The Inspiration Board

So, yesterday I posted the before pictures of my new residential project: Walnut One. Today, I share the inspiration board...

  preliminary inspiration board  

• Antique Shutters - will cover a window above the bathtub in the bathroom.

• These pails will make great sinks atop, while a new vanity in "mourning dove" to soften the slate and aluminum... Can't get enough of galvanized...lighting too..

• Natural multi-colored slate with hints of soft and dark greens with brown and gray undertones. 

• Awesome cast iron apron sink (that I found at a steal, which makes it even more exciting!)

• Fun rugs by my friend Caroline at Michaelian Home in Hendersonville, NC. 

Stay tuned for more pics as the work progresses!

Yes, Maybe, No...

yay v. nay

so, some may take offense, but there are a lot of things that we do when we are decorating our homes that just don't work...here are three of my 'pet peeves' when it comes to decor...now, don't get your panties in a wad if you have done one of the don'ts-we all have. I have, & I'm assured to continue doing things that will end up on the don't list...but at the end of the day, isn't that how we learn? 

1. Never buy trendy. especially if its a major piece, like this faddy red sofa shown here ( DONT #1), instead, go with more simple, classic furniture pieces, and avoid anything branded (especially when it comes to children's spaces : barbie bed spread?). If you want a more modern, trendy look, opt for fun, colorful throw pillows (DO #2). Throw pillows and blankets are less expensive and easier to replace as opposed to larger pieces like a sofa. 

2. Artificial Plants Collect Dust and they are not that attractive. ( DONT #2)..I will give credit to some producers who make very realistic looking foliage and flowers, but at the end of the day, they are not real. Plastic plants collect dust very easily and are a pain to clean (and this shows). Instead, always choose fresh flowers...after all, if you are going to have flowers, shouldn't they be real? (DO #3) Another option is dried flowers, thought they still collect dust, I've seen very pretty (and expensive) dried displays..

3. Avoid Metal Wall Art. Most walls that are in need of artwork are longing for something far more dense than a creative twisting of metal. I've can't say that I haven't seen metal pieces that weren't attractive, but when it boils down to it they just don't work. One way that you can make one look good; however, is to frame it. So, if you have a special piece that you like, take a canvas or frame and frame it. You can put 1/4" plywood in the frame and then attach the piece (paint the wood or upholster it with fabric)...Or, if you need inexpensive artwork, visit your local fabric store and frame a piece of pretty fabric (DO #3). You can do this by upholstering a canvas or upholstering cardboard and then putting it in a pretty frame. 

Enjoy.

all photographs are used for the sole purpose of imagery, if i've used something that's yours and you'd like it removed, please let me know...thank you. 

Buone Feste 2010

a party on a budget. wine. food. fun.

produced and photographed by : me

food: andrew wills 

Partygoers brought their favorite bottle of red wine (under $10, of course)...upon arrival, brown bags, ribbon, scissors, and a Sharpie invited them to "hide" their wine and give it a number - this way, voters would select the wine based on taste alone :)too, it was a fun little activity to start the party. I got the bags at Publix (just ask the cashier for extra)..

Andrew places his scrumptious cheese ball (recipe below) beside a slice of brie.

Andrew's Cheesy Christmas Cheese Ball:

2 Boxes of Cream Cheese

1 Packet of Ranch Mix

1 Bag of Shredded Cheddar Cheese

2-4 dashes of Worcestershire Sauce (the Secret)

Kneed all of these in a large mixing bowl (get your hands dirty!)...

Next, crush 1/2 a cup of pecans....

on wax paper, roll the mixture into a ball,

then roll the ball in the pecans, yummy!  

a table of various sized wine glass welcomed guest in the door. 

The Wine Tasting:

Each person tasted each of the five wines censored by the brown bags...at the end of the party, party goers voted on their favorite.

The Winner: "13" Blueberry Wine 2010, Waters Winery,  Alma, GA 

(we think our votes may have been slanted with all the South Georgia folk in the Room - thanks to Rachel Jacobs for bringing this state wine, which was potent and 'truly homemade tasting'..pucker.)

the other players, in order of votes:

Selby 2007 Syrah - California 

La Finca 2010 Malbec - Argentina

Aconga Malbec - Cab Blend - Argentina  

Sangria is always a great party drink....

My usual mix:

1 Bottle of Red Wine (I usually use a Malbec, Pinot Noir or Shiraz/Syrah)

1 lemon cut in to circular pieces

1 orange cut into circular pieces

3 tbs. of sugar

2 cups of club soda or sprite

(I like the new cranberry 7UP)

Pinch of ground cinnamon

Combine all of this into a pretty pitcher, chill and enjoy.  

Additions: strawberries, blueberries, apples...you get the idea.

The $8 TableScape 

clear vase - 1.00

candles and candle holders - 3.00

brown craft paper (runner) - 1.00

daisies and greenery - 3.00

I love fresh flowers, but a graduate school student budget doesn't allow for the best....but, that doesn't mean that you can't enjoy cut flowers (notice that I left out the 'fresh' - that's because I always buy flowers and greenery that is 'not so fresh' ..most florist and in store floral sections have discounted cut flowers that are still presentable. The florist that I frequent has five dollar fridays - which consist of 'not so fresh' bouquets for 5 bucks. Also, don't forget your garden and the woodsy areas around your house! I got all the pine branches out of the woods off the trail that I usually walk - just be sure you aren't damaging the plants.

I love books. Always keep your eye out at yard sales for old books, they're so pretty - I got these for a dime a piece.  

working on my photography skills..

Andrew roasted these raw peanuts in the oven with a bit of wine and butter - they were delightful. 

Michael and Sarah: conversation makes the best party.

ummm.....yummy 

smiles :)

Overall, the little soiree went well...and, of course I had fun bargain hunting and decorating. So, always remember that entertaining doesn't always = a high budget. 

My Bedroom...I call it pretty-affordable :)

My bedroom in Athens...I just learned from Annette that I should never leave lights on for photo shoots....I'm getting there. This picture was already taken, so forgive me :)

my bedroom, athens, ga

the finished room...well, is any room ever finished? I built this bed from scratch - see other pictures below. The entire room is comprised of very inexpensive finds and great bargains. I found this white duvet cover and pillow shams at Ikea in the 'as is' section for only $10, an almost 90% discount! The throw is from there as well, I paid $0.99 for it! I just realized that to the prints are also from the 'scratch and dent' section of Ikea, and I believe I paid $0.99 for them as well - their plastic cover was broken, but the prints were fine. The sticks were $10 and the lighting above the bed print was also a buck from Ikea. 

leg in production. complicated. 

The best was the most expensive and most time consuming task. I think it ended up costing about $120 - including wood, paint, stain, and fasteners. This picture shows the ingenious design of the leg...the finished leg below:

finished leg

I took a orbital sander and sanded the edges to give it a bit more personality. And, who said you can't mix brown with black? We may as well throw that little rule out the window, because I'm not following it anymore...at least not for interiors. :)


The two Euros on the bed were actually one of the more expensive accessories...they are discontinued throw pillow (shams) from Dino Marc Anthony (California) one of my favorite sofa designers. They are from a sample sale in High Point, NC...I think I got the shams, muslin covers (underneath shams) and the down inserts for around $40 a piece- which was a great deal considering where they came from! 

desk

I'm always interested in hearing about people's projects done on a budget...I've since added a parsons desk and flat screen to my room. I found the desk at Wal-Mart of all places for $30, just like the one above.