My mom’s room is painted a dark cobalt blue. This took 5 coats of paint and one trip to the emergency room (someone fell off a chair and tore open her foot). It was probably one of the most expensive paint jobs ever once the cost of stitches was factored in. The family has decided that we refuse to ever paint over that room, so it’s a good thing my mom loves the color and has never gotten sick of it. So how can you choose a color palette that is worth stitches and that you will want to keep for years to come? I have heard that greens have the most longevity and are very soothing. Our kitchen cabinets, bathroom, laundry room, dining room and entryway are all different shades of green, and have been for 9 years and we still love them. Take our absolutely free “What’s your decorating color palette” quiz. How close is the quiz? My results came up as earthtone. Leave a comment and let me know.
We envy their friendships, I have always envied Debra Messing’s hair, but we don’t need to envy Will & Grace’s apartment anymore, because it’s very easy to do. The Set of Will & Grace better be good considering Grace is a decorator. This style is perfect for anyone with a modern style and makes a great living room/dining room combination. Get this sleek city look on a budget. The great thing about modern style is that not a lot is needed. To live on the set of “Will & Grace” you will need:
1. Denim couch: Denim may not be the first fabric to come to mind for a city apartment. However, this keeps the Will & Grace apartment from becoming too stuffy. It makes the apartment livable and comfortable and is a great place to catch up on your friends lives.
2. Mirror: Instead of a large piece of art over the fireplace try a mirror. This is a must have for anyone who likes the way they look. Will & Grace has what looks like a bronze mirror in their apartment, much like the aged bronze mirror listed below.
3. Slipcovers: Slipcovers may not seem “chic”, but they have really improved throughout the years. Will & Grace use white slipcovers on their dining room chairs. This is great if you just want to use folding chairs, or if you just want to change the look of your dining room set and add some softness.
4. Accessories: This is where the room gets its expensive, modern feel, as well as color. The walls should be painted a light neutral color, beiges, or a light green or gray. Bring in modern art, sculpture and vases like this handcrafted modern sculpture from Ghana.
In the front of my journal I have a disclaimer that says “The opinions expressed in this diary are in no way to be construed as the general tone or attitude of the day”. I did this so that if future generations read my journal, they will not think that everyone from our time period ate potato chips on their sandwiches. The same goes for home decorating. I usually do some research, and read through all of the steps and then start to follow them, but then I get bored, or poor, and figure out my own way to do things. The following Do It Yourself series is simply what I’ve done, and should not be construed as the general tone or attitude of DIY projects. As long as it looks good and I have all my fingers I’m happy. So, for this upholstered headboard I:
1. Started with a $3 upholstered headboard I got at the thrift store.
2. Cut egg carton foam to the general shape of the headboard and spray glued it on the front, wrapping it around the sides.
3. Spray glued quilting batting on top of the foam.
4. Laid several yards of fabric wrong side up. I had purchased 2 yards for $4. Put the headboard front first on top of this. Then pulled the fabric as tightly as possible and stapled the fabric to the back. It’s good to have another person helping so you can keep it taut.
5. I sewed some beaded fringe along the top. The headboard looks good without it, but I just wanted to give it a little extra bling.
So for less than $10, and less than an hour of work I had a great new upholstered headboard. Almost any type of fabric will work so you can customize it to fit your decor.
This year the set of the Oprah show was uncharacteristically modern. Lots of frosted glass, a neutral color palette of mostly white, with stainless steel accents. This style is perfect for someone who likes clean lines and modern furniture. It is also a great idea for a renter who can’t change the color of the walls or carpet. It is easy to decorate a bedroom inspired by the Oprah on a budget. For an Oprah Inspired bedroom you will need:
5. Neutral color palette: Keep everything white, the carpet, the furniture, even the walls. That’s right, painting isn’t even necessary for this one. No wonder we love Oprah.
4. Furniture: Use furniture with sleek lines. Oprah loves to read, so add in a comfortable chair for all of your Oprah’s book club books. This bed has a retail value of $1049 and is on sale for $619. I choose it because of the color, fabric and the shape will lend a slightly softer air to the room. For nightstands try white or beech wood stacking cubes. This will continue the square theme. The chair was chosen for the modern element of the stainless steel. It retails for $545 but is currently only $219.
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3. Accessories: Keep accessories to a minimum. The accessories you use should be large in scale and have a purpose. Use stainless steel lamps and lighting fixtures. Try making your own modern art. Just take a large white canvas and brush stripes of creams and beiges for an inexpensive piece of modern art. This acrylic lamp adds a touch of class for only $49.99.
2. Windows: Try frosting your windows instead of curtains for a sleek modern look. This will keep the square, clean, geometric lines of the windows and make them a focal point, but they will still fit in with the design.
1. Fabric: Use soft cotton sheets and down comforters in white, with big fluffy white pillows. This striped comforter retails at $129.99 and is only $49.99.
