HAPPY (DIY) NEW YEARS!

(Design It Yourself)

As we welcome the year 2013 and begin contemplating a new perspective on the coming days and months.  Let's indulge our creative side further.  With the economy ever so changing, the concept of purchasing expensive manufactured items begin to become out of reach for most.  Therefore, the need to become more decor creative is a necessity!  I'm beginning my list of DIY ideas;  to add more personalized sophisticated decor to my space.  I look forward to sharing my finished projects with you throughout the course of this year!

Here are a few DIY ideas that are on my list to tackle;

Rejuvenation of an old chair

The theme of the chair has been thought of and the fabric purchased.  Now the search is on for the right chair to bring back to life.  I will be on the hunt, prowling through yard sales, vintage stores, and other bargain driven treasure shops for that diamond in the rough! 



My ideal chair in search of and this nest bird fabric will be used.



 



Personalized Wall Decor

I found this wonderful idea on Pinterest as Christmas Decor.  I have an idea that is currently under way to make it into a piece that can be displayed on the wall all year around!  Progress is being made on this one.  The letters have been stained and the accessories spray painted.  Can't wait to reveal the finish project!

DIY project found on Pinterest.  Working on my own version now.

Featured Mirror

I've always wanted a statement mirror use as a focal point.  But, never could get myself to spend statement mirror money for it.  Therefore, I decided to design one myself.  The idea of having a one of a kind treasured piece is exciting!  This project will be a process but, I am looking forward to accomplishing them all!



Sunburst Mirror (my inspiration)
 

I'm excited about my "Design It Myself" New Year.   With a little luck, time and persistence I will end up with beautiful well crafted and designed finished pieces!  What are your design plans for 2013?

Christmas Joy!

In the spirit of holiday cheer, there are things synonymous with this season.  We all choose to spread a little "Christmas Joy" in our own way.  Since, this is the season of giving.......I wanted to share a few inspired yet, traditionally unique ideas to make the season bright!

Cookies for Santa!

What Santa doesn't like a sweet treat awaiting them when they arrive at the home of a child who still believes, as well as any adult who just needs an excuse to treat themselves!

Chocolate covered Oreo's made by a wonderful Savvy Bride Guru!

The Grinch inspired chocolate chip cookies

Gingerbread House

Now, one day I will make one of these that stays together and is edible.  Gingerbread houses can be as simple or as elaborate as time permit.  However, I find it amazing the effort put in making these homes. Talk about your attention to detail! Can we say "An Architect In The Making."  I would like to see one interior decorated!

Holiday Drinks

Getting in the spirits with spirits! Oh, what fun it is to wrap gifts with a cocktail or two!  Just make sure you put the right name on the gift.  Here are two holiday cocktails to get your Christmas Eve going!

Beautifully Festive: Sparkling Apple Cider, Cranberry Vodka, Frozen Cranberries & Orange Triple Sec

Hot Butter Rum - Recipe: http://martieknows.squarespace.com/blog/2009/12/10/holiday-cocktails-hot-buttered-rum.html

How do you spend your Christmas Eve?  Do you stay up late wrapping gifts and playing Christmas music? 

However, you do spend it...............Make it festive!

Happy Holidays!


Wow, only 5 more days until Christmas!  I am in the holiday spirit and I hope you are too!  Just in case you're not, here are some cool Christmas decor ideas to get your home ready!  Once, your space is decorated you have no choice but to begin to feel the spirit of Christmas!

 Decorating can be fun and should be fun.  You can add as little or as less as you like.  There is no right way to bring the spirit of Christmas into your home.

 

Adding homemade touches always make the season brighter!  Bringing the outside in with cones is a wonderful way to spruce up your decor.  Maybe even placing cinnamon sticks around to get your senses going!

 

 

No matter how you choose to celebrate the holidays, keep it simple and always do what makes you feel great!  Spread joy and love this holiday season and give with design in mind!

 

 

 

Merry Christmas!

 



In The Spirit of Christmas

It's that time of year again to bring about good cheer!

Every year I try to add a little something extra of myself with every card. This year, I created flower ornaments that can be hung on your tree or on your clothes! The Christmas season always seem to bring about spontaneous creativity for me. I hope it does the same to for you. Since, my Christmas card list continues to grow each year it can get a little pricey buying personal cards for each indivdual. Therefore, I find the best box card set that's to my liking and add a little extra touch to it, you know.....make it your own! Take a look and Happy Holiday's!






2012 Christmas Cards with ink stamped envelopes

Ink stamped inside of card & attached ornament with decorative tape

Items created and used to assemble cards

How do you plan to wish others Happy Holiday's this season?

Your Space Inspired by You!

Looking for a little inspiration to help you to become creative in today's economy.  Then, let's begin at home by creating spaces in your home that will inspire you.  Take one room at a time and make it a place that rejuvenates you each day!  My living room helps me to relax from a hard days work.  I sit here and the stressful work day is washed away! 

Get inspired with me and begin your inspiration space!

WALLPAPER

Wallpaper Can Do Wonders To A Space!

Out with that old idea of hideous wallpaper.  Wallpaper has surely changed over the years, with great viberant patterns and custom designs. You now can transform a space into a beautiful designed space with just a touch of wallpaper.  Take a look at some splendid ideas!

 I do advise you to not go overboard but have fun with it!

Get inspired!  Grab one room and make a go of it this weekend.  Select a gorgeous wallpaper design and wallpaper just one wall in that room, step back and see how it makes you feel!

BENCH DECOR!

Come in and have a seat!

Bench seating has come a long way from being the furniture piece outdoors or the common restaurant seating.  Now, you can add bench seating into your home in dynamic ways.  Bench seating can be added to your eating area, it can be used as a stand along piece as well as a hall piece.  Have fun with it and be inspired in the process! 

Contemplating Spring Design Before It Has Sprung!

How about a little Spring ideas to get us through the Winter!

Yes, it is still winter but the first sign of spring is popping up all over the place. I am talking about pillows with shapes of petals sewn onto them, creating an extremely plush and fun floral accessory. It's a look to remind us of the season of rebirth, renewal and growth. 

Add square petal pillows to furniture with curved lines. The pillows add extraordinary texture in a plush but delicate way. 

Petal pillows can be picked up through a variety of retailers, and they range in shape, size, colors, materials and price

Try felt petal pillows for a cozy, casual look that resembles a bevy of flowers gathered together. The natural tones of the wool felt adds tons of yummy texture without being loud. They look almost furry — perfect for a sofa.

If floral pillows don't do it for you then adding color and touches of real flowers to remind you of spring this winter will excite your senses and give you something to look forward to!  Happy Designing!

Designs Ideas for 2012

LET'S GET INSPIRED IN 2012!

2012 brings forward old ideas remodeled according to new trends, effortless elegance, vivid colors, striking and out of the ordinary combinations and contrasts. This year, we should all embrace colors that we wouldn’t normally associate, combine intense shades with balancing tones and think out of the box, giving our home a brand new personality.

Dare to celebrate neon shades, using fluorescent green, yellow or pink, delivering thus new accent elements to your freshly decorated interior. Since these powerful colors tend to draw attention, combine them with neutral shades such as white and gray that will soften the visual impact. The striking atmosphere thus achieved will definitely be one of a kind.

 

Make up elegant color combinations like black and gray, black and silver, light blue and gray, emerald and white, gold and white, orange and gray, lavender and white, tan and black. You can also mix styles, using a minimalist interior with accent furniture elements, like an art nouveau armchair in neutral, natural colors (black leather, cinnamon or brown velvet).

And in the end, if none of this works for you then, just be sure to invite your own uniqueness into your space.  By doing so, you will always have a place that you'll enjoy!

2012 New Year Aspiration!

What's Your Aspirations for 2012?

As we prepare to say Au revoir to 2011 and Bonjour to 2012, we begin to think about things to accomplish throughout the coming Year.  This is what some may call a New Year's Resolution, I'm call it my New Year's Aspiration!

In 2012, I strive to blog at least "Once" a week about every, anything and all things 'DESIGN."  I'm designating Sunday's to put together a design piece big or small to share and inspire others.  Therefore, look out for new blog updates every Sunday beginning the New Year.

Design by Allie, is wishing you a New Year full of creativity and inspiration!  Be Inspired in 2012!



Beautiful Bright Colors for Inspiration



FOR THE LOVE OF CLASSIC CHAIRS

Many years later and these chairs have proven to be some of the most iconic chairs to have stood the test of time.  They remain magnificent in todays design world.  They are not just furniture pieces, they are works of ART!  Let's take a look at some of the famous designers and their works of Art:

Wall Panels

Thinking of sprucing up a room or two and want to do more than just add paint and picture?  Here's an option, Wall Panels!  They can be used as a headboard feature on as a design on the wall to section off an area.  The ideas can be plenty, just let your mind explore!

These are intricate wall panels that look like elegant fabrics

 These are faux leather wall panels made with unique leather that has the advantages of fireproofing and pro-environmental functionality.  Can be used in multiple applications

Innovative Outdoor Lighting

Thinking of illuminating your yard......how about this fascinating lighting design that would be sure to spark interest!  These walkover lights by Serralunga come in a string of five and can be arranged in any pattern.  Can be used as a walkway or to illuminate your garden......the imagination is limitless!

Accent Chairs

The "Accent Chair" I like to think of it as the fabulous piece that can make a plain sofa or love seat stand out!  These fabulous pieces can spice up any area.  They can be used to determine your colors within a space or just be used as your favorite show piece.  What do you think?