DIY Wallpaper w/Paint Results

Ok, so I changed my mind and instead of using the stencil to do my bathroom I ended up doing a wall in my hallway! I love it! It wasn't as time consuming as I thought it would be (but to do 4 walls, I'd pat you on the back!)

Step one: print out your stencil - cut it out - trace onto cardboard paper - cut it out

Here's mine courtesy of www.jonesdesigncompany.com

Step 2: Trace stencil onto wall

Step 3: Grab a thin paint brush and the paint color of your choice..

Step 4: PAINT! The lines. There are other ways to paint the outline, this part was kind of confusing!

Step 5: There is no step five! You are done!

AFTER!

BEFORE

You Haven't Lived Until You Paint a Wall Black

Yes, that's right! I said it! I DID IT! On a total whim too! I painted two walls in my bathroom black. I saw a photo, got inspired.. had some black paint laying around.. and just did it! I love it! I took as best as I could before photos of my tiny bathroom. I will post all photos once complete!
I am now doing something totally un-like-me! I came across a blog that inspired me to finish the bathroom walls off with a DIY (time consuming) gorgeous pattern! The blog even provided a template! I could not be more excited to begin this.. Here is a link to the blog I just raved about! http://jonesdesigncompany.com/create/painted-wallpaper-how-to-share-your-project

  

DIY Kitchen Window Treatment $17 + tax

As a designer I have samples and catalogues taking over my studio. My samples and art supplies are in fact the only clutter I have in my house! (OK, maybe my kitchen needs some de-cluttering of old dishes etc., and my closet could be half of what it is) but anyway the point is - I like to be unique. I can order any gorgeous treatment but it's just not me. I like to make my own things. I like being original and different - it's who I am. Because of this beautiful character trait indeed inside me, I came up with a few different materials and put them together to create my kitchen window treatment! I view my kitchen as two different spaces. There is a left side and a right side. The left side is almost complete. However, the right side has been giving me the most trouble. I cannot for the life of me dig deep enough into my imagination and come up with the perfect layout or vision of how the right side of my kitchen should look. So I suppose, over time, it will evolve. For now though, I am loving the concoction I came up with for the windows. I bought a 48 x 72" bamboo bind for $15 + tax and combined it with 2 iron plant hangers which cost $1.00 each! I mounted the hardware in the center of the window frame. Why? Because I love the natural light the window brings to the kitchen but I needed some sort of treatment for privacy and my electricity bill! Then I just attached the bamboo ends to the hooks in the curvilinear plant hangers and wah-la! I also cut the chord a bit and plan to jazz it up with decorative pulls (I will make those also!) So now that that part is done, coming up with what to dress the built in with and hang on the wall is the only problem left! 

BEFORE

AFTER(S)

Stop & Stare

Have you ever been outside just as the sun is setting and you see the most breath taking picturesque moment as if it were straight from a movie? It happens to me all the time. I literally stop, look to the sky and smile.. These moments are pure bliss, moments that bring me feelings of inner balance, complete gratitude, and absolute serenity. These moments that are few & far in between (makes them that much more special to me), have been happening inside my home. Here are some of the captured moments. Even as I type this now and look at the photos - those centering feelings ground me (in this couch) ha ha!

 

The photos aren't perfect. The photos have not been photoshopped, or edited in any way shape or form. That's why I think maybe I like them so much. They are real, not perfect, clean and messy lines and smooth and textured ones, they are just as-is. Like all things in life.. I've learned there is no such thing as perfect (unless you are my Grandfather (the architect) or Boyfriend (the engineer...) ha! But maybe that's why I find these moments so enchanting. The beauty in the natural.   

Whats My Style?

Just thought I'd share some photos on this Sunday Morning

I suggest buying a power drill!! My favorite gadget yet! (& I don't have to wait till my boyfriend gets around to fulfilling every request I ask him to do! LOL

My Kitchen Before (nightmare)

& After! (Did it all myself)



My home during Finals Week



Estate Sale Find!! 1880's Chair from Syria!

Lyle!

Meet Lyle! He is my new kitten. I <3 him!

Allergic to My Home!

Sad but true. I am for the most part a natural person. I read the lables of every product I purchase down to my eyeliner! I also make my own natural/safe cleaners toxic free. So when I moved into my new home and for the first month and a half I experienced major body offsets from all the dust, resins, mold etc. Going against my beliefs I had to use bleach and some other cleaners that have chemicals my body is no longer use to. Because of all of this I experienced serious sinus problems, headaches, body aches, rashes on my arms and legs.. It was not a happy beginning but I am convinced it will be a fairy tale ending! To make a long story short: I basically went in, used a bunch of chemicals :( cleaned every square foot of this place including the air vents and day by day it got better.

Also since my home is so old the windows are single pane :( This is a huge problem. Not only does half my AC go literally out the window, dust and dirt flies inside. It's the price you pay for nature views.. I promised myself I would endure all this stress in the beginning with a smile on my face and I am still holding true to that! Reguardless of the many flaws, I'm still in love with my old, dusty diamond in the ruff!

So my advice to like birds, flying around elsewhere includes: doubling your vitamin dose to ensure you do not throw off your body + drink plenty of water + shower in water no warmer than 120 degrees!