Pin and Tell: Regency Rustic

Welcome to my “Pin and Tell” weekly series. If you missed my previous “Pin and Tell” posts, check them out here. ___________________________________________________

This week’s Pin

Why

I love the balance of this space.  Half the elements are very formal and traditional, and the other half are weathered and rustic.  The balance of these two seemingly opposite aesthetics creates such a sophisticated, relaxed vibe.  As a color-phile, I do want to throw in a few bright accessories, however, but that's just me.  The map is amazing, don't you agree?  I'll admit, though, I don't quite get the karate-chopped pillow look that I keep seeing everywhere...  What did the pillow do to deserve such violence??

I picked this space today because my personal obsession focus has really switched to my bedroom.  Since the introduction of my amazing new bench, I feel like the rest of the room needs to live up to it!  I got new bedside lamps (the jury's still out- I'll blog about it later this week), and most of the elements in the space are currently kinda formal.  Since we're not formal people, I need to find items that will add a relaxed aesthetic into the mix.

What room is your current design focus?

Pin and Tell: Bold Dining

Welcome to my “Pin and Tell” weekly series. If you missed my previous “Pin and Tell” posts, check them out here. ___________________________________________________

This week’s Pin

Why

We're going to pretend that the disco ball doesn't exist.  If you subtract that monstrosity, I think the dining room is near perfection.  My opinion of the room actually surprises me, it's not the usual type room that I die over, but I'm totally swooning.  It's completely an unexpected composition and it.  is.  awesome.

I think it's the colors that really reach through the computer and grab me.  That green.  Oh, that green.  *sigh* I know that green doesn't float everyone's boats, but I'm drawn to it like a squirrel to a bird feeder.  In fact, we painted our office very close (although not AS bright).  The crown moulding of brown at the top grounds the green and gives a very contemporary color a more traditional vibe.  The blue sideboard and the cranberry on the chairs are supporting players and just look sooo rich.  I, for one, would NEVER have thought to put those colors together in that composition, but I'm so glad they did.  Those birds!  Did you expect me not to comment? I want to be a part of that flock.

Apparently it is possible to be regal and whimsical at the same time.  This room is proof of that.

Pin and Tell: DIY Edition

I'm taking a different twist on this week's "Pin and Tell" post.  Are you excited?!  Well, you should be!!  You'll still get to see a "Pin," however that's only the first part. A group of bloggers extraordinaire have once again issued a Pinterest Challenge!  And of course, I can't resist a good DIY challenge.  I'm such a sucker.

The point of the Pinterest Challenge is to do a DIY project inspired by something you pinned.  And you have a week to do it.

My chosen project is........

drum roll please...........

A coffee table turned into a bench!

So here's my story.  Once upon a time there was an antique coffee table that we inherited from friends.  He had seen better days and his veneer top was cracked.  But he had such character we couldn't bring ourselves to part with him.  In our previous apartment trusty coffee table was used for his intended purpose, but he never felt at home in our house.  He's been subbing for a tv stand in the guestroom, but with our new tangerine chest, he's become obsolete.  (sad trombone) What's a coffee table to do?  He was heartbroken, wandering aimlessly from room to room trying to find a place in our house life, until he wandered into the bedroom.  "The foot of the bed could use a bench!" the coffee table exclaimed.  So the coffee table decided to get a make-over....

Coffee Table's big make-over will be revealed next Wednesday.  I can't wait to get started!

Check out the amazing bloggers who issued the challenge at:

Young House Love

Bower Power Blog

Ana White Homemaker

House of Earnest