Time to shine

Time to shine by stylishafter30 featuring a blush throw blanket

Lite source lamp
macys.com

Thro bed pillow
saksoff5th.com

Blush throw blanket
bedbathandbeyond.com

Patterned bedding
amazon.com

Oversized top
$28 - azbro.com

Bellini metal computer desk
luxedecor.com

Twin bed
macys.com

Wingback dining chair
luluandgeorgia.com

Office goals

For the past few months, my office and my daughters room have been sharing the same space. To say that this has put a crimp in my style is putting it mildly. It was hard to get work done since I was cramped in a little corner and as a sometimes night owl, it was impossible to get stuff done once she went to bed. Or if she was taking a nap...or if I wanted to hide out...you know how it goes.

Well...no more.

I recently took over the extra bedroom in our apartment. 

The pictures above are what we were working with. I know...tragic. But a good place to start. Looking around, I have to admit that I was getting a little overwhelmed. I mean, I knew I wanted a space that was me...but what did that really look like? Where did I start? Well, the starting point was easy. I went to the place where all the dreams are stored... Pinterest of course. Where else? 

After a bit of pursuing and getting distracted with recipes and how to make $$$ blogging, I came upon these pictures of what I feel is my style.

As you can see, I'm looking at something light, bright and lots of room and storage for my things. I do love the textures on the floor and the different patterns that bring life into the space. I'm more into neutrals but these pops I like and I could definitely live with on a long term basis. 

Now...time to put my visions into action.

A place to dream

So, my little family and I been living in this apartment for the past year. A nice three bedroom that's just close enough to the city to make it easy access, but no so close that I feel closed in. I had big plans for this space when we moved in. Even when I was pregnant I was planning and designing. Somehow... things got away from me.

NO MORE I TELL YOU!

Seriously though, this time I'm going to follow through with at least 1/2 of the plans I've made...if not all. 1st thing on my list is going to be the patio. I'm looking for a place to relax, drink some coffee and do the occasional snooping on my neighbors. I don't feel that is too much to ask.

Snooping around Pinterest, I found a few idea of what I want my space to look like.

Both of these photos came from Ikea's Pinterest board and I think they suit me. I would love to have some flowers and herbs and a few fruit trees. Maybe let my daughter have her own little dig box...I know...sounds ambitious doesn't it? especially when you look at what I'm starting with:

Just looking at it hurts my eyes!

Looks so sad doesn't it? Don't judge the Christmas lights.

I have high hopes that this gets done BEFORE summer is over so I can enjoy the fruits of my labor. 

Some magic in the bedroom

So last week we were talking about my desire to upgrade the bedroom. make it more of a beautiful retreat. I had gone to Ikea and picked up this beauty:

with the intent of putting my spin on it and incorporating it into my scheme. After about an hour or so…or more…I finally had it together. But…it still look like it did in the picture. Not what I was after. So…I got to work. My mother is in the process of redoing her bedroom as well and have picked up a few color samples from our local Sherwin Williams store to test out in the bedroom. I stole borrowed one that I liked which she was not happy with and went to town.
(Tricorn Black)
After about two coats and getting pain all over my feet…this is the end result.

But I wasn’t done there. The knobs were still the untouched wood color and I didn’t like that. So, I had some gold spray paint (We’ll talk about why later) and decided to add some finishing touches
It’s a little hard to see the gold, but it’s there. I’m still not happy with the knobs and I’m debating a trip to Anthropologie to get something more…just more. Maybe some glitz or glam or just a sparkle to catch the eye. I did line the drawers with scented drawer liner, but I forgot to snap that picture.
In the end, I’m happy with the results. I am even thinking of getting another dresser and putting them side by side. You can never have enough storage in the bedroom.
Happy Decorating!
XO

Where all the magic happens…

We are by no means done with the dining room, but I thought I would move to another room that has been getting some of my attention. That would be the bedroom. Let’s start from the beginning shall we…

This was the bedroom when we first moved in. It’s a nice size, large enough to fit a king and one nightstand, though there is that awkward little angle to the side. Not sure why, but hey…what can you do about it. My mission with this room is to get it here:

with the color scheme shown or this color palette:
Any variation of the above is also acceptable. I want this space to be an elegant, stylish, restful retreat. If I could, I would put up chandeliers and long flowing curtains and paint the room a subtle gray. Alas...I can not. But I can dream.


This is where we are at now:

Glamorous aint it? But that’s okay because we are working towards a goal. A nice, beautiful goal. On the road to said goal, I picked up this lovely piece at ikea:
(Tarva series $79.00)
Product dimensions Height: 36 1/4 "
Width: 31 1/8 " / 31 1/8 " Height: 92 cm
Width: 79 cm / 79 cm It’s a nice piece, with good storage and very sturdy. The only problem is that it’s not the right palette for what I want. So…I set about putting my own mark on it and bringing it inline with my vision. Seems simple enough.