Monday, January 31, 2011

Hemnes Dresser Makeover

I had a little time over the weekend to update some things in our bedroom, first being our dresser.  We have a white Hemnes dresser from Ikea.  We aren't really in love with it but it works with the rest of the room and it probably won't be replaced for awhile.  It's a bit plain and I felt like it was adding nothing to the room, so I knew it was time to do something.  I considered some new hardware, but I hadn't found anything I loved before I came up with a super easy, inexpensive way for an update.  So, with a little paint and blue tape, I took this:


to this!


It was so easy...

First, I started taping off the drawers.  I used 1" blue painters tape.  The 1" size really helped me accomplish this makeover in a timely manner because I wanted the gray rectangles to be inset from the drawer edges by exactly 1".  I taped the outside of the drawers quickly and then measured 1" from each side to mark where the inner tape should go.  I then taped the inner rectangle, more carefully than the outer one since the edges need to be more precise.



 To achieve perfect corners, I trimmed the tape with a scissors.




I was very happy to finish the taping process because it was the most tedious part.  It doesn't take more than an hour though.


 Next, I used a shade of gray paint and a small roller to paint the rectangles.


 I then carefully pulled off the tape while the paint was still wet and left it to dry.

Honestly, these photos don't even do the dresser justice because it looks really great in the room.


 You could easily do this in any color and it would be a great update to a basic bedroom staple!  Now, on to painting the walls - finally!

-MLL

Friday, January 28, 2011

High Gloss Preview

High Gloss Magazine is the next big online shelter magazine to be released.  With it's February 1st release date, many people are waiting anxiously to see what's behind that cover!  I'm personally super excited for this online publication because it was founded by a favorite blogger of mine, Paloma Contreras of La Dolce Vita. Her stylish High Gloss Team also includes Erin Gates whose blog Elements of Style is my favorite.  Yesterday, Casa Sugar released a sneak peek of a High Gloss feature and to me it looks like the mag will be everything I thought it would!

HOW AMAZING IS THIS ROOM!?!?!


I can't wait to see more!

-MLL

To Market At Surya

This morning I had a note from my dad in my inbox telling me that he had seen a rug he loved from a company called Surya.  So I checked it out and was blown away by some really cool rugs!  They also have a great selection of pillows and throws.  Unfortunately, I don't think you can order directly through them as a consumer, but they do have various showrooms around the country.  If you are interested in ordering one, feel free to contact me.










I love how they have such a wide range of styles.  I could picture their rugs fitting into countless styles of decor.  Thanks for sharing, Dad!

-MLL

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Matchbook Magazine

Sometimes happiness is a blessing, but generally it is a conquest. Each day's magic moment helps -Paulo Coelho.  This is a quote noted by blogger Haleigh Walsworth in the recently debuted Matchbook, the latest online publication buzzing in the lifestyle/design world.  Haleigh's story of moving to France and embracing the French lifestyle is beyond inspiring.  These photographs from the feature also caught my eye...







"French women are not consumers, they are editors."  Wise words for us fashionistas spoken from the lips of a French/American :).

-MLL

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Homegoods Finds

I had to run into TJ Maxx the other day to make a return.  And when I say run in I mean wander the isles for at least an hour and when I say return I obviously mean exchange because it's impossible to walk out of TJ's/Marshalls/Homegoods without another addition to my home.  I did a really REALLY good job of editing down my purchases, but I saw so many things I wanted to take home with me.  If you guys have any time this week, I highly suggest you head over to your local store and check out their current merchandise.  My faves...

 Octagonal lacquered trays.

 Lacquered boxes, perfect to stash remotes or other random things you don't want to be seen.

 I'm a little shocked by my own willpower because this white and black one is STILL calling my name.

 Pretty vase, a perfect pop of color for a home in need of Spring.



 Mirrors galore, including this sunburst one for only $40!

 Adorable glass cake tray.

 Apothecary jars for $10.

 Large black and white striped pillows.

Silver lamp on clearance for $30 (and there were two)!  If I wasn't already a lamp hoarder, I would have taken these home but I knew that at this point I would get a "she's a crazy lady" look from Peter had I walked in with yet another set.

-MLL

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Trina Turk at Schumacher

I just received an email from Schumacher promoting Trina Turk's second collaboration with them.  Bright and cheery as always!




Hop over here to check out the whole collection...

-MLL

Blair's Boudoir

Did anyone else tune in for the return of Gossip Girl last night?  I have to say the show itself was a huge disappointment but as always, I love the style inspiration that I get from watching.  For awhile now I've LOVED Serena's bedroom at Blair's home and went in search of some good photos to share with you.  However, I found ONE measly little shot that wasn't even worth sharing.  I was drawn to a photo I came across of Blair's room though and thought I'd recreate the look for you.

Blair's Room on the Set

My Version
Blair Waldorf's Bedroom

All mine needs is a little ambiance. :)

-MLL

Monday, January 24, 2011

Admiring Designer Lynn Morgan

I was taking a look at designer Lynn Morgan's portfolio this weekend and was inspired by these images.  They feel so fresh, like a taste of Spring for those of us in the dead of winter.  Her design style is clean and crisp with a touch of whimsy, which definitely appeals to me!

These benches, side chair, framed art and rug could all magically enter my home and I'd be happy.

 
 I LOVE LOVE LOVE this room.



 This is a great open concept space.

BEAUTIFUL.


Lynn has an extensive portfolio, so if you want to see more, pop over here.

Happy Monday!

-MLL