Pepper Design Blog

Dreaming Up a New Living Room…

We’re celebrating our 21st month of home ownership and that re-decorating itch is creeping up once again…

In all honesty though, it seems to be a constant in our home – in with the new ideas, out with the didn’t-we-just-change-that from six months ago. And while I can’t make drastic upgrades on such a whim, throw pillows, art and mantles have been known to make the hit list on a regular basis. I keep it as close to DIY, thrift store and Etsy as is humanly possible for the dear wallet’s sake.

Here’s what we began with nearly two years ago (taken before we moved in):

And here’s a bit of inspiration that I’m currently smitten with:

I love a soft and cozy palette of rosy reds, burnt oranges and various shades of brown. Texture is a key component as well as modern lines & patterns (keeping the 1930′s Spanish cottage new, in an older sort of way). More inspiration:

I fell in love with Amanda Peet’s home from my first issue of Domino and it’s been downhill ever since. Other sources for the above photos include DecorPad, the fabulous blog over at Isabella & Max, the latest issue at Elle Decor and this perfect suzani print from Calico Corners.

The troops pulled together and we began with a painting overhaul (white to tan might not seem like much of an overhaul, but keeping a modest, clean backdrop for the rooms was a key strategy in future decor change-ability).

In one amazing Saturday morning we had the entire living room and dining room covered, taped and painted. I am blessed with some pretty fabulous friends – a big heartfelt thank you to our team. We have a little home makeover project going on amongst the group and every few months we join forces to conquer a major project at someone’s home. On this particular day we were inside painting while the boys were out back ripping up the backyard (pretty cool, right?).

A bit of painting, quite a few DIY projects, some major Craigslist finds… and a new living room is just around the corner. Excited to show you soon!

Organizing with Expedit {and it’s pretty, too}

So I’m on the hunt for some very creative ideas with a classic {and favorite} bookcase by Ikea: the Expedit. I couldn’t believe what I found! There are some tremendously inspiring people out there with some awesome ideas for a piece that’s only $159 (and that’s for the largest size).

There are plenty of Before & Afters out there to demonstrate that with fabric, wallpaper, paint, baskets, bins… it’s the ultimate organizer.

From stacking one on top of the other as a creative room divider to lining a full wall to replicate a built-in unit, I’m pretty convinced the Expedit could hold it’s own in a craft room, dining room and kids room alike.

So great! A few more fun ideas (including an Expedit piece literally built into a studio apartment and a great design with picture frames and mirrors attached to the front) after the jump. Read more »

Favorite Trend: Faux Bamboo Furniture

There’s a fast growing trend in the realm of alternative wood furniture, and while at first glance it might seem like a welcomed flashback to all things 70s, the chinoiserie style can be beautiful without exuding the least bit of tacky.

It stems from a decorating movement known as Hollywood Regency – and with just a little bit of glam here and there, I think it can look fantastic in the home (especially in bright colors!).

In the very top collage, 6th Street Design Blog inspires with yellow lacquered dining chairs, a black bamboo coffee table and a natural wood side table/stool.

DecorPad has plenty of ideas ranging from silver nesting tables to the white bamboo office chair (both above) and the faux gold vanity stool (below). ElleDecor shared the refashioned red occasional chair below. With these rooms holding just a hint of bamboo elements they balance out the style so well!

Christina over at Full House (above living room with those awesome olive green side chairs) hunted these silver chrome bamboo tables down from a Craigslist find in Portland – only to have them shipped to her hometown of Phoenix by her sister because they were such a steal! Now that’s a love I can appreciate (I’m remembering a moment where I tried to coerce a gentleman in Denver to pack up and ship his sleigh bed all the way to San Diego because it was such a Craigslist find…).

A bit of antiquing and garage sale hunting is all you need to track down your own Hollywood regency flair. DIY projects range from tables to dressers to chairs – my favorite being this makeover from Kelly over at High Street Market (featured on design*sponge):

A fresh coat of paint and it’s brand new!

And there’s a quick round-up of my favorite faux bamboo examples. Breaking up the look and feel of traditional wood furniture can keep a room looking modern and up-to-date. Good luck with your next thrift store find (and maybe just a big of digging around in grandma’s attic is all you need to reveal the perfect faux bench project). Happy Monday!