Bathroom Progress

I have been diligently working away on my bathroom as time (and energy. . . and funds. . .) allow. There are still SEVERAL things on the to-do list but I was so excited to share the progress, I couldn't help but take some pictures last night! Here is what we started out with:

Before

And here is the progress to date:

So far I have painted the walls, ceiling, vanity and replaced the mirror (that I had to paint too.) We replaced the light fixture and added new hardware to the vanity. New shower curtain, bath towels (not shown) and artwork have been added as well. I think with the few cosmetic changes the space is looking much better already!

Like I said, there is still a lot to do (ie: replace the outdated counter top, sink and faucet as well as add a tile backslash.) The boyfriend says the beige toilet needs to go too (and I won't argue with that!) I am still on the hunt for the perfect rug, as well as additional artwork. The space is a work in progress, but what room in my house isnt?!

Featured Designers: Bonesteel Trout Hall

This talented group of women from southern California have a portfolio that makes me drool with envy! Heidi Bonesteel, Michelle Trout and Jill Hall compromise Bonesteel Trout Hall which has been recognized among America's successful design firms. They have done work all over the world ranging from residential projects, hotel resorts and even yachts. You can view their entire portfolio here, but take a look at a few of my favorites spaces;

Finding Balance

Young House Love  did a post today on bedroom formulas that instantly create a pulled together space. You know the equation - two identical bedside tables, two matching lamps, a patterned duvet, bed skirt, headboard or throw pillows, a focal point above the bed, and a rug on the floor and badabing, dababoom you have a fabulous looking bedroom! Of course this is some really great, simple decorating advice, but what about mixing it up a bit and still achieving balance?

Take for example this bedroom that was featured on La Dolce Vita recently. I adore this space more than words can express! I love that it is pulled together using 'collected' peices of furniture and accessories and that it doesn't follow the typical 'bedroom equation'. This chic bedroom space still has a strong sense of balance, but it has a more personal feel to it. Sorting through my inspiration files on bedrooms I only came across a couple of images that showcase this unique decorating style. Obviously it is a lot easier to create balance with matching peices flanking the bed, but don't completely dismiss the idea of mixing and matching using your favorite things!

home decorate

You can have a classy home on a modest budget. A beautifully modern home, tastefully done, is possible. Even on a prudent budget. Start your home makeover with simplicity. A crowded, cluttered up room full of decorations and furnishings and furniture looks tacky in comparison to a simple, almost spartan home.
The trick is to go minimalist.

The time for lavish spending on white elephants is over. Now is the time to learn from the Shakers and go simple. Form and function. Everything should have a reason to be in a room. Everything in the room should go with the decor and the color scheme. Pare down your furniture and furnishings to the bare minimum. Keep only the best items which go with your color scheme and with the style of your home.

Creative Ways to Use Wallpaper

There are so many different ways you can use wallpaper to spruce things up around your house, the possibilities are just about darn near endless! Take a look at some great, unexpected ways of putting wallpaper to use in your home. 

Use wallpaper to line the backs of a boring bookshelf to create a custom looking piece of furniture!

Here, wallpaper is used to create a backslash and to line the upper, open cabinets. I love this look!

Wallpaper isn't just for walls, you know. Mix things up a bit by installing it on the ceiling instead!

Did you know they make wallpaper that looks like bead board?! You can use it to transform a boring end cabinet, use it as a back splash, or wrap it around an entire room! I haven't seen this in person yet but from what I hear, it looks pretty darn good!

I love this boring old file cabinet that was transformed into a sleek piece of office furniture using wallpaper!

Do you have lots of wallpaper samples lying around? Why not frame them to create a gallery of graphic patterns and designs?!

Want the impact of wallpaper, but you want to take it with you when you move? Problem solved!

Here is another example of framed wallpaper. I would LOVE to have an office that looked like this!

Coolest. Clipboards. Ever.

Who says the inside of a closet can't be decorated?! You can use wallpaper to spruce up the inside of an otherwise boring closet!

 

This wallpaper design mimics a tile pattern and creates a stunning focal point in this large room

I'm not sure how I feel about this application of wallpaper on the fronts of cabinets. However, it takes 'thinking outside of the box' to a new level and I am sure it's a great way to hide otherwise ugly cabinets.

This is a little bit more my cup of tea. What a fun surprise each time you open the cabinet door!

Here, wallpaper is used to create a bulletin board for this chic office space. 

You can use wallpaper to create a custom wainscot, like Kate from Centsational Girl did!

This awkward little nook becomes the star of the room once the wallpaper was installed!

I love this example of using wallpaper in an unexpected way, flanking either sides of a fireplace and installing it on a coordinating painted wall.

Always a favorite of mine - line the insides of a chest of drawers with a fun, graphic wallpaper. It will make you smile every time you open the drawer!

Pass the pillows please

I stumbled on a great, new (to me!) online resource for fabric and throw pillows and thought I would share. Imagine Fabrics not only sells some really fun stuff, but there price points are fantastic as well!  I'm always on the hunt for great pillows at reasonable prices. Most pillows at Imagine Fabrics range from $12 to $29. There is a large assortment to choose from ranging from geometric and graphic prints, floral designs, modern pillows, and several Merimekko designs. Here's a few of my favorites:

$12.95

$15.95

$29.95

$26.95

$24.95

$20.95

$21.95

$24.95

$13.95

What's your favorite resource for pillows? Please share!

Room of the day

Contact Me

Mary J. Jackson

Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments at:

mary_jpmdesign@yahoo.com

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

I am loving the juxtaposition of a rustic farmhouse table combined with sleek, mid-century modern chairs! There is just something about this look that I can't get enough of!

via Houzz

 

via Design Sponge

via Vicente Wolf

What do you think? Love it or hate it?