Inspiration Photo Friday: The Little Things

05 Friday Jul 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

Tags

antique, appreciation, beauty, blue, energy, happiness, home, life, little things, love, nature, plant, positive, trees, vintage, window, world

Whenever times are a little rough in my life or I am slightly down, I just try to think about the little things that make me happy. Sometimes it’s the little things that matter most, you know. This concept can work pretty much in every situation. Just focus and try to not let whatever is upsetting you bring your energy to a low place.

Even when you are happy, its always good to take a look at the little things in your life you truly appreciate. Walk around your home and notice the small details that make you smile. Take a look at your partner and recognize those little mannerisms that you fell in love with. Step outside and see how beautiful the world can be, even its just the tiniest flower found in your path. There will always be something ready to share its inner beauty, if only you stop and looked.

I took this photo yesterday, while I was feeling a little down. It was after I has rested in our room with the dogs for awhile to relax and clear my mind. This little area of our stairwell always makes me smile. Throughout the day, the light finds a way to shine just perfect and the stillness you feel coming up and down the stairs is so peaceful. It’s one of my favorite spots in our home.

It’s the little things like this, I really love. That old window has been a part of this house since the beginning. To think we get to appreciate how pretty it is, after all these years, is something really special. Every minute it shares its beauty, and I simply take it in.

Inspiration Photo Friday: The Little Things - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Yard Sales: What to Look for and What to Avoid

26 Wednesday Jun 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Edward Stuart, Guest Posts, Shopping

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

antique, art, artwork, china plates, clothing, dishware, frames, furniture, recycle, reuse, shopping, used, vintage, yard sales

Going to yard sales can not only save the money in your wallet, but it can also give you tons of inspiration! You know what they say—another man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

Going through yard sales can be frustrating at times, especially when you aren’t specifically looking for something. However, I got some top things to look for at yard sales, that’ll keep you on your toes, and inspire you into creating your own designs for your very own home.

Photo Credit: 92.9 Jack FM

Frames
Usually at yard sales, there is plenty of art work that they are trying to get rid of. Now, try to not pay attention to the art work within the frame (unless you really like it), and just look at the frame itself. Reusing old and unique antique framed art can really dress up the look in your living space.

Furniture
Let’s be more specific—wooden furniture. This way, you can aspire to decorate and design it in whichever fashion you like; even if it’s just refurnishing it. This is a quick and simple fix up, and something that can look great in your house: a dresser, a kitchen table, a night stand—you name it!

Dishware
This can include Tupperware, mason jars, or even china plates! You’ll be really surprised at some of the dishware found at yard sales. These are all things that are valuable and usable. If you’re able to get your hands on china plates, all the more power to you!

These three items can really help you narrow down what you’re searching for at yard sales, and can keep your eyes focused on the prize. These items can also be easily reused for decoration and design for your own home, resulting in overall happiness between seller and buyer. Even though there are great finds at yard sales, there are also things you want to stay away from.

Sleepwear
Now, this can all be up to you. Usually however, bugs like the home of used mattresses, sleeping bags, etc. There is a reason they are trying to sell this—and it’s better to stay away from it, rather than rack up exterminator fees.

Electronics
If they are selling any type of electronic (dvd player, mp3 player, etc.) it’s either because it’s out of date, or doesn’t work. Stay away from these!

Clothes
Unless the person you’re buying the clothes for is with you, then I would suggest not buying any sort of apparel. These clothes (even though you can find great deals) are loose, and were eventually formed to fit the seller. If you’re going to buy apparel, make sure and check the size, and the size of the person you’re buying it for.

Yard sales can be fun—you can find great deals, and amazing things to decorate the home. Just because someone else thinks it’s unusable, doesn’t mean you can’t recreate it to make a masterpiece of your very own. Get creative, and have fun!

Written by Edward Stuart

Mixing it Up with Flea Market Finds

23 Thursday May 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Everyday Design, The Home

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

antique, beauty, better homes and gardens, Christy Renee Designs, decoist, decor, design, eclectic, flea market finds, interior designd, style, vintage

Being a lover of everything vintage, my home surely reflects the beauty of the old and the freshness of the new. Some may think its easy to throw a space like this together but it does take some thinking. Because you want there to be a cohesive look you have to arrange furniture and items in a way that they flow effortlessly. So when your eye moves around the room, there is a nice mix of all styles you love. Here are a few examples of some spaces that are great inspirations for this look.

This dining room is casual with a bit of class. The paneling on the walls give the space an upscale look while the blackboard paint makes it fun. The mix of vintage glass and accessories blends well with the wood furniture and neutral tones of the textiles.

Photo Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Shabby chic and mid century design come together to create a space that is luxurious, feminine, and classic. The earthy elements and wood tones help ground the room while the antique mirrors help light find its way around this peaceful neutral space.

Photo Credit: Christy Renee Designs

Bright, modern, and colorful, this space adds stylish interest to one side of the room. By using vintage benches as bookshelves, the unique accessories and books are displayed in a creative, yet smart way.

Photo Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

A little bit of glam and old world charm give this sitting room a rich look. The earthy and calm color palette play off of the shabby chic style, which also adds a comfortable layer to the space.

Photo Credit: Decoist

The traditional style of this living room includes earthy elements, such as the stone fireplace. With the addition of the vintage bottle collection and small rustic touches, a nice mix of old and new is created.

Photo Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Modern and contemporary style with a few vintage pieces keeps this space streamlined and true to the aesthetic while softening up the lines a bit.

Photo Credit: Decoist

Recycling old items is an easy way to freshen up a space. This rustic and modern foyer welcomes you with style and unique flair.

Photo Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

A little bit of country, rustic flair, and traditional style create a comfortable and airy space for guests to relax. The few pops of color are enough to add interest and freshness while the textures give the room the warmth it needs from all the cool neutrals. Bright and cozy live in harmony here.

Photo Credit: Modern Furniture Decor 2014

The combination of rustic old world elements with vintage pieces bring an eclectic feel to this bathroom while the colors keep it interesting.

Photo Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Inspiration Photo Friday: Renovation Dedication

26 Friday Apr 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Everyday Design, Inspiration Photo Friday, The Home

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

antique, art, diy, Ikea, interior design, kitchen, natural, nature, renovation, rustic kitchen, vintage, wood

My husband and I are finally fully renovating our kitchen. It has been a little over a year we are in the house and feel its time to take on the project. What was done before was only temporary until we had the funds and the time to get it done so you can imagine how excited I am to see my dream kitchen alive.

This is the first space I’ve designed from scratch and have really enjoyed the process. I want an authentic vintage kitchen so collecting items for the space has taken some time. We started a few months ago, visiting antique shops every weekend until we collected everything we were looking for. The whole room will be free standing pieces, nothing is installed or connected to the walls like cabinetry would be. So finding exactly what we wanted and making sure we had enough storage space was a task all in itself.

We were lucky to have found the perfect pieces at great prices, which helped out a lot considering our budget wasn’t big. Everything has been painted the same color to bring cohesion to the space. Whites and creams will grace the room beautifully. Thanks to Ikea, we were able to get a butcher block countertop at an affordable price and the sink cabinet is being built from scratch, another design I am excited about. When you can’t find what you want, build it!

We purchased wood planks for the ceiling and painted them white as well. And because of our budget, we chose laminate planks for the floor in a nice neutral, honey tone. The new schoolhouse lighting I chose will truly bring the vintage charm to the space and the large piece of art we had custom framed will look gorgeous. Every detail was thought of when it came to this renovation. Floor plans were drawn, measurements were taken, and I considered every inch of the room so we can really maximize the space. I’d have to say, its the most dedication I’ve had for a project in a long time and I know it will all pay off.

So for this inspiration photo friday, I wanted to share my inspirations for our kitchen renovation, since this project has been a focus for some time now. I looked to these and saw elements I loved. Then made them work for our space and combined them in way that worked with our budget. I feel its really important to have a starting point, some kind of inspiration to work off of. And these truly helped my creativity and determination.

Photo Credit: House of Anais

Inspiration Photo Friday: Renovation Dedication
Photo Credit: {Left} Unknown {Right} Kitchen Building

We are currently in the middle of the process and are ready for demo. Everything is getting ripped out, walls and all. Besides my uncle helping us with the drywall, Dan and I are doing this all by ourselves and we couldn’t be more excited. We are DIY all the way and when its all finished, we can look back and be proud of what we accomplished. It just proves that with true dedication, you can do anything. Check back for my before and after photos soon as well as a detailed post about the project.