Fun Fabric Finds

Happy Monday, friends! Let's start out the week with a little fabric, shall we? I've been helping a client with window treatments recently and thought it'd be fun to pass on some of the pretties I've run across along the way.

I'm a firm believer that fabric can make a room, but I'm also very frugal. So, spending tons is not a route I typically choose to go. The fabrics below are very reasonably priced and super cute to boot!

Robert Allen knocks it out of the park when it comes to fabric design. Most of the selections below are from his lines.

Basket Form Fabric in Jute, $18.95/yd

Chain Melody, $12.95/yd

Aloe, $18.95/yd

My client plans on using this one in her living room. It's going to look stellar!

Holland in Vapor, $18.95/yd

Here's a little helpful hint: Don't be afraid to use outdoor fabric indoors, especially if you're recovering chairs in a high traffic area. This one is perfect for an accent chair.

Ocean Trail, $11.95/yd

A few upholstery options:

Casablanca geo upholstery fabric, Toffee, $18.95/yd

Ikat Fret Tapestry, Tourmaline, $21.95/yd

Cat's Cradle very well may be making an appearance in my own home sometime down the line. It's even better in person. Classic and pretty.

Cat's Cradle, Midnight Blue, $16.95/yd

We're using this in my client's office. It's the perfect punch for her space.

Charleston Home Lyndon, Navy, $14.95/yd

Are you planning to make a fabric purchase anytime soon? Do you have a favorite source or designer? Do share, friends!

Tween Sprinkles Moodboard

Here's a recent moodboard I created for a sweet girl in the "in-between" stage of life, aka tween. You know, the "I'm too big for kid stuff, but I oh so love fun and frivolous things still," phase of life.

1/ 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 /9

I love how this room will transition into the teenage years super easy. I'm also a fan of function meeting design. Did you notice the chandelier? Think this feature will help keep photos from being taped to doors and walls?!

If you're in need of a little room inspiration, I'd love to create a moodboard especially for you. Contact me for pricing and questions, dfrieling1@gmail.com.

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend and don't forget to sprinkle in a little kindness along the way!

Random Act of Kindness #62

It's that time of year when everyone goes into crazy organizing/clean-out mode. This year be extra mindful as you rummage through your belongings and keep an eye out for hats and gloves. Then, next time you pass a homeless person, who looks a bit chilly, pass off your extras to someone in need.

It's nice to know your excess could be used to bless the life of another!

Okay, friends, you know the drill...go out and be kind.

Affordable Shelving Option

Do you have a big wall just screaming for a bookshelf but you don't want to fill it with something big and bulky? I've got the perfect solution, and it's very affordable! Ikea's glass shelving unit, Vittsjo.

My clients didn't need extra storage in their bedroom so we decided to use shelves instead of traditional bedroom furniture, like a dresser or chest of drawers. Here's a peek at the top of their shelves and how they're styled. The layered artwork from their kids is the best!

We used two Vittsjo units and pushed them together. We didn't go crazy with accessories since we were going for a light and airy look to compliment the glass shelves. Did I mention these shelves are only $70 each? So that means we filled this entire wall for $140. Try to find a decent dresser for that price, I dare ya!

Some of my favorite accessories. I suggested they fill the tall frame stand with a little black and white picture or one of the boys' school pictures.

I have a secret to share. Sometimes I buy accessories for clients and secretly hope they won't like them so I can buy them for myself. Case and point...this bowl. I love, love it. I pulled off several leaves of the faux hydrangea branch and this little scene screams perfection in my book. (It's the little things, right?!)

Recipe for a good life

{source}

I love a good recipe, don't you? According to the quote above, there's a very simple recipe for a good life. Do yourself a favor, take a minute to double check you have all the right ingredients.

Good Life Ingredients: 

1) Assume nothing: How many times have we caused trouble for ourselves simply because we tried to read between the lines and got it wrong? Let's practice being more transparent with each other and remove the need to assume.

2) Do more: If it improves your life or the life of another...do it! If it's good...do it! If it's fun...do it! Get it? Doing more can be a good thing.

3) Need less: If we're honest with ourselves, we have so much more than we actually need. Reassess your way of thinking and your definition of the word need.

4) Smile often: Next time you're in a bad mood, force yourself to smile. You'll be amazed at how hard it is to stay in that bad mood. Then, smile at someone else and watch how contagious it is.

5) Dream big: Go on, give yourself permission to run full speed ahead and chase your dreams. Ignore the obstacles and go, go, go! Don't allow things that don't matter to get in your way. Think positive!

6) Laugh often: No giggles allowed here, it must be a full on belly laugh...one that makes you cry. You know, the laugh where you can't even catch your breath. Those are the best, aren't they?

7) Realize how blessed you are: This is an area of life where it's perfectly okay to keep track. In fact, go ahead, keep count and name them one by one!

Are you ready to bake up a good life or do you need to stop by the store on the way home for a missing ingredient?

Back Painted Glass

Oh, it is a happy, glorious day around here today...school's back in session! Are moms across the nation rejoicing with me? I love my kids, I really do, but our long break had cold temps and rain. This kept us indoors for most of the break and let's just say I'm really appreciating a little distance today (as I'm sure they are too).

Since the background noise has been dialed back down to normal, it's given me time to think. Since my brain is on design way too much most of the time, my thoughts have led me down the road of back painted glass today. Let's take a gander at this sleek option and ponder its place in our homes, shall we?

{Thomas Hamel}

Here, we have cabinet fronts with white painted glass inserts. So unique. Clean lines and still manages to hide what's behind the doors. Bonus!

{House Beautiful via pinterest}

Know what I love most about glass panels? No grout lines. They're said to be super easy to clean and maintain. Again...bonus!

{houzz}

Is this the next big thing? Glass tiles have certainly become mainstream, with big box stores carrying them a dime a dozen. How long 'til we start seeing this option becoming readily available and more affordable? Soon, I hope.

{Casa Tres Chic}

It definitely lends itself to a more modern/contemporary feel, but done right, I think it could easily be mixed in with traditional elements for a killer kitchen.

{iVillage}

For those of you who love color, don't fret, certain manufacturers offer over 4,000 colors. Wow!

{houzz}

Back painted glass isn't just for kitchens. Check out the impact it makes in bathrooms, too.

{houzz}

So, what are your thoughts? Are you a fan? Do you think it'd be a finger print nightmare like our lovely stainless steal appliances or would it be a welcomed change?

Don't buy it unless you love it

Happy 2013, friends! I wonder how many times I'll write 2012 before it really hits me that we've moved into a new year? Sometimes I find myself having total mom brain and completely forgetting what year it is all together. Please tell me I'm not the only one who does that! Maybe it's my early onset Alzheimer's setting in. (I'll save that confession for a Transparent Tuesday post. ha!)

Moving on...

Last week I shared a tight shot of my client's mantle but intentionally left out the art. I knew they were on the fence about the art so I was holding off for the full reveal. Well, it turns out they've decided to return the piece but I realized there's a very important lesson to be learned and passed on here.

Big design tip...Don't buy large art unless you LOVE, LOVE it.

My client and I went accessory shopping together and I shared with her that this piece would look great in her living room. It had all the colors we were planning to incorporate and the size was right on. Our choices in this size were very limited so she went ahead and purchased it.

There were definitely elements of the piece they liked, like the texture.

But, after living with it for a few weeks and seeing it styled, they've ultimately decided that they settled and don't love it. I'm so glad they've reached this decision before it's too late to return the piece. Art this size is expensive and you should never waste your money on something you don't love. Never settle!

While on a recent vacation, they ran across a local artist that they were really drawn to, Heather Brown.

Here's a sample of her work:

{Barrel View by Heather Brown}

{available here}

They connected with her art because it evokes memories and meaning. Perfect! That's exactly what will make their house a home, finding pieces that are special to them. 

They're a family with artistic talents so the they're going to tackle a DIY project and make their own masterpiece for above the mantle. They'll use Heather Brown's art as inspiration then create something that's truly unique to their family. I can't wait to see how it turns out!

My kiddos are out of school for the remainder of this week so we're off to Houston to check out NASA today. Expect spotty posting until next week, friends.