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Fan or Follow: Kinda like an RSS feed.

Oct 22, 2009

Some of you have asked for an RSS feed of Room for Inspiration. I'm sorry I can't offer that function directly on the blog yet, but if you check into Facebook or Twitter once in a while, my fans and followers get a once-daily teaser of my blog post for the day. Just a fun link once a morning. I promise I won't fill your news feed! There's nothing more annoying than a fan page that intrudes.

Click "Become a Fan" on Facebook:

Or if you prefer Twitter…

By TwitterButtons.com

Still feel the need,
the need for a feed?

If you just can't live without an RSS feed, you can get it by clicking the Follow Me on Twitter button above, then clicking "RSS feed of aninspiredroom's tweets".

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Easy DIY: Projects with Spray Paint

Oct 22, 2009

Yesterday's post about boot trays got me thinking about spray-painting mine. I went to check out the color offerings in the Krylon Fusion for Plastic line, and happily discovered their Project Ideas section. It's filled with inspiring ways to spiff up, revamp, and recreate things around your home (plus fashion, sports, and outdoor projects!). Each project includes a complete materials list and instructions.

Here are a few of my favorites. Have any creative projects you've created with spray paint? Email me a picture. It might show up here on Room for Inspiration! —Diane

Tape + leaves + canvas = stylish wall decor

Turn a humdrum vase into an eye-catcher. (Love that idea of succulents in a vase, too!)

Everyone has to deal with an ugly brass fixture at some point. This one's a no-brainer.

Stencils can make an ordinary tray look like a designer piece.

Tips for Using Spray Paint Safely

Maybe someday there will be a "green" spray paint. For now, they're pretty toxic and need to be handled with care during and after the process. Use these techniques to minimize the impact of the chemicals. If you're still uncomfortable using spray paint, try brushing on a no-VOC paint like Sherwin-Williams Harmony or Mythic Paint.

• Spray outdoors whenever possible. Position yourself upwind from the spray.
• Wear a mask, indoors or out.
• Wear rubber gloves. You will get it on your fingers.
• If you must spray indoors, set up a makeshift paint booth. Place a couple of clear plastic drop cloths over an old table. Line the floor underneath with newspaper. Place the item inside. With your hand placed into an opening between the cloths, spray.
• Place items outdoors to dry completely. Once the chemical smell has faded, bring it inside.
• You'll be surprised how much your hand and wrist will hurt after a long spray-painting session. I did a garden bench last summer and my wrist ached for days. Some paint formulations now come in a trigger-type can, but if you need a special effect or a formula that adheres to plastic, you're stuck with the old button. Unless you wisely invest six bucks on this aerosol can trigger.

TAGS: spray paint projects ideas tips using spray paint safety krylon fusion rustoleum paint for plastic

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Inspired Solution: Dress Up a Boot Tray, Clean Up Your Entryway

Oct 21, 2009

It's almost boot season. At the very least, it's sloppy shoe season. This year, get a boot tray and never step your stockinged foot in a cold, wet puddle again. I use one year-round in the mudroom because it contains sand and dirt as well as mud and slop. This time of year I put one out at the front door, too, for guests. It prevents that pile-up of shoes on the entry mat.

So, problem solved. But leave it to Martha Stewart to find a way to dress up something as mundane and functional as a boot tray. I have to admit, I love this idea. Line a plain old boot tray with small- to medium-sized stones. It's not all for show; the water will drain down, leaving your soles nice and dry. Love the artfully sprayed water in this shot. Of course, in reality the boots and the stones will look a lot grungier, but it will still look nicer than a mud-encrusted tray.

Here are some high- and low-end options to get you started. Bring on the slop! —Diane

Williams-Sonoma Mudroom Boot Tray, $50

Ballard Designs Quilted Copper Boot Tray, $49

Crate & Barrel Swirl Rubber Boot Tray, $9.95

WJ Dennis Black Boot Tray, $2.99

Customize It!

I've been wanting to try the new(ish) spray paints for plastic. This might be the perfect small project to experiment with! Stay tuned…

TAGS: fall winter boot tray stones foyer mudroom entryway

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Outdoors In: Easy Autumn Decor from the Woods

Oct 20, 2009

Painting by Traverse City artist Angela Saxon.

Fall color is at its peak here! The mood in my house completely changes as the maple and beech trees reflect their golden light back inside. Here's an easy way to bring even more color from outdoors in. You can preserve entire branches of colorful leaves with a few easy steps.

1. Cut branches with colorful leaves attached. Make several lengthwise cuts into the branch stem, 2-3 inches deep, to create more surface area for absorption. Quickly submerge the stem ends in a bucket of warm water. Let soak for about 2 hours in a shady spot.
   

    

2. Boil 1 part glycerin with 2 parts water in a saucepan. Turn heat to low and let simmer for 5 minutes. Let solution cool completely and pour into a second bucket.
   

    

3. Remove branches from first bucket and place them into the second bucket with the glycerin solution. Store in a cool place until beads of moisture form on the leaves.
   

    

4. Remove the branches and wipe off the leaves, then hang branches upside down to dry.
   

    

5. Arrange dried branches for display. Think beyond the vase and use unconventional containers like baskets or wine bottles. Lay them horizontally on the mantel. Don't get too fussy about trimming and arranging— the wild look is all part of the appeal. —Diane

Decorating on a budget? Need creative solutions? I can help! Email me or find out more about affordable long-distance decorating advice.

This post is part of the HomeDigz blog party. Click for links to more inspiring home blogs.

TAGS: fall autumn leaves preserving glycerin glycerine decorating maple beech branches mantel decor

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Craving: Touches of Black

Oct 16, 2009

As I tweak my decor for winter I find myself being drawn to little hits of darkness here and there. It's like the eyeliner of the room. Gives a little definition and makes the colors near it look more vibrant. Here are some rooms that do it well. Be inspired! —Diane

Photos courtesy the always-inspiring decorpad, and marthastewart.com.

A black accent wall may sound extreme, but look how it perfectly sets off a white fireplace. Along with the leather chairs, it's just enough of a modern touch in a traditional room.

This is a Candice Olson living room. (Can't you tell by the perfect lighting design?) The room might be a bit bland without the contrast from the blacks and charcoals.

Another black accent wall, but this one has some shadowy dimension. Every color looks interesting next to it.

A door frame and lamp shade in black are all it takes to wake up this entry.

This bathroom would have a sort of feminine feel without the black mirror and cast-iron sink base. Pets, however, should not be chosen merely for their coordination with your decor.;)

A black floor can ground a room and give it more importance. This kitchen is a perfect example.

Imagine these chairs without their black outlines.

Black can take some of the sweetness out of kids' rooms. Adding black is a great way to "grow up" a room as children get older. Furniture and bedding available at PB Teen.

The two photos below are from Martha Stewart's Turkey Hill house. She had painted a lot of furniture white, then switched it all to black. The contrast with the neutral walls is much more interesting than white. Black glass hardware in the kitchen adds some sparkle to soapstone counters.

20% off "Spiff it up" this month! Get your kitchen or bath looking good before the holidays—without a major reno. I'll give you a plan that works for you and reflects your style, you do the work. Want more info? Email me.

TAGS: black accents room design interior design decor decorating fall transition using black on furniture walls

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