Style Crush: Bar Carts

Lately I've been crushing on bar carts. Is it just me or are those glam little finds popping up everywhere? As I've said before, I'm not entertaining in the parlor on a regular basis. But, it sure is nice to have something swanky to look at when your guests come in the front door.

Even though I have no real idea where I would put one, I've been on the prowl for the one. I don't know what that looks like exactly but I'll know it when I see it.

Here's one from Crate & Barrel but I have to tell you its lacking that certain *something*. And for 600 smackers, it better look good AND serve a mean cocktail (or cup o' joe).

I really like this one. Simple, clean lines in black and white, but I'd rather have wheels.

coco+kelley

Of course the little doggie kinda sealed the deal for me. Which brings me to my next point.

The real secret to old Hollywood glam'ing your bar cart is all about the styling. Of course you will have a tray on your cart. You know we love trays! And you will NEED some accessories. For more great styling tips, look at how some of your HGTV faves would deck out these beauties, check out this 18 photo spread on their site.

What about this menagerie of bar cart yumminess?! Which one is your fave? I love the little blue one in the middle.

radaronthescene.com

I hope you're staying cool these last few days of July. We are feverishly getting school supplies ready and *trying* to get to bed early since school starts on Thursday for us. This summer of homelessness has just flown by! We're supposed to close on our new place next week so I'm sure we'll have all kinds of moving tales to tell. Stay tuned!

How to buy and sell on Craigslist...LIKE A BOSS!

You know I LOVE Craig and his list. I'll tell you something else about me; two somethings. 

1. I am cheap a bargain hunter.

2. I don't like to leave the comfort of my sofa. (I found it on Craigslist!)

My CL score: A sofa/chaise which also serves as my desk, where I write the masterpieces you enjoy!

Having sold MANY things on Craigslist, I understand in order to be the one who "wins the bid" so to speak, 

you have to require nothing of the seller. 

What does that mean? Well, you must not ask questions about the piece or make a low ball offer, OR God forbid, ask, "Is this still available?" Delete, delete, delete. 

What gets my attention while selling is the same principle I've adapted for buying. Try this reply to the ad:

1. I'm interested in your Giant Velvet Elvis Painting.
2. I have a truck and an extra hand to help me load it.
3. I can come most anytime at your convenience.
4. I have cash in hand. 

That's it. 

No bargaining, no "what are the measurements", no "has it been peed on", no, no no. Make yourself available and negotiate when you get there when the seller does not want to see you walk away without Elvis. 
 

That tactic worked when I scored this Pottery Barn Sullivan ottoman, which they no longer sell. Only when I was standing in the chick's living room did I dare to negotiate the price. She didn't want to go through the trouble to get someone else out to her house as a potential buyer any more than I wanted to start the search all over again.

Craigslist Lesson: 

If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

 
When to RUN like you are being chased by a bear:

1. Take note of the details in the photograph. Notice this rug is outside. Read between the lines here people. This rug has been peed on by this guy's pit bull more times than he can count. It's outside because he tried to hose it down, but alas, the sun dried it and it still smells like DOG and PEE.
Run.

2. Don't even think about buying some body's used mattress. I might be cheap, but even I will spring for a new mattress that doesn't have someone else's bodily fluids soaked into it. 

Take note of the floral pattern on this mattress. I'm pretty sure mattress companies haven't made this pink, mint and lavender pattern in 25 years. And, I'll tell you what it's made of: 25 years of dust mite carcases.  PASS.



 
3. Look up the address on a map. If it takes you across the tracks and through the "hood", think about your safety and ask yourself, "Is that mid-century Knoll chair worth my life?"

"Whad'up Detroit?"

NO. The answer is NO.  (More on my adventures in downtown Raleigh next week). PASS. 

4. When the reply makes the hair on your neck stand up. That's a sign that the seller is a serious freak. This example is fake (thanks to my buddy Carl), but you get the idea...

 More next week on buying and selling on Craigslist like a PRO!

 

We're so thrilled to have been featured!



We're also linking up with The Dedicated House, Blissfully Domestic, and Shaken Together.

Dine in tonight on a Banquette

Have a cramped dining space? A banquette can be your space savvy solution! It can be used as a casual dining spot, homework station, or a resting spot for reading the paper while sipping your morning coffee.

From Pinterest

When there's limited space to move a chair in and out, a stationary seat is the better option. This banquette fits snugly here, but doesn't appear cramped, as chairs most certainly would.

BHG.com

Pinterest

I have an old headboard in my garage that I've been debating turning into a bench for my farm table. I love this one that I found on the Freddy and Petunia blog. 

Pinterest

I especially like the look of a corner seating area with a round table. How cozy!

This was the inspiration for Catherine's kitchen nook:

And this is how it turned out:

Catherine's Kitchen and Banquette

In case you can't commit to a true built in piece, there are other options. Like this curved, free standing piece from Overcourt.

Overcourt banquette

World Market also has a nice option; the Hayden bench:

Whatever your size parameters, a built in banquette can be the answer to your decorating dilemma. 

From: Style Carrot

Hooking up with:



The Girl Creative

5 Easy Summer Updates for your home!

Summer is a time to shed the layers--clothing and home decor. Try these five, easy summer updates for a breath of fresh air in your home.

When you were a kid, did your mom ever tell you to "think cool thoughts" as you complained of being hot?  One way to start is with your decor. Since we're at the end of summer (in retail-speak only) there are a ton of sales so now is a great time to make some updates without breaking the bank.

One of the first things I would suggest for an adaptable interior is a neutral canvas. It is going to be difficult to blend your "pops" of summer or seasonal color with a crazy couch and wall paint! So, IF you're in to tasteful, seasonal decorating and you have one of everything in your favorite color (chartreuse??), you may want to start toning it down. Assuming you have that under control, here are our 5 picks for easy, summer updates!

1.  Seasonal Curb Appeal:

pinterest

Try some cute potted plants or flowers and/or hanging baskets on your front porch (or stoop). They will instantly draw your eye to the front door! Fully shaded front porch? No worries, check out this awesome shade loving potted plant I just saw on pinterest! Don't forget to water, water, water in this heat. Dead plants are not fabulous! Trust me on this one.

2.  A Welcoming Front Door:

Choose a wonderful color like this yellow:

That will keep you happy all year long!

3. A Wreath & A Welcome Mat:

As your guests are waiting for you to answer their knock, they're looking around and getting their first sense of your style.  I suggest keeping a wreath on your door. I think that *may* be a southern thing since a friend of mine from the midwest told me they only do that when someone dies. While that is a depressing thought, a nice wreath can keep you and your guests happy, without anyone dying! You can make your own or go somewhere like Michael's or AC Moore where floral designers can assist!

Check out the one Jacki made for me for Valentines Day. I think she loves me!!

Fact: no one feels welcome on a faded/worn out/half chewed by the dog door mat! Seriously, you can get one at Target (for you Frenchies, its pronounced Tar-jay) for less than $15. If yours fits into the above category, skip lunch out with your girlfriends and go get one. Like now. 

4: Slipcovers

White matches with almost anything. Add a couple of white slipcovered chairs to your dining space for instant brightening! 

Check out this sweet spot from the 2008 HGTV Green Home:

*Bonus: You can add pillows that will invite your guests to linger long after the meal is over!

**Double bonus: You can throw them in the wash when your kids get crazy on enchilada night.

5. Matelasse Coverlet:

Heavy, dark, damask is for winter. Lighten up! If you have a heavier comforter or duvet, add a light, matelasse coverlet and some matching pillows. My personal style is to fold the heavier bed covering at the foot of the bed for layering and interest!

Catherine's bed

We go into more detail in our post on how to make an adorable bed.

I hope these tips have inspired you to make some frugal, summertime updates around your place! Try to stay cool!

Today, we're linking up with our peeps at The Dedicated House, Skip to my Lou, Sumo's Sweet Stuff, CraftoManiac Monday, Motivate Me Monday at Keeping it Simple and Mom 4 Real! Swing on over and check out all the cool ideas posted at these link parties!

   

Top Six Favorite Collection Displays

Whether your passion is tiny figurines or extra large old metal road signs, group them together and make a statement.

When I saw this display of vintage swimsuits I actually squealed out loud. I MUST have them for my beach cottage built in 1960.

Translation: I will ignore my children, obsess on ebay, not fix dinner, debate where to hang them, and generally do nothing else until my quest to find some is fulfilled. 

A lone tea cup or solitary pottery piece may not say much, but en masse these objects add up to a powerful statement. 

Vintage Milk Glass collection grouped together on a silver tray. Ahhh-May-Zing!


Our client had several pieces of this incredible Fenton glass in various rooms throughout the house. When we gathered it all up and placed it in this open cupboard; POW!

This is what the cabinet looked like before our interior re-design.

I have a few of these vintage tole trays in my home, but nothing like these collections.

My cousin, Stephanie used all black in her dining room and I'm crazy about them against the red backdrop. 

Check out this great idea from Tim Melideo showcasing his passion for photography.

Why didn't I think of this vintage brooch bouquet for my own wedding? Dang! 

What kinds of collections do you have in your home? We'd love to hear about them, or better yet, see the photos! Post your photos on our Facebook page. 

We're so thrilled to have been featured!



We're also linking up with The Dedicated House and Shaken Together.