Guest Bedroom Make Do

We are having family in town for the weekend, and this reminded me that I'd forgotten to post pictures of our "freshened up" guest bedroom.  I did a little re-design in there this past summer using mainly things I already had from other rooms.  Unfortunately, I did not take any befores for you to truly appreciate the "dumping ground" this room started out as.  This just shows you what you can come up with by thinking outside the box and using what you have in new and fresh ways.

I was nutszo over this pillow fabric when I found it.  It's a linen that has a light green background with gray, cream and paprika accents. I love it because it allowed me to use my old wall color (so I didn't have to paint, and I really hate to paint!).  But a couple of weeks after I made the pillows, I received a Ballard Designs catalog and was crushed when I saw my fabric as a new feature fabric for their furniture line.  I know I shouldn't care, but I did not want to see my fabric everywhere.  So, I am going to leave it for now, but may remake them in something else later. 

A few details about the room, I got the bed when I first started practicing law in Atlanta in 1994.  It was one of the first pieces of furniture I bought.  The lamps are from Home Goods, and I replaced the shades with burlap barrel shades I picked up locally(these were in my dining room at one point).  The original shades were lavender silk, so I had to use my imagination when I found them (they were around $35 each)!  The artwork is from Scott's (got it 10 years ago) and just moved it from another room into the space.  The cowhide rug is from IKEA from a couple of years ago.

This side table I picked up at a local antique/used furniture store for $80.00, and the chair was from my daughter's nursery.

This table is from IKEA.  Can't remember the price? But I know they still carry it.  The crystal bowl was a wedding gift and was stored in a closet.

The Coverlet on the bed is from Home Goods (Ralph Lauren, I think), and the throw at the end of the bed is a twin spread I got years ago from this wonderful local shop (it's Peacock Alley so I hung onto it).

The mirror was a wedding gift from a relative of my husband.  The basket is from Pottery Barn and I had it in my nursery with my son.  The luggage rack was brought to the marriage by my hubby. 

Since taking the pictures, I have purchased a drapery rod and have yet to make the panels for it.  So,  I hope you will look around your house for items to make your guest bedroom a little more special.  Your imagination is the only limit.  Cheers! M.

I am linking this post to several link parties this weekend.  If you have some spare time, check them out!

http://simplydesigning.blogspot.com/2011/02/simply-link-party-and-winner.html 

http://funtocraft.blogspot.com/2011/02/look-at-me-party.html

http://www.fingerprintsonthefridge.com/2011/02/feature-yourself-friday.html

http://itsahodgepodgelife.blogspot.com/2011/02/its-hodgepodge-friday.html

Over Indulgence

Yes, it is Monday.  The weekend was way way too festive and fun; and consequently, I did not get in my quota of this. . .  

 I will resist the urge, as I am too busy today to give in. 

No Sofa!

A couple of years ago, I went to a party at this great house in our neighborhood.  When I walked into the living room it hit me.  She doesn't have a sofa!  Instead, she had four great chairs with a round coffee table anchoring the grouping.  It looked absolutely perfect.  The room was small in scale so the chairs just worked.

Now, every time I see this design for a room (which is becoming more and more frequently) I think back to that room.  It's current and unexpected and who doesn't like to have their very own chair!

http://www.sarahrichardsondesign.com/portfolio/project/sarahs-cottage/lounge

I also love the taller table with these chairs - feels like the beach is just to your right in this picture.

http://www.laurensterndesign.com/press.html
This space was designed by Laura Stern.  She has a wonderful ability to bring in just the right amount of modern style while maintaining a cozy warm sensibility to a space.  As with everything that Laura does, the layout is unique.  In this case, the four chairs are squared off (thus putting the focus on the fireplace).

http://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=7824&index=2&currentPage=1&searchQuery=round%20ottoman&searchType=photos


Notice in this picture that the four chairs are not identical.  This works because they are similar in tone/color and scale.  Also, this room has little to no wall space(it is a pass through room), so floating the arrangement in the center of the room really looks great and makes the room feel bigger.

http://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=5130&index=5&currentPage=7&searchQuery=side%20chairs&searchType=photos

Another example with chairs that do not match.  The bold pattern chairs are side by side (rather than facing each other as in the previous picture).  It really accents the fireplace and grounds that feature wall.  

photoId=27220&index=4&currentPage=5&searchQuery=small%20living%20rooms&searchType=photos 

This space is the most inviting to me.  These chairs look like you could curl up and hang out all night with friends.  

http://room-galleries.myhomeideas.com/pictures/living-areas/family-rooms/greens/index.html?ad=2&N=771+955+788&dir=back&view=gallery&No=0&sp=topRated

OK, I take it back, this one is the most inviting because I can actually see the water and those chairs look sooooo comfy! 

http://www.thelennoxx.com/?tag=classic-living-room

So,  go home and rearrange your furniture.  It won't cost you a thing and you will burn some calories doing it!