Decorating on a Budget: Thrifty Finds Transformed

Courtesy of Ellen Goldberg, Jessica Dodell-Feder, and Anthony Santelli
From: HGTV Magazine

Hi Friends,

The experts at HGTV Magazine go yard-sale shopping. Check out their secrets to spotting potential and repurposing the castoffs into pretty pieces you'll love and use.

The Find: A Shabby Bookcase

Photo by: Photography by Alison Gootee/Studio D

This bookcase has a good, solid frame, but with nicks and wear, it's time for a refresh.

The Flip: Cheery Bathroom Storage

Photo by: Photography by Philip Friedman/Studio D

We sanded the bookcase, painted the inside of the shelves a high-energy red (we used Fall Harvest by Benjamin Moore) and the outside blue (ours is Jet Stream, also by Benjamin Moore). Then we popped in some wicker baskets full of bathroom goodies to create a cute bathroom storage piece.

The Find: Old Brass Candlesticks

Photo by: Photography by Alison Gootee/Studio D

These outdated candlesticks can be given a colorful new look.

The Flip: A Snazzy Centerpiece

Photo by: Photography by Philip Friedman/Studio D

We cleaned, primed and painted the candlesticks, then spray-painted them bright colors to create a vibrant centerpiece. For a cool, cohesive look, try matching candles to the candlestick colors.

The Find: A Dingy Filing Cabinet

Photo by: Photography by Alison Gootee/Studio D

This file cabinet may be functional, but it's certainly lacking in the style department.

The Flip: A Jazzed-Up Office Organizer

Photo by: Photography by Philip Friedman/Studio D

We created a chic storage space by painting the file cabinet a sunny yellow (we used Bee's Wax by HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams) and then covering the drawer fronts with Gold Leaf Damask shelf paper from chicselfpaper.com.

The Find: An Out-of-Date Coat Rack

Photo by: Photography by Alison Gootee/Studio D

This old coat rack can be taught a new trick.

The Flip: A Bright Entryway Piece

Photo by: Photography by Philip Friedman/Studio D

A paint job and new hardware — including more hooks and an accordion-arm mirror — will ensure you never forget anything at home.

Before: Boring Side Table

Photo by: Photography by Lara Robby/Studio D

The trick to shopping at a yard sale is knowing what to buy and what to leave behind. Minus a few nicks and scratches, the $22 side table was in good shape, with sturdy maple legs. All that was needed to reinvent the piece was satin latex paint, a yard of fabric and a clear water-based protective top coat.

After: A Colorful Accent

Photo by: Photography by Lara Robby/Studio D

The legs and sides were painted with the color Leisure Blue by Sherwin-Williams. The fabric, in Waverly’s Lovely Lattice in lapis, was $16 per yard at fabric.com. A generous amount of Mod Podge was applied to both the tabletop and the underside of the fabric. The fabric was placed on the table, smoothed to eliminate bubbles, and finished with another layer of Mod Podge and a top coat to seal.

Before: Lackluster Frame

Photo by: Photography by Lara Robby/Studio D

While the $6 frame was missing its back and glass, it had a timeless beveled profile. The crafty team turned it into a tray with thick cardboard, wrapping paper, spray mount, drawer handles and satin latex paint.

After: Tray Transformation

Photo by: Photography by Lara Robby/Studio D

The frame was painted with the color Peppery by Sherwin-Williams. Medium-thick cardboard was cut the same size as the glass and covered in Arboreal Villa Goldenrod wrapping paper ($4 per sheet on etsy.com). Handles from Stanley's, galvanized storm and screen door pulls, $2 each, were screwed into place.

Before: Old Dresser

Photo by: Photography by Lara Robby/Studio D

The dresser's elegant woodwork caught their eye; its mahogany frame and working drawers earned it a spot in their pile of loot. It was picked up for $40 and given a fresh look with water-based primer, satin latex paint and new knobs.

After: Jazzed-Up Furniture

Photo by: Photography by Lara Robby/Studio D

The dresser frame was given a good sanding until it was smooth and the shine from the varnish was dull. It was primed and painted with three coats of Blond Wood by Benjamin Moore. The hardware was replaced with ceramic knobs in ivory, $11 each from restorationhardware.com.

Enjoy the treasure hunt...

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Live well,
Yvonne

1st Day of Summer!

Courtesy of The Old Farmer's Almanac

Hi Friends,

We love Summer and wanted to share some information and great ways to celebrate the season with you. First, lets get information on the summer solstice facts—plus, fun ways to enjoy summer!

The timing of the solstice depends on when the Sun reaches its farthest point north of the equator.

The word solstice is from the Latin solstitium, from sol (sun) and stitium (to stop), reflecting the fact that the Sun appears to stop at this time (and again at the winter solstice).

In temperate regions, we notice the Sun is higher in the sky throughout the day, and its rays strike Earth at a more direct angle, causing the efficient warming we call summer.

This summer solstice is the day with the most hours of sunlight during the whole year; check your local Sun rise and set times—and how the day length changes!

Now, 10 Ways to Celebrate Summer...

How will you celebrate the solstice and all that extra daylight? Here are 10 ideas plus, some "summer essentials" from the Almanac.com General Store!

1. Light a bonfire: The solstice day was traditionally celebrated by dancing around the bonfires. Check out our dramatic fire bowls and fire pits.

2. Go fishin': We love to get out on the water. Consult our free Best Days for Fishing chart—plus, tackle-box and bait tips.

3. Plant a seed or a tree: Traditionally, to the farmer, the solstice is the midpoint of the growing season, halfway between planting and harvesting, and an occasion for celebration. Browse our neat seeds kits and containers.

4. Cook outside: There's nothing as tasty as grilled food. Have a big cook-out on the solstice. Get a taste of our mouthwatering Grilling and BBQ sauces.

5. Camp: Plan a camp-out to enjoy the great outdoors whether it's a tent in the backyard or a cabin in the woods! Check out the camping store page for some fun ideas. Don't forget the best natural insect repellent on Earth to enjoy the outdoors in peace.

6. Listen to songbirds: We love our feathered friends. Attact birds to your garden with our beautiful bird feeders.

7. Get pampered. Midsummer Day, near the solstice, was said to make old people look younger. It was also thought that walking barefoot in the dew would keep one's skin from getting chapped. Summer certainly does cure the winter dries. You can also check out popular gardener's lotions and fisherman's soaps to soften calloused working hands. There's even an "annulment of time" rejuvenating cream!

8. Let the light in! With all this extra daylight, hang one of our gorgeous suncatchers or decorative accents for your window or porch. Here is the Almanac suncatcher, shot in our town of Dublin, NH, against the backdrop of Dublin Lake.

9. Read a book. Temperatures rise and lazy days ensue. Relax on the beach or the porch and read up on gardening tips, natural health, and more. See our great books and guides.

10. Watch the night sky! In ancient Egypt, the new year was celebrated when the star Sirius rose around the time of sunrise. This roughly coincided with the summer solstice and the annual flooding of the Nile River. Click for our free monthly Sky Map and explore the night sky from your own backyard!

Enjoy these lovely hot Summer days...

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Happy Father's Day!

Courtesy of SendOutCards

Happy Father's Day Friends,

Today is the perfect opportunity to show our loved ones how much they mean to us, not only on Father's Day but every day of every year.











Enjoy this day with the people most important in your life, family and good friends...

Check back for more creative ideas and enjoy all the timeless treasures of Father's Day; the warmth of home, the love of family and the company of good friends.

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Maximizing Your Decorating Budget

Courtesy of Leah Hennen

Hi Friends,

These step-by-step budget guide will help you set up and stick to a decorating budget — without blowing it.

Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and theymay make money from these links.

Plan for Success

From: D2 Interieurs

What's the dirtiest word in decorating? That's right: budget. Whether you have just a few $100 for a room makeover or tens of thousands, you'll need to plan carefully and make tough choices to meet your bottom line. But budgeting isn't all bad news: "Decorating on a budget isn't about being cheap, it's about being smart — making informed decisions and getting the best value for your money," says interior designer Kristan Cunningham.

Make a Design Wishlist

From: Tobi Fairley

Give your imagination free reign. "Initially, at least, pretend that money is no object," says interior designer Angelo Surmelis. Write down everything you'd like to do and buy. Be specific: Rather than just listing "more kitchen storage," think about whether that means adding more cabinets or just a freestanding shelf. Although you're indulging in a bit of fantasy, don't forget to include the practical stuff that needs to be fixed or upgraded. Your fabulous new kitchen won't look so fabulous if you don't address structural issues like cracked plaster walls or uneven flooring.

Shop Around Before Hiring a Pro

From: The Ultimate High/Low List

"Determine how much work you'll need to hire out, too," Cunningham says. If you're bringing in skilled trades people to paint, hang wallpaper, run wires for new lights, install flooring and so on, get at least three written estimates for each job before finalizing your budget.

Splurge on Important Features

From: Tobi Fairley

"Spend the big money on the 'wow' items — the things you first notice in a space," says designer Angelo Surmelis. Consider big splurges for the things you'll use every day; are hard to change; hold their value over time; or add value to your home. That could be new flooring, custom kitchen cabinets or other permanent components, well-made furniture or investment art. Don't feel guilty about splurging on the things that will "make" your room — just make sure they're worth what you're spending and will serve you well over time.

Budget for DIY Supplies

From: The Ultimate High/Low List

Are you a rookie do-it-yourselfer? Then don't forget to budget for a few trips to the hardware store. Paint, for instance, is relatively inexpensive, and painting itself isn't terribly difficult — but once you buy the stepladder, rollers, brushes, paint trays, extending poles, painters' tape, tarps and other tools you'll need to do the job right, that pro painter's bid may suddenly look a lot more reasonable.

Enjoy, but remember to keep the budget in mind...

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Dreamy Martha's Vineyard Summer Home

Courtesy of Martha's Vineyard Interior Design
Photography by Eric Roth Photography

Hi Friends,

This seaside home, designed by Martha's Vineyard Interior Design, is a dreamy summer destination with decor that evokes a relaxing and peaceful escape, however, budget is a factor for most of us so use these doable ideas to create the effect in your own home without the ocean views; mountain and city views work too. Shop vintage or big box stores for the best deals.

Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and they may make money from these links.

Neutral Coastal Living Room With Sliding Doors

Picturesquely situated on the edge of the marsh, this home's living room features double doors that slide back to allow access to a deck. Inside, a soothing neutral palette elegantly complements the landscape outside.

Neutral Coastal Living Room With Ocean Views

Beautiful finishes mixed with a spectacular view make this summer home on Martha's Vineyard a dreamy destination. Slide back the glass doors and step out onto the deck to take in the unencumbered seascape.

White Sectional Sofa and Wood Coffee Table

A white sectional gracefully curves around a round wooden coffee table providing plenty of seating when house guests arrive.

Brown and White Transitional Open Plan Kitchen

White cabinets and accents paired with khaki-colored walls make for a refreshingly crisp effect in the open plan kitchen. The metal pendant lights are a welcome textural contrast to all the wood.

Neutral Transitional Dining Room With Picnic Table

A no-frills dining room features a picnic-style dining table and benches; its serene simplicity allows the full impact of the gorgeous view to take center stage.

Happy decorating...

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne