Pepper Design Blog

Wrapping Up the New Kitchen: Zig Zag Fun

If you’ve been around for a bit you know that we built a kitchen out of a dated den in the back of the house (which actually used to be a master bedroom). Kevin spent much of his summer/fall last year tearing up walls, installing cabinets, tiling backsplashes and plastering/painting – and we LOVE our new space! Scouring sales, taking full advantage of promotional codes and becoming Craigslist addicts helped to make it all possible (that and a whole lotta sweat equity).

The kitchen has sat for over six months at 90% complete – it’s functional, it’s beautiful and there’s little motivation to get that last 10% done. But this past week we’re about 5% closer!

One of the new updates is new cushions for the barstools (a Craigslist find – I think the stools may have originally been from World Market):

A decorative element missing from the space included a few complimentary and contemporary patterns.

A year or so ago I came across a pattern that I dogeared in magazine after magazine… and when I found inspiration filled with it again earlier this year the images popped back into my mind.

You know when you just can’t shake something? This was one of those things.

What’s similar between all of these rooms?

A classic zig zag print! I love the simplicity of the basic but modern zig zag pattern. Premade cushions weren’t an option (the stools are an awkard size) and so I began sketching out cushion shapes (box vs knife edge vs french) that would fit evenly on a one yard piece of fabric (all three cushions) and finally took the plunge and ordered just one yard of Petite Zig Zag by Alan Campbell for Quadrille from Pacific Design Center (great resource for traditionally to-the-trade fabrics). Knife edge ended up winning out because it required a simple sandwich-style seam (like a pillow) as opposed to welting, edging, etc. and three could be sewn with one simple yard.

It arrived and it’s beautiful! A few invisible zippers (more to come + a tutorial) and several seams later and the bar stools have a brand new look.

I’ve always been a fan of adding bits and pieces of modern and contemporary (maybe even trendy?) pieces to a room in the right quantity. A remnant or fabric sample is a great way to achieve that at a fraction of the price. To make projects like this even cheaper, purchase the foam insert from a discount fabric shop (I chose a thin foam because our bar stools are high – choose a thick, sturdy foam if going for a box-style of cushion) and sew the pieces together yourself (OR find a reasonably priced seamstress such as at a dry cleaning shop).

The cushions add a new something to the space – love that.

More den to kitchen posts here: days 1-6, 7-12, 13-19, 20-28, 29-30, plus the inspiration board and ‘before’ pictures.

Project Nursery: Inspiration Board

Project Nursery is well underway – we have four weeks (if babe decides to come on his/her due date) to button up this space and I’m all too anxious to get it finished.

The gender-neutral color palette is tan, brown and red with splashes of aqua, yellow and other bright, cheery colors. We decided to work with darker furniture since we were planning on incorporating an already owned dresser (Craigslist find) and Expedit bookshelf (Ikea). Here’s a rough idea of what I envision:

Nursery breakdown:

1. We were gifted this very comfy Stork Glider and in order to save that nearly-white fabric (as well as add pattern to the space) I’m hoping to create slip covers in an aqua print. That way I can pull the covers off for a quick wash should spit up or other fun liquids find their way onto the cushions.

2. A fun, bright lamp like this one from Cape Cod Brass would be a great addition.

3. I’m loving these soft pastel prints by Thibaut, Dandi and Serena & Lily – they would look lovely as curtains, bedding, fabric book pouches or as a valence in the room.

4. Back in May I made over an everyday Expedit bookshelf from Ikea by adding fabric to the backdrop, it has now found a new home in the nursery!

5. Vintage accessories in the form of rocking horses, wood blocks and prints are timeless and full of character – I’d love to weave them into this space.

6. With so many recalls and warnings out there we chose our crib through careful consideration and after much research. This Babyletto is a 3-in-1 (grows with baby), is environmentally sound (sustainably harvested wood) and passes all safety standards (non-toxic finish, lead & phthate safe, JPMA certified and tip proof) plus it’s extra wallet-friendly (considering all of it’s features)!

7. While most of the furniture has a contemporary/clean lines look, I’d like to add this Jenny Lind changing table to mix things up. Maybe with a coat of paint?

8. The biggest dilemma of designing this room? The rug, actually. I really struggled with what pattern of rug to shop for – with our new striped wall a striped rug felt a bit over the top, and without knowing baby’s sex, patterned rugs screamed too feminine or too masculine. When I found this burnt orange/red rug on eBay by Pottery Barn, I fell in love. It was a solid, bright pop of color made of soft wool that was comfy enough to crawl around on and sturdy enough to last years. Then I was outbid of my budgeting range (and the rug is discontinued by PB) so I’m back to square one. Do let me know if you see something similar! We might have to find a more neutral option soon…

9. Animal decals on the walls would really liven up the space, Inke from the Netherlands has the neatest selection of vintage wallpaper options but I think this would be a fun DIY project too! (Thanks to Kelsey, a reader who emailed with the source!)

10. I love the idea of fabric storage bins to organize toys, blankets and even laundry. These animal-themed bins by 3 Sprouts over at Layla Grayce are adorable! If I can find a neat way to build my own out of canvas bags I just might take this on as a DIY project too…

And there’s the space! Let the shopping/assembling/crafting begin. Here’s a quick link to the other Project Nursery posts: Inspiring Rooms, Striping an Accent Wall and the Before Pictures.

PS Don’t forget to enter the Tiny Prints (for adorable Holiday cards and other invites/announcements) giveaway! Ends tonight!

One More Reason to Throw a Fall Party…

While the leaves don’t really change here in San Diego, I sure do love the idea of a fall celebration under the red and orange glow of an autumn maple shedding it’s summer foliage. So while I can dream, perhaps some of you can make this a reality!

Here’s a bit of inspiration by Sandra Downie Event Designs that has me oohing and ahhing over the changing seasons {sigh}.

I love the fall colors and the simple, elegant designs (such as those beautiful zinnea and hypericum berry arrangements!). Check out these beautiful favor bags – handmade details created from torn book pages, newspaper and the like will always be a favorite.

Thanks to Kim for sharing this beautiful spread!