Cheap & easy framing solution

I am still working away at getting Baby K's nursery pulled together and Saturday I was feeling, not only creative, but also motivated.  That can be a dangerous combination for me and scary for my husband because he never knows what he might be coming home too...

I had been thinking of adding just a couple more simple prints to the nursery but didn't make it to Target before the weekend (my closest Target is ~60 miles away,  poor me huh?) to get frames.  So what's a girl to do?  Improvise! I came up with this cheap and easy framing solution and I really like how it turned out!  All it took was a few supplies that I already had on hand!

Here is what you need:

Frame mat

Pick any size you want, since I already had an 8x10 frame on the same wall, I opted for 5x7 prints, plus this is what I had on hand.  These are dirt cheap, maybe a $1-2 depending on where you shop.  You can always use an old mat frame too.

Push Pins

These work as your "nail." I feel better about using these pins than I do pounding nails into my walls... I happened to have clear push pins (bulletin board pins) on hand so that's what I used. You can get creative here since there are so many great colors, and styles!

Binder Clips

I used small/medium size binder clips that were silver.  I also had light blue on hand but since I'm going for gender neutral I opted for silver.  So many awesome colors of binder clips out there too!

Art

There are so many awesome bloggers out there who offer FREE art for you to print. Just do a quick search on Pinterest.  There are also a lot of great Etsy shops that offer inexpensive printable downloads.  I purchased my two prints from a Sandy Hook fundraiser awhile back that Brickyard Buffalo was hosting.  Out of respect for the fundraiser and sellers, I'm not able to share them with you.

Here is what you do:

1. Pick out your artwork.

2. Laminate it (optional).  I did laminate mine so as temperatures changed, the paper wouldn't curl or do anything funny. 

3. Center it in the mat and secure it with tape.

4. Stick the push pin in the wall.

5. Hang the mat on the push pin using the binder clip.

Ta Daa!!  See SUPER simple.

For a sneak peek of our nursery, go here. 

In case you're curious what a pregnant lady looks like taking pictures, or wears to church on a hot day, here's a quick 35-week selfie for you!

I like decorating, but not for holidays...

It's true. I'm an aspiring interior stylist who loves to decorate homes but could care less when it comes to decorating for the holidays... any of them. Have you ever heard of such a thing?!  This doesn't mean I don't love the season or the reason for the season because I truly do.  I love everything about it - the meaning of Christmas, the joy, and excitement, and extra time with family. But, I could do without the decorating.

Growing up it was SO exciting to get home from school and see that mom had decorated the house for Christmas! It was like Christmas morning!! I still wish I could walk into my home one day after work and have it be decorated for me. :)

This may be because we live in a relatively small house (poor excuse), or the fact that it's a lot of work to clean, decorate, store your every day stuff, and re-clean (I sound lazy) but more than likely  its because we don't have kids and are gone through nearly the whole holiday season.  I know that when we do have kids, I will turn decorating the house into a huge deal for them just like my mom did for us!

Last Saturday I finally gave in and brought the holiday spirit into our house for Adam and I. I must admit its kind of fun to turn on all of our Christmas lights at the end of the day.  If one of us gets home before the other, we make sure to turn on our Christmas lights so it's "Surprise! Your home" every time we walk through the door!

Here is a little taste of my simple Christmas decorating....

These bells on our front door handle double as a door bell since we forgot to install one when we added on our entryway.  Ooops! :)

I made use of a lot of free printables from other bloggers this year - I love them! Just do a Pinterest search for "free Christmas printables!"

So, who wants to come over on January 1 to take down Christmas decorations for me? I'll have drinks!

Decor Items I'm Loving

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

Here are a few items that have been catching my eye lately as I am working on client e-designs. I keep trying to decide how and where I can get them to fit them in my home, especially the trunk - I think it would make a perfect coffee table. Too bad our living room is really small. :(  

Since I may not be able to figure out how to get these things in my home right now I figured you might like them for yours?!  Enjoy!

September Wish List

Do you all ever have those few things that you would love to have and you just can't seem to get them out of your head?  I do and these are it!  Introducing my September wish list...

One. 14x20 Gold Polka Dot Pillow | Goods By Grinn

Two. Cannon EF 50mm f/1.8 lens | Amazon

Three. Caitlin Wilson Petals Pillow | Waiting on Martha

Four. Hairbrush, Comb, & Bobby Pins Print | Rifle Paper Co.

I believe that if these items are on my mind, I should probably have them, right?!  What items do you want that you just can't get out of your mind?! Let me know in the comments - I want to know so I can check them out and add them my wish list. :)

Announcing Design-To-Go!

Happy Monday!! I hope you all had a great weekend.... we welcomed a new puppy to our family and went to a friends wedding.  All-in-all it was a pretty darn good weekend!

However, I am excited to kick off the week with a fun little announcement - I am adding "Design-To-Go" to my little interior design blog!  A personal goal of mine is to start a virtual interior design business as an extension of my blog so I can continue to inspire people to live a beautiful life by helping them design a space they love to live in.

Here is how it works...

Every month I will add new virtual room designs to my Design To Go page.  The design will include paint, furniture, flooring, lighting, accessories, everything that a custom mood board would include.

For only $25 everyone will have the opportunity to purchase the design!  With your purchase you will receive a JPG file of the design board, the shopping list for all of the items in the space, and a series of design tips that will help you pull the space together.

To purchase, send an email to designyourdwellingblog (at) gmail.com with "Design To Go" in the subject line.  Once I receive payment through PayPal I will send you the design board, shopping list, and design tips!

Here are the first two designs that are available to you for purchase...

Living Room

(Design available until 8/12/13 - Slight revisions can be made for $10/item or paint color)

Home Office

(Design available until 8.12.13 - Slight revisions can be made for $10/item or paint color)

To purchase either (or both) of these designs, email designyourdwellingblog (at) gmail.com.

I am definitely excited to launch Design To Go! What do you think?!

P.S. - Custom mood boards are still available. :)

Client Update - Modern Living Space

I just completed a design that totally pushed me out of my comfort zone and guess what?! It was SO fun and has completely inspired my love of color! :)

The design clients purchased this design from a silent auction that was hosted by my office for breast cancer awareness month.  It feels so good to work with people who love to do good for others.

Out of respect for my clients, I do not share the item source list.  However, if you are interested in your own custom design board I would love to help you out.  Go here to get started or email me at designyourdwellingblog (at) gmail.com! :)

Hope you all have a fantastic week ahead! :)

Vintage Finds - Where They Ended Up!

A week or so ago I went to a vendor show being held in my local community and came across these awesome vintage finds!   I was especially thrilled to find the suitcase.  I had been looking for one to hold cards at our wedding. Two ladies started this small business called Dumpster Divas.  Their hobby is going to sales and re-purposing items they find - they so many awesome items!

Right after I got home I took a quick picture and uploaded it to Instagram (@beth_dydblog) and told everyone to "stay tuned" to find out where they sweet finds ended up in my home! Here is where they are now...

The spiral bud vase in part of a little vignette on my dining room table.  I replaced the original flower stem with a $2 peony stem from WalMart.  

My original plan for the tin drawer was to fill it with ice and use it as a wine cooler but after trying that out during a ladies night I hosted, I found out it leaks.  Now I need to find a new purpose for it... Oh well - it's still super cute!

I have never really be into the empty frame look but I loved the color of this blue one and now I love the style of empty frames and think I would like to do a little more decorating with them.  A whole collage maybe?! This one ended up on the night stand in the guest bedroom.  This frame will be super easy to re-purpose  (I'll show you my "spring" guest bedroom next week!)

As for the suitcase, it's sitting in my office, waiting for our wedding! 

DIY State Art

It's been awhile since I've shared a DIY project with you all so I thought this would be a fun little post this week!

We recently finished our new entryway (I hope to get a post up soon) and I've slowly begun the decorating process.  I've had a vision for this DIY project going into our entryway for a long time.  It's really easy and only takes an afternoon to complete.

What you need >>

Canvas

Old map of your state (of course you can buy a new one, but they are expensive.)

Chipboard letters (you can buy a whole package at Hobby Lobby)

Red construction paper

White spray paint

Mod Podge and sponge brush

What to do >>

Step 1| Glue your chipboard letters to to your canvas.

Step 2| Spray paint your canvas with white spray paint. You many need to spray a few light coats to give it the best possible coverage.

Step 3| While the spray paint is drying cut out your state and your little "marker." I used a heart.

Step 4| Once the spray paint is try, Mod Podge the spot on your canvas where you wan the state and immediately lay put your state on the canvas.  

Step 5| Using your sponge brush, apply a layer of Mod Podge over the state and lay your "marker" down on top of your town. Let the Mod Podge dry.

Step 6| Add another layer of Mod Podge and let it dry.

Step 7| Hang this awesome piece of DIY state art on your wall!

Pretty simple, but looks great! :)  

If you decide to do this DIY project, I would love to see it!  Send it to me on Twitter or post it on the Design Your Dwelling Facebook page!

Holiday House Tour of Our Home

Welcome to the virtual holiday tour of our home! I would be fibbing if I told you that I transformed my home into a winter wonderland.  Instead, we just add a little Christmas decor here and there to make it feel festive.

Enjoy...

Instead of going all-out with personal ornaments this year, I kept the tree pretty simple with a few traditional ornaments and snowflakes to give an ombre effect.

I always have a DIY project going... this was a simple paper mache letter project.  All you need is paper mache letters, Christmas scrapbook paper, and mod-podge.

Instead of changing out all of my current decor, I just mix in a few Christmas colors.

Our dining room table is pretty simple... and for some reason I can't resist hanging things over the back of chairs (below).

At night, the lights behind the sheers look awesome and so wedding-esk!

My new Christmas card display idea consists of ribbon and clothes pins on a door.  Love it!!

I'm pretty sure I have an ornament of some sort  hung over every door knob in our house.  Since we forgot to put a doorbell on the outside of the house when we were building the garage and entry (can you believe we forgot, who forgets that! ha!!) the bells on the door have come in handy!

The wreath serves as a nice little buffer over the window so we don't look straight into the garage.

Please don't mind my modest, unfinished entry way.  As I write this post, the trim is getting put up and that will mark the project complete - probably the best Christmas present I will receive! :)  

I hope you enjoyed this quick holiday house tour! :)

Client Home: Celebrating Christmas

Over the last week I had the opportunity to help a client decorate her home for a local Christmas tour of homes.  Here is a virtual tour of her home all gussied up for Christmas!

Their home is a beautiful Victorian home. They have completely remodeled the second and third floor of their home as well as the kitchen so it didn't take much to beautify this home for "tourists" since they were most interested in the remodeling that has taken place. Regardless, we did make sure to bring the feel of Christmas into each room of their home.  Here are some of the highlights!

Entryway

Family Room

This room is the first room you step into when you enter their home.  She had a vision for the tree to be decorated in gold so we did just that and added in some silver so the tree would shimmer and shine.  Plus, you can see the tree from the outside window.  To add a fun element to the tree, I found these snowflakes and believe it or not, they are gift tags!  While we decorated the house, her two daughters made these DIY coasters.

Dining Room Table

We kept the table simple with a festive flare.  I found the red metallic burlap fabric at JoAnn fabrics and ordered enough to make two table runners.  The centerpiece was easy - all we did was spray paint paint wine bottles.  For place markers, we filled clear ornaments with faux snow, wrote names on them and attached tied them to the back of the chairs.

Buffet Table

The buffet in the dining room is a beautiful antique piece of furniture.  Our favorite element on this buffet is the reindeer silhouette. (I'll share the tutorial!) Simple things like holiday serving platters make all the difference when decorating your home for the holidays - they are so festive and fun!

Christmas Card Display

This idea for displaying Christmas cards was so easy and so unique!  It adds a ton of holiday flare to the kitchen without getting in the way of functionality.  All you need is Christmas ribbon, clothes pins, and painters tape!

Family Tree

Family trees are my favorite!  I love all of the memories that they hold! :)

I hope you enjoyed this holiday home tour and found some ideas to use in your home!  If you have questions about any of the decorations like how-to's or where we found something, leave a comment below!

Fall Guest Bedroom

Welcome back from the weekend!

If you follow me on Facebook you've probably been reading a few posts about my desire to decorate a bedroom for fall/winter after paging through the most recent Pottery Barn catalog.  Well, I did it and I love it!  

Plaid Flannel Sheets: Target // Brown Paisley Shams: West Elm // White duvet: Target // Grey afghan: gift

Yellow Canvas Print: Target (old) // Lamp & lamp shade: Target // Greyhound statue: Target

Plaid Scarf: mall kiosk

Wood tray: Target // Plaid scarf: mall kiosk

The whole room update cost around $50 - flannel sheets, lamp shade, and wood tray.  I already had pretty much everything I wanted in the room is just a matter of re-purposing it from another space in my house.  The plaid scarves added the extra warm feel that I was going for and they aren't as bulky as a throw might be.  

I wish that I could have decorated our master bedroom for fall, but flannel sheets and a down comforter don't go over well with the "Mr."

So - who wants to be a guest this fall?! :)

Picture Frame Makeover with Contact Paper

Lately I have discovered some really good finds at my local TJ Maxx store including some great contact paper with a geometric print!  I bought it having no idea what I was going to do with it, just one of those "nice to have on hand" type of crafty things.

Lone behold, I came up with this idea to recover a picture frame mat with it.  I was looking from some new artwork to hang in our bedroom anyhow!

This was a really simple update and worth the risk of me not liking it since the frame was a cheap-o from Michael's and I have to rolls of this contact paper.  Just keep in mind that this is really sticky stuff so make sure you get it straight on the contact paper without any kinks - you only have one try! :)

By the way, the artwork that I framed came from a book of quotes I found at TJ Maxx too!  Have you ever looked in their book/clearance section?  Totally worth the time!

Any other ideas for what I can do with this contact paper... besides line drawers?!