BAILEY'S BLUEPRINTS

Under $100 Nightstands-Design Sponge

2010-09-01T05:31:00.000-07:00

I loved this post on Design Sponge today and just wanted to share it with you all!
http://www.designspongeonline.com/2010/08/under-100-nightstands.html

[image above, clockwise from left: owl lamp $39.99, french carafe & glasses royal vkb $30, anything alarm clock $69, harvey lobster nightstand $99.95, metal accordian side table $60, mimic lemongrass cube $79.95, mary kate & ashley table lamp $52.20, sophie brown bentwood butterfly table $70.99]

Read more at Design*Sponge http://www.designspongeonline.com/2010/08/under-100-nightstands.html#ixzz0yHRk3a3T

[image above, clockwise from left: uptown round side table $92, beddington adjustable accent lamp $89-99, utility pendant lamp $39.95, rose line table lamp $99.95, handmade silver tray table $79.95, digital clock $35, mirrored side table $89.99 buzz yellow c table $99.95 odda nightstand $49.99, c table $15, cora carafe $9.95]

Read more at Design*Sponge http://www.designspongeonline.com/2010/08/under-100-nightstands.html#ixzz0yHRudLeA

Michele Varian

2010-05-20T10:09:00.000-07:00

Michele Varian

Please check out her website-great for inspiration.

(look at local resale shops and antique markets to find this, too!)

Meg Ryan's Island Home

2010-05-20T10:01:00.000-07:00

I am reposting this from Apartment Therapy...via Elle Decor

LOVE this house! I love the simplicity and the relaxed feeling of her home.

Eco-Friendly Paper Parties

2010-05-17T07:06:00.000-07:00

For the perfect summer party, why not use biodegradable paper plates?

Branch Home has great eco-friendly products that are also pretty fancy for paper plates. They truly invested in some fun/stylish design. Why not design fun paper plates?

bamboo party kit

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS!

Wasara

Wasara Sampler Kit

I also love this post from Design Sponge! It details great ways to be eco-friendly with ease. Check out their links to these great products.

image sources, clockwise from top left: discount office items, designer-daly, bioplastics canada, salon.com
Read more at Design*Sponge

Man Bedding...Difficult to find

2010-04-27T06:48:00.000-07:00

West Elm

Dwell Studios

Calvin Klein

I only like the duvet cover and the blanket (not the silky damask looking sheet)

To all men: Do not buy silk sheets, girls will think you are gross.

Design Within Reach

My picks:
Sheets: White Sheet Set
Quilt: West Elm Organic Matlesse Quilt in Slate
Duvet: It's a toss up between the Dwell Duvet and The Design Within Reach Duvet
Standard Shams (2): West Elm Organic Matlesse in Slate
Euro Shams (2): Match the duvet

I hear men hate pillows, but it makes the bed look so much more comfortable (and cute).

Necklace---> Room

2010-04-21T07:57:00.000-07:00

First of all, I covet this necklace. Now that I am employed (thank goodness) and living with my parents (awesome) I can afford this necklace and I will forgo getting an apartment of my own just a little bit longer.

Now...how can this awesome necklace inspire a room?

I know it isn't cold outside, but I love these blankets!

2010-04-07T07:30:00.000-07:00

Summer blankets from Swans Island Blankets (yummy)

These are pretty darn pricey, but extremely beautiful and they feel amazing!

Steal this idea: moss table top

2010-04-01T11:45:00.000-07:00

Copy this table top idea! SO cute, I can't wait to try it myself.

Check out the full article here: http://www.shelterrific.com/2010/04/01/steal-this-idea-moss-tabletop/

Design Sponge: Under $100 Jewelry Storage

2010-03-30T09:17:00.000-07:00

I love this entry from Design Sponge. I am always looking for a place to put jewelry that can also be displayed. These are fun and affordable!

Lesson Learned - Stripping Windows

2010-03-29T11:26:00.000-07:00

Emma and I painted the guest room first--an awesome grey-green-blue color (best way I can describe it). Then we took a trip to Lowe's and came across some paint stripping goo. We thought it was a great idea to add an unnecessary project to our list of things to do-BAD IDEA. It was a disaster, one window is partially stripped and the other is a gooey mess of old paint. If you are ever tempted to strip a window, do so with caution and tons of time on your hands because it requires a lot of time and then you still have to prime and then paint the window.

Emma and I gave Darcy some cash so that she could hire someone to finish the window because it was not a fun or easy project to do.

(window disaster)

(drinks after we threw in the towel)

*this room has not been painted yet-don't worry!

Bathroom Vanities

2010-03-29T07:13:00.000-07:00

My sister Darcy just bought an adorable home in Kansas City. It is her first home and has lots of projects to complete! Emma (another sister) and I painted and cleaned all weekend.

We removed the old and disgusting vanity from the bathroom and now we have to find Darcy something to replace it. The bathroom is pretty teensy, so storage is all the more important. Her taste is also pretty modern with a little bit of rustic texture.

Here are a few medicine cabinets from Restoration Hardware that I found this morning:

(minus the side lights)

Free Shipping- West Elm

2010-03-26T10:44:00.000-07:00

West Elm is having a great promo-free shipping on 250 items.

I love these:

These glass canisters could be filled with candles, shells, wood or moss balls, or fresh flower-it's spring!

Throw some of these in a bowl and set them on your coffee table-viola!

Problem Solved: Bertoia Side Chair

2010-03-25T07:29:00.000-07:00

My friend Lien is looking for this style of chair for her deck, but does not know what it is called. Can you help?

This chair is the Harry Bertoia Side Chair. The MOMA in New York utilizes these chairs in the sculpture garden.

You can find this chair at:
     Amazon.com
   Knoll
   Hive Modern

Side note: I discovered Hive Modern while researching this chair and I LOVE the site!

Sale - Baskets!

2010-03-21T15:56:00.000-07:00

I have been looking for a cute basket for Matt's living room so that he can throw blankets etc. into it and keep the apartment looking clean. The Kooboo basket is on sale in two different sizes from West Elm. This would be a great basket next to a fire place, filled with logs or even as a laundry basket.

Hickory Chair

2010-03-20T07:14:00.000-07:00

This is definitely more of an investment piece, but I LOVE it! Hickory Chair is a custom furniture company and they have ready to order pieces as well, unfortunately, you have to find a retailer.

Just a few pieces that I am obsessed with...

Sale Find! (Hutch)

2010-03-19T13:01:00.000-07:00

Just saw this awesome deal (Saving of $750!!!) on Restoration Hardware while I was checking out their spring line of furniture.

Another Rug or two

2010-03-19T12:55:00.000-07:00

I love these rugs from William Sonoma Home. They both have great amount of texture and color without being overbearing. Because they have mostly neutral tones, they are very versatile.

Rugs!

2010-03-19T07:37:00.000-07:00

I will have a new post as soon as I find some time. It will be a continuation of Meryl and Will's Ranch-style revival.

In the meantime...if you are looking for a well-priced rug check-out: E Carpet Gallery

http://www.ecarpetgallery.com/

Lonny

2010-03-18T10:19:00.000-07:00

Please check this online magazine out as soon as you have several hours to gander.

http://www.lonnymag.com/

Meryl and Will's Ranch-Style Revival

2010-03-12T15:14:00.000-08:00

Meryl and Will bought a ranch-style house in Tulsa, OK almost a year ago and they had a vision. I will be sharing with you the dramatic transformation they accomplished with their 4 hands collectively and a few more eager volunteers. They did all of the exterior changes themselves!

Before picture, complete with decorative trim:

Paint and trim:

Initial plantings:

Become a fan on Facebook!

2010-03-11T13:15:00.001-08:00

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Baileys-Blueprints/314715702633

"Patternality" Quiz from Liberty of London for Target

2010-03-10T20:06:00.000-08:00

Target has a new collection partnering with Liberty of London. I don't know about all of you, but I am obsessed with Target and all of their design partnerships. Every season is fresh and totally different from the last while retaining the same low prices. I love, love, love mixing and matching-particularly in the summer time. Liberty of London is known for their fun and flirty prints.

Check out this Facebook app to find out your Liberty of London "patternality:" http://apps.facebook.com/patternality/

You can also check out the Liberty of London for Target: on Target.com

Find Liberty of London at your local Target March 14, 2010.

Vintage Modern Homes

2010-03-05T10:37:00.001-08:00

http://www.vintagemodernhomes.com/

This website has some great eye candy for you "vintage modern" lovers!

Salvation Army Find

2010-03-05T10:33:00.000-08:00

Matt and I just moved into a new apartment hence the little hiatus from the blog. We are so excited about the apartment, but we are too poor to furnish it instantly. (that wouldn't be fun anyway!)

So, I will probably tell you all about the progress of decorating our cute apartment.
I found this table at the Salvation Army for $15! It is a great vintage modern find. It has lot of dinks and scratches adding a lot of character. To touch up the side table I am going to sand it down and then apply a wood stain to make the table a little darker.

These are iPhone photos...

Flea Market Find

2010-03-03T15:27:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I went to the Alemany Flea Market in San Francisco. I have a fabulous find to share with you and it was a bargain!

Originally $35 and I bargained with the vendor and bought it for $8, yes $8! I love it and it will be perfect on a coffee table.

Go to the flea market this weekend and find something special.

Blog Love

2010-03-02T14:38:00.000-08:00

The Paris Apartment
The Pioneer Woman (Oklahoma Girl)
Literally Genevieve Clare (you will laugh so hard you will pee your pants, literally)

Yucky Carpet

2010-02-24T11:08:00.000-08:00

An email from Peggy:
"OK, Miss Design Blog Queen....here is my question: Carpet - for a very small apartment in Chicago. 2nd floor, so "soot" from the city is a factor. White paint on walls. Contemporary furnishings. Has to price out under $4.00/sq ft Any suggestions? Web sites? Vendors to look up? This is for my sister-in-law who lives in Chicago and an extremely small teacher's salary.....but her carpet now is awful!"

Answer/Suggestion:
I have a few suggestions...
1. RUG-ON-CARPET
2. STAIN MDF or PLYWOOD
3. PAINT MDF or PLYWOOD
4. IKEA
5. FLOR MODULAR TILES

1. RUG-ON-CARPET
Some people hate this, but I think it is a great/quick/cheap fix. I know, it sounds kind of terrible/scary, but can be pretty effective.
JUTE / SEA GRASS RUG

COW HIDE RUG

2. STAIN
More labor intensive, but cheap and pretty cool looking.
Back story: My architecture professor did this to his floors and they looked awesome. He ripped up the carpet, stained the floor a dark brown then lacquered the floor so that you wouldn't get splinters. Lots of rich, subtle texture.
Side story: I don't have any photos-lo siento
How to stain wood

3. PAINT
Rip up the carpet; paint the floor Black or White or Dark Chocolate Brown then lay a rug on top. (images from "American Evolution," Metropolitan Home, Jan/Feb 09)

Choosing a Paint

4. IKEA
If she wants to install flooring, I would go to IKEA. It is incredibly affordable and DIY friendly. Yes, it is a wood laminate product; but, it is inexpensive. If you didn't want to lay the flooring yourself, you could easily hire someone to help you out-not labor intensive = low costs.

5. FLOR
Finer Things ($9.99 / Tile ($3.71 / sq ft))

Lattice, Reed Branch ($19.99 / tile ($7.43 / sq ft))

Corrugated Rib ($14.99 / Tile ($5.57 / sq ft))

Thomas Pain, it's common sense

2010-02-24T08:28:00.000-08:00

A few days ago I featured Laura's poster, but didn't have the image of her actual artwork. So, here it is!

Love it.

Libertymaniacs.com

What's your style?

2010-02-23T12:00:00.000-08:00

According to sproost.com my style is pretty evenly spread across 3 categories, which doesn't surprise me one bit. I like a lot of different styles and I like to mix them together. However, rustic revival is definitely my go to look, I love texture and light colors.

38% Rustic Revival
38% Nantucket
24% Southwest

Take this quiz on sproost.com

Rustic Revival

You can take kid out of the country but you can't take the country out of the kid... or is your theme "you can take the kid out of the city, but you can't take the city out of the kid?" Either way you play it, you are one of the unique individuals who loves a mix of modern and country. The clean lines of the modern softened by rustic /vintage elements is the perfect mix in your mind. And can we blame you? You've taken the best aspects of two popular designs and mixed them in a manner that appeals young and old alike. A subtle background of white or light colors provides a nice canvas for all the wonderful flea market, eBay or garage sale finds as well as the classic modern pieces that you love.

Materials

The material palette for urban country runs the gamut because of the two extremes being mixed. On the countryside you see a lot of wood, woven rope, canvas and linen, rustic metals and wrought iron, cowhide and vintage leather. On the more modern side, you see acrylic, satin and polished nickel and chrome, glass, faux fur, refined leather, fiberglass and sleek woods. It's the mixing of these elements that makes the style work so well. Seagrass and other natural woven materials are often used for floor coverings. Concrete and natural wood floors are very popular, and work really well together.

Colors

When it comes to color, think light, casual and airy. White, pale gray or beige, khaki and sage; all of these colors make nice, subtle backdrops for Urban Country style. Think of the colors of natural linen, concrete, and if you'd like to go dark, use the dark brownish-black of iron or the deep burnt orange of rust. The key is to keep the spaces feeling open (go modern!) and yet warm (yay for rustic!), and by going light on the walls and major pieces and more color on the accents and accessories you can achieve this mix really well.

Wall Art (for cheap)

2010-02-22T12:41:00.000-08:00

I am always in search of fabulous wall art that is affordable and guess what? I found some in Noe Valley, San Francisco.

Laura found the perfect birthday present for her politically minded, left swinging boyfriend, Evan. It was an enormous Thomas Paine poster that she was able to customize, yes, CUSTOMIZE! She picked the colors and the quote that was placed at the bottom. The second best part is the size; it is HUGE: 35" x 45."

Big art is (in my eyes) the best art. I love the statement of color, but most of all the way big art fills a room, adding color, texture and personality.

Check it out: libertymaniacs.com

Room Service Home

2010-02-22T12:12:00.000-08:00

Room Service Home is a great website for furniture that is a little funky and different from your typical retailer. Also, it isn't limited to furniture; Room Service Home has so much more.

Take a peak: http://www.rshcatalog.com/

Neutral Living with Flair

2010-02-19T09:39:00.000-08:00

(re-create this look-you can do it)

Recreating this room is easier than it seems and it doesn't have to cost a fortune.

This room has a neutral theme with some color accents and texture. The texture gives the room character and differentiates it from a catalog replica or a store bought living room.

First things first: Paint!

I will emphasize the importance of paint in every blog. It is the foundation for the room and can pull all of the elements in the room together. I am working on an entry: "The Power of Paint," which will be a lengthy catalog of the do's and don'ts of painting.

Walls: White and sky blue base (love it)

The molding is painted the same white as the walls, but has a semi-gloss finish versus the satin finish of the walls. This adds depth to the wall surface and texture. It is a subtle way of enhancing your walls.

Floors: Wood floors with a jute, sea grass or sisal rug

These rugs are less expensive, tend to have a long lifespan (10 years), and can often be found on sale with common retailers such as Pottery Barn, and Crate and Barrel. Jute rugs hide stains, dirt and dog hair quite well for the functional designer!

Sofas (under $1000) in neutral tones:

CB2 ($799)

Room and Board ($999)

Pier 1 Imports ($799)

Urban Outfitters ($480)

Chairs: Again white, with dark wood

Chairs can be quite expensive so, I highly suggest you check out your local re-sale shop for some cool chairs for $100/pop instead of $400-700 at most retailers.

Crate & Barrel ($699)

Room&Board ($749)

Overstock.com ($189.99)

Chandelier: make if fun!

Urban Outfitters ($68)

Ikea ($69.99)

Ikea ($39.99)

(hand 3 in a cluster)

The brightest colors are accenting the coffee table. This is a great way to adapt your ever-changing style and taste without breaking the bank because you have to buy all new furniture. Seasonal items can also offer a lot of color and pizazz to your coffee table.

Anyone can do it-Find what YOU love!

2010-02-12T13:40:00.000-08:00

A Roomy 178 Square Feet

click the title to read the full article in the New York Times

"More is More"

Stack all of those magazines you have lying around and top them with interesting bowls, candles, and games like mancala. Put an assortment of coasters in one of the bowls for your guests' drinks.

Planking from Home Depot, ($14.23/package 6 pieces @ 8' x 2")
Stain planks for a finished look like above: Minwax "green tea" ($10-$20) with a high gloss marine varnish ($15)

Find a chair such as this as your local re-sale shop or Goodwill. Check out Housing Works for great finds.

Note the paint choices: Dark door and floor with light grey walls, white trim and white ceiling.

Frame photos, postcards, and fabrics and a map of your city, state, or country to achieve this look.

Caroline's Colonial Remodel

2010-02-09T17:24:00.000-08:00

From New York to Denver this girl has always had some style. Caroline recently purchased a new home in Denver. She knew exactly what she wanted to change in her new home. So, the day she signed the final papers on her home, her contractor started working.

KITCHEN REMODEL

Before After

BATHROOM REMODEL

Before

After

LIVING ROOM REMODEL

Living Room - Before

Living Room - After

Lake House Remodel - Campell's Coup

2010-02-09T16:53:00.000-08:00

Check out this link for full remodel details: http://www.dwell.com/slideshows/campbells-coup.html

Architect: Keith Campell
Location: Lake Michigan

Before After

Exterior changes that made a difference:

1. Paint-a more contemporary brown/grey immediately updates the facade.

2. New RED frames around the windows, this added a great detail and a lot of "punch" to the facade.

3. Added a porch which is great for function and aesthetics.

Interior changes that made a difference:

1. Universal wall and ceiling material: pine with a clear finish

2. Open floor plan for the living - kitchen - dining room

3. Removing the sliding door entry and replacing it with a window.

4. Furniture is understated, yet adds to the overall composition of the room.

Living Room Before

Living Room After

(salvaged fireplace and wood floor)

Kitchen - Dining

Living Room

I just love this entryway!

2010-02-05T11:20:00.001-08:00

How to recreate this look on a budget:

1. Paint! (3 colors of the same family) I like whites and cool neutral tones for a more contemporary look.

2. No equestrian boots? Try rain boots that are hidden in your closet
3. Antlers...
   For the real deal:


   For a less than real version, but fun substitute from Urban Outfitters ($52):

4. Bench or Console Table: look at local antique stores for a little flair or try a garage sale or make a bench.

If you aren't feeling up to the adventure...store bought is okay too.

5. Umbrellas: you have them in your house!

6. Framed print/artwork/photo, I love these frames from West Elm:

Backsplash for Ashley!

2010-02-03T18:32:00.000-08:00

My dear friend Ashley (who redesigned her entire house, complete with a second floor addition) has wonderful taste and an eye for embellishments. I told her I was going to start a blog and she immediately responded with: BACKSPLASH! She and Chris (hubby) want to install a backsplash in their kitchen, but can't really decide what direction to go in. So, for my first project I am going to assemble some great info. on DIY backsplashes to assist Ashley and Chris in their decision.

INSPIRATION (1)
This is a great way to use a standard subway tile (cheap!). Instead of laying the tile horizontally, lay the tile vertically to change it up. I like white tile because it is so simple and doesn't compete with the rest of kitchen.

INSPIRATION (2)
Ashley's house is very clean with simple lines (pictures coming soon). I think she should use some kind of a white tile in the kitchen. The tile I have featured below is by Nemo Tile Company. It is a ceramic matte tile which is more subdued than a glass or porcelain tile. Also, it is a 2" x 5" tile which is a great proportion for Ashley's kitchen.

INSPIRATION (3)

This is a fun and adventurous tile. It adds so much texture and a lot of pizazz to your kitchen. You definitely need the right kind of kitchen/personality for this application.

RESOURCES:
   > DIY Video
   > Nemo Tile Company
   > Home Depot
   > Lowes
   > The Tile Shop
    > Modwalls