Becolorful

Motivated Monday April 1

I hope you all had a wonderfully happy Easter.

Ours was rather quiet this year. A couple of us were under the weather but we were still able to get down to the Ox Yoke Inn in the Amana Colonies with Mom for Easter dinner. 

If you are ever passing through Iowa (because that's what people do - drive through) you need to put this restaurant on your bucket list.

It was recently featured on The Travel Channel

Is this Heaven? No, it's Iowa!

It helps when you know the owners and they make you feel special.

:D

 

Even though Easter is in the rear view mirror now. There were several Easter themed posts from last week that I felt were special enough to still be shared. 

When you think about it, Easter will roll around again so you may just want to PIN a few of these for next year.

For starters there was this oh-so-cool LIfe Of Jesus bracelet that is very timely this week but could be worn any time.

 

Evelyn, from My Turn For Us, not only shares the poetic story that each bead represents but also gives us a list of supplies we will need and a tutorial so we can make one of our own.

 

 

Thanks so much Evelyn for this beautiful reminder of what Easter is really all about.

 

 

Then there was this delightful post from

Pink Recipe Box

 

that featured the fun side of Easter with some whimsical and unusual items for your Easter celebration and where to find them. Things that will leave everyone thinking you are the most amazing hostess/party planner ever. 

:D

Like these rabbit ear salad servers

and these delightfully festive dessert plates.

 

 

How fun!

Not everything was Easter though.

There was this very noteworthy guestroom/girl escape shared by

Live Pretty On A Penny

 

You will want to stop by her blog to study all the organizational ideas she has going on here.


 

 

There was also this great how-to post from

The Thrifty Rebel

She shows us a three step paint technique that she used to create her

French Caribbean Mirror Makeover.

I love how layering those colors gives the shades such depth and a lively color dimension.

Finally, there was a card making tutorial from

 

Paper Seedlings

 

For all of you card creators, or want to be card creators out there, this is the blog for you. Each week she features a timely creation complete with a list of everything you will need to make one of your own.

 

Bathroom Features I Would Love To Have

I need to stay off of the computer. Why? Because I keep finding all these amazing ideas that I would love to incorporate into our upcoming bathroom update.

Before you go hating me too much. Let me be clear, because of both cost and space restraints I am NOT going to be able to implement most of these concepts. But hey, a girl can dream right?

That said, these are some of the features you would find in my dream bathroom.....


 

A customized drawer to corral all of my hair tools.

A toothbrush/shaver garage would be awesome. No more cords and clutter on the counter top.

Traditional Bathroom by Fort Worth Kitchen And Bath Sylvie Meehan Designs

 

I also like this idea of a mirror on a mirror. Very pretty.

I already got the nix on a heated towel drawer

 

but maybe a heated tower BAR?

:D

Unique shower doors have caught my eye recently. 

Love this idea of sliding shower doors.

 

Or check this out. It looks like a London phone booth.

:D

Very chic.

 

As long as I'm dreaming, let's throw in a bidet.

 

Then there is this.

 

I am forever walking back out into the bedroom while brushing my teeth to catch some news story.  Having one of these bad boys right in the bathroom? A little bit of bliss.

:D

Put it all of these things together and it would be Heaven on earth.

xoxo,

p

sources

Phone Glam

It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that bling.

:D

Not everything Traveling Door is for your home and not everything I create is painted. Sometimes it is fun to channel something a bit unexpected; like glammed up phone cases. These are for iphone 4, 4s and iphone 5 models.

I want to do a couple white cases for summer and maybe some studded numbers instead of just rhinestone.

Thoughts?

These will be at The Traveling Door 2013 event.

Don't see what you need or in the right color? Email me with your preferences or for more information at becolorfulhome@gmail.com

xoxo,

p

We're Going With The Black Walls

I debated the black ceiling idea with white walls but we conferred and the decision is black walls in our dining room.

Now, I'm off to call the painter.

:D

xoxo.

p

Motivated Monday March 25th

I can hardly believe that it is Palm Sunday already so what better way to launch this week's Motivated Monday post than with a link to

Artsy Fartsy Mama

and her Easter Egg post.
 

Thank you Lindsay for sharing fifteen colorful and clever ways to doll up our

Easter eggs.

Speaking of Easter, I also crushed on these dressed up and blinged up bubble wands from

Jewelry Making Journal

 

Rena gives us a complete and easy to follow tutorial which is great because these would be a delightful addition to an Easter basket.

Thanks Rena.

 

Is it just me or have you been noticing all the mason jar lights out there lately?

I've seen them used as pendant lights, chandeliers or table top versions like this.

Most of them, though, are usually rather pricey. So, when I saw this ingenious idea shared by Sharon from

Blue Willow House
 

I knew she had come up with a great and affordable hack concept for this look.

How did she do that you ask? Well stop by her blog for all the how-to's.

:D

Without telling all of you how old I am let's just agree to say that it is amazing that I have gotten to this decade of my life and I've never ever ever made a smoothie. Time to change that don't you think?

I never really thought about it until Evelyn, from My Turn For Us, motivated me to give her

Evelyn's Green Shake
 

a whirl (pun intended) hehe.

I like everything in it and it is all natural. She suggests optional Stevia but I think I would leave that out.

Then there were the furniture posts which I always love.

Rachel, over at 

{Like A Saturday}

motivated me with her refurbished cocktail table.

It's been years since I have stripped furniture but she shared some new to me products that make this task seem much less daunting than I remember. The end result is terrific. Smart girl to give new life to this older piece.

 

Finally, with The Traveling Door show coming up in a little more than a month I am looking for inspiration for myself too. So when 

 

Shabby Gipsy  ( an Italian blogger)

shared her painted clock - something similar to my style and type of work- I knew I would be  adding this image to my Pinterest board of Inspiration Ideas.

 

So fresh and fun.
Don't be surprised if you come to our event and find something in this color combo or with pink flowers on an aqua background.

:D

Thank you Lull for inspiring me!

Inspired by Cool Blues

Blues. It' s a color that we haven't seen as much of in recent years. It began reappearing as shades of turquoise a few years ago but as I open my catalogs and catch up on my blog reading I am seeing more and more of these cool blues.

West Elm

 

Martha Stewart

 

Pottery Barn

 

So, as I get ready for the upcoming Traveling Door 2013 Market Event, I freely admit that I am motivated to stay on trend. 

The beauty of blue is how well it compliments shades of itself

 

or how it "plays nice" with other colors.

 

That said, I decided to try my hand at blues. 

 

The end result was a lazy susan in variations of blue, cream and navy.

 

To read more about 

The Traveling Door event

visit here.

xoxo,

p

Black and White or White and Black

 

Drama. I seem to need it.

Not in my life but in my decor.

I recently wrote about remodeling our master bedroom and bath and I am anxious to start on that project but we are still waiting on some bids from contractors.

In the meantime, I think we will go ahead with some painting projects on the first floor.

I've talked about our dining room and changing it up for almost two years now. How tired are you hearing about it?

:D

I am usually more impulsive and decisive but I think you know when something isn't quite right so you don't take the final plunge. I believe this is what has been holding me back when it comes to this paint project. I originally wanted to paint the room a raspberry pink but I think that when I shared my idea with Mike it was the first time that I met with some real resistance from him. He is usually very supportive of whatever I do with the house. So, when he voiced his opinion this time I felt it only fair that I listen. I'm glad I did because now I have decided on something a bit more sophisticated. I'm thinking a black and white palette, or maybe white and black.

Let me explain.

For starters our dining room does not have a lot of wall space. There are two sets of french doors, another single doorway plus large windows on both ends of the room.

 

Consequently, I am not concerned about this room becoming too dark.

I just need to decide if I want black walls ...

 

 

or if I would rather do a white room with black accents.

 

If I go black I would like to add white trim similar to these images. This could be done with wainscoting, or picture moldings or both.

 

 

 

 

On the other hand, I could go white with pops of black.

 

 

I could paint out the window frames and french doors in black. I think it is attractive here but, realistically, I actually doubt that I will do this in our space. 

 

 

I could see adding black to the back of the bookcases though

 

 

and perhaps bringing a dramatic dash of black to the ceiling ( 9 foot ).

 

 

I notice that where they have painted the entire wall black they have also gone in with a black ceiling. I would not do that. I would opt for a contrasting ceiling unless I was also using the wainscoting.

Decisions decisions.  At least now that I have my images all pulled together I can run them by the big guy for a bit of feedback. I'm lucky. He really has a pretty good eye and is not afraid of making bold design statements.

:D

Am I crazy? Perhaps. Crazy for drama.

xoxo,

p 

Obsessed With the 50's - Magic City

 

 

It started with Mad Men. 

Yes, the story line was great but I also fell in love with the clothes, the decor, and the history.

I wrote about that love affair here and here.

Then came Magic City.

Have you seen it?

The show is set in Miami circa 1959. Thus the name Magic City.

The hotel where much of the filming takes place is fashioned after The Fountainbleu.

I just finished watching Season One and I am counting the days until later this summer when Season 2, with James Caan joining the cast, will air. I hope I can last that long.

 

Magic City is Mad Men meets The Godfather - on crack.

It may be the best thing I have seen on television.

It's intoxicating!

In short, it is the story of " The" hotel owner in Miami. He was widowed but is now married to a stunning former dancer from Havana. He is a self- made man but then he makes a deal with the devil. That's where things get dicey.

I will warn you that if you are offended by strong language,nudity or violence then this show isn't for you.

The main character, Ike Evans, is played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan.

You might remember him as Denny on Grey's Anatomy.

Definitely easy on the eyes.

:D

 

His wife, Vera, Olga Kerylenko motivates me to get back on the elliptical.

Every woman has to hate her just a little bit.

The cars. Well the cars, and the men and women that drive them are just plain sexy.

 

The decor is jaw droppingly gorgeous.

 

 

 and the music is addictive but the clothes...

 

The clothes make me wish I had been born twenty five years earlier.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well not really. I like my internet, cell phone, and Tivo.

Besides, I'm thinking I can have the best of both worlds because look what I found from Shabby Apple today.

 I'm all in. Love it.

So here's to the summer, the 50's, and Magic City.

Maybe a trip to the Fountainbleu is in my future. 

:D

xoxo,

p

 

Motivated Monday March 18th

 

Talk about a diversity of ideas!

Wow this week there is everything from make your own supplement capsules to recreating your own polka dot skinny jeans.

:D

I love love love how inspiring you all are.

I'm Motivated!

Check it out...

There was a chevron rug from

Smart Girl Style

I know there have been a number of these on Pinterest but here is another one and her easy to follow tutorial, I thought, needed to be shared for those of us who might be a bit math challenged and haven't tried this yet.

:D

Then there was this amazeballs handpainted trunk 

via

Decorative Paintbrush
 

I subscribe to Mary's blog and when I saw this this week I begged her to link up so I could feature it.

Be sure and visit her to see more images and all the incredible detail work on this piece.
Thanks Mary.

Barbara, from 

21 Rosemary Lane,

always has some great design ideas. This time she is showcasing her mantel and she

reminded us of how some decor projects evolve over time. This one took the better part of a decade to get to where she is now.

Doesn't this look invitingly homey?

 

Domestic Bliss Squared

 

dazzled us with her refashioned boot cut jeans. She recreated them into a skinny version and then added the polka dots!

 

Too fun.

 

I am a big proponent of supplements but they can get a bit pricey. So I was kind of amazed to read

Crystelle Boutique's

post on 

How to make your own capsules.

She talks about several different herbs and their health benefits - which I found very interesting and bookmarked it for future reference.

Then she shares with us her method for making her own herbal capsules and how we can easily do it too.

Thanks Crystelle.

 

Finally, there was this tasty looking temptation from

I Knead To Bake

 

This healthy change up 

had me adding some of her ingredients to my shopping list so I can try this later this week.

A Yellow Springtime Vase

 

This vase isn't quite finished yet. Because my studio doesn't have enough natural light I rely on artificial overhead lighting. Although it seems bright enough it somehow still makes it difficult to see places I might have missed. This project wasn't any different. After I brought it up into the sunlight I could see some areas that needed  touch ups and attention. So I will tweak it a bit more and then I will do a final clear coat to seal the paint and give it a glossy finish. While it was up here I thought I would take a picture or two so you can see that I am making progress. With only six weeks to go until The Traveling Door 2013 event I need to get busy.

 

 

That means that it is back to work for me.  If you are looking for me I'll be in the studio.

:D

 

xoxo,

p

Motivated Monday March 11th

Furniture, decor, and more. Oh my.

:D

If it appears that I select projects that reflect my interests - like painted furniture and remodeling projects then yes, I am guilty as charged.

But really? Check out these furniture change ups. They are all so stunning and in such different styles and created with such varying techniques. There is something for everybody and every skill level.  

First up is this sophisticated mid-century number from

 

    Martha Leone Design

 

It was yellow and it was striking but look at it now. Jaw dropping. Stop by her blog to read about what started as an oops ultimately became a good thing.

 

Another furniture idea was this wallpapered chest via

 

Shabby Gals

I flipped for that paper and true, this could be incredibly hard to find but still, it was pure design genius to incorporate it into this furniture piece. Gorgeous.

 

We've all seen these old file cabinets out there and maybe even have one of our own sitting around. I have seen some clever upgrades for these metal monsters but I thought this one from

 

Domestic Imperfections

that took a five dollar investment from boring and utilitarian to colorfully chic deserved a shout out.

 

Can I tell you a secret? She did it with cut up scrapbook paper. Love it and I love that yellow.

 

But it wasn't all about furniture restoration. There were remodeling and design projects too. Again, I have to say, I was probably drawn to this bedroom update because we are getting ready to redo our master suite too. Can you blame me for being inspired by the sophisticated simplicity of this Benjamin Moore Stormy Monday room? I think not. Especially with those pops of tangerine. Perfection.

 

Turtles and Tails

 

After all that painting and designing I wouldn't have time for complicated recipes.

:D 

So this three minute, three ingredient wonder from

 

Artsy Fartsy Mama

definitely spoke to me.

That and the fact that I was having a chocolate craving.

Finally, I am also inspired by clever and thoughtful gift giving ideas and this one 

via

Like A Saturday
 

would be perfect for a new neighbor or someone moving into a new home or apartment. Everything in her gift bag was so useful but not so personal or taste specific that it becomes a burden for the recipient. We have all received our share of those kinds of gifts. Just saying.

:D

So this week it was furniture and design. Next week? Who knows.

You never cease to amaze.

What I've Been Hiding Part 2

The 1980's have called and they want their bathroom back.

Yes, this is my bathroom. For all of you that have showered me over my blogging years with compliments of what you think is my beautiful house, I now expose to you my dirty little secret. I have an ugly bathroom.

 

BUT, I am getting ready to remedy this situation. It has only taken me fifteen years but some things just take time - and money.

We bought our home fifteen years ago. The real-estate brochures on the house said that this part of the house was remodeled in the late 80's. So the look was already ten years old when we stepped in to the picture and it was probably due for a refresh even then but we had more pressing issues like an office for Mike, a new kitchen, and making the third floor livable for the kids. It is an old house and there was a lot that needed our attention. So, although we have made a lot of changes to the rest of the house, the only things that have received any attention here were the wallpaper (1998) and the shower head.  

Yikes!

 

You may notice the very first major problem with this bathroom is that there isn't any door between the bedroom and the sink area of the bathroom. If someone gets up early or comes to bed late this creates a bit of a light and noise issue.

There is, fortunately, a pocket door dividing off the shower and toilet area.

 

 

This, dear readers, will be a total gut job.

How about those windows? They are single pane with some old storm windows on top. Circa 1916.

 

 

I can not believe we have lived with those scalloped roller shades for fifteen years.

I always thought we would change out the windows and then I would invest in window treatments to fit the new windows. Well, FINALLY, I will be saying adios to those old windows and those ridiculously hideous shades.

Good riddance!

The only thing I intend to reuse is my makeup mirror.

 

You might notice we are also lacking an adequate number of outlets.

The cabinets were custom and cherry. True, they could probably be re-stained or painted and some new hardware added but I have a plan in mind that will most likely require replacing them.

 

 

We are getting a couple of bids on this project and maybe the contractors will have a different idea but what I am thinking is moving the bathroom door. Instead of having the door at the end of the bathroom, I would move it to the middle - right between the sinks.

Something like this.

 

 

This would offer a bit more privacy and we could add a door that closes.

 

I would remove these closets that are to the left as you enter the bedroom. The bathroom is behind them. This would allow a larger footprint in the bathroom and this is where the bathroom door would be.

 

I would like the final look to be more in keeping with the period of the house. I really would like to replace the cherry cabinets with something white and bright.

 

I'm not wild about the hardware here but I like idea of introducing a glass front or maybe even some mirrored cabinet fronts.

These colors speak to me too.

 

We don't have a lot of space to work with and I don't have room to expand but I think gaining two feet in width will certainly help the room to feel a bit more spacious and luxurious.

Before we can start on this bath though we will first be doing a less extensive remodel in another bathroom on this floor.

I have a pretty straight forward plan for this bath that will involve moving some plumbing and new tile but more on that later.

t

 

Suffice to say we will start in here and make the necessary changes so that we can use this bathroom while they are remodeling ours.

Whew. It could be a crazy spring and summer. Are we ready for all that?

Absolutely.

xoxo,

p

 

 

 

What I've Been Hiding Part 1

Over the nearly five years that I've been blogging I have shown you our living room, the library, the kitchen, the breezeway, Mike's office, my office, my studio, the family room and even the laundry but I have yet to share with you our bedroom or master bath.

There is a reason.
It's the most neglected part of the house - and it shows.

We have lived in our home for almost fifteen years now and we have added on twice, updated the third floor and main floor but the second floor, including the master suite looks almost like it did back in 1998. Why is it that we do our own bedrooms last?

In an effort to keep this post from becoming too long I will concentrate on just the bedroom today.

Tomorrow I will expose our totally underwhelming bathroom.


 

We had the first contractor come through today to talk with us about what we see happening here and what we envision in this part of the house. We will be getting input and bids from a couple of different firms so we can make an informed decision.

So sit yourself down because here come the befores.

There is a short entrance to our bedroom from the upstairs hallway and it is flanked on both sides with closets.

This is what it looks like as you walk into our bedroom

 

and this is how it appears as you are looking back toward the hallway.

(Yes, that is the same carpet that was here fifteen years ago. Nasty.)

That was the best part of the tour. It goes downhill from here.

:D

As you walk into the bedroom the first thing you see is our bed.

 

I loved the bedding when I bought it but the original shams were a cream color and when I decided they couldn't be washed one more time I replaced them with these. They don't even match. It all looks so limp and underwhelming.

I'm definitely over it.

Some things, like the radiator, need to stay and we will design around them.

 

Other things, like the exercise bike that we had delivered after my ACL surgery, fourteen years ago, will finally be moved downstairs.

 I realize it still has the tags on it but it has been well used. Notice the tear in the seat? Miles baby.

:D

The furniture will also be leaving. Contact me if you are interested.

I love waking up in our bedroom. There are windows on both ends of the room and we wake up looking at the tree tops. It's a nice way to start the day. I also love the woodwork of an old house and the attention they gave to it.

On the other hand, there are some things that have proved challenging. Apparently they had never heard of cable TV in 1916 so this had to be added later.

:D

Nice. At least these things can and will be addressed. Funny, after fifteen years I almost don't even notice them anymore.

Before the first contractor came over I pulled together some of my inspiration pictures on my iPad to give them an idea of my vision for this space. I thought I could share them with all of you too.

For starters, I might want to remove the closet that is to the left as you enter the bedroom to allow more space in the bathroom.

I would then create a bank of mirrored closets on the longer wall where my dresser now stands. I would want the closets to have pull out shelving, drawers, and shoe storage to eliminate the need for a dresser and to replace the storage that would be lost as you enter the bedroom.

The mirrors would help to bounce around what little light comes into this room and give it the illusion of more space.

In my mind it would look something like this.

this,

or this.

Our ceiling is an old plaster ceiling and it has acquired a couple unsightly cracks over the years so it will also get a face lift.

I would like to add some molding for interest.

I can also see some interesting lighting added to the entrance hallway like they have done here.

 

When it comes to furniture and color palates I am still a bit undecided but for now these are just a couple of my inspiration photos that I have collected.

I like the contrast of the deeply colored walls and the white woodwork but it may be too dark for this space. The rug, though, makes me swoon.

I also love a chandelier but I am a woman of a certain age and I HAVE, NEED, REQUIRE  that dreaded designer nemesis; a ceiling fan.

 Boo.

This light airy look and an upholstered headboard truly speak to me. I'm not sure how I feel about a bed in front of a window like that but maybe this was the best option for what they had to work with. I live in an old house. I get it.

:D

 
I am gaga for this room. I love the mirrors behind the table lamps, the mirrored side chests, the patterned rug and the bench at the foot of the bed.

I

I am sooooooo excited. Some things are worth waiting for and while waiting we have had the time to really hone in on what it is we would like and need to have. My hubs, on the other hand, is wondering if giving me all this time was such a good idea.

:D

Stay tuned for Part Deux of What I've Been Hiding here on BeColorful.

xoxo,

p

Susan Sargent Ibis Pillow

Sometimes things just work out.

I put away the Christmas decor two months ago and ever since then I have been looking for some accent pillows to bring a bit of life to those green chairs and to pull some of the elements of the room together.

I have been inspired by Susan Sargent's colorful designs for years and I was beyond sad to hear that she is closing her show room and online store.

I saw some of her pillows on Joss and Main a couple of weeks ago but everything I would have been interested in was already sold out.

So I was thrilled when I found this Ibis pillow from her line on Buy.com which is now

Rachuten.com and for half off!

 

It seems a bit incongruous to have an Ibis with palms and fronds in an Iowa room in March but, hey, whatever it takes to bring some warmth and hope to this corner of the world.

:D

I like how it brings in a bit of pattern and pulls in all the colors of this bright and colorful room.

The Susan Sargent Ibis pillow. You can buy yours here.

xoxo,

p

Motivated Monday March 4th

 

Get ready for another week of inspiration.

It's Motivated Monday here at BeColorful.

I'm so glad I chose to keep this linky event open to all kinds of motivating ideas because the variety of projects are what keep this party fresh.

So what motivated me this week that you should be sure not to miss?

Well, for starters there was this fun Scandinavian influenced clock from 

The Colorful Bee

 

 

That red is so unexpected and such a perfect touch for this look.

 

Shabby Gals

 

also linked up a "Pin-worthy" photo of her timely table.

 

 I'm on the look out for a round top table so I can emulate this look.

 

 

For something totally new, this idea and free download from

 

WhimsiKel

 

for a One Line A Day Journal

is so uber cool.

What a captivating and unique way to keep track of our personal thoughts, dreams, disappointments, or feelings.  It would be such fun to look back on what we had to say several years from now.

 

 Thank you so much Ms. Kelli

 

When it came to artwork the self-portraits that were shared by

Shabby Gipsy

 had me ohhhing with awe.

She shared a glimpse of her studio too. I would love to see more.

:D

 

Looking for something super easy to cook tonight? There were some great recipe posts shared here too.

Be sure and check out this Ranchy Chicken or as she really likes to call it

"Raunchy Chicken"

:D

 This is a crock pot meal with just a few usually on hand ingredients. Gotta love that.

via

Frugal In Florida

 

 

Another tempting treat that is definitely NOT on my diet but looked so delish that I just had to share. Besides, every once in a while a girl has  to splurge and what better thing to splurge on than Macaroni and Cheese?

This ultimate recipe from

One Organic Mama

 is on my to do list. I'll just have to add some time to my work out.

 

 

If you are looking for a simple room update or window treatment

you will want to stop by

Accidentally Wonderful

this week where Rebekah shows us how to create an easy no-sew valance. 

I love the colors she chose for the nursery.

So fun.