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The Design Inspirationalist

~ Inspiring Ideas | Spectacular Creations

The Design Inspirationalist

Tag Archives: vintage

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.

Inspiration Photo Friday: Renovation Dedication
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.

Monochrome Wedding Palettes

02 Tuesday Apr 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Advice & Inspiration, Color Inspiration, Wedding Decor Ideas, Weddings

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

antique, black, black and white, blue, ceremony, city chic, classy, color, country, decor, events, flowers, gray, monochrome, Monochrome Wedding Palettes, nautical, palettes, pastels, pink, reception, shabby chic, vintage, weddings, white

Monochrome Wedding Palettes

There are endless possibilities to colors and decor for your wedding. It’s all a matter of what you love and your taste profile. I think people mostly pick their color scheme first and move forward from there, which isn’t a bad way to go. I always say, choose your theme first and then everything should fall into place. But you can have so much fun with color, for sure.

What if you just chose one color for your special day? It may seem boring to some and maybe even strange to most, but having a monochrome palette could be very pretty if its done right. Now, just because you are using one color, that doesn’t mean your wedding will be an abundance of black or overwhelming amount of pink. You have to look beyond the color wheel and go deeper in the color you have chosen to use. By showcasing different tones and shades and playing with texture, you could have a gorgeous array of monochrome bliss.

Here are some great examples and inspiration of successful monochrome weddings. Hopefully, it will help broaden your understanding of this palette style and allow you to have fun with all the possibilities.

White
With an all white wedding, you can play with soft hues and pale tones. There are many variations of this color, you just need to explore the possibilities. This palette can be romantic, luxurious, country, city chic, vintage & antique, shabby chic and more, depending on your theme.

Monochrome Wedding Palettes
Photo Credit: Hairstyles and Fashion

Monochrome Wedding Palettes
Photo Credit: Kelly Prizel

Monochrome Wedding Palettes
Photo Credit: Momental Designs

Monochrome Wedding Palettes
Photo Credit: Belle the Magazine

Monochrome Wedding Palettes
Photo Credit: Four Seasons

Pink
An all pink wedding can be tricky but it can be done. Play with the lighter hues of this color, pastels work well together when they are in the same family. If you decide to go with a deeper or brighter shade of pink, just use it for pops here and there or it can overpower the event. You could make pink work for a modern wedding and also a more vintage style wedding.
Monochrome Wedding Palettes
Photo Credit: Event Decorator

Monochrome Wedding Palettes
Photo Credit: My Married

Monochrome Wedding Palettes
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Anne Designs

Monochrome Wedding Palettes
Photo Credit: Weddings by Lily

Blue
The color blue works with a lot of theme and its easy to incorporate. There are so many pretty shades of it too. Whether its a nautical style wedding you are planning or a spring event, blue will definitely add class to the overall style.
Monochrome Wedding Palettes
Photo Credit: BrideoRama

Monochrome Wedding Palettes
Photo Credit: Celebrations at Home

Monochrome Wedding Palettes
Photo Credit: Karen Tran Florals

Monochrome Wedding Palettes
Photo Credit: Bold by Design

Green
Using green is super easy if you are having a nature inspired event. Your venue, if outside, can act as the main decor and all you need to incorporate are elements within your theme and palette. I would stray from using Crayola tones and stick with more natural moss, lime and pastels.
Monochrome Wedding Palettes
Photo Credit: Wedding Flowers

Monochrome Wedding Palettes
Photo Credit: JL Designs

Monochrome Wedding Palettes
Photo Credit: Burnett’s Boards

Monochrome Wedding Palettes
Photo Credit: Marriage Reception Ideas

Black
Having an all black wedding is a tough one. There have to be white elements thrown in here and there to break up the dark color or your guests will feel like they are at a night club or goth party! If that is what you are going for, than feel free, but I think most wedding decor is not going in that direction. Use various shades of black, gray tones could be really nice and classic. If done right, it can all look very chic and grand.
Monochrome Wedding Palettes
Photo Credit: Gudu Ngiseng

Monochrome Wedding Palettes
Photo Credit: Weddingomania

Monochrome Wedding Palettes
Photo Credit: Plectrumbanjo

Monochrome Wedding Palettes
Photo Credit: Brides

Gray
This color can be used so many ways. Gray is a beautiful hue that can easily represent many styles. It’s classic and vintage at the same time.
Monochrome Wedding Palettes
Photo Credit: The Sweetest Occasion

Monochrome Wedding Palettes
Photo Credit: Scarlet Petal

Monochrome Wedding Palettes
Photo Credit: Somersault Vintage

Monochrome Wedding Palettes
Photo Credit: Preston Bailey

Spring Wedding Decor

28 Thursday Mar 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Wedding Decor Ideas, Weddings

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

antique, bouquet, bridal party, bride, bride bouquet, bronze, burlap, centerpieces, decor, earth friendly, earthy, eco-concsious, farm inspired, flowers, groom, nature, pastels, rustic, shabby chic, spring, spring wedding decor, table decor, venue, vintage, wedding planning, weddings

Spring Wedding Decor

Having a spring wedding allows for nature to play an important role in the decor. Since you can have the event outside, its easy to let your surroundings act as decor. And why shouldn’t it? When you have such a beautiful backdrop, don’t fight it with lots of other elements, embrace it and welcome it into your special day.

Spring Wedding Decor
Photo Credit: Once Wed

Spring Wedding Decor
Photo Credit: Dragonsmark

The colors of spring range from pastels and creams to vibrant hues that can easily be taken from nature. Just look around and let all the fresh blooms and plants be your guide. Your theme should only accent these colors, not bury them. Lets say you are having a rustic event, showcase shabby chic style in texture and antique items that will truly allow the Earth’s beauty to shine. Even if your event may be more farm inspired, using darker textures such as tree bark, burlap and bronze will get the point across successfully.

Spring Wedding Decor
Photo Credit: Green Wedding Shoes

Remember, its all in the details. What people will remember most are the personal touches you brought to the event. Not so much the amount of money you spent or overwhelming amount of flowers, etc. The more meaningful the event is, the more people will appreciate your special day. Always keep in mind that most weddings look the same. If you want your day to be really memorable, showcase the things you and your partner love and spread your love for each other throughout every detail. That is what will keep people talking years after the wedding.

Spring Wedding Decor
Photo Credit: Best Home Decorators

Spring Wedding Decor
Photo Credit: Brides

Spring Wedding Decor
Photo Credit: Wedding Chicks

Spring Wedding Decor
Photo Credit: Ruffled

Centerpieces on the tables should reflect both the season and your theme as well. Keeping it simple is always my motto. You can have various items displayed but its all in how you arrange them. Although everyone feels differently about the table decor, I personally suggest you keep the height low, so your guests can get into conversation during the event. I also feel the table shouldn’t be bombarded with lots of flowers or other various items, as it may feel crowded and uncomfortable for the people sitting there. Not to mention, wasteful. Most just get thrown out after the event.

Spring Wedding Decor
Photo Credit: Dream Wedding Receptions

Spring Wedding Decor
Photo Credit: Oh Lovely Day

Spring Wedding Decor
Photo Credit: Interior Design

Spring Wedding Decor
Photo Credit: Oh Lovely Day

Spring Wedding Decor
Photo Credit: The Frosted Petticoat

Spring Wedding Decor
Photo Credit: The Daily Meal

Spring Wedding Decor
Photo Credit: Brides

The bride’s bouquet should accent her outfit without overwhelming her. She should be the focus. You can get very creative when it comes to flowers. I just suggest you keep them local and in season, for a few reasons. First, its more affordable and eco-concsious. And second, it simply makes more sense to use elements that are cohesive with the season of your event. Having a spring wedding with winter-esque decor might seem very out of place!

Spring Wedding Decor
Photo Credit: Wedding Light Events

Spring Wedding Decor
Photo Credit: Ruffled

Spring Wedding Decor
Photo Credit: One Wed

Shop Newsies

27 Wednesday Mar 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Invites & Save the Dates, Shop Gray Star Design, Wedding Decor Ideas, Weddings

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

antique, bird, Country Quilt Save the Date, farm, graystardesign, invitations, nature, romantic, Rustic Farm Inspired Wedding Invitation Suite, Rustic Leaves Table Numbers, save the date, table card, table numbers, vintage, wedding decor, wedding invites, Whimsy Bird Save the Date, Whimsy Bird Table Card

I’ve had some time to work on new designs lately and wanted to share. Check out these few items that are now up in my shop for sale.

Rustic Farm Inspired Wedding Invitation Suite
Shop Newsies - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Country Quilt Save the Date
Shop Newsies - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Shop Newsies - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Whimsy Bird Save the Date
Shop Newsies - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Shop Newsies - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Rustic Leaves Table Numbers
Shop Newsies - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Whimsy Bird Table Card
Shop Newsies - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

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