This Design Story is dedicated to all of my wonderful readers. THANK YOU so very much for following me with such dedication, and for sending me your questions, requests, and amazingly generous comments. I love to read your emails, and do my best to respond to each and every one of them.
I've also received several requests to see more of my own home. So, this Design Story is a guided mini-tour of the main rooms in our house, each one decorated in my signature Classic Chic style.
My favorite area in our home is the open concept kitchen, dining and sitting room. While the kitchen's perimeter cabinets are finished in a pearl white stain, the built-in buffet (not shown) and diagonal island are dark mahogany to blend with the hardwood floors and my beloved dining table and chairs.
In order to keep building costs under control, we chose high quality, textured laminate in a faux black slate in lieu of the ever popular, but substantially more expensive, granite installation. I created my own version of a crystal rain chandelier by attaching strands of glass beads in varying lengths to the pendant above the island (pendant and DIY rain chandelier: $55). The light fixture in the dining area is a clearance item from Home Depot (crystal chandelier with translucent barrel shade: $69).
Nestled beside french doors leading to the deck, a small round table is layered with tablecloths created from black and soft suede curtain fabric remnants. The lamp shade and wall decal are embellished with tiny rhinestones for an extra touch of glam (wall and table vignette: $63).
Our small, second floor bedroom landing features a white leather chest, black and white damask accessories, mirror-faced display shelves and a grey and black animal print for added texture and interest. (wall and seating vignette: $83)
Our master bathroom is decorated in a dark purple, soft lilac, white and cream colour palette. The candles, tissue holder, chandelier shades, mirror frame and cala lilies were all spray painted to compliment the romantic, old-world decor. A set of long white window sheers puddle onto the bath surround, while an additional set frame the entrance to the separate shower (not shown).
Our master bedroom consists of the same colour palette as the adjoining ensuite, but in slightly warmer tones. I spray painted the lamps, shades, picture frames and mats, chandelier, decor accessories, and furniture hardware. The artwork consists of a dollar store wall decal and frames I had in storage.
I created a headboard from a discounted silk shower curtain, and painted and reupholstered the two accent chairs to coordinate with the room's design scheme (artwork, paint, headboard and chair fabric: $56). To view this room's complete make-over, click here.
Our second level family room is more casual than the rest of the house. Steel blue and warm suede fabrics evoke memories of family vacations, and a sense of 'sand and sea' without appearing thematic.
I book-ended two clearance sale slipper chairs to create a day lounge beneath the main window, and added my own artwork above the sofa (day lounge with four accent cushions: $76). More details on this space - and the mammoth 65" TV 'hiding' on the opposite end of the room - will be featured in a future design story.
Our library is separated from our home's front hall by a set of french doors for extra privacy. I use this room to complete and file paperwork, and to research and write my design stories.
A small portion of my rather extensive book collection is housed in a repurposed armoire (not shown) that can be viewed here. The oversized arm chair is a cozy spot for reading by the fire on a snowy, Sunday afternoon.
To add a touch of unique character and personality, I've displayed more pieces of my own artwork throughout the room.
An antique gossip bench in our front hall is given a chic update with black leather upholstery and a leopard print pillow made from an old scarf. I recovered the foot stool in white leather, and bound two small books with the fabric offcuts. A miniature bust completes the simple vignette (lamp, decor accessories and upholstery fabric: $26).
The final room to view in our tour is the main floor sitting room. I recently painted my twenty year old coffee and side tables in a black satin finish, and the small, mirrored cocktail table in silver. The wall decal behind the TV is a continuation of the pattern above the round skirted table in the dining area.
My one splurge in this room was the purchase of a fabulous cowhide rug (my definition of a splurge: $299), and I haven't regretted it for a single moment. To view this room's complete transformation, click here.
Fueled by the inspiring spaces I share with you in my design stories, I've challenged myself to creatively compensate for my modest budget. The result is a home happily and lovingly decorated in a style that reflects my personal vision of CLASSIC CHIC design.
...I hope you've enjoyed the tour.
This Design Story has been linked to:
Erin's Home Savvy A to Z - Freshmen Friday Blog Party
This Design Story has been linked to:
Erin's Home Savvy A to Z - Freshmen Friday Blog Party
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