The Makings of a Boy's Room | Part 2
Start With the Basics
No matter your budget or design preferences, there are certain basics one needs in a nursery. These are simply a crib and bedding. Sam's crib is a hand me down. It was used by both of his sisters before him. In my opinion, it's a bit girly. But it works. When choosing a crib or your main piece of furniture, go for something neutral and basic. You will get way more mileage out of very basic furniture than you would an ornate or novelty piece. Get the best quality of furniture that your budget allows. Accessories can easily {and cheaply} be replaced down the road. Try to never skimp on the big things.
After you've decided on a crib, it's time to go for the bedding. The one thing I try to avoid is a crib in a bag set. I know they are economical and yes, they are cute. But I do believe mixing, matching and unexpectedness is what can truly make a room. Creating your own mix of patterns and colors with bedding does not have to be expensive. In fact, it can be quite a frugal choice. Let's be honest with ourselves, will we really use that matching diaper stacker? What about the included valance? Maybe you do, and that is totally cool. But I didn't use either, so it ended up being sort of a waste for me.
Choosing coordinating bedding may seem a bit daunting, but it can be totally fun. Once you've decided on a "theme" {see Part 1}, you should have a basic idea of what colors you'd like to incorporate into your room. I used the Texas flag as a starting point. I chose red as a main color, as well as cream. There is a little bit of blue in the room, but not a ton. I really didn't want it to be too matchy. My husband and I scoured the internet for the perfect bedding basics and it was difficult to agree on what we wanted. We finally decided we liked the cow print. We loved the faux suede feel of the accent fabric. It is totally reminiscent of a cowboy lodge. So, naturally, browns and tans are very involved in the room as well.
Once you decide on the colors you'd like to use, you can go crazy. Don't be afraid to mix patterns and fabrics. As long as the main colors are included in the patterns you choose, you are good to go. I've mixed red horseshoe patterns, brown cow print, brown checks and a lovely quilt my mother in law made that has all three! It flows quite nicely and feels super cozy and fun.
The makings of a boy's room. | Part 1
1 | Choose a Theme
When embarking on a new room design, you must start somewhere. First, choose a "theme." Make it meaningful to you. Of course you can just pick something you think is cute, such as elephants or stripes. But trust me when I say this: A room built around memories or items of sentiment will feel much better to you than something you only thought was cute. And while I may eventually grow tired of
It is no secret how in love with Texas I am. Before I even knew I was having a boy, I knew I wanted a Texas inspired nursery. Deciding that was easy for me.
2 | Find Inspiration Pieces
When I was barely pregnant, I went to a fabric store with my mother in law in Ohio. While there, I stumbled upon a fabulous charm pack by Moda called "Rawhide." I thought right away this would be a perfect jumping point for my {yet to be confirmed} son's room. I snatched it up and brought it in my suitcase with me as we moved to Germany.
The one thing I knew needed to be in his room was a Texas flag. Although I bought bedding and several accessories before I had my greedy little hands on an actual flag, I knew it was to be the "centerpiece" of his room. I searched high and low online for a vintage Texas flag, but didn't find one I was happy with. Fortunately, my mom found a perfect faux vintage Texas flag while shopping in Boerne, Texas. We received the flag as a baby gift from our family friend and I could not have been happier with it. I love that thing.
Of course, I've been able to find lots of accessories and other decor items that go well with the Texas feel of the room and I will discuss those more in detail this week. The most important thing when starting on a nursery, or any room for that matter, is to make it meaningful to you. Surrounding yourself with things that invoke feelings of joy and happy memories is definitely the key to a warm, beautiful room.
2 | Find Inspiration Pieces
When I was barely pregnant, I went to a fabric store with my mother in law in Ohio. While there, I stumbled upon a fabulous charm pack by Moda called "Rawhide." I thought right away this would be a perfect jumping point for my {yet to be confirmed} son's room. I snatched it up and brought it in my suitcase with me as we moved to Germany.
The one thing I knew needed to be in his room was a Texas flag. Although I bought bedding and several accessories before I had my greedy little hands on an actual flag, I knew it was to be the "centerpiece" of his room. I searched high and low online for a vintage Texas flag, but didn't find one I was happy with. Fortunately, my mom found a perfect faux vintage Texas flag while shopping in Boerne, Texas. We received the flag as a baby gift from our family friend and I could not have been happier with it. I love that thing.
Of course, I've been able to find lots of accessories and other decor items that go well with the Texas feel of the room and I will discuss those more in detail this week. The most important thing when starting on a nursery, or any room for that matter, is to make it meaningful to you. Surrounding yourself with things that invoke feelings of joy and happy memories is definitely the key to a warm, beautiful room.
The makings of a boy's room.
Once upon a time, I posted a picture on Facebook of my daughter studying in her bed. It was meant to tell the story of how peaceful and quiet our home was for all of those five minutes. Instead, it got quite a response from friends about the decor of her room. One response {from my sister}, lovingly stated, "I bet you can't make your little boy's room that beautiful." While it was in jest, I took this challenge head on. My son's room was already cute enough, but it wasn't quite exactly how I envisioned it. Some changes needed to be made, so I got to work..... slowly. Did I mention the photo and comment were posted on April 11? So, six months later, here I am.
Over the next few days, I am going to share with you what I think are key elements of a child's room. Of course, this is just my opinion. But I do hope you find these posts useful or at the very least, entertaining.
Seasonal Decor | It's not too early to decorate for Autumn... Is it?
Well, after quite the sabbatical, I am back to sharing my passion for home decor. I made it a goal for our family to have "The Best Summer Ever" this year, so I've been busy having fun.... and sweating... a lot. {Did you know there is NO AIR CONDITIONING in Germany?!} Despite living in a sauna, we have managed to cross off most of the items on our Summer Manifesto. We still need to do the Alpine slide (hopefully this weekend!) and the Barfußpfad (maybe next weekend?), but we've had a fabulous summer so far.
As much as I have enjoyed sharing smiles and laughter with my precious family, I am anxiously awaiting Autumn. Oh, Autumn, you make my heart sing. To me, there is absolutely no better season. Maybe now you can understand why living in Rhode Island was a dream come true for me. I still hope and pray to move back there one day. {Though anywhere in New England will certainly suffice!}
I have to pull myself back into reality and we are no longer living in New England. We are so blessed to be enjoying Europe and the fall here is rather splendid. I adore the weather and the ever changing foliage. It is stunning, really.
Whether you are fortunate to be living in cooler climates or happy to be in warmer locations, there are many simple ways to embrace the season of fall. I'd like to share a few of my favorite ways to celebrate the season.
Candles: This one is huge in our house. Everyone in the family gets excited about yummy smelling candles. Our favorites for fall all come from Yankee Candle: Farmer's Market, Harvest, and Red Apple Wreath. These candles can be found at Bed, Bath and Beyond, at the Exchange (lucky me!) or from Yankee Candle directly.
Pumpkins: Seriously. Everywhere. I love them. As you all know, I am in a seriously white phase right now, so I will absolutely be on the hunt for as many Cinderella pumpkins as I can find. I am dreaming of miniature Cinderellas lining my windowsills. *Ahh*
Of course, you don't have to put pumpkins on your windowsills. Oh, and yours don't have to be white either. Actually, they don't even have to be real! Some of my favorite pumpkins are wicker from Hobby Lobby. I even have pumpkin shaped bowls, plates and a little jute basket. Find your favorite pumpkins and put them all over your house! Use them as centerpieces on your table. Line them up on your bathroom counters. Stick a few on your entry table. You can never have too many!
Guest Towels: These can be easy and inexpensive. I have always found cute fingertip towels for every season at Target. Also be sure to check TJ Maxx, Marshalls and Home Goods for great deals!
Handsoap: It's a little touch that makes a big impression. Check out Bath and Body Works for some fun options! {My favorite is Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin} I've also found great fall scented handsoap at Home Goods and TJ Maxx.
Cozy Throws: This can be anything that fits your current home decor scheme. I happen to love this one from IKEA right now. I think black and white stripes is right on par for fall and nicely ties in with the rest of our family room.
Pillows: I personally change out the throw pillows on the bench in front of our apartment door. Right now there are some very cute pillows on Etsy. My favorites are the feedsack pillows.
Mums & Pansies: Of course! These are so super cheap and crazy easy to keep up. Trust me, I have a black thumb! Grab a few pansy plants, throw them in some galvanized buckets and call it a day!
No matter where you live though, you can happily pull out that fall decor and make your home feel warm, cozy and happy. Light the cinnamon candles, put the pumpkin bread in the oven and give me a call when it's ready!
As much as I have enjoyed sharing smiles and laughter with my precious family, I am anxiously awaiting Autumn. Oh, Autumn, you make my heart sing. To me, there is absolutely no better season. Maybe now you can understand why living in Rhode Island was a dream come true for me. I still hope and pray to move back there one day. {Though anywhere in New England will certainly suffice!}
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| Loving fall in front of our RI home.
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| Salzburg, Austria in October, 2010 |
Candles: This one is huge in our house. Everyone in the family gets excited about yummy smelling candles. Our favorites for fall all come from Yankee Candle: Farmer's Market, Harvest, and Red Apple Wreath. These candles can be found at Bed, Bath and Beyond, at the Exchange (lucky me!) or from Yankee Candle directly.
Of course, you don't have to put pumpkins on your windowsills. Oh, and yours don't have to be white either. Actually, they don't even have to be real! Some of my favorite pumpkins are wicker from Hobby Lobby. I even have pumpkin shaped bowls, plates and a little jute basket. Find your favorite pumpkins and put them all over your house! Use them as centerpieces on your table. Line them up on your bathroom counters. Stick a few on your entry table. You can never have too many!
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| Dreamy photo courtesy of Habitually Chic |
Handsoap: It's a little touch that makes a big impression. Check out Bath and Body Works for some fun options! {My favorite is Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin} I've also found great fall scented handsoap at Home Goods and TJ Maxx.
Cozy Throws: This can be anything that fits your current home decor scheme. I happen to love this one from IKEA right now. I think black and white stripes is right on par for fall and nicely ties in with the rest of our family room.
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| IKEA Eivor Throw |
Pillows: I personally change out the throw pillows on the bench in front of our apartment door. Right now there are some very cute pillows on Etsy. My favorites are the feedsack pillows.
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| Lovely pillow from Vintage Designs Reborn |
Mums & Pansies: Of course! These are so super cheap and crazy easy to keep up. Trust me, I have a black thumb! Grab a few pansy plants, throw them in some galvanized buckets and call it a day!
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| Gorgeous white pansy photo from 52 Flea |
No matter where you live though, you can happily pull out that fall decor and make your home feel warm, cozy and happy. Light the cinnamon candles, put the pumpkin bread in the oven and give me a call when it's ready!
Getting Started
Part of realizing my dream job is building up a portfolio. In order to do that, I will be offering a limited amount of free room consults.
What is a room consult? I will come to your home and help you find a design and style that you love. Together, we will work at rearranging, decorating and sprucing up the room. My goal is to help you accomplish this with spending as little money as possible.
What if I don't live anywhere near you? I will be happy to give you suggestions based on photos of the room you would like to change. I'll even include links of items I think you may like to incorporate into the design of your room.
Is is really free? The only thing I ask is for permission to take before and after pictures for my portfolio and blog.
How can I get a room consultation? Simply email me at robyn_lee97AThotmail.com. I am looking forward to working with you!
What is a room consult? I will come to your home and help you find a design and style that you love. Together, we will work at rearranging, decorating and sprucing up the room. My goal is to help you accomplish this with spending as little money as possible.
What if I don't live anywhere near you? I will be happy to give you suggestions based on photos of the room you would like to change. I'll even include links of items I think you may like to incorporate into the design of your room.
Is is really free? The only thing I ask is for permission to take before and after pictures for my portfolio and blog.
How can I get a room consultation? Simply email me at robyn_lee97AThotmail.com. I am looking forward to working with you!
Embracing Change
My family and I just returned from the most amazing vacation. I feel immensely blessed for the opportunities we have had. While on vacation, I had a lot of time to think and reflect on various aspects of my life. This is what I realized.
The most important part of my life is my family. Taking care of my family, teaching my children and caring for our home consumes 80% of my time and energy. And while I don't have a lot of leftover time and energy, there is SO much I would like to do during that time.
I thought about this blog a lot. Writing and sharing here is something I truly enjoy. I sort of used the weekly decluttering as a jumping point for my blog, but that is not what I wanted this blog to be about. I wholeheartedly love the idea of decluttering and I still try to do it every week. Posting about it here kept me accountable and I am thankful for that. What I was not crazy about was the extra time involved in taking before and after pictures, editing them and uploading them each week. As I mentioned before, there are a lot of things I'd like to do with my extra time.
I'm going to put myself out there and share some of my craziest dreams. At some point in my life, I would love nothing more than to be a decorating consultant. I want to help people realize the home of their dreams in the easiest, most inexpensive way possible. I have a passion for home decor. I have a passion for warm, welcoming spaces that embrace our families and make us feel good.
When I started this blog, I wanted it to be the beginning of bringing that dream to life. And that is what I am taking it back to now. Sharing design tips and tricks, posting pictures of my homes, helping others with their homes... that is where I am going. I hope you will join me on my journey!
~ I still truly believe it is near impossible to have a warm, welcoming home when you have a lot of clutter. I strongly encourage you to continue the weekly decluttering by following Beth's calendar at My Simpler Life. It has helped me and I know it will help you! ~
Declutter With Me On Monday | Week 13
We are one quarter of the way done! How have you been doing? Can you tell a difference in your home? I have to say, in some places of my homes (such as the ones most recently decluttered), it is noticeable. In other areas that haven't been decluttered since January.... well, they could stand to be decluttered again. I have a tendency to be frustrated or angry at myself for letting this happen, but then I choose to remember this is life. Life is fluid. Always moving. Kids are always, always moving. Most of the time, they carry things with them and move items from one place to a perfectly decluttered space. It happens. So, I choose to stow away my frustrations (for now) and move on to this week's list.
First up, get rid of cleaners you don't use.
We don't really use cleaners in our house other than Norwex antibac microfiber cloths. The microfiber is so fine that it picks up everything. As for the bacteria, Norwex uses silver that is interwoven into the cloths to kill bacteria on contact. I love them. My hubby even loves them. We've been using Norwex for about four years and I don't see us ever going to conventional cleaners again. I did find a random bottle of Clorox wipes under our bathroom sink this past week though. Actually, Sam found it and I promptly threw it out. It's something he obviously doesn't need to play with and we haven't had the need for.
Replace any mops, dusters, brooms, brushes that need it and get rid of the old ones.
We have a Libman upright broom, brush and dustpan that is still going strong. We also have the Norwex mop that is also in great condition. No need for us to replace anything yet, so there is nothing to get rid of either. Love that!
Update your car first aid kit.
For a long time, I had a great first aid kit in the car that I bought at Target for $9.99. It was perfect and had everything you could ever potentially need. About six months ago, I took a closer look at it and realized all but the bandages was expired. I now have a fantastic collection of bandaids. This is a great reminder to nudge me in the direction of replacing the ointments, medications and creams in that kit. If you aren't sure what to put in the kit, click here for a great resource.
Return items you have borrowed to friends, family and the library.
Good reminder! We do have some books & movies to turn in!
Do a quick pick up of clutter areas you have already decluttered.
Yes! and NO!! This is where my hard work truly occured this week. Of course, this is something I pretty much do on a daily basis, you?
I apologize for the lack of pictures this week, but it's basic cleaning out and I didn't feel pictures of my Clorox wipes in the trash can would really be helpful. Stay tuned this week for pretty pictures!
The 2012 Declutter Calendar was created by Beth at www.mysimplerlife.com You can jump in at any time and join in!
First up, get rid of cleaners you don't use.
We don't really use cleaners in our house other than Norwex antibac microfiber cloths. The microfiber is so fine that it picks up everything. As for the bacteria, Norwex uses silver that is interwoven into the cloths to kill bacteria on contact. I love them. My hubby even loves them. We've been using Norwex for about four years and I don't see us ever going to conventional cleaners again. I did find a random bottle of Clorox wipes under our bathroom sink this past week though. Actually, Sam found it and I promptly threw it out. It's something he obviously doesn't need to play with and we haven't had the need for.
Replace any mops, dusters, brooms, brushes that need it and get rid of the old ones.
We have a Libman upright broom, brush and dustpan that is still going strong. We also have the Norwex mop that is also in great condition. No need for us to replace anything yet, so there is nothing to get rid of either. Love that!
Update your car first aid kit.
For a long time, I had a great first aid kit in the car that I bought at Target for $9.99. It was perfect and had everything you could ever potentially need. About six months ago, I took a closer look at it and realized all but the bandages was expired. I now have a fantastic collection of bandaids. This is a great reminder to nudge me in the direction of replacing the ointments, medications and creams in that kit. If you aren't sure what to put in the kit, click here for a great resource.
Return items you have borrowed to friends, family and the library.
Good reminder! We do have some books & movies to turn in!
Do a quick pick up of clutter areas you have already decluttered.
Yes! and NO!! This is where my hard work truly occured this week. Of course, this is something I pretty much do on a daily basis, you?
I apologize for the lack of pictures this week, but it's basic cleaning out and I didn't feel pictures of my Clorox wipes in the trash can would really be helpful. Stay tuned this week for pretty pictures!
The 2012 Declutter Calendar was created by Beth at www.mysimplerlife.com You can jump in at any time and join in!
A Matter of Moments
I've had some people ask recently if I am still paper crafting. The answer is a resounding yes. I've actually been quite busy with Stampin' Up groups and scrapbooking projects. I guess what has happened is I've been so busy getting things done, I just don't photograph and post them. I've also shifted my focus onto home decor and organization. That is where my heart truly lies. However, I am still in love with paper crafting and I do hope to share a few projects from time to time.
Tomorrow I am meeting with my fabulous rotating hostess group, so I have been spending some time today getting our projects ready. Spring is definitely in the air around here and I definitely let the weather influence my crafting.
Here is one of the cards we will be making tomorrow.
Tomorrow I am meeting with my fabulous rotating hostess group, so I have been spending some time today getting our projects ready. Spring is definitely in the air around here and I definitely let the weather influence my crafting.
Here is one of the cards we will be making tomorrow.
Products used on this card:
PAPER
Wisteria Wonder Smooth Card Stock
Lucky Limemade Smooth Card Stock
STAMPS
INK
Soft Suede Classic Stampin Pad {for distressing}
ACCESSORIES
TOOLS & ADHESIVE
Stampin Sponges {for distressing}
Seagrass Storage Baskets { Local Finds }
I love these baskets. They are pretty. They are functional. And they will forever tell a story for me.
When we moved into our farmhouse in Simmozheim, we quickly realized we lacked one thing: STORAGE. Our house did not have a single closet or cabinet. We made do pretty well with what we had plus a few armoires from IKEA. One area that proved a little tricky was the bathroom. I don't know about you, but I have a LOT of bathroom stuff. Suddenly, I found myself sharing a bathroom with my entire family. This was going to be a challenge.
I envisioned the perfect solution to our bathroom storage dilemma. Something like this:
Or this:
Heck, even this:
One problem, I couldn't find anything remotely close to these options here in Germany. I looked online and either the item was too expensive to be shipped over here or the option wasn't even available.
A friend of mine told me while living over here you buy what you can when you find it. Basically, you have to settle. I was okay with digging a little more and being more creative. I was not okay with settling. I admit, first I was excited about the challenge. However, my excitement quickly turned to frustration.
I kept looking and looking. Finally, at Mömax I found these lovely sea grass baskets with a hinged lid on them.
I thought they'd be perfect because I could stack them. I put the items rarely used in the bottom baskets and kept the more essentials in the top basket.
I thought they'd be perfect because I could stack them. I put the items rarely used in the bottom baskets and kept the more essentials in the top basket.
We've had them for 18 months now. They worked well at our house in Simmozheim and they have transitioned well into our house on post. I imagine they will be part of our decor family for a long time to come. I can see them having a future as toy boxes or a place to store extra curriculum. Regardless of where they end up. I am sure they will be well loved and look lovely in the process.
{PS to my local friends. If you happen to be on the lookout for products with a safe rating on the EWG's Cosmetic Database, this Pure & Natural soap has a rating of 2 and can be found at the Exchange.}
Making a Temporary House a Home | Fresh Flowers
I love fresh flowers. They have a way of turning a ho-hum day into something special. When I wake up very early in the morning and sit at the table to feed Sam, I currently see these beautiful ranunculus we picked up at the Stuttgart Market on Saturday. They just add a little something extra. I got one bunch for €7,50. This really isn't a bad price considering how many buds there are on here just waiting to open up!
My girls begged for tulips. At €4 a bunch, how could I possibly turn them down? I also want them to have those special little things in their lives whenever possible. They have some in their rooms, but I also get to look at these while I scrub pots and pans.
Also added to my collection this weekend were these lovely narcissus bulbs. Seriously, does anything scream spring more than this? I received these as a party favor at a baby shower. What a fantastic idea! We have enjoyed watching them sprout and bloom quite quickly!
Fresh flowers are an easy, inexpensive way to add a little something extra to your home. They don't have to be complicated or expensive or perfectly arranged. One of the best places I've found fresh flowers at is the local farmers' market. They are all over the world. I am sure there is one near you, too! In the States, I found extremely reasonably priced flowers at Sam's Club. My favorite were alstroemeria. I could get two bunches for less than $10 and they'd last two weeks! Also, try to stick with what's in season at the time. They will be much cheaper and easier to come by. Finally, don't overlook your own backyard. What types of flowers do you have sprouting right now? Cut a few, stick them in a simple glass or jar and sit them on your kitchen counter. They just may add a little bit of joy to your everyday chores.