Gallery Wall Inspiration

My desktop computer decided to take the day off today.  We're all entitled to a little me-time, right?  So I'm working from my lap top today.  Sucks though because the desktop computer is the one that I use to upload all my photos onto and edit them.  We have that one set up with much more storage space.

I was going to reveal the new state of our home office/craft room today, but since that isn't panning out I'll share with you some great inspiration photos for the gallery wall that I am slowly building onto in there.

One of the major thoughts behind the whole thing is that I want it to strongly reflect Shaun's tastes as well as my love for, well...cohesive, eye-pleasing loveliness.  It is just a fact that my crap fills up a good 90% of the house.  Think of this as my attempt to even out the score.  Just a bit.

Shaun, if you're reading this that doesn't mean dirty socks on the floors and Nerf guns on the walls.

Commence inspirational photos!

http://www.desertdomicile.com/2013/07/7-gallery-wall-tips-tricks.html

This first one is from Caitlin of Desert Domicile and it's just great.  The things I love about it are the pops of color among the black and white and the use of not only framed pictures but the mirror, signs, and items like the keys and license plate.  She also gives a few a her tips on putting together your own gallery wall so check it out!

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/298715387753995227/

I'm in love with this one featured in Elle Decor!  Given, it is mainly due to the space itself with it's sloped ceiling and all, but still.  I do love how they filled up every inch of the wall.

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/twin-beds-styled-for-all-ages-small-spaces-187014

This gallery wall, featured on Apartment Therapy, gives off a sense of symmetry that I know my obsessive tendencies will draw me towards in my own gallery.  It's got that eclectic, but not too eclectic vibe that I totally dig.

http://www.ourfifthhouse.com/2013/04/the-guest-room-gallery-wall.html

This wall done by Carmel over at Our Fifth House drew me in with the interesting items she included.  I love the hat and purses.  We have a couple of vintage hats of Shaun's that would be great for this.  And when he feels like wearing one, he can just grab it and go!

http://www.decortoadore.net/2012/12/glimmers-of-white-and-gold.html

Feelin' that symmetry vibe...

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/121949102383312493/

This one uses all different sized and shaped frames to form one tight square.

I think this project is going to be a lot of trial and error.  I'm really going to have to go with my gut on this one.  This can be a hard thing to do for an obsessive perfectionist-type, but I'm willing to give it a shot.  I do love that "collected over time" style that is so hard for me to grasp sometimes.  I find myself just having to take a step back or let a project like this sit for a while before I continue on with it.

Are you a perfectionist or does eclectic styling come naturally to you?  Any tips?  Thanks for reading, you guys!  Until next post...

Super Trendy Painted Bowls

I'm feeling really good about this painted bowl trend that I've been seeing all over everywhere.  I know you've been pinning them too!  There's no shame.

(1/2/3/4)

It got me really excited because I cannot tell you how many ugly and plain wooden bowl sets I have casually passed by in second hand stores.  As if they had no potential at all...pfffff.  So I went out and picked up one of these puppies for a whopping $1.99.

BEFORE:

Time to slow my roll.

I have been on all systems go lately.  Churning out ideas and projects.  Letting the excitement of completing them get to me before I have a chance to properly take notes, take pics, and blog.  I need to be stopped.  I'm like an out of control DIY monster, wreaking havoc on my house (and poor Shaun.)  

I'm not kidding, guys, there are power tools everywhere.  Pages torn out of HGTV magazines and paint swatches cover every table top.  Disconnected notes and ideas hurriedly scrawled onto chalkboard-painted surfaces in every room.  The madness.

I've decided that more organization is what I need; in my mind as well as my home.  So to balance out my "take action" side with a little thought, I'm going to start compiling a list of changes I'd like to make in each room of my house.  This will be my "To Do" list that I can continually update to keep track of my progress and organize my thoughts and ideas in one spot.

Let's start with my all time favorite room, The Kitchen:

Moving On...

Next stop, the living room.  

BEFORE:

You'll notice two similarities between the "before" and "after" pictures.  The coffee table is still kickin' it in the living room.  Mainly because it is one of the amazing lift up tables (a.k.a. our dinner table.)  The blue chair is still around too.  Though I must say I would do anything to get rid of that chair.  It was free.99 so what can I say? 

I created a monster.  Shaun is totally attached to this chair.

Me: I hate it, it's so not cute!

Him: It's comfortable!  I'm keeping it!

What is it with guys??  Cute can be comfortable too!  You just have to look around for the right piece!

Anyway, the couch was a hand-me-down also and I always found it too bulky looking and...tan.  The vinyl was awful mainly because the couch is my dog's spot.  He's a couch potato and there were little tears all over it in no time.  And besides looks, that was the heaviest couch I have EVER had to move and barely fits through our doorways.  Good riddance!

So pretty much just everything about this room was not working for me.

Once again, I need your help!

I have been taking my time and ever so patiently keeping my eyes open for the perfect mirror (or a mirror with perfect potential) to fill the empty space on the back wall of the front entry.

I wanted something large and decorative.  I had in mind something along these lines.  However the funny thing about plans is, say it with me everybody, they change!

I happened upon this sweet find at my local Restore.  Ya know what that little green sticker says?  $12!  Yup, pretty cool.  The only problem is I'm not sure what color to paint it.  I definitely want it to stand out.  There isn't a whole lot of color in this area yet.

I kind of had a nice dark blue in mind.  More navy?  More teal?  I can't decide!  Here are a few samples that I have my eye on...

Which do you like the best?  What color do you think would look the greatest with my persimmon ceiling??

And if you don't prefer any of them, give me your suggestion!  I love getting feedback from you guys!

Simple Chair Re-upholstery.

Okay, so check out this chair.  I found it at the local antique store for $7.  It may not look awesome now, but I saw that frame and knew it was destined for something much greater...

BEFORE: