Design LIFE

Social Parade!

2010-10-15T06:01:00.001-07:00

Today I’m participating in

Custom distressed furniture!

2010-10-13T09:33:00.001-07:00

Last weekend my husband and I attended a workshop from Mandie at Altar’d – Funky Chic Furniture with some friends & family and learned some fabulous new techniques on painting and refinishing furniture.

Tyler is so talented and we have decided to pursue this craft! We are working on a few pieces we’ve had hanging around in our garage & then will start painting furniture for a local store in Denton called When Pigs Fly – A Curious Little Shop.

In addition we would love to help anyone who has furniture that needs a little TLC. If you have a piece you’d like a quote on, please email me!

Allison {at} DesignLifeInc {dot} net

The first dresser we tackled is for Bella’s Big Girl Room!

Here it is BEFORE – quite a find for $30!

Tyler structurally re-worked the entire piece and stabilized the back and sides, made new slides for the drawers and fixed each drawer.

He also removed the hardware and patched the holes so we could use knobs instead of pulls & routed the top of the dresser to give it a bit more detail.

And the finished piece! I am in love!

On our way to the workshop we stopped at a garage sale and found an oval mirror for $6! We bought it and painted & distressed it to match Bella’s dresser so we can hang it in her new room.

Here is the frame BEFORE

And the frame AFTER, with a Giveaway chalkboard. Once we get the mirror up and in the room I’ll post more photos.

We also bought this chest for $30 for our Living Room.

We painted, distressed and glazed this piece and I think it’s fabulous!!

Linking up to these parties:

Custom Pillows!

2010-10-13T08:38:00.001-07:00

I recently started making burlap custom pillows to sell at a local store. Here are a few styles that are available for purchase at When Pigs Fly – A Curious Little Shop in Denton.

You can also place orders by simply sending me an email.

Allison {at} DesignLifeInc {dot} net

Custom damask print with 1” flange

15” x 24”

“Love” pillow

12” x 16”

*also available in “faith” and “hope”

Chandelier pillow

16” x 16”

Snowflakes!

20” x 20”

Custom single initial Monogram

18” x 18”

Custom Monogram

11” x 17”

All pillows include fills & can be ordered in custom sizes and ink color.

Table for Six

2010-09-21T15:09:00.001-07:00

Here’s a sneak peek of a Dining Room that is near completion. We’re waiting on our fabulous dining chairs but wanted to share a few photos of our initial installation.

Dining Room window BEFORE

Window AFTER!

Window seat BEFORE

Window seat AFTER

Buffet BEFORE

Buffet AFTER

Special thanks to my sweet husband, Tyler, for installing my projects!

Curtain Call

2010-07-02T06:21:00.001-07:00

I love window treatments.

Love love.

Luckily it’s my specialty in the interior design world.

I have a binder devoted to great treatments I've seen of the past years that I’ve torn out of magazines.

Here are a few I’ve found on the internet … maybe one day I’ll spend some time scanning the images from my Idea Book and share them as well.

meet Katie!

2010-06-15T11:08:00.001-07:00

I had a productive and inspiring meeting with Katie Norris yesterday. We are designing her home office and I’m convinced we make a fabulous team! She is talented and creative with such a clear vision of what hopes to achieve with her office.

After a few hours of collaborating we came up with some great things which I’d love to share!

But first, a bit more about Katie.

We met a few years ago at Hayslip and worked together for a short period of time. Katie studied interior design but recently followed her passion for photography.

And I’m so happy she did!

Here are a few of my favorite images she captured.

Please visit Katie Norris Portrait Arts for more information on her services. And peek at her blog for some wonderful photos!

Now onto her office …

She is inspired by the set of Something’s Gotta Give. Mmmm who isn’t? Makes my heart melt!

We are planning to paint the walls a soft dove gray and have (temporarily) narrowed it down to Manhattan Mist or Subtle Touch.

Katie already has some great hardwood floors and millwork in the room that will be painted white, along with the ceiling!

We are also using her existing sisal rug under her floating writing desk (not shown in the photo).

We may paint the sisal with a great subtle stencil down the road.

We both fell in love with this chair from Restoration Hardware! It would be perfect for her desk chair.

These chairs are perfect for the pair of client chairs we’re shopping for! Both have great lines and I love either a linen or mohair!

Behind the pair of chairs I suggest a long narrow bench to sit under her product wall. This will allow for more seating when she’s meeting with clients and brides.

Adding a tray on the bench will allow her to display albums and additional products that you would showcase on a coffee table.

Katie keeps an inspiration board in her current office, which I love! Simply upholstering a bulletin board with linen and adding a great frame will dress up the inspiration board and help fit into her new office space!

Behind Katie’s writing desk we’re going to put a large console. We both swooned over this piece!!

Not sure that it’s in budget, but it’s the style and feel we’re going for.

On top of the lamp I’d like a pair of great lamps to add height, additional lighting and warmth to the space.

Over the writing desk we’ll add a drum shade pendant of some sort. I love this one from Aidan Gray!

Lastly, the idea for the windows is to add grass shades and simple, straight linen panels with sleek hardware.

Follow along for more updates, purchases and the final installation in a few months!

the big reveal

2010-06-12T14:00:00.001-07:00

Today I completed K & S’s Master Bedroom.

I love it.

They love it.

The room is tailored, sophisticated, calm, serene, beautiful, classic and resembles their personality.

I’ve enjoyed the process of designing this room and look forward to working with them on their Dining Room!

Enjoy.

Bed BEFORE

Bed AFTER

Window BEFORE

Window AFTER

Chair BEFORE

Chair AFTER

Table BEFORE

Table AFTER

Social Parade!

2010-06-11T04:57:00.001-07:00

Join the party at

Thoughtful Thursday

2010-06-10T06:29:00.001-07:00

Today I’d like to shine a light on one of my special followers.

Cynthia Delgadillo is a stay at home mom of two little girls. After shopping for “adopted” children one Christmas, Cynthia realized that some children go to sleep at night in the clothes they wore that day because they didn't have the “luxury” of pajamas. She made a decision to help others in 2009 and it grew into Operation Sweet Dreams.

Their mission is simple & wonderful:

“…to provide Sweet Dreams to local needy children. We are dedicated to making a difference in our community by providing free pajamas, toothbrushes, and books to children in low-income areas. “

Since this organization started, over 300 pairs of pajamas have been provided to children in need.

Through much support, Operation Sweet Drams has become a finalist in the Pepsi Refresh Project. This project will provide grants to fund great ideas. Spread the word and vote for a great cause! Cynthia hopes to bless 2,000 children with new pajamas, toothbrushes and books if she receives this $25,000 grant.

You can vote here!

Please visit their website (clickable button on right) for additional information, photos of children who have received their gifts and to learn more about how you can help!

Thank you, Operation Sweet Dreams, for making a difference in so many lives!

You’re an inspiration.

Slow and Steady wins the Race

2010-06-09T08:11:00.001-07:00

We’ve made a little progress on Bella’s big girl room! Tyler and I have decided to make this a work in progress so we can budget for the room and work on furniture, accessory, bedding and painting projects at a manageable pace.

We hope to have Bella in her “new” room by Thanksgiving (for a few various reasons) so we plenty of time to finish her room!

I recently fell in love with this bookcase from Pottery Barn!

Unfortunately it is $399.00!

Our first thought was for Tyler to build one (as if he needs another project on his list). We went to Lowes and estimated how much it would cost in wood & materials and we were at at least $50.

Then I found this bookcase at a local antique store!!

And it was $85!

SOLD

We may do a little repainting & possibly change the color of the roof & windows to compliment her new (to-be-determined) color scheme.

We also purchased this toddler bed from a neighbor’s garage sale for a fabulous price!

After we finalize fabrics and our color scheme I’m going to make bedding for the bed. Hopefully a simple bedskirt, pillows & coverlet of some sort.

I’m also going to make a corner canopy! The room really needs some height since most of her furniture is small so this will help bring your eye up in the room.

I’m searching for a bed crown to mount on the wall & then will fabricate 2 bed panels and 1 back panel to fall against the wall.

Similar to this image from Posh Living.

These crown options are from Touch of Class and I like all of them, in a white/creamy finish.

This canopy is from Petit Tresor and fittingly named the Bella Bed Crown.

We have also moved this small white table in Bella’s new room and it will be perfect for playing! I’m on the look-out for a few adorable chairs to use with it.

I’m also considering skirting the table to hide many of her toys that we can stash under the table!

Lastly, I’ve found a “home” for this fabulous dress form my husband got (for free!!) many years ago from the Trade Mart before they closed.

I’ve decided to dress it up with a fun tu-tu and jewelry. Please don’t think these are the items staying on the figure …this is simply all I had on hand. :)

Relaxing Weekend

2010-05-29T07:47:00.001-07:00

We started our long holiday weekend with a BBQ & swimming at my sister’s house last night. We have a lot more pool side fun planned for the next few days!

To celebrate the Memorial Day weekend, here are some fabulous outdoor images.

Enjoy!

Social Parade

2010-05-28T19:55:00.001-07:00

Check out this blog and hopefully find some new followers & friends!

Knock Knock

2010-05-28T12:46:00.001-07:00

Our front door is complete!

Tyler finished painting the door and fixed the hardware so it easily opens when turning the knob either direction. Ideal for a front door!

Here’s a reminder of what our house looked like BEFORE

AFTER with shutters

And AFTER with painted front door!

Tyler did a great job and I love the color we selected.

Big thanks to my Mother-in-law, Janet, for planting these beautiful flowers & plants for us to enjoy!

Trendy Love

2010-05-26T06:33:00.001-07:00

Chalkboard is all the trend now.

And I love it!

I’m trying to convince my husband to smooth the lower half of our guest bedroom walls so we can have chalkboard paint under the chair rail for Bella’s Big Girl Room.

I haven’t gotten a solid “yes” yet … or even a “maybe”. But I’m not giving up hope.

(photo above from Country Living)

If that plan falls through … here are some other great ways to use chalkboard paint.

Living Etc.

Pottery Barn Kids

Living Etc.

Great Custom Furniture

Faiella Design

Outblush.com

Better Homes & Gardens

If you aren’t into chalkboard paint, then try this fabulous art-inspiring wallpaper from Land of Nod!!

New Look

2010-05-24T05:27:00.001-07:00

Happy Monday!

I decided to change up the look of my blog a bit …

What do you think?

I’d love a fancy “professional” layout, but until then … this will have to do.

First Impression

2010-05-19T08:23:00.001-07:00

I had a great chat with a wonderful lady yesterday about first impressions of a home. It inspired me to give a few tips and share images of fabulous, inviting Foyers!

The best advice I can offer is keep it simple & clean. Too much furniture or too many accessories can overwhelm a small space. Ideally a Foyer should feel open & give a breath of fresh air to your home.

You can add a personal touch to welcome guests to YOUR home.

We have our wedding photo & the painting Tyler gave me on our wedding day – two items I treasure!

Add a pop of color!

You can never go wrong with fresh cut flowers. They add beauty and smell wonderful.

Take advantage of small spaces by adding mirrors.

Keep it light & bright!

i {heart} purple

2010-05-18T14:26:00.001-07:00

I did a bit of fabric shopping at the design center this morning for a client and pulled together this scheme.

What do you think?

Big Boy room for WHO?

2010-05-17T06:49:00.001-07:00

My sister and I went shopping Saturday and found the cutest fabric for John’s big boy room! We both loved it and made a scheme around it.

We decided to use the owl print (which we both fell for) on the duvet cover & possibly pillows, lamp shade & floor cushion.

We selected a solid off white (same color as the background of the owl fabric) for the tailored bed skirt & purchased a brown & blue cord to trim the duvet cover above … to give a visual break between the duvet cover & bed skirt.

This polka dot fabric is going to be additional pillows in the room.

This fabric didn’t photograph very well … but it looks fabulous with the scheme & will be used on the upholstered headboard!

As the room begins to take shape and we work on more details and fun accessories I’ll share them with you!!

More news to come on the Nautical Nursery …

Master Bedroom Take One

2010-05-16T16:13:00.001-07:00

We started our installation in K & S’s Master Bedroom yesterday. It looks beautiful and is really starting to transform into a new space!

We installed new window treatments, bedding, re-upholstered lounge chair & bench, new lighting, skirted table & art work!

Window treatments BEFORE

Window treatments AFTER

A few details of the room

Our gorgeous fabric for the duvet and bed pillows was on backorder, so we have a few more weeks until they are complete. Then I will reveal the entire room!

I’m thrilled with our progress and even received a note from my client last night about how much she loves the new room.

What more could I ask for?

Showing at:

Welcome Home

2010-05-14T05:25:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we welcomed two new beauties into our home.

Both were {great} deals we found on Craigslist!

The first is a tiny table standing only 20-1/2” high. I originally liked it for a client … and then laughed when I realized how small it was. Then it dawned on me – it would be perfect for Bella’s Big Girl Room!

It’s the perfect height to sit next to an old chair (found for $5) that we plan to use in her room. {More details on the chair later – but I will just mention this: painted distressed frame with Peacock Blue velvet upholstery– YUM!}

The plan is to sand, paint & slightly distress the table. Then I want to do a stencil on the top of the table.

I think we all know (if you’ve been following my blog) that our house is now cool thanks to a new A/C unit … which means our plans to turn our sun room into my home office is on hold.

Interior design comes with a lot of stuff – fabrics, samples, paint swatches, catalogs, books, pages torn from magazine … it doesn’t end. And I need storage.

So I found this little lady.

Luckily it was inexpensive – only $20.

It has great detailing and just needs a little cosmetic help… and let’s be honest … a bit of structural work. Luckily my husband is a handy guy!

This is what Tyler had to say about the piece:

“It’s like a young child … full of potential. Unfortunately it’s in the body of a decrepit old man.”

What a funny man he is.

And look who came out of hiding! The soul mate to my revamped desk lamp! Looks like another lamp makeover is in my near future.

(Post about my new desk lamp can be seen here)

Of course this may mean I’ll have to rearrange (again) the family photos on the wall, but that’s a small price to pay!

The verdict is still out on what color to paint the new chest. The color I would love to paint it would mean I’d have to reupholster my green mohair French chairs … and possibly my sofa and all other furniture in my Living Room.

Seems reasonable – right?!

Follow along for updates on these pieces and a few others we’re working on for Bella’s Room!

Thoughtful Thursday

2010-05-13T06:03:00.001-07:00

Today I want to mention a way that I want to give back.

It’s simple.

Yet challenging to make a reality.

On March 10, 2009 our daughter Isabella Grace was born. There were some complications and she was in the NICU for 10 days. In addition, I had been in the hospital for a few weeks prior to her birth on bed rest.

After we took our bundle of JOY home, we started getting medical bills. One after another, one more expensive than the last.

I talked to Texas Health hospital about a payment plan and they didn’t offer any. Since we had so many other bills, the sweet lady on the phone took our information and submitted our “case” to their charity department at the hospital.

Many many weeks later we got a call. The hospital paid for my hospital bill and my daughter’s NICU bill in full.

What a blessing!

Since then I decided I wanted to give back.

I want to volunteer my time to help the fabulous doctors and nurses in the NICU who saved our daughters life. To help families who are going through struggles we experienced.

Flash forward to May of 2010 and I’m still on their waiting list to volunteer in their NICU. However I won’t give up hope! Every 6 months I have to resubmit an application, but one day I hope to post about how I was accepted and am finally able to give back to those who gave us everything – our daughter!

Have a seat!

2010-05-12T10:55:00.001-07:00

We made some exciting progress in my client’s Sun Room today!

I purchased this new chair at a great price! Inexpensive enough that we had enough money in our “chair budget” to refinish and reupholster in some fabulous fabric!

Chair BEFORE

and AFTER!

I found this fabulous fabric at Robert Allen and upholstered the seat & inside chair back. I found a great faux leather for the outside seat back, for an interesting contrast!

I did a French Grey wash on the finish &I love it the new look!

We also decided to add a bit of foam to the seat and back cushion to give it a softer feel. What a difference it makes!

Oh and have I mentioned how much I adore this lamp I purchased at Global Views? Perfect for the space!

My client also had an old sleeper sofa. I had confidence we could find a great fabric and have it reupholstered and bring this baby into 2010!

Sofa BEFORE

Sofa AFTER!

I think it looks great! I also had my upholsterer (who did a fabulous job!) raise the sofa a few inches to help with the scale of the sofa. This helps it better relate to the built in seating & tall dining table.

I found this console table on Craigslist for a great price a few days ago. We’re going to purchase this and revamp it to go behind the sofa!

Many more exciting things to come for A.W.’s Sun Room!

Up next: Pillows!

I am working on the faux leather pillows (fabric from chair back) with bird appliqués, rosettes and other fun detailing!

Row, row, row your boat

2010-05-10T19:12:00.001-07:00

This weekend my sister and I are going to shop for fabrics, furniture and accessories for new Baby B’s nursery and John’s big boy Room!

My sister, Jen (who has a great crafty blog that you can see here) has decided on a nautical theme for the nursery. I love this concept and have found a few images that inspire me!

Jason Priestley and his wife created this fabulous nursery (along with some help, I’m sure) for their little bundle.

Loving the concept of using pails as storage.

How sweet is this rocking boat from Restoration Hardware?

What a classic color scheme!

I love this creative way to hang window treatment panels.

These fabrics are great!

And I love this sweet boat!

Check back soon for updates on the nursery and big boy room!

We’ll share fun finds, projects and creative ideas!

Happy Mother’s Day

2010-05-09T09:04:00.001-07:00

What a special day!

We are celebrating Mother’s Day with our wonderful family and sweet baby Bella!

What a surprise when I saw my handmade tablecloth was featured on Bird Crafts!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Thoughtful Thursday

2010-05-06T04:48:00.001-07:00

Happy Thursday!

Today I’m shining light on some thoughtful, green & charitable work done by a great group of people at Southwest Airlines.

Years ago, Jaime Ibarra brought his urban gardening skills to his workplace & his passion has become contagious.

Jaime and my dad, John, joined forces to make Jaime’s Garden come to life.

Together they collected leftover food from employees to make compost for their garden and turned a portion of the grassy area outside the SWA building into a garden.

The two gardeners, along with the help of other employee volunteers, have turned this garden into a way to help others.

This concept I love!

Everything grown is 100% organic and all of the vegetables harvested from the garden will be donated to local food banks. Those who are struggling and in need of assistance will get fresh, organic food … thanks to a big idea that turned into Jaime’s Garden.

Jaime’s Garden is growing.

Jaime’s Garden is making our world a better place … one vegetable at a time.

Do you have a story to share? Email me & I’d love to showcase how you have been inspired to help others!