Monday, July 29, 2013

Dresser Top Tray


The top of my dresser is the least organized spot in the house.  Imagine piles of clutter where everything that doesn't really have a home ends up.  I blame my husband!  He claims not to notice the mess!

This weekend I was determined to keep my dresser clutter free.  After putting things back where they belong, I decided to leave a few items out that my husband uses the most.  I took an old tray purchased at a thrift store and gave it a quick makeover with decorative scrapbook paper and metallic paint.  Once the paint dried, I sealed the top of the tray with Mod Podge. 

Everything feels more organized, instead of sitting on top of the dresser I placed a few of his everyday items on the decorative tray.


Having a place for everything makes it much easier for him to find his things.  The clock is ticking on how long this tidy dresser will last. Ha!

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Fresh Ideas from Minted.com

On lazy Sunday afternoons, I find myself browsing the Internet for fresh ideas and usually I find amazing items and websites that strike my interest.  Recently, I came across Minted and I immediately fell in love. They're perhaps best known for their Christmas cards.  Minted is a website that caters to many of your stationary needs, whether you need Sweet Sixteen party invitations or Save the Date cards. 










Another great thing about Minted is that they also sell artwork that can fit any style you desire (their section of children's artwork is a personal favorite).  I love that you can choose a size and actually see how large or small it is compared to someone holding it.  You have no idea how many times I ordered something with the expectations of the dimensions being correct when in reality, I totally misread "centimeters" as "inches"! 


What really got my attention was their eye for detail.  You get great quality stationary and decor without breaking the bank.  Plus, everything is customizable to fit with your personal preference!  This website is now one of my favorites and a go-to for getting any stationary products in the future!


*No financial compensation was received to share this post, however I will receive a credit covering 150 business cards.  All opinions are my own

Monday, July 15, 2013

Finally A Bedroom Reveal--Tween Boy Room Makeover

It seems as though life zooms past you in the blink of an eye. One day you're sleep-deprived from cradling a baby boy for hours and the next thing you know, you're showing that same boy how to use a combination lock to prepare him for middle school lockers.  What was once a room fit for a 6 year-old is not for an 11 year-old and I had to make a change.

Before pictures of his room...

My son's room used to be perfect for the dragon lover he once was.  He had dragon curtains, dragon artwork, and even a stuffed one on the curtain rod!  However, as he grew older, he spent less and less time in his dragon cave and on his 11th birthday, he said the dragons had to go!  So I made plans to make his room over completely.  *We hired out to have his room painted and the plank wall installed.









The biggest obstacle was breaking up the blue, so I came up with the idea of putting laminate wood flooring on one of his walls. Best.idea.EVER!  No staining required!  The panels have different shades of brown which brought the right amount of darkness and dimension to his small room.


After pictures pictures of Caleb's room...


Adding a cork board was a great addition because my son needed a place for messages or cards.  Behind his door was a good place for him, and an even better place for his books that I put in a metal crate.  I attached a drawer cup pull with glue to keep all his push pins off the floor! 







His closet doors were the biggest nuisance because they got dirty very easily!  No extra coat of paint fixed the constant staining, but a finish of black chalkboard paint did.  Not only does it give texture, but my son can write down important dates or reminders without hassle.

I decided to add a few quotes to his doors by using a chalk pen. I was able to stencil in words without erasing over and over again.



I added a set of decorative pulls to his closet doors.


He needed a spot for his friends to sit.  I added this chair purchased from the thrift store.  I stained it darker then added a small pillow.

Inexpensive artwork from Etsy.


The older my son has gotten, the more involved he became with gaming.  So, I killed 2 birds with 1 stone by using his dresser that I painted over with Annie Sloan chalk paint as an entertainment center as well.


The light-bulb shaped lamp is one of his favorite additions.

A small wooden box to hold a few of his personal items.

Meet Myrtle the Turtle!

I wanted to add some fun to his room.  I painted his small side table a cheerful color; Rainforest Green by Glidden Paints.  I also changed out the knob for nicer look.  I love the addition of this accent color.

A spot for his loose change




Painting his surfaces over gave his room more color without anything clashing.  His room is dark and rustic, yet light and airy.  It's the perfect combination for my son!  Adding eclectic art pieces brought life to his walls and changing his bedding brought the whole room together.



I played with texture by adding baskets and a tasseled rug.  The banana fiber stool provides an extra seat.


I made the pom pom fringe pillow for him, but purchased the other from?  You guessed it...Etsy!



His gallery wall is filled with a few pieces of meaningful art.


I kept the old school desk and made it more mature by adding rustic colored pencils and a globe. The details really make a difference!




Re-doing my son's room was more emotional than expected because I realized he won't be my little baby anymore and his toes won't be so cute after a few years!  Donating his old stuff and painting over the things he's had since he was a small child made me tear up, but I know it's for the better.  He needed a more mature room.  It took me almost a year to finish his room, but I decided to take my time decorating and put together a room I knew my son would love.

Thanks so much for hanging with me!



Source List
Bedding- Land of Nod and Target for his sheets.
Curtains-Land of Nod, finial too
Decorative Pillows-Land of Nod, Etsy
Light Bulb Lamp-PB Teen 
Decorative Pulls-Chinese Brass Hardware
Decorative Pull-Hobby Lobby
Wood Frames-Ikea
Artwork-Etsy, Antique Market
Laser Cut Paper Art-Kate's Paperie inspired by this post
Chalk-holder-Ebay inspired by this post
Jute Rug-Rugs Usa
Banana Fiber Stool-Ikea
Decorative Tree Plate-West Elm
Chevron Pillow-West Elm
Wood Colored Pencils-Marshalls
Globe-Thrifted
Turtle-Hobby Lobby
Small Silver Clock-Pottery Barn
Candle-Target
Natural Fiber Basket-Thrifted
Wall Color-Martha Stewart's Winter's Day matched to Behr paint