Cheap Wall Art

Remember when I put up this wall collage using calendar photos and cheap Ikea frames?

I decided to do another one using some caricatures we had done on a recent trip.

I used matching frames in a larger size 

and mirrored the look on the opposite wall from the first collage.

These may not be something we want to keep up forever, so I didn't spend much on the frames.

For now they're pretty cute though!

There's a Rug in My Kitchen

 I forgot to show you my rug!

Back in January I told you I wanted to try having a rug on the kitchen floor but I ended up caring for my mom back home and then forgot to catch you up on my progress.

Here it is.

It's not the rug I would ultimately want on my kitchen floor, but I decided to go with a cheap option for awhile until I'm sure that I like the idea.

It's been nice to have a warm floor and it hides dirt really well.  So far no spills either.

I also took down my kids' school organizers because we weren't using them anymore.  The older kids have been taking their work to the den or their rooms so it was time to be done with the boxes.

I took our name plates off our wardrobes and tacked up some fresh bird prints for a fun new look.  I added the full length mirror so we can have a quick wardrobe check on our way out the door.

The rug at the back door is the same as the one in the kitchen.  

If I decide to take the kitchen one out then I can use it along side this one at the back door to cover more floor space in winter.

Budget Friendly Copy Cat Style

I've always loved this Ikea rug.

It's $249 but sometimes I see it in the as is department for $125.  

Awhile back I saw this idea for it in a magazine.

It's amazing on the table.

But, I can't afford to buy a rug as a table cloth just cause I think it's really cool.

Really cool.

So, I got to thinking, I DO happen to own a very similar blanket already.  

I tried out it and it works!  

Admittedly it's not the rug, but sometimes you have to make do.

Is there something you own already that you can use to create a copy cat look?

Spring Bedding

All winter I have loved my new bedding.  

(I had to purchase it in the fall when my very old and 

completely beloved duvet cover disintegrated.)

These past few weeks though, as we have been experiencing some early and very unexpected warm spells, the red plaid has not been feeling very springy. 

I thought I would be oh so creative and add some different pillows

 and blankets to pull it from warm and cozy to bright and springy.

Ta Da!

Yah, well, it turns out for $35 I can have bright and springy without much creativity at all.

Now I'm all for using what you have and problem solving but honestly, the bright and cheerful look that this bedding has brought into the room was worth every one of those 35 dollars.

I love it.

Switch out the art and add some tulips and the look is complete.

Spring Bouquet

I love having friendly bouquets of flowers in the spring.

They're just so cheery! 

Unless of course, they're kinda half dead.  

I really thought these guys would perk up.

But in fact, they just drooped lower and died.  

As I was throwing them out one of my kids asked me why flowers don't like me.

Hmf.

Well here's a cutie bouquet that will never die!

Paper straws.  

They come in all sorts of colours and designs.  

Pretty...and practical!

More Paint

My friend Erin did not like my paint options last week.  

She wants yellow.

And since I aim to please...

It's for her kitchen pocket door. 

I hope you choose egg yolk Erin!!!

Paint Colour Options

If you've ever been to the paint store to choose a colour then you know it can be overwhelming.  

I mean, how many shades of white can there BE?  

So to take the mystery out of which gray is the perfect gray, I make a note every time I see a colour I like in a magazine or at someone's house, and then I go get the swatch and keep it on hand.  That way, when I need a shade I have a more narrow field to choose from.

Here's a little selection of some colours I've liked lately.
All are Benjamin Moore.

Clockwise from the top:

Buckhorn CC 510

Unteal We Meet Again 739

Sag Harbour Gray HC95

Intrigue 1580

Gray Owl OC52

Pine Barrens 437

and in the middle,

Aurora Borealis 565

I loved that green so much I bought a sample can.  I'm still deciding what project might need a blast of Aurora Borealis!

Fresh Coat of Paint

Paint is such an easy, inexpensive way to make a big impact.

Recently I got to help choose a new colour scheme for a sweet family.  

They wanted a lighter, brighter look.  

In the living and dining room we chose Stone Harbour.

After

Before

Before

After

Before

After

And Natural Linen for the kitchen.

Before

After

Next time I'll share a few of my favourite 

colour swatches in case you're in the market for a new look!