Shelf Stylin'

I'm horrible at styling shelves.  I am constantly looking at inspiration photos to see if I can learn by osmosis...it hasn't really worked yet!  My sister has been working on her living room this long weekend and she sent me some pictures of her progress.  I think I might be inviting her over to help me style every shelf in my house!

Here's a few of her shots we can all use as inspiration!

My favourite part is the gold hippo (a thrift store find!).  Hope you are all enjoying this long weekend.  I'm so blissfully happy to have 2 days off in a row!

Decorating Secrets from Top Designers

While browsing Pinterest the other day, I came across a pin for 101 decorating secrets.  Some I had never heard of before, some I disagreed with, and some even made me laugh!  Here are a few of my favs:

Do you have any tried and true decorating mantras that you always follow?  You can read all 101 decorating tips on House Beautiful.  Enjoy the rest of your week!

2 Cool Tips I Learned from Pinterest

I'm sure there are way more than 2 that I've learned, but these are the two that I have put into practice in my own home and they work!

1)  Need to put your hair straightener away (or pack it) and it's still hot?  Put a pot holder around it!  Courtesy of my sister as a Christmas present last year, just fold a pot holder in half longways, and sew it in place.  It's meant to get hot from pots so it can take the heat of the straightener while it is cooling off.

2)  As part of my bathroom re-organization, I needed to find a place to keep my hair dryer, straightener, etc.    I grabbed some 3M hooks and stuck them on the inside of the cabinet door under the sink.  They have worked perfectly and have yet to fall down!  Best part is, they are removable, so there is no permanent screws needed!

  

Best finds on Pinterest yet!  Anyone else have some tips that have proven useful that you've found on Pinterest?

Happy Easter!

I must confess I've never been one to get excited over Easter. Or Hallowe'en for that matter. But that's for another post. I just don't like all the pastel colours and the kitchy decorations (which is funny since I used to collect rabbits when I was younger. What was I thinking?) But this year I managed to find some decor ideas that are a little more nontraditional but still bring about that Easter-spring-is-finally-here feeling! 

Simple but classic.

 Source: dearlillieblog.blogspot.com via Molly on Pinterest

More simple mantel decor.

Source: bhg.com via Jennifer on Pinterest



Not your average eggs (or egg tree).  Lovely!

Source: decor8blog.com via ScandinavianBreeze on Pinterest



I just realized this is my second framed bunny silhouette on this post!  I think it brings a more modern touch.

Source: fitcraftystylishandhappy.blogspot.com via Claire on Pinterest



I couldn't resist posting these.  GORGEOUS!!!

Source: bit.ly via Temika on Pinterest

Have a great long weekend everyone.  Happy Easter!



Sensational Small Spaces

Sorry for the lack of postings lately.  I've been uber busy this past week with teaching, IKEA-ing, tutoring, my sister's birthday, and prepping for a band concert this weekend.  (It's going to be a fantastic concert.  If you're around I highly recommend you try and come out!  You can check out the website here www.nccb.ca)

Anyway, here is a sampling of some sensational small spaces.  No real point to this post, I just really like these places!  All of these images are courtesy of Small Space Style. 

Such a bright and airy kitchen and bathroom!

Love the yellow, so cute!

Window seat = love

LOVE this living room.

Bed nook = ultimate coziness

I'll be back soon with a construction update!

Ikea Wishlist

Working at IKEA has one major drawback...I see things I love all the time!  For those of you that don't have an IKEA where you live, I think you should come visit, and I'll introduce you...seriously, you are missing out!  Here are some of the products that I have a huge crush on right now!

Rens Sheepskin:  I love how it looks draped over a couch or chair.  It's also super soft and adds a warm texture to the room.

(via The Art of Doing Stuff)

Barometer Track Light:  I would love this in my kitchen.  The standard builder light fixture that comes with my place is super ugly and generic.  A track light would really help direct the light to the different work areas and counters.

Billy Bookcase with Olsbo Doors:  This was the closest picture I could find.  I would love to put half of this product, with a complete glass door, in my kitchen eating area to display all my wine glasses and fancy dishes.

(via The Haystack Needle)

Ekenas Armchair:  Loving the lines of this chair, and it's also really comfy (I may have snuck a quick test in while working one day!)  They call the colour dark brown, but it has an almost purple quality to it.

(via IKEA)

Manstad Sofabed with Storage:  I'm actually saving my pennies for a new sofa.  The one I have now is a love seat that only sort-of allows for laying down, which is a must when watching movies!  This one is great, because you can put the chaise section on either end, and it also has storage for bed linens, and it folds out for when guests come over!  It's a win-win!

(via Houzz.com)

Lillangan Bathroom Series:  My bathroom is really small and lacks any kind of storage.  I'm really interested in these small bathroom storage ideas in the Lillangen series.

(via homeroomideas.com)

Those are my top 6 picks right now, but as we get more products in, I'm sure my list is going to increase!  I just wish I could win the lottery or something so I could afford all of them!