Halloween is fast approaching and everyone loves a good horror story. But this year we’re not talking ghost tales or Freddy Krueger. Instead, we’re focusing on DIY design horror stories! Here are a few from readers that will make your hair stand on end:
The bedroom in my first off-campus apartment in college was tiny. To save space, I decided to purchase a loft bed so that I could place my desk underneath. My sole task was to measure the room. I don’t remember if I actually measured the room, or perhaps I didn’t do it correctly. I guess I thought all ceilings were pretty much the same height. After a trip to Ikea, my mom and I returned to my apartment to set up the furniture. We put together the bed, which was no easy feat, only to find that the mattress was approximately an inch from the ceiling. There was no way I could fit up there.
Ikea didn’t allow returns for this particular piece and we were stuck. My mom is extremely handy so we sawed a few inches off of the legs. The final product was wobbly and I have an irrational fear of heights. It wasn’t a good combination. I tried to sleep up there but eventually gave in, bought a futon, and squeezed it into the space. I slept on the futon for my remaining two years of college.
Lindsey:
My mother created a drop ceiling using plain white tiles. She wanted the tiles to have texture so she removed them and painted them using a thick texture paint. When she put the tiles back in place, she discovered the paint had added too much weight and part of the ceiling came crashing down.
Jenn:
A few years ago I moved into an older house. The baseboards and trim in the bedroom looked a little dingy. I didn’t have much experience with painting at the time and didn’t use a primer as I was simply painting white over white. When I was finished, the room looked refreshed and I was happy. However, I was unaware that the previous owners had used oil paint. My latex paint apparently didn’t adhere properly and the paint started peeling. My hard work went right down the drain. Eventually I called in a professional.
For even more DIY horror stories check out the hilarious blog Pinstrosity, which chronicles failed attempts at recreating DIY projects found on Pinterest. Here’s an excellent example from one of their posts:
Your front door is one of the first things that people see when they approach your house. It tells guests a little bit about your personality, your home, and can make a stunning first impression. On my recent trip to Germany, I couldn’t help but notice the incredible doors, flower boxes, and windows, ranging from ornate to rustic. Enjoy my photos:
Photo by Iris Interiors LLC.
Gorgeous blue door. Love the texture and pattern.
Photo by Iris Interiors LLC.
A close-up of a decorated door.
Photo by Iris Interiors LLC.
Hand-carved front entrance along a shopping street in Wernigerode, Germany.
Photo by Iris Interiors LLC.
A green exterior door with window details in Wernigerode, Germany.
Photo by Iris Interiors LLC.
Ornate hinges.
Photo by Iris Interiors LLC.
Flower boxes and a unique door create a welcoming entrance.
Photo by Iris Interiors LLC.
Blue and white door with pops of primary colors and painted design.
Photo by Iris Interiors LLC.
An inscription above a door in Bad Sachsa listing the owners/residents as well as the year the house was built (1750)
Photo by Iris Interiors LLC.
Brown front door with more hand-painted patterns.
Photo by Iris Interiors LLC.
A traditional house with a decorated window.
Photo by Iris Interiors LLC.
An old-fashioned mailbox in the traditional yellow color (postal vehicles are also yellow).
Photo by Iris Interiors LLC.
A rainbow of flowers make this home in the Harz Mountains stand out.
Which one is your favorite? How do you add interest to the entrance of your home?
Even if you’ve never set foot in France, it’s hard not to be drawn to the stunning, classic style. While we often think of French country or more opulent designs, French Eclectic melds formal and casual, dramatic and inviting, and past and present. If you’re drawn to antiques, the feminine curves of 18th century French furniture, classical Renaissance architecture, and rustic elements, yet still like to infuse your space with a chic modern sensibility and unexpected accessories, the French Eclectic style may resonate with you. Here’s a primer:
This style often uses a light airy backdrop to allow certain pieces, such as this 1940’s chandelier, to act as a focal point. Louis XV-style chairs and a stool are updated with animal print. The faded, antique rug pulls the neutral color scheme together, while the ottoman (circa 1850) is a nod to the past. The curved shapes of the classic furniture are balanced nicely with the clean lines of the couch. As in any eclectic design, various eras and aesthetics are combined, such as the addition of a gallery wall comprised of American pressed botanicals.
This is the epitome of an eclectic space. The Louis Ghost chair is a modern classic and plays off of the aesthetic of the classic Louis XV armchair. When it comes to space planning with this style, conversation areas are a must, as illustrated above. The floor, distressed woods, and pops of white French country-inspired furniture are rustic touches. Antiques and flea-market finds are an important element and this room definitely gives the impression that its evolved over time. The chandelier is elegant, creating contrast with the more relaxed atmosphere.
This master bathroom falls more under Parisian chic than French countryside. Gold accents are another element of French Eclectic style. The refined mirror, a 19th century antique, and the beautiful chandelier both hail from France. To the left (not pictured) is a decidedly modern glassed enclosed shower. The two distinct styles are harmonized through the use of marble. which blends perfectly with the six-foot white tub.
Antique gold mirrors, classic furniture, and a sparkling chandelier are reminiscent of French royalty. As with most spaces decorated in the French Eclectic style, the walls are neutral, think white, grey, and creams. While a sedate color scheme is often accented with warm reds and golds, this space puts a twist on the theme with pale blues and greens.
For those who don’t like the gilded look, wood-framed furniture in this style is often left untouched and natural or painted white. The vintage French sofa, rustic floors, modern floor lamp, and industrial style side table are a true cohesive mix of styles and texture. For a bohemian look, combine high and low accents. The easel gives it an inviting and artistic feel. Don’t be afraid to bring materials like wrought-iron in to the space to bring more over-the-top pieces down to earth.
Classic French antique armchairs are paired with an antique rug, a modern table, and eclectic artwork. The funky chandelier is a surprising feature. The space also uses warm accent colors typically seen in the French countryside, such as yellow, orange, and red.
If you’re going to go eclectic, there’s nothing wrong with going bold. The hot pink chaise and combination of floral and pink fabrics makes this French Eclectic interior fun and unique. Modern elements are paired with French antiques, a stunning chandelier, and gold accents, making it quirky luxe.
Do you identify with this style? Which are your favorite spaces?
A pop of color is a great way to give old furniture a fresh, new look. There are many reasons, sentimental or practical, why I hold on to old furniture. It could be a hand-me-down from a loved one, a keepsake from an important time of our lives, or simply a sturdy piece that still works well. While old furniture may appear a bit shabby or outdated, sometimes you only need to scratch beyond the surface to discover a real gem underneath. Painting old fixtures with bright, bold colors is easy and the results can be stunning. Making full use of a reliable piece of furniture not only saves you money, but also gives you a fascinating makeover tale to share with friends.
Breathe new life to a well-used dresser with a fresh coat of paint to give it some character and style. A painted dresser catches the eye and gives a room a friendly, welcoming ambiance. Natty by Design recently transformed a humdrum brown dresser into a dramatic piece.
Start off by wiping the dresser with a dry rag, then cleaning it with mild soap and water. Lay down some used paper or a drop cloth underneath it. Use fine sandpaper to smooth out rough spots. Lightly sanding the surface or applying a coat of primer allows new paint to stick better. Remove or cover any hardware or parts you don’t want painted. When the primer has dried, use a paint or foam brush to apply the first coat of paint. Apply the second coating after a couple hours or when the first coat is already dry. Feel free to replace old knobs with ones that you like.
A chair that has lost its original luster can be revamped with a simple coat of paint. Debra Wittrup of BHG shows how a spray of bright paint gives an old chair a bright, cheery look. If you want something more in line with spring, you can pair the chair with a colorful patterned cushion.
Helpful Tip! Glossy paint tends to highlight imperfections in furniture much more than matte. For a smoother finish, try dipping 400-grit sandpaper in water and sanding between coats.
Furniture from the 50’s and 60’s have gorgeous clean lines that give them a timeless appeal. Transport mid-century fixtures into the future by painting them in various shades of a single color. A chest of drawers with a color gradient is an irresistibly cute piece that’s perfect for your little one’s room.
Helpful Tip! Painting the top of a piece of furniture requires extra care. What I do is work my way up from the legs first. I also use a roller for a smooth, even finish. To prevent sticking or unsightly marks, give your newly painted table top sufficient time to dry before placing objects on it.
Most of the time, we have pieces of furniture that are still in great shape but not really much to look at. Dacia of Lemon Drop Life transformed a drab changing table into a bright ray of sunshine in the nursery by sanding it down and painting it a happy yellow shade.
Helpful Tip! To keep a painted surface pretty, I coat it with a water-based lacquer finish to protect against stains, marring, and fingerprints.
Spare that poor forgotten buffet table a trip to the landfill. With a little elbow grease, Sarah from Funcycled turned a simple little hutch into a bright, beautiful addition to the dining room.
Incorporate her idea into your favorite buffet table that has seen better days by painting it a bold color that lets it stand out. Subtle distressed edges liven up the look even more.
Helpful Tip! Achieve the distressed look on paint quickly and easily by lightly sanding the edges and corners of your furniture with fine sandpaper.
Using bright colors to renew furniture can be fun and the results can be so rewarding. Show off your creativity while saving some cash with these inspiring DIY projects.
Jennifer Lutz blogs about home decorating at the Christmas Tree Market blog. The blog is part of Christmas Tree Market where you can choose an artificial Christmas Tree to suit your home décor.
The often overlooked powder room is actually an excellent place to break a few of your design rules. It’s like a bonus space, perfect for making guests feel welcome. People spend a few minutes in the room and there’s no need to consider issues such as a shower or bathtub. Take the opportunity to make a statement, as it’s a room that can stand-alone. Turn your powder room into a place to reflect your boldest decorating whims in a fun, artistic way. When decorating the space consider the following:
Color Scheme:
Designed by Iris Interiors LLC.
Because the powder room is typically a smaller space, many people shy away from dark or bright colors. However, it’s a hidden gem where an aesthetic that may not work in a living room, for example, can come to life. When designing this powder room, the lack of humidity and limited size made wallpaper an affordable and realistic alternative to painting. The bold, damask wallpaper adds an air of luxury.
Paint a vivid color. The dark purple gives this Moroccan-style powder room a romantic ambiance. If you’re feeling crafty, you can even try your hand at stencils to create an elaborate pattern.
Choose a toilet, sink, fixtures, and hardware that complement your color scheme. For a small powder room, a pedestal sink can save space. Not sure about the lack of storage? Consider adding a fabric skirt to the sink or filling a basket with rolled towels.
Plush hand towels, rugs, and pretty amenities tie a design together. The mirror is also a major focus. Try something ornate, unusual, over-sized, or even a grouping of small mirrors. The mirror above is truly unique, as it is covered in an antique Italian window grill.
You want to have enough natural and artificial light so that guests can touch up their makeup and do other quick bathroom tasks. Incorporate an unexpected chandelier (photo above), flank a mirror with wall sconces, or hang pendant lights. A dimmer switch will allow you to adjust the brightness to your needs.
I have some exciting news! Iris Interiors LLC was selected by the Houzz community as a winner of their 2013 “Best of Houzz” awards for the second year in a row! This year we won in the “Customer Satisfaction” category. This award is based on a variety of factors including ratings and reviews by Houzz’s 11 million monthly users. Thank you for all of the support!
To check out our Houzz profile page please click on the link below.:
A friend of mine desperately needed help with her nondescript bedroom. With plain-Jane wall color and inherited furnishings, she and her fiance thought their best starting point was finding that perfect comforter. However with different color preferences and the concern of making the wrong choice, the two of them had been virtually paralyzed for two years! Budget was also a great concern, so we definitely had to think “Design on a Dime.”
Before: The nightstand is too low!
Before: The headboard is too low. The nightstand on the left has already been switched out. The new orange Target comforter can be seen on the bed.
Before: The wall art was left by the previous tenants.
Before: A large TV is dominating the corner; we already removed the top of the vanity stool which needed to be re-upholstered.
The Challenge:
Our first observation was that the headboard was much too low. This was further accentuated by bedside tables that were too small and also too low. A gigantic old TV dominated one corner of the room and the space felt lifeless, bland, and bare, certainly not reflecting the couple’s personalities.
Quick fix:
Before we even left, we were able to switch out the side tables with another pair from the living room. Being a little higher, they worked much better with the bed (and the soon to be raised headboard). As a bonus, the old tables actually looked perfect in the living room. (Note: Since the new nightstands are open, the homeowners asked if they should buy baskets.We instructed “no baskets,” as we had other plans…)
Starting Point:
Both approved of the orange color and geometric pattern, with our assurance that we could definitely make this work. The comforter was ordered and the two year hunt for the perfect bedding had fortunately come to an end.
Orange comforter from Target – At $30 for the King size, a true bargain!
Inspiration Fabric:
To make the whole project fun for Iris Interiors, as well as the homeowners, we agreed that we would not reveal our design concept until the end. The homeowners took on the chore of painting (read more about their painting experience here). So our first trip was to the fabric store, to procure the ideal inspiration fabric. A mistake some homeowners would make when finding something on their own is “matching” the fabric to the orange comforter. Our choice featured no orange, but we liked the deep blue, modern pattern, and accent colors of green, goldish-yellow, and red. We also selected a bright green fabric to complement the variety of hues and some yellow ribbon to give life to the existing bed skirt. With “his” colors taken care of, we ventured to HomeGoods, where we settled on a purple bedspread and purple pillow cases to add a little bit of “her” to the design as well.
Now that we had selected the fabrics, we were able to tell the homeowners to start painting! The color we selected, which both loved, was Valspar’s Organic Garden. In addition to the painting, the couple was instructed to remove the existing curtain hardware and to raise the headboard approximately 8″ by attaching it directly to the wall.
The room has been painted, installation to begin!
In the homeowners’ attic we found this lamp that we were able to revive with some paint and a new shade.
Installation Day:
After a busy day installing the new window treatments, dressing the bed, some last minute sewing to create custom covers for the side tables, etc., we were finally ready for the big reveal!
The Reveal (in the words of the homeowner):
I was ridiculously excited and we gave Iris and Patricia full reign to work their magic. I have to admit that my fiance was worried it would be too “girly.” On the day of the reveal we were kicked out of the room. Since I work from home, I typed away on my laptop in the living room and heard all sorts of activity going on in the direction of the bedroom. However, we weren’t able to see anything. I felt like I was on an HGTV show, where the couple returns to an entirely new space. I obviously knew what the paint color looked like and the comforter, but beyond that we were clueless. We both had a whole range of visions and tried to guess what it would look like.
I knew Iris would do a stellar job, but I was so surprised with the direction she took. It was amazing. I absolutely love the bedroom now and even make the bed every day (well, most days). I couldn’t be happier. I never would have been able to pick eclectic colors and patterns and make them work in the way Iris and Patricia did. Even my fiance was stunned and thrilled with the results. The balance of the greens and blues with the purples and oranges ensured that it was still masculine enough for his taste. It reflects both of us and every time I walk into the room, I smile. It’s my sanctuary now, as opposed to a random, barren room I just sleep in. Oh and we also replaced the horrific air conditioner with a window unit.
It’s a huge difference. What are your thoughts? What route would you have taken to decorate the previously bland space?
Michelle Fitzurka of Fitztopia nominated me for a Reader Appreciation Award. I’m honored! Fitztopia is a wonderland of photography, Michelle’s art, highlights of other renowned artists to keep an eye on, and much more, all woven together through thought-provoking and heartwarming posts. You should definitely check it out. Thanks Michelle!
Recipients of the award are asked to:
Identify the awards and who gave them to you.
Post the Logo on your blog.
Share 7 items about yourself.
Nominate 5-10 other bloggers to receive this award, and notify them on their blogs
Seven items about me:
I am addicted to diet coke (caffeine-free though)
I was born in Germany, but in my mid-twenties I moved to Virginia on my own. Quite a culture shock!
People peg me for a classical or traditional music type, but I actually listen to hip-hop, disco, motown, reggae, R&B, lounge music, Latin and French music, and some German music.
I LOVE animals and horseback riding. I currently have two dogs, four cats, and a horse.
When I’m not reading, dreaming, or thinking about interior design, I love to watch murder mysteries on TV (the non-bloody kind like Midsomer Murders and Murder She Wrote).
I love warm weather, but in spite of cold winters, I love New Jersey.
My daughter redecorates her room, including moving her furniture and tapping into my inventory, on a monthly basis. Wonder where she got that from?
My nominees:
It is so difficult to pick a limited number of blogs to nominate for the Reader Appreciation Award. I am sure I’m leaving some out, but I find these blogs beautiful and inspiring:
NOTE: Many of my comments go to spam. Therefore, if your name is on here and you don’t receive a comment either check your spam folder or just copy and put it on your own page.
Sometimes my enthusiasm for design isn’t quite met with the same excitement by others. Family and friends often have their own interests and really don’t want to hear me dissect the latest trends in kitchen design. But then again, with three brothers and husband in IT and my oldest son blogging about “The Ising Model of a Ferromagnet” my eyes definitely glaze over when they start talking about their latest projects. That’s why it’s so refreshing to interact with other designers, including my own team, because they just get it. Let me illustrate with a few examples:
While most of the time I find no interested family member to run an errand with me even at a local store, this is how the scenario plays out with a fellow designer:
“I heard about a new antiquities store (2 hrs away!). We should check it out at one point…”
Response: “That sounds awesome! Let’s go tomorrow?”
Another example:
Me (to family/non-designer friends): “Which shade of blue would you like best of these choices?”
Response: “Hmmm. They both look the same to me…”
versus
Me (to fellow designer): “I am thinking of Philadelphia Cream for the living room.”
Response: “OMG I love Philadelphia Cream!” Followed by a 30 minute discussion on Philadelphia Cream versus some of our other favorite neutrals, while discovering that both of us used Philadelphia Cream in our dining rooms at one point of our lives.
Photo via Apartment Therapy. Nook painted in Benjamin Moore’s Philadelphia Cream.
Do you have these same experiences? What’s your favorite thing about connecting with others who share your passion? And yes this is one of the reasons I love going to the High Point Market (the count down has officially begun!). In addition to discovering new products, new trends, and of course inspiration everywhere, it is also wonderful and energizing to be surrounded by design/like minded people everywhere!
Inspired Design 