Today is Monday- the wonderful weekend is over and the next one is far away! So, I thought it would be fun to design a restful retreat to help us all get out of the Monday blues! For this design, I decided to keep the color fairly monochromatic, but incorporate lots of texture for added interest.

Three months ago, I started this blog… Simple Dwellings. I wasn’t sure what direction it would take me, or whether anyone would read it! I never knew how inspiring and wonderful blogging would become. There are so many talented DIYers, interior decorators and design enthusiasts out there! I have learned so much and “met” blogging friends through this journey. I know I will continue to enjoy it for a very long time. I thought it would be fun to see where Simple Dwellings began- with my very first post! Boy, I have come a long way- I’ve even discovered you can post pictures too! ha ha. 🙂

January 8, 2011
Intro to Simple Dwellings
I have loved interior design for as long as I can remember.  I am an avid HGTV fan and love to come up with new decorating ideas, or expanding on existing ones.  My education background is not design, but I feel it is my calling!  I daydream about what to decorate next, or how large print damask wallpaper will look in my entryway.  I truly believe that you don’t have to be a famous designer to have great style.  You also don’t have to break the bank to afford great style.  Choosing to begin with timeless pieces that will always be in vogue and will stand through the ever changing trends is what makes your design last!
Let’s get ready to talk design!

… why are you leaving me so soon? A very dramatic start to a post, if I do say so myself! I was out shopping for the mom’s in our family, since Mother’s Day is near (don’t get stressed- it’s not too close by. I’m shopping for my sister in law who lives overseas- so I always like to shop a little early. I’m not really that organized!!) But back to the topic- when I was out shopping, I came across this beautiful frame my sister in law would love. Let me add to that- I also adored! I instantly thought it would look great in our guest room, since I’m adding green as an accent. It’s funky and fun, and I know she will also appreciate it’s beauty too! All kidding aside, I love to find special gifts I know family will love! It makes the giving that much more fun. So, I picked it up, and here it is-

I didn’t realize Valerie Bertinelli had frames- I loved it! I ended up purchasing one as the gift, and I think I need to go back and get one for our guest room. It’s a great price from TJ Maxx, and I better act soon!

This frame will be on my mind all weekend! I think another shopping trip to TJ Maxx is in order!

I am in the process of changing things up in our guest room. One of the first changes for the walls were the addition of white shelves, mentioned in more detail here. I got wonderful feedback when I asked opinions for sprucing them up a bit! I took all ideas into account when I went out shopping at a local boutique. They were having a spring open house, with everything 10% off! I went there hoping to find some inspiration, and walked out with 4 more additions to the shelves- all for a great price! (I always love to search for unique finds at boutiques and small owned shops- it’s such a treat when they wrap it up all nice and pretty for you!) And since most of the objects on the shelves (including the shelves) were gifts, I felt a little shopping trip was a great idea! So without further adieu, here are the revamped shelves:

I think it looks more full, without being too busy. I added texture, natural elements and witty quotes to give the space some unique interest. When I found the very textural green ball, I knew what the room’s color palette would be: shades of blue with pops of green and gray! I loved the little bird and thought of Kat’s post here.

And here is a reminder of where the shelf love started: (Before)

And After (again!)

(I still plan to change the matting on the Italian frame!)
I had so much fun with it! I cannot wait to work on the rest of the room. I have lots more up my sleeve!! This will be the room in our home where I will take the most risks and use bold colors.  
Thanks so much for all of the wonderful ideas and comments on my first “shelf love” post! I really appreciate it. To see all of the great comments and ideas, visit here. 

There is no denying that the entire world is awaiting Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding extravaganza! It will undoubtedly be the wedding of this century. We wonder what Kate will wear, how her hair and makeup will look, and what the couple will choose as their first dance song. Do you know what I am also wondering… what will their home look like? How will it be designed? If you could design a room in their home, what would you do? What colors would you pick? Look no further- I have been chosen! ha ha! Just kidding. I am taking part in Olioboard’s fun challenge to design a room for the happy couple. I mentioned before in a previous post here that I recently became an Olioboard member- a site that lets you create beautiful, free design boards. I went on tonight to create another, when I came across this challenge: William and Kate’s Living Room Challenge! On the site, it says to blend William’s masculine, nobleman roots with Kate’s youthful take on elegance. Great- let’s try it! Here’s what I came up with:

I named this living room design Casual and Refined for the Newlyweds. If you like the design, please go here and vote for me!! To find out where to shop for this room’s look, go here.   

I would like to give a big thanks to Shelley from Calypso in the Country for giving me the stylish blogger award! I really appreciate you thinking of my blog! If you haven’t been to Shelley’s blog, definitely check it out! So here’s my chance to tell you 7 things about myself, you might not already know! Here goes:

1. I love my family with all of my heart! I know it says that on my sidebar already, but I couldn’t resist! They are my biggest support system and bring smiles and laughter into my life daily!

2. I must have 2 cups of coffee everyday! I need it to function- one in the morning, then another, actually- as I’m writing this!  🙂

3. I love watching Bravo tv’s reality shows! My favorite is Flipping Out, and I hope the new season starts soon!

4. I love dresses and girly things, but I’m most comfortable in sweats!

And now for more fun- I get to pass this award to 5 stylish blogs! If you haven’t already, check out these great blogs:

I have always loved to blend traditional with modern, simple with eclectic and rustic with chic. When flipping through the new spring issue of Country Living, I saw some great ways to use chicken wire in a chic, new way! Who knew chicken wire could be so cool? On their site and in their magazine, there are several different ways to incorporate this country staple into modern spaces. The prices range from expensive to a great deal! In this post, I decided to show the best chicken wire deals they had! 

These domes are so sweet, and look how well it works against the modern counters! You can purchase these 3 domes for $48 here on etsy.

A vintage inspired bucket from the amazing Macbeth Collection. Retails for $42 here.

This sweet little frame is at a sweet price- $7.99! Find it here.

My style has drifted to more modern looks these days, but I still love to throw in some rustic elements! I thought this idea was a great spring addition! Who knew chicken wire could be so chic? To check out more ways to use chicken wire, visit Country Living here.

With spring now upon us, I think we all get the urge (or reluctantly remember) to either bring life to our gardens outside, or declutter and liven up our interiors. For me, it’s both! With the long, snowy, cold (did I mention long?) winter behind us, it’s time to try and get motivation for spring. I do love the nice weather, but I find it difficult to start the organization. Once I get going, there’s no stopping me- but it’s the going that’s tough. So, I will try to inspire myself (and hopefully others) with these wonderful spaces. It might just give me the motivation I need-

A chic study! Via Elle Decor. Photo by Simon Upton. Design by Darryl Carter.

I could get inspired with this space! Via Elle Decor. Photo by Simon Upton. Designed by John Dransfield and Geoffrey Ross.

Casual, chic place to work. Via Cottage Living. Photo by Robbie Caponetto.

Are you inspired to get ready for spring?

Thank you so much, Amy! The spaces are beautiful! I also love stripes, symmetry and a white kitchen. And I’m with you on changing things up after falling for a new color and pattern! If you haven’t been to Amy’s wonderful blog, definitely check it out!

Stop by next week to see the next blogger in the series!