Going Vertical

Guess what I'm going to get started on this weekend! I'll give you a hint in the form of a photoshopped image:

Yup, my living room is going vertical!  With stripes that is.  It probably will end up much more subtle than my 5 minute Photoshop example here, though.

At first, I was planning to do just a satin tone-on-tone stripe which we had in our music room at the apartment.  Although we LOVED it in the apartment, people only took note if I pointed it out because it was so subtle.  Call me vein, but if I'm going to put that much effort in, I want it to be noticed!

.....So I was toying with the idea to mix in some lighter paint with the glaze to make the treatment pop a bit more.  For weeks I've been waffling about which to do and finally decided to let Photoshop help me decide.  Once I put in the stripes (although I'm fully aware they aren't perfect here- this took me 5 minutes people!) I was 100% convinced.

Here's what I'm hoping the stripes will accomplish:

• adding an element of verticallity that the room is severely lacking
• create some architectural interest
• brighten and lighten the room up a bit.  With the large scale furniture (that we are currently living with), the space feels heavy.

I've already got all the supplies I need to get started, I just have to bite the bullet and do it!  I know it's totally going to be worth it in the end.

Weekend Treasures

This weekend was tag-sale overload.  I had 10 on my list starting out, but there were so many signs that I just kept driving around until shortly before noon (with a Home Depot trip in the middle there).  Check out my haul!

I spent a record amount of $30!

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So here's the breakdown:

Vintage luggage rack. $15

She needs a little love as you can see.  The bottom of the legs need a little repair and it could use some fun ribbon to top it off.  I think it'll start off as a a luggage rack as intended, but who knows what the future holds.  She could end up as a cute little bench or cat bed (yup, crazy cat lady here).

Antique side table: $10

After I exterminated all the spiders off/out of this and cleaned it up, it really needs no repairs.  Apparently I am able to buy items that don't need love and repair, its just a rare occurrence.  Not sure where this will end up or if I'll make a project out of it yet, but it's currently hanging out on the wall below the stairs.  Aren't those some sexy legs?

Art Deco lamp: $3

Complete with period wiring.  This came from a neighbor down the street, and I was beyond overjoyed when I asked the price.  Even though I would have paid his initial asking price of $5, I was able to talk him down to $3.  That's part of the fun of tag-sales!  But anyway, the lamp.  I heart the detail on the base!  I kind of have a love affair with Art Deco.  Obviously it needs a new coat of paint and a new cord, but sounds like a quicky project to me (totally just jinxed myself).

Not pictured tag sale steals are a cast iron skillet for Hubby for $1, and a organizing bin for screws or whatnot that came with pegboard pieces inside for another $1.

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Altogether, I'd say it was a very successful weekend.  Did you bring home any treasures?

This is day 366.

1 year ago today, I started this blog.

I can't believe how much I've grown in that timespan!  Let's reflect.

Well first of all there's the major life changes.  In the past year, we've bought a house and gotten a second cat, to name a few.  (Yes I include a second fur-baby as a major life change).  But those aren't why I started this blog.

I started this blog to help me figure out what I want out of my life and guess what!  It's helping!  I still don't have the answers to the universe (shockingly), however I'm happier in my career than I have been in a long time (partially because I'm getting to do a lot of work for any corporate designer's DREAM client *coughgooglecough*).  And although I haven't figured out long term life plans, I have ideas and more importantly inspiration.

Inspiration.  That was my biggest issue before this blog.  I had lost my inspiration and became jaded with design @26.  Thankfully, through this blog, I opened my eyes to the wonderful world of social media's connection to design and got INSPIRED.  I am now severely addicted to reading design-related blogs, pinterest, and following design topics on Twitter.  Design excites me again!

So a BIG Thank You to those of you who keep coming back here to read my latest rants or see my latest projects, and Thank You to all the design bloggers and tweeters who have inspired me.

I CANNOT wait to see what the next year brings!