Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Corbel [kawr-buhl]:

CORBEL: A new word to me!  You know the old houses when people describe the ginger bread” or the decorative support structures in kitchen islands/bars.  That is a corbel.  I found the idea from Sarah Richardson to use a corbel as a decorative detail in my dining room and I love it!  I found mine on e-bay from a 1800’s house in Pennsylvania.  All it needed was a little sanding and a fresh coat of paint and it looks great!  Up close you can still see the details of how old it really is; a great piece of American history in my house!

Sunday, April 24, 2011

DIY: Bathroom Mirror


Get a mirror cutter ($7 home depot), score your mirror and break it down to size. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, just find your local mirror/glass store. Then build a frame for your mirror. We chose a stain grade wood (it is a little bit more expensive) or you could just get trim wood and paint it. Wa la! You have a fabulous mirror (ok it took a little longer than the way I am making it sound, but well worth the time!) email me with any questions!

DIY: Gallery Wall

I love a gallery style wall: full of pictures! Well, If you have a collection of picture frames you can do it!  Just follow some of these easy guidelines to make any style of picture work!

My Rules:
·       You need to find some sort of sequence whether the frames are the same color, there is all white mattes, the picture inside is all B&W or Color, the frames are hung with similar spacing, or the pictures are cohesive with what they are showcasing. Your eye needs to see some sort of balance.
·       I like different textures of frames, if you can’t seem to get them to fit together, paint them!
·       Go outside the box and add in something you like to collect or a monogram! (Shadow boxes are great as well!)
·       Follow these other guidelines from Pottery Barn and also down load a template!
·       Have fun expressing yourself!

Lengthen your Drapes

Tip: For a softer feel on your windows your drapes should touch the floor, if they are not long enough add some fabric to lengthen them like I have done here.