Vases Update

Remember those vases bought at Goodwill?











Here are a few of them, 
painted up to match my bedroom

 And this one....

the before was pretty,

but didn't match my room.

so the brown with copper

goes better.  Not bad for $3 !

Books, books, books

A room without books is like a body without a soul.

Cicero

 

 

 

Storing books doesn't always have to be on straight, boring shelves... 

check out these different looks, including some upcycled ones!

 Since I'm the kind to read in bed, 

a headboard bookshelf is perfect for me

I like how the shelves are different shapes and sizes -- 

because not all books are the same! - all from the same Link

Love how they filled all that unused space over the door!

All around the fireplace looks so inviting - I'd put in bigger chairs tho :)

both from the same Link

An old ladder put to good use!! - Link

It was the guitars that caught my eye in this one - 

but the ladder shelf idea isn't bad either! - Link

 

Southwest Style

Lately, I've been fascinated with southwestern style when it comes to homes, and decorating.  I found a few images in library books to share:



What a commanding fireplace,
the center of attention ....
(would rather that than the TV!)












I really liked the use of natural stone
in this fireplace.  A stack of stone
holds up one end... very unique!

The ceiling adds a lot of texture
to the room as well.

The washstand here is made

with saguaro ribs after the

stately cactus has died.

They're lightweight but very sturdy.

The same saguaro ribs are used

as a majestic looking

headboard

Most southwest decorating isnt

an overabundance of stuff

spaces are left open

I wonder if the extreme heat

has something to do with it?

certainly less clutter gives

the appearance of feeling cooler.

Liking this very simple desk.

I'm definitely fascinated by the
half round fireplaces, especially
the ones that are fitted into a corner.

whimsical, 

and on its own terms,

very practical as well.

Simple garden gate

with local use sticks

and painted a very pretty blue

Front door porches

tend to be deep,

offering lots of shade

from the summer heat.

Simple bench,

and I like the window

casings as well.

Can't leave out the bathroom,

a big claw footed tub looks

very cool and relaxing 

and a very rustic

looking kitchen

with lots of pine!!

I like the natural wood look

Shiny Gold

Someone said:  "gold symbolizes extravagance, good health, and wealth used wisely.  Add some gold to your life if you are seeking success, relaxation, enjoyment of life, or an increase in personal power."  Me, I think it adds a pretty touch, goes with most color schemes, and hey I'll admit it, I like sparkly and shiny things!  :)

Link

Link

I like the shape of these, they fit in with southwest decor - Link

The vases bring out the hints of color in the wall - Link

Link

Like the gold coloring and accents! - Link

Shiny metallics can look pretty too - Link

This was my $dollar find at Goodwill yesterday!

not sure where I'll use it - pix to come when i do :)

Repurposed Bowl

I started with a clear "fish bowl"  and added some layers of paint:

Mellow Yellow first, then some quick stripes of red and a tan.

I covered the first layer of paint with some string, then painted it with a Krylon brown texture paint with copper fleck

With a little imagination, and a plan, its easy to create!
Picking up vases at a garage sale or thrift store makes it easy;
along with a little spray paint, you can make them match,
and create an arrangement for your home !
(I'll add another picture when the set is complete! )

Nana's Garden

Spent my morning meandering 

in downtown Mesa - and stumbled

across this wonderful garden -- 

"Welcome to Nana's Garden!"

Lots of trees,

shrubs,

plants,

statues,

planters,

chairs.

Loved the side door,

painted even!

Seahorse statues

(in the desert?)

chairs

stone bench

a fountain

and what looks like

a totem!

loved this

old shoe

planter!

old fashioned

white

picket fence

completes

the garden tour!

Cob houses

Cob, or cobb is a building material consisting of clay, sand, straw, water, and earth, 

similar to adobe. Cob is fireproof, resistant to seismic activity, and inexpensive.

Just look at these cute designs of Cob houses!

I really like the sloping, swooping roof!

 And the interiors are done beautifully!

The following is a South African cob house... 

the details are terrific, loving the little sunspot windows!

I like how there's fabric on the ceiling, giving it a cozy warm feeling.

I'm going with the thought that this is a bedroom :)

Colorful Rugs

A bright rug adds a lot of warmth to a room:

link

Link

warm and beautiful - Link

the reds are so warm, loving the window too - link

Don't forget when you're decorating that sometimes its all about the rug!