This week is pretty crazy, we’ve got several projects in the works and we’re celebrating a birthday, so I’ve been away from the computer a lot but I got a great question the other day and I had to smack my head because I can’t believe I haven’t answered it yet.

“Dear Kate. How can I get to the information from February where you were describing how to combine patterns of throw pillows? And where can you find a variety of reasonably priced pillows?” ~ Loretta in Kentucky

Loretta that post you mention on pillow styling is here and I have a lot of places I like to shop for pillows. I’m a frequent pillow changer by season so if I don’t make them myself, I hunt for ready made ones that are affordable and by that I mean under $50.  I’ve kept a master list of retailers in a document on my computer and was reminded to post it here when Loretta prompted me.

Here are my favorite sources for affordable pillows (under $50):

1) Etsy.  I like to support small businesses so I shop around on Etsy for pillow covers made with designer fabrics, some of my favorites include Festive Home Decor, NenaVon, Pop O Color, Pillow Mood, Kassapanola, and WillaSkyeHome.

chevron ikat / flamestitch / yellow ikat

2.  Pier One Imports

3.  Wisteria

4.  Ballard Designs

5. Bellacor

Read the rest of this entry »

Greetings everyone!  The ‘Solutions for Renters’ series continues today and I’ve gathered up a few ideas for you to spruce up those kitchen spaces with temporary solutions that incorporate your personal tastes and unique style.

Kitchens and bathrooms are the hardest to personalize since they’re mostly made up of choices that are unchangeable – cabinets, tile, flooring, countertops, and faucets – all those details you’re stuck with while you rent. So what is to be done? You can accept the situation, or tweak the space with a few of these ideas. Here are nine savvy solutions to personalize kitchens in rental homes and apartments, many apply to homeowners too looking to beautify kitchens on a budget!

1.  Change the Backsplash.  If you’re lucky, you’ll have decent cabinets in your rental but if you dislike the backsplash there is good news, you can always change it. Sure you won’t be ripping out tile but here are some smart and equally effective ideas. Nester wasn’t crazy about the pinkish tile in hers so she installed white beadboard panels to lighten up the look in her rental home.

Nesting Place

Jessica at Four Generations One Roof took it to the next level with her removable backsplash where she installed beautiful glass tile on panels, ones she can take with her or reuse in the future.

Four Generations One Roof

Mount boards covered with chalkboard paint, consider tin tiles either plain or painted; tattoo your tiles with a few of the available products, or use vinyl to add a pattern to a plain backsplash wall. Did you know there are peel and stick tiles on the market? Time to get creative incorporate a look you love that you can install as a temporary solution while you live with someone else’s design choices.

Design*Sponge / DIY Network / Tile Tattoos / Vinyl Backsplash / Peel & Stick Tile

2.  Remove cabinet doors.  If your kitchen cabinetry in your rental is not your favorite or you feel the need to lighten up, Emily’s solution for removing cabinet doors is a smart one. She’s not renting, but instead of repainting all of the cabinetry in her home, she simply removed the doors on the upper cabinets and painted the backs a dark charcoal – in a rental home you can do the same or even use wallpaper or wrapping paper to dress up the backs and secure it with double sided tape.

Emily A Clark

Country Living

Apartment Therapy

Read the rest of this entry »

This year, I’m challenging myself to bring more color into my home beyond my favorite blues which are everywhere around the house. Coral is my latest color crush and a natural complement to blue so it’s showing up in doses, most recently the living room.

The local stores have had several varieties of tulips in recent weeks, and these beauties were impossible to resist. I collect blue glass vessels, so it made sense to gather them up in a group on the mantel this season and fill them with the tulips.

Read the rest of this entry »

I’m in an exceptionally good mood today, perhaps because it’s Friday or perhaps because there are blooms beginning to appear on the trees or perhaps it’s because I plan to spend my Saturday painting something this color but mostly I think it’s because spring is finally on its way. Can you feel it yet?

It’s time for that end of the month roundup, here are the top ten not to miss posts from February.

We installed a new backsplash and mirror in the hall bathroom; my daughter’s dresser got an upgrade with some overlays and new pulls; there’s a new weathered gray stained bench out in the garden; and the marvelous Annie Selke shared some of her savvy business tips for entrepreneurs.

I finally figured out how to organize the Legos in the house and make it fun for my boy with the help of IKEA, win win! Also tips on pillow styling on a sofa; there are a few new terrariums around the house; you all shared your thoughts on bunk beds and helped us make a decision, thank you!  The Centsational Girl blog turned four this month (yay!) and I learned more about who you are from the informative survey; finally, don’t miss the Downton Abbey Season 3 recap – the comments are fantastic (but beware there are *spoilers* if you’re not caught up)

A special thank you to three great contributors this month, the first post by Courtney on using recliners in interior design, the second by Shannon who discussed six ways to dress a kitchen window, and the third by Jennifer who shared eight spring fashion essentials. Thanks so much for your contributions this month!

I’ve got some painting to do today and tomorrow and we’re hoping for a day trip somewhere on Sunday with a sunny sky forecast.

Have a lovely weekend!

.