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20 DIY Lighting Ideas

In a lighting funk? I know I have been lately. In an effort to spice things up at home, (in lighting ladies, just in the lighting) I've kept my eye out for some unique light fixtures and have been inspired. I feelin the DIY Pendants. Take a look and maybe you’ll have a light bulb moment too.

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Normally I don't post things in any particular order, but today, I had to share this one first. Kristin at The Hunted Interior made this pendant out of a thrifted bowl. I have been searching for the perfect bowl ever since. I absolutely love it and want one of my own. She is very talented and her work is amazing.
Leah-Moss-globe-pendant-light
via Apartment Therapy

Links to actual projects/fixtures are listed below. 

This just goes to show that you can make a unique fixture out of ANYTHING! A globe, bowl, mason jars, flashlights, string and even paper clips. That's right, the fixtures in #4 are made out of paper clips and look amazing! You may have even noticed that some of these projects are from repeat offenders like Mandy from Vintage Revivals. She has many many more DIY lighting options. I hope you’ve been inspired. I can’t wait to see what I decide on.

Snuggle Up!

On this lovely overcast day here in the Valley of the Sun, I can't help but daydream about sitting by a cozy fire in my polka dot flannel jammies, with my slippers sipping hot cocoa. In honor of said daydream, feast your eyes.







  







Check out my Fireplace Board on Pinterest to see sources and more ideas!!! I'm gonna go snuggle my littles now! Happy Wednesday!

Finding Your YOU in Design

As you all may know, tastes change and styles evolve. Since we purchased our home about a year and a half ago, I've been struggling to find my style. I've been scouring blogs and magazines trying to decide who I am in terms of design. I tried going in this direction following Mandi from Vintage Revivals



SEE! Shower Curtain. (I should post my tutorial on that.) I just took it down because it's too much for me and not because the bathroom isn't large. (it doesn't really look like this at all anymore and this was the "After" for a while, but I digress. . .


I even entered her crazy room makeover giveaway in hopes that she would come and crazify my house. Turns out, that's not for me. Wanna know how I know? Well I followed the advice of said Mandi and started listening to the inner ME and not what was cool and hip going on in blogland. Although I think her style is Mandilicious, it's not for me. I started by hanging a few different colored picture frames up in my family room to add some pizzazz  I. Could. Not. Handle. It. Sounds ridiculous, I know. What's the harm in a few different colors!?!


 I couldn't do it. Fortunately, the picture frames ended up being the least expensive way possible to find out that I need serenity in my home. I can be fun and crazy elsewhere, but my home needs to be a bit more Ballard and a little less Urban. That doesn't mean bland and boring, just a little more sophisticated or something like that. As soon as I figured this out, I felt kinda old, but I got over it though and redesigned what I want my master to be. When I look at this moodboard it makes me take a deep breath and relax just thinking about relaxing there. Without further ado,
My Master Moodboard


Obviously these are just the main pieces and only the jumping off point. I would however, like it to be as close to this as possible.
Through this whole process, I learned a very valuable lesson. It's so simple and stands the test of time. Be true to yourself. If you are a little more Rock n Roll than Country, EMBRACE it! But if you're more Ballard than Urban, settle in and allow your mature side take over a little while for sanity's sake. It's okay to be you.

New Master Shopping List
Wall Color-Still BM Edgecomb Gray (It's pretty much my favorite and it's already on the walls.
Headboard- Home Decorators Collection Notched Headboard with Nailhead Trim
Bedding-Pottery Barn Wells Palampore in Blue {I've loved this bedding for years. Still not sure why I don't own it yet-side note part ii- I love this in ivory for Christmas time cause I'm cool like that}
Nightstands-Ballard Designs Torino Demilune {these are my inspiration but I would love to find a vintage/flea market version of this}
Accent Chair- Ballard Designs
Window Panels- Ballard Designs Chloe in Aqua
Dresser- I already have a dresser that I previously painted Mint. It's turning a vintage cream. 


Snark and Testimony.

I couldn't help but share this. I've known Many from Dash it All since we were little and she has grown into quite the woman. She's freakin funny to boot. She recently posted these 2 posts titled Snark and Testimony. It'll give you a good laugh and a humorous look into the LDS culture when real people are mixed with a love for the gospel and a quest to perfection. It's pretty hilarious because it is completely accurate. Hey. We're only human!

I'm telling you, this girls is AMAZEBALLS!

Have a great weekend!

The Neatest Little Thing

Do you ever have one of the AH HA! moments that are also DUH moments? I had one this morning. So this whole DIY thing is totally trial and error. I started putting up board and batten in my bathroom MONTHS ago. . . I ran out of boards so I went and got what I needed. Guess what, it's still. not. done. Wanna know why? Well here's the thing, I don't have a nail gun and I wasn't about to go buy one just for my little bathroom. So I bout a box of finishing nails and decided I could do this the old fashion way. Well the result was either banged up mdf from trying to get the nails in far enough, OR the nails were sticking out. Well awesome option #2 is what I got. Then today. . . I discovered THIS


Ummm. HELLOOOOO! Why did nobody tell me about this!?! It recesses the nails so you can fill in with wood filler and finish off the project. Love. Best part; a set of 3 different sizes was $1.98. So hopefully you'll be seeing that finished project soon. Until then, a bientot.

Something Old

I have had this file cabinet finished and in use for a looooooong time now. Apparently I never got around to blogging about it. It was my way of diving in to the chevron craze. Anywho. . . here's the Before, process and After in pictures.



Here she is. Isn't she purdy!?! Or not. 


Primed the sucker after I cleaned it really well.


I cut out a chevron pattern that I found online and taped it to the top. (it would probably have been waaaay easier to cut vinyl and use that, but I don't have a vinyl cutter. sad.)


I can't seem to find a TRUE After photo. Ya know, the one where I touched it up, added hardware and made it look fabulous. Yeah. That one. Anywho. I added some shiny chrome handles by Martha Stewart via Home Depot and it added just the right touch. The reason I finally got around to posting about it is because I'm in the works of replacing it with something old and beautiful! We'll see how it all pans out.

S’il vous plait venez en

Your entry is the first thing that people see when they come to your home. Sometimes it’s likely the ONLY thing they’ll see. It has to make an impression and set the tone for the rest of your home. I’ve found some bloggers/designers that have succeeded at setting that fabulous first impression. See for yourself.

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Entryway Makeover Ideas 1[3][2]

Mandi Goubler from Vintage Revivals


Sarah Richardson’s Farmhouse (FYI she is one of my favorite designers. I LOVE her style)

Foyer Campaign Chest Anthropolie  Curvy Vase

Michelle from AM Dolce Vita

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Joel and Mckenzie’s Loft via Apartment Therapy

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Suzanne Dimma’s Home via Shelter Interior Design

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My personal favorite is Kelly’s foyer from Eclectically Vintage
I love the juxtaposition of the rustic cowhide paired with the sleekness of the gold cart and green glass. It’s very clean but definitely lets you know that this home and it’s owners have some personality.
Hope you were inspired as much as I was. Now go and create the first impression for your home!