Room-to-Outfit Collaboration with The Aestate

Happy day my most stylish friends! Today I'm proud to present to you a very special guest, Jessica Rowe, author of The Aestate.  There's not a day Jessica doesn't leave me drooling over images of fabulous interiors, as well as her own personal selections for some of the most lovely elements for design.  The girl has got a killer sense of style, and a killer wit to suit. For today's post, Jessica and I teamed up for a little room-to-outfit fashion interpretation.  She sent me three completely different images from which to choose.  I had such a hard time deciding.  We ultimately went with the following imagine.  Be sure to check out Jessica and all her outrageous glory on The Aestate. Pinterest Who?  I mean it. Without further adieu...

Hi!  Jessica from The Aestate here.  I was so excited when Whitley invited me to do a room-to-outfit collaboration.  I love seeing how fashion inspires decor and vice-versa, and I thought this space could be translated into one killer outfit.  I totally admire Whitley's super-chic sense of style and cannot wait to see how she interprets this one!

Hot Pink Silk Dress originally worn here: Aryn K (old), here's a similar one, Black and White Dress: from Lotus (old), similar here, and here's a cute summer version, Grey Dress worn as blouse: Floreat from Anthropologie (old), Gold Belt: Raina from KK Bloom, Black Belt: old, Shoes: J. Crew (old), sure do love these, Sunglasses: Blinde Natural Born Thriller, here's a similar less pricey pair, Purse: JJ Winters from Lipp Boutique, similar here, Necklace: (old), Earrings: from J.T. Posh, Head Sash is a belt from a shirt, Right Arm Bracelets: Vintage, Left Arm Bracelets: Stella & Dot Nugget Wrap and Renegade Cluster Bracelets, Rings: Custom, Melinda Maria Cocktail Ring and Tiffany.

Do you like?  

I had so much fun working with Jessica on this project. It doesn't hurt that she has the most INSANE taste in interior design. I look forward to future room-inspired ensembles! If you are interior design obsessed and would like to see my fashion interpretation of your favorite room, please let me know! For the love of fabulous interior style, I hope you are having a wonderful week!  xx-Whitley

PS-If by chance you read Fifty Shades of Grey, you MUST see Jessica's hysterical personal review of this book, HERE.

A Smashing Rack of... Lamps!

I have been in full force project mode at the Hamlin House, and today I am so excited to unveil to you the process for making my new lamps that I LOVE, LOVE so much!

Pardon little lamp shade on the right who I woke from a slumber to take this pic! I have been working on redecorating my living room for about a year, trying to figure out exactly where I wanted to take the room and how I would achieve the look.  

After a conversation with a design-savvy friend of mine, I finally got it!

Infuse TONS of bright and bold color.

So....

It all began at Home Goods when I stumbled across these so fun and adorable vases for $29.99 each. Found them. Loved them. Wasn't quite sure what I would do with them. They came in two sizes.  So, I toted them to the closest table for careful consideration. The closest table happened to be in the lamp section.

And, Aha!  A light bulb went off!.. Literally :)

I would turn them into lamps.

So I took them home, did a little research and determined the first step was purchasing a Lamp Kit from Lowe's for about $10. My expectation was that we would buy this lamp kit and Bada Bing, Bada Boom, Voila!  A Lamp!  

Not the case.  

This particular kit is pretty much meant to replace the hardware on an already existing lamp. So, a little more work was involved here.

While this kit possessed the majority of the components we needed to turn the vase into a lamp, we had to engineer a solution to securely attach the lamp kit to the vase. Below is a diagram of your typical lamp parts.  Just an FYI.

Via

If you look at an existing lamp, you will see the lamp rod going through the bottom of the lamp attached with a nut onto a lamp base.  

Because we didn't have a lamp base, our lamp rod wasn't going to be able to pass all the way to the bottom, so this required us purchasing a longer lamp rod (about 1 ft. in our case) and rubber stoppers in efforts to stabilize the lamp kit as much as possible. 

We used TWO rubber stoppers (the black object shown above) for each lamp. Using a 3/8 inch drill bit, Most Wonderful Man in the World drilled a hole, vertically, through the middle of the rubber stopper.  Then, he inserted the lamp rod (the silver piece you see above) into the rubber stopper. The next step was to drill a hole into the vase, which you see below. Most Wonderful Man in the World bought a drill bit specific for drilling tile and ceramic. As per the recommendation of a Lowe's associate, we kept the drill bit cool by spraying it with water. You do this to prevent the drill bit from getting overheated and becoming dull. 

Pretty wild looking, huh?

Pretty little perfectly round hole!

We don't have any images of the rubber stoppers with lamp rod attached, but it is situated in the neck of the vase in the below picture. At this point, we are ready to attach the remaining parts. What you see below is the electrical cord which will be attached to the socket shell. (Reference above diagram again to see all of these parts).

Testing the fit with the rubber stoppers...

At this point, we are pretty much all set with assembling the parts of the lamp kit and other pieces needed.  We discussed permanently affixing the rubber stoppers to the lamp with some silicone, but I felt like the lamp seemed sturdy enough as is. I picked up a pair of inexpensive lamp shades at Target.  I tried all different shapes and sizes. I knew the shade needed to be somewhat large, given the length of the base.

I put the shade on top, using the harp provided in the kit, but because of how long the neck of the vase is, it was sitting up way too high.

Looking for longer lamp shades to cover up the neck, I hit all the big discount home stores, schlepping the lamp base with attached kit with me all along the way.  I was stopped at every store I visited, and one time stopped three times. Everyone wanted to know where I got my awesome lamps. With a proud smile, "Why thank you!  My husband and I made them." One of those complements turned into a thirty minute conversation with a new friend! 

We both were so sure we had met, but still neither of us can figure out how or where.  Needless to say, he suggested an adjustable Lamp Harp.

So, I headed back to Target to purchase this one.

This would allow the lamp shade to lower, thus covering more of the neck of the lamp.  

And.... Yahoo! Over the moon.  In Love.

As you can see, I've done a little rearranging with our home bar, as well. I'm really loving my little sideboard vignette!

You'll have to join us for dinner some time soon!

I hope you've enjoyed this little lamp tutorial. I've been super excited to share it with you!

For the love of making it your own, all in great style... Whitley

Breathing Life Into Your Home

My dear, sweet "friend," Nate Berkus, regularly includes on his list of decorative accessories the use of at least one living thing in each room.

Personally, I wouldn't mind so much decorating with a little bit of him in each room, but since I can't seem to find him anywhere in the Queen City, I'll make this article about accessorizing your home with house plants. Here's one of his designs using a few varieties.

Via

Starting in the foyer, this dash of bright green is the perfect compliment to the subtle hues of pink, metallic and earth tones.

Via

I cut a little Aucuba from our yard and situated a vase next to the console in our foyer. The great thing about this shrub is that it lasts for weeks, even up to months.  A little water is all that is needed!

Via

I also used Aucuba here to flank both ends of the mantle in our den.

Via

Orange Trees as a House Plant?  Absolutely!

Via

I love this little planter.

Fern

via Furbish Studio

Here, I cut a sprig of Magnolia from a tree in our yard to add a little life and color to our home bar.

Via

Or, toss a little Magnolia into a basket, and Voila!

I've always admired this powder room. A fern is perfect for the bathroom with its desire for moisture and filtered light.

Via

Pockets of greenery add character to an already charming kitchen.

Via

A few sprigs from the yard add a pop of green to this colorful and eclectic room.

Via

One house plant I particularly love is the Split Leaf Philodendron.

It is such a unique and lovely bird.

Another favorite low-maintenance house plant is the Zamioculcas Zamifolia. Did you get that? You can just call it the Zi Zi plant. This interesting fella requires very little water and attention, while effortlessly boasting a high level of interest.

How about this Rhapis Excelsa? It's size and stature propel this plant to work of art status.

I've perhaps, though, been most love-struck as of late by the fiddle leaf fig. Don't you just love the quirkiness of this delightful specimen?

I love it so much  that I couldn't resist one for our own home. Meet Dee Dee, the newest member of our family! Isn't she a beaut?  So long, lean and lovely at four feet tall.

Via

What is your favorite In-House Greenery? Is your home accessorized with any shown here? I don't know about you, but I'm always looking for two things: Lovely and Low-Maintenance. I'd love to hear any of your recommendations!

For the love of the always stylish accessory of life, Whitley

Stylish furnishings in the Queen City - Slate Interiors

Hello Stylish Friends! Today I want to tell you about one super fun home furnishings store in town, Slate Interiors, located in one of the Queen City's most stylish hoods, Plaza Midwood.

Housed on one floor and in one large room, Slate Interiors is subdivided into many "rooms" comprised of unique collections by more than 50 artists, merchants and designers, with an ever-changing canvas of eye candy.  Each space is thoughtfully filled with furniture, home accessories, works of art, gifts, antiques, lamps, pillows... a candy land full of fabulous home furnishings!

As if this sweet spot could get any sweeter, it does.  The Queen City is a hip city, and a lot of times great style comes at a not so stylish price, which has often led me DIYing my house all the way to the finish line. I found Slate Interiors to be warm and welcoming, and the prices fair and reasonable.  Meeee likey.

There are times pictures do the best story telling, and I think this is one of those times.  Thus, I share with you a photograph room-by-room walk through while on my recent visit to Slate Interiors. Every space filled to the brim with loveliness...

I'd love to have four of these pretty little chairs around my kitchen table...

Or how about these at your kitchen bar?

At $25 each, can't you see a grid of four of these over your foyer or dining room console?

I could have featured this pretty little thing in my past bar cart post.  Remember?

 I love all this color!  Do you see that Chandelier up above the room?  Yahoo!

Such a cool little table which was on Hold when I was there...

How fun is this room?

Lamps galore...

Mirrors too...

And other chic accessories for your wall...

Look at those awesome Queen City neighborhood signs...

Even Jewelry.  Do you see the price?  $40!...

Fabulous eye candy from start to finish... I just wish you luck walking out empty-handed!

Click HERE to learn more about Slate Interiors, including contact information, store hours, a list of their merchants and artists and more.

Last but not least... be sure to check back here next week for information about Slate Interiors' "Clean Slate Sale" to be held February 16th-18th... This is one sale you don't want to miss.

For the love of being surrounded by stylish home furnishings galore, better save your pennies!  Whitley

Yarn Wreaths with Felt Flowers... Love!

Hello Everyone!

I hope you are enjoying a lovely week of Christmas!  Are you ready?  Got your presents all wrapped?

Got your Christmas dinner menu planned?  Do you have your tree up?  (I had to share with you this one again... Who doesn't love a wine bottle tree?!)

Well, if not... good luck to you!

As you may have seen in a previous post, I got busy this year making several of our Christmas gifts.  I took on a new project this year making Yarn Wreaths with Felt Flowers.  I love this one from the so fun blog, a home in the making.

Yarn Wreath from a home in the making

I have seen these on several other blogs and thought they were so adorable that I would take a swing at them myself.  They were not difficult to make at all.  Just a wee bit time consuming.  I would say laborious, like painting, but the good news is you can do it while watching your favorite episode of... I'll let you pick your own poison!  Here's mine...

Sometimes I wish it were still this...

But heck, if wreath making got my worn out tushy some much needed snuggle time on the couch, then I'll take it! Even most wonderful man in the world digs a little wreath making, 90210in', tushy snuggle time...

At any rate, I was so pleased with the outcome, I wanted to share with you a glimpse of these precious bits 'o love in the making.  Naturally, I headed over to my arts 'n crafts home away from home, Michael's at Park Road Shopping Center, where I purchased all of the materials.  For a step by step guide, I followed the one Here on the super adorable and creative blog, take heart.  If you do decide to make these, I wanted to show you below that it is virtually impossible to get the string to line up perfectly, since the outside of the wreath is wider than the inside portion.  Do not worry, you are on the right track, and it all works out in the end.

Here are all the wreaths with yarn wrapped around them, and you can see the colors of felt I chose for making the flowers.  I love the red, cranberry and hot pink jewel tones together.  You can also see my arts 'n crafts BFF, Mr. Glue Gun there, ready at the helm.

I love bright colors!

I hope you enjoyed!  A couple of you have let me know that you too have made felt wreaths.  I'd LOVE to see pictures of yours.  Or, please, please let me know if there are any other fun holiday crafts you recommend.

For the love of making and giving it all in style... Happy Holidays to you and yours!  Whitley

All I want for Christmas is... Nate Berkus

Okay, so I think I'm going to be sick.  This post was not supposed to go this way.  My original plan was to show you these great little yarn wreaths I am making for Christmas presents this year (while watching The Nate Berkus Show).... Since I haven't been working, I ain't bringing home no bacon, which means save money, get crafty, Do It Yourself, yada yada yada and so on and so forth.  That's all fine and good.  I like to be creative, save money and get crafty regardless of whether or not I am bringing home any bacon.  

Cute little yarn wreaths.. Readers, one of these could be wrapped under the tree for you! xo

What I DON'T like is what I just read on the internet: The Nate Berkus Show is being cancelled after two seasons on the air.  I realize some of you who do work out of the home may not even know about this show, or perhaps it's really not a priority for you.... just indulge me here for a moment if you will.  I can't tell you how much this show has meant to me and what it has done for my overall state of happiness, well-being and health.  Since baby Worth was born 9 months ago, I have not returned to work.  I decided to stay at home and be with my boys and focus on family for a bit.  I have, however, needed to "find myself" again in doing so.  I won't get into the whole story here and run the risk of boring you to tears with background violins, etc, but let me just say that part of my recently pursued obsession with DIY projects and my overwhelming passion and draw to style and creativity have been brought to life by this precious little hunk of burning love.  Just look...

Or look here...

Or you can look here...

Really, are you kidding me?  (As a disclaimer, most wonderful man in the world knows I feel this way.)  I mean, I feel like the man could just stand there in an empty room with four white walls and hold a show with absolutely no accouterments, design dilemmas, or money saving decor tips.

Which brings me to this... And, yes, I actually would love a few violins here if you will so kindly play for me.

My sweet, sweet mother-in-law is the one that turned me on to Nate's show.  She has always been so complimentary of my projects and the personal style I have injected in my own home.  She told me about Nate's show and has encouraged me to do more.  She knows I have experienced my own little dilemma of finding myself and pursing this thing that makes me so happy.  So really now the only struggle I am facing is that there are not enough hours in the day to pursue it all!  Forget not having the money honey, because thanks to Mary and Nate and his team and his show, I've been totally motivated....

Before

After

You've seen this a million times. I'm so proud.

Kitchen Make Over Number Three

Baby/Guest Room Make Over

Back to the violins... my mother-in-law tells me over Thanksgiving that for my birthday in March, she thought we needed to take a trip to my favorite place in the world, NYC, and go to a taping of The Nate Berkus Show.  I'm pretty sure I jumped up out of my seat from Thanksgiving dinner with excitement over this notion. So I got on the internet finally last night to see when the tapings were scheduled... they are all back to back for the month of January ending February 2.  I don't think there is anyway that a trip to NYC can happen that fast after the holidays, and given the aforementioned.  Very sad, but wow, what a thoughtful, wonderful idea.  Maybe one day we will meet, my long lost friend, Nate.  I know you're out there somewhere...

Oh NYC, how I love thee.

I have been totally design-obsessed ever since tuning into Nate's show.  There is a segment called House Proud, where viewers send in pictures and videos of their home and share why they are so House Proud. I'm not saying I have the most beautiful home by any stretch, but I am definitely House Proud.  I have put it off and put it off for some silly reason of wanting everything to be "just perfect" before submitting to the show.

I have slowly but surely come to know that Imperfection = Perfection.  So, if anything I am a little disappointed in myself for putting this off.  Well, Nate, if you're out there, and you're reading this...

Pick Me!  Pick Me!  Um, I mean my house that I'm so proud of, of course!  Pretttty pleeeeeassssseeee... With sugar on top... I'll show you my best air guitar...

I've been a good girl this year.  Just ask Santa!  I realize this is totally ridiculous, but I'm really going for it here. Well, I think that's the best I've got.  If anything, let me please thank you for all the inspiration you and your team have provided me. I have enjoyed every bit of it.  I want to congratulate you and all of your team for all your hard work and wish you nothing but the very best.  You are tremendously talented, and I know success does not usually come without a lot of hard work.  Kudos!  Hurrah!  Well Done!

Now back to that one itty bitty, teeny weeny little Christmas wish, Nate...

For the love of doing it all yourself, in the very best style...ever so fondly, Whitley

Will that be shaken, or stirred?

Hello Friends of the Queen City Style!  I want to start by saying how much I appreciate your support as I work hard to get my newest endeavor off the ground.  Thank you! Thank you! Thanks you!  Oh, and did I say Thanks?!

I realize with all this bar talk, one might assume I have a serious problem.  I'm just pretending to.  I wanted to share a few images with you of pretty butler trays and bar cabinets.  Since a bar cart is not in the budget for me right now, nor is it a necessity, the hand-me-down butler tray I have has proved perfectly lovely.  Here are a few more lovelies for your viewing pleasure...

I found this butler tray a couple of weeks ago, and I am sad to report it seems to be no longer available.  I think it is so handsome, and it was for sale at such a reasonable price.

Kirkland's Ivory Tray Table

So here's another one.  A little more traditional but not terribly costly.

Kirkland's Butler Tray Table

This is more of just a three tiered table serving dual purpose, but it looks so nice.  I love that poster too.

 Here are a couple of sleek butler trays from West Elm...

West Elm Tall and Low Butler Tray Stand

West Elm Tall Butler Tray Stand

And lastly, not a butler tray, but I couldn't resist sharing this with you.  I absolutely adore the way this skirted table looks playing host to such an inviting cocktail area. It's so sophisticated and hospitable.

And a few bar cabinets on the market today I think are quite handsome.

West Elm Curved Front Bar

Crate and Barrel Tessen Bar Cabinet

Crate and Barrel Tessen Bar Cabinet

I would DIE to have this one. L.O.V.E.  Such a handsome devil...

Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Collins Bar

Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Collins Bar

Do you have a favorite?  And how will you take your cocktail this weekend?  Will it be shaken, or stirred?  Perhaps it's both, ever so stylishly.  Either way, I hope your weekend is glorious...Whitley

Now That Is Some Bar

I just had to share this with you, since it came to me in perfect timing by way of the super fabulous blog Habitually Chic.  The author, Heather Clawson, was writing a post on the anniversary of the fashion house of  Yves Saint Laurent, which was December 4, 1961.  In her post she shared various images from his Paris apartment.  I couldn't help but notice in many of them the large ovoid shaped object behind the sofa.  The closer I looked, the more I wondered "Is that a bar??"  That sure looks like a server in the background.  On a side note, don't those two look like they are having a good time?  Like a cigarette ad.  I mean that cigarette must be making her feel some kind of good.  Hmm. Maybe it's not a cigarette...

But aaaanyway.... is it art?  Art of some sort.

I see glasses on the piece of furniture in every picture.

So, I googled "Bar in Yves Saint Laurent's home," and low and behold, it IS a bar. Pretty wild looking isn't it?

What I learned was that this bar was a piece commissioned by Yves Saint Laurent from the recently deceased Francois-Xavier Lalanne.  I must have read five or six sights trying to understand this piece and learn more about it.  I found this on the Christie's website: 

In maillechort and brass, two tiered, the upper tier with an ovoid bottle-rack in metal set in motion by a counterweight mechanism, with a horn-form shaker, a spherical ice bucket and a cylindrical crystal glass vase by the Cristalleries de Choisy-le-Roi, the vase passing through the two tiers, supported by four steel feet cut with a blowtorch.  

Whoa.  That ovoid shaped thing is set in motion?!  That is crazy. 

You can read more about it here on the Christie's website, including that it appears to have sold at auction for $3,548,960 in Paris.  

For that price I kinda wonder if it does not self-make drinks, at least for its master.  But wow, definitely artistic and totally stylish. 

Do you have pictures of your bar or drink making area you would like to share with me?  I would love to see them!  If so, please email me at whitley_a@yahoo.com. I love hearing what you have to say!

'Tis the season for a little bubbly, always in style.... Whitley

Gosh, is it happy hour yet? I feel with all this bar talk I need to go make myself a beverage!  

You lose some, You WIN Some...

I'll be rounding out the story about my bar for you here soon, but I wanted to just quickly share with you this gorgeous new mirror I picked up for almost next to nothing last week.

If you haven't been acquainted yet with One Kings Lane, I highly recommend it.  For the last few months, this has been my favorite new go-to site for any and all things fabulous for the home.  Straight from their website, One Kings Lane is an elegant, curated online sales site bringing their members spectacular hand-picked designer items at up to 70% off suggested retail prices.  I concur.  All that they offer is spectacular at a discount price.  I have purchased several gift items from their site as well as a few sercy's (sp?) for myself along the way.

Rounding the corner onto my street, I was so excited to see from off in the distance a large brown box propped up on my front door step.  As soon as I got home, I excitedly pulled the box inside to view my new treasure!

So exciting!!!

Uh oh.  Not good...

Not so exciting.

Because this is a on line discount site, items typically sell out.  I have once before ordered something from One Kings Lane and received the wrong item.  I ordered Kelly Wearstler's coffee table book, Hue, thinking I was getting a limited edition signed copy which included its very own blue velvet box for safe keeping. Instead, I got just the book sans KW autograph and pretty blue velvet box.

I love the cover of her book.

One Kings Lane couldn't have handled it more beautifully.  They apologetically refunded my credit card and let me keep the book.  Truth be told, I would have paid the same discounted amount for the book I received. I love love excellent customer service.

So, I called One Kings Lane and told them my mirror arrived shattered.  Again, the item was sold out, which meant they wouldn't be able to send me a new mirror.  So sad!  They refunded my credit card and said they didn't need me to send back the mirror.  So, I called the framing department over at Michael's at Park Rd Shopping Center, and they said they did not offer mirror repair.  The representative referred me to someone who did offer the 12 inch mirror I needed at $25 and an additional $15 if I wanted them to install it.  So, I went over to Michael's just to see what they had on the shelf.  Low and behold...

12 inch mirror round in the wedding section for $5.99!

So, I tackled it myself, carefully pulling the backing off of the mirror.

Brought out my trust friend, ole Mr. Glue Gun...

I carefully placed the new mirror down in the frame, and voila!  A $225 regular priced mirror, discounted to $99, refunded and fixed for a meer $5.99.  Score!

Lovely like new!

Now, where to hang the beauty??  At this point in time, I think I'd like to hang it above our new bed that does not yet exist though one day will.  So for now, mirror might find its way back into the box until that time comes.  OR, just maaaaybe mirror will facilitate that new bedroom to be... guess we'll have to wait and see!

For the love of living in (affordable) great style, have a wonderful weekend!  Whitley

Hutch to Bar Renovation

Okay, so I'm pretty sure the below picture is how this whole hutch to bar renovation project came over me.  It's been a long time since I first got the idea in my head, but I think the below inspiration came to me via way of Cottage Living magazine (RIP).  I remember reading the story, and the owner stated that the piece was an old family heirloom.  She gave the outer coat a new shine and painted the inside this pretty shade of blue, and voila!  It was re purposed for a bar.

My inspiration

Once Jon and I purchased a home, I quickly became waaaay more than ever into the whole antiquing thing.  I couldn't keep myself away from flea markets, antique stores and the like, and so shortly thereafter I found the below piece at Sleepy Poet Antique Mall on South Boulevard.  This is the best place to shop multiple antique retailers all under one roof.  I immediately felt that it had potential.  The thing I liked most were the glass window pane doors.  I won't tell you what I paid for it.  I cringe a little now thinking about it.  I did ask if the vendor could do better than the sticker price, and he did, so that was a bit of a win.  However, I still could have paid much less.  In hindsight, it was a good learning experience.  The only way to learn and grow is through practice!

My Hutch

So, my new hutch sat in our equally not so pretty and empty living room.  For years, it was the only piece of furniture in the room, aside of all my son's toys.  Then, the time finally came when I would rip the band aid and get a living room!  Eh hem... this does not mean go out and get, this means make.  I did purchase a few of the main items, but there is a lot of blood, sweat and tears in that room.  At any rate, you can see in the below picture where the make over began.  The piece was terribly ragged in appearance... All's she needed was a little face lift, if you will.  So, I began by taping off the window panes and filling in all the little holes and indentations with wood filler.  Fairly time consuming...

My hutch with a little ace bandage and pimple healer.

Chippy all over

The hutch is two pieces, a top and bottom, so it had to be dismantled.  The next step was to sand and paint.  I decided to go with a darker color.  I knew from the beginning I wanted to do some fun color or pattern on the inside of the glass doors, and I wanted it to really pop.  So, I went with the color we have used on all of the doors in our house, Bronze Tone.  I had some left over, so yay, no money spent on paint!  I should add that at this point I really did not want to spend another dime on this hutch.  I LOVE all things pink, so I decided on this bright shade of coral for the inside of the drawers and lower cabinet.  I made it all the way up until this point before roping most wonderful man in the world into my project.

Jon getting involved is actually a VERY good thing.  The man can do anything, and he's kind of a perfectionist, so this means it will look even better.  All the hardware was showing its age, and he decided the hinges needed to go.

Dirty old hinges

So we head on over to our home away from home, Black Hawk Hardware, and went searching for new hinges. They didn't have a match. Wow... might be a first that they didn't have what we needed. Jon researched and found a group on line that would shine up our hinges like new for $8 a pop.  That's $64 in shiny new (old) hinges.  Thanks, but no thanks.  So, he kept on researching until he found a solution.  And...who knew that soaking your hardware in ketchup and scrubbing for 20 minutes with a Brillo pad would have your hinges looking so shiny and new?...

Holy Smokes!  Now, that there's a shiny hinge!

Might make you want to rethink offering ketchup at your next neighborhood cook out, but again, look at that shiny hinge!  Moving right along... the next step was to pick out new outer hardware for this really starting-to-look-handsome piece of furniture.  This is where I was prepared to spend a little bit of money.  I looked at all your traditional hardware stores and ended up going with these pretty natural bone and brass pulls and knobs from Anthropologie.

Pretty new hardware from Anthropologie

Next up was to tackle the back inside wall of the hutch.  This is where I was really hoping to have some fun.  I thought about covering it with wallpaper or even wrapping paper, painting a design or painting a stencil, which is ultimately the direction we went. My taste seems to be fairly ever-changing these days, but for now I'll call it "Boho Glam".  It's kind of like my dress.... a little bohemian, a good bit glam, timeless, not trendy.  I love the glamour and elegance of old Hollywood, and so after doing quite a bit of research on line, I found the perfect stencil at Royal Design Studio.  Appropriately enough, the stencil is named Hollywood Squares. I knew I wanted to use a metallic paint, either silver or gold.  I found the below Martha Stewart Living paint over at Home Depot. It was offered in a plethora of metallic finishes, and I decided I was going gold!

Martha Stewart paint from Home Depot

Using a roller, we (or rather most wonderful man in the world) first painted the back of the hutch wall with our Bronze Tone.  We then taped down the stencil with painters tape and painted over it with the metallic  paint.  When the paint was dry, we peeled it up, and this is what we got...

A big ole crackly mess.

At this point, I was starting to be a little concerned my stencil might not work out as planned.  So I called Royal Design Studio, and as it turns out, this is a common issue with metallic paint.  They actually sell a special metallic paint for stencil work.  Not wanting to spend any more time or money, I decided to just reverse the stencil.  So, most wonderful man in the world was back at it with the paint and roller, this time painting the wall with the metallic and then the stencil on top in the Bronze Tone.  And, Hurray!... Beautimous!!

Hollywood Squares Stencil by Royal Design Studio

Yay!  Gorgeous back wall of my hutch!

Time to start putting this handsome devil back together!  That's me gettin' down in my jammies... With two small children, we were working on this late into the night many, many nights. Thank you again most wonderful man in the world for sticking with me through all my crazed projects! xo

Watch out!

 Almost there, and totally loving the way he is smiling back at me...

Top half all dolled up... and.... TAADAAAAAAA!!!  Super duper excited!!

What do you think??...      

Now I just need to get this baby stocked with all kinds of fun things to get the party started!  I'll bring you some pics of that in my next post.  Thanks for reading.  Hope you have an o so stylin' day!  Whitley

Totally Bar Obsessed

Since Jon and I braved our biggest home project to date, transforming an old hutch for the purpose of a delightful entertainment system for our living room, I have become a little bar crazed.  That's right fellas.  We are not talking about the entertainment system in your head.  We are talking about something way more exciting than that.  All you ladies know just what I'm talkin' about!  Behold THE BAR...

The above is the finished product.  I will carry it to the grave with me.  Oh shoot, maybe that pretty lil' thing will BE my coffin!  I think it is just so handsome.  At any rate, I'm working on my next story, so in the meantime, here are a few images to keep you on your toes until I get it all together...

Do you like what you see?  Ready for a cocktail anyone?  Perhaps you are viewing this at, oh... top 'o the morning to ya!  Well, if that's the case, just add a little OJ, and you'll be all set and ready to go for your work week ahead.  I hope you and your family had a most delightful Thanksgiving holiday full of joy and love and lots of turkey and sugar!  

For the love of a most stylish bar... see you again real soon!  Whitley  

Bar Cart Admiration

Moving along with my hutch to bar project, I decided to use the upper portion for all of our glassware and then use a butler tray to play host to the location where all of the shaking and stirring would take place.

Just a glimpse!

I did, however, want to share with you some images of various bar carts, as I have totally jumped on the bar cart loving train.  Most of these can be purchased right here in the Queen City, if not on line. Here are a few I enjoy...

I love this simple yet gorgeous acrylic bar cart.

Click Here to seeThe Sedgewick by Social Society.

Click Here to see the Caprice Metal Bar Cart by Pottery Barn.

This stainless steel version gets around well on wheels.

I love the shots of bright color in the purple glasses, flowers and various bottles.

Here's a simple yet handsome devil from Williams Sonoma Home.

I can't remember in what publication I first saw this image, but I love everything about it... the room, decor, bar cart, everything.

I love how this bar cart from Social Society plays double duty as a side table.

Click Here to viewWorlds Away Roland Bar Cart in Gold Leaf. Do you have a favorite?  It's hard for me to pick just one. Here are a few slightly more affordable versions that would also quite nicely do the trick.

Here is the Soho Round Beverage Cart by Home Decorators Collection

Here is the Ikea BYGEL Utility Cart

Lastly, we have this multi-functional utility cart from Target. And to make things a little more fun I decided to venture over to mega antique warehouse Sleepy Poet Antique Mall to see if they had any vintage bar carts.  None quite as sleek as those seen above, but they certainly have a few... Nothing that a little paint and imagination couldn't transform!  Thank Heavens I already have a butler tray.  I do not need one more project.  Here's a sampling of what I found with my take on their styling...

Old Farmhouse

Sorta Victorian, no?

Slightly retro metal cart. I took BOTH children on this whirlwind bar cart hunting tour. Yes, Hank wanted to touch every single thing in there, but he was such a good boy!  Beware of little Christmas knick knacks everywhere, right at little people's height!

Country cottage.

Going for the slightly glam look with the glass and gold leaf trim.

Industrial

Rustic

Whoa. Meat Cutting Cart???  The kind associate took me to the back of the store to see this one already sold for $250!! He said carts of this style are flying out the door upon receipt.

I'll be back soon with more on my hutch to bar project...

Toodles for now, Whitley

Baby/Guest Room Details, Accessories and More Part II

Hi there!  I'm back to share the final details for completing Baby Worth's new room.  I already had a fabulous red and white print fabric which I purchased at Robyn's Fabrics.  I LOVE this print.  I think it lends a touch of whimsy to the room with the trees, little deer and birds on it that appear to be passing through a forest.  Fun for a child's room but also pretty hip for adults.  I first used the fabric to make a pillow cover for the bed using a lumbar insert I already owned.  Then, I used the same fabric to make customized letters for the room.  Truth be told, I'm personally kinda burned out on the letter thing, but I thought it would be another easy and personalized way to tie things together.

I spent some time determining how I would affix the fabric to the wood letters.  I decided I wanted to apply padding to the letters to add some depth, so I used batting I had purchased for another project which I never got around to completing--or starting for that matter!  Yay... free material for this project anyway!  I tried doing this first using a staple gun, and while the batting stretched fine around the letters, the fabric did not.  Total mess.  So, then I traced the letters onto the batting and cut them out.  Then, I traced the letters onto the fabric and cut that out.  I followed the instructions conveniently located on the back of the batting to iron it to the fabric.  Who knew?!  First time I've used batting, and it worked!  I then just glued the new cut batting and fabric to the letters.

I found a home for the letters right over the rocker.  I liked it but felt like the letters were kind of "floating" on the wall and needed some grounding, which you can see in the below picture.

So, I decided to glue add some black grosgrain ribbon around the edges of the letters.  The letters were probably only an inch deep at most, but again I didn't want to spend any money, so I ended up using some left over 2 1/4 inch ribbon I had for the bed skirt.  I wanted a nice edge, so I ended up attaching the finished edge of the ribbon to the edge of the letters then glued down the extra ribbon to the back of the letters.  It was pretty time consuming, and it definitely would have been easier using ribbon that was the proper width, but whatever... paid nothing, gained experience, super happy with the outcome...

Next, I already had both of the table lamps you see.  My mother-in-law gave me the cute little owl lamp as a Christmas gift last year.  Both lamps were purchased at Target.  So for the side tables, the white one in the above picture we purchased at Kid to Kid, also over at Park Rd. Shopping Center.  I think we paid $30 for it.  It was a brown, somewhat scuffed up nice piece of Pottery Barn Kids furniture I imagine would have run us at least $150 new.  So, we primed and painted it white.  Recently, I decided to swap it out for this little magazine stand I purchased one late, late night out of the women's restroom at Tautog's, a bar in downtown Virginia Beach.  Not my most thought out purchase, but I'm sure you can use your imagination as to how it made its way home with me.  I recently painted it this bright red for another room in the house, but I thought it would work well as a night stand in Worth's room.  It holds books and cd's.

Back to the white fabric. I had this little table with glass top stored in my attic, so I decided to pull it out for the baby room.  I had my fabulous seamstress make a table skirt and add black piping around the edge.

I also used some of my red and white fabric to jazz up the table top a bit.  I really like the way this looks.

It plays home to a few items given as gifts to baby Worth, including this precious little elephant from big brother Hank's classmates, which I believe was purchased at Cottage Chic over on East Blvd.

 And this pretty monogrammed velvet-lined keepsake container from Worth's Godmother.

Perhaps you've wondered, where is the changing table?  Well, it's hiding in the closet to allow for a more comfortable room.  We found it Craig's List, and it's in perfect condition.  The previous owners showed us their receipt for $600.  We paid $200.  I would have taken on another redo project and perhaps turned some other piece of furniture into a changing table, but most wonderful hubby and I both were pretty tired of the projects. I'd like to paint the inside of the closet a fun color and do a little better with my mess of off-season clothes on the top shelve, but no time for that right now... I've got so many projects!

 I'll spare your eyes of the mess, and close the doors.  Aaahhhh.......

I hope you have enjoyed this step by step tour of Baby Boo's room.  I think he's totally living in style! Do you?  I hope everyone has a wonderful, safe and Happy Thanksgiving!!  Whitley

Baby/Guest Room Details, Accessories and More

Hey there!  So, here is a break down on how all the details came together in pulling together Worth's room.  My friend Anna let me borrow a crib skirt and black and white check crib sheet she had from her son's nursery.  It was perfect compliment for my black and white chair, and so I had my first accent pieces free-of-charge! 

Since I knew I was keeping the bed in the room, and it did not have a bed skirt already, I decided now was a good time to get one.  I would have purchased one sooner, but the drop from the top of the box spring to the floor is about 28 inches, so it would have to be custom-made.  I sew most of my pillows and draperies myself, but I haven't taken my hand yet at a bed skirt, so I farmed out this one.  If anyone needs a referral around the Queen City for high quality work at a most economical price, please let me know!  Of course, I made a trip down the road to the one and only Mary Jo's for some inexpensive yet quality white material.  I decided to coordinate the bed skirt to the crib skirt by adding black grosgrain ribbon trim.  I had the ribbon mitered on with a long stitch, so it could easily be removed, and I would still have my white bed skirt for the bed in another room.

This gave me my first project.  I made the pillow with ribbon trim and once we had baby boy and a name, I took it over to L&M Monogramming on East Blvd. for a little personalizing.

Next, I made these frames as a way to tie together all the colors in the room. I found a tutorial on line by super creative Eddie Ross for making this easy project using alternating colors of satin ribbon. Obviously, I knew which colors I would use, but I needed to decide on the layering pattern for the ribbon.  I purchased all materials from Michael's over at Park Road Shopping Center.  Truth be told, I moved to this location of town if for no other reason than that shopping center.  I mean, there is nothing you can't do there! I love all things unique, and these frames customize the decor of the room at total a bargain price.

Layering the ribbon

Frames up on queen anne pink walls

Frames complete with zoomed-in shots of happy baby boy

Thanks so much for reading!  I'll show you the remaining details in my next post.

For the love of great style.... and have a wonderful weekend!  Whitley

Guest Room to Baby/Guest Room Transformation, Part II

Hi there!  With both boys we decided to not find out the gender prior to delivery.  As I mentioned in the last post, I just completed the guest room when I shortly thereafter learned I was pregnant with baby #2.  I was so proud of the way that room looked.  I found the perfect peach/pink blend for the walls, queen anne pink by Benjamin Moore.  I knew that we would wait again to find out the gender of baby #2, so I decided I would just leave the color on the walls.  The crib we used for our first son was a hand-me-down on its fourth use, and he destroyed it, so we couldn't even donate it to Goodwill.  I was basically starting from scratch.  I did, however, have this wonderful black and white check rocker passed down from my cousin that would become the grounding piece for the room...Voila!  If it were a girl, it would be pink and black and white... my little Chanel room!!  So, I put the black and white check rocker in the room, moved the furniture for baby into the room, and perfection.  I absolutely loved it.

Room fit for a little princess.

Hank ready for his new baby sister.

Everyone seemed to think we were having a girl for whatever reason, and so I think I too was convinced of it.  If baby was a boy, however, I had no game plan.  

As a side note, I need to mention that our house is three bedroom, so this meant we basically would be losing our guest room.  Once you have children, I feel like there is a direct correlation to the number of overnight guests you host in your home.  I did, however, want to at least be able to offer a bed for my in-laws or any other surprise visitors that needed a comfortable place to rest their head.   

Fast forward to delivery day... Out popped baby #2, and in this order my husband exclaimed "It's a Boy!" and "I'm Not Painting!" And thus for four months, our sweet baby William Hollingsworth "Worth" slept soundly in his soothing pink room.  It was back to the drawing board on a new baby room.  I knew I wanted fun, punchy bright colors. I was still working around the black and white check rocker. I have always admired the way the hue of turquoise and red complemented each other, and I felt like they would do well with the black and white.  So, Voila again, my new color palette!  I hopped over to my home away from home for paint and everything else fabulous, Black Hawk Hardware, to make my paint selection.  Then magic happened.  One week this summer I took the boys to visit their Grandparents and that sweet most wonderful man in the world painted the room!!  Below is the picture and caption he sent to me...

Smurf Blue!

Whoa!  That is some SERIOUS Smurf Blue.  I was nervous to see it in person, but then when I saw it in natural daylight, I was completely happy with the was it looked.  As you can see in the above picture, I had already picked out some accent fabric in red and white.  After my dear friend Anna purchased a matching red quilt and pillow shams for her two boys from Target, I realized it would bit a nice fit for this room.  So, I trotted myself on over to Midtown Target, and purchased a set for baby Worth.  Perfect!  Below are some shots of the final outcome.  I love it.  As a side note, I read somewhere that black and red and white are the first color a baby is able to see, so I thought this is double winner :)  I wonder what baby Worth thinks?

A room fit for a King!

I love the sweet little table by the door.

Fabric covered letters to match lumbar pillow on bed.

Painted night stand to hold books, cd's and a couple favorite pics.

Every southern gentleman's room needs a touch of monogram.

Homemade ribbon frames for pics of  baby boo.

Sweet baby Worth

I hope you enjoyed this post. Next time I will share with you a little bit more about the accessories, fabrics, etc and how they all came together to create the final look.

For the love of living in style, Whitley

Guest Room to Baby/Guest Room Transformation

Since I have been home with my boys for the last eight months, I am completely totally obsessed with home design.  I mean, it really all makes perfect sense.  I can't exactly go anywhere during the day outside of the park or grocery story or some other completely child-friendly or child-focused place.  So, whenever the boys and I aren't providing one another's stimulation to each other, I am getting on my bicep and quad workout. If I am not physically redecorating each and every room in my house each and every week, I am mentally moving furniture in my head.  It's a horrible fuel for my already somewhat mild case of OCD.  As if there isn't a place for everything, everything should be in it's place.  All along the way I'm dusting a little hear, smudging finger prints a little there, taking the vacuum hose to the dog hair here and there (and everywhere!!).... You know, the whole stay-at-home-mom-don't-have-housekeeper type of thing.  Definitely much more gratifying with a Manhattan cocktail in hand.

Anyway, back to the topic at hand.  Right before finding out I was pregnant with baby #2, I finally got my guest room looking just like I wanted. Below is a picture of the room right when we moved in the house, working with what I owned.  It's not that I terribly dislike the room, but it's just not really my taste. Or, maybe it's just not completely pulled together.  It's called working with what you got, or as my mom taught me "living within your harvest," which meant not going out and buying anything.  I do have the gorgeous inheritance piece bed from my Great-Grandmother which I am so lucky to have.

So, by now we had been in the house for four years, and this was the second room in the house that I considered "complete".  My inspiration for the guest room was this gorgeous room at Max and Company. The picture is below, as well as a link to the image on the website. All of owner Pheobe Howard's rooms are just as delicious as the one you see here.  If you are in the Queen City, treat yourself to perusing through all of the rooms at her two stores, Mrs. Howard and Max and Company located at 1001 East Morehead Street.  

Click Here

I think the textures and hues are so calm and soothing, perfect for a guest room. So, here is my transformation using only things I already owned.  Images are via my cell phone, so a little fuzzy.

What do you think?  In my next post, I will show you the transformation from New Guestroom to Baby Room/Guest Room. 

Thanks for reading, and hope you have an Oh-so Stylish Saturday!!  Whitley