How to create that magazine look using Craigslist, Ikea, and the internet.

Most people think they have to spend thousands of dollars to create that House Beautiful, Traditional Home or Veranda look. In truth, those designers usually do spend large amounts of money on products. How many times have you loved something in the picture, quickly flip back to the resource guide only to find "To the trade only" or find the site and that one candle holder was $369!!!!

Chairs found on Craigslist and reupholstered, rug ordered online using 20% new customer discount

I get a lot of jobs by letting my clients know that mixing the high and low is real the most bang for your buck!! Take a look at a few of these photos and guess what you think is high and low....

Potted Arrangement using stems at JoAnn Fabrics $3.99 a stem

Linen Blend Napkins Ikea $6.99 four pack

White Plates from World Market set of 12 for $19.99

See there are plenty of ways to save money and still get that designer look everyone wants in their home.

Do you have a high, low project you'd like to share?

DIY Sunburst Ceiling Medallion

We all come across blog posts and think "I am going to do that!" ...and then reality sets in! (At least for me anyways). But I have been eyeing this gorgeous ceiling fixture but just can't justify the 550$!!

Isn't this gorgeous Large Olive Leaf Chandelier

I still need to change the wall fixture to sconces and patch up the holes, sounds daunting just thinking
about it all. Plus we do plan on moving soon.

 Then it hit me, (in an email) this awesome trick from a blog lady I just love over at Simple Details.  I have seen the mirror she used and knew I wanted something similar.

So heres my rendition!

I must have walked past this at Target a million times

Original color is black with gold tips but I always have a can of  Rustoleum Metallic Gold

After a quick spray coat of gold, I hung this beauty up by the twist ties that came in the box where the recessed can supports are !! BAR-GAIN!!!!

I know I need to get one of those fancy cameras to really show off this beauty. I'm working on that soon! But for now I'm super thrilled!

Dark floors, light walls

Whoa have I been busy! With so much going,  2 design projects and my own house in total disarray my blog has taken a back seat. Well friends I'm sharing some updates! 

A while back I showed how taking the carpet off the stairs was going to not only save money but really make a huge impact on our house. Beware this project is NOT for the cleaning fanatic or impatient type (me). There has been dust everywhere, smells, sore arms,bengay and heating pads involved in this project! 

Somehow I missed reading that line in all the blogs I read prior to this. But we are getting to the home stretch. My floors are done! Gorgeous Rustoleum Kona! 

The pine treads stained beautifully dispute the argument. With the floor company and even the landing on my front set of stairs look amazing with just the 1st coat of poly.

So now it's time for the walls. Going with the whole pale Greige craze will look amazing the buttery cream we have now is not bad but it's time to update the kitchen paint so might as well make it even all around. The whole open concept really forces to pick a neutral color and Benjamin Moore's Edgecomb Gray (middle)is the ticket! Although Revere Pewter(bottom) is the top choice these days it's just too purple looking in my walls. It's amazing how paint changes in every light. The top color was my mix of Edgecomb mixed with  25% white, but not enough depth for me!

So light it is. Ill keep you posted on that reveal and pics to come soon from an amazing master and powder bath make over!

the HUNTED INTERIOR: Lacquer Tray How To

the HUNTED INTERIOR: Lacquer Tray How To:

Get back to work!

So after starting this blog and obsessively following many other design blogs our there, I'm ready to jump back in! I've started a few new projects that I wanted to share, as well as some old ones. Although I would hope that at age 34, I am smarter than a fifth grader, bare with me as I jump into this blogging world! Have a great weekend!

My kitchen before

And after

Old sofa turned modern glam for my fabulous friend +Amanda Moran @AskAmandaMoran

More to come...