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1950’s Bathroom Remodel: Before & Plans

September 28, 2015 by CORINNA HENDERSON

Hey Guys!

This is going to be the first post of probably too many regarding our bathroom renovation. *jaw drops*

I cannot believe we are really starting this. I’m super excited and I have so much to say about it.

I guess the best way to start on all this is to start with where we started and where we want to go (with some explanation as to why).

Our house has 1 single full bath. How totally non-2015, right? For a lot of reasons we settled on this house. But we always knew there were things we needed to budget for/borrow money for/DIY to update and make the house better for us and better for resale. Fixing up the bathroom was a major point for us.

The bathroom came with almond tile covering every wall, original bath fixtures and tub, floors that were newly tiles (with the cheapest ceramic tile available- it was disgusting and raised more than an inch and a half higher than our hallway floors, guests were constantly stubbing their toes or tripping), a new vanity (that was about 10 times too big for the space), old bathroom vanity lighting and a new (but not really stylish) medicine cabinet. None of it my style, all of it pretty bad.

We completely anticipated giving the space a facelift. I wanted to tear out the ugly floors and put in something nicer, paint over all the almond tile just like Pinterest told me to do, and replace the vanity. Add a few cute accessories and call it a day. I’ll talk more about what happened when we tried to start all that next week, but it went bad fast and we had to step back.

We are not tilers, we have no experience or knowledge how to replace drywall or plywood and as much as the internet makes all that stuff sound easy and fun- I tried tiling. It. Was. Bad. If/when we ever add a second bathroom, I’ll plan to give myself time to take a class or two before actually trying to tile by following a Youtube video. (And maybe pay someone to babysit myself through part of it).

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That thumbs up disappeared quickly…

So we’ve hired out a lot of help. We will still be doing things in the space, but we’re letting our contractor take lead on caring for the bones of the space. I was thinking about doing a post to share how we found our contractor, would you find that helpful? If you would, let me know and I’ll definitely get it together.

So that’s pretty much all of the “before.” My goal for this space is for it to have a global feel, specifically with Mediterranean/Spanish/Middle Eastern influence. Mixed with that I want the space to have a craftsman feel to it and, of course, some boho flair (boho may take over… it’s the nature of my ways).

What do you think? Naturally, I’m smitten. Emily Henderson is a huge inspiration in the space, but I’m not out to replicate the space you’ll see above in my mood board. White I like the all white palette, brown is my go-to. I love brown as a base for a room because of the warmth is adds. So I will definitely have more brown in the space- like baskets, floor tile possibly, art and accessories, and oil rubbed bronze towel bars/faucets/etc.

Essentially none of the decisions are made, so I’ll be taking you along on that journey. I hope you’ll want to help me make some decisions. It’s been so helpful when you guys speak up with your thoughts on Facebook. So, what do you think? Got any favorite places to shop for bathroom stuff? Any tutorials or inspiration pics? Leave them in the comments below!

Boho Vintage Eclectic Bedroom Sources

September 25, 2015 by CORINNA HENDERSON

Hey Guys!

I don’t know how I’m just getting around to getting this post up. I’ve been flying through all the tutorials because *gulp* I’m going to start posting about our bathroom remodel next week! I’m seriously a nervous wreck with all the things we’re undertaking and have already begun to undertake. It’s quite an adventure!

But back to today’s post- I’m going to share sources for everything that went into our bedroom makeover! In case you never had the pleasure of seeing the before of this space I’ll just shamefully leave this picture here…

But now the space is a wonderful one that I love being in.

So where did I get all of the stuff you see here? How can you recreate the DIYed pieces? What about the vintage and second hand pieces? Everything you could want to know that I can provide the answers to are below.

Boho Vintage Eclectic Bedroom Sources

Table Lamp on dresser– Was bought at Target ages ago but has since been discontinued but they do have a very similar one still available online. The color is less brass and more silver but has a very similar shape!

Geometric Bowl with Gold detail– Also purchased from Target. It’s from the Nate Berkus line and is unfortunately recently discontinued (likely to make room for the new fall line). It’s a rather large bowl, I use it to store rolled up belts, makeup and a spray bottle for the plants in this room.

Tapered Cacti Candles– Scored these candles on eBay, though they seem to be fairly easy to get a hold of. Like this listing on eBay.

Woven Wall Hanging– It’s from @KentHeartStrings_Shop on Instagram. (Don’t quote me on this, but I believe she’s moved to an Etsy shop).

Brass Candlestick Holders– I scored these on different trips to different thrift stores. You can buy them on Etsy but I’d practice persistence and just check your local thrift stores. They’re usually cheap and plentiful.

The Dresser– Scored this and it’s pair on Craigslist. Keep an eye on craigslist. I’ve found them to be reasonably priced and in better condition than the ones that show up in our local thrift stores. You can buy new dressers like the Mid Century 6 Drawer Dresser from West Elm and Mid Century Modern 6 Drawer Dresser from Target and many other retailers, too. Mid Century is still hot right now so it wouldn’t be hard to find one second hand or brand new.

The Rug– I love this rug! I actually moved it in from the living room and think it suits this space so much better. It’s a Target find, clearly the retailer of choice in the space (it helps when you can combine things like 5% discount when using the RedCard and Cash Back from Ebates! Oh an *TIP: Sometimes I shop online and there’s almost always a discount code for what I’m buying, other times I bribe my 3 year old with toys while I peruse the clearance endcaps. That’s why so much of the decor in this space is Target!).

Basket beside Dresser– Sadly another discontinued item, but Target still has many other lovely Nate Berkus baskets. The pillow inside was picked up from an online “handmade in India” shop that has vanished. These ones on Amazon are very similar.

The Bed– It’s an IKEA Tarva Bed hacked to be a bit more my style (Here’s the tutorial– very easy!)

The Nightstands– They’re IKEA Rast Hacks made to look like the West Elm Stria nightstands and made more my style with DIY crystal drawer knobs.

The Bedding– The pillow shams are West Elm, The accent pillow is Target (sadly clearanced out long ago, but this pretty fringe and floral pillow would be beautiful or this African Mudcloth with fringe pillow would be stunning, too), and the coverlet is by Country Living and I picked it up for a great price ($20!) at Burlington Coat Factory.

The Bedside Lamps– They’re an awesome DIY and they debuted as my first contributor post for Designer Trapped in a Lawyer’s Body. I’ve since updated them (as a lady with very little time on my hands, I spend much too much time “perfecting” projects) and I’ve got details about their update in this hanging macrame bedside sconce post.

Picture Frames– Are from the dollar store and are outfitted with candid cake smash in the face shots from my husband’s and my wedding. I’m so happy so many family members had cameras on them and that they were able to collaboratively bestow us with the gift of that memory.

Decorative Box on Nightstand– DIY, here’s the tutorial!

Pothos in Planter– The planter was a gift from my mom and the Pothos is from Lowes.

Curtains– Once again, a Target find! I really wanted to use the Urban Outfitters’ Magical Thinking Macrame Wall Hanging but they would’ve WAY over blown the budget.

Closet Door Paint Color– Clark+Kensington from Ace Hardware, BUT I had the sample made up nearly a year ago and they forgot to mark it. I think it’s Vivid Blooms o9C-6.

Bentwood Stool– Another Craigslist score. Though you can pick one up on Etsy if you can’t find one thriftily.

Pillow atop Stool– Burlington Coat Factory, in store. I think the in store selection varies from store to store but the pillow selection at my store is massive and beautiful (and priced really well!)

Wall Mounted Clothes Organizer– DIY. Come see that tutorial, here.

Hanging Planter– DIY. I love this thing, a lot!

Boho Hand Print– From Minted! I love the expansive collection of Wall Art available through Minted.

Tapestry Curtain– I picked this one up from Amazon. It’s supposed to bring Good Luck (fingers crossed!).

Painting– Thrift Store. Thrift stores are a really great place to pick up original art!

The small chests on the floor were from WalMart and Pier 1, many years ago! You can find similar chests from all the usual big stores. Just check the home accessories and jewelry storage sections.

Many of the stores I purchased items from are Ebates cash back stores. Whenever I shop online, I shop through Ebates (and even have the browser add on to remind me to activate cash back when I’ve skipped ahead to a retailer’s store). I can’t recommend it enough. I’ve used it for years now to save pennies here and there and I think you should, too!

Did I miss anything? Let me know and I’ll fill in any gaps! I hope the list is comprehensive enough and that you’ve enjoyed the transformation. Check out the whole series from the beginning here.

How I Made It: Hanging Macrame Bedside Sconces

September 21, 2015 by CORINNA HENDERSON

Hey Guys!

If you’ve been following me for a while, then you may remember the debut of the macrame lamps shades I made. The tutorial is up on Designer Trapped In A Lawyer’s Body since I’m a contributor there. I just couldn’t leave good enough alone though and I found myself inspired to change them up a bit. I love the look of hanging lamps, macrame and rustic decor. This will blend all of those elements in one perfect little lamp.

I’ll briefly cover the actual macrame part here. If you’d like more details, I invite you to check out the original tutorial. Today’s post will be focused moreso on how I changed the color of the rope, changed up the lamp cord and the rustic wall mount.

How to Make A Macrame Lampshade

I used a skinny and tall lamp shade that I purchased from Amazon to dissasemble and use the lamp rings from. It would be much cheaper to buy the lamp parts individually though. The only reason I think it would benefit to use an actually assembled lamp is because you could cut away the liner as you macrame to act as a guide for length. But mine still ended up a bit crooked so I would definitely say it would make best sense to buy the 2 lamp rings from a lamp making supplier.

The top ring has a smaller ring in the center to attaching to a lamp base. I used my dremel to cut a chunk of that out so I wouldn’t have to take the prefabricated lamp wire apart to fit it through.

The start of the macrame is to knot two larks head knots beside one another onto the top ring. Then a square knot (step by step diagram below under the braided lamp cord section).

Split the four strings in half and gather them with bundles beside this knot. Knot a square knot about 2 inches down. Alternate back and forth between bundles of rope to create this particular woven design. I hope the bad “highlighting” job in the picture below is helpful in understanding what I’m trying to get across rather than just confusing!

Once the desired length of shade is acheived, wrap the excess rope onto the bottom ring.

DIY Paint Dip-Dye

A trick I like to use in decorating a space with a pop of color is to use the paint in multiple places. Yeah, I’ve got a coral door and coral in the wall hanging beside my dresser. They even play off the pink quartz crystal drawer knobs I have on my nightstands, the boho hand print hanging above the thrifted art and a beautiful orange and red pillow I keep in the space. But, I wanted to pull in the color in the bedside lamps. I did not want to straight paint the wood or rope. So I thought I’d experiment with turning the paint into a “dye.”

This actually turned out to be really easy and successful. The ratio seems to depend on which finish and brand of paint you use- but I think you’ll be able to get it right easily. I poured a dollop of paint into a large bowl. Then I ran water into the bowl and mixed the paint and water together. I kept adding water until the water was still opaque, but just as liquidy as plain water.

Then I pressed the shades into the water and soaked for a few moments. I looked a little white trash afterwards as I hung them to dry in garden stakes over dead plants (the struggle is real ;)). Once they were dry, I slipped them back onto the lamp cord. Easy!

Braided Lamp Cord

The lamp cord I used with these sconces are basic and boring, but they’re inexpensive, premade and from Amazon- So they were the go to for me. The longer the lamps hung there though, the more I knew I needed to do something with the actual lamp cord to make it me. So I took a huge roll of jute twine and essentially square knotted my brain numb. It is absolutely time consuming, but the result is too rewarding for me to have quit or vow never to do it again. I will absolutely be doing this again and again. If you’re not familiar with macrame, or maybe you just know what I mean by “square knot,” I’ve included this easy to follow image guide below. I was in a rush to get this project done, so I just wrapped the other cord with the jute, no fancy knots, and it looks very cool, too!

Rustic Wall Mount

The wall mounted portion is just as easy as everything else I’ve shared so far. I took two pieces of wood, one that would cover the previously drilled holes from the first round using shelf brackets and take the lamps up a bit higher and the other needed to be long enough to hold the lamp away from the wall with room to wrap the cord. These measurements can be however long or short you want. In fact, I think it would make a beautiful base for any kind of hanging lamp. Apply a little bit of wood clean between the two pieces of wood, then use wood screws to attach them. For added stability, install an L bracket. With a few supplies (most DIYers would have these laying around and if not they’re super inexpensive!), you have an easy and beautiful hanging lamp base. You could then paint it, leave it plain, or stain it (that’s the route I chose).

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Essentially you’d just have to piece together the portions you like, or all of them, to achieve a boho-rustic hanging lamp. I’m a fan of color, so these perfectly speak to my soul. But if you’re not a color fan, simply omit the dip dye. If you’re not a fan of macrame (what!? kidding!) use a different lamp shade. I want you to take something you enjoy from this tutorial and make it work for you. I hope you do find it helpful and cool. Thanks a ton for stopping by, and be sure to take a look at some of the other posts here on A Designer At Home, because they’re pretty awesome 😉

How I Made It: Wall Mounted Clothing Planning System

September 18, 2015 by CORINNA HENDERSON

Hey Guys!

I have been so excited to get this project together to share with you guys. This outfit planning wall organizer is fantastic for small spaces because it takes up vertical space (wall) instead of horizontal (floor). It doesn’t touch the floor so it’s a breeze to clean around. And it’s going to make your mornings easier because you can avoid the morning search-for-any-damn-thing-to-wear shuffle. Bonus: It’s really easy to make, chyea!

What You’ll Need:

(Totals are for 1 outfit planning unit, double for 2, triple for 3 and so on and so forth)
1x1/2″ Copper Cap
6x1/2″ 90 Degree Copper Elbow
3x1/2″ Copper Tee
2x5/8″ x 48″ Wood Dowel (You’ll end up with extra)
Circular Saw, Hand Saw, Any Saw
Super Glue
2x1/2″ 2 hole Copper Strap
Optional: Paint or Stain

Wall Mounted Clothing Planning System

If you’re going to paint or stain the dowel rods, do it before assembly. You’re probably reading that going, “duhhhh.” But trust me, I’ve rushed around so much that I didn’t think that part through before. So, friendly reminder, you can do your cuts first, but optionally stain and/or paint them before gluing them into the copper pieces.

I’ve got the cuts listed in the pic above with the supplies, but here they are:

Cuts For 1 Wall Mounted Outfit Planning Organizer

2 pieces that are 24 inches (or half of a 48 inch long dowel rod)

7 pieces that are 3 inches long (just under half of a 48 inch rod, so if you’re making 2, you’ll just need 1 more dowel rod)

Once the easy part is done, cutting and optionally painting/staining, it’s time for more easy! Assembly! You guys have probably caught on that I like video instead of typing things out. My skills are way elementary but this is really what assembly looks like.

Once assembled, you just need to attach it to the wall. If the holes for the straps won’t be going into studs, make sure to use wall anchors. Heavier items of clothing will pull the screws right through the dry wall.

And it should look something like this:

Now you’re ready to get planning!

I had fun selecting outfits that I can’t wear right now because I work too much to wear cute things. But it makes me happy to see the outfits! Now that the photos are done, I’ll use the organizer more practically.

You could also use these in an entryway to hang jackets and hats, too! Or a bathroom for towels. Just omit the shoe holder portion if need be and add a second cap to the bottom end.

I hope you’ve found this post interesting and useful! If you did, please be sure to leave me a comment so I know you’ve visited and give it a share so your friends can check it out!

How I Made It: Leather Sling Hanging Planter

September 16, 2015 by CORINNA HENDERSON

Hey guys!

Are you ready for another DIY from my bedroom? One necessity for me was plants. Lots of plants. It really uplifts my mood and makes me feel at ease to be around plants. I didn’t want to do anything as permanent as put in shelves (because lord knows I’ll only need to move them a month later) but I also didn’t want to crowd the existing surfaces with plants. So to keep the floor as clear as possible, I created this Leather (pleather) Hanging Planter Sling.

It’s really easy to make and you can totally do this so let’s dive into the tutorial!

(Bonus- You’re going to love the way this Leather Hanging Planter looks!)

Supplies:

Embroidery Floss and Needle

Two square pieces of pleather (leather will damage if any water sits on it, so be sure to go faux)

Cotton Rope

Scissors/Straight Edge/Craft Knife

How To Make It:

Cut out two squares from your pleather fabric.

Sew A Knot Through Each Corner.

(backsides facing one another)

Stitch All Four Sides Together.

Cut A Slit Just Large Enough To Pass The Rope Through and Stitch Around The Edges.

Pass Rope Through The Slit and Tie Off A Knot.

Cut Off A Shorter Length Of Rope and Tie The Two Overlapping Pieces Together.

Place An Adorable Plant Friend Onto The Center Of The Sling and Display!

Check Out The “Elephant Bush” (Portulacaria afra) Plant Here.

This corner of my bedroom is totally giving me life right now. It always makes me smile! And yeah, I ended up changing out the plant. I LOVE the pothos. I have a hard time remembering to open the blinds in the morning and this resilient vine cuts me some slack.

Don’t Forget-> If you’ve enjoyed this post, please give it a share! And don’t forget to subscribe to email updates!

I really appreciate you being here!

Crushing On: Wall Hangings

September 14, 2015 by CORINNA HENDERSON

Hey Guys!

Last week I shared a tutorial (with a video!) for a moroccan wedding blanket inspired wall hanging. It turned out beautifully and since posting it, I’ve had wall hangings on the brain. So I set out to find gorgeous inspirational spaces to share with you and tips for using wall hangings in your own home.

9 Ways To Use A Wall Hanging

Centered Over A Dresser: Add symmetry to a space by centering a decorative wall hanging over a larger piece like a dresser.

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AN INSPIRED, BOHEMIAN HOME IN THE CALIFORNIA DESERT Design*Sponge

To Accent A Space Within A Space: This desk space is defined by the fabric wall hanging hung behind it.

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AN INSPIRED, BOHEMIAN HOME IN THE CALIFORNIA DESERT Design*Sponge

Display In A Collection: Create a gallery wall effect by grouping a few smaller wall hangings and throw in a complimentary piece or two in similar colors.

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AN INSPIRED, BOHEMIAN HOME IN THE CALIFORNIA DESERT Design*Sponge

To Fill A Small Wall: Got a small wall? Fill it with an intricate wall hanging to add color, texture and interest to the space.

small-wall-filled-with-large-macrame-wall-hanging-design-sponge

AN INSPIRED, BOHEMIAN HOME IN THE CALIFORNIA DESERT Design*Sponge

Add Height To Shorter Furniture Pieces: Tall and Short walls can benefit from this trick. A shorter piece of furniture can have big impact by hanging a large wall hanging above it.

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Lauren and Chad’s Vintage Comfort Apartment Therapy

Center Above A Bed to act as a Visual Headboard: Honestly, who needs a headboard nowadays? This cool wall hanging brings focus to the bed, which is the focus of the room traditionally.

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Carrie & Hal’s Modern Bohemian Home Apartment Therapy

To Make A Statement: Conversation piece, amiright?

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Carrie & Hal’s Modern Bohemian Home Apartment Therapy

Add A Pop Of Color: Tie in a pop of color by using wall hangings to pop the color throughout a space. It looks great against an otherwise neutral space.