Daigle's Digs: June 2014

Monday, June 30, 2014

Ordinary to Extraordinary

One of the best things of design is the ability to take something ordinary and make it extraordinary. I love to look for different approaches to designing a home. I came across these pictures of showers that used two shower curtains and instantly loved the idea.

It takes something mundane (like a shower and shower curtain) and makes it more interesting. Using two shower curtains makes the room look more elegant and the shower more luxurious. What do you think? What else around the house can you do to turn something ordinary to extraordinary?

In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.

Friday, June 27, 2014

Fancy Pants

There is a new craze now and its crazy pants. I, for one, love crazy pants. It started as a way to have fun in yoga with all the decorative leggings. Then it migrated to incorporating them into my work/play wardrobe. Here are just a few fun pairs of leggings I have seen lately.

One. I actually have these leggings and I can not say good enough things. They are super comfortable, sweat proof, and stay on when I do yoga. Also, its a fantastic company, their customer services is awesome!

Two.Show your team colors via leggings! These leggings are sure to be a hit.

Three. I love the bright blue color of these! Athleta always has such great work out clothes.

Four. Tie Dye, breathable capris are great for yoga or running errands.

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Decorating with Shutters

Shutters are typically something that we think about OUTSIDE of the home. Usually shutters are positioned next to windows or doors of a home and originally, shutters purpose was to block out both light and wind. Over time, shutters have become more decorative but remained on the outside of the home.

Recently, I have seen a lot of homes that actually bring shutters INSIDE the home and decorate with them. Shutters can bring a rustic or shabby chic feel to the home.

They can be hung on the wall to create texture or be used to display mementos, such as pictures.

Shutters can also have function through the home. Adding hooks creates a great key and coat hanger.

A unique take on the ever popular barn doors is using shutters around the doorway.

Would you decorate with shutters? How else would you use them?

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Decorating with blue carpet

Through out the city, a number of the older homes have blue carpet in the living area and/or bedrooms. Blue carpets became very popular in the late 80's, early 90s and for many it is a great personal aesthetic. Although, some new home buyers would prefer to replace the blue carpet but find themselves unable to purchase new flooring right away because of the huge financial investment a home is. If you find yourself in a home with blue carpeting there are a number of ways to decorate the room.

Keep the rest of the room rather neutral. Paint the walls a beige or white and let the blue carpet anchor the room.

Fill the room with light wood accents, white/beige couches and sheer curtains. Keeping the furniture neutral also means that the furniture will match any of the new flooring if you do replace the carpet.

Play up the blue! Add in other shades of blue through paint, pillows or wall art.

Don't be afraid to bring other colors into the room but limit it to one or two other colors. Too much color will come off overwhelming.

Whether temporary or permanent, how do you decorate with blue carpet?

Monday, June 23, 2014

Mixed Materials

There is nothing that I love more than mixing different styles. I fell in love with Threshold's mixed material line of furniture for Target. This line combines a metal base with rustic, patchwork wood. The end result is a little rustic with an industrial feel.

Desk

Tall Bookcase

Short Bookcase

End table and Coffee Table

Console Table

Side Table

What do you think of the line? I am considering the tall bookcase for my bedroom because I need something to help with organizing all my things.

Friday, June 20, 2014

How to Create a Gallery Wall

Are you thinking of creating a gallery wall in your home? Gallery walls are a great way to display photos, art and other mementos. Here are some tips on how to create one in your home.

Always prepare beforehand. Create a sketch of where you want the pieces to go before putting them up. You can use painters tape or tape paper up on the wall. This lets you visualize where the pieces will be prior to actually putting holes in the wall.
Use your gallery wall to display what is important to you! It doesn't need to all be photos. You can hang a postcard, mirror, letter, clock or piece of art.

Mix and match the frames use different style frames for the photos.

Don't be afraid to use a different size frame for the photo. As long as you matte the photo, you may use a large frame.

Splurge on the frame. The eye will immediately go to the photos on the gallery wall so make sure the frame is high quality.
Be open to the location of your gallery wall. Most people think a gallery wall is best in a large living room, on a staircase or a hallway but you can put one anywhere.

A gallery wall doesn't always need to be hung on the wall. Think of other creative ways to display the items, like a ledge.

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Decorating with Books.

When I was moving I ended up giving away bags of books. These were books that had stayed with me for years and, truth be told, resided in storage for all of the years I lived in my home. As I was lugging the bags to the donation center, I thought that keeping these in storage was such a waste. What's the purpose of holding on to great books if you can't showcase them?

If you are like me and enjoy an actual book versus the electronic version, what do you do with your books after you read them? Especially if you do not have the luxury of owning your own personal library. You could always decorate your home with the books!

The other option is using books as replacement to furniture. Such as an end table:

Also, you can create a coffee table with them.

How do you feel about using books to decorate? Would you ever do it?

All images via Pinterest

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Townhouse in Whittier

This weekend I found myself in a beautiful industrial loft located in Whittier. It had exposed piping and brick walls, a master suite open to the downstairs, barn pocket doors and cement floors. It was a very unique home but quintessential to the changing Whittier neighborhood, where not that long ago the neighborhood featured only art and craftsmen style homes. Just as unique as the home, were the accent pieces through the home.

Such as this beautiful lamp:

Of course, this knife holder was the best.

If you had a unique home, would you keep the furnishings just as unique?

Go here to view to see the home.

Monday, June 16, 2014

Dining Together

I have always loved the concept of dining room tables. I suppose the idea of a dining room is getting more and more obsolete with the open concept homes. But what I love is the table where the family gathers for dinner. That table is usually central to the home and the family.

When I was growing up my family ate dinner together every.single.night. It drove me crazy at the time especially once I got old enough to realize some families ate dinner in front of the television. We would then go around the table and talk about what happened during our day. The dining room table was where we physically met every night and it brought us a lot closer. Because of this, I sincerly appreciate the dining room table as it signifies unity in my mind.

Source

I should also mention, as you can imagine, we are also a family that enjoys our food. How do you feel about dining room tables? Did you family eat dinner at one every night?

Friday, June 13, 2014

Friday the 13th

Not only is today Friday the 13th but it is a full moon! If you are a superstitious person, I am sure you must be shaking in your boots. I found this room via Pinterest. The below picture reminded me of Friday the 13th with the moodiness of the room from the black walls and burnt orange.

Have a great day! Stay safe out there!

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Ode to Navy

My does my love for navy runs DEEP. I prefer it over any other neutral and,yes, I do consider navy a neutral. In my book, navy is a classic color. Although, many people seem to prefer black, khaki or brown which can make a color choice of navy feel unexpected and, therefore, it can make a bold statement.

I love the classic yet modern feel of this dining room. As soon as I get a home

with a dinning room, the walls will be navy.

How about something a little more traditional and masculine?

This one uses navy as the backdrop. love the pop of color!

What are your thoughts on navy? Love it or hate it?

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Showing your Home to Sell

Lets switch gears slightly to actually selling your home. Whatever the reason, whether relocation, downsizing, upgrading or cashing in on your investment, as homeowners we will typically find ourselves in the position of selling a home in our lifetime. Selling your home does require a change in mindset. No longer is your home yours, it becomes a business deal.

Here in Denver, if the home is priced appropriately, homes are getting sold quickly. Making the best first impression with your home is crucial and staging can accomplish this. Here are some quick tips that you can easily do so your home shows nicely.

Clean. Such an easy way to show your place nicely.
De clutter. Remove unnecessary items in all your rooms. Don't forget the kitchen/bathroom counters.
Shampoo carpets
Paint (if needed)
Remove personal items. When perspective buyers come to your home, you want them to envision themselves in the home.
Rearrange furniture. The layout that works for you and your family may not work for all.
Don't forget the outside! Curb appeal is a must when trying to sell your home.

Keep in mind, showing your home is like a job interview. If you were going on a job interview you would look your best, right? Showings and open houses allow you the chance to 'sell' your home to perspective buyers that pass through and you want to make the best first impression.

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

The Bed Debacle Part Two

Now that I have decided to put my bed in front of the window,I just have to pick out a bed! When I sold all my furniture in New Hampshire, I was excited to do something completely different with my new bedroom.

Here are the contenders:

one

I love the Moroccan style and the cutouts that would let sun come through.

two

How great is this wood finish? I love the color and the midcentury look.

three

This is simple yet great. A modern take on the arts and craftsmen style.

four

Beautiful! Love the finish and the style.

five

I adore the rounded curves on this bed. Often we see sharp lines in beds but the curves on this makes it softer and welcoming.

six

Simple and modern. This cutout would allow sun to come through if I have it in front of the window.

All of these beds are so different but yet I love each one. What do you think? What is your favorite?

Monday, June 9, 2014

Lover of Color

Anyone who knows me knows I am a self proclaimed lover of color. Color can make me incredibly happy, excited and cheerful. Although my wardrobe contains all shades of the rainbow, my last home's interior design scheme did not. My property in NH was not lacking color but my walls were relatively neutral. My living room was beige and all the other rooms were a shade of light blue or green. My reasoning behind choosing the paint colors was, as much as I love to paint, it tends to be taxing on my body so I knew I wanted to paint only once but bring color into the home by other means. The home did not get a lot of natural sunlight so I knew dark walls would not be suitable. Lastly, I knew I would be renting in the future and felt neutral colors were most appropriate.

If you love color but shy away from bright walls here are some ways to bring color into a room. These ideas are also perfect for renters too who don't have the option to paint the walls.

Use pillows. I love pillows. They are a great way to add color, texture and pattern. color

Use furniture. Don't have any fun, colorful furniture? Refinish some!

In addition to blocking light, curtains can bring color into a room.

Last but not least, a colorful rug can make a neutral room pop.

All of these rooms are relatively neutral but not lacking in color!

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