headboard redesign

I have yet to finish decorating my bedroom. Well, honestly, I never be "finished" decorating any room in my home, but comparatively, the bedroom needs a few fine details. No rug, no headboard, very little storage space.

It is a small space, just about 8'8" x 11'10", so there are not a lot of configuration options. The "master" closet is a pathetic 57" X 32". We have two small, but tallish dressers and a nightstand. I made curtains and put up bamboo blinds a few months ago, which really helped to warm it up. I recently acquired a headboard that needs recovering at a rummage sale for $5.

I was inspired by Domino's feature on twin headboards this month. One of the rooms they designed has just the color palette I have in mind. I've already got the red in the curtains and some black and white elements, I just need to add the light turquoise blue, gilded gold and a dramatic element (like the striped rug).


Ballard Designs makes a headboard almost identical to the one I scored. Since I know I have to remove the existing fabric and foam when I reupholster it, I figured I would add nail heads at that time.


Now, here is the question, what fabric should I use to recover the headboard?

The red and ivory damask print like on the curtains in the room.


Should I use a white waffle weave shower curtain that I have from Target?


A dramatic solid red, like this from Target?


Is this where I should add the black and white stripe? (image from Ballard Designs)


Can you guys help me choose? I need your votes! The last poll was so much fun, and I am working on getting those tables done. By the time I finished with them, I will be ready to start the headboard project, so I want your input on what you think I should do. Vote asap!

get it together

This book got me motivated to tackle the large project of organizing my basement. Eliminate Chaos is written by professional organizer Laura Leist. Leist breaks down the overwhelming task of sorting and discarding the junk from our lives into 10 doable steps.
Here is how she suggests you approach each organizing task, large or small, in your home:
1. Dedicate the time...make a date with yourself or your helper and stick to it.
2. Gather supplies:garage cans or bags, boxes, a shredder, and a marking pen.
3. Establish an area in which you can place items as you sort.
4. Sort: items to keep, sell, donate, or trash.(Get the "toss" items out ASAP!)
5. Purge items that are no longer valuable or useful to you.
6. Group like items as you sort and purge.
7. Examine the empty space and make a plan before returning items into it.
8. Shop for the organizational components you will need for your new plan.
9. Install your new purchases, put the items you've kept in their new homes.
10.Maintain your new orderly space. Consistently evaluate to see that the new systems are working for you. If not, adjust them so that they will.

I used this process with my basement, and got through the sorting step, but unfortunately never actually got the items to be donated or given away out of the house. Now they take up valuable storage space down there, and since clutter begets more clutter, my great organizing job is quickly coming undone. I will pretty much have to start over! I really should have followed the 10 steps a little more closely!

Eliminate Chaos has locations around the Puget Sound, and Laura frequently appears at our Renton, WA IKEA to speak on common organizing topics. On July 19th, from 9:00-10:00am, listen to her tips on getting the kids organized for back to school. Most likely there will be information at this event that can also be applied to other areas of your life. If you are a busy mom though, get yourself in gear for the school year early, and be rewarded with a smooth transition that will impact you all year long.

rustic and refined living room

Amy Butler's Brown/Trailing Cherry fabric from new Midwest Modern collection.

I have entered a contest sponsored by decor8 and Amy Butler Design. I was challenged to design a hypothetical room around one of Amy Butler's new fabrics from her Midwest Modern collection. I was torn between two patterns, of very dissimilar styles: one is sweet and classic, the other, modern yet retro. Since this is my first time entering the contest, I chose the sweet, brown floral as it is within my comfort zone. The design was inspired by a gorgeous room designed by Barbara Westbrook for Traditional Home Magazine's 2008 show house series.



My rustic and refined living room mood board.


My room features a balance between classic and updated yet traditional upholstery pieces, with a few more modern and slightly rustic accents. A Zoe sofa by Pottery Barn slipcovered in honey twill with two of Anthropologie's Antwerp occasional chairs upholstered in chocolate linen create the seating group. These pieces are anchored by a round braided jute rug from West Elm. CB2's stone top side table and Umbra's clean-lined wood coffee table bring in stylish elements of nature. Two of PB's Rustic Glass Pendants hang above the fireplace, flanking a piece of art work or perhaps some rustic mirrors, like these by Roost at Velocity Art and Design.

I imagine the room painted a warm cream like Benjamin Moore's Frappe and the trim in Wenge, a deep deep brown. Warm and natural fabrics are found on the pillows and simple drapes. So, tell me what you think! Do I have a fighting chance? If I make it through Holly's initial elimination, you will get a chance to vote for my board on her blog. I won't know until June 24th, so I will keep you posted! Wish me luck!

candace's d-i-y project

Candace's dresser before the makeover.


Candace's dresser post warm chocolaty paint goodness.


Just as I am calling for your best organizing tips, I would like to add your d-i-y design projects to the list too. Send me pictures and details about your favorite project: something that you built, decorated or otherwise redesigned in your own space. I'll share them with readers as I recieve them. Here is one to get you all inspired to send something my way.

Candace, my friend in decorating, bought a great little dresser at Simply Renewed, to use as her tv console. Cleverly, it stores and hides dvd's, cd's, and Derek's video controlers and games. However, the burgandy hue was not jiving so much with the earthy new color scheme of brown and green. So, she painted it Benjamin Moore's Wood Grain Brown. She found the great off-white knobs, which add a splash of contrast, at Target.





Doesn't it look fabulous? Great work Candace, be proud of yourself!
Okay, so, send your projects in! Feel free to narrate the experience, or add any nuggets of knowledge you garnered, that you would like to pass on. Please email text and images to me at bchicdesign@gmail.com!

share your organizing ideas

This is a call for your BEST organizing ideas... Anyone have anything to share?


Aimee in Chicago sparked the idea to ask for your input. She sent me this image of her "necklace organizer" which is actually a men's tie rack. She hung this on the inside of her closet door to keep all of her beautiful necklaces (some of which she so cleverly made by hand) in line.

I found a similar wall mounted rack, as well as some alternative jewelry storage ideas at The Container Store.

This handsome tie rack would serve the same purpose.


Don't want to make holes in your closet wall or door? Try this hanging organizer instead.



If you have a small drawer in your nightstand or bathroom to dedicate to jewelery storage, these green EVA modular trays look great and keep tiny items contained.


How do you keep your spices organized? Have a great way to keep track of your crafting supplies? Or, do you actually need some help to get all the little things in your life under control? Either way, if you have questions,images or suggestions to share, email them to me at bchicdesign@gmail.com!