Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Modern Macrame.

We are getting closer and closer to finishing the bedroom makeover. On more than one occasion, Steph has muttered: "I hate this room. I really do." It's not that it's not a great little space (it is), but that it's been a royal pain. I feel like we say that about a lot of projects (how quickly we forget our recent bathroom reno!) but this one in particular has thrown us a few curve balls. The walls are painted and the trim is up next. I'll take a photo this evening to share with you tomorrow. It's a million times better than what we started with!

The little room gets the most sunlight of all the house. I like to keep the door wide open so the light floods into the hallway. I think we would be amiss if we didn't put some life in there, in the form of greenery. I've recently become intrigued but the return of macrame. What intrigues me is that while it fits so perfectly in a vintage decor setting, it works equally well in a modern space.

At first I thought it would be a perfect little diy project for me to take on. Seems simple enough. I found a couple of great tutorials online. I think they are all equally awesome.




Throughout my search however, I did discover some great hanging planters on Etsy. I especially love buying things on Etsy because I know that I'm supporting independent artisans rather than big box stores.Plus, I figure they can likely do it better than me!

I am especially enamored with The Vintage Loop and will be ordering one from there rather than going the diy route. The seller is Canadian which is a bonus!

Here are some of my favorites from the shop:
 


The only question is whether I should go classic black or white or be brave and add a pop of color to the space! What about you? Anyone jump on the macrame bandwagon lately?

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Shoppin' Girl.

We are currently trying to rid our home anything we don't need or that has been gathering dust. I tend to get attached to things and want to hang on to them but I'm making a real effort to simplify. Generally, each thing that I've bought for my home is because I've genuinely loved it. However, my style is changing and a lot of things have been relegated to a closet or cupboard somewhere and it's time to say goodbye.

Clothes are a huge issue for us. Stephane has a hard time parting with any of it. His drawers hardly close anymore and I have a mini freak-out every time I try to put his clean laundry away. I'm terrible for shopping for "nice" clothes, then never wearing them. I've finally come to the conclusion that 99% of the time, I want to be comfy and those "nice" clothes never seem to get worn. Time to part with some of those and to start shopping smarter.

We've been selling things on Kijiji and on our local Buy, Sell, Swap and this weekend we are having a garage sale at Steph's mom's house, which will give us an opportunity to get rid of a lot more stuff. Here's hoping!

It feels good. That being said. It seems like I'm just buying more stuff! Here are some of my favorite recent purchases.


I picked up a pair of these Brass Cage Accent Tables when they were on sale at Target last week. 
Then sold my old ones the next day!


The reviews of these Striped Sheets are great so I picked up two set for the bunk beds. I'm a little skeptical, as they seem particularly soft, but maybe after washing? Can't beat the price.


This Illustrated Map of Prince Edward Island by island artist Lori Joy Smith is going to add a little pop of color to our latest project.


The weather is finally starting to warm up here so I can make the transfer from yoga pants to shorts for working out. I picked up the Tracker Short II and they are super comfortable.


I haven't purchased this Nate Berkus arrowhead rug from Target but I want to! I think it has been discontinued and they only ever seem to have it in green. The black is so perfect for the bedroom makeover. If anyone locally sees it in store, please let me know!

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Bedroom Progress.

A little update on what has been keeping us busy these days. We decided a few months ago that it was time to tackle the fourth bedroom in our home. The only room that had not been touched (aside from refinishing the floors) since I bought the home 6 years ago.

I came up with this plan for the space and we are slowly working away at putting it in to action. For us, it's never as simple as just slapping up some paint and calling it a day. This room is kicking our butts.


Let's talk about the walls. I believe at one time the room was laid out differently and the closet had been moved. When this was completed, the work was poorly done, which left us with uneven walls, poor patch jobs and wallpaper that was a mega pain to get off.


For a couple of weeks now, we've been picking away at the room. We both did some wallpaper stripping and Steph plastered and sanded the walls in the really bad spots. In the end, the walls are still really just fair. We've decided to use a paintable wallpaper over them, as it will give a much smoother finish. An extra step but we believe the finished product with look much better. We were able to find a paintable wallpaper at Home Depot that has no pattern on it all.


Steph is also building a set of bunk beds that will fit in between the two walls. I am pretty sure I understand his vision but I'm anxious to see it all finished.

Last night, we primed all the walls with an alkyd primer in preparation for the wallpaper and paint. Working with that stuff is awful and the smell is nauseating. I was scared to go to sleep for fear we wouldn't wake up in the morning! We survived but I am happy to head out to work this morning, just to escape the lingering odor.



I also primed the small Ikea armoire so that I can give it a coat of white paint. It's going to stay in the room and act as my linen closet.

Sorry for all the terrible photos. Very shortly it will be much prettier! It will be a fun room to decorate so I'm very anxious to get to that point! Stay tuned!


Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Wednesday Musings.

 

Everyone loves Lululemon Wunder Unders, right? I treated myself to a pair in the organic cotton this weekend. Mine are charcoal grey and it's possible I will be living in them for the next while. So, so, so comfy. I can't seem to find them online, which is a likely good thing or I'd be ordering another pair.


After revealing my own bathroom overhaul last week,
Abby's reveal leaves me wishing I was as brave!

Lobster season opened here in PEI last week. Enough said.


Hard to photograph but our latest project is coming along well. Can't wait for it to be ready to decorate!

This week's good reads: