Beautiful Modern Contemporary House Elevation

corkboard in the kitchen

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNU8-UscymPTvrxPbwf9rJ82F4QZrGiaNCb3RfiE1qr4bwDjyJHvF6_y7JwS2dPA0HDUJYCCevBI6A3QMtJ0TvsPEaN2IHajrKJpz7bX-VxzvDexkRrzugT-KfCf4udANZ6CkOpiSjwUY/s1600/IMG_2735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNU8-UscymPTvrxPbwf9rJ82F4QZrGiaNCb3RfiE1qr4bwDjyJHvF6_y7JwS2dPA0HDUJYCCevBI6A3QMtJ0TvsPEaN2IHajrKJpz7bX-VxzvDexkRrzugT-KfCf4udANZ6CkOpiSjwUY/s1600/IMG_2735.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6qka1tfpgcyJrgYlHo4Sf_TTXBNhH2RyPrnJ9L-hSBZF4Rr_UDc572bntByvbBCmq-litiCq-ZNbzUC-eJ8YIDI9FXHCgIIKJofFdcqeFxH9IlaO72TBBzHDwAW6pwNlUBk7EulFq54/s1600/IMG_2799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6qka1tfpgcyJrgYlHo4Sf_TTXBNhH2RyPrnJ9L-hSBZF4Rr_UDc572bntByvbBCmq-litiCq-ZNbzUC-eJ8YIDI9FXHCgIIKJofFdcqeFxH9IlaO72TBBzHDwAW6pwNlUBk7EulFq54/s1600/IMG_2799.jpg" /></a></div><br />I installed some cork squares on the back of a kitchen cabinet door - I've seen the idea on <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/164170348888646551/" target="_blank">Pinterest </a>and I thought it was a brilliant way of staying organized. The cork is from Dollarama, (package of two for a dollar) and I attached it to the door using <a href="http://www.gorillatough.com/" target="_blank">Gorilla Glue</a>. Aubrey and I can now stay organized and pin up phone numbers, flyers, coupons and grocery lists but we don't have the mess of seeing it out on display.<i> (Visual clutter gives me the heebie jeebies) </i>I purposefully installed the cork on the back of our "junk" cabinet door as I didn't want to necessarily see cork board every-time I went to grab a glass or plate. It has been installed a week and has already made a huge improvement in our organization.<br /><br />The second picture of our kitchen bench is random, and no relationship to the cork-board  I thought it was an especially pretty shot. :-)<br /><br />Ps., In somewhat related news, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151362895748434&set=a.420165853433.191660.190977078433&type=1&theater" target="_blank">Ikea posted a link to our cookbook shelf on their facebook page.</a> And some of the responses to the shelf are a wee bit funny. :-) (For example installing a cookbook shelf above our sink means we obviously don't cook) It's all in good fun. I do appreciate the major link love from Ikea. It was a nice treat, and hello to new visitors.

corkboard in the kitchen

I installed some cork squares on the back of a kitchen cabinet door - I've seen the idea on Pinterest and I thought it was a brilliant w...

8:49 PM

Vegas or bust

<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 640px;"><div style="position: relative;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/weekend_plans/set?.embedder=2675664&.svc=copypaste&id=73830871" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="weekend plans" border="0" height="624" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/xGl7DMbONBCBwsirKi5PfQ/cid/73830871/id/VJIj7I1GTwyRwKKyAH94Rw/size/c640x624.jpg" title="weekend plans" width="640" /></a></div></div><br />I know, I know. It's only Thursday. But today is my Friday!!<br /><br />Hubby and I depart for an epic weekend in Vegas today. We're soooo excited!!!<br /><br />My best friend is getting married in May and this weekend is her & her fiance's joint bachelor  /bachelorette party! Being the Maid of Honor, I've spent tons of time planning for this and I can't wait for it all to finally come together.<br /><br />I'll miss you, but will be back on Monday with some amazing pictures & awesome bachelorette party DIY's to share from our trip. But no stories...because what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.<br /><br />Cheers!

Vegas or bust

I know, I know. It's only Thursday. But today is my Friday!! Hubby and I depart for an epic weekend in Vegas today. We're soooo exci...

9:15 AM

C'est assez simple au final...

Optez pour du noir & blanc, du bois et plein de plantes vertes, rajoutez quelques détails personnels, restez simple et vous ne pouvez pas vous tromper. Pas d'après moi, en tout cas.<br />Appartement <a href="http://bo-laget.se/oversikt.php" target="_blank">en vente ici</a>.<br /><br /><i>Go for black & white, wood and lots of green plants, add a few personal details, keep it simple and you can never go wrong. Not in my book at least.</i><br /><i>Flat <a href="http://bo-laget.se/oversikt.php" target="_blank">for sale here</a>.</i><br /><i><br /></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWArRtK92wpZfLAsFm_VLs3FF7sCQ95Vl6tXb1xacNzKzbFpcr8jMbiWPpoonhyv9EQGXg3oJF3GRz1wIluqB7zFgW50LqnHaUR7Re_sX15XtbQulfBjSd0IC4uL8-_4c1vdpRleIWgI0/s1600/lNYvardagsrum3.jpg_Thumbnail3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWArRtK92wpZfLAsFm_VLs3FF7sCQ95Vl6tXb1xacNzKzbFpcr8jMbiWPpoonhyv9EQGXg3oJF3GRz1wIluqB7zFgW50LqnHaUR7Re_sX15XtbQulfBjSd0IC4uL8-_4c1vdpRleIWgI0/s640/lNYvardagsrum3.jpg_Thumbnail3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKYZU7KoV24thNpPkS6KAPLY6f4nL_8rEftpIrkUm4UhmgjJAA-WHRwUdbbSAU59ckXyN9ve_xJ12FmDSLRxtnxZU_4jZb9sS96UMhdN-7nwwVtITj4lv6fjhWRNcymOND6-xly_ZkRLY/s1600/lNYvardagsrum4.jpg_Thumbnail3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKYZU7KoV24thNpPkS6KAPLY6f4nL_8rEftpIrkUm4UhmgjJAA-WHRwUdbbSAU59ckXyN9ve_xJ12FmDSLRxtnxZU_4jZb9sS96UMhdN-7nwwVtITj4lv6fjhWRNcymOND6-xly_ZkRLY/s640/lNYvardagsrum4.jpg_Thumbnail3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg2gIPiRituu43M9R6PJmpQ7i92E2FWULHHnag83OhBMuQcJlWwrxi6QkzGW7Cc_rMvI3NIWKyGQ3InnR-il7z7M9JKjH75U_7AHLTRKLr-dzq54j1UkqA0oH2zvGAT7BIHCOGN076pgU/s1600/lNYvardagsrumm.jpg_Thumbnail3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg2gIPiRituu43M9R6PJmpQ7i92E2FWULHHnag83OhBMuQcJlWwrxi6QkzGW7Cc_rMvI3NIWKyGQ3InnR-il7z7M9JKjH75U_7AHLTRKLr-dzq54j1UkqA0oH2zvGAT7BIHCOGN076pgU/s640/lNYvardagsrumm.jpg_Thumbnail3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9P6Hl0EwdFnuqjlUaTKIIJe2i10lWCo2-t_xQJhTzXW0Onb7CH4rMQK8I7iAZ5oFXs3b5PSS24MGtk8us5PrpAdJFnMU8FGLhkmTYko_y9UvrdLtUIUqpY_4h7Xazeefy8yWKTqhT7s/s1600/lkok2.jpg_Thumbnail3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9P6Hl0EwdFnuqjlUaTKIIJe2i10lWCo2-t_xQJhTzXW0Onb7CH4rMQK8I7iAZ5oFXs3b5PSS24MGtk8us5PrpAdJFnMU8FGLhkmTYko_y9UvrdLtUIUqpY_4h7Xazeefy8yWKTqhT7s/s640/lkok2.jpg_Thumbnail3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzupHlhAAP9fo1gQZcJZSlENs-oqjD6HNpIDELnmPpNpCyDT9I-mBlGCVViudw75Zp36hQSiy0P6KXSPQYU1BMrViah1y-aDJVVl6ofmXbwKjnL8czFVyn1cdRM1s3ybbhzGdGRus3JRU/s1600/kok2.jpg_Thumbnail3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzupHlhAAP9fo1gQZcJZSlENs-oqjD6HNpIDELnmPpNpCyDT9I-mBlGCVViudw75Zp36hQSiy0P6KXSPQYU1BMrViah1y-aDJVVl6ofmXbwKjnL8czFVyn1cdRM1s3ybbhzGdGRus3JRU/s640/kok2.jpg_Thumbnail3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hSlbeVm9erISAOLi2-Em0PdX12h_LEF237HATMHlxJMyL4n6VI80E6aT8-fojNFhz9xAKUggtr6upinH9Ygdg4SGouCqYMrnsQYf6ElYJuWWuZnDNRlE1xyfFqB3YJvrH_9e0NwqV8Y/s1600/lsovrum.jpg_Thumbnail3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hSlbeVm9erISAOLi2-Em0PdX12h_LEF237HATMHlxJMyL4n6VI80E6aT8-fojNFhz9xAKUggtr6upinH9Ygdg4SGouCqYMrnsQYf6ElYJuWWuZnDNRlE1xyfFqB3YJvrH_9e0NwqV8Y/s640/lsovrum.jpg_Thumbnail3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ygfG6IqttKXI-O1S6s2yrRbegMeXa4HjBonypvsWqOX-L6Xkct5arEET8-Bl5DYnBNzOkQcKy7VZGts8r5nSfGt2fzvWBf8MPQcgqDVrKn5DptNwlkFVYkGenk66PY11gaB9allzG9o/s1600/lsovrum2.jpg_Thumbnail3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ygfG6IqttKXI-O1S6s2yrRbegMeXa4HjBonypvsWqOX-L6Xkct5arEET8-Bl5DYnBNzOkQcKy7VZGts8r5nSfGt2fzvWBf8MPQcgqDVrKn5DptNwlkFVYkGenk66PY11gaB9allzG9o/s640/lsovrum2.jpg_Thumbnail3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjWavmIF0PT2L53hcgh5ejA8KYRkhIrag7RSfnB8YFm8vOVAIfX4CAEnKNGzYjYVRIfpFZNLjk8HHjI7leb1JIpntI2mxIAyjdg_do2lJ_gj9CuzaWZ6QRCP5NO6juFlNyif6jCI0yrw/s1600/hall2.jpg_Thumbnail3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjWavmIF0PT2L53hcgh5ejA8KYRkhIrag7RSfnB8YFm8vOVAIfX4CAEnKNGzYjYVRIfpFZNLjk8HHjI7leb1JIpntI2mxIAyjdg_do2lJ_gj9CuzaWZ6QRCP5NO6juFlNyif6jCI0yrw/s640/hall2.jpg_Thumbnail3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Source <a href="http://bo-laget.se/oversikt.php" target="_blank">Bolaget</a></i></div>

C'est assez simple au final...

Optez pour du noir & blanc, du bois et plein de plantes vertes, rajoutez quelques détails personnels, restez simple et vous ne pouvez pa...

1:50 AM

diy desk updates

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvdguAQrsxKb4gtiXZYmUdJs7IELLHYl4DzeGuOA_qRVKES2Mr4oANTdVy0D5zPx4oVpwCb1j13c2R3_JwoPoVbCU5TwcAxuinkz6H0bglV0YtmnnbTowueBfKo9CNQd1ABNUS-09YpY/s1600/IMG_3120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9yyAJ4DxLpSJi5ymNY5z4Q9Xwwcb990eQTBKiSOOZqvMDZ64eRSpFT6qEq9eN6cDwftQqCPSH0ak3TLF3ooNb_EONbCFB-MuyqdP7G4cLzWIXS6IX1nV-IpuRhcZ9kHcemxvDm1VWIbE/s1600/Untitled-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9yyAJ4DxLpSJi5ymNY5z4Q9Xwwcb990eQTBKiSOOZqvMDZ64eRSpFT6qEq9eN6cDwftQqCPSH0ak3TLF3ooNb_EONbCFB-MuyqdP7G4cLzWIXS6IX1nV-IpuRhcZ9kHcemxvDm1VWIbE/s1600/Untitled-4.jpg" /></a><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvdguAQrsxKb4gtiXZYmUdJs7IELLHYl4DzeGuOA_qRVKES2Mr4oANTdVy0D5zPx4oVpwCb1j13c2R3_JwoPoVbCU5TwcAxuinkz6H0bglV0YtmnnbTowueBfKo9CNQd1ABNUS-09YpY/s1600/IMG_3120.jpg" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibz9lfo44B4nW6IQ-gd2Sv4vaoBKBvcn28-W9rytiaOIcrDJhXcqGCLxpU6m163DA5OBKa-J4s_fPqXiuWVID-Rd5Rpq-Q90DxBTGSTnq3pF8Ff3-3pd4vzZKYsDlhoVpNcAPIN5T_0AE/s1600/IMG_3059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibz9lfo44B4nW6IQ-gd2Sv4vaoBKBvcn28-W9rytiaOIcrDJhXcqGCLxpU6m163DA5OBKa-J4s_fPqXiuWVID-Rd5Rpq-Q90DxBTGSTnq3pF8Ff3-3pd4vzZKYsDlhoVpNcAPIN5T_0AE/s1600/IMG_3059.jpg" /></a></div>I'm trying to organize and decorate my office a bit better - One thing is, I'm not <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2011/09/basement-completely-done.html" target="_blank">overly happy with this wall of bulletin board</a> and have considered taking it down. But taking it down would perhaps damage the wall, so I'm not sure whether to live with my design mistake or succumb to my OCD about it. Anyways, apart from the look of the office, one of the things I needed to address was organization.<br /><br />A month ago I decided to make the <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2009/08/making-new-desk.html" target="_blank">DIY desk </a>slightly <i>larger. </i>I needed more space to store orders waiting to be shipped. To give some background in how I run<a href="http://www.pennypaperco.com/" target="_blank"> my shop</a>, I use these dollar store stackable baskets to organize orders. When an order comes in, I place items in the basket. Sometimes orders have products that have different production times (stamps take 14 days to make, whereas I have gold glitter ribbon in stock) so in order to make sure things stay together an gets it's own basket. If you've ordered from me, your order has likely been in one of these baskets. It's an amazing little system that has meant that orders get shipped faster, there is less product wandering around my office and order mistakes have 99% dissapeared. Little steps that help me as my shop is shipping out more orders on a weekly basis.<br /><br />How we designed this desk was was similar to <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2009/08/making-new-desk.html" target="_blank">how we did my desk</a>, but it actually was a lot easier. More after the jump.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><b>1. Shelving unit - out of kitchen cabinets</b><br />We needed to find shelving that was less deep than the cabinetry we used for the main desk portion (<a href="http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/00134052/" target="_blank">Ikea Besta cabinets</a>), as we have a door to the storage room that isn't visible in the photos above. So instead of the <a href="http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/00134052/" target="_blank">base cabinets for the main desk, </a>we used Ikea upper <i>kitchen </i>cabinets (Akrum) that are 12" (which is standard for upper cabinets) These were shallow enough that allows for the storage room door to open but deep enough to store my order baskets.<br /><br /><b>2. The top - Pine from Lowes</b><br />We did the same design as we did for the main desk. I used the same stain but we bought the wood from Lowes (Home Depot's wood cutter was broken) I also skipped the sanding step that I had done meticulously for the main desk as this part of the desk wasn't going to be where I was resting my hands - so I didn't mind the "rough" feel that I would have without sanding. I'm not sure what happened but we used the same stain but the wood tones are a different. It's kind of weird but not enough for me to worry or redo anything.<br /><br /><b>3. Leveling it </b><br />Aubrey raised the cabinets using scrap wood under the cabinetry to get it to the same height as the other cabinets, factoring in the new wood top. To hide the planks of wood we placed to raise the cabinetry up, we slid in a baseboard, to hide the makeshift legs.<br /><br />I appreciate that 99% of you don't have a need for a space for order processing. But the same design can be  done for a living space. Get Ikea kitchen cabinets, don't buy the doors, install the shelves and add a wood top. Ta-da! Awesome "built in" bookshelf/consolve table.<br /><br /><br />

diy desk updates

I'm trying to organize and decorate my office a bit better - One thing is, I'm not overly happy with this wall of bulletin board an...

1:43 PM

the most gorgeous fabric ever

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuFk1DZVh1rdsBgnxzo0V8HTB5nTwKPKMRI4iEykr2g079VjZJQe6R2-huNrGPLCDZJcnzo8aOJPjT4bD88SEhWkb5K3kXIKBgcrZXq3RUdWxFLIltr1mujeNlkko_DOJsADo1gFUS4o/s1600/IMG_3051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPYcGpWYnAH5jwWNb1T2MpTVCnhZNtfIp50g2A9PnRL3Jgp1I2MeX-MCYM2fFtsNRxCZMkHxOMSoVLSld-Xp4LWUZXHXNgsgfyQHKzfdDg-LvuArBONIAol589n2Q9mpxMKH5QrjoUJwc/s1600/IMG_3052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPYcGpWYnAH5jwWNb1T2MpTVCnhZNtfIp50g2A9PnRL3Jgp1I2MeX-MCYM2fFtsNRxCZMkHxOMSoVLSld-Xp4LWUZXHXNgsgfyQHKzfdDg-LvuArBONIAol589n2Q9mpxMKH5QrjoUJwc/s1600/IMG_3052.jpg" /></a><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuFk1DZVh1rdsBgnxzo0V8HTB5nTwKPKMRI4iEykr2g079VjZJQe6R2-huNrGPLCDZJcnzo8aOJPjT4bD88SEhWkb5K3kXIKBgcrZXq3RUdWxFLIltr1mujeNlkko_DOJsADo1gFUS4o/s1600/IMG_3051.jpg" /></div><br />I'm so excited. The major element in our TV room update - the roman blinds - arrived yesterday. Yay! We haven't hung them yet as it will be quite the task making sure they are all placed properly, so for now they sit on our dining room table and I pet them as I walk by. I love, love linen.<br /><br />I think I'm in a minority - Most people pick bold colourful prints but I'm most comfortable with a linen. (Another example of my love of this kind of fabric is <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/09/living-room-updates.html" target="_blank">my living room drapes</a>). I want everything in linen.  Which isn't awesome with a kid but for drapery I can get away with it. Side note - You can find linen look alikes that are more durable, like we did for our <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2011/07/new-dining-room-chairs.html" target="_blank">dining room chairs</a>, and, <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/search?q=linen&x=-1392&y=-984" target="_blank">our kitchen bench</a>. Both give me the <i>look of linen </i>but with water resistance which is perfect for cleaning up little fingerprints/spills.  But back to the romans. The fabric we went with was the <a href="http://www.tonicliving.com/Tuscany-Linen-Oatmeal-Slub-P2662.aspx" target="_blank">Tuscany Linen, Oatmeal Slub</a>. It's unfortunate that the fabric has "Oatmeal Slub" as a part of it, it makes it sound rather bland. But there is nothing bland about it, it's so, so gorgeous.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />Going back a few steps.... <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2013/01/picking-fabrics.html#more" target="_blank">after I last posted</a>, Aubrey and I measured, and re-measured the windows to make sure that we were ordering the right size for each window. The room is weird, each window a different width and we wanted to make sure that the spacing between the windows was even. <br /><br />Once we had measurements I e-mailed them to <a href="http://www.tonicliving.com/" target="_blank">Tonic Living</a> for our final quote. Even after we got the first quote, we double checked measurements again and revised it. When dealing with this many windows, and the amount of fabric needed, I didn't want any mistakes. We were able to get a discount on the order based on the fact that we had ordered<a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2010/09/drapes-giveaway.html" target="_blank"> Oscar's drapes from them which was nice</a>. Even still it was still a relatively expensive investment as there are 5 windows plus the glass door. You have to factor in labour for each window + the fabric. The linen wasn't inexpensive at $17 a yard, but it wasn't ridiculous compared to what you could have picked.<br /><br />I guess what I'm getting at is that this wasn't a fly by night decision. We had to really weigh if investing in these were worthwhile, considering we have a washroom reno and potentially some landscaping this Summer. But the privacy was worth it, so we bit the bullet.<br /><br />The process to make them too about 4 weeks and below are some details that make me love Tonic...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKJqrCcgxpD79Y_BzqDHJNrIRVhrR8xBh-ZKUX3jXo0SkUePPWVUKUYac3BEkEzOcpuSUVBx5kqxtKSWXI9n2j6Um6Pi7r0sq20_DMCmMVW1Elh9k7tgJsrTxtB7XH0m3Sjpx90O9tQI/s1600/IMG_3045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKJqrCcgxpD79Y_BzqDHJNrIRVhrR8xBh-ZKUX3jXo0SkUePPWVUKUYac3BEkEzOcpuSUVBx5kqxtKSWXI9n2j6Um6Pi7r0sq20_DMCmMVW1Elh9k7tgJsrTxtB7XH0m3Sjpx90O9tQI/s1600/IMG_3045.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />It was great as I noticed each package was labeled as shown above - because each of our windows is randomly a different size, Tonic had made sure to note on each package which window was which - not only by the Window # (based on the quote for referral I think) but also with the measurements so we could be 100% sure we were putting the romans in the right spot.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbL36CYXQyVxBtbEO9HV7UNqavMMGNmDS954DZzrZEaPVwTMnU3Yh2mqqW9VCA1kd25zUpN-xiJV3HCLtB1c1FXnhL68o7ED7bq-R-HypqQUg6bhmm1jtdu_gn6_0VLIqnuIu6xp8MYo/s1600/IMG_3044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbL36CYXQyVxBtbEO9HV7UNqavMMGNmDS954DZzrZEaPVwTMnU3Yh2mqqW9VCA1kd25zUpN-xiJV3HCLtB1c1FXnhL68o7ED7bq-R-HypqQUg6bhmm1jtdu_gn6_0VLIqnuIu6xp8MYo/s1600/IMG_3044.jpg" /></a></div><br />Also, we got instructions on how to install. This is for Aubrey. My part is done. :)<br /><br />I cannot wait to have them hung! Now I'm on the hunt for an ottoman for the room. Which is tricky as it's a small room and we have a small budget. Fingers crossed.

the most gorgeous fabric ever

I'm so excited. The major element in our TV room update - the roman blinds - arrived yesterday. Yay! We haven't hung them yet as it ...

11:21 AM

Organization OCD: Shoes!

First, I wanted to thank everyone who joined my very first link party yesterday, <a href="http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-diyers-link-party.html" target="_blank">The DIY'ers</a>. I'm so happy to have you all join and share your latest DIY projects to provide us all with a little inspiration!  And the party is still going, so if you haven't shared already, be sure to do so!  <br /><br />Today I'll be sharing a few more easy, cheap and simple DIY organization ideas for around your home - and today it's all about shoes!<br /><br /><div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 640px;"><div style="position: relative;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/organization_ocd/set?.embedder=2675664&.svc=copypaste&id=72878792" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Organization OCD" border="0" height="134" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/xw4Lf3CTHQ0gjfQiXQfAhw/cid/72878792/id/w-oaRb9RTm_9UTs_z5CiCg/size/c640x134.jpg" title="Organization OCD" width="640" /></a></div></div><br />Just like every other female in the country, I own a thousand pairs of shoes. I have more shoes than I need (yes, I'll admit it) but that doesn't mean that I don't want to buy more.<br /><br />Long ago I ran out of room to store all of my shoes in my coat closet, so they've slowly started trickling into other spaces of my home; the bedroom closet, by the front door, the guest room and even into my bedroom!<br /><br />But now that we've moved into our house and I've started organizing the place, I feel like I've found the secret to organizing my shoe collection. <br /><br /><b>Be creative!</b><br /><br />There are tons of ways that you can organize your shoe collection from putting a photo of them on the front of their box and storing on the top shelves of your closet, to installing cubby holes in your closet for each pair of shoes, or even have totes that slide under your bed!<br /><br />While all these options work nicely, I don't have that large of a closet, so I needed to get even more creative.  And  lucky for me, I have a carpenter as a husband who likes to build me bookcases.  So why not repurpose a bookcase into a shoe shelf?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/8155211945/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_6204 by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6204" height="458" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7275/8155211945_b771266ea9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/8155234264/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2012-11-039 by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="2012-11-039" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8203/8155234264_41ec485e84_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />It works wonderfully. I also purchased some simple wire shelving that easily fits into a small space in my closet to hold the spill over from my shoe shelf.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/8486933451/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_6990 by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6990" height="458" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8249/8486933451_601a1a9dde_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />How do you store your shoe collection? Any new ideas that I should be adopting??  <br /><br /><br /><br />

Organization OCD: Shoes!

First, I wanted to thank everyone who joined my very first link party yesterday, The DIY'ers . I'm so happy to have you all join and...

6:51 AM

Line Klein

Si vous n'avez pas encore découvert <a href="http://lineklein.blogspot.fr/" target="_blank">le blog de la photographe danoise Line Klein</a> vous devriez! Elle partage surtout son propre travail, et on y trouve plein de superbes photos comme celles ci-dessous...<br /><br /><i>If you haven't yet discovered <a href="http://lineklein.blogspot.fr/" target="_blank">the blog of Danish photographer Line Klein</a> you should! She shares mainly her own work, and you'll find lots of beautiful pictures there like these ones below...</i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQ3E8u9yNIzbxLgnWXxSPEN4IEbSn5iR_1iIiUstyl6hj0-yHlvmLtKWZWgFmt5MXp3gYqtJV6iQ3lmxsVXto5LlORNcx1edu6z2gnBodzjuck7AmGiFWdpw-Rkpz6POWKwF-m4dZM3Y/s1600/_R5A9881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQ3E8u9yNIzbxLgnWXxSPEN4IEbSn5iR_1iIiUstyl6hj0-yHlvmLtKWZWgFmt5MXp3gYqtJV6iQ3lmxsVXto5LlORNcx1edu6z2gnBodzjuck7AmGiFWdpw-Rkpz6POWKwF-m4dZM3Y/s1600/_R5A9881.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Cmwsgbtb_HNtpLR8fLBFsoH6wgP4bNQ7hImersGJjaJIlhQzObM-kNW7fP16Acvvm1BMG9kRo0RJJzOs4qcr9lrg_8tva2OUHg7hOKuMZbYpi8i1u49CrBW5bAL0jPdq0Q-hyXGSHzA/s1600/collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Cmwsgbtb_HNtpLR8fLBFsoH6wgP4bNQ7hImersGJjaJIlhQzObM-kNW7fP16Acvvm1BMG9kRo0RJJzOs4qcr9lrg_8tva2OUHg7hOKuMZbYpi8i1u49CrBW5bAL0jPdq0Q-hyXGSHzA/s1600/collage2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlBptNLs0WyMa2EPvJwj17c4ETUKddQi7rKOrQYvO5lklow1gzD4nwAdJFGJ4l7_pkj6A4cntbSO6ZEVccI2gHpavSoJN33kvh9UFEllpNlGL71REb-n5ldAWu3EpHEeixeSDKY7acYY/s1600/_MG_0727.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlBptNLs0WyMa2EPvJwj17c4ETUKddQi7rKOrQYvO5lklow1gzD4nwAdJFGJ4l7_pkj6A4cntbSO6ZEVccI2gHpavSoJN33kvh9UFEllpNlGL71REb-n5ldAWu3EpHEeixeSDKY7acYY/s640/_MG_0727.jpeg" width="457" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXAk4_gm5pxorywOqm8grHRW93NTHx1qu-CvOs1fhnLKD59mJzjPePb82p4HqfuzVEVGxr5zbUrPZVp6sDWOamvjmWARAvWhKwXKvc6XddjO9DlMBNesRfifCeMjXOkufd7NL4AWf9HA/s1600/collage4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXAk4_gm5pxorywOqm8grHRW93NTHx1qu-CvOs1fhnLKD59mJzjPePb82p4HqfuzVEVGxr5zbUrPZVp6sDWOamvjmWARAvWhKwXKvc6XddjO9DlMBNesRfifCeMjXOkufd7NL4AWf9HA/s1600/collage4.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkwnPq9xRkMhDhd28HsbAloG20Wdzj1bmhrj19KteO_SGkFAbVQGXA3qB24HYGYy8-YVLJGn-HlzgnNEXrxhzuRGmmuO3JA9QOQO0mhWLXCWn-9QhnCTY7i1K1bmwfsM_sJ5AEIa6Glrg/s1600/_MG_0677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkwnPq9xRkMhDhd28HsbAloG20Wdzj1bmhrj19KteO_SGkFAbVQGXA3qB24HYGYy8-YVLJGn-HlzgnNEXrxhzuRGmmuO3JA9QOQO0mhWLXCWn-9QhnCTY7i1K1bmwfsM_sJ5AEIa6Glrg/s640/_MG_0677.jpg" width="468" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFpdlr4Tzg4NSd6an5WE0zzWhIIdGw9oKf21pDW8r75tGuW96Rcvz4vmYpy8StBGSszWpPP1DTgyyHhmf57B_ve5q75wipyWOLFa6uIxNDH1aRG2spc8svsUF4zCOwvbHdlGeFMCb-GE/s1600/collage3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFpdlr4Tzg4NSd6an5WE0zzWhIIdGw9oKf21pDW8r75tGuW96Rcvz4vmYpy8StBGSszWpPP1DTgyyHhmf57B_ve5q75wipyWOLFa6uIxNDH1aRG2spc8svsUF4zCOwvbHdlGeFMCb-GE/s1600/collage3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPpTACDW8V3D5rHy3Rc6oipBBvVrgm8dwTh5zDzfhxuhBbNLS1EQQwZYlWtMrCBA3QuYD46FPkUSnE6I7htOsvagl4Z5pXAu84ch-9UYZHjMHhwd5v_hkw4InzsCp_nx4BmhqcYunBtHc/s1600/collage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPpTACDW8V3D5rHy3Rc6oipBBvVrgm8dwTh5zDzfhxuhBbNLS1EQQwZYlWtMrCBA3QuYD46FPkUSnE6I7htOsvagl4Z5pXAu84ch-9UYZHjMHhwd5v_hkw4InzsCp_nx4BmhqcYunBtHc/s1600/collage1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6BHokcGJH3R8s6vC3DIPWWojSvKi2-cF8gVddJn9In834qNbhgtpDnpdhlWKQm246E_izbBrrAx2Bzlt8-_67fJLuvL2enNv_ixAxaoiVh2zLX0fuv4sM9VvRUvkKMLxsaktUtBX5KM/s1600/_MG_5189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6BHokcGJH3R8s6vC3DIPWWojSvKi2-cF8gVddJn9In834qNbhgtpDnpdhlWKQm246E_izbBrrAx2Bzlt8-_67fJLuvL2enNv_ixAxaoiVh2zLX0fuv4sM9VvRUvkKMLxsaktUtBX5KM/s640/_MG_5189.jpg" width="457" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo <a href="http://lineklein.blogspot.fr/" target="_blank">Line Klein</a></i></div>

Line Klein

Si vous n'avez pas encore découvert le blog de la photographe danoise Line Klein vous devriez! Elle partage surtout son propre travail,...

6:44 AM

How to Make Your Home Look New

<div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/3d/28/88/3d28883750008cc1b089e3e00bf73776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/3d/28/88/3d28883750008cc1b089e3e00bf73776.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">People touring homes to buy usually visit more than one. Some buyers tour 20 or even 100 homes. Some of those homes will be newer than yours. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Although older homes have their charms and are often better built than newer ones, an obviously dated home looses points with buyers. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Buyers have more confidence in new property the way people do with a new car. They expect it will give them fewer problems. They enjoy the status and satisfaction that comes with “being current.” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But just because your home is not recent construction doesn’t mean you can’t look current. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If your home is on the market, it’s time to do a quick check to see if it has a sense of newness about it. (Historic homes and country homes need not apply.) <br /><br /><div class="ListStyleCxSpFirst">Making your home look young doesn't necessitate a complete overhaul. I have two suggestions: Remove what's dated, and sprinkle in some<a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/10/the-trends-that-can-update-your-home.html" target="_blank"> new ideas. </a></div><div class="ListStyleCxSpFirst"><br /></div><div class="ListStyleCxSpFirst"><b><span style="font-size: large;">What to Lose</span></b></div><div class="ListStyleCxSpFirst"><br /></div><div class="ListStyleCxSpFirst"><b>Borders. </b>Wallpaper borders are dated decor. Although typically <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2010/07/how-to-kiss-wallpaper-goodbye.html" target="_blank">easily removable</a>, their presence signals the buyer that the home hasn't had much attention to style for a couple decades. Most buyers do not like any kind of papered walls. It's unlikely your taste will match the next owner's. Borders definitely, and ideally all paper, should come down. </div><div class="ListStyleCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="ListStyleCxSpMiddle"><b>Colors of Retirement Age.</b> Popular color schemes change in 10-year cycles. The 1970's colors were dusty browns and greens. The eighties featured dark greens and mauves. The nineties banked on vibrant colors like turquoise and lime green. The 00's went for lilacs, pale blues, and greys, where we are still hovering today. Smart home stagers decorate with<a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2012/06/why-cyan-could-be-your-go-to-color-for.html" target="_blank"> layered neutrals punctuated with accent colors.</a><br /><span style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.laylagrayce.com//BVModules/SmartView/ZoomImageFramer.aspx?image=images/Jonathan-Adler/Jonathan-Adler_JA8275_lg.jpg&stage=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://www.laylagrayce.com//BVModules/SmartView/ZoomImageFramer.aspx?image=images/Jonathan-Adler/Jonathan-Adler_JA8275_lg.jpg&stage=1" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Make the bed the focal point of the room -- large, comfortable, and on-trend. Geometric prints </i></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><i>like this one from Jonathan Adler set the style for the entire room, worth the investment!    </i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><b>Granny Blankets</b>. <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2010/07/do-you-have-grandma-house.html" target="_blank">Quilts</a> and flattened pillows are old fashioned. The quilts could be precious heirlooms or pricey modern quilts, but they still say stuck-in-time. Most buyers want to do business with people they aspire to be like. Quilt fanciers -- fairly or unfairly -- just don't rank as rock stars. Play it safe and pack up the quilts, replacing them with new, stylish duvets that look soft and inviting. And don't forget the plump bed pillows.<br /><br /><b>Obsolescence.</b> Clunky electronics age a home. If you have analog televisions, a giant desktop computer, large audio speakers for your sound system, tape decks, and boom boxes for radios, buyers feel like they are walking into a time warp. This is true no matter what the demographics of your market. Today's electronics are sleek and small. It's better to have none at all, since the trend is towards personal and portable devices.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Give Your Home a Facelift </span></b><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qwjLoiJerRem9wIxNm-cP3guMumo7_pbZTxhvKkA82f-289g_XArgAVDAfL-KhZcF6aS6qRlF7YqiMj5S8UUrJBCmbR72TVcchXOMxg3JJzXJYpkllrRVDRhP1smnTkskl2f6Uj8rk2c/s640/IMG_1176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qwjLoiJerRem9wIxNm-cP3guMumo7_pbZTxhvKkA82f-289g_XArgAVDAfL-KhZcF6aS6qRlF7YqiMj5S8UUrJBCmbR72TVcchXOMxg3JJzXJYpkllrRVDRhP1smnTkskl2f6Uj8rk2c/s640/IMG_1176.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Color makes all the difference, both inside and out. Ann at <a href="http://www.onsuttonplace.com/category/my-front-door" target="_blank">One Sutton Place </a><br />painted her red door blue for a breath of fresh air and an eye catching  appearance.  </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><b>Brush and Roll It</b><span style="font-size: large;">.</span> Paint the interior walls of your home a <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2013/01/five-simple-ways-to-add-style-to-your.html" target="_blank">stylish</a> color. If you think it doesn't matter <span id="goog_20370463"></span><a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2010/04/how-to-choose-paint-color-easy-way.html" target="_blank">what color your walls are</a><span id="goog_20370464"></span>, ask any realtor how colors can be a turn-on or a turn-off. Color has a powerful effect on our emotions, and no matter that they say, buyers are swayed by their emotional reactions to the homes they view.<br /><br /></div><div class="ListStyleCxSpMiddle">Grey is the new neutral. If you look at paint chip displays in stores, you'll see that greys come in a wider range of tints, hues, and saturations than any other paint color. It's very versatile, so it's easy to choose a paint color that works with the fixed features of your home, such as the flooring, bath fixtures, countertops, and major appliances. </div><div class="ListStyleCxSpMiddle"><br />The way to keep grey from feeling dreary is to keep it light, and warm up the room with whites and wood. And add some colorful accents.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><b>Brilliant Idea.</b> Make sure your spaces are well lighted. Darkened rooms feel old. I recently blogged about the <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2013/02/lighting-secrets-to-help-sell-your-home_4.html" target="_blank">value and methods of adding light </a>to your staged rooms. Replacing dated lighting fixtures is a quick and inexpensive way to update your home, both inside and outside.<br /><br /><b>Finishing Touches.</b> Add pillows, lamps, and other accessories that reflect the latest trends. They needn't be top of the line originals. Knockoffs usually follow trends, so discount stores are handy places for accessories that make your home look fashionably young.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/dollarstore_zps4abdfa18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/dollarstore_zps4abdfa18.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Get a kicky new look for pennies at dollar and discount stores. You can dress up your<br />closets, vanities, and bookshelves with color-coordinated boxes that hold essential clutter. </i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Need to bring yourself up to speed on what's in style? Pinterest boards will highlight trends, so pick some favorite boards to follow. Almost all <a href="http://pinterest.com/barbarapilcher/" target="_blank">my Pinterest boards</a> illustrate good staging.<br /><br />I also suggest <a href="http://pinterest.com/bhg/" target="_blank">Better Homes and Gardens</a> for a mainstream American look, <a href="http://pinterest.com/potterybarn/" target="_blank">Pottery Barn</a> for a young, sophisticated look, <a href="http://pinterest.com/traditionalhome/" target="_blank">Traditional Home</a> for an upscale look, <a href="http://pinterest.com/realsimple/" target="_blank">Real Simple</a> for clean and orderly ideas, <a href="http://pinterest.com/coastalliving/" target="_blank">Coastal Living</a> for any waterfront property, and <a href="http://pinterest.com/hgtv/" target="_blank">HGTV</a> for design inspiration in general. You can also search Pinterest for specific item ideas, such as vases, DIY headboards, stepping stones, loveseats, or whatever.<br /><br />For answers to your questions about staging your own home, download my super-helpful, <span id="goog_583837402"></span><a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/p/ebooks.html" target="_blank">home staging eBook</a><span id="goog_583837403"></span>, <i>DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and for Top Dollar.</i> It's a 150-page $5 pdf that comes with my money-back guarantee. Find out today how your house ranks, and the simple secrets you can use to make your house earn more money.      </div><div class="ListStyleCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="ListStyleCxSpMiddle"><br /></div></div><div class="ListStyleCxSpMiddle">Top photo: Better Homes and Gardens</div>

How to Make Your Home Look New

People touring homes to buy usually visit more than one. Some buyers tour 20 or even 100 homes. Some of those homes will be newer than yours...

2:00 AM

ikea sells fancy blogger trees

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixEzhEhHfwr9nC0ORR-mjnNm5XNu11mMXWB14sj16Y3Jm-xw4C7M0jH2LU7vwfM89VpWZcwYLJjpzaGlNqlIZp6a5q25rkJdGt1aC2YYkvrrti3xy31wh1bgl7b58aLkTZl_DeKWs473o/s1600/IMG_2807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixEzhEhHfwr9nC0ORR-mjnNm5XNu11mMXWB14sj16Y3Jm-xw4C7M0jH2LU7vwfM89VpWZcwYLJjpzaGlNqlIZp6a5q25rkJdGt1aC2YYkvrrti3xy31wh1bgl7b58aLkTZl_DeKWs473o/s1600/IMG_2807.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I killed my <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/07/white-fig-tree.html">white fig tree</a>. Obviously not on purpose. I did all I could to keep it alive but week after week the leaves just <i>fell off</i>. When the last leaf hung there and I watched it turn yellow I came to the realization that the tree wasn't shedding, it was gonzo. I'm not awesome at keeping plants alive which is why I refuse to spend big bucks on anything green for our house.<br /><br />A few weeks after it went into the garbage, I spotted a REAL fiddle leaf fig tree at Ikea for $15. Cue <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4xMugOrVoM" target="_blank">this commercial.</a> Here I was searching around Toronto last Summer trying to find one when IKEA <i>obviously </i>carried fiddle leaf figs. (No, <i>not </i>obviously, since when did Ikea sell these trees!!?*) Anyways, I will have to re-pot it and put it in a nice basket in our TV room. Until then, I bring it to the sink to water every Monday. I sometimes dust the leaves and talk nicely to it. Maybe the love will make this one stay around longer.<br /><br />And lastly - I wanted to post this picture for more than just showing off my new tree.... I wanted to show you reason #85 why I love, love having <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/04/one-sink-one-and-half-or-two.html">1 huge sink basin vs. it being split in two.</a> You know, so you can put monster house plants in it.<br /><br /><i>*<a href="http://www.chronicled-blog.com/">Kay </a>gave me a tip that Ikea had them a few months back so I knew to look out for them there. But really, I'm shocked Ikea sells these. </i>

ikea sells fancy blogger trees

I killed my white fig tree . Obviously not on purpose. I did all I could to keep it alive but week after week the leaves just fell off . Whe...

9:14 PM

The DIY'ers Link Party

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/8492982155/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="The DIY'ers by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="The DIY'ers" height="240" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8096/8492982155_c22507aecc_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br /><br /><br />Welcome to the first ever DIY'ers link party. I'm so glad you're here!<br /><br />Each and every Monday I'll host a link party for everyone to share their latest DIY projects (recipes included!!) so the rest of us can get a little inspiration.<br /><br />My first share with The DIY'ers is this awesome couch sleeve that Justin made for our new couch. We don't have enough room in our house to have an end table on each side of the couch, so Justin being the genius that he is, built a really simple couch sleeve with a cup holder built in!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/8506022774/" title="IMG_7147 by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7147" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8511/8506022774_bff2e94a5c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/8504915397/" title="IMG_7145 by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7145" height="840" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8108/8504915397_3a0c748c3f_c.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br /><div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 640px;"><div style="position: relative;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/diy_couch_sleeve/set?.embedder=2675664&.svc=copypaste&id=91750796" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="DIY couch sleeve" border="0" height="475" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/qX1npkcw7AbTyxCME5csZw/cid/91750796/id/FsGJskgYRXOlQUb5cUl8YQ/size/c640x475.jpg" title="DIY couch sleeve" width="640" /></a></div></div></div><br /><br />Want to know how to DIY it?<br /><br /><b>DIY Couch Sleeve</b><br /><i>*The cupholder can be pretty involved, so I won't be posting a DIY for that element. However, if you'd like instructions feel free to email me and I'd be more than happy to write something up! </i><br /><br /><b>Step 1: </b>Measure the width of your arm rest, and add around 1/8".<br /><br /><b>Step 2: </b>Take a 1x12 of your desired wood and <a href="http://www.ehow.com/video_8125920_make-bevel-cut-miter-saw.html" target="_blank">bevel cut</a> at a 45 degree angle (aka. an angled cut with a miter saw) to the width of you measured in Step 1. This measurement will be the short-point of your 45 degree bevel cut. <br /><br /><b>Step 3: </b>Determine the length you'd like your sleeve. Bevel cut this piece also at 45 degrees. For reference, ours is 7 inches from the long-point of the bevel cut to the square cut (bottom). <br /><br /><b>Step 4: </b>Glue beveled pieces together. Nail through the beveled pieces as well from the top & sides to hold pieces together while the glue dries. We used a 23 gauge pin nailer.<br /><br /><b>Step 5:</b> Fill nail holes with stainable wood filler and sand to flat once dry. <br /><br /><b>Step 6:</b> Stain wood if desired. <br /><br />And now it's your turn! Show off your latest DIY projects below.  <br /><br /><a href="http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20DIY%27ers" target="_blank" title="TheDIYers"><img alt="The DIY'ers" height="100" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8096/8492982155_c22507aecc_t.jpg" width="100" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /><div style="font-weight: bold;"></div><textarea cols="18" name="Grab My Button" readonly="readonly" rows="3"><a href="http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20DIY%27ers" target="_blank" title="Running on Happiness"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8096/8492982155_c22507aecc_t.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="The DIY'ers" /></a> />

The Rules? They're simple!

Take a picture of your DIY and link it up below.
Text link back to Home Coming or pick up The DIY'ers button from the left sidebar and include it in your post so others can get involved in The DIY'ers.
Become a follower of Home Coming. I'd love to have you!

The DIY'ers Link Party

Welcome to the first ever DIY'ers link party. I'm so glad you're here! Each and every Monday I'll host a link party for ever...

7:28 PM

Happy weekend

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFIR_MEcsmHcRv_5Euhks4gUfvfW_G2pEG_tA2YRUuV921c4nH2CrlxR_sy43t_mOpZMqHwKMIviw_I3EkfTEUsrbjqS5JzIpox_PxV12_Sl1AMrJUxz16xVD13dO6_hWIYvn0MMYI_U/s1600/forever+love+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFIR_MEcsmHcRv_5Euhks4gUfvfW_G2pEG_tA2YRUuV921c4nH2CrlxR_sy43t_mOpZMqHwKMIviw_I3EkfTEUsrbjqS5JzIpox_PxV12_Sl1AMrJUxz16xVD13dO6_hWIYvn0MMYI_U/s1600/forever+love+collage.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx0TmTDhkND-YcBzpj_fVCeYfo2BvJ52vkxsHv4Jg7e_dxQcJ4N9dYSGjUFZhOKMXbxRLblbixo-f0CBMJ4QkUEqrvPY-WGFt3whos8n88F_AtktBKNCw0edhiDMSoqZWhSWSjdkyOU1Y/s1600/ollieandsebshaus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="463" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx0TmTDhkND-YcBzpj_fVCeYfo2BvJ52vkxsHv4Jg7e_dxQcJ4N9dYSGjUFZhOKMXbxRLblbixo-f0CBMJ4QkUEqrvPY-WGFt3whos8n88F_AtktBKNCw0edhiDMSoqZWhSWSjdkyOU1Y/s640/ollieandsebshaus.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSa24ykq4y_ZI8qVGBad6wVgAKYrjg1W4hWqsCpwJEYQOLZg7c69_JBseSCcGkTlOuRLYHaYF0-rtDDNKyBdP-UijF6IoegzsM16qxgohheDiVhWsnmgYa0RX2jNNdNk5Z38b5-dPmOSs/s1600/hunch+photo+peter+kragballe2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSa24ykq4y_ZI8qVGBad6wVgAKYrjg1W4hWqsCpwJEYQOLZg7c69_JBseSCcGkTlOuRLYHaYF0-rtDDNKyBdP-UijF6IoegzsM16qxgohheDiVhWsnmgYa0RX2jNNdNk5Z38b5-dPmOSs/s1600/hunch+photo+peter+kragballe2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1G_B2yrUPaX7XGkeBUoD2mcJKh9foNKkImNT5lQq0twvCoRU1jmwFZkcbLXFokRY4Ytjx8fsYGe993VrYT-PcIhJgRGTCXopeLyoCjC4sgeUQ3NQzIOHKTIEj81MU9YRPlQ8j-zSbv_E/s1600/bambula.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1G_B2yrUPaX7XGkeBUoD2mcJKh9foNKkImNT5lQq0twvCoRU1jmwFZkcbLXFokRY4Ytjx8fsYGe993VrYT-PcIhJgRGTCXopeLyoCjC4sgeUQ3NQzIOHKTIEj81MU9YRPlQ8j-zSbv_E/s1600/bambula.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEielJ_XwGbHlXmHSzYd1MPuAeaxfUHPlVlEC7zoeHosTlVXkuwWuH3cVWG8vQblIJ5q-q4mFp9bNwJdhy93cB_dpm8A8HUnQKrph3k3iwVzH_9cQ75Kq5wI6_rieYbWN6tdRJpHu1UyWNo/s1600/m-archoso+via+hannasroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEielJ_XwGbHlXmHSzYd1MPuAeaxfUHPlVlEC7zoeHosTlVXkuwWuH3cVWG8vQblIJ5q-q4mFp9bNwJdhy93cB_dpm8A8HUnQKrph3k3iwVzH_9cQ75Kq5wI6_rieYbWN6tdRJpHu1UyWNo/s1600/m-archoso+via+hannasroom.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbS_SLL_8yva3IIXUCujN4o9MFXZ5Rb20K3b01OklQEWNkXP7Imkx2ZAPPE8XK4Ou8udigNWOqU12-j6MUi4fl8kITgXzweOstOiLWTIo8KztDd3hO4qRshNeE96aFUz9j7MwATqlnEb8/s1600/via+amanda+rodriquez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbS_SLL_8yva3IIXUCujN4o9MFXZ5Rb20K3b01OklQEWNkXP7Imkx2ZAPPE8XK4Ou8udigNWOqU12-j6MUi4fl8kITgXzweOstOiLWTIo8KztDd3hO4qRshNeE96aFUz9j7MwATqlnEb8/s640/via+amanda+rodriquez.jpg" width="488" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNM-C40yrG49ZXSN0Hz-fiWYhk6rtmCmJpLDfNX2md3LDAdbNyDRjuwOYIgy0_JmKiAsKab-nriBz0jUzoUrH-bqfsN0dSyXpb8e_RBGhAc2wBeCaWihcdl6cjvQEEDsymztozmIi-zbI/s1600/oliver+jeffers+via+woandwe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNM-C40yrG49ZXSN0Hz-fiWYhk6rtmCmJpLDfNX2md3LDAdbNyDRjuwOYIgy0_JmKiAsKab-nriBz0jUzoUrH-bqfsN0dSyXpb8e_RBGhAc2wBeCaWihcdl6cjvQEEDsymztozmIi-zbI/s1600/oliver+jeffers+via+woandwe.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Source 1-2. <a href="http://foreverlovecom.blogspot.se/" target="_blank">Forever Love,</a> 3. <a href="http://ollieandsebshaus.co.uk/" target="_blank">Ollie & Seb's Haus</a>, 4. <a href="http://camillatange.blogspot.fr/" target="_blank">Hunch / photo Peter Kragballe</a>, 5. <a href="http://bambulablogi.blogspot.fr/" target="_blank">Bambula</a>, 6. <a href="http://m-archoso.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">m-archoso</a> via <a href="http://hannasroom.com/" target="_blank">Hanna's Room</a>, 7. via <a href="http://amarodriguezs.blogspot.fr/" target="_blank">Amanda Rodriguez</a>, 8. <a href="http://www.oliverjeffers.com/projects/a-world-with-coffee" target="_blank">Oliver Jeffers</a> via <a href="http://lewoandwe.blogspot.fr/" target="_blank">wo and wé</a></i></div>

Happy weekend

Source 1-2. Forever Love, 3. Ollie & Seb's Haus , 4. Hunch / photo Peter Kragballe , 5. Bambula , 6. m-archoso via Hanna's Ro...

9:38 AM

10 Marla Plan,House Design in Pakistan,3D Front Elevation,Rawalpindi,Pakistan

10 Marla Plan,House Design in Pakistan,3D Front Elevation,Rawalpindi,Pakistan

11:14 PM