Pepper Design Blog

Before & After: Chalkboard Frame

This is an oh-so-clever idea from the very crafty b*spoke that I just love! How simple and how sweet. I’m thinking this little board would look just perfect in my kitchen, and that I might have an ideal frame lying around from a recent garage sale find…

The quick and dirty directions:

(1) Paint your frame your favorite color
(3) Use chalkboard paint to thoroughly cover inner glass
(4) Hang and admire

Jump on over to the FULL DIY instructions here! Check in on her great tips and tricks for making this project as easy as possible. Bethany is incredibly talented and b*spoke is scheduled to be featured in an upcoming Friday Guest Blog post… stay tuned!

I *Love* Occasional Chairs

I love occasional chairs for so many reasons… but mostly because they function as a versatile piece of furniture for extra seating, can be as pretty as you’d like and break up the structure of traditional rooms.

Apartment Therapy featured Catherine’s cozy blue home and occasional chairs above.

Whether you reupholster your own find from a local thrift store or splurge on a designer look (get that look for less at Pier 1, which features all four chairs above) incorporating a beautifully upholstered chair into a living, dining or bedroom makes a perfect addition.

How great are these beautiful French provincial chairs featured at Decor Pad? The old-fashioned formality of traditional sitting chairs takes on a brand new meaning when mixed into an eclectic space.

Country Living gets cozy with a linen occasional chair — featured to the right includes the Coniston chair, Chairs 1000 satin chair, and a french beauvoir chair )that’s definitely within budget) from Target.

So lovely! More great looks on every budget to follow. Read more »

In with the Old! New Year’s Refurbishing Inspiration

I am inspired this New Years to find beauty in the old — to embrace the well-worn as well-done and honor the original craftsmanship of ‘outdated pieces’ by providing them a new lease on life. Perhaps it’s a need to downsize, or maybe it’s that I’m not ready to throw in the decorating hat even though I have accumulated more than enough furniture to fill the house.

Refurbishing is clearly the answer! With the unfortunate lack of space to add more ‘stuff’ — I continue my decorating adventures without having to give up previous ‘stuff’.

Ruthie Sommers (spotlighted in December) is an excellent example of a very posh interior designer who regularly scrounges through the thrift store circuit to come up with THESE incredible projects! The room at top (how perfect is that room?) is filled with this sofa (above) and this dresser (below).

Wow! is all I have to say to that. Follow the jump for three more refashions by Sommers. Read more »