Archive for July, 2010
Reader Redesign: Gussied Up Guest Room
Shannon reminds us a bit of ourselves (well, mostly Sherry) since she completed an inexpensive room update while very much pregnant (I’ve yet to accomplish that feat). Check out the simple but awesome makeover she sent our way:
I thought I’d share our recent guest room makeover that got done with zero paint, $300 bucks, and an 8-1/2 month pregnant belly. I’m sure you can relate ;) It is a large open space over our garage with slanted walls that make the room awkward and angular. I wanted it desperately to be a warm, inviting guest room, especially for our post-baby visitors.
Here are the deets:
- I used a lot of the existing pieces and went “shopping” in my garage and basement for furniture and accessories.
- The size of the room, plus the short time span, plus my bloodhound pregnancy nose made painting the walls a no-go. Same thing for replacing the builder’s berber carpet and contractor-pack light fixtures. They were all staying.
- I’m a cheapskate… everything came from Craigslist, Ikea, HomeGoods, TJ Maxx and Target.
- I finally made my own headboard! And I also managed some no-sew throw pillow covers. Add some free artwork from the interwebs and I was DIY’ing all over the place!
It took me about 3 – 4 weeks to pull it together and with six weeks left before baby, I was feeling much more prepared! There’s more info and pics on my blog Shannanigans too. Thanks! -Shannon
Shall we all give Shannon a round of applause for this $300, paint-free room refresher? It looks totally warm and ready for guests. It’s also a great reminder that room projects don’t have to be backbreaking (especially if you’ve got a baby on board and your back hurts enough already). Here’s an early congrats on Blinky’s any-day-now arrival! And we’d love to know what you guys deem your favorite part of the makeover. We’re especially loving those sculptural bedside lamps.
Psst- YHL will be down for an hour or two on Sunday morning EST due to some server upgrades (which will hopefully result in faster loading and site navigation). Fingers crossed…
Burning Question: Bare All?
This week’s big query is all about stairs. Namely, do you prefer them to be bare wood, plushly carpeted, or a bit of both thanks to a runner? Do you love the look of wood stairs but think they’re dangerous when it comes to kids (or just your own clumsy self)? Do you think carpeted stairs are a nightmare to vacuum? Do you adore runners or think they’re a bit too non-committal either way?
We’re excited to hear where you stand on the issue. In fact, we whipped up this handy little poll to keep everything tabulated:
[poll id="20"]
We’d love to hear more about why you voted the way you did, so feel free to comment away with more details.
Image courtesy of Ideal Home.
Unexpected Source: PB Teen
Who knew PB Teen had so many punchy and fun pieces that definitely transcend the living-with-the-rents and dorm-decor category? Here are a few things- some on sale, some a bit pricey (but still quite cute)- that caught our eye:
- This cheerful organic duvet and pillowcase would definitely brighten up a guest bedroom.
- This coconut shell chandelier had us at hello- and just happens to be $100 off. We also adored this colorful capiz shell chandy.
- We can picture this smile-inducing organic pillow cover in front of two teal pillows on an all white daybed. So sweet.
- This ruffled tone on tone shower curtain reminds us of something from Anthropologie, but it’s happily about 20 bucks cheaper.
- Anyone who has looked for swing arm lamps knows that $59 is a darn good price- especially for something so full of personality with a chic industrial shape.
- These billowy patterned sheers come in a host of fun colors and would definitely add some effortless style to any space.
- These cheerful $29 lumbar pillows would instantly wake up a neutral slipper chair.
- This charming and beachy pillow cover is both organic and meaningful in message.
- These brightly hued chevron lovelies might be our favorite PB Teen find of all- and they’re just $19 a pop!
- These small but bold task lamps would complement any home office (and they’re on sale).
- This chic patterned toss pillow is both texture-rich and interesting in shape. Plus it looks oh so Anthropologie (where a $35 pillow would be a veritable steal).
- Both the teal and the pink versions of this punchy patterned rug would fun up any home office, den, or laundry room (not to mention a nursery or playroom of course).
So there you have it, a mood board-ish rundown of a few summer-tastic finds from PB Teen. Of course we don’t recommend piling all of them into the same space, but maybe adding a pink desk lamp to your home office along with the swirly rug would be fun? Or pairing the colorful duvet with the patterned sheers in a guest room? Have you guys seen anything surprisingly adult-friendly at PB Teen as of late? Or do you have another unexpected source where you shop for home decor? Do tell.
Note: PB Teen didn’t pay or perk us for this post, we just genuinely liked these items and wanted to share the goods.
We’ve Got An Announcement: Freebie Winner!
Another announcement: you guys are quite the recently/currently pregnant bunch (amongst other newsworthy things). We loved reading all of the announcements you “typed at the top of your lungs” on this week’s giveaway from The Paper Cafe and Take Note! Designs. Perhaps some of you would like to make your baby/moving/birthday/holiday/all-other announcements on paper? Even well-designed paper at that?
Well, now you can. Although one lucky lady or lad will score $100 towards anything in Take Note! Design’s shop on The Paper Cafe, all of you get 20% off all Take Note! orders through Aug 13th with the code YOUNGHOUSE20 (which actually makes them 30% off retail). And even if your announcement-worthy event is more than two weeks away, you can place your order now to get the discount and wait to design your order ’til your ready. Gotta love that flexibility.
As for our winner, random.org gleefully announced a randomly-selected name and it’s: Carolyn Mele (whose third baby boy is just about ready to come into the world) . Congrats… on both your win and the wee one on the way! We’d love to know which design you have your eye on.
And if your name didn’t come up this week, don’t fret. On Monday we’re dishing out another prize that covers so much ground I can’t even begin to come up with a clue. Stay tuned…
See our Giveaway FAQs page for more info. Pics courtesy of The Paper Cafe and Take Note! Designs.
Reader Redesign: Another Fun DIY Headboard
You know nothing makes us happier than some good ol’ DIY. Here’s Elizabeth’s letter:
If you can believe it, I’ve recently tackled a headboard project since becoming a mom seven months ago. I have to thank you for your wonderful tutorials because they have given me a lot of direction to get many things done! I wanted to share this particular makeover with you since I made a headboard inspired by your tutorial. Our bed definitely needed one!
I purchased a piece of plywood and had it cut to an 82″ length at Lowe’s. Once home, I traced my free-handed design on it and used a jig-saw to cut it out. This was my first time using a jig-saw and it was surprisingly easy. From there, I used some spray adhesive to adhere 2″ foam that I had cut. Then I simply covered it with fabric and I really love how it turned out!
Anyway, hope you like it! Thanks for all the inspiration and tips! – Elizabeth
Didn’t Elizabeth do a great job- especially since it was her first time slinging a jig-saw?! You can read more about her big headboard project on her blog. Anyone else out there ready to try something similar?
