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!

Event Inspiration Board: {Teal, Fuchsia & Lemon}

Welcome back to PDB’s second event decor inspiration board challenge. This is a little opportunity to share my favorite ideas for events emailed in by PDB readers! See round one (delightful green & grey bridal shower) for the start of it all. If you’d like to submit a party request – check out the About PDB page for email information! With so much going on over here in blogland, I’m hoping to step it up a notch to feature several more reader inspiration boards each month.

{Here’s the breakdown for today’s challenge}

EVENT: Bridal shower in April

THEME: Teal, fuchsia & lemon yellow

BUDGET: Under $200 for 20 guests

This shower was especially fun to pull together – my only criteria was to involve rich and colorful shades that made for a light-hearted and fun palette. With oh-so-many colors that fit that description, it was difficult to narrow down the choices… but I kept gravitating back towards a teal, fuchsia and lemon theme that at first glance appeared too bold and drastic… but I love the end result!

My suggestions:

DECOR: I love the look of these simple teal vintage vases featured on Style Me Pretty {you’re sure to find a thrift store similar look, even in a clear or white variety} filled with single bunches of tulips and roses. The yellow poms are perfect as well! These raffia drink stirrers by Martha are the perfect addition to a signature pink grapefruit cocktail {see below}. While Lollipop Events & Designs has nailed an ideal pattern for chair covers (it fits each of our colors!) I would be equally happy tying in a similar remnant strip as a table runner. I love Amy Butler’s coreopsis pattern {bottom of post} as another option.

WHAT TO SERVE: With our budget in mind, let’s keep it simple! Scheduling a shower at 3pm, for example, implies that you’re serving appetizers only and that guests should eat lunch prior to arriving. Give these Honey Fruit Tartletts and Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms a try, along with a fruit and aged cheese tray with labels that match your raffia drink poms. A dessert bar is sure to win the hearts of all – these cupcakes by April Reed are pure eye-candy, but also offer delicious diy inspiration. Rock candy, lemon drops and homemade sugar cookies are dessert buffet options that fit within the color scheme. Use your extra vintage thrift store finds as containers or simple white platters and plates. A small and classy buffet is perfect for a shower!

Oh that was easy! I hope you enjoyed this quick breakdown and that the next time you’re looking for great baby or bridal shower ideas, you’ll give teal, fuchsia and yellow a try. Can’t wait to see the final event!

Cost breakdown:

-Table linens: $40 (neutral table cloths and remnant diy runners – no need to sew! try an ironed hem – in a patterned fabric)
-Centerpieces: $40 (vintage vases with mini bouquets of fresh flowers)
-Appetizers: $50 (tartletts, stuffed mushrooms with a fruit & aged cheese platter)
-Signature drink: $30 (pink grapefruit cocktail with handmade raffia poms)
-Dessert bar: $40 (candy, cupcakes and cookies)

GRAND TOTAL: $200

For more shower inspiration check out the ‘Entertaining’ button up there in the left hand sidebar, or click here. Happy Tuesday!

A Bohemian Celebration Full of Bright Colors

Looking for a unique party theme for Christmas or New Years? Top Party Ideas shares a very festive bohemian spread that would be perfect for either holiday!

I love the bright colors and sparkly details! Martini glasses filled with pastel mini bulbs and gems as well as the stacked paper lantern ornaments are a few of my favorites (check out this post on handmade paper ornaments to replicate the combination). Read more »