The Yellow Cape Cod

Our Family Movie Night~Win a $150 Target Gift Card

2012-05-21T03:54:00.000-07:00

This is a sponsored review from BlogHer and 3M Mobile Projectors

Recently, I was given the opportunity to review a new toy, the 3M™ Mobile Projector. My whole family was excited to try this product. It's a small handheld projector that plugs into your iPhone, iPad or PC (PC connection requires an additional cable sold separately). It allows you to watch movies, photo slideshows, and YouTube videos anywhere.

When it arrived, the kids and I all had our own ideas on how to use it. In fairness, we decided try it together as a family. We grabbed some snacks and gathered in the boys' room to watch a photo slideshow of our recent Disney vacation.

It was a really fun way to view our vacation photos on the "big screen."

The kids were so excited when they realized now they can watch movies anywhere, even outside.

The boys are especially excited to use it at our first neighborhood summer bonfire. Instead of scary stories around the campfire, they're thinking scary movies in their tree fort.

My daughter is looking forward to the next power outage. She'll be the hero of the neighborhood when she invites the kids over for a movie in the dark.

My hubby likes the idea of using the cable adapter to connect it to the laptop.

They all have big ideas on how they are going to use this projector this summer.

However, so do I.

Here is what I am most excited about ...

As a professional Home Stylist, I often customize spaces with hand-painted murals and custom silhouettes. Up until now every time I wanted to do a project like this, I had to borrow a large overhead projector from our church.

{source}

Old school overhead projectors get very hot. They are big, heavy, awkward and hard to position in a small space. I never bought one of my own because I didn't have a place to store it.

I was so excited when I realized I'd never have deal with an old school projector ever again.

Now, I can carry my 3M projector in my purse.

Using my new 3M projector I can project a digital image from my laptop onto the wall to create custom murals quickly and easily. My job and my own home decorating projects just got so much easier.

I don't know who is more excited about this little gadget, me or the kids.

3M Mobile Projectors are available at Target. Click here to learn more and find special offers.

What's your favorite way to do Family Movie night? Leave a comment for a chance to win a $150 Target Gift Card.

Rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 5/21/12 – 6/29/12.

Be sure to visit the 3M Mobile Projector brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

Staircase Makeover~Before and After

2012-05-15T05:13:00.003-07:00

You may remember last year I devoted a full month of blog posts (31 consecutive days) to character building projects. I shared 31 ways to give a builder grade home character.
Today, I'd like to add this amazing project to the list.

It's a fantastic, character enhancing, transformation of a builder grade staircase.
This single improvement has had an amazing effect on the feel of this entire home.

This house belongs to our friends, Kim and Chuck.

It's a beautiful split level constructed by a local home builder. They've owned the home almost eight years. They've tackled many character building projects in their home with amazing results. Recently, they hired a local carpenter, Eric Jaskowski with Complete Construction, to give the builder grade staircase a face lift.

It was a big project, as it is a big staircase. However, it was sooo... worth it.

Here is what it looked like before...

And here is what it looks like now...

The staircase and catwalk are vital organs in this split level home.

They are positioned in the center of the open-concept floor plan and visible from almost every room.

Therefore, it's a great place to spend a little cash.

By updating the builder bland banister with iron spindles, rich dark stain, and wooden stair treads, this builder grade home now has a luxurious custom feel.

Kim and Chuck, you did a phenomenal job making your staircase a beautiful centerpiece in your home.

Thank you for letting me share your masterpiece.

To view the entire 31 day series, Building Character, please click here.

This project has me inspired. Have you ever thought about a staircase makeover in your home?

**Carpentry by Eric Jaskowski with Complete Construction.

Dramatic Master Bedroom Makeover~Before and After

2012-05-11T06:17:00.000-07:00

Recently, I had the opportunity to create a design plan for the master bedroom of a gorgeous executive traditional style home. Kristen, the homeowner, is not only one of the cutest, nicest people I have ever met, but also fun to work with. In fact, we had so much fun together that you will be seeing a few more "before and after" spaces of this home very soon.

Here is how her master bedroom makeover unfolded.

Let's take a look at the before pics...

(taken with my crummy cell phone camera )

{Before}

And after...

You may remember the design plan for this space.

{If not, you can click here to see the Design Plan Rock Video}.

Below is the inspiration board I created after our initial meeting:

Here are the details on how Kristen and her husband, Scott,

brought the design to life...

Stunning new furniture,

fabulous accessories,

new bedding with lots of fun texture,

a beautiful eggplant tufted armchair,

new sconces,

dramatic drapes layered over bamboo roman shades,

oversized bedside lamps,

a contemporary floral area rug,

and lastly, a functional {as well as handsome} wall mounted flatscreen tv.

The product source list for this makeover includes, Restoration Hardware, Arhaus Furniture, Crate and Barrel, ZGallerie, West Elm, HomeGoods, Target and Lowes.

These homeowners did a fabulous job. I had the fun part, creating the design, they had the hard part, making it reality. Their execution was flawless.

Thank you, Kristen and Scott for inviting me into your home and allowing me to share your beautiful new space. It has been such a pleasure working with you and I can't wait to show off more of your gorgeous home.

For information on my affordable design services, please click here.

***Out of courtesy to my clients, I am unable to share specific product sources. Thank you for understanding.

My Daughters Room Makeover

2012-05-07T03:34:00.003-07:00

The time has come to update my daughters room. She's approaching her teens and her passion for horses has shifted into other interests like school, sports, friends and lipgloss.

Mourning the loss of her horse themed bedroom,

I put on my big girl pants and agreed to re-design her bedroom one last time. To make the design process easy, I started looking for a piece of art to use as my inspiration. It had to be something special that she wouldn't outgrow.

Something large and graphic to replace the horse mural...sniff.

I was surfing Houzz.com when a room with a gorgeous piece of personlized art caught my eye. It was a pop art style photo on canvas of the family dog. I thought to myself, what a fun way to personalize a space.

Duh. The love of Hannah's life is our dog, Murphie.

Not only do Hannah and Murphie share the space, but they are truly best friends; she'll never outgrow him.

I contacted the company that created the masterpiece in the Houzz room...

Pop art is only one of the many styles of personalized art they offer. Since this is a teen's space, I wanted the piece to be young, modern and fresh, so I opted for pop art style on a large (36/36 inch) gallery wrapped canvas in Hannah's favorite colors. I followed the instructions on the website to place my order.

I sent them this digital photo...

And this is what allPopart.com created...

It felt like they were just as excited about this piece as I was. Before they shipped it, they emailed me a digital proof to preview. I requested a few changes to get the spirit of Murphie just right. They were happy to tweak it until it was the perfect representation of his personality.

The day it showed up on our porch was a great day at the Macklem house. I can't put into words how excited ~~I was~~ she was.

We immediately went to town designing her new room. Using the art to define our new color scheme made designing the space a breeze.

Here is the design inspiration board...

We used the graphic design of the portrait as our inspiration for the other elements in the space. Simple black and white drapes, modern graphic floral bedding, striking black chandy and fun accessories mimac the feeling of the pop art.

The new space includes new retail products, thrifted vintage finds and repurposed furniture.

Here are the sources for the images used to create the design board...

Stay tuned to see Hannah's new bedroom come to life. Painting begins next week. Bedding is on backorder until June so it'll be a little while before the final reveal.

I'll post projects and tutorials along the way.

Thank you, allPopart.com. Not only for this amazing addtion to our home that we'll cherish for years, but also for making me a lot less sad and a lot more excited about this right of passage.

***This post brought to you by allPopart.com. The opinions expressed are 100% mine. The smile on Hannah's face is 100% hers.

DIY~Create Your Own Area Rug

2012-05-04T04:56:00.007-07:00

If you are shy to try DIY projects, this would be a great one to start with. It's pretty simple and very impressive. Not too many of us can say that we actually designed our own rug let alone made it ourselves.

{Vecco-Marrakech Fresh}

As most of you know, one of the first elements I choose when designing a space is the area rug. It's not always easy to find the perfect one. Trying to get the right size, style, color and material in an affordable price range can be a little tricky.

The other day, I was introduced to a company, Vecco, who has a simple, but genius, solution. They provide kits that allow you to design and make your own area rug. You pick the size, style and colors to create your own masterpiece. They send you a kit that includes the rug, re-usable stencils, spray paint and sealant.

Check out the Vecco website to see the cool selection of patterns and colors. Their designs are simple, graphic and striking. One of these rugs would be a great addition to any space. Not to mention, you'd get to tell your friends that you made it yourself.

Design Dilemma "How Can I Make My Traditional Space Look More Contemporary?"

2012-05-03T05:00:00.004-07:00

At the end of this post, please share your thoughts/suggestions on this common design dilemma.
Today's post is a new addition to my decorating advice series titled "That's What She Said".

This series offers simple, uncomplicated advice (from myself and my readers) for common design issues.

One of my favorite things is a good re-design project. Of course it's fun to design a brand new space from scratch but, there is something really satisfying about using old things in a new way.

I recently completed this online design plan for an amazing master bedroom suite.

(Click here to see the full design plan video)

(image source Decor Pad, Crate and Barrel, Dwell Studio, Zgallerie, Ballard Designs)

The clients current furniture is absolutely beautiful and very traditional in style. It's high quality (obviously an investment) and it has sentimental value to the couple. Their room is gorgeous just as it is however, they're itching for a more contemporary design. They don't want to let go of their bedroom set so, they asked me to help them design a contemporary space around their traditional furnishings.
Challenge accepted.

I began this re-design by using my three favorite "F" words...

Furniture, Fabrics and Finishes.

Furniture

Furniture is the first thing I assess when I start a re-design. In this case, the clients furniture is a matching collection that includes a four post bed, two nightstands, a dresser and an armoire. I replaced their dark wood nightstands with these mirrored tables from ZGallerie. The new contemporary nightstands punctuate the traditional style bedroom set.

(ZGallerie)

The sitting area of the room held a chair and ottoman that weren't the right size for the space. I took this opportunity to replace them with a pair of transitional chairs in a fresh, contemporary fabric. By adding a few transitional style pieces, I was able to bridge the gap between the traditional furniture and the new contemporary elements to create a seamless design.

(Crate and Barrel)

Fabrics

My next consideration in a re-design project is fabric/textiles. I look to see where I can incorporate new colors and patterns. Robert Allen's line for Dwell Studio was perfect for this project. The geometric patterned fabrics in this line lend a bit of modern glam (which the client loves) while the coordinating nature designs in the collection compliment the traditional elements in the space.

Here is a great example of a room decked out in this collection.

Robert Allen's Dwell Studio fabrics are an updated-traditional style dream. The geometric patterns are contemporary while the birds, flowers and trees tug at my traditional-girl heart strings.

Finishes

Lastly, I take a look at the finishes in the room. To modernize a traditional space, I look for opportunities to add a little bling. This includes light fixtures, lamps, furniture hardware, drapery rods and accessories. In this case, we changed the hardware on the dresser from antique brass to polished chrome. It's a small detail that has a big impact on the overall feel of the space.

I found this amazing mirror at ZGallerie to hang over the dresser. The unique shape is definitely contemporary. The finish however, is slightly antiqued. The modern shape and chrome finish are toned down by the antiquing.

Thank you, Traci for inviting me into your beautiful home and allowing me to share our project on the blog. I've enjoyed working with you and I can't wait to see this design come to life.

(image source Decor Pad, Crate and Barrel, Dwell Studio, Zgallerie, Ballard Designs)

I used my favorite "F" words to give a traditional space a modern edge, what are your ideas?

How do you breathe new life into a space using what you already have?

Please share in the comments.

To view the rest of my series: That's What She Said, please click here.
***Out of courtesy to my client, I am unable to share all of the product sources. Thank you for understanding.

Throw Out The Color Wheel ~Simple Way To Know If Colors "Go Together"

2012-04-26T07:02:00.005-07:00

Today's post is part of the Design Advice Series: That's What She Said. In this series, I share practical, uncomplicated advice for common decorating issues.

I opened my email inbox after vacation to find three emails on the same topic,

mixing brown/beige with gray.

{Below is a recent design plan I created for a client using this color combination}

{Product sources: Etsy, Potterybarn, Nester, Ikea}

Here is one of the emails I received...

"...I'm wondering if you might be able to address a design problem I'm having...(and maybe it's not a true problem, but one I have a hard time with)...it's mixing brown and gray together. Can it be done? Should it be done? How can it be done?? Thank you!" -Katie

In my opinion, there are two fail-proof ways to know for sure if colors "go together". There is the semi-complicated proven way and then there is the simple way...

1. The first method is using the color wheel. This can be tricky if your not a designer or artist by trade. You could read up on color chords such as; complementary, analogous, triad, split-complementary, tetrad and square. Then use these color chords, to create harmonies based on the position of colors on the wheel. If you like this method and want to learn more, here is a resource for learning basic color wheel techniques:

{TigerColor.com}

2. The second method is much less complicated. Throw the color wheel out the window and while you're there, take a look outside. Mother nature never makes a mistake.

If you look to nature for color combinations, you will know for sure what works.

Aside from looking out your window, you can also do a quick internet search for inspiration. For example, after searching "gray brown nature" in Google Images, I found these amazing examples of gray and brown in nature...

{JennyJumpFarm.com}

{National Geographic}

{Etsy~GalleryZooArt}

{Bree's Mackinaw Island Blog}

{Source}

After I received these emails asking me about this color combo, I started noticing it everywhere. It's definitely making an appearance in the design world right now. For good reason. Check out this gorgeous fabric collection from one of my favorite Etsy Sellers:

{Etsy Seller~ The Cottage Cupboard ~Click here before pinning}

I used these pillows in a recent online design plan.

Here is the inspiration board...

{Product sources: Etsy, Potterybarn, Nester, Ikea}

The easiest way to choose colors for a space is to find something that you love and use it as your color road map. Whether it's an area rug, a piece of art or fabric, pick something that speaks to you.

If you find yourself questioning a color palette, look to Mother Nature.

If she approves, it's all good.

To view the rest of the topics in the series, please click here.

Have you tried something new? Are you worried about colors working together?
How do you choose colors in your home? Please share!

***Please pin photos from their original source, thank you***

Anti-Aging Tips~Keep Your Home Looking Young

2012-04-24T04:03:00.002-07:00

I have to say, at the age of 36 I'm very content. I'm the most content I have ever been in my own skin, even though my skin is looking older. I look at it from an interior design perspective, my laugh lines are sort of like a vintage art piece in a modern space. Patina adds depth and character, right?
The gray hair I came across the other day, that's another story...that makes me feel just plain old.

If we're not paying attention, our home can become that gray hair.

Recently, I had the privilege of providing a design plan for a young mother and her adorable 5 year old son. Their space was not a gray hair by any means. It's a beautiful home boasting gleaming hardwood floors and beautiful transitional style furniture. The client came to me and specifically asked me to create a design for her family room that looked "young but still sophisticated and professional". Since she requested "young" I thought I would use this plan to illustrate a few anti-aging tips for the home.

Click here to view Whitney's Design Plan Music Video...

Here are a few simple and inexpensive things you can do to your home to make it instantly look younger...

1. Update your wall color. Paint is the cheapest way to freshen up a space. You can breathe new life into your home with one $20 can of paint. Visit your local paint store to discover the latest in paint colors.

(Martha Stewart-Eggplant)

2. Pay attention to design trends and try incorporating something trendy into your decor. You don't have to spend a ton or re-decorate your entire home every year to keep up. Just try one statement piece. It can have a big effect on the space overall. Even if it's just a couple throw pillows in a trendy fabric, a bold area rug or one piece of trendy art. Your home will look younger.

(Home Decorators Collection)

3. Add a bit of whimsy. If your space is all business, chances are it looks old. You can lighten the mood of a room with something as simple as a pair of funky purple fur pillows like we did in this space. Bringing your personality into a space shows that you are young, enjoying life and not too serious.

(Rugs USA)

4. De-clutter. Reduce the amount of stuff in each space to make it appear cleaner and more streamlined. Too many accessories and too much furniture makes a space look old. Lighten your load and your home will thank you. There are so many attractive storage solutions on the market today.

(Home Depot)

5. Update your light fixtures and hardware. Including your lamp shades. You can update the look of any lamp by changing out the shades. This small change can be a huge improvement. Especially if it's been a while since you've done this.

(Home Decorators Collection)

6. Spruce up your doors and trim with a fresh coat of paint. You can also update your ceramic tile with grout paint. Fresh, clean, shiny surfaces look young. If your home is full of outdated wood grains, you can update the look by painting it or re-staining it in a more current wood tone.

7. Update your photos. Live in the present, not in the past. Sometimes we neglect this task and it ages our home. I find it much more inspiring to look at current photos of my family. It tells the story of where we are today. Old photos can date a space. Current, candid, action shots printed in black and white are a fun way to show our family is youthful and energetic.

Thank you, Whitney for inviting me into your beautiful home. Have fun decorating. I hope you and your son will enjoy it for years to come.

Is it imporatant to you to keep your home feeling young?
If so, how do you do it? Please share your anti-aging secrets in the comments below.

The Secret To A Great Space On A Budget

2012-04-22T15:33:00.000-07:00

Today's post is a new addition to the "That's What She Said" design for real people advice series. This post is about the secret to designing a great space on a budget. I recently provided an online design consultation for Stacy's living room. This project is a great example of how I helped her create a beautiful space on a moderate budget.

Click here to view

Stacy's Design Plan Music Video

Stacy recently invested in beautiful hardwood floors throughout the first floor of her home. This was a costly investment (a great decision) but it took up a large chunk of the budget. Instead of limiting the potential of the room by designing the space to fit into the remainder of the budget, I ignored the budget and focused on designing a beautiful, quality custom room.

You may wonder why I would deliver a design plan to a client that was way over the project budget? The reason...I made the budget fit the design, as opposed to a design that fit the budget. The trick to doing this successfully is proper budget allocation. Knowing where to splurge and where to save.

Here is how I applied this advice in this project.

I started by making a recommendation for a budget friendly, high impact board and batten molding treatment. This detail gives the space maximum personality with minimal investment.

After I finished the rest of the design plan, I studied it carefully to decide how we can cut costs without sacrificing the quality of the design. I asked myself, "What gives this room the wow factor? What piece is Stacy drawn to the most? What is the most critical element to this design". The answer to all three questions was the same. There was one element in the design plan that we decided we could not replace.

This mirror ($900) is awesome. It will have a great presence in the space. However, starburst mirrors have become very popular at discount stores. I knew she could find something very similar at Homegoods, Marshalls, TJ Maxx etc. Therefore, this was not our splurge.

Potterybarn furnishings are gorgeous and this round pedestal table would be a great addition to the space. However, the traditional design of this table is very common.

I'm certain with a little patience, we could find a similar piece on Ebay, Craigslist or in a consignment shop. A new coat of stain and polyurethane could give it the same rich color.

The table was not the splurge.

The media console, also from Potterybarn is beautiful. What I love about it the most is that it resembles a dresser. Instead of investing in this piece, Stacy could shop around for a dark wood dresser and easily alter it to function as a custom media cabinet. The Potterybarn media cabinet...not the splurge.

That leaves us with the rug.

We did a little shopping to see if we could find a similar rug for less. Everything paled in comparison. The rug was perfect for the space in every way, it was critical to our design and Stacy loved it. Removing/replacing it had a big effect on the space. It became clear that the rug was our splurge.

It was the piece we couldn't live without.

By using the basic concepts of the high end design plan and applying them to more cost effective products, we were able to achieve the high end custom design plan within her moderate budget.
Knowing which items to sacrifice and where to splurge allowed us to make the budget fit our plan, not the other way around.

To read the rest of the "That's What She Said" design advice for real people series, please click here.

I'd love to hear about your budget friendly projects/finds in the comments below.

Jaxon's Nursery~DIY Star Drapes

2012-04-17T04:53:00.000-07:00

You may remember my recent post about the new DIY Star Drapes I made for the boys new room. Today, I'd like to show how this project has made it's way into another real life space.

This room belongs to this little guy...

Isn't that the sweetest face you've ever seen?

I think I would think that even if he wasn't my nephew.

Anyway, here are a few pic's from around his cute little nursery.

Nothing is more exciting than seeing of one of my DIY projects in someone else's home. When I posted the navy blue star drapes tutorial from my boys room, my sister called me and informed me that Jax was getting a pair stat.

She chose chocolate brown panels to compliment the colors in his bedding and the custom painted Ikea table I painted for him, if you missed that post, here are a few pics...

The table and chairs were a thrift store find that I made over for her shower gift.

{Click here to see the tutorial on this project}

One day when my camera is not acting up, I'll give you the full tour of his adorable nursery.

Her decision to make these drapes in brown was fabulous.

The cotton twill drapes came from Walmart ($17/pair). Following my step by step tutorial, the project took 2 hours to complete.

My sister did a great job designing and personalizing the space.

His nursery is full of whimsical accessories and these semi-custom drapes were a great final touch.

If you have tried a DIY project using a tutorial from this blog, I would love to hear about it. My facebook page is a great place to share your photos.

Some of you have already posted your projects, thank you. I look forward to sharing them on the blog soon. Please click here to like The Yellow Cape Cod on Facebook if you haven't already.

For information on my affordable online design services, please click here.

Guest Posting~Home Stories A To Z

2012-04-16T11:02:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited and incredibly honored to be guest posting today at my favorite blog for project tips and tutorials, Home Stories A to Z.

Click on the photo below to pop over there to read the latest post in my new design advice series.

You must take a look around while you are there, Beth's blog is chock full of project inspiration and home design eye candy. Her weekly link parties are always loaded with amazing DIY project tutorials. Not to mention her own drool worthy home tour.

Hopefully these 10 tips will help you place your next online purchase with confidence.

For more design advice and tips for common design challenges, please check out my new series:

Thank you for having me, Beth!

Thanks for stopping by.

New Blog Series~Design Tips For Real People

2012-04-15T16:39:00.007-07:00

As my business continues to grow {thanks to all of you}, I'm always looking for ways to work more efficiently. I've noticed that I spend a lot of time repeating advice on common design challenges. In an effort to improve project turn around time and keep the blog from being neglected while I'm busy working with clients, I've decided to compile this advice into a new blog series.

This new series will give clients and blog readers one stop shop access to these tips along with the amazing benefit of your input!

Introducing...

Welcome, please click on the photo or the title to view each article.

Conquering Decorating Paralysis

Spousal Design Conflict

How To Choose The Perfect Gray Paint Color

Creating a Timeless Space With a Trendy Color Palette

Incorporating Antiques & Family Heirlooms into a Modern Day Home

10 Things You Need To Know About Shopping For Furniture On-Line

31 Ways To Add Character To A Builder Grade Home

Designing A Space That Appeals To Both You and The Masses~Target Style

{Designing With The Possiblity of Re-Sale}

How To Create A Sophisticated {Beach} Theme Room

How To Use Bright Colors In A Space For Grown-ups

I value your input and encourage you to chime in with your opinions, experiences and thoughts on all of these topics by utilizing the comments section after each post. Through collaboration we can conquer any design challenge.

I'll continue to add to this series weekly so please be sure to check back often.

Thanks for stopping by.

Creating a Timeless Space With A Trendy Color Palette

2012-04-10T09:26:00.004-07:00

It's great to be back. I had a wonderful vacation with the family and I am full of fresh project inspiration. If you are waiting for me to respond to a comment/email, I'll begin doing so today. My email inbox got a lot of action while I was away. Thank you to my online design clients that have been patiently waiting during the little back-up.

Speaking of online design consultations, today I would like to share this one with you. It's one of my recent fav's. We all know that Orange (Tangerine Tango to be exact) is the color of the year. Pairing orange with gray, another demand color is currently a hot decorating trend for good reason...

I designed this space for a young family in the process of renovating their entire main floor. This will be their new family room where most of their "small hours" are spent. Since they will spend so much time together as a family in this space, it had to be extra special.

(Special thanks to 4men1lady for the adorable photo art canvas image used in this collage. If you would like to pin the photo canvas art shown here please visit this post prior to pinning. Be prepared to stay a while, this is a great blog!)

HERE IS THE DESIGN PLAN VIDEO:

(double click on the frame to view larger)

I chose the orange and gray color combo when the client mentioned that she loves bright colors. Their brand new hardwood floors and new wood toned, slightly distressed furnishings neutralize the modern color palette creating a gorgeous, timeless space full of personality.

Even though I don't see this color trend going anywhere anytime soon,

I designed this room to easily evolve through the years.

The overall color palette of the space is neutral (gray walls, white sectional sofa, dark hardwood floors, white trim) while the accessories (pillows, rugs, art) add a punch of color and whimsy. By simply changing out the accessories, this room could have a totally new look.

Crate and Barrel

Potterybarn

Crate and Barrel

West Elm

I wanted this room to feel young, current and fresh without committing it to a design era. By using a neutral backdrop with quality furnishings, wood floors and neutral wall color, I brought personalty and style to the space with textiles and fun accessories.

Thank you, Nat and Devan for inviting me into your home. I hope you are happy with the design plan I put together for your new space for many years.
Thanks again, Michelle for letting me use your adorable photos!

For information on my affordable online design services, please click here.
**Out of courtesy to my clients, I am unable to share all of the specific product sources. Thank you for understanding.**

Extreme Fireplace Makeover

2012-04-05T05:54:00.001-07:00

While I'm away from the blog {returning April 9th} I've scheduled a few post re-runs. This is one of my all time favorite transformations. It was recently featured at The Inspired Room as one of the Top Four Most Popular Room Tours {thanks Melissa}.

Upgrading the fireplace in this open concept floorplan completely changed the feeling of the entire home. The addition of bookcases, a chunky flatscreen tv frame, a custom mantle and new stacked stone fireplace surround, this home was transformed from builder grade to custom with character.

Here it is...

Recently, I was given the opportunity to work with a beautiful family in their gorgeous home on a complete re-design of their two story great room. The space was beautiful to start with. However, it wasn't conducive to the young family that lives there.

(Before)

(After)

They wanted a room that's warm, inviting and casual. A space that beckons friends, family and pets to cozy up on the couch for movies and intimate conversions.
A room that is both beautiful and livable.

My clients words were; "I want a room that the whole family wants to be in, together, at the same time".

To accomplish this, we started with comfortable new furnishings and a fresh wall color. The next items on the agenda were a custom built-in bookcase, new fireplace surround and ginormous (70 inch) flatscreen TV.

(Before)

We are about halfway finished, still waiting on furniture delivery.
Stay tuned to see more of this makeover as it's completed.
Thank you, Mark and Heidi, for ~~allowing me to invade~~ inviting me into your home.

For information on my affordable design services, please click here.

Carpentry by S.A.G Builders. Painting by Piero Ventimiglia.
Paint color "Fawn Brindle" by Sherwin Williams.

**Out of courtesy to my client, I am unable to share specific product sources. Thank you for understanding.

Styling A Dining Room Hutch For Entertaining~Client Project

2012-03-30T04:59:00.000-07:00

While I'm away from the blog {returning April 9th, 2012} I have scheduled a few post re-runs. I thought in honor of the upcoming Easter holiday this would be a great post to replay. Re-visiting this project today has me in the mood for a party...

One of my favorite things to do is style shelves/bookcases/hutches. Whether it involves shopping for new items or using what the client has, I live for it. Does anyone else have a fascination with this?

I recently had the privilege of styling this beautiful Drexel Heritage hutch. This piece resides in a jaw-dropping dining room that belongs to a busy, young, professional couple that likes to entertain.

{Before}

In keeping with my "function first" philosophy, I took the client shopping for pieces that look beautiful and also function for entertaining.

My goal was to make the shelves look nice for everyday visual purposes but more importantly, function. As a butlers pantry, of sorts, for parties.

The baskets are not only gorgeous, but super convenient for entertaining. You can see one of them is filled with party beverages, the other is for special linens. When they are removed for use, the empty buffet surface is a perfect spot for food.

The baskets also took the formality of the space down a notch.

This family is Italian. We chose large pieces to accommodate large amounts of pasta.

The all white theme was based off of pieces that they client already had. She has a beautiful collection of patterned pasta serving bowls. The new solid white pieces compliment the patterned pieces and blends with them seamlessly. The little pop of white brightened up the entire room..

The Drexel Heritage piece in itself is stunning. By keeping the display simple, we complimented the ornate design of the top of the hutch as opposed to hiding it.

I wish, I wish, (one fish, two fish) I could share the sources of the products shown here but out of courtesy to my clients, I am unable to spill. One thing I can say, we found our inspiration for each piece at Potterybarn then hit discount home stores for similar products :)

Thanks for understanding.

For information on my affordable design services, please click here.

Linked up to:
Miss Mustard Seed

4,000,000 Page View Thank You!

2012-03-28T15:22:00.002-07:00

Today, my little decorating blog reached 4,000,000 page views!!

THANK YOU readers, subscribers, family and friends that visit the blog and listen to me babble endlessly about my passion.

I'll be shutting the internet down between March 29th and April 9th while I spend uninterrupted time with the family I've been neglecting. Please feel free to leave comments, emails etc. while I'm "away".

I'll respond after Monday, April 9th.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for helping me reach this milestone!
I appreciate each and every page view, comment and especially the friendships I've made through this blog. You guys are the best.

Creating a Sophisticated Theme Room For Grown Ups~Client Design Plan

2012-03-28T04:54:00.002-07:00

At the end of this post, I would love to hear about your theme rooms.

Just in time for spring break, I had the honor of creating a beach inspired design plan for this guy {and his human companion, Christine}...

This project was an online design consultation for their living room, dining room and kitchen area. After getting to know Christine through email communications, I learned that she loves to travel, especially to the beach. She is drawn to traditional style decor and comfortable, casual spaces. I also realized that she was young, fun and sophisticated.

She enjoys a good bottle of wine and likes to entertain.

Based on this information, here is the design board I created for her space...

You can see the full design plan in video form here:

{Christines Design Plan Rock Video}

My goal was to design a space that reflected Christines love for the beach. However, I wanted to do it in a quiet, sophisticated way. Here are some of the elements I used to create a beach themed design that is fun, casual and high style.

{Ballard Design}

These awesome sea life canvases from Ballard Design are large in scale. The dark blue navy background will make them a striking focal point. Fun, beachy, yet sophisticated.

{Etsy ~Wood4Decor~click here before pinning}

I incorporated two of these amazing hand made weathered wood wine riddling racks from Etsy. You can also find a larger scale version of these at Potterybarn {for twice as much}.

{Potterybarn }

To keep the windows light, I used cotton drapes from Potterybarn. Nothing says summer to me like white cotton. These drapes will be layered over bamboo roman shades to create a casual but gorgeous window dressing.

{Potterybarn}

This amazing rug from Rugs USA is the color road map for the space. The palette is definitely beachy but the graphic design keeps it feeling contemporary and fresh.

{Rugs USA}

The companion rug I chose for the adjacent dining area is a round jute rug from Potterybarn. The natural texture of this rug gives the dining area a casual, relaxed feel.

{Potterybarn}

Christine loves to collect seashells on her travels. My suggestion to her is to display them in glass apothecary jars with simple handwritten labels reminding her of the different locations. Driftwood and sand would also be fun to incorporate in the display. Driftwood has a great sculptural quality, especially large pieces.

{Source}

To keep the space feeling light and airy, I chose an off white media console from Home Decorators Collection and a pair of cotton slipcovered chairs from Crate and Barrel.

I can't wait for this space to come together. I think it will be a wonderful example of a sophisticated theme room for grown ups.

Thank you, Christine for inviting me into your gorgeous home. I really enjoyed working with you. Have fun on your spring break vacation and come home with lots of beach treasures and inspiration for your project.

Do you have a theme room in your home? I would love to hear all about it!

**For information on my affordable design services, please click here.**

**Out of courtesy to my clients, I am unable to share all of the product sources in this design plan. Thank you for understanding.**

**Please pin photos from their original source**

Spousal Design Conflict Tips~Family Room Design Plan

2012-03-23T04:11:00.002-07:00

At the end of this post, I'd love to hear how you decorate around spousal design conflict.

I was recently asked to design a living room that posed a bit of a challenge. I love a good challenge but this one really made me think. How do I design a space for spouses with completely opposite design preferences? A space that both will equally love.

After the wife described her style preferences to me, I pictured her dream living room to look a lot like this beautiful space from Centsational Girl...

{Centsational Girl~Click Here Before Pinning}

She loves light, airy, fresh, traditional designs.

After she described her husbands decorating taste, I picture his dream space to look like this fabulous authentic castle interior...

{Source~Click Here Before Pinning}

He is a Historian with a passion for dark, heavy, ornate, design. If he could have it his way, he would live in a real castle, just like this one.

My challenge was to incorporate both tastes, equally strong in opposite directions, into one cohesive design that reflects both husband and wife.

I looked at it this way, if these two got together:

{Kate~Centsational Girl}

{Robinhood}

Their living room would look something like this...

By using an overall neutral, soft color palette and mixing it with heavy, ornate furnishings and vintage medieval-ish accessories, I created this design for their living room.

{Click here to view the full design plan video}

{Since I had Kevin Costner on the brain, I couldn't resist the theme song}

We started out with this great big, beautiful, Waterhouse replica painting as the center of the design. The couple both love this painting and want to keep it as the focal point of the space.

{Source~Click Here Before Pinning}

Using it as my inspiration, I pulled colors from the painting for accent pieces. Including a DIY style dresser makeover which will be used as their new media console. The large heavy piece and ornate design is a reflection of his taste while the soft blue color gives it a light, fresh, current look.

{Source~Click Here Before Pinning}

A collection of vintage pewter dishes and chalices will fill their beautiful built in bookcases and give them something to collect over the years.

{Source~Click Here Before Pinning}

Mercury Glass table lamps with burlap shades,

{Potterybarn}

gorgeous contemporary ornate fabrics in soft color palettes,

{Etsy ~Click Here Before Pinning}

crystal chandelier next to his treasured sword display all provide the perfect combination of "Old World" meets "Better Homes and Gardens".

{PotteryBarn}

So after working on this project, I came up with a few helpful tips for spousal design conflicts:

1. Find a common thread between the two tastes and use it to the max.

(In this case, they both liked metal finishes. I used the mercury glass lamps for her and pewter for him).

2. Find at least one piece that both agree upon and build the entire room around it.

(In this case it was the painting).

3. Use art and accessories to bring both personalities into the space.

(In this case, the overall room palette is neutral but, the art and collectibles play up the castle theme and the fabrics and crystal chandelier say traditional chic design)

4. Remember there is no right or wrong way to decorate. Design is subjective. It's ok to mix different styles within a space, eclectic interiors are hot. Let the room reflect both of you, no matter how different your tastes are...you will have created your very own unique style.

5. Have fun. In the end, this will be a great bonding experience as long as you both play nice during the process. One great way to make it fun is to have him pick something for the space that he thinks she would like and vice versa.

Harmony, thank you for inviting me into your home.

I hope you and your husband are both happy with the design plan. Your house is beautiful. Enjoy putting the space together, I know you will do an amazing job.

Has anyone else out there struggled with a spousal design conflict? How do you decorate around it? I would love to hear what has/hasn't worked for you.

For information on my online design services, please click here.

**Please pin photos from their original source**

**Out of courtesy to my clients I am unable to share all of the product sources in this design plan. Thank you for understanding. **

White Washed Brick Fireplace~Tutorial

2012-03-19T07:16:00.004-07:00

A few weeks ago, I shared a living room before and after. Since the post, I have received requests for a tutorial on the fireplace transformation. Ask and ye shall receive.

Meet Sarah and EJ (the homeowners)...

I've already introduced you to Zeke {the real owner of this space} but, in case you missed it,

here he is again...

I've worked with them in a few areas of their stunning traditional style home.

These guys are not afraid to tackle a DIY project. Not only are they not intimidated to try any kind of DIY project but, they knock it out of the park every time.

Case in point, after a brief consultation in their living room, they took it from this...

{Before}

To this...

{After}

in no time flat.

Immediately after I met with Sarah and discussed the option of painting their fireplace, they got to work researching brick painting techniques. They decided to go for a white-wash finish as opposed to an opaque paint finish {which was a great choice}. They tucked their 4 small children into bed and went to town on the fireplace. This project took about 3 hours to complete.

Here's what they used:

1. latex paint (Sherwin Williams Cashmere Paint~Medium Lustre~Luminous White)

2. water

3. a paint brush

4. a rag

Here's how they did it...

First, they removed the wood mantle. Then, using a mixture of equal parts of latex paint and water, one of them applied it to the bricks with a paintbrush while the other followed behind with a rag removing the access.

After one application, they were happy with the results. You can use multiple coats (by repeating the process) depending on the coverage you prefer. The white wash technique allows the variation in the color of the bricks to show through. Brick is extremely porous and absorbs paint unevenly, which is a good thing in this example. It creates a beautiful, aged finish full of character.

If your mantle cannot be removed and your intention is not to paint it, you may want to cover it with plastic and tape to prevent drips.

I apologize if you were waiting for a long, drawn out, step by step tutorial. This project is too simple and easy for me to complicate. If you are a fan of intimidating, stressful, complicated, multi-step, time-consuming, DIY projects that require a ton of special supplies and mad skills, this isn't the project for you.

EJ and Sarah, thanks for letting me share your project.

Once again, you guys have done a phenomenal DIY job.

If you decide to tackle this project at home, please share your before and after shots on my facebook page or email them to theyellowcapecod@yahoo.com.

For information on my affordable design services, please click here.

Linked up to:
Home Stories A to Z
TaterTots and Jello

Preppy Family Room Design Plan~Using Etsy Finds

2012-03-13T10:58:00.000-07:00

Today, I would like to share a recent client project and talk about my love for Etsy.

Etsy is a huge product source for my online designs. It's the easiest way to find unique treasures to personalize a space. The best part about it, it's all conveniently available online. A one stop shop for art, vintage finds and custom decor.

{Etsy~AmyKristineVintage~click here before pinning}

This online design plan is an example of a room designed with Etsy finds.
Here is the inspiration board I created for the space:

The room was being used as a playroom for two adorable little girls.

Now that they are a bit older Dana, their mother, asked me to help her transition the space into a family hangout/media room.

Click here to see the design plan video:

{You can view the video larger by double clicking on the frame}

Meet the girls...

After getting to know Dana and her family, I realized her style is what I refer to as "Contemporary Prep". Classic, timeless, comfortable, fun, sporty and nostalgic with a modern twist.

If this couple were a Pinterest photo, they would be this one...

{Source~click here before pinning}

Here is an actual photo of them...

I know, try not to hate them for being so cute.

Here are some of the details of the room design I created using the preppy Pinterest photo as my inspiration ...

{Dash and Albert~click here before pinning}

This amazing navy blue and off-white striped area rug is actually and indoor outdoor rug. It's a great option for a family space as it will be stain resistant and easy to clean. It's also UV protected, this is important because this room gets a ton of natural light.

Here is where Etsy came in,

{Etsy~Celine and Kate~click here before pinning}

Amazing lime toss pillows for the new white cotton slipcovered sofa. These pillows add a bright pop of color which is a common characteristic of classic preppy style. The contemporary pattern gives the room a modern nudge.

{Etsy~7thHouse~click here before pinning}

The family loves to visit Nantucket and Dana happens to be a huge fan of subway art. Etsy to the rescue. This print was a perfect find for their space. Nantucket street names in a subway art print will be at the center of a black and white photo gallery. Candid family photos of the family on vacation will surround this awesome art piece.

{Etsy~Exclusive Elements~click here before pinning}

Also from Etsy, navy blue and white chevron drapery panels layered over dark wood plantation style blinds will cover the windows. Warm, rustic wood tones contrasted by crisp, cotton, contemporary patterned fabric will be a simple but profound statement on the windows. Totally preppy.

The accessories I chose for the space are vintage summer themed sports equipment from various Etsy shops.

{Etsy~EveryEskimo~click here before pinning}

Croquet balls and mallets are a perfect way to bring in fun colors.

{Etsy~AmyKristineVintage~click here before pinning}

By using vintage pieces throughout the space, it will keep the room feeling sophisticated and timeless. And, like it has a story to tell. The story of Dana's family, their love of sports, and their love for Nantucket.

{Etsy~SummerHolidayVintage~click here before pinning}

She has a good start for this collection. Unknown to me at the time of this design, they already have a collection of vintage rackets and golf clubs.
Yay!

{Etsy~SummerHolidayVintage~click here before pinning}

Beginning a collection of vintage accessories is a great way to add to your room design over time. This will give them something to search for and collect through the years.
For ideas on starting a collection, check out my Pinterest Board dedicated to collection displays.

{Etsy~SummerHolidayVintage~click here before pinning}

Thank you, Dana for inviting me into your home and allowing me to share your design plan.
Enjoy your new space.

Have you made any fabulous Etsy purchases? If so, please share what you found and how you use it in the comments below or on my facebook page. Let's inspire each other.

For information on my affordable design service, please click here.

**Out of courtesy to my clients, I am unable to share all of the product sources. Thank you for understanding.**

***Please pin products from original source. To find the original source, click on the photo before pinning.***

No-Sew DIY Star Drapes~Tutorial

2012-03-11T07:08:00.002-07:00

Today, I'd like to share how I created semi-custom star drapes for my boys room. These no-sew drapes were a quick, simple project that only set me back $35. The process I used is similar to my DIY Striped Drapes.

Here is what I used...

One pair navy blue cotton twill drapes, one large cotton twill white tablecloth, and two tubes of liquid stitch. If you decide to use white fabric by the yard in place of the tablecloth, heavy cotton canvas or twill would work best. If the fabric is too thin you may be able to see the fabric glue through the white fabric {these drapes aren't looking to win any t-shirt contests}.

Here is how I did it:

1. First, I found a star shaped object to trace. If you don't have a dusty tin star, you could print a star from your computer and trace it onto cardboard to create a template.

2. Using a sharpie, I traced 14 large stars on the tablecloth. If you would like to prevent black marks all over your white table, place newspaper under your fabric.

{Luckily, I had that glass of wine before I noticed it}.

3. After the stars were cut out, I pressed each one using heavy spray starch.

4. After a few coats of heavy starch they were nice and stiff. I folded each one in half and gave it a gentle press down the center.

5. I ironed both panels and starched them as well. Then, repeatedly folded them in half, ironing a gentle press with each fold. This created a grid for lining up the stars.

6. By lining up the press marks on the stars with the press marks on the panel, they were straight and {almost} perfectly spaced. This saved me a ton of time measuring.

7. The next step was gluing the stars to the panel. I put a bead of fabric glue around the perimeter of each star. You could also use Stitch Witchery fabric tape if you wanted to avoid glue. If your fabric is thin, fabric tape is a better option.

8. To keep the glue from drying too fast, I went tip by tip. I applied the glue one tip at a time and ironed as I went along. It's important to follow the instructions on the fabric glue for heat setting and use of a press cloth.

9. After the stars were attached, I ironed out the press marks and trimmed the access fabric from the stars along the sides.

The boys love how the star pattern on both panels line up when they are pulled shut at night. They create a really cool starry night effect.

Please let me know if you are making these, I'd love to see photos of your finished project.

My facebook page is a great place to share photos and tell us about your decor projects.

For information on my affordable online design service, please click here.

Linked up to:
DIY Showoff
Home Stories A to Z

DIY No-Sew Star Drapes

2012-03-08T06:29:00.006-08:00

I've been busy updating the boys room little by little. The time has come to graduate from the nautical theme into a more mature design that reflects their love of sports {sniff}. I few weeks ago I shared the first two projects we tackled, The DIY Interchangeable Trophy Shelf and The Custom Sports Equipment Closet.

This week, I finished their new semi-custom drapes...

It's kind of funny referring to them as "semi-custom". That phrase makes them sound fancier than they are. This no-sew project took less than 2 hours to complete. The process is similar to my DIY Striped Drapes just a little quicker.

It's a perfect nap time project.

The total cost was $35. It would have been less if I was able to use their current navy drapes. After removing them I noticed they were faded and needed to be replaced.

Here is what they had before...

{Before}

And now...

{After}

The addition of the stars completely changed the space.

The large graphic pattern had a huge impact on the tiny room.

After the drapes were up, I realized I no longer needed as many accessories as I originally thought. The new drapes and bold wall stripes brought enough visual interest and personality to the space.

Less clutter makes me a happy girl.

I'll be posting a step by step tutorial for this project on Monday.

{Click here to see the step by step tutorial}

If you would like to whip up a pair, here's what you will need to pick up this weekend...

one pair of dark canvas drapes ($17 Walmart), one large white tablecloth or canvas/twill fabric ($13 Target), two tubes of Liquid Stitch or StitchWitchery Fabric Bonding Tape (Walmart $3) and a Sharpie.

Thanks for stopping by.

For information on my affordable online design services, please click here.

Linked up to:
At The Picket Fence
Sassy Sites
Design Dazzle
The Shabby Nest
Chic On A Shoestring

A Home Office Design Plan~Why We Love Transitional Style

2012-03-07T05:51:00.004-08:00

Today, I am using this online design plan so we can talk about Transitional Style and why we love it.

I recently completed this project for a clients home office space. The room sits in the front of the home adjacent to a grand two story foyer.

{source}

It was originally intended to be a formal dining room but after much consideration, the homeowners decided it would be better used as an office. It's the first room you see upon entering the home so, in addition to being functional it had to be impressive.

Here is the design plan I created...

Here is the full design plan in video form:

{Please double click on the screen to view it larger}

Right now, the space is completely empty. It has great bones, a large bay window and board and batten style wainscoting. This project was exciting. We were starting from scratch and choosing all new furnishings.

Here's a peek...

Their design preference leans towards traditional.

Since they are a young, vibrant family the design plan has hints of contemporary style in the accessories.

The combination of contemporary design and traditional design is referred to as "Transitional Style". Pops of green, a large scale patterned rug, geometric patterned drapes and unique lamps give this space a young, fresh personality. The clean lined furnishings and overall nuetral color palette create a timeless design.

{source}

The first purchase, these transitional style bookcases (Tuscan from Ballard Designs). They are absolutely gorgeous.

{source}

As is the Tuscan Desk, in black.

{source}

Love their current chandelier but not for the new office. It'll be replaced with this contemporary floral drum ceiling light fixture.

{source}

We will be getting in on the bamboo design trend with this desk chair, also from Ballard.

{source}

The centerpiece of the design is this amazing Amy Butler wool rug. The simple modern floral design brings a pop of color and whimsy to the space in a calm serene way.

{source}

A pair of white slip covered Tullsta chairs from Ikea will go in front of the bay window. The green Ballard Design garden seat will sit in between the chairs to create an inviting reading/intimate conversation nook.

And the crowned jewel of the space...

{source}

these geometric patterned custom made full length drapes by Drapestyle. My recommendation is to hang them on the outside of the bay window area. By hanging them outside of the recessed area, they will not cover the window. It'll allow the view to remain unobstructed, maximum light to enter the space and the window will appear larger. By letting the drapes pool on the floor, the bay window will become an elegant focal point.

By using simple, clean lined traditional style furnishings as the bones of this plan, the space will stand the test of design time. Having fun with contemporary accessories will keep it fresh, young and current.

Thank you, Stephanie for allowing me to put this design plan together for your new office.

For information on my affordable online design service, please click here.

What are your thoughts on Transitional style...love it or hate it and why?

**Out of courtesy to my clients, I am unable to share all of the product sources shown. Thank you for understanding.**

Family Room Re-Design~Before and After

2012-03-03T07:26:00.003-08:00

Today's before and after is a re-design of a traditional style family room belonging to this guy, Zeke, and his human family of six. You may remember Sarah's Dining Room Before and After from last year. This gorgeous space resides in the same home. I had the privilege of consulting with Sarah {and Zeke} on their family room also.

Here is a look at their family room before:

{Before}

And here it is now:

{After}

The space was beautiful to start with but, a little dark. To lighten it up I suggested painting the fireplace brick. After researching a few different techniques, Sarah decided to go with a white-wash finish as opposed to an opaque paint finish.

White-washing was a great choice for this project. It allowed the variation of the brick to show through creating a gorgeous aged finish. It brightened up the space without looking stark or too new.

Like it's always been this way.

I'll be sharing a tutorial on the technique she used later this week.

Another small change that had a dramatic affect is the new drapery. Sarah made the drapes from a beautiful, bold floral fabric. The color and pattern added a contemporary nudge to the otherwise traditional space. By hanging the new drapes higher, just below the crown molding, the room feels taller.

Here's another peek at the before:

And after:

Just a few changes and this room has a totally new feel.

Thank you Sarah, for inviting me into your home and allowing me to share your beautiful space.

For information on my affordable design services, please click here.

A New Baby: I Need Your Help Naming It...

2012-03-01T06:10:00.010-08:00

Today, I am asking for your help naming a new series on the blog.

Here's the deal...

The time has finally come for a complete kitchen overhaul at The Yellow Cape Cod. The design plan is ready to go and we began getting contractor bids last week.

My kitchen rarely makes an appearance on the blog. It's not horrible, I just kind of...well, hate it.

Here it is...

Yesterday, while I was having my teeth cleaned, I closed my eyes and began dreaming about the new kitchen. It was all coming together seamlessly. The contractor was handling the project and managing the subcontractors. All I had to do was make design decisions, blog about it and live happily ever after in my dream kitchen. One that looks like this...

{source}

Then it happened, the bomb was dropped, right in the middle of my dream. The Dentist ruined everything. He came into the room and gently broke the news, all three of my kids have a cross bite that require braces. Three kids times three sets of braces = $15,000.

My first thought...how bad can it be living with crooked teeth...kidding.

{source}

Since my heart is set on the making this kitchen a reality, I'm going forward with the project Do-It-Yourself Style. I'll be tackling the projects myself, enlisting the help of my husband and maybe a painter.

{source}

This project will be a big one so it's fitting that I dedicate a new series on the blog. Right now this baby is titled "Don't Let The Dentist Stand in The Way of Your Dreams For a New Kitchen"

{source}

What do you think, too wordy?

I'd like to invite you to follow along with me as I plug forward with a new {small} project budget. It will be a challenge for sure. This series will include You Tube video tutorials as well as step by step DIY tutorials on the blog. I will take you behind the scenes of this project beginning to end. The good, bad and ugly of a dream kitchen transformation DIY style~on a budget.

From this...

To this...

Now, it's time to give this baby a proper name.

Please leave your suggestions in the comments or send them to TheYellowCapeCod@yahoo.com

I know you guys will come up with something witty.

Thanks!

Linked up to:
Thrifty Decor Chick