Showing posts with label interior design. Show all posts

Mel's Life: D-I-WHY

I spent the majority of my weekend staining and painting the NORNAS side table from Ikea. I have been loving the dipped legged trend and decided to try my hand at it. I purchased (waaay too much) Minwax wood stain in Walnut and Clark+Kensington paint in Yucatan Yellow. Before I began staining I lightly sanded the table with 120 grit sand paper and removed all the dust. I applied two coats of stain over 2 days to get my desired shade of walnut. I should have stained the entire table before painting but that would have made too much sense lol. So because of this I ran around like a crazy person trying to stop the stain from running on to the painted legs (smh). All in all I cant say that im crazy over this table but it certainly serves its purpose for now.





Read more »
Labels: , , , , , , ,

Mel's Life: Home Update

It has almost been a month since I moved and I am slowly getting things together. I have really been focusing on the living room because theoretically it is the space that I spend the most time in (once I kick my bed addiction). I envision myself hosting drinking  dinner parties and game nights. Honestly, this is probably just a fantasy but its a good fantasy darn it!

Anywho
 I have a confession...

I wasn't born a African princess (gasp...I know) and because of this I must scour the internet to find affordable furniture. I must say I have found some pretty amazing deals on Craigslist, Amazon, and good old IKEA.



 
 
I want to create a space that is bright, airy, and filled with greenery (yay plants!). I do not have a theme or exact concept. I do know what I want the space to feel relaxing. I want anyone who walks into the apartment to immediately feel like they've entered a stress free zone (unless they are helping put together IKEA furniture. Thanks Naddia!). 





I hope you guys enjoy my space so far. Like God...I luhhh it.

Until next update...
Read more »
Labels: , , , , , , , , ,

Wish List






2. Ikea Stockholm Media Console
3. Ikea FJÄLKINGE shelving
Read more »
Labels: , , , , ,

Mel's Life: New Space

So I finally moved and have slowly began decorating my space. It is kind of a surreal experience as I have dreamed of decorating a whole apartment for so long and boom here it is (so stoked!). I recently purchased a gorgeous dresser from Overstock.com. I am absolutely in love with this dresser! The lines are clean, and the detailed on the center drawers give it a little visual interest. I am not exactly sure of the direction that I am going with the apartment. I just want it to be an organic experience and I pray that it doesn't turn into a hot mess (lol). 



So far I am liking the new 'hood even though it is essentially a retirement community. I sometimes miss being a bus/train ride away from downtown and my friends. In reality, I am not that far at all but DC living really makes anything over a 15 minute commute seem like the opposite of a fantastic voyage. Other than that I have no real major complaints. 




I will be sure to update the blog when I get new pieces. 


PS this place has friggin' amazing natural light and I loves it!


Read more »
Labels: , , , ,

Minimalism

I will be moving within the next two months (somebody say hallelujah) and have started the process of decluttering. By decluttering I mean getting rid of my stashes of Vogue, Elle, Bazaar, and W (you will be missed). After lugging about 100 pounds of magazines to the recycling I felt lighter literally and spiritually. Its amazing how spaces influence your physical being. I dumped a couple of old rags as well as some stress. I would like to carry this euphoric feeling of clutter free living to the new apartment by embracing a minimalist lifestyle (except for shoes...because duh shoes lol). Below you'll find some gorgeous minimalist spaces I found via Pinterest as well as 5 tips to start living with less stuff.







5 Tips to Start Living With Less 

1. If you can't remember the last time you used it..donate it
2. Keep counters clear (bath room, kitchen, dresser, etc.). Only keep out essential every day items
3. If you have two of something make it one. Try to keep duplicates to a minimum.
4. Think about your purchases and whether its something you actually need. (If its a necessity its a yes for me)
5. Keep a neutral color pallet (throw some pops of color in there to put some stank on it however)




Read more »
Labels: , , , , ,

Decor: Round Tables and Benches

Dining spaces have been on my mind a lot lately. Especially dining options in tight spaces (insert sarcastic joke about small DC apartments) and how to make them functional. On my quest for all things dining on Pinterst. I came across several round tables paired with benches (banquettes). I loved this option because it creates a space-saving cozy dining nook. Take a peek of some of the inspiration images I found on Pinterst.





Read more »
Labels: , , , ,

Decor: Light & Bright

I have been gravitating towards minimalist sun filled rooms, by gravitating I mean craving. Lately, I feel like there is so much clutter (figuratively and literally) in my life and I am ready to get rid of it. There is nothing like a clean room that radiates with the glow of sunshine. I honestly am smiling just thinking about it. Could you imagine what living in a space like that would do to your spirit?! (Imagine all the cute puppies in the world in one room...it would feel like that)  I will be moving soon, and I hope to create a space that is both calming and inspirational. Below are some of the images that I am using for inspiration for my (future) new place.




Read more »
Labels: , , , , ,

Paneled Walls

Lately, I have been seriously crushing on paneled walls (yes, I am that weird). There is something old worldish about paneling that I just love. If you're looking to add instant visual interest and character to a room paneling would definitely be the route to take in my opinion.


Read more »
Labels: , , , ,

Creative Work Spaces

If you follow me on Instagram, then you know I recently got a new job! Exciting right?! However cubicles are are quite dull. Grey bleh dull to be exact and that's saying a lot because I looooooooooooooove grey but this I can not tolerate. I have been scouring Pinterest for ideas and have ordered some items from Amazon to pimp out my cube (ehhem HGTV that's a total show right there...and I am free).  I really want a clean and relaxing work space, after all I am here for 7.5 hours a day. You know what they say...treat yourself don't cheat yourself.  I always make sure not to go design overboard by keeping my items to what can fit in a reusable tote bag. Just in case I ever need to roll out it wont take longer than 5 minutes lol.  I posted some pictures of my inspiration spaces below.





Read more »
Labels: , , , ,

Room Redo

I have neglected my room for years, and if you know me you might think that is oxymoronic as I live, eat, and breath interior design. Seriously, the only channel I truly acknowledge in this world is HGTV lol. I decided enough was enough enough and I have slowly began the process of decorating my room. I am going for a casual chic look. I have posted some of my inspiration photos as well as pictures of my room currently. I must warn you everything still looks pretty rough! With that in mind, I will be keeping everyone updated as I add new pieces as I find them.







Read more »
Labels: , , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)