Dreaming of the Outer Banks, NC…A Perfect Summer Destination

June 21, 2013

Sara Silver . Inspiration, Travel . NC, Outer Banks

Style Me Pretty / Elaine Palladino

The Outer Banks, NC are unlike any beach town you’ve ever been too. Several years ago when my son was still very young I had the good fortune of spending a week there and to this day it’s the most memorable vacation I’ve ever had. The night of our arrival a large storm front slammed into the coast and shook the windows of our beach house with such force that I was sure they would shatter. I sat up all night feeling the floor sway under my feet as the stilts holding us up above the sand gave way little by little to the wind.

The following morning we made our way to the beach and what we found was a wall of foam, waist-high – a testament to the power of the storm. In its wake were thousands of sand dollars and starfish scatter along the shore for miles in every direction. We spent the rest of that afternoon throwing as many as possible back into the water.

In the evenings we’d wait in anticipation for the dolphins to come in to feed, impossibly close to shore, darting through the waves just before they broke at our feet. In Corolla, we found our way to a secluded beach and watched as wild horses fed on sea oats and walked freely through the shallow waves – a scene so beautiful I count myself lucky to have seen it in person.

Jared Lloyd Photography

I was reading through some posts this afternoon and came across a photo gallery of the barrier islands taken by Elaine Palladino for Style Me Pretty; it instantly reminded me how much I want to go back. There’s something magical about this place – if you ever have the chance to go, you should.

Style Me Pretty / Elaine Palladino

June 19, 2013

Sara Silver . DIY, Food, Inspiration

In writing this blog, one of my favorite posts has been about using mason jars in the kitchen…for food…imagine that! This weekend I’ll be making the Cupcakes in a Jar so I thought I would share this with you again. Enjoy!

RECLAIMING YOUR CASTLE

Is there anything that we haven’t done to the mason jar? Paint it, illuminate it, fill it with buttons and hang it from the bottom of our cabinets. I can’t really point the finger – I recently bought a $7 bag of coffee beans just so I could dump it into a mason jar and top it off with a tea light.

These handy little jars used to have a purpose, though – my grandmother used them to store homemade apple butter (and a fly one Christmas…which also happened to be the last Christmas I ate apple butter). But I love the idea of using them for serving food; it’s practical and trendy and after all, that’s what they were made for…I think! Pinterest might prove me wrong there.

So, here are 5 Classically Cool Ways to Use Mason Jars in the Kitchen…

#1. Cupcake in a Jar

This idea…

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Transforming Mini Blinds into Chic Roman Shades…Weekend DIY

June 14, 2013

Sara Silver . Home Design, Home Projects, Inspiration . Weekend Projects

The Happiness of Living

Window treatments can totally update the look and feel of a room but they can be so expensive! Thanks to The Little Green Notebook that’s not a problem anymore. Take your old, unflattering white blinds and use the bones of the slats and pull string to create custom roman shades – with no sewing at all!!!

via The Little Green Notebook

Supplies–
Tape measure
Scissors
Fabritac (or comparable fabric glue – NOT HOT GLUE!)
Mini blinds (like the $3 Target mini blinds)
Fabric (yardage depends on the size of your window)
Trim (optional)

1. Measure you windows carefully. Then do some math and figure out how many folds you want in your shade. I like the look of a fold every 9 inches, which meant I only needed 6 slats for my small windows.

Little Green Notebook

2. Let out the blinds all the way, making them the longest they can be. Carefully cut away all of the thin tilting/ladder-like strings, being very careful not to cut the thicker lift cord. I simply ran my scissors along the top of the slats, cutting away the tilt strings and avoiding the lift string altogether.
3. Take out the plastic plugs from the bottom of the miniblinds and remove and put aside the thick bottom slat piece (you’ll need this later). Then simply pull off most of the slats, while leaving the few you’ll need for the folds of the shade. Like I mentioned before, I only needed six slats for my shade.

Little Green Notebook

4. Make sure the blinds are still let out all the way. Measure carefully and reinstall the thick bottom slat so that the length of your window and the full length of the shade are roughly the same. I decided to make my shade about 1″ longer than my window measurement. Just to make sure it would be long enough.

Trim the extra cord away off the bottom.

Now cut out your fabric, using the shade skeleton as your pattern and leaving a 2.5 inch (or so) border on all sides.

5. Congrats! You’re done with the hard part! You should have something that looks like this:

Little Green Notebook

It’s time to start gluing.

6. Start with the top of the shade. Fold over and glue the fabric together to make a clean edge and glue that to the front of the big top rail mount. **NOTE: Do not glue the folded hem to the very ends of the rail mount. You need to be able to slip the rail into the wall-mounted brackets, so the fabric needs to stay unglued on the very ends.

7. Measure 9″ (or your preferred fold length) from the top of the rail. Adjust and glue a slat into place. Continue all the way down, gluing the slats to the fabric. I glued the rounded, convex side of the slat to the fabric so there was more slat-to-fabric contact. Make sure not to glue the lift cord to the slats or the fabric.

8. Glue, turn in and glue again the three other sides of the shade to finish off all the edges. Let it all dry.

9. (Optional) Glue on some trim to the bottom slat. I picked up some super, super tiny ball trim at JoAnn’s for less than $1 a yard. (only needed one yard)

Little Green Notebook

10. Hang up the shades just like hanging up mini blinds. The cord still functions the same way and, as long as you didn’t glue the lift cord to your slats or fabric, the shade should lift and fold beautifully.

Affordable Updates for a Classic Kitchen…

June 12, 2013

Sara Silver . Home Design, Home Projects, Inspiration . Kitchens

SF Girl By Bay

I love the look of shiny granite counter tops and big stainless steel appliances but that’s not the only way to showcase a lovely kitchen. If you’re in a position where remodeling doesn’t fall within your budget, consider some bright paint colors and imaginative storage and display options to revamp a retro, classic kitchen…it can be just as quaint for a fraction of the cost.

Fluxi ion Tour

Look for modern signature pieces – a bold lampshade or pendant light, a contemporary piece of art, bright dishes in interesting hues or clever decals like the LOVE emblem above.

Design Sponge

This is clearly an older kitchen, but the bright tea cups and bold color choice in shelving make that an afterthought. Despite the outdated cabinetry this looks very cute and welcoming.

Feita De Detalhes

Love the bursts of colors here against white board paneling. Using light blues throughout pull in the dated tile and make it feel purposeful and unique.

Daily Dream Decor

An apartment kitchen can be small and boring but this one is so colorful and visually interesting that the plain white cabinets fade completely into the background. Notice the bursts of yellow that keep things light and help pull everything together.

Here are a few more beautifully classic kitchens updated with charm…

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Martha Stewart

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Easy Bathroom Makeovers…Before and After Pictures

June 9, 2013

Sara Silver . Home Design, Home Projects, Inspiration

Decorology

Happy Sunday! Yesterday morning I rolled out of bed and into the bathroom, looked around and decided it was time to do some sprucing up. In my search for inspiration, I came across an article from Better Homes and Gardens that I had to share in case you were in your bathroom this weekend thinking the same thing! I love these ideas because they’re cheap, practical and can be knocked out in just a couple of days. You won’t believe the transformations…

BEFORE

BHG

I lived in Philadelphia for a few years and this reminds me of every row home bathroom I was ever in. Crowded and with one tiny window; the clutter and outdated tile seem a bit insurmountable.

AFTER

BHG

Amazing! A few easy updates like paint and well-chosen accessories is all it took to turn this bathroom around. The sandy color of the tile inspired a beach theme, brought to life by the soft blues and greens of a new shower curtain and linens. The clutter was moved out and replaced by a wooden coat rack (great idea!) – trendy and perfect for storing shower accessories, robes and towels.

BEFORE

BHG

The strip light fixtures and tile vanity really date this bathroom – strip lighting above the mirror is pretty standard in most homes today and can give off a really cookie cutter look.

AFTER

BHG

Paint! It changes everything…the vanity was painted a bright white to appear more like a dresser than a standard piece of bathroom furniture. The sink fixtures and counter top were changed out but the floor tiles were left as is. Wall sconces and a new medicine cabinet finish off the look.

BEFORE

BHG

The monochromatic tiles running from the floors to the walls make this small bathroom feel cramped and dated – and the sink is too large for the 7 x 7.5 foot space.

AFTER

BHG

It’s hard to believe this is the same bathroom! A pedestal sink opens up floor space and solid-surfacing panels made to look like bead board wainscoting give the walls a fresh farmhouse look. Yellow accents and a new medicine cabinet pull it all together. The use of shelving to add more storage space is genius.

Have you done any bathroom updating lately? Any tips for getting a great look on a budget?

Key Chain for Daddy…Unique Father’s Day Gift

June 6, 2013

Sara Silver . Inspiration . Father's Day Gift

Formia Design

I was looking for some unique ideas for Father’s Day gifts and came across these key chains by Formia Designs, sold on their website and on Esty. They’re a little pricey at $89 – ranging up to $139 based on detail but they’re made of Titanium which should last many, many years. You e-mail them your child’s drawing and they send you back the key chain! I’m not sure how quickly they fill orders but even if it doesn’t make it by Father’s Day this year, this personalized key chain would still be a lovely belated gift.

I have boxes and boxes of my children’s drawings that get stored away and never looked at again. I just think these are such a precious way to appreciate their innocence and creativity every day of the week.

Formia Design

Sea Glass Inspired Decor…Bringing the Beach Indoors

June 3, 2013

Sara Silver . Home Design, Inspiration . beach bungalow, Beach Decor, paint color, sea glass

Better Homes and Gardens

Close your eyes and picture the ocean – the roar of the waves, the warm sand on your feet – the call of the sea gulls and the sun on your skin. When I saw this collection in Better Homes and Gardens that scene is the first thing that came to mind. The colors are so soft and distinctively nautical; I can almost smell the salt water. Honestly, it makes me want to redecorate my whole home into a beach bungalow. If you feel the same way, here are some more sea glass inspired decor ideas to help you bring the beach to life in your home this season.

Pop Sugar

I love the drift wood and sea glass wall hanging. If you’re one of those people who like to scour the sand for shells and glass this would be a great project to display what you find this Summer.

Source Unknown

Delight By Design

Weathered white or gray is a perfect backdrop for a sea glass or nautical theme because it mimics the sun bleached, salt water worn wood found along the ocean front. Also, whites and pale grays will let the cool blue and greens of the sea glass take center stage.

Martha Stewart

Esty

Source Unknown

Houzz

The paint color on these walls is Sea Salt by Benjamin Moore. The blue/green is so subtle and beautifully beachy; if you’re considering doing a beach themed room this would be an excellent place to start. Continue with colors that reflect the overall picture of an ocean scene in your mind – white couch for the white clouds, soft khaki’s and browns for the sand – if possible, find a rug that helps pull it all together.

BrightNest

Sea Shell; Supply / Esty

Cottage Home

To break up the monotony of the pale blues and greens of an ocean theme try adding in touches of coral, peaches and pinks. In small doses they’re a lovely compliment to the cool pastels of the Summer season.

Liven Up Your Memorial Day Table…Painted Glass Tutorial

May 26, 2013

Sara Silver . DIY, Home Projects, Inspiration

Repiny

If you’re anything like me you have a dozen or so old flower vases and various glass bottles scattered around the house (mine are crammed under the kitchen sink). Why not put them to good use and throw together a bright, fun centerpiece to liven up your Memorial Day Table? Try using red, white and blue paint for a patriotic touch!

Anthropologie…Imitation Is the Best Form of Flattery (And It’s Cheaper)

May 21, 2013

Sara Silver . DIY, Home Projects, Inspiration

Anthropologie

While browsing through the online pages of Anthropologie this past weekend, as usual, I wanted to buy one of everything. Their Summer Entertaining section is filled with pieces that I would love to have in my own home this season – and for a fraction of the cost I can! If you’re up for a little DIY’ing, so can you.

One of my favorites ~ the Confetti Fete Glasses; $12 a piece.

Anthropologie

Or, buy a whole set of tumblers for $12 and do this instead!

Savvy Sugar

What You’ll Need:

Red, yellow, blue, and white enamel acrylic paint
Glass tumblers
Paper towel
Cotton swabs
Sheet pan
Parchment paper

Do one color at a time and allow the paint to dry between dot applications. When the glasses are dry, flip them over on the parchment paper and put them in a cool oven. Set the temp to 350 and bake for 30 minutes to set the paint. Let cool one hour before handling.

Block Print Star Napkin Set; $48.

Anthropologie

Hand-Stamped Napkins via babycenter

Baby Center

You will need:
100 percent cotton napkins (as many as you like)
Iron
Cardboard
Rubber stamp
VersaCraft fabric ink pad
Test fabric

Wash, dry, and iron the napkins, then lay each on a hard surface. Put a piece of cardboard under the napkin to absorb any ink that passes through the fabric.

Lightly tap the stamp on the ink pad and gently press on a piece of fabric to test the impression. Once you’re satisfied with the results, press the inked stamp on the napkin. You may want to create a border or pattern. Re-ink the stamp between every impression.

When all the napkins are stamped, place a piece of fabric between the stamped side of the napkin and the iron, and press both sides of the napkin with a hot iron. Do not use steam or water. The heat will set the ink and prevent fading.

Mason Jar Sippers; $48 set of 12.

Anthropologie

Daisy Cut Mason Jar Lids; 11 for $0.49 a piece + shipping!!! (follow the link to order)

Candle Soylutions

Grab a cheap pack of mason jars and some fun straws and voila!

The Art of Picture Placement…

May 15, 2013

Sara Silver . Home Design, Home Projects, Inspiration

Decor Pad

My idea of picture placement is holding a frame or frames up to the wall, guesstimating where they should go and then hammering in a series of nails (it should really be only one or two nails per picture but I have yet to convince myself that closing one eye and squinting is not a replacement for a level and a template). I’m trying to work on this. I created a post a few months ago full of photo gallery wall templates and in an attempt to hone my skills I gave one a shot on the wall above my bed. Here is the before and after…

Reclaiming Your Castle

I love the results but the series of templates I came across today are the best yet – they give you the placement and the frame sizes you need to create a beautiful gallery wall. I’m almost inspired to start on another picture project! Check them out and see if they can help you master the art of picture placement.