Jul 29, 2011

One Question: Shared Bedroom Part 2

Today is a continuation of my answer to Kari's question about her girl's shared bedroom.  She asked how I would combine two different style beds (a twin bed and toddler bed) in one room so it doesn't look like random furniture stashed in a room.  So yesterday, I posted a few inspiration photos of shared spaces to gather ideas and today, I created a mood board to show how I'd create a stylish girl's shared bedroom....

girlsroom=-design

Mood board breakdown....

1.  To keep the room bright and airy, Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore would look great on the walls.

2.  For an unexpected pop of color and to bring a little bit of coziness (and sweetness) to the room, I'd paint the ceiling Mellow Pink by Benjamin Moore.

3.  When I began to create the mood board, my starting point was this beautiful, floral fabric.... Gypsy Flower available thru Tonic Living.  The shades of pink, red and lime all swirled around on a white background look so sweet and girly... I thought it was perfect!  It's a print that could be used in a bold room or added to a soft and peaceful space.  The colors in this fabric bring all the colors in the room together and would look so great made into floor to ceiling curtains (Tonic Living also takes custom orders- curtains, pillows, etc!).

4.  A pennant banner, like this one from Sugar and Spice via Etsy, has a variety of colors (including red and pink) that bring a playful look and would look great strung cross the room.

5.  To accessorize and add more color, this painting by Cocoa and Hearts (Jen Ramos) brings a little bit of glamour to the walls!  It reminds me of lipstick shades drawn on a napkin.... only more glamorous.  I love it (I want one for my room!).

6.  For the toddler bedding, I put together polka dot sheets, a pink blanket and two pillows- a pink Ikat print and a floral print (same floral as the curtains).

7.  For the twin bed, I mixed it up a little.  The colors coordinate with the toddler bed, but I say let each girl have a uniquely, styled bed.  The duvet is all white with red stitch-work on the top, then for added comfort there's a pink blanket, red pillow, and the same pink Ikat print and floral print for pillows as the toddler bed.

8.  Add a comfy, cushy red and white polka dot bean bag to the room for an impromptu reading nook!

9.  The red dresser in the mood board is part of a room designed by Jodi at The Simply Inspired Home.....  I was hooked as soon as I saw it!  The color is absolutely stunning (you can read more about her room design here).  As for both beds in the room, the twin and toddler bed, I'd give them a similar look.  I'd make the headboards (and footboards) a creamy-white, that might mean slapping some paint on one (or both).  Then the cherry-red colored dresser will really stand-out!!!

Lastly, to keep the room warm and inviting, remember to add texture.... a wooden step-stool, wicker basket, natural-fiber rug, child-size distressed rocker, knitted blanket, stuffed animal, etc.  I think that when colors are limited and texture is added, it's really easy to give a bedroom a warm, cohesive, inviting feel, even if there are two different style beds!!!

Jul 28, 2011

One Question: Shared Bedroom Part 1

'One Question' is a series I started to answer reader's decorating questions with a hope to inspire others who have a similar dilemma.

* * * * * * * *

Kristy,

I'm in the process of moving both my girls into the same bedroom so they will share a room.  The problem is that they have different style beds.... one is still in a toddler bed and the other sleeps in a twin.  How would you decorate the room so that it has a cohesive look and not like a hodge-podge of random furniture?

Thanks - Kari

* * * * * * * *

Great question.... I love when kids are given the opportunity to share a bedroom with a sibling.  I think in the end it'll have a positive impact and teach a lot of valuable lessons.  As for decorating the room, I pulled a few photos that incorporate a twin bed and a toddler bed (or crib) for ideas....

Girls Bedroom

Girls Bedroom

Girls Bedroom

Girls Bedroom
Apologies, Source Unknown

Boys Bedroom

Girls Bedroom

Girls Bedroom

Boys Bedroom

A twin bed and crib/toddler bed may be completely different in form, function and style, but like the photos above, a bedroom can be completely stunning when they're combined.

Be sure to check back tomorrow.... I'll elaborate on Kari's question and show you how I'd decorate a shared bedroom for two girls when there's two different style beds.

Jul 27, 2011

Fabric Arrival

Look what arrived on my doorstep!!!  Bundles of gorgeous fabric...

Fabric

I'm in the process of planning my girl's bedroom (since my son's bedroom is complete) and decided on these prints as part of the bedding.  Michael Miller's Bella Rose in pink and the Hibiscus Pink will be sewn into a euro pillow for each twin bed (floral on the front, pink on the back).

Fabric

I'm planning to store the metal bed frames and propping the box springs up on painted wooden legs, then covering the sides of the box spring with Laura Ashley's Ikat in teal...

Fabric

I'll be sewing and working on the room this week.... more to come!

Jul 26, 2011

Girl's Bedroom in VA

I'm in the process of decorating my girl's bedroom, but before I go any further, I'm going to show you what their room looked like in VA.  Just about everything that was in their bedroom in VA will be incorporated into their new room here in TX, a little updated of course!  I'm hesitant to post these pictures because the room was never finished, but I'm hoping that when I finish their new room it'll show how easy it is to use what you already have to decorate.... just change it up a little!

The twin bed, nightstand, some of the bedding and a lot of the accessories will be used in the girl's new room.  The headboard used here is made from two wooden shutters, painted and hung on the wall. 

Girls Bedroom

The crib has been taken down and stored... we're adding the twin bed from the extra guest room we had in VA.  So, we'll now have two twin beds in the girl's room (I can't believe how fast these kids grow!).

Girls Bedroom

So, with most of these pieces I'm going to decorate this new room.....

Bedroom Before

Bedroom Before

I can't wait to put it all together!!!

Jul 25, 2011

Sofa Chair Ideas

Early last week, the husband gave me a sweet gift..... extra seating for our living room!!!  He knows exactly what I want :).  I came up with a few layouts to help me decide what type of seating would be the best addition and I think I'm leaning toward purchasing one sofa chair and a bench seat (either one large or two small benches).  And, if enough money is leftover, then also adding an ottoman and side table.

Living Room Layout

These are a few sofa chair styles that I like.... unfortunately, my taste exceeds my budget.  So, I'll be searching for a second-hand or super discounted find that has a similar look to any of these...

Sofa Chair

Sofa Chair

Sofa Chair

Sofa Chair

Sofa Chair

Sofa Chair

Sofa Chair

Sofa Chair

Just like I need to take cost into consideration, I also want the husband to like the chair.... like it so much that he'll actually sit and relax in it!  We tend to have different tastes in furniture (my first instinct is the look and style, his is comfort), so when we shop for chairs, this is his first choice....

Sofa Chair

I'm sure it's as comfortable as can be, but I want comfort AND a little more style, so maybe we can agree on something like this recliner (only upholstered in a different fabric)....

Sofa Chair 

I just wish it was less expensive.  Where do you go to find quality, comfortable, stylish furniture when you have a limited budget?

Jul 22, 2011

Artwork, Kinda

I love to encourage my kids to be creative and that usually involves a lot of artwork happening around the house... you know... paper, scissors, glue, all kinds of paint, and plenty of extra crafty-type items, all done at the playroom table, kitchen table or outside.  Earlier this week, I walked in the kitchen and found a spontaneous work of art.... on the side of my kitchen island!

Art

My 2-year old was so proud of her design... when I walked in the kitchen she said, "Mommy look!".  I was completely torn.... laugh? discipline? laugh? discipline?  Well, she's probably completely confused because what did I do?  Grab the camera, shake my head and give a half-laugh... then I asked her to describe her painting and show me her painted hands.

After we cleaned the island, her hands (love that washable finger paint), and put away the paint (and camera), she heard a lesson on where and when to paint.  But since she saw me take a few pictures of her wondrous artwork, I'm thinking I might see this type of work show up again somewhere in the house.

Have you had to clean up a spontaneous work of art?  On the walls?  Furniture?  Floors?

Jul 21, 2011

More Color in the Playroom

COLOR, COLOR, COLOR!!!  The more color in a playroom, the better!!!  I know I haven't talked much about our playroom lately.... I've kinda neglected it, but it's not far from being finished, so I'm hoping by posting this, it'll prompt me to get moving and finish decorating the rest of the room.

I added color to the small wall behind the kids activity table and chairs.... a clock, bulletin board and one of my daughter's paintings...

Bulletin Board

The bulletin board holds everything -- family and friend's pictures, invites, announcements, drawings, torn-out coloring book pages, the alphabet, postcards... you name it, it's there.  So, that means color and memories...

Bulletin Board

And the painting.... well, that's a lot of color too!!!  I love hanging my kid's artwork, like here, here, here and here.

Bulletin Board

Here's a view from a little further back in the playroom (this room is right off the main entry)...

Bulletin Board

Did you notice the curtains again?  As soon as I hem them I'll show more pictures... I'm lovin' the print... it's so bold!  And I really like the print next to the craziness of random things tacked to the bulletin board!

Jul 20, 2011

Stripes

After I posted about my new striped Toms, I got to thinking about clothes I've bought lately..... they all have stripes.... like these pants....

Striped Pants

I seem to be in a stripey-kind-of-phase so here's a few striped rooms I love...

Nursery
Domino - Jenna Lyons

Bedroom
Domino

Hallway
Domino

Living Room
Domino

Dining Room
Cottage Living - Tia Zoldan

stripes7
Apologies, Source Unknown

Living Room

Hallway

Workspace

I think it's about time to add some stripes to my house.... I'll show you what I'm up to soon :)

Jul 19, 2011

Ice Cream Cake Recipe

We had friends in from out of town and it seems eating ice cream cake with them on warm summer nights has become a tradition over the years.  I've always loved ice cream cake.... I remember requesting ice cream cake just about every year for my summer birthday.  Pool parties, bike rides, sleepovers.... and ice cream cake!  It always seemed like a perfect ending!  So, the tradition continues....

Ice Cream Cake

Ice cream cake is probably one of the tastiest-melt-in-your-mouth summer desserts.  All you need are just a few ingredients:

Ingredients
1 gallon of ice cream (two half gallons make it easier)
1 cup of frosting (any flavor.... or preserves, peanut butter, butterscotch, fruit, etc.)
1 pkg creme-filled cookies (i.e. Newman-O's, Country Choice, Oreos, etc.)
2 cups of whipped cream

Directions

Gather the creme-filled cookies (test-taste a few :)), then put them all in a gallon zip lock bag and crush them into tiny pieces.  The girls and I took turns smashing the cookies, we alternated between using a potato masher and our hands as a crusher.

Ice Cream Cake

Ice Cream Cake

Ice Cream Cake

Once the cookies were smashed, we poured them in a 9x13 glass dish.  We spread them on the bottom of the dish until the glass was completely covered.

Ice Cream Cake

Ice Cream Cake

After the cookies were layered, we took a 1/2 gallon of ice cream out of the freezer (keep the other 1/2 gallon in the freezer for now).  For this cake, we decided on chocolate ice cream for one layer and vanilla for another (you can use any flavor.... it's fun to get creative with the many, many flavors available).  I cut open the box.... one slit in each corner... to make it easier to slice the ice cream.

Ice Cream Cake

Slice the ice cream from top to bottom, about 1/2" thick and place each slice over the cookies until the cookies are covered.....

Ice Cream Cake

Ice Cream Cake

Spread the ice cream layer to make it smooth and level.

Ice Cream Cake

Ice Cream Cake

Then add the middle layer.... this can be anything from cake frosting, to chocolate chunks, to cut-up fruit.  For this cake, we used left-over cream cheese frosting (from the almond-scented cake) and spread it over the chocolate ice cream..... gotta work fast with this layer... the frosting starts to get cold and hard to spread....

Ice Cream Cake

Ice Cream Cake

Once the middle layer is done, it's time to add the final layer of ice cream (it's time to take it out of the freezer).  We used vanilla.... just like the first ice cream layer, I cut the box, then cut slices, then layered the ice cream on top of the frosting...

Ice Cream Cake

.... then spread the ice cream to make it smooth and level.  Honestly, it can get a little messy (but the taste is worth every mess), so I clean off the edges with a paper towel as I go....

Ice Cream Cake

Now for the final layer.... whipped cream!  For this, I made whipped cream (I love the creaminess!)... I mixed 1 cup heavy cream, 1 tbsp vanilla and 3 tbsp powdered sugar in an electric mixer until soft peaks formed (if you'd rather skip this part, there's several ready-made choices available in the store to make it easier).  Spread the whipped cream on top and make it smooth.... by now, the ice cream is really starting to melt so work fast (my ice cream usually mixes in with the whipped cream as I spread).

Ice Cream Cake

We added colored sprinkles on the top for color.... and now the cake is finished and is almost ready for the freezer!!! 

Ice Cream Cake

Before I place it in the freezer.... this may sound weird, but I let it sit out.  I want the bottom ice cream layer to melt a little (ok, maybe more than a little) so it mixes in with the creme-filled cookies.  This way when the cake is cut, the cookie crumbs are coated with ice cream.  There's really no way of timing this, so about every five minutes, I lift up the bottom of the dish and look to see if there's ice cream seeping down through the cookie crumbs...

Ice Cream Cake

Once the ice cream has seeped to the bottom, I wrap the top and place the dish in the freezer for at least 4 hours.  I know, too long.... but, there's probably some left over ice cream to satisfy while waiting :)

Once the four hours has past (or even overnight) and the cake has hardened, it's time to take it out and serve... (if you wanted to write something on the cake or really decorate the top to make it pretty, now's the time, but simple, colorful sprinkles are fine by me)!

Ice Cream Cake

One extra tip when slicing the cake is to use a warm knife.  Fill a glass with hot water and before every slice, dip the knife in the water.  Then slice, wipe the knife, dip in water, slice again and repeat... it'll give nice smooth cuts...

Ice Cream Cake

Yum!!!  Any day is a good day to make ice cream cake!!! 

Other great combos we've made in the past:
  • Mint chocolate creme cookies, mint chocolate ice cream on both layers and Andes candies as the middle layer
  • Chocolate cream cookies, vanilla ice cream with peanut butter swirl, vanilla ice cream and peanut butter as the middle layer
  • Creme cookies, strawberry ice cream, strawberry cheesecake ice cream and cut-up strawberries as the middle layer
  • Chocolate creme cookies, coffee ice cream, vanilla ice cream and coffee frosting as the middle layer
  • Vanilla Creme cookies, pecan praline ice cream, vanilla ice cream and crushed pecans drizzled with caramel as the middle layer
  • Creme cookies, cookies and cream ice cream, chocolate ice cream and chocolate frosting as the middle layer

What's your favorite ice cream flavor?

Linking up to Beauty and Bedlam and Mom Trends.
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