Y’all, it’s time to get some full-on eye candy! The office is complete, woohoo, BUT before any hot reveal action can occur, have to let y’all know about a slight curve ball with the design plan/furniture solution.

I’d found those awesome Ikea desk/combo units (see previous post for pic) which my client was totally on board with. But then she wasn’t liking the fact that when configured in the space, they would partially block the inspiration boards that would be retrofitted over the existing soundproof windows. And baby just can’t have ANY kind of blockage…ok? Y’all know that’s right…flush IT! So, with some slight design adjustments, each worker will now get to rock these as their desks…

Desktop:

Base 1 (right side):

Base 2 (left side):

I love this new solution! The butcher block desk tops will give us warmth…the bases will serve us lots of yummy storage (hide those computer towers whenever y’all can, biotches!)…mix them all together and you’ve got yourselves some kind of sassy-chic-home-away-from-home PR/communications office realness!

And just so y’all know how hands-on I am with all my projects…take a look at this mini mountain that I was pushing around Ikea:

But trust that mountain was conquered and an office was born, y’all:

Obvi, chairs will move in along with computers and the other inevitable office trappings, but this baby is ready to rock and roll! I’m really pleased with how it turned out and more importantly, my client (& her staff) have had their new office dreams AND destinies fulfilled! What more could I ask for in life, y’all?

My client threw me a conundrum, or tried to anyway, when she tells me that she needs me to decorate her new office. For a staff of four. In one room. Short sentences with periods equal drama.

The pics are in the previous post…here’s my plan of attack:

If y’all can’t tell what in hell is going on with my sketch, here’s the actual product sheet:

I love these cool Ikea desk/bookcase combo units! The lamps are just tres chic, no matter what day of the week it is. Cute cork and metal desk organizers. Clients’ existing office chairs are gorg, so they’re being re-used, which we love, not only for the environment, but also for the budget. And can we all just writhe around all over that cowhide rug? Go ahead, y’all writhe!!! YES! Clearly, I’m going for a very black and white/neutral color palette. Client is in PR/Communications…she’s way hip and way savvy. I wanted to keep her workspace light and airy and unfussy. Let the color come in with her custom inspiration boards…oh, wait…I didn’t mention those yet?

So, y’all saw the pics of the atrocious interior soundproof windows…I’m proposing we retrofit them as giant inspiration/bulletin boards! Made from what? C’mon y’all…HOMOSOTE!!! Call back!
That’s right, we’re gonna just cut some homosote to size and take those odd windows and make them work for us! I’ll upholster these with a nice neutral linen and frame them out with some chunky molding/trim…and since there are two windows in the space, this new office will score double bulletin board value so client can pin her PR & communications for days on end!

We’ll just re-use the existing window treatments and give that space a fresh coat of white paint…and voila– new office! Stay tuned for more process shots as it all comes together!

One of my interior clients needed a new office– fast and cheap (like my lovers)! As most of y’all know, that’s a challenge I’m always up for…sassy scandals! Oh and this room has to comfortably accomodate four peeps…here’s the new spot:

Uh-huh I’ve always taken issue with interior windows in spaces, but actually, y’all, this is a former recording studio, so those are actually pretty standard fare. It’s soundproofed and hung on a weird angle, that you can’t really see in the pics, but I’ve got a plan for that mess…here’s more BEFORE office eye candy:




Stay tuned to see my design solution(s) on how I’m going to make this space really sing!!!

It’s time to get down and DIY dirty, y’all, with some hot bulletin board action…here’s what we’re making, in case y’all are too lazy to click to the last post:

Here’s what y’all need to do:
-measure out your inset panel, height and width, or whatever area you want to create a bulletin board in…and then measure it again…of note: this area should be at least 1/2″ deep, if you plan on insetting a bulletin board into it and then framing it out…this will make more sense later, keep reading…
-get yourself to a home center or building supply store to purchase the following:
* homosote (hee, hee…I typed HOMO y’all!) This is the material that will become your bulletin board. It’s normally used for soundproofing and it comes in 4′ x 8′ sheets (1/2″ thick) for around $25-$30 per sheet. Homosote is a great material for bulletin boards b/c it’s cheap, extremely durable and can be painted or upholstered to suit your style. Check this guerilla footage of me cutting my homosote right in the Home Depot PJcuttinghomosote, shot by the uber-talented genius, Chris White Here’s what I ended up with:

*molding/trim- y’all can get as fancy here as you like, I chose a more classic, simplistic profile to stay in line with the existing architecture of my apt so the look is more seamless when completed: Trimming your bulletin board out isn’t necessary, but it will give you a much more polished look. You’re basically making a picture frame for your bulletin board, like this:

This requires cutting the trim using a miter saw. If you aren’t comfy doing this, see if you can bat your eyelashes or push up your ‘girls’ or ‘boys– whatever you’re rockin’– and persuade an associate at home center to cut trim for you in the dimensions you need. You can also purchase a miter box and handsaw kit that’s really easy to use and less drama than a power tool.

*construction adhesive

*finishing nails,countersink & wood putty

*hammer

*level

*paint and/or fabric & batting, staple gun

Once you’ve gotten your goodies, it’s time to get your construction on.

*Apply small dime-sized blobs of adhesive to the inset area on door. Next place your piece of homosote carefully into the panel and hold firmly for a good 20 to 30 seconds. Kind of run your hands all over that shiot to make sure the adhesive blobs spread out and begin to work their sticky magic.
*Next, line up your pre-cute molding/trim to one side edge, the trim should slightly cover part of the cut edge of bulletin board AND the door. Be sure the length of molding matches up to the length of the seam you’ll be covering…test that the top piece of molding fits at a perfect 90-degrees when held in place to the side edge molding piece.

If y’all have a doorknob that you want to cut around, carefully remove the doorknob. Holding your piece of molding in place on the front side, carefully trace the curvature from the backside– through the existing doorknob hole– make sense? Cut away curvature from the trim. Now, nail your finishing nails every 12″ or so, through the molding into the door. Countersink them. Fill with putty, let dry and sand. Fast tip: y’all can use a drywall spackle in place of wood putty for filling the nailholes– it dries faster, and it’s paintable! Here’s what I’ve got:

If y’all don’t want to paint your bulletin board, you can upholster it…you’d do this BEFORE you install your trim. Wrap your board with batting, then your fabric of choice and staple. Super easy.
Now this is what I call a BULLETIN BOARD!!! (Note: I use t-pins in place of more traditional push pins b/c I like how they look and since they’re so long/strong, I can pin up a lot of shiot without them popping back out at me!)

I love how it turned out and the fact that I have this much more space for my pinning pleasure is incredible! Remember, I also did the same project on the backside of my closet door, here’s what that looks like:

I’m not gonna lie to y’all, this project will take a minute, but it’s totally worth it! Remember to always measure twice and cut once! Now go get your bulletin board on!!!

You’ve most likely heard the edict, ‘Make your walls work for you’ and if you haven’t, well, then…make your walls work for you. But I’m going to get all kinds of cra cra on yo asses and declare, ‘Make your doors work for you!’ Uh huh! Scandal!
Y’all didn’t realize your doors could do more for you than just open and close? Oh Dahling…have I got a post for you…

With my ever-expanding style empire, ahem ahem, I found myself in need of a large bulletin board. Y’all know, to pin up all that style and what not. But since my apt walls are almost filled to capacity, I was going to have to get creative and carve out another spot for my pinning pleasure. Hello closet door! Just behind my desk in my office area, is my prop closet with a door that has a inset panel just begging to be used!

At 1 ft wide and over 5 ft high, somebody just got themselves a big ole bulletin board. Actually, TWO b/c the back of the door has the same inset! Now, that’s what I call a double style backslap! But before any slapping can begin, I’ve got work to do…and so will y’all when you decide to take yourselves there and make this tangy treat for your space…check back tomorrow to get all the dirty DIY details…yummy!

En route to a beach housewarming party, Dyl and I put on our big girl panties to brave Target Atlantic Center on a Saturday. Which for those of y’all who’ve experienced this firsthand, you know I speak the truth…this isn’t just some ‘Dynasty’ tv show drama…this is full on Tar-ghetto at its finest, y’all! Well, well, imagine my joy upon seeing this graphic greet us at the door:

Awww, that’s a puppy after my own value-driven heart…y’all know biotch loves a bargain! And lo and behold, we found these wicker wrapped glasses on clearance that were just too cute to pass up, ruff ruff!

Have y’all ever beheld so much joy? That’s not a glare from the glasses, oh no…that’s bargain shining through!! HOT! And at $4.18 a pop, our new homeowner will have the happiest AND warmest home on the block! Cheers!

Y’all, the good folks at Ikea must just be beyond exhausted, what with all the style sass they’re constantly serving us…just yesterday I was in the Brooklyn store and was style slapped by this new runner:

I’m just j’adoring the fun, poppy stripes of this beauty…AND the fact that she’s a mere $24.99 is just icing on a cinnamon bun!!! (of which we bought a dozen before leaving the store– oh shiot, yes!!!)

The rug is called Barbro Rand and it’s 6’7″L x 2′x7″W…get more details here…I also love the fact that b/c she’s a flat weave, I can customize her to fit whatever dimensions I need without all kinds of binding/fraying drama…genius!

So go on and get y’all some Ikea Barbro Rand action for an easy splash of summer style ‘lisciousness…the yummy cinnamon buns are optional, of course!!!

It’s no secret that I’m slightly obsessed with vintage yarn art and embroidery…so, imagine my joy upon discovering these beauties while thrifting on vacation in Birmingham:

This absolute score is actually three different vintage unopened embroidery kits that include the printed design on cotton mesh, wool yarn AND needles– for $2.99 each! Ahhh, Salvation Army Family Store still knows how to slay us with some value, y’all…

There’s “Mountain Springtime” (this gal would’ve cost $24.00 from JC Penney, according to the original price sticker still attached)

“Apple Time” (Her sticker says she was $15.99 at The Craft Showcase, but poor thing was reduced to $10.39 and still no one bought her! Damn!)

And of course, the serendipitous:
“Lazy Days” (Oh shiot, The Craft Showcase was also selling her for just $14.99, but no one got off their lazy ass to buy back then– I sure as hell did!)

I’m not certain how these gloriously heinous kits will become my latest works of art…wall hangings?…pillows? but trust, y’all, that something scrumptious will be served and stitched right into my collection!!!