Easy As 1-2-3...DIY Large Scale Wall Art Fixes

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A group of paintings in the same/similar palette makes a stunning large scale piece

A few days ago, I decided to get rid of a large scale painting I had on my living room wall.  Sigh.  It was one of those paintings that you like but not love.  You know the kind, almost but not quite the right fit for the space. Well, since I moved the painting which was an original piece and fairly large, I was left with this huge open space.  As you know, large scale original Art is very expensive, so, there I was wondering, "now what am I going to replace this with?".  

Well, whenever I am need inspiration I make a beeline for the internet.  And so I did. I found so many neat ideas there I just had to share.  Most of the these pieces are so very simple and economical but they add so much grandeur and style to a room.  Check them out...  

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You know those black and white photos you've been meaning to print?  Well, here's the perfect place for them. How gorgeous is this!

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It doesn't get easier than this.  Just hang a piece of tapestry or decorative fabric and you have instant transformation.  Absolutely gorgeous!

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Who would have thought that plates could look so chic!    I bet you will look at plates a little differently from now on....

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This look is one of my personal favorites.  All you have to do is find some images of birds or animals and print them out.  (You can borrow a book from the library and scan them or get them online.)  I like to collect old frames to frame my prints but if you don't, not to worry.  Any group of simple frames will do.  Just keep them within the same color palette.

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This is basically like the look above but showcasing plants instead of birds.  So lovely and classic.

I adore this look.  It is so romantic and easy to make.  Poster boards were covered with burlap and then a print was centered (and glued) on top. Industrial screws were used as accents at the corners of the prints.  I love that little touch, it really gives this a little bit of an edge.

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Framed wall paper??!!!  Oh yeah baby!  Super fast, ultra easy and your pocket book will thank you.

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And finally this look.  How's this for the "wow' factor. Of course your frame does not have to be this big. Just get a large glass or acrylic frame and lots of family photos. Perhaps this can be a family activity....  The extra hands would make this project fun and fast.

Well, I hope you found something here that sparks your creativity, I know I did.  Have a wonderful week!

Cherio!

Chenille or No Chenille...That Is The Question

thebellabode.

I have to admit that last week kicked my butt!  Really good. In the process I sadly had to neglect my blog for a little while.  Well, am back now and feelin good, bye bye week from hell.......honestly it felt like it.

Over the weekend I met a lady at a craft show who had the most amazing vintage chenille spreads.  It really brought back memories of my childhood.  My grandmother had lots of these beautiful spreads and ever since I could fully appreciate them I had been searching for the right one for myself.  I admit that some are over the top and somewhat unrestrained but I adore these spreads.  I like the texture, pattern and vintage fabulousness it adds to a room.  Plus, it really reminds me of my earlier years with my grand mother and those memories are very precious to me.  Check these out, would you rock one of these in your bedroom?

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Cherio!

Seafoam Green - Fun. Fresh. Fabulous.

To say I love sea foam green is a gross understatement.  I looooooooooooooooove this color.  Passionately.  There are so many reasons why but here are a few: 
Sea foam Green Is
.  Fresh and feminine
. Perfect combination of both blue (cyan) and green....and I love both colors. 
. Bold and serene at the same time
. Looks great on all skin tones
. Works excellently with warm colors like reds, yellows, oranges etc.
. Is a very peaceful and tranquil color
. Happy without being overly bright and reminds me of Spring
. As it's name implies, sea foam green is the color of the sea
. Has a history of sophistication and grandeur but also has a strong modern appeal as well
. Is perfect as a neutral color
. Very versatile, looks gorgeous in a glamorous setting and equally as nice in a casual  
     atmosphere.
. Romantic

This spring I was pleasantly surprised and siked to see that finally, this color is getting the recognition it deserves.  Pantone declared it one of it's hot colors for Spring which is great but I could care less.  I would wear it anyway even if it was not "in".  Just sayin.  This color is fabulous, chic and I personally never tire of it.......but that's me and as you can see I am totally smitten.  What do you think?


Cherio!

Images from Pinterest

CHERIO!

Vive La Toile!

If I knew the French national anthem or could actually speak French, I would salute the French people every time I see a piece of Toile.  But, since I cant, on behalf of myself and Toile lovers world wide, I say a heartfelt, merci beaucoup!

Even if you are not familiar with the word "Toile", chances are, you have seen it before.  And, having seen it, you will not easily forget it. Yes, Toile is that memorable.  Now, I realize that my opinion may be a tad biased since Toile and I enjoy such a long and exciting relationship, but trust me, this fabric is simply a-m-a-z-i-n-g.

  

What Is Toile Exactly....

Toile, (pronounced twall) is short for Toile de Jouy, and is a fabric used in home decor.  The pattern on the fabric is repeated and traditionally depicts a fairly complex French Provincial scene that visually tells a story.  Toile is usually one-color, most often greens, brown, black, dark red, blue and sometimes magenta on a creme or white background.  Toile de juoy originated in France in the 18th century and is revered and loved for its romanticism and classic beauty. 

Today, its possible to find Toile with many different pastel backgrounds which makes it even more popular in home decor.  So, whether you prefer the traditional Toile like I do or the newer versions of this fabulous fabric, try it, Toile never disappoints.  

There is something about this fabric that is so charismatic that it gives a space a whole new personality.  It has just the right impact without being a show off.  I like that.



Toile is a very romantic fabric. The patterns exudes a certain nostalgia that just warms the heart.  With Valentine's day approaching, a touch of Toile for a table setting or perhaps your boudoir is a very cozy and refreshing look.

One of the things I love most about this fabric is its classic beauty.  And we all know that classic only gets better with time.

Because of its one-color palette and vast array of themes, Toile is a very versatile fabric.  Whether its a throw pillow, wall paper, curtain or bedspread, adding a bit of Toile to your decor will invigorate your space.  Try Toile with gingham or a check fabric for maximum drama.

I hope this post inspires you to put a little Toile in your life.   

Bonne journée!

Pictures are courtesy of:

http://cdn.decorpad.com

http://www.potterybarn.com

http://www.timorousbeasties.com

http://beautydoesmatter.blogspot.com

http://handstampedbylacey.typepad.com

http://eclecticrevisited.wordpress.com

http://dwellerswithoutdecorators.blogspot.com

http://dwellerswithoutdecorators.blogspot.com

Calm & Relaxing Beach Decor

There is something about water that just puts me in a whole other space no matter how I feel at the time.  Whether its the visual of pregnant droplets on a leaf or the pitter patter of rain outside my window, its like a tiny slice of heaven, at least to me.  And so, it came as no big surprise to me upon researching the benefits of water elements in the home that water can indeed add healing properties to a space. 

The very sound of running water has been proven to reduce stress in a person by releasing endorphins that create a calmer mood.  And, a calmer, more serene space can lead to a more productive and happier environment for everyone.  Who wouldn't want that?  If you think about it, tropical destinations with beautiful white sandy beaches and clear water are the most popular destinations around the world. Why is that? Its because the the average person dream of living on the ocean front, near to a lake, or some large body of water.  I too would love to be on the beach right now if I could.  Since thats not possible at the moment, here are some of the tips and tricks I employ to bring the calm and serenity of the beach to my home instead.

1. Beach Finds
I love adding beach finds to my decor.  Whether its sea shells, beach glass, drift wood, sand or even interesting rocks, it makes a stylish statement if done right.  Beach finds are so versatile you can display them in just about any room of your home. If you are not confident in arranging your finds, get a glass jar, or vase in a shape that you like.  Tip: The simpler the better.  Put the shells and found treasures in there and you are done. Arranging your finds on a dish is also very attractive in a space.

2. Beach inspired Photographs and Paintings 

Another look I absolutely adore is a series of pictures of the sea in its various moods or one huge piece of Art depicting the ocean.  Its so relaxing to look at and the colors are just breath taking.  If you prefer to have paintings of shells or fish, this also works just as well, since your brain will automatically think of the ocean and the beach just by seeing corresponding objects.  How amazing is that.

3. Desk Top Water Fountains and Fish Tanks
A friend of mine bought me a desktop water fountain, and I loved it!  It was only about four inches wide and five inches tall but it made my day every day just to have a little piece of therapy in the middle of a chaotic day. Its definitely the gift that keeps on giving.  If you are able to get one of these its the best.  Another popular way to bring the beach to your home is through fish tanks.  Not only is a fish tank great to look at, you will also literally add new life to your home.  In my my opinion its these personal touches that makes a house a home.


4.  Hard Cover Books and Transparent bottles

This is the last tip/trick but not the least by far.  Being a glass lover myself, I think pairing the smoothness and transparency of glass with the simple angular shape of stacked hardcover books is just divine. Furthermore the books  because they are on beach related topics often have photographic compositions on the front that can add to the look you are trying to capture.  I loved this look so much I even created my own beach glass mosaics from sand, beach glass and shells. Hopefully this post will inspire you and motivate you!. Sometimes the most precious and beautiful things in life is right at our finger tips. It is our Inner peace and calm that allows us to focus on what's most important to us.  So, here's to peace and relaxation!

All beach photos were taken in Long Island, Bahamas.