Stencils?

I'm not talking about our mothers stenciling.... I found the beginnings of this from another blog and then proceeded to do my own researching and discovering. I think it is so cool- and a fabulous alternative to wallpaper. These are only contemporary stenciled rooms- but they are some amazing classic. you'd never know they were stencils...and way to chic to be wallpaper.




This one is my favorite- and also the one I stole. Just click on little green notebook for more classic rooms. Or the stencil websites to see patterns.

Aubrey suggested that I do a tip of the week. I'm waiting on pictures from a couple of people- so in between I thought it was a good idea. Ive also lost enthusiasm...already! We are all busy- and with the kids- if I get time on the computer then I do my other blog email and bills...not this blog. So I like the tip of the week kind of thing because I think of something all week. Anyway here is todays!

By Raising the bar I mean raising your shower curtain. Many of us live in small apartments with small bathrooms and poor lighting. The ceilings are low and the walls feel closed in. When managment puts in your shower curtain the put it at a standard height or where ever they feel like. This is SO easy and seriously makes a WORLD of difference. In my old condo I would have people (who lived in the same complex) even comment how different and bigger my bathroom felt and looked.

Depending on your bathroom rod and ceiling you have to make the judgment call. But I typically go up about 12 inches.(not too high, make sure your shower curtain is still covering the top of the tub-how much? your call) Right now your shower curtain is covering your bath tub- correct? but it doesn't need to be. Who said bathtubs are ugly? They are beautiful (ok most of them)- and often times have creative sculpting in them. If you have a door or a jacuzzi we don't cover them- you dont need to either.

So what about making sure the water stays in? WALMART- has AWESOME EXTRA-LONG heavy duty shower curtain liners ($5), with mildew protection. Put one of those in the inside and your fancy curtain outside. Water sealed.

WHY? WHY? WHY? first is it easy and free, just takes a little elbow grease. Second it brings the eye up- making your bathroom look taller- less claustrophobic. If your bathroom is particularly small and poor lighting then choose a lighter colored curtain. Dark can surely make a bathroom elegant but dark colors will absorb the light- not reflect it. making it more into a cave than a sanctuary. A place where you get ready- making your self feel beautiful.

This is just a paint example of what your bathroom may look like- and how it can look.... you can see the difference just in the painting.

Those same pointers can do wonders to your living room, bedroom etc with Curtains. Instead of hanging them right above the window (NOT like below)- bring em up a notch. But use curtains like below- long and gorgeous. You don't have to have fancy rods- get the $2-3 one if you have to at first. The curtains can be expensive, look for them on sale. And then you can use next months reserve to get nicer rods...if you so choose.

Kate's Dilemma

ok Kate, so I have a couple of ideas. but I really don't remember what the table looked like...so bare with me.
(for anyone who is following....) Kate has a simple table that she puts her computer on. It is small- so things like monitor etc has to go underneath it. The looks of it is driving her mad. She just wondered about a couple of ideas, mentioning sewing a tablecloth of sorts to cover it up.
the tricky thing here is there cant really be any money involved...

ok well- sewing thing is a pretty good idea, especially since there are so many really really cool fabrics. You may be able to go online and pick out what you want too- have it sent to your mom. OR- when you get a 50% off coupon from JoAnns trek down there. I'm not a big sewer, and this is a simple project I like the no sew tape, it would be really convenient. ALSO to create clean crisp lines- velcro the sides of the table, top of the skirt. Instead of a tablecloth. This makes it nice for many reasons- you can wash it when ever, pull it back with ease to get to the tower and other accessories down there.

I think that you have to be careful though, or it can look poorly. Making sure things are straight and perfect is the key- But with you that is not a problem...you are very detailed oriented. Whatever you make looks professional.

Just in case that wasn't confusing enough....here is a "paint" example. haha.
Second idea is to get a new, bigger table or desk.. It might not cost more than the fabric...there are some great ones on craigslist, a lot of the times I find awesome FREE ones too. I would suggest typing in Console Table, Credenza, or Table. Console/credenza tables are smaller and made to go up against the wall. But they probably will have a greater surface area. Right now there are some great Desks for less than $30. They don't look like they would even need new paint. Although...to change it to YOUR look and style that is always fun to do.

ALSO...I have one of these in my basement. The legs are not black though (you can paint them, they are dark like the top)
not the greatest. Nate bought it, sanded the top down...and then I decided to use it as a craft table instead because .... well lets not open up that can of worms. It is not because I didn't like it. Lets just say that. SO if you would like- all that need to be done is sanded a little more (I even have sand paper and a sander?), stained and shelac...nice, smooth dark surface. With a table runner it would look really nice.
it would be bigger under too- so you can organize more efficiently, and the leaf folds down so it will conceal more too.

I know I know- it is not crate n barrel, pottery barn or anything designer- but we are students! we have to work with nothing :)

Now this picture is a beaut! haha YEAH RIGHT. Totally 80's...with a table lamp you could have this too. so attractive huh. I only put this up as another thought.

Kelly's Nightstand

In a previous comment Kelly asked a couple of questions about her newly purchased IKEA nightstands. I don't know if these are it- but they are from IKEA. So it is a good visual. She was curious about how to paint them- primer/spraypaint etc. Not how they should look- Kelly is very very good at decorating. She has the cutest house. So this is more info on the essentials.
Do you have more ?? Kel? Or did I answer them all?



Wood is VERY porous, it needs to be sealed before. (sanded maybe too) You can use a couple of different primers- if you go the spraypainting way Krylon ($3-5) and Kilz ($4.50) have good primers.
IF you decide the roller/bursh way zinsser is great.

Priming is often over looked- but priming ensures a smooth finish, fewer coats of paint (it is cheaper than the paint so it saves you money), the paint will adhere better meaning less chiping and flaking.
I like the small rollers for these types of jobs. I recently did a chalk board in a weird nook- this allowed me to get everywhere, so I didn't have to use a paint brush. but you might want to pick up a brush just incase you have some hard to reach areas.

As for paint an interior paint will work well. Especially if you are spray painting. I'm always suprised though at how fast the can of paint goes. It might be more cost effective- but labor intensive, to buy the can of paint. Not by much- by the time you have your supplies it can add up. Take into consideration how big your nightstand is- does it have doors, shelves, wide etc. if it is simple like the one above spray paint is great- if it is more complicated think about the roller way.
Lastly sealing it. There are so many different ways to do this too. Like Varnish, Shelac wax etc. Each one has it's different characteristics and ingredients-some are better use for outside decks and make things shiny..other just to protect. You can also get this in both forms too. I typically have used the spray paint form for craft projects- with a light coat. But if you put two or three I'm sure it will protect against the water from a humidifier or glass of water.

Love the Wax. You apply it with a rag and if gives a soft luster to the furniture. It also protects from everyday wear and tear.

Design Inspiration

Many of you know my education background is in design. But due to-family, lifestyle, ecomomy etc I'm not working where I would love. Yet at the same time I feel I do need much practice. Thanks to the inspiration ofLittle Green Notebook, Katy gave me, I'm doing much the same-but of course with MY design eye, experience and opinions. . Please email with your design problems, questions- or just if you are bored with your home and need some ideas. Sometimes that is all you need- some new suggestions. Not that you have to use them- I would probably never know. Email me and we can start a new adventure.

I already have about 3 to work on- and they will be coming ASAP! I'll get to yours fast nonetheless! I'm so excited to do this.


Credentials you ask? I'm not just someone who may have a knack..I do have some background-educational and experience. Here is a breif Resume:

5-6 semesters at BYU studying Interior Design. Took classes from Landscape Design and Floral Design to History of Interior Design1/2 and all the ones inbetween. About textiles and tile, colors and principles. (they do not have a program, but you can receive it as a minor...so my offical degree is HFL with the minor in Interior Design)

Studied as a TA for History of Interior Design Professor
Studied as TA for Interior Design Professor : Karla J. Nielson
our big project was finishing a book she was publishing. I had many responsibilites! From requesting permission from companies to choosing and organizing proper photos of styles and periods. Here is the final book:
I've also done several weddings- about 10...
yadda yadda yadda, you get the picture!