Chevron

Just stumbled across this gorgeous bedding from Tonder & Tonder.

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I think this is definitely another contender to consider for the master bedroom- thoughts?

Master Bedroom

Since we're just about done with the master bath, it's time to turn our attention to finishing the master bedroom.  We already painted the room Silver Mist by Benjamin Moore which is a pale blue-gray so the next step in putting the room together is to decide on a bed cover.  In shopping around for a bed cover, I've been coveting Anthropologie's Rosette Quilt but the price tag is something I don't like as much.  Unfortunately, I don't think it's going to be going on sale anytime soon...

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In searching for alternatives, West Elm's Parachute Duvet Cover seems like an obvious choice.  It's more than half the price of Anthropologie's Rosette Quilt and the color seems pretty close on-line (though I've been meaning to check it out in person).

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Last, but not least, Target also offers a similar comforter worthy of consideration:

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Although this comforter looks blue, the reviews state that its more of a grayish blue and the price definitely beats both Anthroplogie and West Elm.

So many choices... which one is your favorite?

Powder Room

So I know my posts have been bathroom related lately but with our powder room recently completed I can't help but share it.  Before I show the finished product, I'll take a walk down memory lane.

When we moved in, the powder room looked like a typical eighties bathroom.  These are the only shots I have of the "before" but you can get an idea of how the bathroom needed to be updated.

We always knew we wanted to update this bathroom but in the meantime we made some minor changes like changing the sink faucet and light fixture and painting the cabinet doors.

When we got an estimate for the master bath, I asked the contractor to give me an estimate for replacing the powder room vanity top.  It was less than half of the price than the estimate I got from Lowes so we decided to go for it.  As for the floor, I thought I could give it a shot and try re-tiling it myself.  I won't go into detail of what an ordeal this was...suffice it to say I threw my hands up in defeat and asked the contractor to do this too.  I have to say, I don't have any regrets in doing this since the bathroom came out great (at least I think so!)

Here are some shots of the "after" powder room.

Sorry for the photos- it was impossible for me to get a shot of the entire room.  Here's a list of my resources:

Vanity top: Provided by contractor
Tile: Home Depot
Faucet: Home Depot
Light Fixture: Home Depot (w/shades from Lowes)
Mirror: Home Goods (spray painted white)
Towel Fixture: Home Goods

Patio Umbrella

With my recently black painted patio furniture, I decided to go for a green, white and black color theme in the backyard.  Right now the backyard is looking more black and green so now I need a few accents of white to pull everything together.

One of the places I think I can accomplish that is with the patio umbrella.  I've been thinking of buying of a nice marketplace umbrella but haven't been able to come across any on my old faithful, Craig's List.  K-Mart and Ikea, however, do offer nice versions that are pretty wallet friendly.

I love this umbrella from K-Mart and it's on sale for $42.49.

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Ikea also offers a similar option for $49.99.

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While browsing on Ikea's website, I came across these awesome stripped umbrellas for $9.99

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They don't have the same shape as the marketplace umbrellas and I'm wondering if it's actually a beach umbrella rather than a patio umbrella  but I'm loving the black and white stripped one.  I'm planning on checking them out in person!

Soft Landing

Look what's coming my way via mail:

Excuse the poor quality of the photo as it was taken with a cell phone.  Four of these cushions were made for our patio chairs.  I can't wait to see how it looks!

Master Bath Reno- FINALLY Completed

I'm happy to report that our master bathroom's shower handle is working and we are now getting hot water...yay!  I can finally label this project as "complete".

The Living Room

Although I'm still reeling about our master bathroom's lack of hot water and defective shower handle, I though I'd try to distract myself and share our living room. 

Before I share what our living room now looks like, here is the "before" version:

After knocking down the mirrors, ripping up the carpets and painting the entire room, here's what the living room now looks like:

We still have a long way to go but I think it's a big improvement. (Please ignore the side table and lamp as that is just its temporary housing space).  The couch is from Ikea and the rug is Pottery Barn's Moorish Tile Rug which I scored off ebay as PB no longer carries it.  In hindsight, I wished I had bought a cream colored rug so to create a greater distinction between the floors, rug and couch but I can always replace it later.  The most challenging decor decision was the art over the couch.  I have a bunch of eclectic pieces of art that I've picked up as hand me downs and have been given to me as gifts so I finally decided to create a gallery wall with all of them.  I wasn't sure if I loved it after the last piece was hung but it's grown on me. 

I think what the room needs know is some touches of white or creme. I plan on getting new curtains and replacing the coffee table.  We also need some side tables and lamps.   If you have any other suggestions, I'm open to hearing them!