Category Archives: Interior Design

06.02.11

Maps.

I have been working on a few little boys rooms as of late, which makes me giddy, because I get to use all of the inspiration that I had been saving up if we ever had a boy.  Here’s one trend that has stuck with me through the years- maps.  I love the idea of a world map on a child’s wall.  Not only is it beautiful and educational, it symbolizes the art of exploring– which will always let creativity thrive!
All of the rooms above were done with this wall mural.

06.01.11

Home Decorator’s Collection.

Last week I received a new catalog for Home Decorator’s Collection.  While this catalog has been around for many years, I was never incredibly impressed with their products.  The only time that I ordered from them was in 2004.  I ordered a set of Louis Chairs that I was going to have reupholstered.  Well, they sent 4 of the chairs with a white wood frame and then told me that they were out of stock and couldn’t send the other two.  Needless to say, I was furious.  So after a “talk” with management, I received the additional two chairs for free (with a dark wood frame.)  What was I going to do with 4 white chairs, and 2 mahogany?… As it turns out, I painted the frames black.  As you can see from this picture (from last year), I never replaced the fabric, and now they have been booted from the dining room to make room for my mother’s dining room chairs.
So, (as I digress) I usually don’t pay their catalog much attention, but this one made me take another looksie.  And boy, am I glad that I did!  Looks like someone’s really upped their game!
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11

05.13.11

That Buffet.

I received a few emails after my post on intaglios about the buffet in our dining room.  It was actually my parent’s.  They bought it in 1969 after they got married.  When my Dad decided to sell my parent’s home to downsize last fall, he asked me if I wanted their dining room set.  At first, I declined because it seemed so formal and ornate… But upon further consideration, I decided to take it.  I couldn’t stand the thought of getting rid of something that held so many family memories.  I am so glad that I did.  With a little updating, we were going to make it our own.

The buffet was actually a hutch.  In an effort to update it, we took the top off.  Here is the before (in my parent’s dining room):

and the after (in our dining room)….
 I plan on painting it to match the walls and the hardware will ultimately be gold. Stay tuned!

05.13.11

Marbled.

Marbled design is having a moment, and I am quite giddy about it.  First we saw it popping up in home decor, and now it is transferring to fashion.  
Marios Schwab
Tatiana Sorokko
 DVF
Christian Siriano
Get your hands on some marbled items for summer— they are going to be popping up everywhere.  Here are some of the inaugural pieces:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

05.11.11

Intaglios.

Last week I received the latest Ballard Designs Catalog and my jaw almost dropped when I saw this wall of cameos.  These little pictures are selling for $299 PER picture!  The timing couldn’t have been more perfect because I just finished a wall of 18 for under $200.  And here’s how….
I am notorious for buying items for my next big project and storing them for months if not years before I get to it.  But let’s be honest, with two kids, a full time job and this little blog– I don’t get a lot of spare time for crafting.   That being said, I bought these intaglios over a year ago for the wall in my dining room.  Well, bit by bit, I worked on this project and was able to finish just in time before Lou’s party.  Here are the results:

Here’s the cost break down:

Here’s the how-to:

18 Frames…..
I actually made mine without the glass.  The intaglios were thicker than I expected, so the frames weren’t thick enough for the glass.
 Some spray paint….
 Presto-chango:
I bought this fabric at G-Street Fabrics thinking I’d use the velvet side… but I couldn’t get rid of these darn lines…
So, I decided to use the reverse side, which I now love… it looks like linen, but it’s much more substantial.
 I traced all 18 backboards (fabric backside up) and cut them out.
I used my little craft glue gun to glue the fabric to the cardboard.  One note– make sure to pull the fabric tight to each corner and cut off the excess.  The fabric will stretch.
Then I glued on the intaglios and voila!
Now, with all of that procrastination, the hardest part was actually hanging them.  Thanks to my Pops, who painstakingly hung all 18.  Because the frames were incredibly cheap, the hooks were not evenly attached, so we used double sided velcro tape, which allows me to rearrange them as I choose.
I am so happy with the results!
 
Tutorials are not my thing– but I hope you enjoyed it… Please send me pictures if any of you decide to do your own wall of intaglios!
UPDATE:
Intaglios | Kiki's List
See how we updated our dining room here + here.

04.25.11

A Marriage Made In Heaven.

Sunday is a special day marked on my calendar because two of my favorite brands are coming together.

Calypso St. Barth has designed a line of clothing and home goods that will be sold in Target stores starting May 1.   Items are all below $79.99– quite a change from their usual price point.   These babies will sell out quickly, so get them while they are hot!