Another Weekend Project *almost*

So this weekend, I tackled another project in Evie's room.  I was finally going to make some window treatments for the 2 small windows in her room.  I wanted to make something that coordinated this wildflower pillow I got on sale from PBTeen.  This pillow was the inspiration for the whole room. 



(image via pbteen.com)



So I bought a fitted crib sheet from Pottery Barn Kids.  It was the only way for me to get additional fabric in that print to work with.



(image via potterybarnkids.com)


I was holding up the sheet trying to get a feel for how I could make a simple valance with it.  When I had an epiphany!  I thought the billowy shape at the bottom (from the elastic) made for a perfect balloon valance.  I had something like this in mind.



(image via target.com)



What I got was this:



(ACK!  Don't do this!)



Nooo!  Clearly not what I had envisioned.  I even tried to make it work by adding 2 bands of ribbon, but I think the problem is that it's just too small.. The way it comes in on each side just does NOT work!

To be honest, I really wanted it to work.  My husband was the first to say... "ummm honey... I'm not sure this looks right."  And defensively and jokingly, I said something like... "who's the designer here?"  However, I quickly realized this really was not going to be ok.  Then I thought, "There is no way I'm going to post this project on Monday!"  But..."maybe I should." 

I decided to humbly write this post because I want you all to know that even people who dive head first into DIYs, have their share of mistakes.  This shouldn't prevent you from trying them.  As with most things in life, there's only one way to get better .. do it and learn from your mistakes.  My guess is that for every beautifully decorated room or home that you see on a blog or wherever, there's a story of something didn't  go exactly right.  At least I can speak for myself!  :)

So, here's my Plan B.  I just order this fabric from fabric.com.



(via fabric.com)



I plan to do something simple like add some ribbon trim like this:



(via potterybarnkids.com)



 OK... regrouping and getting ready to have another go at this.  I'll keep you posted.  :)

WHY IT WORKS - A Green Room

Happy Monday!  St. Patrick's Day is coming up on Thursday and I thought it would be fun to use it as inspiration for our WHY IT WORKS for this week.  Green is one of my favorite colors, gray is up there too.  Green never goes out of style.   It's the color of spring, freshness, life and to me, joy.  Here's a lovely home I saw over at House Beautiful and it showcases several good design principles that we can all use.

WHY IT WORKS:

• Window Treatments.  There are so many options for window treatments, almost too many options.  I know I've been paralyzed as to which one to choose as they are expensive and you don't want to make a mistake !  This photo showcases a good option; woven shades.  Woven shades add a natural element to any room whether it's modern, contemporary or traditional.  Any room feels more inviting with a bit of nature tucked in.
• Wall space and art.  When looking for places to hang wall art, consider the space between your windows.  Whether wide or narrow, many times these little areas are just the right place to hang art.  With the framing of windows on either side, you already have naturally symmetry and a focal point.
• Floating furniture.  We've heard this from designers over and over again.  So many of us make the mistake of pushing all of our furniture up against the walls thinking it's going to open up the room.  In many cases, it just makes rooms feel disjointed and uninviting.  Take a look at our inspiration photo.  It's a large room and imagine if all the furniture was placed along the perimeter... it would really leave the room feeling empty and cold.  With the furniture floating inside the space, it feels full, cozy and comfortable.

INSPIRATION:

• Ok.  Let's review.  Consider woven shades for window treatments.  It's a timeless choice that is versatile and gives texture and life to a room.
• Wall art.  Reconsider those spaces between your windows or on the side of your windows.  Could they work for you?
• Float furniture.  Don't be afraid to experiment and move furniture around.  In my experience, often you can't really tell unless you see it and feel it.  All it takes is some man (woman) power.  :)

IKEA FRIDAYS - Meet STOCKHOLM BLAD curtains

I've been saving pictures of these curtains for some time now and have been excited to share them with you! If you're considering window treatments, consider the STOCKHOLM BLAD curtains. They come in 3 colors, brown, blue and green. They are a steal at $59.99 for the PAIR!

They are graphic, have a "natural" element and are neutral enough to work in several different types of rooms as you'll see in the following pics. It's so much fun to see IKEA pieces used in action and how they can take on different look as you put your own spin on them.

First up, meet STOCKHOLM BLAD in Brown.  Sarah Richardson used it in a nursery in this image via hgtv.com.  The palette and the pattern is not traditionally "nursery", but really works to create a lovely, calming space.  



Next up, here's STOCKHOLM BLAD in Blue.  The shades of blue on this crisp white panel is so classic.  In this photo, Sarah Richardson used it again in a room she created recently for the 2011 Toronto Design Show.  I love the modern, crisp feel it gives to the whole room.

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Lastly, here's STOCKHOLM BLAD in Green.  I love how bright and chery this color combination is!  In our last photo, Lauren, from Pure Style Home used it in her son's room.  So great!

I hope these photos were inspiring to you and help you to get those creative juices flowing!  Have a great weekend and I'll see you Monday!