Pepper Design Blog

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!

Before & After: Breeanna’s Dresser & Nightstand

When Breeanna, of Simply Elegance, sent over these amazing pictures of her recent dresser & nightstand project, I couldn’t wait to share them with you!

The first is an antique piece turned art room ready with a new shabby chic purple paint job, the addition of baskets where there used to be drawers (brilliant! this was accomplished by adding a thin sheet of plywood where the old drawers used to slide in), and by adding a few art supply organizers on top. For step-by-step directions in the form of pictures, jump out to the full post here.

Breeanna’s second project for the craft room was a nightstand makeover (she found this one for only $2!). Didn’t she do a great job?

For step-by-step directions, here is a link to the full post.

AND Simply Elegance is hosting a lovely Emersonmade. giveaway (if you’ve never heard of the store, I highly suggest a look-see – it’s lovely!), so be sure to check it out!