Obsessed: Fabric for our Roman Shades

Fabric for Shades and Curtains Obsessed Series by Happy Chapter

We have a TON of beautiful windows in our open floor plan and I love love the light and the big open-ness of windows without any dressing, but I think I want to do some Roman, well Faux-Roman shades. I’ve been looking at fabric and holy cow! there are SOOOO many wonderful choices out there. I’m having the hardest time narrowing it down. This week I am obsessed with drapery fabric!

So, um, seriously, I think I accomplished something by narrowing it down to 15! I think they would all look really great, even though some of the styles are really really different. A designer at High Cotton Home & Design, gave me a little confidence and told me not to worry too much about styles, just go for what you like. I like that advice, now to just decide which I like the most! I can consult an expert on residential interior design if I need professional advice. Can you guys help on the other things? Which would you go with?

 

Continue Reading

Updating a Shared Guest/Children’s Bathroom with DIY Art

Harper shares her bathroom with guests when they come. She is only 1, so luckily that works pretty seamlessly at this point. I had the hardest time figuring what type of art I wanted for her bathroom since I didn’t want the room to be too childish, but not too grown up either, and then! I came across this blog from The Creativity Exchange. This was just the look I needed, something that can grow with Harper, is colorful and can be guest friendly as well.

I essentially followed her instructions, but I didn’t get custom mats. I just went ahead and laid the cut out art on top of the mat and I love the way it turned out, also getting other decoration and mirrors from these modern bathroom mirrors reviews online.

DIY Bathroom Art by Happy Chapter

Our walls are white, I haven’t decided if I am going to keep them that way, but I like the way the gold pops. OK – So here is what I did!

I bought the following supplies:

DIY Calendar Art Supplies by Happy Chapter

Now the easy part. I sprayed each of my Ikea Frames and let them dry. While they were drying, I picked out the 6 images I wanted to use from the calendar and laid them out how I wanted them. I cut them out with a good ol’ pair of scissors. I only had to take some paper off the top and the bottom, the sides were just the length I needed. I measured to make sure each image was about the same size so it looked even. I decided to not get custom mats made because that wasn’t really in my budget. I decided that I would just lay the images on top of the matting so they still had a nice border. I was happy with that look, it wasn’t perfect, but it looked nice. You can baaaaaaarely see the difference in the paper and the mat.

DIY Bathroom and Kids Calendar Art by Happy Chapter

When I was done cutting, I did a second coat of spray paint on the frames. I waited a day for them to dry, because I didn’t want to take any chances. My last step was to frame each print and then I had my husband hang them evenly where I wanted because hey! Hanging things evenly is NOT my strong suit.

Voila! Easy, budget friendly DIY art for Harper’s bathroom, that will be cute for guests too. I love it!

Continue Reading

Obsessed: Refinished Nursery Furniture

Mid Century Painted Dresser by Happy Chapter in Woodland Theme Nursery

Lately I’ve been on a Nursery Furniture kick. I’m loving the fact that we go above and beyond to make the nursery such a warm, cozy and personal environment for our new arriving family members. You know, sometimes the stuff you get at the store just won’t cut it, so you need to create o restore furniture pieces you already have, for this you can Buy Epoxy Resin in Canada with free shipping! and this will help you restore some good pieces of furniture. This week’s obsession is refinished nursery furniture. These are my favorites!
Obsessed: Refinished Nursery Furniture I Happy Chapter

A refinished dresser by Helen Nichole Designs, I’m absolutely in love with this color.

 

Obsessed: Refinished Nursery Furniture I Happy Chapter

Seriously, how lucky is this little stylish baby that has this gorgeous piece in her room? Unfortunately I couldn’t find the source for this, but it was too cute not to include.

 

Obsessed: Refinished Nursery Furniture I Happy Chapter
Oooh I’ve been loving this pink blush, and look at this beauty with the classy gold pulls. Redone by Cuckoo4Design. Love.
Obsessed: Refinished Nursery Furniture I Happy Chapter

Bookshelves. Made of drawers. Genius. Addison Meadows Lane details exactly how to get these little gems made too!

 

Mid Century Painted Dresser by Happy Chapter in Woodland Theme Nursery

I mean if I’m including my favorite, I have to include my last few nursery projects as well, right!? Luci’s MCM Dresser.

Custom Ikea Dresser redo by Happy Chapter

And Harper’s Custom IKEA Dresser that I made for her sassy nursery.

There is just something wonderful about a nursery. Ahhhh, babies! Am I right?

Continue Reading

Obsessed: Fall Paint Colors

If you are anything like me, you know a good paint color can make all the difference. Whether it’s furniture, a wall or even an accessory in a room, color can create the soothing feel or the fun funky feel you are going for. My color preferences literally do change with the seasons, (well in some cases). Choosing the perfect home pillows can be tough, however. There are so many choices: different fills, different shapes, different sizes. Here are my favorite current paint colors. Now, I just need something to paint!!

My Houzz: The Richards

Lake Fayetteville Home

Master Bedroom : Stately Modern Style

Miwa

Loft Upon Cork

And last but not least, I am just dying to paint something with this gorgeous blush color. I saw it in a cute store called Revival here in Austin and I immediately went home to see what I could paint in our house. I’m thinking Harper’s reading nook table? Hmmm. Here it is on a wall.

My Houzz: A 1920s Dutch Doctor

Ahhhh, paint. Any you know of that I just must see?

Continue Reading

Sprucing Up Old Drawer Pulls

Dresser After by Happy Chapter in Annie Sloan French Linen

Howdy! So I have to start this one saying, shame on me for not taking enough before pictures. It’s really hard to show you a transformation without the before’s, but I’ll do my best. I was really excited to work on this dresser, because I knew just what I wanted to do with it, but the most fun was creating a fresh fun look for the drawer pulls.

Dresser Upcycle - Before Picture

Here is what I started with…not so much, right?! (Sorry about the horrible photo, only one I took) This was just an old dresser I found at Goodwill, it had great bones and just needed to be cleaned up, so I did it! Take a gander at the drawer pulls, they really were in pretty good shape, they just needed some cleaning up and a little love so I decided to keep them instead of replacing them. I popped into my favorite place, Hobby Lobby and looked for a nice spray paint and some Rub n’ Buff. I decided on a Krylon color called Antique Bronze, I thought it would look gorgeous and offer just enough contrast from the Antique Gold Rub n’ Buff. If there isn’t a Hobby Lobby near you, any craft store should carry it, or you can grab it on Amazon here.

Krylon Antique Bronze Spray Paint and Rub n' Buff in Antique Gold

First I sprayed all of the pulls and waited about 25 minutes for them to dry. Once they dried, I applied the Rub n’ Buff. It was so easy to apply, you just take your pointer finger and put a little of the Rub n’ Buff cream on it and rub on the pulls where you want it. I love the way it makes the drawer pulls look new and refreshed, but antique at the same time. Does that make sense? Ha!

Spray Painted Drawer Pull Happy Chapter

Rub n Buff CreamThe Rub n’ Buff dries super quickly, so pretty much as soon as it’s on, it starts to dry and will be ready to handle in about 5 minutes.

Updated Drawer Pull Happy ChapterOnce all the fun was done with the drawer pulls, I finished up distressing and waxing the dresser. I had painted it using my Chalk Painting Process earlier with Annie Sloan’s French Linen.

Dresser After by Happy Chapter in Annie Sloan French Linen

An Updated Drawer Pull - Happy Chapter

An Updated Dresser - Happy Chapter

I think the color of the dresser goes just wonderfully with the drawer pulls and I always love using the original hardware. Don’t you just love that Rub n’ Buff?

 

 

 

 

Continue Reading

A Glossy Painted Desk

Vintage Desk redone to a Glossy Hollywood Regency style

OK OK, I’m on a glossy furniture kick, I just have this attraction to these shiny lacquered looks and I just want to recreate them over and over again. Lucky for me, I found this awesome desk at a garage sale in my neighborhood and as soon as I saw the lines on it, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it.

Glossy Painted Desk Before Image

The desk kind of reminded me of a piece of furniture I had pinned from Z Gallerie. I loved how it kind of had that Hollywood Regency look to it. I was drawn to these images and knew this desk could pull this look off!

Z Gallerie Dresser

Z Gallerie Styled Room

The desk had a super dark stain and had this terribly thick waxy sealant on it, so the sanding job was a nightmare, but I got through it. I had to get a circular sander, but it made the project move along much faster. 

After sanding, I used my spray gun (The Critter) and painted on a gorgeous bright white oil based paint from Rustoleum. It took what felt like millions, but was actually only 3 coats to make it look as glossy and smooth as I wanted. I used a 220 grit sanding block in between coats to make sure I got it as smooth as possible; the circular sander can be pretty rough on furniture and softer woods. I decided to use the old hardware because I thought it was still pretty cute, I just sprayed it with a brass spray paint and I like the end look. If you know anything about oil paint, it’s that it takes a reeeeeeally long time to dry! So this project took forever, but I am so happy with it, I think I may keep the desk to put in our guest bedroom. If you have back, hip, neck or shoulder issues, a body pillow amazon can help you find pressure relief by offering extra support. Body pillows can also help you fall asleep faster by easily helping you find that perfect sleep position.

Vintage Desk redone to a Glossy Hollywood Regency style

Vintage Desk Drawer Pull

Vintage Desk, Glossy Top

Vintage Desk

 

Continue Reading

Thrifting and Inspiration in New Orleans

Vintage Wooden Trunks Chests

You know, sometimes a little trip with new scenery is just what you need to get the creative juices flowing. Last week, my husband had a conference in New Orleans, LA and I tagged along to roam on my own and peruse all of the fine antiques and art New Orleans has to offer. Boy I soaked it up and it was a blast (I can be inspired by anything, food, art, good music – you name it). I’m home now ready to tackle all kinds of new projects, I just wish we had driven and I would have brought home like 1,000 pieces of furniture. Take a look at some of the gems I found and the places that I thought are worth visiting again and again and again…

I do a lot of research on Trip Advisor when I travel, I had read about this place and knew I needed to make a stop.

Greg's Aniques Sign

The people were so nice and chatted me up for a minute! The great thing is they actually deliver to surrounding states, it’s a little pricey, but in case you find something you can’t live without, it’s a great thing. I also saw these beauties here.

Vintage China Cabinet

Great Antique Hutch

and trunks galore all at reasonable prices.

Vintage Wooden Trunks Chests

Uuuuuh, I want it all. I loved that place and will certainly stop in next time I go.

I wandered through several shops in the French Quarter which were a pleasure, but much more expensive than what I would buy. I did see some beautiful things however, that I definitely want to keep in mind when I am reupholstering and looking for unique pieces. I just loved these chairs and this little dresser.

Nailhead Upholstered Chairs

Antique Small Dresser

I also fell in love with the streets and homes here. New Orleans is just “anything goes” when it comes to picking your home paint colors, and the French inspired architecture is just amazing!

New Orleans Colorful House

Gorgeous Stairs

If you head to New Orleans anytime soon, try to make a stop at the places below, they really are great little stores and the people are wonderful!

Greg’s Antiques for wonderful furniture at inexpensive prices.

Rare Finds for a little touch of your Grandparent’s attic – Talk with Deana, she’s a treat!

For sure stroll down Magazine Street, and stop into A.K.A Stella Gray, Ben was so nice and they have a super cool eclectic style going on in that store!

Any others that I’ve forgotten? Where are your must-go-tos in NOLA?

 

 

Continue Reading

It’s a Cowgirl Y’all – Western Themed Baby Shower

Western Baby Shower Food Names

I am so happy to say that I am super lucky to have another little niece on the way (I have 5 already and one simply adorable nephew). My sister and her husband are expecting their sweet little bundle in April and my Mom and I couldn’t have been more excited to throw them a baby shower. The theme was “It’s a Cowgirl Y’all” and that was a blast. My sister requested “no pink” so I went with a Turquoise and Red pallet and I love the way it turned out. I designed the invites using Photoshop and purchased a few fun images from Etsy to use on the invite as well.

Cowgirl Baby Shower Invite

Baby Shower Wreath

Western Baby Shower

We had a “Sassy Sangria” and some delicious sweet tea for refreshments. I used free online template for the water bottles and just designed them with Photoshop as well.  Super easy.

Water Bottle Label for Baby Shower

My sister isn’t really into the game thing, so we had some diapers that people could write funny messages on for Mama and Daddy-to-be for later, they were hilarious and everyone had a ton of fun with them.

Cupcakes and Diaper Game

Baby Shower Chalkboard

I had fun naming all of the food, I got a lot of the ideas from this party on Pinterest, and the names (and the snacks) were a hit!

Western Baby Shower Food Names

It's A Cowgirl Y'all Table Banner Baby Shower

Trail Mix Party Favors

I think everyone had a lot of fun and it was a super easy no-fuss kind of baby shower, perfect for my sister and brother-in-law and little Baby Franse!

Sister

Continue Reading

Inspiration Station

Floral Fabric Upholstery Chair

I don’t know about you, but I love to stare at photos for inspiration (as I imagine we all do, right? That’s what Pinterest is all about…) But, sometimes when I get a new piece to start on, I just get overwhelmed with all of the options of amazingness that can happen with it. I have the hardest time committing to an idea, so what I like to do is look at pictures and get inspired by the things that make my heart sprinkle the most. I just found a perfect little sitting chair, and I have sooooo many ideas. I thought I’d look at some of the most beautiful pieces I’ve seen lately to get narrow down my project plan. I’m loving these, what do you think??

Fun Fabric Chair Upholstery

A fun chair from Third + Grace

Floral Fabric Upholstery Chair

No link to this beauty.

Big Geometric Textile Upholstery Fabric Chair

A great fun chair from Wild Chairy

WildChairy2

A sassy geometric print from Wild Chairy

Whoooo – I feel like I’m ready to start after looking at all of these gorgeous options. I’ll definitely share what my little chair turns out like asap! How do you get inspired?

A good computer chair for long hours provides proper lumbar and pelvic support which results in your back muscles being less stressed. With lumbar and pelvic support comes better posture, better breathing, and less fatigue, so do yourself a favor and give your work chair a good hard look and see how it measures up. In this view the most important function of a chair is to help one find and sustain such a posture. Note that this posture can change minute to minute or even moment to moment, which makes this a big ask of one’s chair. Unless one has an active chair, that is, a chair that adapts in real time to postural changes.

 

Continue Reading