Nautical Boys Bedroom Reveal

Mar 24, 2015

As a mom of three boys I've tried to make their rooms reflect their individual personalities. It's tempting to do a sports themed room for each of them because they are what people call "all boy." They would be perfectly happy, but I love what makes them different from each other and I want to bring that into their rooms. My 7 year old is my youngest son and he's funny, vibrant and outgoing. Well, I hear he's shy and quiet at school. Thank goodness he keeps his wild side at home. He loves bright colors and I found a madras quilt on sale that led me in a nautical direction. That's how I work! I look for the hardest to find item in a room that's also going to be expensive and work off of that. This is one way I keep my costs low. I already had his louvered furniture and it's a perfect match for a nautical theme. The rest of his room came together with small décor items and a lot of DIY.


 
You could say this is the kid version of a bear skin rug. ;) I try to use as much of my kids toys, books and gamer stuff as décor. It's a lot less to store!
 

 


I took his nightlight/lantern off the wall and I'm using it in lieu of a lamp. His lamp kept ending up on the floor so it's now higher up on his dresser.
 

 
 
 
The $20 oar got a makeover with spray paint and new hooks.
 



I prefer two wide blue stripes in his room. It is easier to paint than multiple ones, but there was enough pattern going on in the quilt that it made sense, too. You can see that his room is functional, too. A place to store books by his bed, hooks for sweatshirts, and a pinboard for his artwork from school are must haves in all my boys bedrooms.



You can see how his room opens up right to the game room. His room has the same craftsman wood trim around the doors and windows that we built in the rest of the house. We also replaced his small and dinged baseboard with taller ones as well.
 
 
 
 
So what does little man think? He shrugs and says he likes it. Considering how much time he spends in here I think he is happy with it. I will walk by and see him enjoying himself in here, especially playing on the Ipad in his chair. He reminds me of an old man relaxing in his recliner. He loves to turn the nightlight on at bedtime, change out his artwork, and add new books on the wall for us to read. Without a doubt this room is functional. Everything he needs is in reach and able to be seen. That means this room stays semi-clean most of the time. Works for me!
 
 
Source List
 
Bedroom Furniture-Bought years ago at Bombay Company
 
Quilt, Chair, Lamp, Nightstand-Pottery Barn Kids
 
Octopus Pillow and Puppy-Target
 
Oar and Pinboard-Homegoos
 
Rest of  the wall décor-Hobby Lobby
 
Lantern and Red Rug-Ikea




Inspiring Master Bedrooms with Hometalk

Mar 19, 2015

Inspired by my recent master bedroom reveal, I have curated a board on Hometalk of other bloggers great master bedroom DIY projects. Each one is a unique idea that will add character to any bedroom.

 
http://www.hometalk.com/b/7061618/bedroom
 
 
I have included everything from DIY headboards, drapes, furniture makeovers, and built-ins to my favorite wainscoting treatments. These are all versatile looks you can customize to fit your style. Visit this board at Hometalk here. See you there!
 
 
 



Master Bedroom Update: White Duvet Alternative

Mar 5, 2015

Will I ever learn the lesson that white does not work in a house full of three boys and one very naughty dog? Probably not considering the recent décor choices I've made. I did make one very wise decision recently regarding my white dilemma. I finally said goodbye to my white duvet. I love the way duvets look, but I have had horrible luck keeping them clean and unwrinkled.

Here is my bedroom with the duvet. This one is new and I bought it knowing I wouldn't use it. I really just wanted the king shams that came with it. Surprisingly, it was cheaper to buy it as a set than to buy the shams separately. I suppose I can throw on the duvet if I want my bed to look nice for company. Yeah, that will never happen. It is nice to have the option.

 

It looks a little too white in here until you see how it contrasts with the dark wood floor.



Now, here is my new alternative.





 
It's still light and bright, but the faux fur does not get nearly as dirty as the white cotton duvet. It's perfect for lightening up the black coverlet. Keep this in mind when you want to lighten up any area of your house. If you want to lighten up a dark sofa place a light colored throw or pillows on it, or both.
 
I added a bit of decor to the nightstands as well. We don't really have room for it with our laptops, phones and drinks we carry up here every night (wine). But, it looks nice for now.



 
Just in case you're wondering that really is I picture I took when we were in Paris. I promise I didn't leave the fake photo in the frame. I might have done that in the past, but not this time.
 
I showed you the dresser a few months ago, but here it is in case you haven't seen it.
 
 
I really love the way this room has come along, especially considering the very small budget. I did have to DIY almost everything, but it was so worth it!



Update for Source List

Headboard-Originally from Target.com and recovered in a white microfiber fabric (See the DIY project here)

Black Coverlet-Restoration Hardware

White Duvet and Shams-Overstock

Dresser Hardware painted gold, Throw Pillows-Lowe's (Yes, Lowe's!)

Furniture-Ikea

Black stencils-Overlays painted black

Drapes, Picture Frames, Gold Vase, Chevron Tray and Throw Blanket-ZGallerie

Lamps, Bust-Homegoods

Nightstand Hardware, Gold Sunburst Mirror-Home Depot









New banner June 2014



Dark and Dramatic Bathrooms

Feb 27, 2015

I didn't mean to stay away from the blog for so long, but I've been so busy with projects. Yes, that's vague! I promise to share soon. A side benefit is all of the pretty images and new trends I've come across. You've probably noticed my penchant for black and white with more emphasis on the light side. But, that's not always the case. I've come across some great dark and moody bathrooms lately.

BLACK SUBWAY TILE



Modern and moody bathroom with black brocade wallpaper and a marble sink.



Gorgeous powder room



Grey Chevron ~ Soapstone Tiles ~ Unlacquered Brass Shower Valves



Interior design by Kelly Wearstler Residential



Bathroom



Home of Alfredo Parades. Great looking black and white bathroom. Photo by Miguel Flores-Vianna via Architectural Digest.



chocolate + white + brass | Annie Brahler


I think dark rooms are harder to pull off than light ones, especially in a bathroom. There's such a fine balance between light and dark. Great lighting is must, whether natural or installing extra layers of lights. But, when it all comes together the result is amazing.


Because it's Valentine's Day: Le Meurice

Feb 14, 2015

I've been eyeing this hotel in Paris for a bit now despite absolutely no plans to visit any time soon. I figured Valentine's Day is a perfect time to share a romantic, beautiful hotel in Paris. Get ready for some major eye candy!

Hôtel Le Meurice - Paris, France http://www.dorchestercollection.com/en/paris/le-meurice



Hotel Le Meurice, Paris


Le Meurice by MissPandora


With a view of the Garden Tuileries

View of Le Meurice's Facade from the Tuileries Garden, Paris


Or Eiffel Tower

via Inspired Design #lemeurice


Spend the day at the spa.

Spa Valmont at the Le Meurice in Paris, one of the world's best spas


Or having afternoon tea

Milla’s Paris: Dali Afternoon Tea at Le Meurice


Even the doors to your suite are beautiful.

Beautiful Interiors and 18th Century Style: "Le Meurice"


Wishful suite

The Presidential Apartment at Le Meurice Paris. What's not to love?!  Review of this grand hotel at http://www.parisinsidersguide.com/paris-five-star-hotels.html


Hotel Le Meurice. Paris, France. Look this up on google.com , it is stunning. and they treat you SO well! like a princess!


Valentine's Day or not

Champagne at Hotel LeMeurice, Paris.


Get Ready in Style

Bathroom, Le Meurice Hotel, #Paris by Travel Intelligence, via Flickr

On to dinner

Le Meurice Hotel, Paris


Le Meurice Paris. Luxury 5 Star Hotel Paris – Le Meurice™ “The Hotel of Kings” is a Top Award Winning Hotel Opposite Louvre in Paris.


After Dinner Drink

Le Meurice Paris désigned by Philippe starck



Bar 288 at Le Meurice Hotel, Paris France


Or go to the wine room

The wine cellar in the restaurant of Le Meurice Hotel, Paris France


Who has stayed here?

Life of luxury: The City actress Olivia Palermo and her boyfriend of four years, German model Johannes Huebl, fool around in their sumptuous hotel suite at Le Meurice in Paris


Audrey Hepburn photographed with Cary Grant at a cocktail party held at Le Meurice Hotel in Paris (France)


How to fill your days

Olivia Palermo photoshoot with boyfriend Johannes Huebel at Le Meurice hotel for Lifestyle Mirror. Olivia Palermo red Floral dress in hotel ...


And your nights

Le Meurice™ “The Hotel of Kings” is a Top Award Winning Hotel Opposite Louvre in Central Paris


Are you ready to book your flight? Me, too!


Happy Valentine's Day!