Pepper Design Blog

{Vintage Nesting} DIY Linens & Book Art

Here are two more quick projects from the Vintage Nesting shower I threw a couple of weeks ago. The first is a quick tutorial on handmade tablecloths and napkins – it’s so easy to take a basic fabric remnant and turn it into themed linens for your entire party.

I found these teal damask prints at Joanns and used a spray adhesive to quickly hem them. *In retrospect I would use iron-on hem tape as my no-sew solution because my lovely linens did not hold up so well after multiple washings.*

For the entire step-by-step directions, check out the ‘read more’ button at the bottom of this post.

End result!

The second DIY project involved star shaped book bunting (unfortunately I didn’t get the best picture of the bunting – which was connected via tiny vintage brads – but here are a couple of shots where I used the book art on the various shower tables and pin board). It’s a vintage decoration that can be added anywhere.

Battle Cry of Freedom sacrificed itself for this project… I used the pages to make a multi-point star template that became table top decoration added amidst pictures of the mom-to-be and even connected at the points for a bunting that could be strung between doors, windows, on tables and behind a dessert buffet.

More step-by-steps for the handmade linens after the jump! Read more »

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!