Stair Makeover

After seeing Southern Hospitality's stair makeover here and Centsational Girls re-do here. I wanted to tackle mine. I was a little chicken at first and tried it out on my fireplace mantle here- after chanting to myself "I can do it", "I can do it", I attacked the stairs. Oh my-lanta! what a chore-all those little spindles, sanding, taping, and re-taping (dont ask). But I am proud to say it is done and I love it!





It is amazing how the white wood now pops against the espresso. And the two things I could not have done this project without is: 1: Gel Stain!! once you've tried the Gel you will NEVER want to use that runny, drippy regular stain again. This stuff is like pudding! and spreads like butter! 2: The Octo-Sander (be still my heart)

this baby gets in all those little cracks, angles and crevices. It cut my sanding time in half and saved on achy arms.



Here are some befores and afters:

Garage Sale score!!

I hit another amazing Community garage sale this weekend. Scored on this huge black and tan indoor/outdoor rug that I currently put in my dining room. $15 dollars



This little table is getting a re-do (oh Spray paint, where are you?) $4


An 8 piece place setting in creamy white $5


and this!! oh my people- I am soooo excited about this! I have NEVER done a complete reupholster so Im quite scared, if you have any tips, please, please do share.








This round ottoman was, wait for it..................................................... $10

Another New Garage Apartment Plan Unveiled!

Simply Elegant Home Designs is unveiling "The Minnetonka Garage Apartment"; the second in a new series of Garage Apartment Plans that they are developing.

The idea of an above garage apartment is not new, but it seems especially appropriate for the times we are in. Families are struggling with reduced income, or are looking for alternative housing solutions for their aging parents. An apartment garage plan can be a perfect place to house the still active mother-in-law, or it can used as an income generating rental unit.

The Minnetonka Garage Apartment as seen below incorporates a studio apartment space above a generously sized three car garage. The apartment plan accommodates a kitchen, eating area, living / media zone, bed area, storage and a full bath. The dormer placements create distinct spatial zones for the kitchen and sleeping areas. Bead-board paneling used as a wainscot and within the cabinetry brings a cottage charm to the interior. The exterior is a modern interpretation of the shingle style incorporating clapboard siding, cedar shingles and a metal roof. For more information on this plan click the following link:

Minnetonka Garage Apartment Plan

Simply Elegant Home Designs will be developing additional garage apartment plans over the next several months so stay tuned.

New wallpaper preview...

Our new web site is going live soon and we're bringing out a whole range of new custom made feature wallpapers.

First weekend of fall

I hope you enjoy our first fall weekend. Looks like we'll have pretty nice weather here in DC: damp and cool (just how I like it!). Thats how the weather was on our first 3 days in Paris. Above; a square in St. Germain by one of the Flamants we visited. I just wish DC was as beautiful!

Rando Design Inspiration Friday!

Cool art table via abccreativity

I'm approaching this weekend with a bit of trepidation. I know I have a lot to do for school when all I really want to do is go downtown and shop around and hit up a flea market or two. OH WELL, these are the sacrifices I have to make for my future/school. I'll be at school chained to a drafting table. Not like the one above--they are all white and pristine but the one above looks like fun. I am jazzed that it's Friday because I'm pretty tired so here are some relaxing nap inducing rooms. Enjoy!

I love this kind of window here with a window seat. The light streaming in looks so warm and inviting. Interior by Courtney Giles.

My new favored designer is Chad Eisner. He has amazing taste as you can see above with that fun and surprising drum shade. Check out his portfolio HERE.

This whimsical coffee table keeps the room from feeling too stuffy. I'd love to have a soft arm chair like that one by the window. From Katie Sellers.

I would just love to skip out of work right now (at 10:30 eek!) and sit in a window seat warmed by the sun and read a book. But alas, I'll be out soon enough I guess and only to start madly thinking about rearranging a mini kitchen in an inventive way so that my teacher won't yell at me. What are your plans? Outside? Inside? With family and friends?


Alicia B.

Flamant

My favorite housewares store I have ever visited is Flamant - numerous locations throughout Paris.

I could move right in - literally! The entire store is set up as vignettes in a home.

I bought some amazing candlesticks here that I will share soon with a tablesetting :-)

The great thing about Europe - lit candles in stores! Everywhere! Shopping by candlelight -what could be more charming?

I loved this desk.

And a La Cornue stove -my dream!

Red and Grey, black and white tended to be the color schemes -with a lot of natural light woods and linen.

People just made themselves at home.

Which is better, the chair or the bookcase? I'll take both, please.

Loved these dark walls with the natural oak flooring.

Doesn't this look like someone's apartment?

I just loved this little desk back in the nook.

Heather will hate the comparison (I had one for every store we went into), but I think this store is like a much larger William Sonoma Home. I love that store too (and we need one in DC!)

They have the lighting down. It's all about the lighting.

See why I love it yet?

Visit Flamant if you ever get a chance. You won't walk away empty handed!