Doubled Accents

A lot of times we don't know what to do with our master bedroom space.  I love what has been done in the above master suite.  Adding two dressers side by side with a mirror above each one is a great idea.  Even better is that the mirrors are round and add some shape to the room.  Now they also have lots of storage (which we all need in our bedrooms) as well as beauty. 

Mirrors give a feeling of magical coziness.  Whenever you use a big wall mirror or several placed together, the effect will be enchanting.

Ruthie

5 minute ideas for your home.

This wreath needed a change.  Those of you who know me know that I LOVE to change things up.

I added these feathers and now it's got some fun to it.

Quick change (took me 5 minutes) and I feel like it's NEW.

Remember the silver tray that I found and  posted about 2 weeks ago.

I realized that it was a perfect fit for my French book that I got while I was in Paris.

I love the silver with the old book.  The contrast is beautiful.  Tattered and worn with the silver reflection is perfect.

French is such a beautiful language.

I picked up this little bag of shells at a thrift store a while back because of the "coral" in the bag.  TREASURE.

Love it!

Completed vignette.  All from thrift stores and flea markets.

All have a special meaning to me too. Your home should be full of things you've collected over time and create a story as you add to it.

As a decorator, my job is to help YOU do that!

When I opened up my little bag of shell treasures, these soap stone turtles were in there too. I'm not a "turtle" person but these are adorable.

Take 5 minutes today to make one quick change!

Ruthie

Easy Unique Focal Point

Years ago I was inspired by this picture in the November 2000 Traditional Home Magazine.

I loved this photo because anyone can layer beautiful frames on a wall.  It makes a blank wall a focal point.  How many special photo's do you have that are "small" like the photo right in the middle of all these frames? A picture of a family member, baby, special friend?

 How about displaying it like the above and making it the focal point of the room.

I have a passion for frames and collect many different ones old and new.  Here's how I've used some of them.

This one is in my kitchen - I found  it and the mirror was broken.  I took the mirror out and thought it was beautiful all alone.

These two frames I placed above my living room door and they speak volumes and create lots of conversation.

These wood columns look great with a frame around them.  Having the frame the same color as the columns makes it look like a piece of art.

Having oil paintings framed can be expensive.  How about layering an old painting with a new silver picture frame.  This one is in my laundry room.  Your laundry room can be beautiful too, we spend a lot of time in there!!!

This one is just leaning on a shelf in a bathroom.  Creates height when you need it. 

Dig up your old frames, dust them off and try layering them or showcasing them with other items.  (Just remember don't overdo this.  Just place a few like this or it can take away from its uniqueness).

Ruthie

Are your houseplants sad?

I made this arrangement this weekend.

After taking my tree down, I changed things up a little and needed something where the tree was.  I shopped around the house and "used what I had" to create it.  It still needed something after I finished.....I then remembered I had the wrought iron finial and placed it in the pot.  Now I like it.

I fell in love with this pot and then found the iron base later for it to stand on.  Created the perfect height that I needed.  I like an arrangement that looks like it's real and has some "flounce" and "whimsy" to it.  Nothing stiff!

I bought this old book while I was in Spain.  I wanted to buy about 20 of them but they were really expensive because they are so old.

I love this little side table I found for $10.  It was terribly dusty and worn when I dug it out of its misery.  I polished it up and cleaned the leather top and wrought iron base and  it's wonderful now.  If you have the space, layering tables like this creates an interesting vignette.

Do some of your plants look sad?  Take them apart and make one big arrangement.  Sometimes changing containers, adding height, removing dust bunnies can really spruce up your space.  Especially look above your kitchen cabinets.  I always suggest that you don't put faux plants up there.  That is the perfect example of where dust gathers.  Replace the arrangement with a basket or a gorgeous vase or tray instead.

See what you have around your house that you can change up a little...you'll be surprised.

Ruthie

Chandelier Heaven

Okay, my dining room chandelier needed a boost.  I decided to transform the above "plain Jane" chandelier shades into something more like artwork.

This is the ceiling inset in my dining room.  I added this wallpaper (decoupaged) about 2 years ago and LOVE it.  The crown molding is painted black.  SO....these colors are my inspiration for the lampshades.

First I put joint compound on each one.  Nice and thick. 

I let them dry overnight.

I then painted them a plain "creamy white".

Added a "burnt umber" glaze with a sponge to add a textured look.

SCARY I know.  I added another "tobacco" glaze on top of that.

It's all about blending, blending, blending.  I had to let each layer dry before starting the next.  Not an easy task for me since I like things DONE right away!  Patience, patience, patience.

I then added a "metallic antique gold" and then finally a "copper" finished it off.

I love the texture, looks like a canvas.

Finished them by putting a black border on the top and bottom of the shade.

What do you think?

I love them!

Colors all work beautifully with my vintage tapestry too.

2 days of patience = satisfaction!

About 6 months ago, I found a chandelier similar to the one below.  I could do something fantastic with this old brass finish.  I decided it belonged in my office.  I spent the day transforming it into this nice copper patina.  I had some chandelier hats and painted them red and glazed them too.  Wanted them to look old and worn.

Doesn't it look better?

I added these "Crystal Christmas ornaments" and it's now hanging in my office!

Go make something beautiful!

Participating in Metamorphosis Monday go to Between Naps on the Porch to read a great blog.

Ruthie