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!

Part 1: A {Vintage Nesting} Baby Shower

Last week I had the honor of co-hosting a baby shower for a friend expecting a little boy! Friends and I have spent the past couple of months planning and dreaming up a vintage setting that would fit both mother and baby. (Adorable invites above created by co-host Lauren of L&Co just for the occasion.)

Since the shower was later in the evening, I took advantage of the daylight earlier in the day for a bit of ‘staging’ prior to the big event.

A friend of mine has the perfect backyard for such a rustic, vintage vibe. I adore her outdoor gazebo and used it as the central focus point:

Details include a handmade chandelier, paper flowers, no-sew table runners and napkins (all from fabric remnants), thrift store tea sets and lots and lots of candles!

Every little piece of this baby shower was handmade and I’ll feature tutorials in the coming weeks on how to replicate each of the projects.

Miniature birds nests and Nestle candied eggs became the perfect table setting focus. I found vintage glass bowls to hold centerpieces full of wildflowers (ranunculus, daisies, poms and red hypericum – or coffee beans) to tie in the rustic look.

The dark orange flowers pop against the teal paisley print of the table runners!

Since the shower was an evening festivity, we set up two dessert and coffee tables to serve as the gathering location for delicious treats and hot drinks (more on the crock pot coffee bar tomorrow!).

Friends helped me to stock the dessert buffet full of delicious goodies such as homemade biscotti, key lime bars, cajun brownies, muffins, madeleine cookies and mini ‘birds nest cupcakes’. More pictures to come.

We made round accordion rosettes out of big sheets of handmade paper and hung them at varied heights behind manzanita branches from our local San Diego area. I used this tutorial for diy white cake stands from thrift store finds (more details to come!) and cut apart an old book to help with vintage decor.

We had a wonderful evening full of honoring our mama-to-be, great conversation, a silly shower game and presents!

I’ve been so busy these past two weeks preparing for this shower and I’m so excited to share my hard work with all of you! I hope you enjoyed, and I can’t wait to share Part 2 tomorrow (including a cost breakdown to show how easy and affordable a diy shower can be). Happy Monday!

Rooms Inspired by the Month of February

Are you ready for spring yet? While it may be just around the corner, these clean and fresh looks inspired by the month of February couldn’t come at a more perfect time! A bit of winter… a bright, brilliant shot of pink or red calling in the spring… that’s what February is all about.

Making it Lovely has achieved the ‘February look’ spot on. How sweet is her homemade abode? I love Nicole’s pink chevron living room rug and that big, wonderful chair.

The best part? Nicole’s significant other doesn’t mind the pink a bit – in fact she notes in her blog that he casually defers to her for nearly all design queries (lucky), and she’s created a perfectly lovely space by incorporating the shade!

Graham and Green above (via 6th Street Design School) takes home decor love to a new level with cozy pillows and year-round affection.

More Rooms Inspired by February after the jump! Read more »