Inspiration Can Get Distracting

So the other day, while shopping at Jo-Ann Fabric for nubby green burlap for these posh barstools I finagled off craigslist.com two years ago (more on craigslist in an upcoming post), I was completely distracted by the stacks and stacks of beautiful colors and designs.  And basically forgot why I came in.  And then I saw it:

I had to have this fabric!

It wasn't exactly what I was looking for (nubby burlap); but I figured it was green and it would have to do (it was on sale).  But when I got home... it looked horrible inside my house, it competed with the design on the barstool backs, clashed with the fabric on the dining room chairs, and I hated it!

So there it lie, tossed in a heap, lifeless for a couple of days.  Until... ureka!  I got inspired! 

Turns out, the patio set (also found on craigslist) has been in various stages of cushion undress for the past three summers. 

I brought the fabric outside to see if it would match the seat cushions that I have been collecting (one by one, ugh)... and it was absolutely a perfect match to whip up some seat backs!  Can you say $AVINGS???  Do you know how hard it is to find designer-looking outdoor cushions on a budget?

I won't go into the sewing details but it was basically two squares of fabric, right sides together and four straight seams, stuff in some old cusions, and...

 voila!

party on the patio!

Seriously!

the next day I turned 50 ...

POSH!

Welcome to My Humble Home

 This isn't it.

It does, however, inspire me.

As does this...

But seriously,

Who can't achieve a stylish home when you have 14 foot ceilings! 

Terra cotta tiles!  Arched columns!

Easy.  Breezy.

          Last weekend, I was talking with a lamented girlfriend (it's a good word, lamented) because she was absolutely regretting everything about her house!  And how could she ever achieve a stylish home in a 1970s 4-level split ranch?

We're about to get real, here, dear readers...

Most of us live in your average,

 everyday,

basic,

regular,

 house!

          So, I suggested to my friend that she create a folder on her computer called "decorating" or "dream house" or whatever floats her boat and start right clicking and "save as" -ing on anything and everything on the internet that inspires her.  From furniture placement to table scapes.  I even have a subfolder just for wall paint colors to remind me how they look in different rooms.  And here's my dirty little secret:  I am an MLS Listing stalker.  Because, frankly, the McMansion-type houses can afford expensive decorators!  I can spend hours lurking for decorating ideas.

Like they say on the match.com ads (yes, I'm single), "It's okay to look."

So if you're still reading, here's what you've been waiting for... here's a look at my humble home:

P.O.S.H!


(p.s. - all photos borrowed with permission from the nice man at MLSonline.com) 

Start Small

Since the Pursuit of Stylish Home takes time, upon the move-in of your home, it's always a good idea to start small.  Just like this new blog... where to start?  Well, after two years, there is one completely finished room in this entire house.  So that's where I will start this blog.  And yes... it is small.  It's a little zoo I made under the stairs for my little grandson.  Here's the picture of the idea I found:

Here's my finished zoo:

Luuuuurve the wide stripes!  The lighter colored paint I already had from painting the inside of the garage with paint found in the "oops isle" at Home Depot.  (I know.  I know.  A whole house waiting to be painted and she paints the garage.)  The darker colored paint is Behr premium plus interior flat enamel (there was no color name on the can!)  I'll do better next time (or if you really want it, e-mail me).  I already had the giraffe height chart and the books.  The little shelf, I just HAD to have some 15 years ago and finally found a use for it.  The teal blobs are actually placemats that I was going to hand paint into a tree; but I really like the red accents in the idea photo above.  So I guess I'm not finished with any room yet!  Gah!  The zoo animal canvas pictures, pillows, and giraffe all came from HomeGoods.  You really must go there often!  Total cost:  around $40.

Hint:  Alot of my decorating revolves (evolves?) around items I buy on clearance; not necessarily my first choice.  But definitely my budget's first choice!

So here's the ultimate test...  and it passed!  The little tyke wanted to be in his zoo constantly! 

POSH!

Where to start?

The daughter of a highschool buddy of mine just called to say she is moving into her first home.  I can hardly contain my excitement for her.  I want to fly out immediately and help!  Having made the jump to home ownership only two years ago myself, it can be overwhelming.  She can now paint the walls!  Rip out the carpet!  Refinish the woodwork!  Update the appliances!  Change out the light fixtures!  And yes, get a puppy.

Let's just say... it can get overwhelming.

I started by cleaning.  Can you think of any tips for my young friend?