Chalked

One trend I haven't jumped all over is chalkboard paint. And that's saying something because I am an unabashed bandwagon-jumper! Most of my house is "inspired" by stuff I see online or in shelter mags. I'm not a terribly creative person, I'll admit it.

But, these images actually are great ideas and uses for chalkboard paint. I don't know how I'd ever get my chicken scratch to look this cool but I like this:

image: www.faiella-design.com/

And the great Martha always makes her projects just look just so. This would prbably start to look really messy IRL but here it is charming!

image: Martha Stewart

Dwell @ Joann

Joann has some great and not so great fabrics. Their 50% off fabric sale is going on right now so I hopped over to check out their selection. I have a chair to recover so I am in the market for some home decor fabric.

I was pleased to learn they carry some DwellStudio for Robert Allen fabrics, which are an oasis of modernity in a sea of toile, plaid and fugly florals. Here are my picks:




I picked up 3 yards of the green scroll for a window treatment project I am plotting.

I hear tell of some amazing outlets up in the Burlington area and down near Charlotte where upholstery can be had for $3/yard. I will have to get out there to check things out shortly.

A few thrift bargains...

Framed Asian (Japanese?) bird print from church rummage sale. Marked $5, paid $2

Cool industrial adjustable metal stool. Church rummage sale - a different one - $2

Yellow polka dot tray, church rummage sale $1. Rose is from the climbing rose bush in our backyard that's already chock full of blooms.

A small update

I painted the risers that lead from the entry way to the top floor (our house is a split level). They were an ugly beigy color that showed every scuff. Flat black is a bit more modern and will hide the wear and tear a little better. Eventually I want to get some kind of runner rug installed here for a little more coziness.

Burt's acting foreman on this job. My work passed inspection, I think.

Spring!

What a difference a week makes! Our azaleas just burst out in color this weekend due to the 80+ degree temps.

I love living in an older neighborhood filled with mature landscaping and tall trees. With the afternoon light filtering through the leaves, it's really a gorgeous place to be in the spring.

Care for a Cocktail?

I picked up this sweet little bar cart at the flea market yesterday. It's certainly not the sturdies item I've ever bought but for $15 and a couple coats of spray paint, I think it might be cute!

Bar carts seem to be having a renaissance right now. And I love it! I'm not a big drinker but I do like me a cocktail so I think this will actually get used in my house.

TGIF

image: Graham + Brown

Ok, I think this *might* be the wallpaper for the entry way. I can't freaking make a decision to save my life on this.

It just rained a little -- hopefully washing away the thick layer of pollen that's covering everything.

Glory of the South

This is when our little split level starts to look almost charming - spring! Our azaleas are blooming, the lawn is green, the trees are leafed. And everything's covered in a thick layer of greenish/yellow pollen. Ah, lovely. As an allergy-prone person, I'm suprisingly NOT having a total histamine freak-out. Sure, a few sneezes here are there but I haven't had to hit up the Zyrtec at all.

This tree in my neighbor's yard is just so. pretty.

I put up my prints a few weeks ago and I love them! My living area is yellow/blue so they fit right in. I think they class up the joint a tad, no?

Seated

My thrift score for the week from Dorcas. This charming little chair reminds me of something that might be pulled up to a vanity or in a boudoir. Not sure what a boudoir even is but this strikes me as the right little piece of furniture. It's covered in a strange 50's or 60's neutral with metallic flecks that has seen better days, for sure. For $8, I figured it would be worth recovering. It will be nice in the small guest room.

Spied these great bookcases/etageres over on this designers site. I wish I knew where to find something similar - they are what I have been envisioning for the living room for a year!