Kate Spade Book covers

How awesome are these bookcovers (perhaps to conceal that scandously trashy novel you're reading... you know who you are, hehe)- by Kate Spade?! download them for free here (click on "downloads) What are you reading this summer?

WYWO2.3 the next steps

So, color-scheme in check, the next step for the parental family room makeover was what to get rid of and what to get. Unfortunately, after a little reality check, I couldn't get rid of much. Well, at least what I wanted to get rid of, hehe. I had to keep the couch. I had to keep the TV. To make things more frustrating, I couldn't move the couch much nor could I move the TV. The cable box to the TV is actually right in that corner, and I couldn't move it without having all these exposed wires. The couch is so huge, placing it in any other direction would either not fit, or block the view of the TV, which I had to make sure you could still see it from the eating area and kitchen. What I could get rid of was the weird corner shelf, I could move the piano, and I could get rid of the existing coffee table and light. As much as I wanted to "re-design" the space, the actual layout ended up having to stay the same. But at least I could add a little color, and make it more cozy.

Time was of essence. I only had one weekend to pull this off because they were coming home on the following friday, and I knew I wouldn't have time with the busy work week. I conned asked a friend to help and we were off. First stop was Home Depot to get paint. I chose a darker purple-grey ish for the wall behind the couch. Then off to IKEA, cuz I knew they'd have the most affordable pieces (since I was paying for this as sort of a mother's day gift). I found this great rug that would definitely ground the space:It was the perfect size and brought in the colors of the living room. I also got some lower sized BILLY cabinets , a new coffee table with more storage, and a larger corner tv stand. That blew quite a good chunk of my budget (I comitted to not spending more than $1000- so Trading Spaces of me huh?) but I still a little for accessories. By the way, I discovered quite quickly that there is a reason why there are proffessional piano movers. That piano was ... HELL to move. Note to self. Don't do that again.

What I also needed was something over the fireplace. I felt like I needed some sort of sculpture or something dimensional. What I really wanted was some sort of C.Jeré type of thing. But I couldn't find anything locally. So, I got all crafty and made something. It turned out like this:Sorry for the long post, I'll have more details in the next one and the final result. To be continued...

I REALLY found it!

One of the columns I love about Domino is the "found it" where they try to find something they've seen and come up with either the actual thing, or a really close alternative. Well, this month's "found it" was a little dissappointing. The writer saw this leaf "garland" at a friend's house, and ended up finding this other garland, but honestly, the two are sooooo not the same.However, I am proud to say, that I actually "found it!"- Well, at least found something that looks very very similar to the original photo. Turns out it's not "garland" at all, but rather a metal sculpture. It's actually a little heavy, and I'm suprised that whoever owns the original was able to secure it to the mirror, but I guess it's totally possible. Anyways- I found this metal sculpture at a recent estate sale. It was a bit expensive, but I kinda just went for it. I don't think I'm going to have it in my house.. but I may use it in another project, or re-sell it... but anyways- what do you think? Did I "find it"?

fabric wall inspiration

All I can say is this is fantastic and gorgeous. Embroidery hoops are cool. A great idea for anyone who has a fabric collection. Sorry, its a long image, you have to keep scrolling...
(Found via the Freepeople blog via Love Forever) Happy friday!

Blue monday: bed side vingette

It's a blue munday. yay. yipee. To cheery up and get the week started, here's a lovely blue bedside vingette. This could be a great DIY project if you happen to have an old wood side table that needs some lovin'. Painting only the outsides in a high gloss turquoise, and adding a little collection of turquoise bits on top looks so fresh. I love how they paired it with the vintage-y seafoam background wallpaper (with the chinois medallions) This was taken from Los Angeles home of Robert Willson and David Serrano, from the March 2007 House and Garden... which I notice has changed their masthead logo (again)... There's also a great colorstory trends feature inside so pick up the issue if you happen by a newstand...