Design Challenge: Chrissy's Pink & Blue Tile Bathroom Dilemma

I had a fun little design challenge presented to me the other day from a reader named Chrissy.  She and her hubby just settled into a cute ranch style home in central Illinois with some fixer-upper potential.  One of the rooms they plan to renovate is their blue AND pink tile bathroom...

BUT- they aren't looking to do a full on gut job just yet.  They plan on waiting until later next year to tackle this big project- which is where my little design challenge came into play.

 Chrissy asked if I had any low cost DIY/ decorating ideas to freshen up their bathroom as it is today.  The big challenge is that the bathroom flows from pink tile into blue tile, which makes the decorating part pretty tricky!  However I accepted Chrissy's challenge and pulled together some ideas. So Chrissy, I hope you are happy with what I brought together (I'm nervous!), but here we go! 

Now since I can't change the tile, the best easy/ low cost change would be to...

Aside from those DIY type updates, the bathroom totally needs some decorative textiles to help blend the blue and pink spaces together.  Right now those spaces feel totally disconnected and some carefully coordinated textiles will help the bathroom feel like one cohesive space.  Here's what I'm thinking it needs....

Vanity Glass Bell Shades: Home Depot $27.48 each  White Ruffle Bath Rug: Target    Multi Color Jacobean Spice Shower Curtain: Target  Safari Rose Bath Towel & Washcloth: Target $3.99- $5.99  Room Essentials Tie-Up Shade: Target $14.99  Fieldcrest Luxury White/Aqua Bath Rug: Target $18.99   Vintage Wall Hook: Target $7.99

 I started with that Multi-Colored shower curtain because it felt like it could blend in their space, the pink or the blue.  I also loved that the design had some darker rosey pink and darker teal blues in it, which are both a shade or two darker than the tile shades.  So, I picked some rosey pink/white patterned towels that coordinated into both spaces. Then I added a white/aqua stripe rug and aqua blue storage jars to blend some of the blue tones into the pink space.  I might sound a bit crazy, but once I pulled that visual together I was seeing that fresher look!

Now for the cabinets & lighting, I thought this visual from Pottery Barn's "Design Your Own Bathroom" page might help.  Sanding and painting the cabinets white and adding new hardware is a pretty simple and low cost update that can be done over a weekend.

I thought the existing mirror in front of the sink could remain since it is in good shape & fills the space nicely.  Then, just remove current light fixtures and add in two scones on either side.  I also liked the idea of using wall hooks instead of a towel bar/ ring, just a little more decorative but still purposeful (hooks & light sconces shown in previous photo)!

In a nutshell that is how I would update the bathroom as it sits today and the total cost would be under $150.00... and you would have some nice new plush bath towels!  Love that part :)

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So, I hope some of my ideas or finds help you out a little bit Chrissy! Thank you so much for the opportunity to 'play' decorate your bathroom! And as promised, here are some dreamy ideas for the future once you are ready for that BIG redo :)


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What other advice or ideas do you have for Chrissy's bathroom?
I'm sure she would love any extra feedback, comment away!

Head Over Heels Friday: A Long Lost Twin

It's an AMAZING Friday!!!!  Why? 
Remember this chair that I refurbished around this time last year?

Well, turns out it wasn't a one of a kind find... IT HAS A TWIN! 

No Photoshop magic, I have TWO now!  A matching set (well not yet exactly)...   

I happened to make a random stop at Bauer Brothers Salvage and sitting in the same corner where I found the 1st chair, there sat the same one.  I thought maybe I was going bonkers for a minute but then that 'I found buried treasure' crazed excitement overcame me!!!!  With Hulk strength, I picked up that chair over my head and began kicking other stuff out of my way to get out of the building. I may have also been giggling like a crazy lady... Well okay I totally was.

Anyway, the Bauer Brothers guy probably thought I was insane.  I yelled about having "the exact same chair at home... had no idea there were two... and that I got it for $10 last time"... etc.  He just looked at me like, 'why is this gal all excited about an ugly chair?'  But he let me take the 2nd one home for $10 once again! 

So, this might feel like deja vu but I'm tearing this one up and getting it all glammed up!

I've got it down to the bare bones and ready to paint!

A total find worth being Head Over Heels for!

I loved this little chair anyway, but now that I will have a matching set makes it all the more special!

Now, my question is....

Should I change the upholstery?

I'm starting to embrace more color/pattern in our home so it's looking pretty bland and since I am going to redo the other chair I might as well freshen up both right?  Adding the fabric on isn't really that hard so I think it will be worth it!

What color/ pattern would you upholster this chair with?!?!
The chairs will stay in that same room with the blue-ish gray paint.  Comment away, I'd love some ideas! Anything goes! 

Two Years Of Hammers and High Heels!

Our blog is turning 2 today!

 

Yep, it has been two years since my very first post went up!  Now, I know it might seem silly to recognize a blog's birthday, but most people celebrate the things they love right? Well, this bliggity-blog is one of those lovable things that I didn't have three, four, or five years ago, and I have found that it made the past two years all the more awesome!  Totally worth celebrating this mini-milestone, so I hope you're with me :)

With another year of blogging under our belt, I think it is fun to see how we have grown. On this day, one year ago, we had...
182 posts written, 246 followers, and 732 comments published
Today, those numbers have changed to....
374 posts written, 805 followers, and 1,896 comments published
That is crazy and awesome! I really do love blogging and having you stop by to visit really makes me smile!

As we begin year 3 of blogging, I am sure you can expect that we'll get to some more projects on our 2012 wish list  (we have completed 4 out of the 10 already, woo-hoo!) and I will be coming up with as many creative DIY projects as possible. Oh and you can certainly count on some silly Photoshop moments, like this one....

ZING! Got that posted once again, hehe!

Now, I was trying to think of a good way to end this blog-a-versary post, but I think it is appropriate to end it the same way I did last year because I can only hope for the same exact thing for year 3 of blogging....

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In closing for year 3 of blogging, I look forward to every post I get to write, every renovation adventure ahead, every DIY project that comes together, every comment that comes our way, and every follower that decides to join our adventure. I truly love what this little blog has turned into, it has brought a lot of fun and happiness into my life. Thank you for sticking with us on this blog journey :)

Happy 2nd blog-a-versary Hammers and High Heels!

The Master Bedroom Redo Is Complete! Time for the Reveal!

At last!  It is time to reveal our Master Bedroom 'afters'!  Are you ready?!? 

Of course you are!  Here we go...

Well, what do you think? It has been a long road getting this finished up, so let's do a quick review of the DIY's that got us here.

We kicked off this project back in January when we finally chose a paint color and painted the room.  It felt so great to get rid of that green!

 I sewed up our own  window treatments (which I've added a lining to)...

We "un-Ikea-fied" our dresser and nightstand with antique hardware

Then updated a few thing we already owned with some spray paint to get that antique look...

Added in some artwork that captured our imagination (Georges Melies anyone?)...

And sewed up a few decorative accents with my thrift store fabric finds.

But the biggest to-do by far for our bedroom was Alex's DIY door turned headboard...

Man, oh man, I still can't get over how great that turned out!!!

We also changed out the feet on our Ektorp chair and ottoman in order to class it up a bit or again "un-Ikea-fy" it (we haven't shared that tutorial yet, but will later this week).

PS- that's the Magic Carpet I mentioned in my Friday post!

Phew, it has been a long road but I am so happy we now have a space that feels like ours and reflects our style as a couple (that part wasn't easy!).  

Now, I am pooped.... time for bed!!! 

Hmmm, that grown-up looking bedroom feels sooooo good!

What do you think of our Master Bedroom Redo?
Are you digging it?
Is it what you thought it might be?  Or totally different?

Weekend Flash

We had a crazy busy weekend filled with fun but we also got a lot done!! Ha, unintentional cheesy rhyme, anyway here's our weekend in a flash...

Sewing

Spray Painting

Hanging, leveling, decorating

Then the fun...

Which included a wedding (all weddings include three elements that I love: celebrating a new marriage, eating lots of cake, and dancing like a fool)

... and a Kentucky Derby themed party (again, three lovable elements: decorating my big hat DIY style, dressing up to match the hat, and seeing my handsome hubby enjoying the southern theme too!)

I made felt rosettes for my hat just like the ones from this post, so easy!

Thankfully the weekend isn't completely over yet, so now I am going to relax with my hubby and pups!  The next post is going to be our Master Bedroom Redo 'afters'!!!! 

Hope to see you back for the BIG reveal!

Head Over Heels Friday: Bold Color & Pattern Decor Favorites

Sorry I have been sort of MIA from the blog this week.  I decided to use my blogging time to finish up those last few to-do's for our bedroom because I am hell bent on revealing the 'afters' early next week!!! I can't wait... and even more so I can't wait to move onto the next project! HA!

I think I struggled with the decor part of our bedroom redo because the style is a little more bold than the past few rooms.  Perhaps my style is changing a little bit?  Or maybe I am just ready for more color and pattern!  Thankfully, I am pretty sure I found the right quirky mix for our bedroom, but in order to find those right things, I spent A LOT of time doing some online research/ shopping (probably too much, my eyes hurt). Naturally, I found a lot of things I was Head Over Heels for- some that might seem a bit bold or crazy, but that's why I'm loving it! Lets check best of the bunch!

Medlin Rug, Light Blue: One Kings Lane $129.00   Magic Carpet Rug: Urban Outfitters $64.00   Door Knob Curtain Tie Backs: Urban Outfitters $14.00   Ink Cadiz Rug: West Elm $12.00-$59.00  Pink Flowers Pillow Set: Overstock.com $26.49  Live Love Pillow: Anthropologie $68.00 Brown Silk Medallion Pillow: Target $49.99  Anne Mayflower Blue Pillow: One Kings Lane $69.00  Green Damask Pillow: Overstock.com $42.99

See any that you are Head Over Heels for too?

A couple of those items are going to be in our room... are you up for guessing which ones?  I can say it isn't West Elm's Cadiz Rug, they were oversold :( once they restock I'm getting my hands on one!  Love all the overdyed rugs!

A busy weekend is ahead for us.  Not only are we finishing the Master Bedroom (a MUST), we're attending a wedding and a Kentucky Derby Party tomorrow!  Anyone else have fun local Derby parties too?  I just love the big hat part, hehe!  Here's a look from last year's (sorry it's small and blurry)....

Have a great weekend everyone, enjoy the Derby and Cinco De Mayo in style!

A Semi-Exciting Purchase for the Master Bedroom

As you might know from the last post about the Master Bedroom, I have been sort of driving myself nuts over finishing up the decor, but good news!  Thanks to fate Ikea's crappy return policy we have new bedding for our Master bedroom!  Drumroll please....



 Linblomma Duvet Cover and Shams- $79.99

There it is!  LOL, that was anti-climactic right?  

Yep, a new set of white bedding which is pretty much what I planned on.  I purchased this duvet cover on a random trip to Ikea because I liked the fun little knots on the closure, just a neat little detail I hadn't seen before and it adds some interest to a plain white duvet cover.

I figured I could take it home, make sure I like it, make sure Alex likes it, and if it didn't work out I would return it.....  Well, after much debate I got a little nervous about the fabric (linen isn't known for being very easy care) and thought it might be smarter to pick something else out.  Sadly, the big blue home furnishing giant refused to take it back... which sort of made me annoyed with their return logo thingy, I feel like it should say this instead so everyone reads the fine print on their return policy....

After seeing that you'd read the fine print right?!?!  Anyway, yes my bad, should have read the policy and I get that it would be gross for people to return used bedding... really gross.  But knowing I opened the package only to see how the white sham looked with the color of white we painted our headboard, I thought returning it was harmless.  Ugh, oh well.

In the end, I am just looking at it as maybe a blessing since I have been stressing about the finishing touches (aka decorative textiles & accents) for our bedroom.  So, thank you Ikea for locking me into that selection... and really, the whites are close enough :)  I just hope that 100% linen duvet cover + shams don't become a wrinkled up, creased mess when I take it out of the dryer... then I might really fight for a return- who the hell has time to iron all of their bedding?  Or who wants to?

Wish me luck on these last few to-do's for our Master Bedroom Redo:

Throw Blanket

Bedside Lighting

Two Decorative Pillows

Three Frames Above the Headboard

Accent Rug

Sounds so easy right?  I guess not for me and my craziness-ness :)