Sweet Sanity Designs

Felt like I wanted to skip down the hallway the other night when I finally figured out how to rearrange my desk.  You know when some furniture or decor arrangement is just not working and then finally it clicks? 

I was all excited because I bought a new monitor to connect to my laptop.  Working on a big screen is going to be SO nice.  BUT, before I knew it everything on top of the desk down to the pencil cup was irking me and the arrangement wasn't working.  I am sensing a pattern...typically I have to completely unravel things and it all has to go to hell until I get a game plan of how to put it back together.  And by 'unravel' I mean full blown, everything on the floor, lamps unplugged, 'why don't you just clean the whole area while you are at it' type of unravel.

Over a year ago during a storage meltdown,  I picked up a file cabinet on craigslist to store all my different stocks of paper.  I covered it with chevron contact paper and it tucked nicely under the desk. That solved some of the storage issues that come with having such a minimalistic desk.

I also use this red box for little desk drawer-ish stuff. I love the pop of color and extra storage but it takes up a lot of room on the desk.  I ALWAYS feel like I need more light and have thought about putting another lamp on the desk, but there is no room, and is that even allowed? Finally it hit me -  roll out the little cabinet and place a lamp on top.  I realize this isn't rocket science people but I was SO happy. It gives me a whole other surface when I am working, too. 

It's a bit of a hodge-podge but for now it works and the functionality it is amazing.   Let out a little 'YES!' for figuring out how to incorporate some light in that corner, get the monitor in the mix, and still save my red box.  Phew.  After the revamp detour I am now ready to sit down and be uber productive!!

Blogging is such a funny thing -  a random share can become one of the most read!   My original post on Hiding the Wireless Routers has been my all-time most read post.  It's been pinned, commented on, and constantly comes up in my Google Analytics as the reason people are arriving at this blog.  Clearly I am not the only one disturbed by the ever growing amount of ugly technology laying all over my house.  Maybe I should share my neurosis more often.

{In case you missed this earth shattering post catch up here}

People had OPINIONS.  They either loved my idea, or warned me I my house was going to burn down.  People emailed me their thoughts, their husbands thoughts and even an IT person somewhere offered his two cents! I did my best to reply and even offered a status update; that I hadn't burned my house down, that the boxes were ventilated nicely, that the signal was indeed going through the cardboard boxes (it has to go through dry wall on a good day right?), etc.

Two year later, after moving my router to an entirely different outlet in the house, I wondered what else my little white boxes could hide. Hence, Hiding the Technology Part Two.  Cell phone, tablet, and bluetooth ~ in you go!

I know there are all sort of fancy charging stations out there, but at lot of them remind me of something from a SkyMall catalog - too masculine and office-y.   Pretty boxes however are all over the place (World Market, Home Goods, Target, Container Store) and come in a million patterns, colors and sizes, that can match your room. I put a power strip on the bottom, fed the cords through the hole cut in the back, and brought them inside the top box.

Downside: Yes, each morning I pop off the lid to retrieve my phone.  And if I am traveling and need to bring the charger I have to dismantle the whole shebang and go into the bottom box to unplug.  BUT I do have to say that I actually LIKE the act of putting it away each night.  It forces me to unplug myself from the emails, texts and Instragram updates and officially detach.    Bring on the comments! XOXO

I remember hearing a simple phrase 'art heals' a few years ago and couldn't agree more.  Whether to simply bring down your stress level, turn off your brain for a bit, or work thru something bigger, art heals. Perhaps it's the act of settling down and making time for yourself, or the happy brain waves released when playing with pretty colors.  I don't do it nearly enough but this weekend I was inspired to break out the paints! 

Aside from the feel good benefits of painting on a canvas, there is a practical one, too.  Whipping up a canvas can be a cheap, quick way to add some artwork to your decor!   Who else knows the exact dimensions and colors you need in a piece for that gapping whole above the dresser?  In case you need a boost of courage,  I put together some sweet & sane tips if to give you a nudge!

START SMALL (LITERALLY)
My first attempt at making a canvas years ago resulted in a minor temper tantrum.  I had bought a canvas almost as tall as me to fill a huge wall in my new apartment.  When it did not turn out perfect (i was shocked?)   I began carrying it to the trash in disgust.  In a last ditch effort to salvage it (or maybe to realize a little more tantrum!) I smeared the whole painting with a really large brush.  Low and behold I liked it and it's still hanging HERE above my mantle.   Point being if this if your first rodeo there are lots of tiny canvases you can start with.  Not only are they in small & cute shapes but I've seen some under $5, so if you, too, become disgusted, you can throw it out and pretend it never happened.

GRAB SOME BASICS
I am sure real artists would scream but I wouldn't over think supplies at this this point.  Grab a few brushes, and a small variety of paint colors that appeal to you. Remember you can mix colors so you will actually have a broader array than what you purchase. I like small bottles of accent colors, and bigger jars for staple colors. A range of brush sizes is nice, and again anything work -  some of my ones are crappy brushes from past projects. I have found that small watercolor paint tray comes in handy for dolling out your colors and for mixing.  Also cleans easily.  Finally water and paper towels on hand help.

{Product Photo: Blick Art}

DON'T OVER THINK IT
Once you get going don't over think it.  This is the art heals part - just relax and play.   Remember there aren't any rules.  You can step away if you want, cover the entire thing with white and start over, make it smooth, make it gloppy, or (but hopefully not) walk it to the trash.   Try different techniques. Think about what colors and shapes make you happiest. The best thing about these paints is that you can go over your work a million times if need be - a big flat brush can always save the day too... (remember the big smear incident.)

WALK IT AROUND
If you didn't have a place already mapped out, then when you are finished, walk it around a bit and try it out in different locations in the house.  If it's smaller, try it on shelves, propped up on books, or leaning against other pieces on a dresser.  

That's if for my nudge  - Now GO FOR IT!  Still haven't decided on a spot for this little Chevron girlie but am sure I will work her in somewhere.  And besides the healin' was most of the point.  XOXO

Haven't done a home post lately so here we are.  Envisioning a room design from scratch is tough  - but I'm fairly confident in my copy-cat-then-add-my-twist abilities.  When embarking on a remodel, big or small, a photo to refer back to can be a lifesaver.  I still love magazine clippings, but for my guest bath mini remodel I also started with a Pinterest board of course!

This remodel was to be a MINI one: tile, tub, toilet and even the brown paint were staying, either because I was indifferent to them or they were too pricey to tackle.  The three main things I wanted to change were the lighting, the stuck-on mirror and the sink/cabinet combo.  I knew choosing a pedestal sink would mean losing storage but for this tiny bath I wanted to open it up a bit.

I found a million photos that made me swoon, but I tried to be realistic!  If you are really going to use a photo for copy-catting try to zero in on the pieces you want to upgrade and stay focused. Rooms with simliar layouts will help you zoom in, too.  The winning photo I settled on hit my big three. Space was going to be tight but I was set on squeezing scones along a mirror instead of a fixture on top.  Let the copy catting task begin!

On the hunt I went....online I was able to find very similar lighting and I think the exact sink.  I found a mirror whose curvature on top reminded me of the photo and was skinny enough to fit the scones.  I knew a table/stool would add back a little 'storage' but I swapped out the tray table idea for something just as compact but a little more rustic.  Got some great deals doing it all online, especially on the faucet!

Demolition time!  I had a contractor rip out the old stuff which required drywall patching and left me with painting homework.  Brown was remaining on the top, but I was painting the bottom WHITE in preparation for my other idea ~ fake paneling.  It had worked perfectly on my {MANTLE} so I figured it would be easier than installing wainscotting.  I had the contractor nail up a chair rail and four 'boxes' created from wooden trim molding to make frames.

Same shelves went back up, same jars and we're done. It's truly amazing how different a room can look. It was work but not THAT much work for something that looks completely different. The only disaster (because there always is one) was the shattering of the toilet (good times)...hence the new one...

For any other copy-catters out there will make it easier for you!  XOXO

Sink (and Toilet) - Kohler Memoirs Line
Faucet - Overstock, Item #: 13484541
Stools - Serena & Lily Dip Dyed Stools
Mirror - Home Decorators.com 'Hovan Mirror'
Scones - Robert Abbey from Lamps Plus.com

I've had a photograph floating around for months that I've been wanting to frame. It's a very old photo of my grandmother kneeling beside my mother as a little girl; I love that I can perfectly see my mom's face in that chubby little girls smile. She's giggling the way one would when someone you love tickles you. 

The size isn't standard for todays frames, so I've debated where to put it. I briefly thought about trying to cut my own matting....briefly. 

Then I decided to look into my fabric stash. This lovely leftover was from the Craigslist Chair I recovered last year, neutral and nubby.

I cut a small piece for my 4x6 frame and laid it carefully inside; then took a piece of double stick tape to center the photo.  It matches the sepia hue of the photograph and I actually like having the weathered edges of the photo visible, as opposed to being tucked behind matting.

It looks nice hanging on the Gallery Wall (still in progress, don't even ask!)

And nice just sitting on the mantle.  May be a fun option for black and white photos, or it could spruce up frames in a child's room with some color. It could also add an elegant touch to old family photos set around the guest book at a wedding - using a fabric to compliment your wedding colors of course! XOXO

Hopefully you caught X Benches {Part One} and my xbench collage overload!  I also promised I would show you a do-it-yourself project.  As I mentioned before I was searching online for an affordable xbench and stumbled upon a post from Living Livelier about how they found cheapy cheetah benches online at Sears.  They were $59.99 each. {Update: Now on sale for $51!}   I actually loved the style of the dark brown legs, and while I would have to recover them, I still figured they whole project would be less than most benches out there. So here's the reveal!

I wanted two benches to replace a dusty orphan ottoman that was supposed to be a 'temporary' fix ages ago…

First off, I order 2 benches from Sears and assembled everything.  They got a big thumbs up for being super easy to assemble.  Just don't bother screw down the cushion if you are recovering…

Already happy with how they filled in the length of the couch.  However, while never opposed to animal prints, this one had a fuzziness that reminded me of a child's little fleece footsie pajamas.  Didn't really scream quality upholstery. 

Fabric Time.  Remember my field trip to the Textile Outlet?  Well while there I told my friend I wanted to pick something out for these that would be bold and fun and out of my comfort zone. She would nudge me on whenever I stopped at a cream and white striped linen!   So with her encouragement I bought 3 yards (probably too much) of this bold circular print!

A good old staple gun worked great for attaching the fabric to the back.  No magic here, just stretch it and kept checking the front to make sure it was straight.  For the corners, I tried to tuck the excess material inside a bit and almost wrap it like a present.
I later realized I should have been a bit more careful with where the holes were on the cushion. Some were covered a bit by the fabric so I just snipped it. You need them nice and visible when attaching the base with the long screws.

It went pretty fast!  Note I did not bother with the buttons, just covered them right up.

They are a really nice dimension to fit a good size tray perfectly!
Still getting used to the bold pattern but with some new pillows they are starting to grow on me!
($59.99 x 2)  + $30 of fabric and less than 1hr of labor = woohoo!

Before I flip the switch to holiday madness wanted to squeeze in one more recent house project. It turned out great and was WAY affordable. I hope you will enjoy! It's a two part-er….

I have loved X Benches forever and ever. Not sure what it is – partly how neat and tidy a pairing looks at the foot of a bed or as a substitute coffee table.  And because they come in millions of styles.  Or maybe I love that because they are tiny and mobile you have free reign to make them into punchy little pieces with a bold color or a crazy print that you might not have the guts to do on a big chair.  I would never run out of places to put them! 

Time to get you excited, too.  Have collaged my little heart out below.

{Photo Credit: Decorpad, BHG, Style Carrot}

Even in just simple white…

{Photo Credit: Decorpad}

Look how happy X Benches have made this family?

{Photo Credit: The Lenoxx, Real Simple}

Felt, velvet, wood, metal, tufted, nail head, piping, curved legs, straight legs, upholstered or not…
you name it!

{Photo Credit Row by Row: Wisteria, 1stDibs, 1stDibs, Cococozy, 1stDibs, Houzz, Productsnob, Red Papaya, FerrickMason}

Tory Burch apparently even loves them in her shops (left column hot pink and purple)
And under a console table just gets me every time.

{Photo Credit: House Beautiful and Tory Burch Store via Marcus Design}

Now the bad news….I see them on blogs, in catalogs, and in magazines, and yet it seems sort of hard to actually find them to buy.  Scratch that, have found where one can buy them but they are pricey!!  Case in point:
Jonathan Adler – $595.00
Serena & Lily – $650.00 – $850.00 (Gulp! Remember they look best as a pair!)
Ballard Designs – $179.00 – $369.00 (one of the best priced I have found, depending on fabric you pick.)

If you are game I have found a work around!  So stay tuned for my sneaky success….
Next posting. Can't wait! XOXO

So my filing system is breaking down....literally. 
Not only am I outgrowing my little box from Target, but I have resorted to duck tape as corners burst at the seams and the hanging bar falls out once a day dropping all the files...awesome.

I have considered a rolling filing cabinet for awhile, maybe to slide under my desk  -  but didn't want to commit to the $279 cabinet of my dreams when I don't even have the $299 white parsons desk of my dreams yet to go with it.

So I headed to Craigslist for a reasonable solution and found a posting for this one - $40 for which I offered $30.  Done.

 
It was in perfect condition, nice and heavy, but I knew the coloring was going to battle the rest of the office furniture. I told myself on the car ride home I could just paint it.  But honestly - I have done a LOT of painting lately and once home I just didn't have it in me to gear up for all that waiting/drying/clean up. So I stared at it trying to think of Plan B...

I thought about wallpaper, or fabric, both still taking a bit of work (can you tell I was in an ultra QUICK FIX mood??)  And then I flashed back to CONTACT PAPER - did you ever cover your books with that stuff in school like me?  And push out all the bubbles?  Yes, I was a freak about the bubbles. Well, I wondered if they still made the stuff, and if it was possible that it came in more trendy patterns and choices than in the 80s.   This is the aisle at Joann's Fabrics.....The answer is yes!

I choose this Chevron pattern (yes, that obsession hasn't subsided) that seemed magically to be the colors of my rug and desk combined.  At $19.99 it even has squares on the back for easy measuring/cutting. There were so many choices, and you could even use shape details on it if you wanted, like flowers coming up the sides, etc. Maybe cute for a little kids dresser. Just sayin.

I started on the fronts of the drawers, unwrapping only a bit of the contact paper as I went to smooth out all of those bubbles.  Then continued down the front.  And wrapped it around the sides. 

I finished the sides like I was wrapping a present. Had to snip a little slit in each corner and then pull the top and bottom tabs down and finish with the large panel.  Any extras could just be sliced off with a razor (it cuts like butter by the way!)

Using something heavy and flat like a metal ruler worked great to press it down and smooth it out as I went -- see, no bubbles.  SANITY TIP: If you can fall in love with a PATTERN versus a solid color it will be MUCH more forgiving on the bubbles.

So roughly an hour yielded this (I was snacking as I went, too, so you may be quicker)

Did NOT even bother covering the side. Barely see it and don't mind the contrast.

File Cabinet - $30  / Contact Paper - $19.99  / Time - 1Hour / No painting - priceless!

Remember my Ballard Design blast awhile back? Well, am back with a positive post!  Ballard Designs must have the fastest search engines on the planet because the second my negative post went up an email arrived in my inbox.  A very nice gentleman, Mr. T told me he would like to discuss my experience.  This was no problem.  

Mr. T patiently listened to my story, which is just what I wanted.  The chair debacle had left me so worked up I would have told my taxi driver the story.  I got all of my points across and he shared some of the companies challenges on his end, all very interesting.  He also gave me a gift certificate to bring me back.  Now THAT'S good customer service!  

When the next fun catalog arrived I now felt like browsing again. I focused in on this wall above my little dining table.  I painted these red canvases shortly after moving in.  It was during a moment of 'i need something on that wall, how hard can it be to put paint on a canvas?'

But I am over them, especially as most the red accents have left the building...

I love an excuse to use a gift card. I found lots of things I liked, but spied these Garden District Mirrors that I kept coming back to. 

I liked the slightly worn look and the metal that seemed to go well with both golds or silvers.  So ordered two pairs! 

Not only did they arrive early but they were in perfect condition and exceeded my expectations.  No, Mr. T didn't make me say that.  I do really love them in my space.  It sorts of opens it all up and reflects back the windows and big tree into the space!

I took my time measuring and hanging (and spacing) and wrote it all out.  It was tedious but even all that was probably only 1hour.  Excuse my reflection and the golf on tv - I find golf soothing on Saturday afternoons!  I'm not really loving the table anymore but doesn't that always happen when you change one thing?

So that's the latest purchase.  Hooray for good customer service!

After ripping up the carpet in the bedroom and removing the bulky armoire, I really was hoping to replace it with a long credenza instead of a dresser.  I wanted a nice low table top for lamps, my odds and ends, etc. A credenza would also give me cabinet storage, not only shallow clothes drawers. Here were some dreamy bizillion $ ones...

{Photo Credit: House Beautiful, RoomServiceStore, and Palmer Weiss}

But you can't always have what you want.  I learned that the world seemed to offer credenzas usually between 70-80inches long.  So I got realistic and used masking tape to see the MAX size furniture I could squeeze onto that wall. I also put tape on the wall to about the height I would like. 

MUCH shorter than 80inches! So I hunted with measurements in hand.  This made things quicker -- and easier to pull myself away from pretty pieces that were never going to fit! Finally, I found this piece online at BackGarage in Chicago.  Katherine finds all sorts of vintage second hand pieces.  Walking through her studio was like a time warp - I think I saw my Mom's pea green casserole dish! I am not a real danish/mid-century kind of girl but could NOT pass up the perfect fit or the price. Second hand always affords you the free license to makeover!

I sanded it down, took off the one knob, and did some minor spackling on some cuts. Next the white paint.  Millions of coats.  Just for the record the paneled sides slowed me down!!

I used the same hardware from my nightstand for the single door to attempt to tie them together???

Overall, while it isn't the credenza from House Beautiful, it was under $300 and because I stuck to my guns on the size requirements I am SO happy with its overall fit in the room.  Big bonus to me is that it has a few drawers for clothes AND  a cabinet for extra storage. Yea for masking tape planning!