{idea notebook+room accents} Brilliant Touches of Fabric and Paint

Hi everyone! I am so loving these ideas of how to brighten up your space using paint, fabric and a few quick tricks. Fantastic!
1. Dress up your headboard with a woven rug draped over its top. Secure the rug with clip-on drapery rings and crisp ribbon. So darling... I love it!
2. Add a fresh update to a plastic shade by gluing on fabric or patterned wallpaper. For extra punch paint the window trim to frame your arty update.
3. Can't commit to an entire wall of color? Try painting floor-to-ceiling stripes (navy is shown) and trimming it with white molding. This is a great idea for flanking a fireplace or any other focal point with a shot of fun color. (*I also love the framed pattern fabric used as artwork nesting on the mantel!)
4. Give a tired ottoman new life by wrapping it with a flat-weave rug. It might look tricky but just image wrapping a package and remember to secure it with a staple gun.
5. This is a great solution I use a lot in decorating... Cover prestretched painter's canvas with fabric and secure with a staple gun. It is a quick, easy and affordable way to enfuse color into your space. I am loving how the solid blue panel grounds the brighter geometric prints ! (*Also check out the pillow wrapped with a band of pattered fabric. So simple and fresh...Yeah!)


*Photography and tips via Midwest Living

{pretty little ideas} a flowering weekend project

I love simple, summer projects and how they can transform moments almost instantly. And since we are in the season of full bloom I thought I would inspire you with a few ideas on how to turn some common household items & flea market finds into creative flower containers.

* Transform old bottles into vintage-inspired vases... spray exterior of bottles with several coats of spray paint, then paint the insides with dishwasher-safe glass enamel paint (clean and prime with glass enamel surface conditioner before doing this step). If you can't find the perfect color, try mixing your own! Allow 2-3 days drying time. They are just as pretty as old-fashioned milk glass and so retro they look modern!

* Turn an old caddy into an outdoor planter... spray caddy with 2 coats of spray paint and drill drainage holes in the bottom (one hole for each section). Allow drying time. I love this idea for a portable herb garden or as an accent for an outdoor seating moment (as shown).

* Bargain tins become great flowerpots... all you need is a few drainage holes. I LOVE this idea! I am thinking a bright kitchen window would look fantastic staged with a series of Campbell's soup cans!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone! Enjoy the summer!

*Photography via fresh style Magazine

{idea notebook} Thinking Spring

I love spring. I wait for it every year... with her drops of rain and budding blooms spring brings a wonderful palette of fresh, pretty colors to life again. Lilacs, pinks, grassy green, yellows and robin's egg blue. This is their time to shine. Welcome back beautiful... Spring...

*Photography via: Image 1, Home Shopping Spy, Image 2, Ellie Tennant & Image 3-6, Fresh Home Ideas

{idea notebook+painted ceramics} Touch of Hand

Okay, I am loving this! Revamp your plain ceramics and glassware with the simplest of D-I-Y techniques. Perfect for a rainy-day project of a personalized gift. What a stroke of genius...Love it!

1. Create a flowering teapot from your own doodled art. How very cool!
"Use a porcelain paint pen to embellish a simple pot with a modern floral bouquet. Keep acetone (nail polish remover works well) and tissues on hand to remove any mistakes. Bake the pieces according to the paint manufacturer's instructions to set the paint." Brianne Sanchez for Do It Yourself
2. Plain servingware serves new duty as chic organization for office supplies.
"Use a porcelain paint pen to repeat a simple circle chain pattern on each dish. A cohesive, modern design and color scheme unifies the eclectic mix of thrift shop pieces into efficient office organizers." Brianne Sanchez for Do It Yourself
3. Add a graphic pop to a plain glass pitcher and matching cups with circle label stickers and white glass paint.
"Use a foam pouncer to apply white paint over the labels and up the sides of the glassware for a faux-frosted look Avoid the rim of the pitcher and glass, so no paint is ingested when they're used. Peel the stickers off while the paint is still wet, scratching off any that seeped underneath." Brianne Sanchez for Do It Yourself
4. Transform a colored lamp with a white Sharpie oil paint marker by sketching your favorite pattern onto it's base. This is great for creating a lovely lace-inspired look.
"Start at the top and work your way down for the best results!" Brianne Sanchez for Do It Yourself


*Images and instructions via Do It Yourself | Spring 2011

{idea notebook} A Beautiful Book Page Wreath

There is something timeless about aged book pages. I love how they start to crinkle and turn various shades of amber. I love that they seem nostalgic and sentimental and convey thoughtfulness. So during this season of reflection I think it is simply perfect to create a wreath from old, (timeless) treasured words. I love the thought of them hanging in quite moments throughout homes conveying messages for those who pass by or giving small versions as gifts to loved ones. Here's wishing a warm, happy and lovely holiday to all...

*For detailed instructions on how to create the beautiful wreaths above please visit:
(image 1) Living with Lindsay (image 2) The Happy Home


*Photography via Living with Lindsay & by Belinda Graham for The Happy Home