{Simply White} Color of the Year

White? Really? It's the color of the year? My thoughts exactly until I saw some of the images below. You either absolutely adore this color and how it creates such contrast against everything in the space, or you despise it.

source

source

source

source

source

source

I am actually a huge fan of white! I know I have young kids and they will probably draw all over the walls and create some pretty sticky hand prints, but I don't care. We painted the nursery, master bathroom and dining room Shoji White and I haven't regretted that decision one bit.

What do you all think? Are you a fan of white or do you try and stay away from it? What is your "go-to" color?

Decorating with a touch of Red

You all know that I am a fan of color. There really isn't a color that I don't like. Red use to be my favorite color. In our first home I even painted our master bathroom red. Like...red red. It took about four coats of paint and four people painting around doors, windows, tubs, etc.! I have learned over the years that in order to really enjoy color you have to interject it into your home little by little. Painting four walls red is quite a commitment and one I wasn't too pleased with after two years.

I truly feel that you get more of an impact when most of a space is neutral while adding color in accessories, accent walls or a piece of furniture. It creates a more cohesive/pulled together look.

Since Valentine's Day is tomorrow, I have pulled together some of my favorite spaces that showcase that "right amount" of red. You can take this same concept and integrate it with any bold color of your choice.

source

source

BHG

source

BHG

source

source

source

So do you like decorating with red? Are you an all out bold Diva or a conservative lady when it comes to adding color to your home?

Have a lovely weekend! Hope you feel loved and appreciated on this Valentine's weekend.

XOXO

{DIY} Welcome Mat for Spring

Welcome to Monday! Not sure if I am ready for the day, but ready or not it's here! I hope you had a nice weekend. It was in the 80's here and I so enjoyed spending time outside. I did get my front porch spruced up for sitting and entertaining this spring/summer. I can't wait to show you. I should have some pictures up on Wednesday!

While sprucing up the front porch I noticed that my welcome mat was plain and boring. I wanted to do something to make a small statement as guests arrived at our front door. I came across this Etsy site and knew immediately that I wanted to recreate one of these mats for myself. Originally I wanted to write "Welcome Ya'll" or "Hey Ya'll" but the Hubs wasn't going for those. So I decided on something very simple:

We have been joking all weekend and saying "Hi" really quick to each other and laughing. We have to entertain ourselves somehow people! 

1. First, I used my Silhouette to cut out 4" letters onto white Cardstock. (You could just print some fun letters and trace them onto a heavy paper.)

2. Then I punched the letters out and placed the stencil on the lower left corner of my welcome mat.

3. I used a thicker bristled brush to help get the paint to soak down into the mat.

4. I also made sure to use a little painter's tape at the corners so the stencil wouldn't slide while painting. Then I waited for an hour or so until the paint dried. 

You can see in the above picture that I used a sample of Valspar paint that I had on hand. It is a fun limey green color, but reads almost yellow in some of my pictures.

I love the small update. It isn't too bold and crazy....just a little somethin to add some fun to our porch!

How about you! What were you up to this weekend? Any outside work or fun DIY's that I must know about?

Linked up at: Thrifty Decor Chick

It Started With Fabric {Master Bedroom Redesign}

Welcome back to a new week. I am a little slow going this morning...how about you? We just might have to make this a 2 cup of coffee morning!

A few weeks ago I was browsing the web for some new fabric for different designs that I am currently working on. I also wanted to find Schumacher's Zimba fabric in charcoal for the valance in the master bathroom. BUT...with the price tag of $70 a yard and a minimum shipment of 2 yards I was not going to slap down that kind of money when I really only need less than a yard. So I started thinking of possibly DIYing the fabric like Sarah did here. It looked way to confusing for me at this present moment with the busy spring season. So I decided to look on some discount sites including Ebay.

Did you all know they even sell fabric on Ebay? Well of course they do! They sell everything! I had never thought to look there.

So I got sidetracked. {At this point you are probably thinking..where is she going with all of this!?} I was on Ebay's site for a looonnng time. So long that I might have forgotten to eat dinner! I didn't find the Zimba fabric I was looking for, but I came across this beautiful fabric...

This pictures does NOT do the colors justice. It so beautiful in person and almost has a sturdy linen feel to the fabric. This fabric is called Chiang Mai Dragon in alabaster and is normally $149 per yard! YIKES! I knew this was a designer's fabric but didn't know it was so expensive. Well I was in luck because the bidding started at $10 on Ebay. Of course when the auction ended it closed at $40, but compared to $149 I think I got quite a deal.

I ended up with probably half of a yard and I am now rethinking my whole master bedroom design because of this colorful piece of fabric....calming whites and grays with a pop of color.

Bedroom Refresh by eatsleepdecorate featuring recycled furniture

What do you all think? Have you ever found a deal on Ebay that was too good to pass up?...did you know they even sell fabric on Ebay?

A "Pinch" of Green {Color Inspiration}

Happy St. Patty's Day All! The Hubs and I usually go out and have a green beer or two just for fun, but this year is going to be BORING! We have appointments till late tonight for work, so we will have to celebrate a different day. (At least I painted my nails green so I won't get pinched!)

I am a huge fan of the color green and not just because it is St. Patrick's Day.  In fact, I believe it is my favorite color. I don't have a lot of green in my home, but somehow I feel connected to that color because it reminds me of the outdoors. I love how nature gives us so many shades of green to inspire us. Don't you?

source

I am not one to overwhelm myself with the color green, but instead add a touch or a "pinch" of green here and there throughout my spaces. I think these inspirational pictures will give you an idea how to add touches of green without going overboard.

source

source

source

source

What are your thoughts on the color green? Have you added a splash of it somewhere in your home or are you the bold one that has painted a whole wall, cabinet or room?

Fall Color Trend- Shades of Purple

I know what you all are thinking..."How can we add purple into our home decor without making it look too girly?" There are so many ways to add different shades of purple to make your space feel cozy and sophisticated without making it juvenile and girly. I for one am not a HUGE fan of purple, but often like shades of lilac, plum and lavender in my closet.

After seeing these paint colors in the new issue of Better Homes and Gardens it was confirmed that you will be seeing shades of purple a little more this fall. So lets take a look at some spaces where purple is being used in classy ways.

BHG

This room I love because the shade of purple is very subtle. Can you see it? The dark Plum quilt creates a cozy and rich feel to this space. 

This idea isn't very subtle, but sure makes a pretty statement. A little collection of lilac bottles really pops against the white built ins.

via

You all know that I love me some yellow and when paired with this beautiful shade of grayish purple it really creates a warm space. Pairing cool colors with warm colors says balanced and inviting. 

via

Another fabulous layering of purples, plums, yellows, and oranges within the wallpaper, lamps and bedding.

via

Purple is done very elegantly in this space. Don't you feel sophisticated just viewing this room? You don't have to add such an huge impact with the purple chairs, but I am loving the oriental rug that has shades of purple which you could pull from by adding a throw or pillow. 

via

I really love this regal feel when dark plum is paired with touches of gold. There are definitely some traditional elements to this room, but also some glamour chic. Loving the mix!

BHG

This is definitely one of my favorites spaces when we talk about adding shades of purple. You don't have to make a large impact by painting your walls purple or even purchasing expensive bedding...how about just adding some inexpensive pillows in shades of plum and burgundy. You can then change the pillows out when you are sick of the color or with the change of seasons.

So what do you all think? Could you jump on the shades of purple bandwagon this Fall?

Happy Hump Day All!

A Pop of Color in Unexpected Places

A few weeks ago I shared a DIY that I created on the doors in our entryway. I was trying to add a pop of color, but ended up going with a dark shade on the edges of the doors. (I pretty much chickened out!)

There are so many great ideas around the web on how to add color in unexpected places. These pops of color really keep your eye moving around a space.

via

Not sure about the Ombre, but how cute would it be to add a pop of color to the kick plates of your staircase!?

via

There are so many great idea of adding a pop of color to a dresser or vanity. You can chose to spice up the side of the drawers or the inside with paint and/or decorative paper.

via

via

source unknown

Now...this is very unexpected, but I love! Painting just the trim around the window in an all white kitchen!

via

via

How about adding some color to your dining room chairs and leaving the rest of the room neutral. It sure would add that pop that you are looking for!

via

Or..you could go with the opposite. Painting the table and keeping the chairs neutral. Loving the orange!

source unknown

Here is the inspiration picture that I had for my entryway. Imagine the possibilities...closets, kids rooms, bathrooms, pantry doors... you could go crazy!

via

I absolutely love this idea...could be my FAV of the day! Painting the curtain rods and finials a bright color. They would look fabulous in a neutral nursery or kids room!

All of these ideas would be a great addition to any home that needs just a little punch of color. Your space may be pretty neutral, but how fun would it be to add just one of these items!? The guests would be talking.... I tell ya!

Happy Hump Day All!