For the floor…

I am currently working with a client to add a few pieces to his new Living Room. One of the first things I suggested is a new rug. His home has beautiful, dark hardwood floors that extend throughout the lower level into the kitchen and dining area. An area rug to define his Living Room will be the perfect way to add some color, texture and style.

I found the perfect option in these natural, cowhide rugs that come in amazing patterns and styles…

Joss & Main

 

 

 

Joss & Main

 

 

 

Joseph Aboud

 

 

 

Marquis Moroccan

 

 

Here are a couple of photos showing these laser cut cowhide rugs used in different rooms…

 

 

 

Houzz

 

 

 

Houzz

 

 

 

Here is a photo from the home of one of my favorite blogs and bloggers…The Nester over at Nesting Place…

 

 

 

Nesting Place

 

 

There are several great websites to shop for laser cut cowhide rugs like these. I found these beautiful options on sites like Floors USA, Overstock.com, and Joss & Main to name just a few. I found the same rugs on different sites, with varied pricing. It pays to shop around!

 

 

 

 

Add a little whimsy…

While reading a favorite blog this morning, I was reminded of one of my favorite items in my home…

 

 

 

I first shared the story about this unique rock art panel in my post about my guest bath remodel seen here. The story behind this piece is that it was made by my Mom & Dad, 40+ yrs ago, after they were first married. Without a lot of money, Mom often hand made items to decorate their home…sound familiar?! Wonder where I got it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hung this panel in the guest bath and I love to see it every day! Although visitors and guests may not feel the same…that’s OK. I like that it is unexpected. I like that it is quirky. I like that it has a lot of personal meaning. I believe that these qualities are what makes your house a home.


As you decorate your own home, don’t be afraid to add a little whimsy…

Owl Garden Stool

 

 

 

Frestina Vanity Mirror

 

 

 

 

Taibei Buddha Head Statue

 

 

 

 

3 Piece Dancer Set

 

 

 

 

Peces Vase

 

 

 

 

2 Piece Lindhberg Table Clock Set

 

 

 

 

Curious Cat Bookends

 

 

 

 

Oscar Sculpture

 

 

 

 

All of the above items can be found through the online shopping site Joss & Main in the Best of 55th Street Design collection.

 

 

If you are not familiar with Joss & Main you should stop over and check it out! It is a flash sales online décor site that offers items on a limited basis, often at deep discounts to regular retail prices. Their carefully curated events - usually lasting just 3 days - showcase distinctive designs and trends, along with the talents of noted influencers from the interior design community.

 

 

Adding unique and personal pieces to your décor is the best way to personalize your space and give it warmth as well as style. I always encourage clients and friends to utilize those quirky, meaningful pieces that might be stashed away in the closet. Pull them out, hang them up! Don’t take decorating too seriously, add  a little whimsy to make your home feel like home!

 

 

 

DIY ~ Wire Memory Keeper…

Here is a simple project that takes minutes to make…

 

 

 

While browsing Pinterest Sunday morning, I came across this simple wire memory keeper and decided to put down my coffee and make one for myself!

 

Just 3 supplies needed…

 

 

 

Some black wire – I used 20 gauge – a tape measure, and needle nose pliers/clippers.


Measure 4 lengths of wire – 36 inches each…

 

 

 

Divide the pieces, and start twisting 2 at a time around each other…

 

 

 

After a couple of inches of twist - make a loop with 2 of the wires…

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continue twisting…

 

 

 

After making your loops every couple of inches on alternating sides of your line, you will end up with this…

To make your hanger, twist 2 of the wires together…

Use your needle nose pliers to loop around and twist onto base. Then form the other two wires into your curly-Q’s…

 

 

 

For the bottom…use your needle nose pliers to make 4 curly-Q’s…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ready to hang on the wall…

 

 

 

And fill with your favorite photos, ticket stubs, business cards, memories…

 

 

 

So simple and quick…my coffee didn’t even get cold! Gotta love a project like that!



Sharing with ~ House of Hepworths

 

 

 

 

Chalkboard Art Class…

One of my most popular blog posts is the one I wrote on Chalkboard Art back in May 2012…almost a year ago!…see it here.

With the popularity of hand lettered chalkboard art on the rise…I decided to teach a Chalkboard Art Class at our shop Hip Chick Designs.

 

 

I created 3 original sample boards for the class. I wanted to highlight some hand lettering techniques and provide a few chalk art tips.

Our shop is such a wonderful and inspiring place to create! I set up for the class in the studio in back…

First step was to paint our boards with actual chalkboard paint. I like to use the Krylon brand chalk paint, available at your local hardware stores and Sherwin Williams paint stores…

Chalkboard paint also comes in a spray paint version…but I like the coverage and results of the brush on type best. To read a complete tutorial on how to make a chalkboard, visit my post here.

After our painted boards dried, it was time to get to the fun part…the art!

Each of the ladies chose different samples and I love how unique each board turned out!

 

 

 

 

 

 

A fun day of creating was had by all!

 

 

 

If you live locally in the Northern California Bay Area and would like to join us for one of our awesome art classes or workshops…please send me your e-mail address and I will add you to our Hip Chick Designs newsletter mailing list! Or you can visit our site here and add your address to Stay Connected!!

 

 

 

Word of the Month ~ April 2013

…clarity

 

image source

 

Definition:  Clearness of thought or expression, lucidity.

 

As April arrives, I am becoming more clear on how I plan to express myself for this entire year. Not only mentally but also artistically. I feel focused and confident on where I am heading and the projects I am taking on. I plan to approach the rest of this year with enthusiasm and excitement.

 

 

…a year of tranquility

 

 

 

April Showers & Polka Dots

With the arrival of Spring comes the promise of rain showers…

source

 

 

It is the perfect time to add some fun new accessories for yourself and even your home. How about adding a little bit of polka dot for some chic spring style?

 

 

Umbrellas ~ so many pretty colors to choose from…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rain Boots ~ functional and oh-so-stylish…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is a clever way to combine the two that will help you avoid a puddle in your entry…

 

 

 

 

 

 

Never get caught unprepared in a sudden downpour with this purse/umbrella combo…

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, if you just cant find the right color and style, follow this easy DIY tutorial from the blog

Henry Happened to make your own Polka Dot Umbrella…fun!

 

 

 

Henry Happened

 

 

 

So, how are keeping dry and stylish this spring?

 

 

 

 

Image Source ~ 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12