Decorating Cents

Just like with jewelry, there were these rules about not mixing the different metals.  I used to wear a lot of gold jewelry but then switched to white gold and sterling silver.  As I got older, I just thought the silver tones looked better on my skin.  I see a lot of pieces that mix the two and guess what?  I wear them both now. source That trend is big in home decor as well.   In my home there's plenty of nickel and silver.  They are more my preference but like I said before, the gold thing is starting to peak my interest.  Since I have so much silver and nickel around, I hesitate when buying gold pieces because I fear the two will clash.  But no more my friends, I'm seeing that the two can co-exist!  Putting the two together actually makes the space look layered and adds some depth on another level. source   source The trick is to have several pieces of both metals so they look mixed on purpose.  Don't have a bunch of nickel and one gold vase. 

The master bedroom sitting area is still looking pretty sparse.  I know what I want there but just haven't pulled the trigger to get everything I want in that space.  I've been taking baby steps with pieces to ensure the pieces are actually going to stay.  I'm learning to build the room piece by piece.  I've noticed that when I make quick decisions and buy things just to fill a space, I regret the purchase and want to start over again.  A waste of time and money.  When Lamps.com contacted me to review a lamp, of course I said yes.  I had the perfect spot for a lamp.  A lamp would be a good starting point for the sitting area.  Lamps.com has a huge selection of table lamps, floor lamps, and chandeliers for all tastes.  You can find just about any type of light you are searching for.   I decided to go with the HGTV Chrome Plated Table Lamp .  It has a ceramic base with chrome plating on it.  I had already bought a side table for the space and this lamp would be perf

It's funny how years ago I was so against gold decor in the home.  I always thought it looked dated and old.  Now gold is back with a vengeance.  It's been everywhere lately becoming almost a neutral.  Very chic.  While I'm not totally all in, I do tend to like it better in small doses as opposed to large pieces.   source source   source source There are even some cool DIY gold pieces out there. Gold stenciled pillows Dipped glasses Gold bowls Gold cornered frame Gilded terrarium Dipped Bowl Succulent planter You could pretty much take anything, spray paint it gold, and make it fab.  My hand is itching to try some gold but hubby's not feeling it. Any gold decor happening in your house?

Have you ever wondered what to do with the un-used Formal Dining Room?  We have one and I don't think we have ever sat in there for a meal.  Even when we have dinners at our house, we all sit in the breakfast area and use the kitchen island with bar stools.  There have been times I thought about changing the room into a more functional space.   I've seen several bloggers turn their dining rooms into home offices.  I'm not completely sold on having all my important documents up front where everyone can see.  Our office tends to get a little paper heavy at times.   Here are several beautiful examples of dining rooms turned home offices.  source source source source source source source I know that if I one day decided to go this route, there's plenty of inspiration to get started. Do you have an un-used formal dining room?  What did you do with it?

Since I love to use Polyvore to create mood boards, I was happy to see that Megan from Honey We're Home is hosting a decorating contest with them.  Here's the board I did for Sexy Glam.   Head on over to Polyvore to vote and see the other entries.  There will be 2 winners selected to win $500 to Pottery Barn.

Happy Monday.  We took a family trip to a pumpkin patch this weekend.  It was 80 degrees outside and didn't feel at all like fall but it was a fun time. Moving right along on the hall bathroom makeover.  All the bathroom light fixtures in this house are chrome.  I have nothing against chrome, I just like the look of nickel better.  Seeing that there are four bathroom lights that still need to be changed, I'm not quite ready to fork out the money to change them all right now.  I changed the one in the powder room downstairs during the painting stage so it can be checked off the list. Here's the one in the hall bathroom before.  A standard builder light. Yeah, it's been that way for over two years.  Sad, I know.  We never really used that bathroom so it wasn't really a big deal.  The two bulbs put out enough light.  Knowing that I wasn't putting any money into a new light, I decided the next best thing was to spray paint it.  I bought some satin

You may remember this plant from the family room. Well it no longer looks like that.  I've tried watering it just enough to keep the soil moist and sitting it in front of the window during the day but it doesn't seem to be working.  I think the colder weather last winter just took its toll on the poor thing.  I've never really had a green thumb but this one has lasted quite a while.  I've been trying to decide what I want to replace it with.  Should I get another of the same plant or try something new?  I love that this one looks full and green but isn't huge and doesn't take up too much space.  I've seen several people get fiddle leaf fig trees but have also read they are fickle and can die on you quickly.  It may also be larger than I'm looking for.   Or how about the simple palm tree?  I keep seeing them in Home Depot but I don't think it's really my style.  Sure they look nice but they have more of a tropical feel.