Two Thrift Store Purchases = One Great $5 Lamp

 

On a recent thrifting excursion I came across a French script lampshade for $2. 

Did I need a lamp shade? 

No. 

But the shade was my style and in great shape. And for $2 I couldn't pass it up. I knew that sooner or later I'd find a lamp base to use with it.

Update an Outdated Ceiling Light for Under $10

Hi Cottage Friends,

I've been working on small projects around my home; one of them being updating the ceiling light fixtures. The fixtures aren't horrible -- I've seen worse for sure -- they just seem very dated to me. I found an idea on Pinterest for a farmhouse light fixture that was especially intriguing to me because it was a DIY makeover project, it was easy to achieve, and it was inexpensive. 

Making Over a Makeover

Last November I showed you the French Ephemera Decoupage wall hanging I made for my bedroom using an old frame I painted, and free printables from The Graphics Fairy. 

I liked it well enough, but I didn't LOVE it. In fact, the more I looked at it, the less I liked it.

New Addition to My Bedroom

 

Vintage French Country Nightstand

 

Hello Cottage Friends,

I hope the new year is off to a good start for you. I've had some challenges, which I'm not going to elaborate on now. I'm more interested in showing you my latest thrift store score: an amazing Ethan Allen French Country Nightstand from the 1990's for only $20!

Creating Faux Vintage Architectural Salvage Wall Decor

 

Hello Cottage Friends,

When I moved into my mobile home last year, I dressed my bed with a quilt and shams that I had purchased with a gift card several years ago. I never really liked that bedding. I thought it was okay when I first bought it, and it was, basically, free --  but by the time I put it on my bed here it just felt. . .wrong. The colors and the style just aren't me.

French Ephemera Decoupage

I'm on a mission to finish my bedroom decor. Last week I shared my mirror makeover. This week I want you to see my budget-friendly French ephemera decoupage.

Bedroom Mirror Makeover

            

One of the items in my Mega Thrift Store Haul last January was an oval mirror. While the mirror was sturdy, the finish was very worn and looked cheap. The oval shape and $5 price tag sold me, and I knew with a little paint I could transform it into my style.

Living Large In Small Spaces - Ten Petite Bedrooms Big on Style

Fiftieth post in the series 

"Living Large in Small Spaces"

Welcome Friends,

On today's edition of Living Large In Small Spaces we're looking at ten different bedrooms that have maximized their small size through great design. I think you'll like these.

1.
We start with this traditional bedroom. The headboard is recessed into the custom made shelving and cabinetry. French doors open into this serene space.

Traditional Bedroom by Charlestown Interior Designers & Decorators Jeanne Finnerty Interior Design

2.
This stylish bedroom uses animal prints to make a statement. Notice how the delicate legs of the nightstands give an open feeling to the space. The mirror on the wall adds visual depth.

Vanessa De Vargas - Turquoise LA

3.
Here's another winning way to create the illusion of depth in a room. In this contemporary Georgetown bedroom photos of columns at the Jefferson Memorial were used to create wallpaper behind the bed. The side tables have pull out shelves for additional space, and wall sconces take the place of table lamps.

Contemporary Bedroom by Alexandria Interior Designers & Decorators InDesign / Lori Ludwick

4.
This is one of the best bed-in-front-of-the-window scenarios I've ever seen. The open frame headboard allows light to flow into the room, and its style, finish and height compliment the windows instead of fighting them.

Traditional Bedroom by Santa Cruz Media & Bloggers Shannon Malone

5.
Skylights brighten this charming bedroom under the eaves and make it seem larger. Space is preserved with the use of tiny storage cabinets between the studs with room for a book and other night time essentials. Wall sconces stand in for lamps.

Contemporary Bedroom by London Interior Designers & Decorators Amory Brown

6.
Several design elements struck me in this bedroom photo. The beadboard walls and ceiling painted in the same color, the double ceiling molding and the simple window treatment. All of this makes the room appear larger. But what really impressed me is the use of two matching dressers.  One might be tempted to use one big dresser on this wall, but these twins break up the space and visually expand it, as well as provide room for a chair between them. Brilliant.  

Beach Style Bedroom by Portland Architects & Building Designers Whitten Architects

7.
Great floor space conserving concept in this small teen's bedroom: dual closets, over-the-bed shelves instead of a headboard, with room for a painting. I could see this basic idea used in a master bedroom with any design style. Imagine this same scene after changing out the door style with a cottage or French country twist. Or how about a rustic approach. So many options.

Transitional Bedroom by St. John's Photographers Becki Peckham

8.
Here's a very creative solution for placing a double bed in a very small room, while still allowing for access from either side. Place it at an angle and use an adjustable screen for the headboard. See how a nice sized chest still fits here, too, and doubles as a nightstand. Love this!

Shabby Chic Bedroom by Portsmouth Interior Designers & Decorators Lisa Teague Design Studios

9.
This bedroom is delightful. Cozy and calm.

Beach Style Bedroom by Atlanta Architects & Building Designers Historical Concepts

10.
And because I couldn't decide which of two views to share, I'm including both photos of this handsome bedroom.  

Contemporary Bedroom by North Vancouver Architects & Building Designers
Garret Cord Werner Architects & Interior Designers

I didn't think you'd mind. 

Contemporary Bedroom by North Vancouver Architects & Building Designers
Garret Cord Werner Architects & Interior Designers

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed exploring this collection with me. Do you have a favorite?

Join me next Saturday for another post in the special series

 Living Large in Small Spaces

See more home tours in the 

Living Large In Small Spaces Series here.

From the comments I've received, many

people have been encouraged by the homes and lives 

shared in this series.

If you live in or have designed a small space 

(approx. 1200 square feet or less),

 I'd love to feature your story, too.

Send me an email and let's collaborate.

(See the "Contact Me" page for my email address.)

Girl Meets toile de Jouy- 16 Master Bedrooms Featuring Toile

Hello Cottage Friends,

My calendar says spring has arrived. 

Although it still feels more like winter than spring here, I'm enjoying the longer days and hints of green I see.

Gathering ideas for our new cottage is enjoyable, too.  I like toile, and hope to use it somewhere.  Perhaps in the master bedroom.

I hope you don't mind if I share some photos I found with you.  It's always fun to look, right?

Red Toile



Horchow: Sherry Kline Home Collection "French Country" Bed Linens and Houndstooth Quilt Sets

1.  Vibrant red and ivory French Country.  This appeals to my love of mixing patterns.

 

Horchow: French Laundry Home "Bird" Bed Linens

 2.  Subdued French Laundry.  Grain sack, ticking and toile.  Very pleasing. 












Brighton Red Toile

3. English Country.  Scalloped edges and ticking.  A nice light and airy look.


 

Traditional Bedroom by Washington Interior Designers & Decorators Sroka Design, Inc.

4.  Here toile takes a back seat to the bold red door and throw.  I think I'm more in love with that fireplace than anything else.

 

Mediterranean Bedroom by Scottsdale Architects & Designers Higgins Architects

5. French Country Estate.  The bench's buffalo check and toile definitely make a statement. 


Black Toile

Farmhouse Bedroom

6. Colonial Williamsburg.  Formal, structured -- a safe use of toile.  No surprises for anyone who's a true traditionalist.  I love that chair, by the way.

Ethan Allen Lisette

7.  Toile with a Celtic twist.  Now this is different -- in a good way.  Tailored and fun at the same time.  The pillows punch it up. 


Neutral Toile

Horchow:  Country House Bedding.  Sherry Kline Home Collection.

8.  Taupe and white always look right together. And, oh those gorgeous needlepoint pheasant pillows. 

Horchow:  Spa Toile Bed Linens

9.  Nearly neutral.  Just a touch of soft blue in this toile.  So serene.



 

Traditional Bedroom

 

10.  I'm not a big wallpaper fan, but I love the café au lait shams with the white. The headboard is fabulous.

 

Blue

 

 

Horchow:"Country Manor" Bedding. Sherry Kline Collection

 
11.  Classic blue and white.  Does it ever really go out of style?
 

 

Traditional Bedroom by New York Interior Designers & Decorators Anthony Baratta LLC

 

12.  If you can't get enough of blue and white toile, then this could be the bedroom of your dreams.  Just don't ask me to come and hang the wallpaper.

 

 

 

 

 

Traditional Bedroom by Portland Interior Designers & Decorators Kate Byer Interior Design

13.  Lovely toile in a room where I'd have breakfast in bed.  I'll always appreciate four poster beds, even if I never own one.  Love that bench.
 



 

Traditional Bedroom by Cypress General Contractors Stillwater Builders

 

14.  Blue and white and elegant all over. 

 

 

 

 

Horchow:  Legacy Home "Lutece Cypress" Linens

15.  Luxurious blue and yellow.  Once upon a time I had a guest room in these colors.  I loved it.

 

Green
 

 

House to Home Designs.  Brighton Green Toile - The Colonial Collection

16.  Like a pretty garden.  It makes me want to plant something.

My friend Kim @ Exquisitely Unremarkable blogged about adding pink to her green bedroom.  I love the combination.

 

 

This is by no means an exhaustive look at toile. Simply a few examples of interest.  Toile is popular now, and is available in contemporary patterns, as well as traditional.

Do you like toile?

Just a reminder that the Every Room In The House party is still going in The Master Bedroom.  Link up your master bedroom ideas, or show off your own master bedroom now through the end of March (not toile required).  And visit the master bedroom posts of others who have joined the party.

Inspire and be inspired.

 

I'm sharing at these wonderful parties:

 

Tweak It Tuesday

French Country Cottage

Every Room In The House