ROAD TRIP.......

{blogging on the road & reading The Nesting Place}

I haven't blogged anything in an entire week!!! And I probably won't blog again until after July 4th weekend!! :( I know......I've been slacking!!  I feel so much pressure sometimes to blog 2 to 3 times a week, but this week I just really couldn't.  I was planning and organizing a trip to South Carolina and my clients just really needed me this week before I left them for an entire week!!!! :)

I will return with lots of awesome photos from North Carolina and South Carolina. Yes, North Carolina too!  We are making a 24 hour pit stop in Asheville, NC.  We have always wanted to go there on our road trips and we are finally making it happen!!

Happy 4th y'all!!  Have a safe and wonderful holiday!!

Pottery Barn Coral Art Knock-Off

I LOVE coming up with really easy and inexpensive ways to create new artwork in my home. And it is fun to experiment with new DIY artwork pieces.  It's refreshing to constantly be changing artwork throughout my home depending on the trends or on the season.  And anything can be turned into really cool art for a wall with a little creativity and a picture frame!

I found this gold placemat on clearance at Home Goods one day and just thought, "this is kind of cool, I wonder what I could do with it."  So for a couple of bucks, I bought the gold seashell shaped placemat in hopes of making something cool with it. 

After hoarding the placement for a couple of months, along with some unused Ikea frames from a past client, I decided to add some new artwork in one of my bathrooms.  The guest bath doesn't get a lot of use, so I haven't decorated the space too much.  We did add fresh new paint, a crisp white shower curtain, and a bath rug to the space when we first moved in a few years ago, but that was about it.  So, some cheap, easy artwork would be perfect for this space.  A large jar filled with seashells from my husband and I's vacations have landed in this bathroom, so it has always had a beachy tone to the space.  I thought this seashell placement would be perfect to add to that beachy vibe!

How-to Make Artwork with a Placemat

I used this Ikea frame that I already had and just popped the back of it out to make the background of the seashell.  Large Ikea frames like this come with a thick wood backer, so I used that to wrap my fabric around.  I chose just a plain white fabric as the background of the seashell for a simple, crisp look and not to interfere or distract with gold seashell.  A dark navy fabric would have looked cool too, but I had white on hand and I have nothing else navy in my bathroom.

I wrapped the board very tightly with the fabric and just used masking tape to hold it in place.  I could have used hot glue or something, but this makes it a little less permanent and a lot quicker.  I put a couple pieces of double sided tape to adhere the placemat to the fabric just so it didn't move while I was framing it.  Once the placemat and board covered in fabric was in place, under the glass, it wasn't moving!

I think it really looks like a nice, high-end piece of art!  And then I found these at Pottery Barn...

These are selling for almost $180 a piece and I created mine for under $20!!  Now that's a victory! 

Other unconventional things I have framed to turn into artwork -- napkins, fabric, wrapping paper, scrapbook paper.......I am sure there are others! 



Restyled Barn Sale

 

Last week I attended the annual Restyled Barn Sale an outdoor vintage and marketplace.  And per usual, it didn't disappoint.  It is a fun little flea market event that I look forward to attending every June.  It is fun to just walk around outside looking at all of the fun crafts and repurposed items, getting inspired, and maybe a few ideas for my own DIY projects.  They have a live band for entertainment with snacks and wine. 

restyledbarnsale.com

I was really looking forward to seeing the shop of Erin Barrett, For the Love of Letter's.  I adore her and her work!  This was erin's first year as a vendor here and her booth looked amazing!  I did a giveaway and showcased a lot of her work a few months ago, see here. 

For the Love of Letters by Erin Barrett

Erin + I

If you missed the event last week, you can always shop For The Love of Letter's shop online or at the local boutique Oliver's Twist. 

Other vendors at the market...

Restyled - host of the event, shop located in Carmel and Zionsville

Not only did I see a lot of cow artwork at this event, but I noticed myself loving each and every one of them!  Who knew I loved cow art that much?!? But look how gorgeous these are?!?

the band!  {Fun fact of the day -- Cory, on bass, also played in my wedding band, My Yellow Rickshaw!!}

48 Hours in Chicago with Jess & Friends!

 I'm going to call this 3rd Annual Girls' Trip!?  It may only be the 2nd, but I'm including our original girls' trip when all of this originally came to life over a couple of drinks at a swanky little bar in Cincinnati!  That was back in the day when Moscow Mules were a thing of the future.  This "annual girls trip" all started a few summers ago with some of my close friends as we noticed the older we get, the busier we get.  It was getting harder and harder to keep in touch from state to state.  We don't even have kids yet, so we knew it would just become more and more of a challenge to get together!   So we made a pack that we would do at least one summer girls' trip a year to all get together and hang out.  One thing I am blessed to have is a wonderful support of women in my life.  Though we may not see each other every month or even talk on the phone as much as we would like, we make time to all get together for a little weekend vacation once a year, and it is like we have never left off from our last conversations.  We jump right back into the laughing and talking with no problem!!  It is definitely not as often as we would like, but with our busy lives, we'll take the one weekend to cram in as many stories, laughs, and love as possible! 

Last year, we hit the streets of music city in Nashville!  This past weekend, we headed to Chicago.  Summer is the BEST time to be in Chicago.  It is lively and fun, with so much to do!  There is never a dull moment.   Two of the girls live in Chicago, so they were great hosts!

First stop in the city was lunch at Derby Bar & Grill.  A quaint little bar and restaurant with an awesome outdoor patio.  I think it was the old building remodeled to fit modern times and the southern charm it had that really drew me in. 

We checked out a really cool place called Fairways with an upscale golf theme to the entire place.  They even had booth seating covered in plaid!  I will have to take my husband here someday, he would love it!  Their cocktails were fresh and amazing!  We sat outside, but here is a little glimpse inside.  Any bar & restaurant with a pleasing aesthetic as well as delicious cocktails on the menu, gets my vote! 

We hit up the Old Town Art Fair.  It is one of the top art fairs in the country with over 250 vendors and an estimated 40,000 art lovers strolling the streets of the festival. 

....and we watched some life size JENGA playing!  We didn't want to be "that girl" who knocked it down, so we just watched!! 

My gift to the girls was sharing my signature SUMMER cocktail!  Another Chicago friend of mine introduced this drink to me, and I added a little signature twist to the cocktail -- adding cucumber!  The cucumber adds an additional crisp, freshness to the refreshing drink.  And any drink just looks so much better with a little garnish!!  The girls loved this drink and my little polka dot straws I brought along with me for the drink!

 

GRAPEFRUIT CUCUMBER SUMMER DRINK:

Vodka

Stiegl Radler Grapefruit Beer

Grapefruit

Cucumber

 

Recipe for a tall tumbler glass:

{fill your glass with ice.  add 3 oz. vodka.  fill the rest of the glass with Stiegl Radler Grapefruit Beer.  squeeze the juice of 2-3 slices of cucumber in and drop those pieces in.  do the same with a wedge of grapefruit.  garnish with a cucumber wedge.  that's it!  this drink is honestly so refreshing for summer you won't want to drink anything else for a weekend cocktail!}

 

 

 

It was a wonderful weekend together that went by way too fast!  It was hard to see it end and to leave.  For me, I really cherish these times because we inspire each other, motivate each other, and support each other in the little time we ALL get to be together in one place!  I left refreshed and excited for the next trip!  Time to start planning for next year! 

 



Design Scheme for Master Bath

What I'm Working on Today....

This is going to be a fun project!!  After a recent bathroom renovation, these homeowners are out of steam!  They can't even think decorating and design right now.  Lucky for me, I get to come in and put the finishing touches on this already gorgeous space!!  Here is the design scheme I have planned...

 

This is what the Master Bath looks like now.  The homeowners just completed a beautiful bath renovation.  I think it looks great as is, but adding in some accessories and artwork will be the icing on the cake!

{Don't live in the Indianapolis area but would love to have some help with decorating a space like this?!?  Contact me today for an E-Design!  We can work through email and I can create a design scheme such as this for you to decorate your own space! For more details, visit my Services page.}

How to Decorate and Style Bookshelves

With a recent remodel to her fireplace, this client was ready for an update not only on the outside of her fireplace, but inside the bookshelves.  She was driving herself crazy trying to decorate the shelves, and eventually getting frustrated when she wasn't satisfied with the outcome.  Like a lot of us, she spent a lot of time buying items for the shelves, and then eventually returning the items because they just weren't right.  It is so hard to decorate a space like this when you don't really know what to do with it or what to buy.  So she called me up to decorate them for her.  Now she can stop worrying about this area of her home and just sit back and enjoy the completed space! 

She had a great start on the bookshelves, and had some amazing pieces to work with.  She knew exactly the style and look she was after, just didn't know how to get it there.  I came in and added in a few more pieces to really fill the shelves and give both sides of the fireplace a more cohesive look.  I put together a plan of action for her and together we sourced out the materials.  Once we gathered all of the accessories, I came in and styled the bookcases for her.

When you are working with bookcases on either side of a fireplace like this, it is really important to keep the look cohesive from the left to the right side.  By adding in the same or similar items on both sides, there is now pattern and flow from left to right.  This allows the eye to see a more calming space, rather than not knowing what to focus on first with a hodge podge of different items of all random heights and placements.  You will see below the items that are the same from left to right.  I added height to the items by including a stack of books.  And kept a fairly pleasing neutral color palette on both sides with white, cream, green and just a touch of red.  All of these tricks leads to a sophisticated, styled bookcase. 

As you can see, no decorating dilemma is too small for me.  Contact me today for any small area that you are having trouble with and would like some help on today! 

Indianapolis Home-A-Rama 2014 in Brookside

I toured the five homes of Home-A-Rama 2014 last night and I have great reviews!  Each home was beautiful with their own touches of style and design.  They are conveniently located door-to-door for an easy house tour.  It took about 2 hours to walk through all the homes.  There was a food truck in the neighborhood and Fountain Square Brewery tent to really make this event a Block Party!  Amidst the amazing architecture, beautiful furnishings, five perfectly staged homes, there was one that really stood out to me.  With 2 close runner ups.  One interior that just didn't stand a chance against the others (not naming names).  Now, as an Interior Designer, yes, I mainly looked at the furnishings and the lighting and the décor, but surprisingly what really stood out to me in all of the homes were the tile and the hard finishes.  I was obsessed with some of the tile finishes chosen in these homes.  Every homebuilder and designer did an exceptional job on showcasing the latest trends in design.  See for yourself!  Which home do you like the most?!?

1.  G & G Custom Homes

 

(also known as the "West Elm House" due to being almost fully furnished and decorated by West Elm)

 

This chandelier was made out of all chains!  I have never seen anything like it!  Absolutely eye catching and gorgeous!

My favorite kitchen of all five homes!  Not a great picture.  Must see in person to really appreciate it.  I think it is the amazing one-of-a-kind pendants that make it a show stopper!

Probably my favorite wall tile of all! Marble!!  I bet this was a pain in the a** to install!! 

Kind of touch to see -- but this is a white rectangular wall tile laid in a herringbone pattern.

The entire basement floor was this tile that looked like wood (point), installed in a herringbone pattern (double points)!! 

2.  Bedrock Builders

This home stood out for its grand entrance!

The longest master closet ever!  It has 3 ceiling lights, so you know it's HUGE!

His & Hers!  Look to the left and there was a toilet closet for him -- look to the right and there was a toilet closet for her!

 

3.  Hoss Homes

The more contemporary designed home of the group.

 

I mean -- just LOOK at these floors!!

 

 

This cozy wood clad room was an eye catcher as I walked down the stairs into the basement!

What a cool idea!  This mirror is made out of arrows!  Future DIY project?!?

This space on the second floor was like the quintessential "sleepover" space for kids with extra beds and everything. 

 

4.  M/I Homes

I LOVE this idea!  You will notice throughout the home, this builder used the wood flooring throughout the home in various places -- on the floor, on the walls!  What a great idea! 

Goes to show that amazing lighting can really "make" a room!

An inexpensive tile installed in a really interesting pattern.  This is what I love about design!

A lot of the hardwood was used various areas of the basement as you'll see.

 

5.  Heartwood Custom Homes

This decorative transom was throughout the walkways in the home.  Some were this style and others had glass in them.  But I loved the reoccurring pattern of a transom in all the doorways for a classic style to a new home. 

Grand ceiling in the Master Suite.

Wallpaper that looks like wood for a girl's room.

 

 

Top Design Trends Throughout All Five Homes:

 

 

{Herringbone Pattern in Tile}

Think outside of the box when it comes to laying your rectangle tiles.  They don't have to be in just a straight pattern anymore.  I am obsessed with this herringbone pattern and every home had this pattern either on the floor or on the shower walls. 



 

 

{Sliding Doors on Tracks}

Whether the home was contemporary or traditional, each home proved that the trend of the sliding track door is here and now!  Some doors were rustic and looked like barn doors and others were a crisp white contemporary style.

 

 

{Nailhead Detail}

Generally you see this decorative detail on soft materials such as sofas and headboards.  But I also noticed it a lot throughout the homes on side tables in the master bedroom or on dressers and console tables. 

 

{Soft Pastels and White and Gray}

A HUGE trend I was noticing was how most of the walls in all the homes were painted in very soft pastel colors of grays and cool blues.  Gray being the most popular wall paint color, with every shade of gray seen throughout the homes.  But overall, just a major reoccurrence of very light colored walls, white marble countertops, light gray flooring.  A crisp, clean look throughout all the homes, each in their own way. 

 

 

Overall, my favorite home went to Heartwood Custom Homes #5!  They were all tough contenders and I pretty much loved everything about each home.  I loved the layout of #5 home the best, it was impeccably designed (similar to my design style) and they just thought of everything in every detail here.  It felt grand and luxurious, yet very livable.  The exterior was gorgeous.  I loved the paint colors and stone on the exterior.  And it is already sold to one lucky homeowner!!

 

 

After walking through every single room of five homes that are well over 5000 sq. ft. each, it was tough remembering which house had what design detail that I loved.  So, hopefully I have all of these images under the correct home!  The home show is running three weekends in a row, ending June 22nd.  I highly encourage everyone to get out and tour these gorgeous homes if you are looking for something to do the next couple of weekends!  (And then call me when you go home and want to re-do your home after seeing all of the gorgeousness!!!) :)