Retreat

I am designing a new bedroom for my mother. I wanted to give her a tranquil place to retreat to at the end of the day. The space is essentially a blank slate with outdated wood paneling and terrible 70's orange carpet. Anything done to the space would be a vast improvement.

I will be painting the existing brick fireplace gray (note the tiny inspiration pic below that I found from a kitchen on Pinterest).The paneling, trim and ceiling will get a coat of creamy white paint.The flooring will be replaced with a medium oak  laminate to match the hardwood in the rest of the home. The windows will be layered with espresso matchstick roman blinds (like this) and sheer panels (like this). Accents will be in creams, nickel, black and sparingly pops of yellow.This is basically what I am going for:

The end result should be a chic space with clean lines. I will be reusing some decorative items we already own. We will only need to purchase paint, laminate and textiles which makes this project extra fun! I will report back with pictures when the room is finished.

Do you plan to redecorate any spaces in 2012? Reusing items you have in a new way?

-M

Teach-Chic

So I have begun coining a new style. I spent the last 3.5 years trapped in an office, and as a result I have a closet full of dashing dresses, tights and high heels. Now that I am teaching kid-o's, that type of attire is not going to fly. That being said, I refuse to resign to dressing like a librarian. Enter my new style which I am calling: Teach-Chic. The basic look breaks down to this: classic, clean lines, and inexpensive. I need to be comfortable enough to work long hours, chase kids around and bend without caution. There is also a strong possibility I am going to get doused in finger paint, so getting overly attached to pricey items is a bad idea. 

Pants:

They needed to be comfy, hold up to dirt and sticky hand prints, but still look professional. I picked up some cords, khakis and dark denim at the Gap and Old Navy outlet stores. Each pair set me back under $30 and I even got them in short! (I'm 5'2 so finding a well fitting pair of pants is damn near impossible, let alone for the impossible prices I snagged them for!).  

Images borrowed from Gap

Sweaters:

It's winter and I live in the Pacific Northwest so sweaters are a must. You get the most bang for your buck by choosing texture over patterns, and neutrals over bright colors. You won't get sick of an item by the end of the season and searching for a palatable outfit early in the morning (5:30 am in my case) is much easier when the pieces are interchangeable. 

Images borrowed from Old Navy

Shoes:

Flats. They look polished and are practical when chasing kids around. I think it is important to have a few "old standbys" in basic brown and black, but shoes can be a great way to add a little someth'n someth'n to an outfit. Target is one of my favorite places to buy ballet flats. Maybe it's because I'm hard on shoes, or because I get a thrill out of a good sale, but Target is a goldmine. I picked up two pairs today from the clearance rack for (wait for it)...$11 each! I suggest suede, patent leather, metallic, fun colors and something with a little bling.

Images borrowed from Target

Accessories:

Trend it up with accessories-have fun and take risks. Each piece below is around $20 bucks. (I always go crazy with the accessories they stick near the cash registers for suckers just like myself) These items can easily be swapped out when you get tired of them or the season changes. An outfit should be layered and accessories are the finishing touch like the cherry on a sundae.  

Images borrowed from Gap

I'll let you know how my wardrobe fairs. From arts and crafts, to kicking a soccer ball around outside in the mud, these clothes are going to be put to the test. Any suggestions? Tips? Musings? 

-M