Then I saw one on Craigslist this past weekend and quickly snapped it up for $25.  TOTAL SCORE !  It includes the 30” table, the custom fit tablecloth in ivory, and the glass table top.  This triplet retails for at least $130 for just the basic cloth. 

Before, I had two small pieces operating as storage, a nightstand and an old end table, where I stored all of my reading materials. It was cluttered and not attractive. 

 Before:

I can’t really afford to go out and buy new lamps at this moment, so I just spray painted the old ones with Rustoleum Antique Bronze. 

Then I also spray painted a brassy gold frame I had with the same Antique Bronze spray paint, then added by hand a bit of toned down gold paint for an antiqued look. 

The bronzed lamp is a big improvement and the picture frame nicely compliments. 

A Ballard Designs Terrific Trio to call my own:

The Before and After:

And if you lift my skirt *** tee hee hee *** there is a secret stash of all of my favorite magazines.  I can rest easy tonight.

One final note, if you like that headboard in my master bedroom, you can read about my custom fabric covered headboard with nail head trim in this DIY post. 

Nighty night !

One:

Jute covered Demijohns

Two:

Ankasa Couture Pillows

Three:

Sabrina Pillow Sham

Four:

Custom Fringed Pillow

Five:

Octagonal Mirror

Six:

Gramercy Chair

Seven:

Zebra Dinnerware

Eight:

Limited Edition Tablecloths

Nine:

Marianna Glass Chandelier

Ten:

Wire Ferris Wheel

Eleven:

Medallion Panels

Twelve:

Remy Table Lamp

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight. . .

Thank You newest design inspiration James Swan !

(and Elizabeth Barrett Browning)

Meet my naked wall. Ever since the remodel of 2006 (the lost year), when we reconfigured our floorplan to incorporate a separate living room, this wall has taunted me. So exhibitionist in its nakedness, constantly reminding me that it lacked any coverings whatsoever. I would walk past it everyday, hanging my head *sigh*, holding fast to my “don’t decorate all at once, take your time, get it right” philosophy. But naked wall was wearing me down.

Ballard Designs is one of my go-to catalogue’s for inspiration. I saw them advertising a party table and custom slipcover option in burlap. Burlap. Okay, I know some designers are into it, but if you ask me, burlap belongs in a barn. I’m a soft texture kind of gal. [Don't de-friend me if you like burlap.] But it wasn’t their fabric choice that got me so much as the PRICE. For a 42″ square party table they’re asking $129. For the custom fabric tablecloth, they’re asking an additional <*choke, cough, gag*> $217 to $457. Um, I think that’s a crime in some states.

[Confession: this look is kind of gorgeous]

Here’s my party table (48″ x 24″) that’s been collecting cobwebs for a year in my garage. I purchased it last year at Home Depot for $20 to use for parties.

I went to the local fabric store and practically stole this gorgeous embroidered linen fabric on sale for $6 a yard (orig $15 a yard). I hemmed the bottom with what I call the “double foldover” hem job.

Then I cut the top piece, and just like making a slipcover, I attached the fabric pieces together with pins (inside out). A few seams and 90 minutes later, I had myself a custom tablecloth. Check out this beautiful embroidery in the fabric. I also added some bronze trim around the seam, just to up the ante.

Then I got my end chairs at my dining room table to file for legal separation from the rest of my dining room set. They were bored there anyway and needed some space. With a new makeover (see this post), my dining room chairs now sit next to my Ballard style table. A few weeks ago, I ordered a set of four Paris prints from JCPenney on clearance for $129 (with free shipping!) Iron the linen tablecloth, add a few decorative items, and voila !

I amuse myself and say this is all temporary of course, because I covet this sofa from Crate and Barrel for the same wall and someday will talk Mr. CG into this worthy investment.

Until then, I am glad naked wall is clothed at last.

.