Design Your Life

High Impact Office Design

2013-03-07T13:13:00.000-08:00

When I first moved into my home, I started decorating the rooms we use the most, then the rooms I see the most. Last Christmas when friends were gathering by the front door, I realized that I had neglected the first room you see when you walk in my house! Sure, it was okay and put together, but it was kind of the catch all for our leftover furniture from hand-me-downs and ikea... It was time for a change! I sold the couch, sold the desk, and moved the things I wanted to keep like the clock, curtains and ottoman. Starting from scratch was so much easier than trying to work with the things I had that just didn't fit.

Before:

After:

The most important thing to me in the office was the color. I wanted something different, dramatic, and classy. My comfort zone kept bringing me to black(yes, that's my comfort zone ;) ), but just painting black in my bathroom, I tore myself away. I went with Benjamin Moore's Dark Harbor, mixed 25% darker. I couldn't decide between Dark Harbor and the darker color, so this was an in between color. It is perfect! The best way I can describe it is the color of the deepest part of the ocean in Cabo. It's blue, it's green, it's beautiful!! Unfortunately the pictures don't do it justice. It is much more teal/green than it shows.

I wanted paneling to add interest to the walls and intensify the color. For $160, it made such a difference, and made the room look so high end!

Here are the wrought iron gates I bought for $40 at Home Goods and attached it with brackets.

I found this cabinet for $9.99 at Goodwill in Cherry, and spray painted it black. You would never guess that it was second hand and scratched, and it fits all of our office supplies perfectly! I looked for a new one to match it and was shocked when I realized I'd be paying $599 for the matching one! Yeah right! Oh well, a hand-me-down pedestal will have to do for now.

This phone was a TJ Maxx find from when I was in high school, and I have fond memories of when my now husband calling up to my apartment on this phone. I had to incorporate it somewhere! Plus, it's cool.

The desk was a Craigslist find that actually happened to match my bedroom set! It was meant to be!

The Pennsylvania House wing back chair was a Craigslist find for $5.00!! That's about $1500 less than retail. Score.

I am SO happy with the way it turned out! We spent about $600 on the entire room, about half the cost of the suggested retail price of just the desk! A small price to pay for a room that looks like a million bucks! When I talk to my design clients about big impact, this is what I'm talking about!

Style at Any Price

2013-02-13T13:28:00.002-08:00

The worst design advice I've ever heard is, "It won't look expensive if it's not expensive." Really?! This person was on HGTV's Design Star! Okay now riddle me this, Guy McGee: I found this table online for $472.50. Do I need to pay that? No thanks. I think I'll go to Ross and pick one up for $39.99. Niener, niener, niener.

Candelabra Lighting & Decor $472.50

Ross $39.99

Bring the Outdoors In

2013-02-13T11:49:00.000-08:00

I'm always looking for unexpected elements to add to my home. When I found this bark at a garage sale from a florist and knew it was exactly what was missing! I went straight to Trader Joe's, bought two orchids and stared at it for an hour... LOVE!! If you don't happen to stumble upon a fabulous florist's garage sale, you can find natural elements like this at craft stores like Michael's, craft Warehouse, Hobby Lobby, or.... your neighborhood nursery!

House of Basil

2013-01-08T19:02:00.001-08:00

I love finding new ways to display items that I use everyday so they are easy to grab but still make a design statement. I simply put the basil plant from Trader Joe's inside the birdhouse and Viola! A creative way to display every day items.

Rustic French Guest Bedroom

2013-01-02T14:05:00.002-08:00

Since most of my friends live close by, I rarely get to host guests overnight. But when my friends from Tennessee or the coast come, I get giddy preparing for their arrival! Last night I worked on a 30 minute stencil project with a sheer pearl/champagne faux finish damask accent on the back wall. It is so subtle, yet so pretty! Little thoughtful touches like this really make a room custom and designer-worthy. The bed and chandelier are both from Craigslist ($50 each), and my next project is refinishing the cherry posts to a rustic whitewash to match the woodwork on the chair.

The stencil was purchased at Michaels craft store for about $15! I have used it in multiple craft projects since I bought it about a year ago, so I have definitely gotten my money's worth!

The sconces were purchased at Ross several years ago and I glazed them with a copper distressing to make them match the Thomasville chandelier.

The stencil catches your eye as you walk by and draws you into the room.

Design Your Budget-Use Your Smartphone!

2012-12-26T22:12:00.002-08:00

http://www.etsy.com/listing/108256107/on-sale-now-bling-swarovski-crystal?ref=v1_other_2

I'm all about saving money, but I refuse to spend 2 hours a day clipping coupons to save 15 cents here and a dollar there. My time is worth money. There is one luxury I pay for every month that I don't flinch on because I know it pays for itself many times over throughout the month: My iPhone! If you know how to use it, you can save 15-20% without even trying! I should really keep track, but I probably save an average of $10 per day,(yes, per DAY!) just by Googling coupons.

Google: When you're in line at the store, simply Google "[store name]coupon" and voila! Sites like RetailmeNot.com and FatWallet.com will come up with all kinds of coupons, and the cashier can scan the barcode at the register!

Apps: Coupon apps like the "Coupon Sherpa" have saved me a ton! Just in the last week, I've received a free frozen yogurt, 25% off Ashley furniture, $10 off of $50 at Babies R Us, $10 off of $30 at Bath & Body Works, and $10 off of $20 at Macaroni Grill.
The app "Red Laser" is great for telling what things are really worth, so you know if you are getting a good deal or not. I use this a lot for wines when I haven't heard of the brand. Simply scan the barcode with your phone, and it will display a list of places you can buy it with the price at each place.

Leave a comment about easy ways that you save money from your smart phone!

P.S. How cute is this phone case from Cellcaseworks?!?!

Trick or Treat!

2012-10-14T08:37:00.001-07:00

For someone who doesn't care for Halloween, I still try to be a little festive for the neighbor kids... Simple, fun projects brought my front porch from the Grinch of Hallow's Eve to an autumn wonderland! I stenciled damask onto pumpkins and glitter glued a spider web! Easy peasy pumpkin tower! Mixed with a $5 garage sale gate and some cheap hydrangeas I'll plant to bloom for next year, it's a Happy Halloween at the Roberts' house!!

Black Powder Room

2012-09-26T11:13:00.000-07:00

My long-neglected half bath has finally gotten a makeover! After having an entire great room painted black in my last house, I really missed the drama. I went with a flat black with a gloss black stencil, and I am so happy with the results!

I love my silver leaf lion head vase I got at the Lamps Plus clearance sale! I've seen these for hundreds of dollars at high end furniture stores, but I got this one for $9.99! Soooo over the top, but so is the whole bathroom. Sometimes you just have to go big when you go home :)

The lamps were a HomeGoods purchase for $19.99 each. I'm a sucker for anything with metallic and mirror.

I'll be honest, the stenciling sucked... It took me a total of 8 hours to paint and stencil! This did not include painting the moulding afterward... I used the Marrakech Trellis stencil from the Moroccan collection.

Before...

After...

Wrought Iron Doors

2012-09-26T10:08:00.000-07:00

What's the first thing people see when they walk into your house? For me, it is my glass office doors. Pretty, but BOOOOOORIIIIIIING!!!! I spruced them up last weekend with $40 wrought iron gates from HomeGoods, and I am so happy with the results!!!

This was the best before picture I could find... Bad blogger!

I had brackets made at a sheet metal shop(thanks Dad!) and painted them with an acrylic faux finish to make them disappear.

I simplified the accessories so you could appreciate the beauty of the gate. Love!

A fraction of the cost of custom doors, 20 minutes to install(Thanks, Bubby!), and seductive, high end results.

"Wrought Iron" Garden Art

2012-09-15T19:02:00.001-07:00

I've been looking for inexpensive iron art for my fence along a large stretch of grass on the side yard. When I came across this outdoor rubber floor mat for $6 at one of my favorite discount stores, I was sold! A little construction adhesive to attach a $2 wooden letter from Michael's, and wha-la! "Wrought iron" garden art!!

Gluten Free Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cake

2012-09-09T21:34:00.001-07:00

I am so happy Fall is in the air! Cinnamon candles, Starbucks salted caramel mochas and pumpkin EVERYTHING! Or as we say in my household, "Punkin". When I realized I could combine 2 of my favorite things-salted caramel and pumpkin, I was in Heaven! Pumpkin cake with buttercream frosting and salted caramel drizzle..... Ugh! Now clean up your drool and start baking! This is the first gluten-free, dairy-free thing I have ever made where I had multiple people without dietary restrictions have asked for the recipe!

Gluten-Free Cake:
1 1/2 Cup Brown Rice Flour
1/3 cup Tapioca Flour
1/2 tsp Baking Powder
1 tsp Baking Soda
3/4 tsp Sea Salt
1/2 Nutmeg

1/2 Cup Canola Oil
1 1/3 Cup Sugar
2 Eggs or egg replacement
1 Cup Canned Pumpkin
1/3 Cup Water
3/4 tsp Vanilla

(For the "Glutenous Maximus" version of this recipe, replace brown rice and tapioca flours with 1 2/3 cups all purpose white flour.)

Frosting:
1/4 cup Earth Balance Buttery Spread, softened
2 tsp Hazelnut Milk
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
2/3 tsp Vanilla
1 1/2 Cup Powdered Sugar

Caramel Drizzle
6 Tbs Dark Brown Sugar
2 Tbs Water
2 Tbs Earth Balance Buttery Spread
1/2 tsp Salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients for cake and bake for about 35 minutes or until it bounces back when you press the top.
Frost with the frosting, drizzle with the drizzle and top with rock sea salt! Enjoy!!

Strawberries and Cream Cupcakes

2012-05-29T13:59:00.000-07:00

Ummm, so strawberries were on sale.....

My husband takes things very literally. When I asked him for some lotion at Victoria's Secret for my birthday when we first started dating, he bought me an entire sample pack with about 5 pounds of lotion, the matching body sprays, and one large of each of his favorites. Needless to say, we've been together 8 years and I still have an entire drawer of lotion. I digress. So I asked him for strawberries yesterday, and I got about 32 million pounds. Strawberry cupcakes anyone?

Ever read something that rings so true you want to tattoo it on your arm?

Start by making cupcakes from the box. Butter recipe is still my favorite! Put about 5 large strawberries in a blender and pulse 3 times, or until straberries are chunky. Mix strawberry pulp into batter and continue to bake folling instructions on the box.

Frost using my favorite frosting recipe!

3-3/4 cup (l lb. box) Powdered Sugar

1/4 cup milk

1 tsp. vanilla
1/3 cup butter (2/3 stick), softened

1/4 tsp. salt

Dip a few of the strawberries in Nutella, and place on the top of the frosted cupcakes! Are you drooling yet?

Place sliced strawberries spuratically on top and leave some plain. Garnish all with white or green pearl sprinkles for a touch of fun.

Hanging for Dummies

2012-05-19T10:29:00.000-07:00

Do you look at something with 2 hanging brackets and run the other way? No more! This is the easiest way to hang a picture, a shelf, or whatever you could ever hang! Here's what you need:

Hammer

Nails

Toothpaste(preferable blue in color)

A level

Put a dab of toothpaste on the bracket, right above where the nail would go.

Lick off the excess if you'd like for minty freshness ;)

Hold the subject to be hung with a level against the wall and when you get it in the right place, gently press the brackets into the wall, just enough to transfer the toothpaste on the wall.

Locate your toothpaste marks on the wall, and revel in the simplicity of this method!

You now have perfect marks of where exactly to put your nails!

Hang, and use the rest of your free time to laugh about what a pain hanging a picture used to be! :)

Beautiful!!!

The Apple of my Iris

2012-05-09T19:46:00.001-07:00

Last year in my daily browsing of my beloved Craigslist, I decided to check out the "free stuff" section. I'm not going to lie, that section scares me a little..... But 2 days after I had purchased Iris bulbs for $4 a piece, the title "free Iris bulbs" caught my eye. (Rest assured, I am always very cautious when I do my Craigslisting. More on that later.) I showed up at the house with a small spade and a Nordstrom bag. Little did I know.... This guy had 5 beds of Iris the size of my house!! He laughed at my spade and gave me a full size shovel and in 3 hours I had the entire back of my Jeep FULL! I planted them on my side yard so I could cut them and have them inside!

I love being able to go out in my yard and cut as many as I want! My office, friends and family are all receiving flowers this month!!

Cinco de Mayo!

2012-05-04T10:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Cinco de Mayo!!!

The Secret to Good Negotiation

2012-03-05T15:31:00.001-08:00

I am an awesome negotiator. Over the years, I have saved thousands of dollars, just by asking! What would you do with an extra thousand dollars or two? That's a lot of Starbucks.....

Coupons: You don't have to be some extreme couponer. Before you go, just search online for in store coupons. A lot of places offer a 20% off coupon or $50 off coupon just for signing up for their email. I actually downloaded one coupon from a furniture store website that was $50 off. I went to the sale section and found a vase that was half off, plus the $50 off, and I got a $100 vase for FREE!

Free Delivery: Most furniture stores pay their sales staff commission. They want to sell something just as much as you want to buy it! Go ahead! Ask for extra discounts, free delivery, anything extra they can throw your way if you "buy it today". They know they are more likely to make a sale if you buy it today, than if they charge you full delivery and take the chance that you'll come back and make the purchase tomorrow. Most associates have the authority to remove the delivery discount, and by all means, ask! Don't be intimidated if they have to call a manager. I used this tactic on my bedroom set and saved myself $400!

Make 'em sweat: If they don't give you a deal, walk away. You can always come back and get the same deal if you can't live without it. But chances are, the closer you get to the door, the sweeter the deal will get. I got this chandelier at a garage sale from $50 to $35 by walking away :)

Milk your discounts: Are you a contractor? Military? A senior? A student? A teacher? Do you work in the same complex as the store? A lot of stores give discounts for many reasons. Just ask what kind of discounts they offer and you're likely to fit into one of those categories!

Craigslist negotiation:
Make the trip: Drive to the location before you make an offer. Just tell them you would like to come see it, but don't give them the price in your head yet. I made a half hour trip for this bookcase and got it for $100 off the asking price, plus he delivered it to my house and put it in my office!

Point out the imperfections: If you're buying something used, it's going to have some scratches and dents-that's what gives it character! But Craigslist Seller McGoo does not need to know that you are excited about the history of the piece. If they said it was in great shape in the ad, just say "Well it's not in the condition I was expecting, it hardly looks new...", and if they warned you about some scratches in the ad, just say "I didn't realize it had this many scratches on it...".
If it's in perfect shape, point out something else: "Well, it's a lot larger than I imagined, I just don't know how it's going to look in the space..." or "It looks a lot different than the picture on Craigslist..."
Really debate over the decision-1.because you need to in any purchase, and 2. because it's a great negotiating tool! While you're thinking about it or "thinking about it", Craigslist Seller McGoo is thinking "Man, I really just want to get rid of this thing! I'd give it away for free right now!" ...And that's when you pounce :) Because of a few imperfections, I got this Pottery Barn end table for $5!

See beyond the photo: Most people are horrible at taking pictures. Really look at what you're buying and not the quality of the photo. The less others can see in the photo, the better for you! Less competition = greater negotiation. I bought this bed(headboard, footboard, etc, NOT a mattress!) off a picture of it in 10 pieces, laying on a floor of a dark garage. I was able to get it for $50, and once I put it together, I could have sold it for $300!

Make an offer: After pointing out the imperfections and your concerns, say "Since I'm really not sure about it, I'd like to try it and give you $___ for it." Too simple? Fine, make it harder, but I'm not going to teach you how to do it!! This negotiation tool has worked 10 out of 10 times for me. I even got one man to deliver a bookcase to my door.

Never refuse a hand-me-down! I was given this palm from an old friend in college who was moving to California. I offered him $20 for it, but he gave it to me for free! A new ceramic pot and it has been a main piece in our living room for years.

This Horchow mirror started as a horrid picture on Craigslist of the side of it in a corner of a storage unit. A 45 minute trip and a bit of negotiating, I got this $900 mirror for $150.

I got this Pennsylvania House wingback chair on Craigslist from a college kid. When I showed up, it was completely different from what the photo looked like, and the kid just wanted to get rid of it, not realizing it was a $1,200 chair. I hesitated, and he offered it to me for free, but I felt bad and gave him $5 for coffee :) Not a recommended negotiating tactic, but I figured I've saved so much over the years, it's time to pay it forward!

The Power of a Penny

2012-01-27T10:28:00.000-08:00

It's tulip season again!! Beautiful, colorful, plentiful!

But we've all had this happen............

What would you pay to keep your tulips perky and last 4 days longer? How about a penny? Put just one penny in the vase with your tulips and the copper will make them last 4 days longer without drooping!! Trust me, it's worth the investment!

Now go enjoy your beautiful tulips!!

A Wirey Situation

2012-01-24T11:10:00.000-08:00

I'm laying on my sofa, staring at my beautiful credenza and its silver leafed finish, intricate knobs, tapered legs and.....WIRES! All I can stare at are those ugly wires! I zip tied, taped and bunched, but they would not go away! I finally decided to take the next step.

When I had my crown moulding done in my living room, the contractors left an extra piece of moulding just over the width of the credenza. Perfect! I cut it to fit, which you can also have done for free at the hardware store.

I tucked all the wires behind the moulding and Wah-la! No more wires!!!

Now I can enjoy my beautiful credenza without the mess. Ahhhh..... Relaxation until I start thinking about my next project- in about 5 minutes...

Trend Alert: Playful Candeliers

2012-01-20T10:07:00.000-08:00

These days, we're looking for anything out of the ordinary that takes our breath away. This twist on traditional chandeliers is mixing modern and timeless elements to make a high fashion statement. The peek-a-boo effect has got designers begging for more!

BaBEE Shower

2012-01-12T15:39:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure today of throwing a baby shower for my friend and coworker, Sarah. It was so much fun to work with a theme other than the typical pink and blue!

I found these miniature pineapple sodas at Winco for 20 cents a piece! Then I quickly designed labels on printed paper and wrapped them around with siple scotch tape.

A two tiered cake really amped up the look of this tablescape. Since it was an offsite party, I'm kicking myself for forgetting a cake plate! A risen white pedastal would have worked perfectly.

Is she the cutest little prego ever?! My mission was to create a shower as sweet as her!!

Back in Business!

2012-01-12T11:02:00.000-08:00

I have been an awful blogger lately...Terrible!! ...But with good excuse. I got my real estate broker's license, my certified staging license, went to Cabo with my husband, quit my job and started a new one!! So if you know anyone who is moving to/from the Portland area and want a heck of a house with a heck of a house warming party included, send me a message!! With a fresh start to new year, I am back to my readers and my party planning. Here is a little preview of a baby shower I'm throwing this afternoon! More pictures to come!!

Pomegranate Orange Salad

2011-12-13T10:50:00.000-08:00

Looking for a festive winter salad this holiday? This pomegranate orange salad with a homemade vinaigrette is the perfect addition to a holiday spread.

Ingredients:

16 oz mixed green salad

1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped

1 orange, zest 1/2 cup of peel into curls

1 pomegranate, seeded

3/4 cup white granulated sugar

1/3 cup red wine vinegar

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon strawberry jam

Start by making candied walnuts and orange zest. Trust me, it's easier than it looks! Just melt 1/2 cup sugar in a large pot on medium heat, stirring consistently with a rubber spatula until sugar is caramel in color and there are no sugar chunks. Then pour in 1 cup walnuts and stir until all the walnuts are coated. Then pour mixture onto wax paper and spread with the rubber spatula. Wait for it to cool and break the pieces apart. Do the same with the orange zest with 1/4 cup sugar and 1/2 cup orange zest curls.

For the dressing, mix the peeled orange, 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds, strawberry jam, olive oil and red wine vinegar in a blender, then toss into lettuce to taste. I mixed in about 2/3 of the dressing and left the additional dressing on the table for people to add if they wished.

Finally, add the rest of the pomegranate seeds, candied walnuts, and candied orange zest.

This festive holiday salad is sure to be anything but an afterthought! Enjoy!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!

2011-12-02T14:43:00.000-08:00

There's a tree in the grand great room,

and one in the den as well,

The sturdy kind that doesn't mind the caaaaaat......

Okay, so I'm a better designer than I am a song writer....

As my favorite holiday approaches, I am doing everything in my power to keep from buying real reindeer to graze on the roof! Over the top? Please! I'm just getting started!

Putting a little foliage in the stockings make them seem more inviting before they are filled with presents.

My life doesn't stop when I'm taking pictures :) The hubs is still paying bills and the cat is still lurking in the corner...

Walking in a Winder Wonderland...

Suction cups are my best friend when it comes to Christmas! I love adorning the windows with things that pop with the background of a dark night.

This was affectionately referred to by one of my "fans" on HGTV.com as my "Yard Sale of Silver Shit". That comment still makes me laugh!!

I went with an upscale rustic theme for my office. Burlap ribbon on the tree contrasted beautifully with white frosted glass and mercury glass ornaments. I bought iridescent burlap ribbon to adorn the packages later.

I found these trumpets in July for 90% off the discounted price! It was Christmas in July!!

I've had this "antique" phone since college and used it to beep up my husband into our apartment. It still makes me smile :)

Again with the suction cups... :)

Simple ornaments are the easiest decoration!

Simply placing extra ornaments in a vase is the fastest way to make a centerpiece- Instant glow!

Happy Holidays to you and yours!

Love,

The Roberts Family

A Few of my Favorite Things

2011-11-28T10:45:00.000-08:00

Now that Oprah is off the air, who is there to tell you what you need to put on your Christmas list this year? Fear not! I will tell you what you need to check out before Santa makes his rounds.

J Crew suede ballet flats. These shoes are so comfortable, not to mention adorable!! They come in all sorts of fun colors!

Ralph Lauren Candles- My favorite is the "Spa" Collection.

Really? How could I leave this one off the list?

A fabulous fur throw

Adorable adornments for your tree

Enjoy my favorite things!

Fall Back..... In Love with Clocks

2011-11-04T11:43:00.000-07:00

I love clocks. They are sophisticated pieces of art and their elegance has not been altered by technology.

Yes, I love clocks... but in their place. In an office, a hallway, even a living room. Just make sure you place them correctly. Never place a clock in visual space of where you try to relax. If placing a clock in a living room, place it over the sofa where you don't see it when you're sitting down, not over the fireplace. Also, test the clock and its noise before you place it. If it's too loud, the noise will be agitating to both you and your guests, creating the feeling of urgency in a place meant for relaxation. If it's too loud but you like the way it looks, taking the battery out and considering it a piece of art is completely acceptable.

Have your clocks and enjoy them too!! I like my bedside clocks minimal in size and old fashioned in style. Place a silver clock with an old fashioned silver hairbrush, a couple small vases with flowers, and some antique books for a truly luxurious antique vanity feel.

I love this worldly clock that I have in my office bookcase. All it needs is a fashion book under it from each city!

All clocks and images in this post are available at Potterybarn.