outdoor chandelier

As we start to move into March stores are starting to carry patio furniture and we are starting to get excited, spring is nearly at our fingertips!  I had a recent request to find some outdoor chandelier possibilities, some of these are a different take on the idea but I certainly had fun finding options.

Use an old wrought iron candle chandelier,
since no electricity is needed it's easy and stylish

Here's a creative take on a candle chandelier.  Get
some rope, a wire basket, some moss, candles, and voila!

For only $79.90 you can get this adorable electric outdoor
chandelier from hayneedle.com

This is more of a pendant than a chandelier but I like the
morroccan flare especially in a garden/patio area.  This one
is $149.90 from hayneedle.com

 Well there you have it, those were my favorite outdoor chandelier finds.  Tomorrow I will have to post some inspirational patio images since I am dreaming of spring in this cold weather.

new kitchen

My friend and fellow designer, Laura Kummer, recently did a kitchen remodel and since I love it so much I wanted to blog about it.  Take a look at the before and after photos!

BEFORE:



These light blue tiles are actually not tiles at all
but plastic "stick-ons"





Her adorable pup in the background



AFTER:



The addition of the classic glossy white subway tile
to the ceiling is striking.



I love the combination of the more traditional faucet with
the modern rectangular kitchen sink

In lieu of the expense of additional cabinets and countertops
Laura happened to come across this perfect piece of furniture for
this alcove across from the butlers pantry.  I love the butcher block
top, cup pulls and turned legs.  It works perfectly!

These butler pantry built-ins were existing but the edition of
the subway backsplash and black countertop ties this piece
into the rest of the kitchen.

Laura has a blog of her own that chronicles this kitchen make-over.  As well as being a great designer, she is a pastry chef and posts the delicious creations she makes so check out Lola's Kitchen!

friday quote

Enjoy the weekend, see you back here on Monday!

pup

On a non-design related note...

Brian and I have been dog-sitting for my brother for a few months now while he is busy working and traveling. We have fallen in love with this dog and I thought I'd share some of the love.  I apolgize for the non-dog lovers in the crowd...you know who you are. 

Meet Molly:



What a love, am I right or am I right?

friday quote

diy completed

I finally finished my inspiration cork boards!  I purchased a roll of cork at Office Max for $14 (Home Depot doesn't carry it) and glued them to a backer board.  Note: I would get double stick tape and fasten the cork to foam core for a stiff back. 

Once in the painted frames I hung them in my new office!  I love that the office feels bright and happy.  Soon enough the shelves will be full, but for now it's a great spot to sit and blog.

I was able to complete this project for a total of $45.00

DIY Cork Boards

I decided I wanted some inspiration boards for my home office but didn't want to spend much money. 

I decided to make my own cork boards, see image above for my muse.  Yesterday I went to the thrift store and found three similarly sized frames for a total of about $18.

I know the artwork is gorgeous, it's a shame I won't be keeping it. 

I decided on painting the frames in a glossy teal color to accent my new orange rug (pictures to follow).  The hardware store didn't have the right color of spray paint in gloss so I bought the satin teal and a clear gloss coat for the top. 

This and some fine sand paper came to about $10.

I quickly sanded the frames to take off the top finish so the paint will stick.  After they were nicely sanded I took a damp rag and cleaned off the dust and dirt.  Then the coats of paint began...once I had the frames covered with color to my satisfaction I added the gloss top coat and voila...

All in a few hours of work!

Today I will pick up the cork to finalize my boards and hang them so tune back in to see the final product!

design after dark II

Fridays Design After Dark was such a great time.  I recommend this event to everyone!  I overheard that about 800 people bought tickets!  It was packed but there was great drinks and great art.  The people watching wasn't half bad either.

friday quote

I just love this:



design after dark

I'm excited to say that my husband Brian and I will be attending Design After Dark tomorrow night!  In case you have never heard of it here's a bit of an introduction:



"With an eight year history of incredible success, Design After Dark underscores our community's creative talent. Leading design firms, emerging architects and artists, and a wide range of creative individuals and teams construct innovative one-of-a-kind objects to be auctioned off at the end of the night.

A luxe silent auction offers top-of-the line furnishings and decor, delectable dinners, and other packages. A diverse array of food and drink is served to a beautifully dressed crowd, while an unforgettable image and soundscape delights those enjoying the art and the ambience.

Demonstrate your devotion to our design community amongst prominent names in architecture, interiors, graphic design, industrial design, advertising, and fashion. Join a community interested in the power of design. This event supports the Denver Art Museum and advances the dialogue of design in our region."

I am so excited and will hopefully get to take some pictures and post them for you on Monday.  Here are some photos of last years event...

*Via: designafterdark.denverartmuseum.org, audreymichelphotography.com

men's fasion

Yesterday I posted on some women's fashion that I am loving right now but what about the men?  Here are a few great looks that I would love to see more men rock here in Denver...

Houndstooth jacket, white collard shirt, a pair of cords...a great outfit for work
 without wearing the standard dress pants and button down.



Love the layers mixing pattern and texture.



For a more casual look a t-shirt and jeans is
always good and you can never go wrong
 with black

And last but not least...

This man can wear a suit, enough said.

*Via: pinterest

fashion

It's been a while since I have blogged about anything fashion related!  I was browsing Pinterest on a lazy Sunday afternoon and came across some lovelies I thought I should share.

I am loving this color combination it feels fresh and new for spring.



I have been into this equestrian trend lately and this jacket fits the bill. 



Over sized Clutch?  Yes please!



This dress with the clutch above would be adorable.

And last but not least...

A belted pleated dress with a statement necklace, done and done.

*Via: pinterest

good morning



This is a bit of a different post than I would normally do, but I fell in love with this mug and had to share!  Buy it here ($29).