Forward to a friendClever Idea to Make Your Ugly Refrigerator Pretty
photo courtesy of shelterpop.com
In it, the author talks about wallpapering her refrigerator (she uses contact cement instead of wallpaper paste.) Brilliant! However, she also notes that the paper tends to fray over time.
FDG’s solution? Wallpaper frames - instead!
Using the contact cement, apply a panel of wallpaper slightly smaller than the area you wish to cover. Then, add picture mouldings with magnets attached to the bottom. Worried about using contact cement? Then simply add magnets to the bottom of the paper, as well.
What’s a great source for FREE magnets? All of those mailings you receive with magnets enclosed. A certain insurance agent I know seems to send me one every few months. Trade shows are also a great source for free magnets.
Do you have fun wallpaper craft ideas or a solution to the “make ugly refrigerator more pretty” search? Share it below!
FDG loves a good idea…as long as it’s frugal.
What We Can Learn From Tobi Fairley
photo courtesy of TobiFairley.com
I believe there is a lot that can be learned from studying the work of others. One very noteworthy “other” is famed designer Tobi Fairley.
Named one of the Top 20 Young Designers in America by Traditional Home Magazine for 2009, Ms. Fairley also happens to be the designer who showcased the chandelier I was blogging about in my last post.
One look at her work, and you begin to see a definite trend. She is all about getting big bang for your buck with pops of color.
Tobi Fairley’s interiors aren’t complicated. Instead, they are stunning because they are simple and elegant while capitalizing on a few very well-placed WOWs.
That, my dear friends, is what frugal decorating is all about!
Study and enjoy. Then, take it all back to your own space.
photo courtesy of Apartment Therapy
photo courtesy of Coastal Style Living
I Could Totally Make That….
Tobi Fairley - House Beautiful
I’m starting a new category. It’s the “I Could Totally Make That…” category.
So often, I stumble across something really cool which, in all reality, most likely costs a bucket-full of money. That’s when little-ole-FDG starts thinking out-loud: “I could totally make that.”
Case in point, the totally drop-dead-awesome chandelier shown in the photo above. If you have been following Frugal Design Girl (and you know you have!) you most likely recognize this chandelier from an earlier post.
Why couldn’t I just take the wrought iron chandelier I have hanging above my kitchen table…add some wire…string some beads…and have a similar (but much cheaper!) version?
Come on…someone triple-dog-dare me.
(Someone besides the BFF, that is.)
Hot Trend: Modern Design Stencils
Wallpaper is just plain fun. But let’s face it – it can also be quite costly. Especially when you’re a bit fickle about your home design. (Blush) The thought of dropping $1000 or more on some drop-dead gorgeous wall candy only to be seduced by something new a few months down the road makes FDG’s stomach turn.
That’s where stenciling comes in. Now, we’re not talking your Grandma’s apple stencil border. Instead, think big. Think modern. Think glam!
Most recently, I was struck with this amazing bedroom project using modern design stencils inspired by the Imperial Trellis pattern:
photo courtesy of Hello Gorgeous blog
So struck, that I am actually considering taking on the challenge myself in the entryway of our home! (Gulp)
Just in case you want to join in the fun and try your own large-scale project, here are some sights offering modern design stencils:
Cutting Edge Stencils
Stencil Library
Stencil Planet
Royal Design Studio
Royal Design Studio
Stencil Ease
Now that you’ve got your modern design stencils inspiration…here is a great “How To” video courtesy of Stencil 1:
Fun and Frugal: An Update to Decorating With Purple
Remember our chat about decorating with pops of purple? Well, check out this fun and frugal photo from the April issue of BHG:
Look at the WOW factor of adding the color at the ceiling with the all-white walls! A lot of bang for your buck!
Scroll down to read more about using fun and frugal details to make your home decor POP!
I Want Your House Ms. Laurie Hickson Smith!
I have always liked Laurie Hickson Smith, and I am not ashamed to admit that I want her house.
Decorating junkies like me will recall Laurie back in the days when Trading Spaces was a novelty show. Laurie Smith’s designs always stood head-and-shoulders above the rest. They were serious, they were professional, and they were FABULOUS.
Now I know why.
The woman’s got taste. Check out her book, Discovering Home with Laurie Smith. It is a look at her own home renovation – from start to finish. Along the way, she provides little notes about they why’s and how’s of her selections.
After thumbing through it about a million times, I’ve simply decided I just want to move in. So – move over Ms. Laurie Hickson Smith. I WANT YOUR HOUSE!
entryway
another view of the entryway
master bedroom
another view of the master bedroom
inspiration board
guest room
living room
dining room
family room
New Salvaged Wood Collections in the Restoration Hardware Stores
photos courtesy of restorationhardware.com
Typically, I am a chocolate-colored wood or mid-century modern lovin’ kind of gal.
I have to say, however, that recently I have been really drawn to the new salvaged wood collections being shown in the Restoration Hardware stores – especially when they are paired with sleeker accessories and side pieces.
I have not visited the Restoration Hardware stores lately, but I may just have to scoot on over and take a closer look. I think incorporating a piece here or there could really add a fun vibe to any decor.
What are your thoughts?
