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A Refreshed Home Office, with Washi Tape and #Giveaway
Let’s feature another home office transformation today. Hopefully you’ll pick up some inspiration here, and keep reading for a giveaway for the cute Washi tapes we used in this project.
This is a guest room/office combo, like so many of us have. The homeowner has a lovely, colorful home, but she ran out of steam in this multiple-purpose space. Rather than have a cluttered catch-all, she was ready to add some style, but in keeping with her goal of living simply and using or re-using found treasures.
Here’s the before:
The only items we purchased were a pair of low bookcases. The client wasn’t sure that they’d be enough to hold all of her books, but I knew they’d be just right. At just $10 each, these real wood shelves are as thrifty as they are sturdy. They are also just the right height to act as both a headboard and nightstand when the air bed is set up for guests.
Here’s where we have the first of three little projects with Washi tape from Downtown Tape, that tied it all together. Sometimes the little details are what make the largest difference. These bookshelves are plain jane, but we used Washi tape from Downtown Tape to glam them up just a bit. The effect is not unlike fancy wood inlays that can cost you big bucks.
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The lampshade was another easy project. Using a “found” shade and two different tones of Washi tape, we now have a lamp that compliments the other style and colors in the room.
The last little change was a little labeling. You might have seen my post earlier about just using Washi tape to “label” your phone charger, but here we did add labels right on top of the Washi tape. I love how we used different colors for each drawer, which is great for visual learners, but they all still coordinate.
Here’s the batch that I started with. Aren’t they cute???
Ready for the big reveal? Here’s the office today.
OK, now it’s your turn. There are several easy ways to enter the giveaway for your choice of 10 rolls of your very own Washi tape from Downtown Tape. Good luck, and let me know what you would perk up with these cuties! You can get lots and lots of inspiration for crafts and gifts over at www.DowntownTape.com.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
By the way, I did receive 10 rolls of tape to review. As always, I’m giving you the straight scoop on products I get to play with.
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Welcome Mat Mini-Makeover
First impressions are important. That’s why I was bummed when my front door mat was looking a little ragged. It’s a few years old, but it has this nice heavy rubber backing, and it’s still in good condition except for the faded “welcome” letters.
I stressed about this for a few weeks. Should I buy new? Should I try stenciling? What type of paint would work best? So many questions!
In the end, I decided on a 5-minute makeover that was dead easy. Bring out the permanent marker!
Now, I know you read blogs for eye candy. I know you are looking for trends. I know you are thrifty and stylish, all at the same time. But sometimes you need a little something that is not only pin-able, but actually do-able in between the afternoon commute and dinner. Here I am, in your service.
Go check your front door mat.
Next time, I may actually bring out a rainbow of permanent markers and get a little fancy. Then again, maybe not.
If you’re selling your home, this little trick will save you a few bucks. Why spend $30 bucks on a new doormat if you can freshen the old one in a jif?
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Organizing with Washi Tape
Organizing with Washi Tape
This post is for you if you are:
- not crafty
- always losing stuff
- a lover of color
- a gadget girl (or guy)
- someone who thinks organizing is boring
- always fighting with your kids/spouse about ownership of your gadget plugs and chargers
Personalize your iPad/iStuff with Washi tape.
These cute designs are from Target (you know how I love Target!), but keep your eyes peeled for a new project coming in June-ish featuring adorable designs from Downtown Tape and a giveaway!
This is a great little tip pre-conference, when you’ll be taking your gadgets out of town. Make them colorful (harder to lose) on one end, and label them with your cell phone number on the other.
What is Washi Tape?
If you haven’t seen it, washi tape is a paper-based tape that generally has lively designs. Although not as durable as plastic tape, it is quite functional, and very easy to work with. Organize and mark your stuff with color, without ever going near a label maker! You can also easily mark on these tapes with a fine point Sharpie
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Malvern, PA: Home Design Jackpot Starring UpHome and Knots and Weaves
People are always asking me where I shop. The answer, of course, is everywhere. On a recent trip to the great tourist destination of Malvern, PA, I stopped into two of my favorite places that I don’t get to visit nearly often enough. Shhh, don’t share my secret decorator sources!
We started at Knots and Weaves. Ostensibly a rug store, you can find some gorgeous designs. It’s times like these I wish I knew how to take good photos. I had to stop myself from rolling in this beautiful wool and silk room-sized beauty. I would have brought it home with me, but I would have had to leave my little one in payment. No deal.
On the second floor, they’ve got lots of fun goodies, like these farmhouse tables…
even gifts and accessories.
More rugs…
and more rugs. Pretty.
Just down the street, UpHome showcases even more charming designs. It’s places like these where you’ll find truly unique pieces. My new goal is to have enough friends and throw enough parties that I need this amazing copper chiller bowl.
I have a thing for industrial lighting. It doesn’t fit into my current home design, but I feel a remodel coming on!
It’s places like this where adorable and affordable gifts just cry out. Who loves flour de lis?
Something comfy?
Three little piggies!
And who doesn’t love wisdom on barn board? It’s what Pinterest is built on, for heaven’s sake!
There are plenty of other sweet destinations in Malvern, but my assistant can only take so much. There she goes.
Next time maybe we’ll stop here.
By the next time I get there, these new shops and buildings will probably be chock full of sweet new secret sources. Check back, won’t you?
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West Elm is Here in KOP!
Need a shot of color? West Elm at King of Prussia mall is your new go to spot. Yes, it’s finally here.
West Elm is part of the Williams-Sonoma group, which also owns Pottery Barn, but the look is more fresh and caters to a younger crowd. The price points seem slightly lower than some of the other brands in the company, and the focus is on local and green whenever possible.
I had a chance to get the inside scoop this week when they opened. The official opening was May 16. It is pure eye candy, but also very comfortable. Speaking of comfortable, their bedding is lovely.
They are happy to share design trends, like this color blocking of books, with an unexpected twist of turning the spines in to show a more neutral bookcase.
Window fashions are affordable, and a splash of color for windows that won’t break the bank. With lengths available up to 118″ for about $100 each, you can add a lot of fun without making a life long commitment.
I personally love that they sell trendy terrariums already made, and paper flowers, which are very, very hard to kill. Who has time to fuss with live plants?
Need a new idea for that old pot rack? Use it to drape paper Bougainville. Yep, that’s a splash of color, for sure.
My favorite spot was the rack of blue glass. I could just lose myself in that calming color wash. I try to keep my own personal dust catchers to a minimum, but these are calling my name.
Did I mentioned that they have furniture? If you are considering something other than a boring brown couch, consider grey as your new favorite neutral. The microfiber on this one is so soft.
But if that’s not to your liking, then chose from the wall of samples and test their fabrics in your own home. Ooooh, sample swatches! I told you, this place does color!
If you see something you like, ask the store staff. They really seem to want to show off their ideas so you can DIY at home. They are also proud of their simple and local decor, including this wall of reclaimed lumber from the Callowhill (Philly) area. Metal bread pan forms, originally used in a bakery in the Philly area, inverted and staggered, make up the front of the check out counter.
These lovely ladies are Kendall Coleman from West Elm, me, and my blogger buds Carrie and Jeanette.
West Elm, welcome to my regular shopping route.
Disclaimer: I was treated to an opening party and small gift, but I would have made it in there sooner rather than later, and these are my own opinions of this new KOP hotspot.
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