Two Shades of Gray...

If you're anything like me, you might have a slight obsession with changing your decor {uh-hem: regularly}. I am DYING to change decorate my master bedroom. With the exception of hanging some very bland drapes, I have yet to do anything to the space. As I have been considering when and how I will improve our bedroom space I have been finding both styles and color combinations that I LOVE! I love almost all styles of decor, all of the new colors, and all of the new trends. I love to bring new elements into a room and make old things work in a new way. And, as I've already told you, I LOVE the new gray.

Last week I showed you three simple color combinations that worked very well with gray. The one that I received the most feedback on was the blue and gray room. Color can make such a HUGE impact on a room but different styles can be equally as important. So, here is your inspiration for this week:

Both styles are based on the same color combinations, but a simple change of fabrics, where a tufting is located, lighting, and what materials your accessories are made out of prove to make all of the difference in the world.

Which one do you like better? Traditional or Modern??

Your slightly obsessed host,

Christi

Hanging Book Display & Window Bulletin Board

If you're anything like me organization is a huge problem. I love organizing my life and staying organized, but other not-so-adult-like-munchkins in my home just don't see things the same way. I haven't made this one yet, but the second I get a hold of a sewing machine it is going to be the first thing that I make!! I found this tutorial from "Penny Carnival" which can help to keep all of the little books cleaned up and let the kids have easier access to them. Hopefully this will help make organizing all of the little books around your house easier for you AND your munchkins!!

What kind of blog host would I be if I only included something for the kids?! Every mom wants a little something for herself too!! This great tutorial that I found over at "The Feminist Housewife"  is PERFECT for a small entry way. A simple old window pane was created into a magnetic bulletin and cork board. This would be perfect in my entry by our garage. I am constantly writing notes for my husband on paper and throwing it on the floor in front of the door so that he sees it when he walks in the door. This is exactly what I need. The backing board was painted with three layers of magnetic paint so it would also be perfect for hanging the kids artwork! One substitution that could be used instead of painting so many layers of magnetic paint would be to use a piece of metal that can be picked up from any hardware store, paint it with a primer, then add a cute pattern as your top coat, like these stripes:

As soon as I make my versions of these I will post them!! I am dying to make them and get MYSELF and my munchkins more organized!!

Happy Humpday Help!

Gray With a Splash of Color

Gray is the new beige!!

So, I've been looking a lot at some of the most magnificent gray rooms and have found that EVERYONE has migrated to the new trend of gray and yellow... but, what happens next spring when EVERYONE has transitioned to the new gray and yellow?? EVERYONE will be sick of it and go for another new trend. Well, why not start now?! I love the new gray, but let's add a little bit of uniqueness and see what happens!! Here are some of my favorite gray combinations:

I found this picture and just about died because of the clean beauty and freshness that is given through the soft gray, crisp blue, and vibrant white. This space is grounded by a large square coffee table with a glass top which gives an additional feeling of airiness to the room. The space is further stabilized with this simple but structured sofa that is spiced up with a few unique throw pillows. The blue wall behind this built in bookcase draws your eye into the room and gives a unique touch to a simple bookcase.

This textured bedroom is very simple, but a few key pieces give the masculine space an elegant feeling without going over the top. The simple bedding was given an elegant, tailored look with the white tufted headboard and "jewelry" that was added around the tufting to accentuate its beautiful shape. Additional sparkle was added to the simple textured pillows and is carried up the wall to add a mirrored interest right above the headboard. Sexy silver table lamps help to balance out this textured tailored bedroom with just a little bit of shine. While the gray is definitely present in the room, the whites, silvers, and textures help to brighten up the room and add some sparkle where it is needed.

This living room will NEVER get dull! The dark charcoal gray carpet and sofa ground this chic, modern room. The gray ceiling is enhanced by white walls and a large white area rug. Pops of red immediately warm up the dark colors and excite the room even further. The final icing on the cake is the pendant chandelier that adds sparkle and shine to the top of the room where otherwise it would have been just a gray ceiling. This room undoubtedly keeps the visual interest going without having too much color overwhelm ones senses.