Dining Room Virtual Design Consultation

I just can't help myself! This virtural design stuff is shweet! Its like shopping with other peoples monopoly money. 

(I used to steal money when I played Monopoly...because I hate that game. But not as much as I hate losing.)

Here's another virtual design consultation for my college roomie, Joanna. aka...Helpy Helperton 

(a bajillion points if you can name the movie Helpy Helperton came from!)

move your mouse on and off the photo to see the makeover

By painting the brick, the back of the fireplace is no longer the focal point of the room. Slipcovers over parsons chairs from Pier1 give Jo the pop of color she is looking for while having the option to change her style (and wash them after sweet Lily eats her PB&J's on them!)

The table was also from Pier1 but could be an easy make over from a Craigslist find to keep the budget happy.

Another great DIY project is to cover over the mantle (see far right of photo). By using reclaimed wood to make a box to slide over the mantle, a semi permanent and minimal cost change would make the mantle more substantial in the face of the humungo fireplace.

The "eat" sign is an adorable (and easy DIY) project. This particular one I found on etsy. (A fantastic shopping place for all you crafty lovers but not do-ers!)

The pendant light in linen is something I'm currently crushing on. As well as the globe, vintage books (both on the mantle) and the old crate housing succulents (top of the cabinets).

Oh and the cabinets? Great for storage but by either painting the hinges white or changing them to the inside the door kind, they would lose their prominence.

Also those blue milk glass knobs on the cabinet?  An unexpected way to incorporate the blue Jo was looking for!

I may have to get some of those knobs for myself. With real money, not my stolen monopoly loot!

Because I love my friends...and shopping...and coffee

I have a friend who I love more than my luggage (extra cup of coffee for you if you can name that movie!)

She asked me if I would give her a hand with a little redecorating in their living room this summer. She was wanting to try to lighten it up.

They haven't done much in terms of painting and personalizing their home since they bought it almost 2 years ago. So its time to make it theirs...

And excuse to go shopping with a friend for a day!? I'm in.

So I drew up a little inspiration board for Shelley to get inside my head...

Move your mouse on and off the photo to see the change (read: jump into my brain)

Keeping the major furniture (which is perfectly fine!) gives us more wiggle room in the budget for the accessories. 

White beadboard on the bottom half of the already existing chair rail will help to lighten up the previous owners paint job. A big natural rug will help lighten, and still define the space. 

White curtains instead of the current ones that blend directly into the wall. As well as lighter, drum shaped, lampshades.

A bench under the window can serve dual purpose as toy storage as well as bring more color into the room.

A big mirror over the couch will help bounce light around the room and make it feel a little better. Plus Kyle can make sure he looks just right before leaving for work! :)