{idea notebook} Rediscovered Treasures

Rediscovered Treasures: A New Life for Old Objects (available on Amazon 2/7/11) is a true gem. Written by two Norwegian stylists: Ellen Dyrop and Hanna Kristinsdottir, the book beautifully unfolds showing readers how to transform old objects into beautiful, and purposeful, housewares. I am absolutely loving the reuse of silver shown throughout the pages. Using heirlooms in interesting, fresh ways throughout your decor immediately gives your modern day room a soul. There is a great step-by-step "how-to" guide, which includes templates for stenciling projects (as shown above on the refurbished teapot and wash bin), found at the back of the book. So go ahead and rediscover all of your hidden treasures lying around... you never know what you might find!

*This book personifies the shabby-chic look I adore and is perfect for those who have an interest in, junk-shop decorating and antiques.

*Photography via Home Shopping Spy and Amazon

{idea notebook} An Old Shed Finds New Life

I had a playhouse growing up that my Dad built for me. It was a darling miniature of a real house and as you can imagine it was climbed in, through, on-top-of and nearly under. Today it still sits in my old backyard but has sadly transitioned into a downtrodden garden shed. After taking a recent trip around the grounds with the boys we came to the decision that it needed a festive face lift. (You have to admire my Dad, he has never been one to shy away from color and has an impeccable eye for how to use it.) Our hunt for inspiration began with a trip to the bookstore, the Woodsmith Store and the local Menards. After this "intensive" search we came up with the perfect model for our newest project; a delightful cottage-style house with wonderful color bursts of cherry, white and sunshine yellow. We were even inspired to utilize their smart wall grid to create a new interior layout that can accommodate garden tools and pots while opening up the floor space for a small garden cart.
I can't tell you how rewarding it is for us to stand here, some 30 years later, and see this little house that I loved so much sparkle again with her original style and charm- the newest gem in the old neighborhood.

*photography via BHG Special Interest Publications: Remodel

{idea notebook} 3-D Chest of Drawers

What to do with your dated chest of drawers? The latest do-it-yourself project answers that question with an oh-so-cool idea... customize it with 3-D text. So super cute!

It's pretty simple too. Here's how to do it:
1. Remove the drawers and paint two coats of glossy paint on the front, sides and top of the chest & fronts and edges of the drawers.
2. For the letters there are a few options:
* Check out your local, big box D-I-Y store and choose from their selection of decorative letters. Most will require paint, 2 coats of gloss.
* Many retailers such as The Letter Boutique, Craft Cuts, and Letter and Sign Shop offer customized letters as well as stock a variety of ready to use letters.
3. Stick each letter on with wood glue.
4. Add casters for a modern, utility finish.

*photography via Living etc.

Hardware: a Refurbishers face-lift

Hardware, hardware, hardware! I can't say it enough times how a simple piece of hardware can literally be a quick and easy face-lift for a piece of furniture, door, or cabinet. In today's market it is fairly easy to find interesting hardware at many local, big box, d-i-y stores, flea markets or salvage yards. Knobs, drawer pulls, hooks and hinges are all possible options for a quick swap.

A tip to keep in mind when shopping is to know what style you want to convey with your hardware change. Pick a specific color story or theme to guide your choices and most of all, be open to all of your options. Take paint samples, wood samples or a picture of your piece along with you- lay them out together and see what looks most cohesive when pieced together.

I recently checked out Anthropologie.com and pulled a sampling for you of my favorite things. As I have a long history with Anthropologie, they continue to be my favorite place to shop for gorgeous hardware. Their styles are imaginative, bold, often quirky, timelessly romantic and usually pretty perfect.