)

2 re-upholstered wingback chairs in white vinyl with black piping.
Notice unique arm rests.
Very sad to see these go but I just don't have the room for them...weep, weep.
$250. each. (SOLD)

Vintage grand, curved back wingback chair.
$50.00
(SOLD).

Vintage black chandelier with crystals.
$150.00
(SOLD)

Two black bookshelves with adjustable shelves from World Market.
$45.00 each.
72 high x 15 deep x 39 wide  (measurements taken from crown molding)
(SOLD)

Pottery Barn Bedford desk.
PB currently has this listed as shown for $807.00 (not including tax and shipping). See here.
Will sell for $350.00 (in great condition). (SOLD).

Desk on casters, $25.00
Measures: 24.5 x 30 1/4 x 27.5 tall.
(SOLD)

Vintage yellow lamps.
(I actually sold these...long story...I have them again).
Wiring has been updated on one.
$100. for the pair.
(SOLD)

 As seen on:

Via.

Via.

Vintage sailboat lamp:
$30.00

White lamp: $10.00. (SOLD)

New blue and white trellis duvet cover with two shams. $25.00. Will ship. (SOLD)
I bought this a year ago and finally just took it out of the package to look at it yesterday.
Unfortunately it's not going to work with the color scheme in my room.
Could use as a duvet or you could use the material to make curtains, pillows, etc.

Email me if interested in anything you see:
smhinckley at yahoo dot com.

 

 

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