The importance of trusting your designer

u·nique

yo͞oˈnēk/

adjective

1. 1.

   being the only one of its kind; unlike anything else.

   "the situation was unique in modern politics"

   synonyms:

   distinctive, distinct, individual, special, idiosyncratic; More

noun

archaic

1. 1.

   a unique person or thing.

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To me, great design and the word unique go hand in hand. Sometimes the need to be unique is my greatest downfall as a designer. Coming up with "one of a kind" designs doesn't always happen over night. And, getting a client to buy in to one of my "unique" ideas can often be super hard. This takes trust, trust and more trust! But when that trust is achieved and a client buys in, their house suddenly becomes something spectacular and something they're very proud to show their friends and neighbors.

{decoCrush}

I'd like to hear the conversation between designer/client when this idea was pitched. "I've got it! Let's build a mini greenhouse inside your kitchen and use it as a room divider!" Sounds bizarre, right? But aren't the results stunning?!

{pinterest}

"Let's build a bookshelf out of plus signs with tons of negative space. I promise your books will fit!" says the crazy designer.

{Touch Contagious}

"No, your bookshelves don't have to have books on them. Let's style them with balls, pyramids and cubes. It'll look great, I promise!"

{amuneal}

"I know it's industrial and immediately you think warehouse, but that's what makes it so cool! And, yes, those doors are supposed to look beat up."

{Uncovet}

"Honeycombs! Honeycombs are totally in right now. Let's slap some up on your walls and use them as a shelving option."

We can certainly sound crazy sometimes with our off the wall ideas, but I think it's safe to say the pictures above prove that a little trust can take your room to the next level and result in great design. One of my favorite things to hear a client say is, "I never would've thought of that!" I know I've done my job when those words come out of their mouth. After all, that's why you hired me, right?

What's the takeaway from this post, you ask? Next time your designer throws you a hairbrained idea, reach deep down inside and allow yourself to take the journey towards something unique and fabulous.

Random Act of Kindness #68

The kiddos and I saw this Halloween as a perfect opportunity to reach out to our neighbors in hopes of getting to know them since we're new to the area. We made several boxes of goodies and set off for our special deliveries yesterday evening. It was fun and I'd say we accomplished our goal!

We made sugar cookies for the parents and collected Halloween crafts, candies and glow sticks from Michael's goodie section for the kids. You certainly don't have to be an artist to make the tag that's attached...a few curvy lines and several dots later, you're set with a precious little ghost just waiting to deliver your message.

If you're swamped with last minute costume round ups today, file this idea away for next year. (That's what Pinterest is good for!) Or, adapt it, any day is good day to tell someone you appreciate them!

Okay, friends, go out and be kind!

Inexpensive Oversized DIY Pop Art

We have some GIANT pug mugs hanging on our walls! Bryn got her art on this past weekend and created a few masterpieces to hang in our stairwell. We managed to create one-of-a-kind art for less than $30. Not bad, right?

This was a beyond easy project. I simply snapped a few shots of the most adorable pug models I know, then did a few minor edits in PicMonkey. Once I was pleased with the shots, I took my thumb drive to the nearest Staples and had engineering prints made. We're talking to the tune of 3 feet wide x 4 feet long. You can upload your images to make things faster but I was having technical difficulties. Go figure!

Just in case you're  unfamiliar with engineering prints, they're paper not glossy photos. That's what makes them so affordable...a mere $7 a piece.

Next, I handed my 11y.o. paints and brushes and gave her creative reign to "make art."

With a handful of highlights our prints quickly took on the feel of the ever so popular Pop Art.

Here you get a better perspective of the size. It was a happy accident that they fit this space so nicely. Honestly, this was such a spontaneous project, done on a whim, that I didn't take time to measure the space. 

  

Another way we made our art project so affordable...no frames! Frames of this magnitude would put us in the poor house. We dipped clear thumb tacks in the acrylic paints to add a bit 'o color then used large binder clips to hang them.

This look would also be great in a playroom or office.

Sometimes I feel a bit preachy by constantly telling you guys that your home decor "has to be personal," but I really don't think I can say it enough. It truly is what sets your home apart from others and makes it a place where your family feels comfortable. 

Are giant pictures of funky dogs something others will want in their house? Probably not, but does our daughter wake up every morning and know that we value her talents enough to hang her work on our walls?...Absolutely! That's all that matters in my book.

DIY Dog Art

I shouldn't be sharing this yet, because there's a H.U.G.E. chance this is going to turn into a big, fat flop of a DIY art project. But, it's just so stinkin' cute already that I had to give you a little glimpse.

I'm commissioning one of my favorite artists, aka Bryn, to help me turn this picture into a masterpiece. Wish us luck!

A tiny glimpse into how my brain works...

It started when I found this fabric from Spoonflower and considered approaching the artist to isolate and enlarge the image. I was initially thinking shower curtain for the kids' bathroom, but suddenly it needed to be on a wall. I take a break from the computer, give Maverick a little pat, then BOOM, I realize I have the perfect model literally sitting at my feet. I bust out the camera, run to the print shop and saved a lot of money in the process. Score!

I find it a bit strange how much this fabric and my Maverick actually look like each other! Mav must have a twin who's momma likes to make fabric out of his cute pug mug. Need to meet her someday. ;)

And, while we're all taking the time to appreciate all things black, white, graphic and pug related, let's also appreciate this really cool print from Etsy shop owner Jenn Bell.

Jen's not partial to pugs, there's a little love going on for dachshunds and labs too...

{available here}

{available here}

Think Christmas, friends, think Christmas. $20 for an 8x10 print could make someone a happy camper.

Enjoy your weekend!

Surfer Boy Stencil...where to get it!

I'm pretty sure the room I get the most emails about is the Surfer Boy room I helped a client create awhile back. People are always curious how we made the stencil.

Sadly, I'm typically not much help because all I can tell them is my dad's crazy talented and he's the mastermind behind it. Below is a picture of him in action. 

{original post here}

Well, if you're one of those who love the look but aren't quite sure how to achieve it on your own, today is your lucky day! I was looking through the sale section on PB teen and look what I found...

A giant surfer wall stencil. They've done the work for you! It's on sale right now and you can click here to check it out.

Bathroom Tile Progress and a giggle

Hey friends! My lack of posting isn't necessarily indicative of a lack of progress around here. It's more indicative of the fact that after tiling the kids' bathroom I'm t.i.r.e.d. and I'm trying to muster up enough energy to finish it. Anyone feelin' me?

Lots left to do in this cozy little room, but I can officially say I've learned how to tile. Maybe one of these days I'll let someone walk into the bathroom without the disclaimer of "It was my first time...look at it with your head tilted slightly to the left!"

I'm still waiting on the lights to be shipped. I can't wait to see them. They're going to add such a punch of personality.

As I mentioned above, this project has drained me a little. That, coupled with our recent move, gave me a major case of the blahs last week. It's like I woke up and realized this move thing is really real and we aren't going back. I've been holding it together for the sake of the kids and I'm pretty sure there was a tad bit of stuffing my real feelings going on. Luckily, one of my Austin friends came up with her family towards the end of the week and it was just what the doctor ordered...lots and lots of laughter.

This has made me stop and realize just how important laughing is. I don't do it enough, my family will be the first to tell you that. They're good at laughing. Oh how I wish I had been created with a better sense of humor! So, so glad both kids got this trait from John.

One thing that'll send a few laughing tears down my cheeks are autocorrect conversations. Thought I'd share a few with you today so you can experience the joy of laughter...

{via}

There are tons more that'll have ya rollin' but I wanted to keep it G rated!

Hope you're having a happy day today, friends, and don't forget to let yourself have a little giggle. 

Beautiful Jewel Tones

Sometimes when I look back at my recent pins I notice a common thread. These rich tones are so pretty and timely for fall.

domino.com

Narragansett green, HC-157

Considering this color for my dining room.

pinterest

Jolly Rug via homedecorators.com

Doesn't this rug make you want to lay on it? I'm searching for something super comfy for our living room. It comes in neutrals too! This colorful one would be super cool in a playroom.