Ready for a garden party...

Well kids, I've put the finishing (for now) touches on my outdoor pergola project. I wanted a rectangular  table and I've been rolling over ideas in my head on the choice of material and styles: wrought iron, aluminum, farmhouse plank...and then it hit me! "What about a classic, no-frills picnic table?" Immediately I envisioned hanging lanterns casting a soft glow on a distressed white picnic seat. Done and done...I couldn't be more pleased! My backyard is all set for dining al fresco. xoxo- jennifer bianca

Backyard bliss...

While my blog has been put on the back burner, the projects at my home have been in full swing. I'm excited to share one of my favorite updates to our home. As some of my readers know, I blogged about outdoor chandeliers and amazing backyard retreats a few weeks ago. Ever since then I've been dying to create an outdoor oasis for my family to enjoy. While we have a small teak patio set that provides seating and shelter from the sun, we were missing a place to dine with friends and family. I love outdoor pergolas, but I definitely did not love the price tag that came with buying one premade or built and installed; prices range anywhere from $2000-$5000 for the size I wanted. With a sigh I thought, "well that's not happening soon." However, not too many days later, I came across this pergola in a Pottery Barn store and thought, "I can totally make that on a bigger scale for the backyard!" (with the help of my muscle, of course!) 

Pergola inside Pottery Barn store: inspiration.

Thus, our project began! It took two days to complete, from tearing up the sod to the final touches of potted plants. Total money spent: just under $400 to complete! I'd say that's a far cry from the $3000 I quoted on the internet. While I'm still in the process of finding just the right rectangular dining table and options for chandelier lighting, I couldn't help but share my excitement in what we've built! I hope you enjoy the photos and are inspired to shake up your outdoor space just in time for Spring/Summer! xoxo - jennifer bianca

Tearing up sod is mch harder than it looks!

my handsome husband and my muscle

every DIYer gets their hands dirty!

loading up on our lumber

after digging holes and cementing in 4x4 beams

potting some annuals for added eye candy

finished project! wood sealed with clear coat

using a table I have until I find a rectangular table I like...

I chose pea pebbles because they remind me of the English gardens I adore...

new spot for my herb box

I can't wait for my climbing roses to make their way up and over the pergola!

 At night.. currently searching for a chandelier to grace the space..

Setting the stage...

The foyer is the entry way into your home and to me, it's like the opening act in a play. It can set the mood, tone, and feeling of your home in an instant. First impressions are everything and in the world of design, this is it. Whether you prefer sophisticated and chic, clean and simple, or relaxed and welcoming, it's important to pick pieces for your foyer that reflect your personality and flow with the other decor in the house. Here are a few inspiring pictures to collect ideas from..happy decorating! xo -jennifer bianca

decor pad

decor pad

decor pad

decor pad

decor pad

decor pad

decor pad

Ceramic sensation...

house and home magazine

www.girllearningalongtheway.blogspot.com

decorpad

www.addicted2decorating.com

www.beautifulliving.wordpress.com

www.thedecorologist.com

www.cottageandvine.com

www.mybackyardeden.com

decorpad

kelly wearstler

Hanging plates on the wall isn't just for your 85 year old grandmother anymore. Lately I've been seeing some creative and stylish ways to arrange plates to make an interesting and artist focal point. Whether there is a definitive pattern or they are placed at random, plates are a wonderful alternative to artwork in frames. Growing up, my mother always had the most beautifully eclectic collection of hanging plates so I can definitely say I'm partial to the look. The other week I was wondering the aisles of Home Goods and I came across some cute pottery and decided they would have a perfect spot along my family room mirror. Your local craft store, such as Michael's, should stock plate hangers. I've only just started my arrangement, but here is a peek... xoxo-jennifer bianca

starting my collection

vintage saucers would be a great addition.. on the hunt..

Industrial Chic

HomeLife

www.emmas.blogg.se

desiretoinspire.net

www.sunnysblog.typepad.com

HomeLife

HomeLife

HomeLife

Country Living Magazine

creamylife.com

Another trend in the decor world that is popping up everywhere is "industrial chic." The style marries masculine and feminine effortlessly and I'm really digging it's rustic, laid back vibe. I also think the industrial chic look is a great compromise for the couple that is wanting a style that is both his and hers. This look would be easy to create using vintage pieces mixed with modern accents. Happy Decorating! xoxo- jennifer bianca

First quick project of 2012...

My mother is always on the look out for things that fit my style and lucky for me, she scored this vintage cane barrel chair for me at an amazing deal.. and by amazing I mean $10!! The barrel chair or tub chair, is a reproduction of the french Louis XVI Bergeres. You can still find these antique chairs from the 1700's at an incredibly high price; you can also get the look for less by finding a vintage one from the 1940's-1950's. While I will splurge on antiques that have significant meaning to me, I'm all about designing on a dime. Decorating isn't about finding the most expensive pieces, it's about finding the pieces that fit your lifestyle while staying in sync with your budget. After sanding down the original dark stain I thought about colors and fabric choices. Spray painting is always the easiest and quickest option for cane back chairs and I chose the color "pebble" by Krylon sold at Ace Hardware. I decided to skip a primer because I wanted the darker wood color to come through when I sanded it. I removed the orginal fabric and added new foam and stapled on fresh batting before reupholstering. Voila.. a simple french eclectic addition to my home. Completing projects makes my soul happy! What projects are on your to-do list this year? xoxo -jennifer bianca

original cushion, fabric samples, accent pillow

before painting

pebble by krylon. great sandy gray

end result. simple, clean, classic