5 Creative Ideas for Walls + 1 Helpful Idea

As I try to get back into the swing of things around here, I've been on my usual haunts; Pinterest, Décor Pad, Tumblr, Houzz, StumbleUpon, blogs, online magazines, etc., etc. looking for inspiration.  I found exactly that and then some!

 

Chalk board paint in a intricate stencil design

 

I am so impressed by this!  First of all, I really can't imagine whose home this is in!  I mean, it couldn't be mine, only because my two would be so intrigued by it until there is no way at all it would remain this clean and in tact!  I wonder if there is some sort of spray they used to seal the chalk to the wall?  But then, what if you later wanted to change the design?  Anyhoo, I love it all the same!

1"x6" plywood boards wrapped in metallic grasscloth

 

Okay, so I have some left over plywood (20" squares) from making Gillian's headboard a few years ago in my garage that I could totally use to do something like this with.  I'm always buying remnants of fabric that have gone on sale at different stores, so I'm sure I have something that I could use somewhere in my home where a statement would be made by doing this.  I like the idea of using longer pieces too.  Hmmm...let me give this one a little more thought!

DIY wall art using Styrofoam and fabric

 

I always have around the house canvases of different sizes for paint projects for the kids.  I could do something like this using paint and stencils, as well as fabric or wrapping paper!  I just bought the coolest wrapping paper from TJ Maxx a couple of months ago thinking I would use it in Gillian's room when we do her makeover.  So many ideas...

Frames filled with corkboards for kids artwork

Bingo!  I am so doing this for that little girl!  Oh my gosh, I cannot begin to tell you how many pictures she draws in a weeks time!  And all of them, she expects you to keep and display prominently somewhere!  She can change them out at her whim and also have the satisfaction of seeing it displayed for as long as she likes!  Well, here we go!  Problem solved!  NEXT!!!

 



Thrift store frames glued to wooden boxes

 

I just like this idea because it makes for a really nice wall composition.  Simply by getting thrift store or flea market frames and attaching them to the appropriately sized boxes; you have a very nice way to display small treasures that would otherwise be looked at as clutter anywhere else!

Gallery wall art templates

 

Creating a gallery wall just got easier!  I wasn't going to post this one because I felt like just because I do this when considering the placement of frames and art, you do it as well.  In the event that you didn't know to do this, it makes life so much easier to get some paper; I typically use craft paper because it's a little bit stiffer.  Trace the outline of the frame and cut it out.  Oh, before you cut it out, mark where the hanger is on the backside of the frame onto the paper or just measure it out and mark it.  That way once you figure out your placement, all you have to do is place your picture hangers, hang the frame or art, and then gently pull the paper away from the wall!  Voila!  Gallery wall complete with only the holes that you are using!

 

 

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*All Images can be found via my Pinterest Creative Ideas board



Read More

FINALLY! My Completed Project for 2013 Room Service Atlanta

Before I get to the pictures, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who supported me in my efforts to make this project an overwhelming success!  Overwhelming?  Sure, because I had no idea how I was going to pull this off.  All I had was a vision!  In no particular order:  Gerald Peterson, Jackie Kearse, Terry Kearse, Rice Painting, Marco Lemon, Scott Kelly, Kelton Bryant, Deirdre Frutiger, Dale Oudems, Steve and Jill McKenzie, Brigette Young-Martin, Dr. Karen Chaplin, Laura Newsom, Ramsey Eddington, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams (Atlanta), Floor and Décor (Southlake), Glidden Paints, Walmart (Midway Drive), Target (LaVista Rd) Walmart Distribution Center (LaGrange, Ga), and Dayka Robinson & Erika Ward (Room Service Atlanta Organization Founders).  If I overlooked anyone at all, please charge it to my head and not my heart!  I could not have done this without any of you!  Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

 

I remember when Gillian and I first toured the Girls and Boys cottages; she wanted to do a girls space, but I was more drawn to the boys.  Why I chose the largest space in the cottage, I have no idea!  I left there that day thinking to myself, what had I done?  I was leaving for Paris in two days, so I thought I would worry about it when I got back! 

 



 

That is a 47" 3-D television that was donated by the Walmart Distribution Center, located in LaGrange, Georgia as well as the amazing Carson sofa sectional donated by my good friend Jonathan White at Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams in Atlanta!  The DVD player was donated by Terry Kearse, along with his DIY skills at putting down the tile in the small bathroom!  The dry erase board, books, and games were original to the space.  The posters and frames, as well as the snacks are from Walmart.  The glass canisters, clock, and pillows are from Ikea.  Oh! the popcorn containers are from The Dollar Tree!

The cross is original to the space also.  You can see it in the first picture, tucked in the right corner, sitting on top of some books.  Gillian gave it a coat of paint and we left it where we found it!  After all, God was in every detail of the planning of this space.  You don't mess with perfection!  What goes better in a space where movie watching, sports, and gaming are happening?  Snacks...and lots of them!

 



 

 As you can see, Gillian was in the right corner of this picture making her own video commentary!  She wasn't pleased with my decision, but lent her support in every way she could during the project!

 

The flooring made the biggest difference in this space!  Oh it's so much better than the two layers of commercial carpet glued on top of some weird kind of tile!  If you haven't heard already, my most amazing friend Deirdre Frutiger made this possible!  The art was so generously painted by Steve McKenzie!  He and his wife Jill truly are two of the most gracious and supportive people I've met in a long time!  I think it's just incredible for these guys to have original artwork by a very talented local artist!  The Luna 45" table is another fantastic donation by MG+BW!  The chairs were found by my good friend Dale Oudems from Ikea via Craigs List!  This guy can sniff out a deal!  I'm never that lucky!  But I guess with friends like mine, luck has nothing to do with it...I'm very blessed!

 



 

 Look closely at the Ikea side tables!  They were my attempt at creating a little rhythm to flow with Steve's paintings!  Ha! close, but definitely no cigar!  I actually really like them, though!

 

 

 Not sure what these window treatments were, but I knew they had to go!  It was pretty scary!  The furniture was used in other spaces.  Those designers that snagged them, did some pretty amazing things to them!  When I saw them, I just didn't have any imagination whatsoever!  My hat goes off to these very imaginative designers!

 

 

 Truly never knew what a Fat Head was until this project!  My girlfriend Jackie Kearse has three sons and so she knew all about them!  As if contributing two weeks of her time and sweat wasn't enough; she made these Fat Heads possible as well!  These things come with tons of decals!  We only used the individuals, their names, and a couple of the Falcon ones.  The rest, I'm sure her sons will enjoy when I do their new bedroom!  Her home burned in February, so she was very inspired by this project!

 

 

That wallpaper paneling piece, that was once an exterior windows kept my mind in riddles until literally the 11th hour!  That's how creativity works sometimes!  It had to be God inspired people, cuz I had nothing until driving one day!  A few people suggested some really cool art piece, but I just wasn't feeling that!  What I did finally come up with ended up being my favorite spot in the whole space!

 

 

 That's right my friends, Astroturf purchased at Home Depot for less than $20 bucks!  It was already pre-cut, so I just measured out how much I thought I would need to make a small rug for the gaming chairs to sit on, and I had just enough left over to hang in that horribly, unsightly space.  After we hung it, I began to think out loud and expressed how cool it would be to paint a football field on it and carry the theme onto the floor as well.  Jackie went to work!  She grabbed her phone and googled some images of football fields, and voila!  Those gaming chairs are so cool!  I love the speakers in the headrest with the controls on the sides!  This area I set up for the guys to play PS2 (which was also donated by Jackie's boys) and watch movies on the DVD player (donated by Target).  Walmart Distribution Center also donated the 32" television!  The chest that the television is sitting on is from Ikea!  I just decided I would add my on little DIY touch and paint a little of the trim and louvers!  What do you think...pretty special, huh?

 

 

I knew I wanted to put something very personal in the space and I thought what better place to put it than on the bathroom door.  These are all the things that I had to have in order to make this space a reality for these deserving young men.  The only one I didn't put up was gratitude, however in the personal piece that I wrote to them, I made sure to let them know that showing gratitude for even the smallest acts of kindness and support, keeps the blessings flowing!

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda



Read More

What I'm Reading Today

While in the airport yesterday I picked up the latest copy of Domino Magazine, special edition Small Spaces.  I thought it would make for an interesting read while on the plane, but a quick nap got my attention instead.  So, today after I've gotten caught up with a few projects, I plan to sit and have a leisurely browse through one of my favorite magazines.  I was so glad to know that I wasn't the only one out there that sorely missed Domino when they ceased publication a few years ago, and was thrilled to have them publish a special edition (now their third), for we who find inspiration in their pages.

 

 

This issue is on newsstands until June!  Plenty of time for you to pick up your copy!

 

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda



Read More

With a Man in Mind

I was having a conversation the other day with a friend of mine where we were discussing trends in interior design that had staying power.  The one that we both agreed that is here to stay is the impact that men have had on their living spaces.  Obviously, women's voices will always be heard in design just because that's still considered more of what we do, but with the family dynamic undergoing some changes with stay at home dad's and/or men working from home; their needs and desires must be addressed.  Not to mention with more and more men wanting nicer, more stylish and sophisticated diggs, they are taking more of an active and deliberate role in creating environments that speak to who they are and their lifestyles. 

 

 

Men tend to think more about function first and then aesthetics.  That's not to say they put a small amount of value on nice looking things, it's just that it needs to suit the purpose first and then be great looking.  Oh my gosh, let's not forget about convenience and their interests.  These are the jumping off points for their design endeavors.  Once these are satisfied, they can then move on to the task of making it amazing.

 

 

Linen, denim, a pocket square, and a nice watch!  I would say this is a great way to do casual.

 

Leather totes are a very stylish and handsome way for men to carry their work essentials.  This tote would look good whether he's wearing jeans or a suit.

 

 

Bed and bedding... Now obviously not everyone is okay with a mattress on the floor; not even the average guy.  However as shown above, as long as the space is clean, organized, and clutter free it can work.  This is totally a bachelors bedroom!  The wall color is subtle with a couple of great framed images, and the on trend brass details in the art lights and light fixture, well I mean, it's fabulous.  The draperies hung simply from discreet hardware, along with the no nonsense bedding...hmmm, just smart.  This room would not offend me at all.  I would date this man.  Well, I would have dated him!

 

 

Okay, so I had to throw Lenny in for a little eye candy!  Wow, just beautiful.  I remember when I was a little girl, my dad's facial hair would tickle my face and I didn't really like it all that much.  My how things have changed!  I love a nicely groomed beard.  Yes, I really do (nodding approvingly as I smile from ear to ear). 

 

What can I say about this Bugatti Veyron?  Sexy?  Absolutely.

 

Accessories are the details that speak volumns and yet they are most often the last to be given any thought at all.  I do think this is changing with the guys.  I don't know, there seems to be an evolution of sorts happening.  I am so glad about this, too.

 

 

Really!  The high ceiling along makes this bathroom incredible!  Come on!  The contrast of the wood planks and the beams is striking!  The dual vanity, reminiscent of cross-legged trays that are used in living areas to hold anything from bar essentials to collections of pictures and treasures is totally handsome in the rich walnut finish.  I'm loving the louvered window treatments.  It is a very clean and clever way of letting light in and also having privacy when needed.  The wall tiles make a huge statement in large part because of their size and in part because of their finish.  Interesting also is what appears to be wood slats in the walk-in shower.  Do you see this?  Only what is convenient, necessary, and functional in a very sophisticated design.

 

 

Classic.  Both the wardrobe and the club chair.

 

Obvioulsy, women aren't the only ones that need organization in their closets.  There is a place for everything here; even a place to sit, which by the way is a very smart chair with a hide underfoot to add a little warmth and texture. 

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*Images via my All About Men Pinterest board



Read More

5 Cool Ways to Re-Purpose Your Drapes and Spice Up Your Décor

Image

 





In today's tough economic situation, many people are looking for ways to save money. Some people try to cut down on their spending, while other people take on extra jobs. Many families have stopped indulging in luxuries like dining at restaurants or going to the movies. Finding new ways to cut costs can be an art form for many people, both metaphorically and literally. Some people have rediscovered old hobbies, like cooking or reupholstering furniture. There are countless craft projects that any person can do to simultaneously save money, reuse what they already own, and bring a little bit of spice into their décor. One great material that is easy to repurpose are drapes and linens. If you have some old drapes and linens, here are five cool ways you can repurpose them to bring a little bit of excitement into your home.

 

Image

 

Image

 

Reupholster small pieces of furniture. Chances are that your old drapes are not completely destroyed, and that some parts of them still look great, even while other parts are fraying. Use the parts that look the best to reupholster some small pieces of furniture, like cushioned chairs or small ottomans. If you use the fabric in the room the drapes were hanging in, you know the colors already match! You can also use the fabric to make new pillows for your couches.
 

Image

 

Image

 

Turn the linens or drapes into skirts for furniture. If you store anything under your bed, you probably want to have a bed skirt to hide everything. Why not use your luxurious drapes to make a new bed skirt? You can also make skirts for coffee tables and bookshelves if you think there is a mess worth hiding.
 

Google Images

 

Google Images

 

Add some pretty new trim to your towels. If you have a guest bathroom, you might want to spruce it up by putting some trim on your hand towels. You can use your old drapes or linens to decorate your towels - it can be a great way to hide stains or other signs of wear. Nobody will ever suspect there is a bleach spot hiding beneath the lovely trim or design!
 

Google Images

 

Google Images

 

Transform an old bed sheet into a new woven rag rug. You might think a "rag rug" can never be lovely, but you are wrong. Many kinds of woven rag rugs can be made without ever using a sewing machine or touching a needle and thread. Rag rugs can add a great accent to small and large rooms alike, and are often seen as welcome mats, bathroom mats, and closet area rugs.

Image

 

Image

 

Make a new tablecloth out of an old sheet or curtain. Tablecloths are one of the easiest accents to use because they can be changed so quickly. If you loved your bed sheets, but ruined a piece of the set, use the remaining sheet to make a new tablecloth. You can trim the edges with other fabrics that complement the primary one. Feel free to get creative and make a special new tablecloth for everyday use, special occasions, or both.

 

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Old linens, curtains, and drapes are easy to turn into new pieces of décor. All it takes is a little creativity, some time, and some patience.

Make it AMAZING!
Rhonda

 

About the author: Michelle Lim has written for the home and garden industry for many years. When she’s not writing, you can find her reviewing luxury bedding companies. Please click here for more information.

 

*Images via Google Images and Pinterest



Read More

How To Make A Dramatic Entrance

When I was in school I had an instructor that would get so irritated when a student would say drapes, instead of draperies.  She would say "drape is what draperies do"!  Not very long ago there was a discussion on Facebook, I think it was, Women In Design group, that talked about the very same thing, as well as what the difference is between draperies and curtains.  I happen to think the difference is that curtains aren't lined and don't fall below the window sill; whereas draperies are fully lined and fall to the baseboard or the floor.  Hmm, I must research this!  I suppose I should have before composing this posting, but oh well, it'll give us all something to do!
 

Moving on!  Since I love sunlight so much, I'm not a huge fan of using draperies as window coverings unless it is necessary for privacy (obviously), to add a layer to drafty windows to keep the chilly air out, or to block harsh sunlight.  I do love them for framing windows.  Framing both the outside view and adding beauty to the inside.
 

 

I also think draperies, drapes, curtains, sheers, whatever (did you feel my eyes rolling?) are so striking when used to divide spaces; adding drama and importance to what lies just beyond them.  It's a great way to soften a doorway, create an air of romance, and futher a theme.

 

 

 Using them in entry's and hallways can be totally amazing and so unexpected!  I love it when they puddle on the floor, but caution should be used when doing this!  You don't want to bring the whole thing down on you or someone else because it was an accident waiting to happen!  Every puddle has it's dangers, my friend! 

 

 

So, what do you guys think about adding draperies to doorways and pass-throughs?  My home is an open floor plan, so my foyer opens into my living room, which opens into my dining room, which opens into my... well you get the idea!  I have really been thinking about framing the pass-through between my living and dining room with a pair of draperies.  It would be unexpected and add a bit of prettiness.  Hmm, as I am typing this I'm thinking this may be something worth experimenting with for the holidays.  I'll keep you posted on the developments!

 

 

 How very pretty, rustic, and just down right special, right!

 

 

 I not only love the light fabric used here, but also the vine of ivy used as a tie back.  I can't get enough of fabric casually draped on a table to make eating breakfast, lunch, or dinner a little more special.  Oh, and it must puddle just a wee bit on the floor!  Remember what I just said about puddles!  Proceed with caution...!

 

 

I love the rope tie backs here!  It looks great with the rustic look of the wide plank floors.

 

 

 I know that I've shown images of flowing fabrics, but more structured fabric can be used as well.  This would be great for a more masculine space.  Think about it...framing the entrance to his closet or his home office even, would be so handsome.  With the right fabric and hardware a brilliant look is created!

 

Make it AMAZING!

Rhonda

 

*All images via my Pinterest boards 



Read More