DIY Acrylic Tray

Earlier this week I shared my love of Lucite Trays and how versatile I think they are as a decorative element. Seeing so many beautiful acrylic trays on Pinterest made me want to craft one (or two) of my own. So I did just that!

Most of the handmade acrylic trays I’ve seen and even the ones that you can buy on Etsy are all about the interior design.  I wanted my trays to have a little more pizzazz so as well as decorating the inside of the trays,  I decided to add decorative handles  and a ribbon trim to each.

  Both of the trays I made were super easy and very inexpensive.  I started with two plastic box frames which were $3.99 for the 8 x 10 size and $4.99 for the 11 x 14 size, decorative knobs which were $3.99 each,  scrapbook paper which I had in my stash and ribbon which was from my ribbon “collection” {otherwise known as my ribbon hoard}. 

All of the supplies I purchased came from Hobby Lobby and I used my 40% off coupon on some of the elements and the others were part of a 50% off in store sale so the savings were even greater.  The total cost for the smaller tray, including ribbon and paper, was $ 8.25 and the larger tray cost $9.75! 

How To:

•  Take the cardboard and paper insert out of the box frame

•  Cut your scrapbook paper to fit the inside of the frame.  If you are using 12″ x 12″ scrapbook paper, you’ll need to cut two pieces and fit them together for the larger tray.  Once the paper is cut, use double-sided tape to hold it in place.   ***If you are using your tray for serving, a quick coat of Mod Podge or a layer of clear contact paper will protect the paper surface.

•  Measure and cut a length of ribbon to fit around the outside of the tray. Hot glue the ribbon at the corners of the tray and where the edges overlap.

• Remove the screws that come with the knobs.  Hot glue the knobs on to the tray, on top of the ribbon.

• Style and admire your tray!

 

 

For the coffee table

For the nightstand

I love how my DIY trays turned out and have added this project to my favorite DIY projects list!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great Easter weekend!

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Lucite Tray Love

Good Monday to you all!  I hope you are planning for a great week ahead.  Me, lots of paperwork and computer time on the to-do list!

Just wanted to pop in today and share one of my all time favorite accessory pieces for the home, the Lucite Tray.  What was once relegated to the office cubicle has now become a chic and stylish way to add organization, storage and display to your home!

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I’ll be back later in the week to show you a couple of  DIY Lucite Trays I made recently!

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Style on a Budget

Always on the hunt for stylish pieces that won’t break the bank. 

Here are a few of my latest finds…

Sunset Throw $49 / Ofelia Bowl $7.90 / Maxi Pearl Necklace $29.90 / Yellow Box $20

Everyday Shopper $39.90 / Blue and White Jar Set $49 / Garden Seat $89.99

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Tip of the Week: Accessorizing

Hi there!  Did you have a good weekend? I hope so!

One of the goals for my blog is to share tips and inspiring ideas with you, information that you can use to when decorating & entertaining, redefining and recreating your fashion identity and ideas for beautiful gift giving.

As I thought about how I could best serve up these ideas, I decided to develop a new series here on the blog entitled Tip of The Week.  Each Monday I’ll share a tip with you, a principle, technique or philosophy that I live by or a tip from the people who inspire me in my work or life.  And of course there will be a beautiful photo to give you visual inspiration!

 As I learn, develop, grow and create, I hope that these tips and techniques will help you do the same!

Enjoy and be inspired!

…glamorous accessories are as key to a room as they are to an outfit, so choose a lamp with the same witty reverence as a bangle.
        – Susanna Salk

East Hampton home by Larry Laslo Designs

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5 Ways to Make Your Home Comfy & Cozy

I’m working on a design project involving a new townhouse that the owner has lived in for a year, but has yet to decorate to any degree.  During our first meeting, the client expressed a desire to create a home that was pulled together and styled, but above all comfortable and cozy.

I hear the words comfy and cozy a lot when working with clients because somehow creating environments that convey those feeling is something many homeowners don’t know how to achieve. 

Creating a comfy and cozy home is really all about incorporating elements that you connect with and that have meaning to you.  

It’s about FIVE simple things…

 

1.  Decorate How you Dress

Whenever you use colors in your home that you feel good wearing, your home will immediately take on a feeling of comfort.  The color does not have to be all-encompassing but could be an accent within a neutral room that allows you to connect emotionally with the space.   

2.  Crave out a Personal Space to Retreat

Every home, no matter how big or small needs nooks and crannies that allow you to escape and recharge.  Cozy up a chaise next to a window to create an intimate reading area

Or, create a built-in sleeping nook to take an afternoon nap.  Even a chair and side table tucked in a corner will do the trick.  A cozy home always has a place that seems intimate and special.

via BHG

3.  Add Plants

This may not seem like a big deal but plants really do make a home feel cozy and comfortable.  The addition of natural greenery adds warmth, enhances the air quality and creates a connection to with outdoors which adds an instant sense of comfort.  Try adding a few plants to the kitchen windowsill, or create a tabletop vignette with plants in pretty pots!

4.  Surround Yourself with People you Love

The addition of family photos is a great way to make your home feel comfortable!  Connecting daily with the people and moments you treasure will not only create an environment you love to be in, but it will also make guest in your home feel connected to  you!

5.  Engage your Sense of Smell

Your home should emit smells that relax you.  Candles of course are an option but so are flowers and scented decorative sachet.

design tip:  Did you know that the first time you burn a candle is the most important? 

If you allow your candle to burn out to the edge the first time you light it, you won’t get that small center ring that never expands resulting in wasting half the candle or more.  Most medium size candles take about 2 hours to burn to the edge the first time they are lit.

 

I love the idea of a sachet on a hanger for adding a wonderful and comforting scent to your closets. 

   Lavender is one of the most pleasant and healthy fragrances you can use in your home.

 

So, when in comes to creating your cozy and comfortable home, have you implemented these FIVE elements? 

 

 

If you’d like help creating a home you absolutely love, CONTACT ME about my design services~

all images via pinterest

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Current Obession: White Ceramics

One of my thrifting obsessions of late has been white pottery and ceramics.  I love the look of collected pieces displayed together on shelves or tabletops. 

I’ve written about my love of vintage milk glass here, but what I’ve been attracted to lately is classic white pottery in vases, bowls, platters, pitchers and figurines.

There’s something so refreshing and dynamic about a collection of white pottery pieces!

 

I love the idea of white ceramics to organize a bathroom and add a little style.

And, I’m on the hunt for a white ceramic owl and buddha to add to my accessory mix.

If someone asked me what design and accessory statement is trending right now, it would for sure be white ceramics and pottery!

 

So, how many of you out there have white pottery in your home AND how do you display it?  I’d love to know.

 

all images via Pinterest

 

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Maybe the MOST versatile Furniture Piece?

When it comes to decorating and spending money to do so, there is one furniture piece that I think is worth its weight  in gold….The Stool.

Stools or Footstools can be used in so many ways….

• An accent piece of furniture
•  A side table alternative
• The perfect end-of-the-bed accent
•  A great filler under console tables
• An unexpected bookshelf
• Coffee Table Substitute
• A unique buffet serving piece

 

 

 

Come in so many styles….

 

 

And is the perfect piece when your room needs that finishing touch!

 

 

Now that I’ve got you rethinking the many uses of stools, here are my FIVE favorite stools of the moment! 

 Check on the link below each for the details and the fabulous prices!

 

 

 

 

 

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 Footstools….the 8th wonder of the world???

 

 

If you’d like help creating a home you absolutely love, CONTACT ME about my in-home design services or my e-design service, DOOR-TO-DOOR DESIGN!

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Paint Your Own Picture

When it comes to decorating within a limited budget, painted picture frames are one of my favorite design options.  Not only can you buy frames at thrift store and flea markets on the cheap, but painting them yourself is a simple and easy DIY project. 

Here’s some visual inspiration plus a few great sources for painted frames, should you decide to not go the DIY route.

Handmadeology.com via ConfettiStyle on Pinterest

I love this beautiful ornate frame in my new favorite color, Emerald Green.  Available from Michelle Lisa’s Treasure Chest.

Tobi Fairley via ConfettiStyle on Pinterest

You can paint your frames any color to match your decor.  This lovely coral frame collection is available from Redesigning Vintage.

rhbabyandchild.com via ConfettiStyle on Pinterest

I love this collection of bright and bold frames, perfect for a little girls room.  And the hot pink candle sconce is a fun addition to the mix.  Available from BeautiSHE. 

Smallchichome.com via ConfettiStyle on Pinterest

Vintagerivivals.blogspot.com via ConfettiStyle on Pinterest

 

I love the idea of a painted frame that is pretty and functional.  This lovely magnetic chalkboard frame is available from Shugabee Lane.

marthastewart.com via ConfettiStyle on Pinterest

Brilliant Idea!

vintagegalmorous.blogspot.com via ConfettiStyle on Pinterest

 

Or, how about a beautifully framed pin board for your office or kitchen.  Framed pin boards are a great way to dress up your gathering spot of papers , notes and such.  This gorgeous burlap covered pin board is available from PinwheelFair.

thebottomoftheironingbasket.blogspot.com via ConfettiStyle on Pinterest

Such a unique design idea!

little-alters.blogspot.com via ConfettiStyle on Pintereset

VintageRevivals.blogspot.com via ConfettiStyle on Pinterest

TheNester via ConfettiStyle on Pinterest

via ConfettiStyle on Pinterest

Should be a mandatory builder option!

allthingshomie.blogspot.com via ConfettiStyle on Pinterest

bhg.com via ConfettiStyle on Pinterest

 

I don’t know about you, but I’m totally inspired to go thrifting and paint some frames!

 

 

If you’d like help creating a home you absolutely love, CONTACT ME about my design services!

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