It's Fern-tastic!

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It might be spring fever, it might be House Beautiful's all green March issue (can we ever get enough of this great color?)  or some weird version of Jung's theory of the collective unconscious, but whatever it is, I'm simply hungering for ferns!  As in the real thing (natch), but hey, the inner decorista in me wants fabrics, prints, wallpaper, upholstery, etc.  Whether the design is oh-so-subtle like this great sleeping porch by Phoebe Howard, or  some of the more in-your-face and over-the-top designs. 

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Interested in making your own fern terrarium?  See my DIY terrarium post here.

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 Want to make some fern magic for your own lily-pad?  Check out the DIY fern prints from Design Sponge they make it easy and affordable to make your own prints.  I think I feel a weekend project coming on!

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Emerald Interior Design

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Have yourself a fantastic Friday and wonderful weekend!

xoxo,

Millie

DIY it!

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Oh inbox, how I love to find a great email with a tip from a friend and fellow blogger.  Especially when they are something as awesome, affordable and uber chic as this. Have you seen these yet?  Amazing light-weight PVC composite fretwork panels that you can glue with liquid nails over your IKEA furniture and give it an expensive look.  We're talking about some big time prettiness here!  Just look at what Kate of Centsational Girl did to a pretty little round table by adding the circle overlay spray painted gold. Ba-zam! Perfect pizazz! Thanks Erin! I promise a roadtrip to IKEA!! (xo) 

These are the oh-so-brilliant creation of Cheryle Rhuda and Danika Herrick of O'verlays.  Here's a few more inspiring photos from their blog.  I've got to get me some of these!!  

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I know you want to get more of this gorgeousness, so here's the link to their online shop and you can check out Danika's hip transformation of her sweet casa at her blog, Gorgeous Shiny Things.

Nest fab find was at Ikea Hackers that led me to this chic silver-leafed IKEA Rast dresser.  Can I have two, pretty please?

Get all the DIY steps for yourself from Barbara's super creative blog with tons of DIY projects at  hodge:podge.  The silver-leaf lamp is a project I've been contemplating for a couple of lamps in my basement for a while now...Hmmm

Is there a pretty princess in your life who needs a cool hip vibe for her boudoir? Bev at Flamingo Toes came up with the DIY for these LOVE knock-off pillowcases adding her own special touch with these layered ruffles - so Anthropologie!  This is a great project to work on together for a little mommie and me time.

I have a photo I took of a teen bedroom on my desktop but can't recall where I got it -- so if anyone knows the source, please send me a quick email!!

Speaking of Anthropologie,  these incredible DIY knock-off of flutter curtains by Kojo Designs make my heart skip a beat with joy just to look at them! Is that safe?  haha! Imagine if those little flutters were butterfly shaped in a nursery?  Heart=stopping....

You can get the directions at Kojo Designs

Yesterday, I met the most amazing and creative women at Oasis Spa in South Weymouth while getting a much needed mani and pedi. Thanks Lilly, I enjoyed the stories about your beautiful daughters and their abundant creativity--like mother, like daughter!  I put the LOVE pillows in here especially for you, Amber, and Jade.  Kudos to you Wanda, I adored your story of teaching your daughter to help in the kitchen since she was a toddler - Duh! so much better than parking them in front of the tv!!

Hope you have an absolutely amazing weekend filled with fun projects and lots of love.

Terrific Techniques for Tuesday

Painted Floors:  What's not to love about these gorgeous beauties?

Yesterday, I posted a few photos of painted floors (Coastal-Kitchen-Inspirations.  They are so beautiful, and are such an inspiration in planning a kitchen renovation on a budget, and besides, I totally fell in love with the possibilities!  Plain and Simple? Stripes? Stencil? Chevron or mosiac pattern? Whew! The choices are so fun and only limited by your imagination!


I have painted nearly everything that doesn't move, but I haven't painted floors before.  Shocking, I know!  So, I was doing a little research on the web and thought I would post some DIY info and links just in case you too are thinking of swirling some paint on your own floors! 




DIY Info


Preparation: 

• This is the most important step of all!  The floor must be dry, wax free, gloss-free, and lint-free.  If you are painting over an existing finish, sand it first!  Find DIY tips at realsimple.com and Elle Decor.com

• Use masking tape to protect the bottom of moldings/cabinets from any splatters!  

Painting:

• Cut in with paint and roll out your base coat. using a short nap roller and a broom stick.  Follow the paint manufacturer's instructions for drying time, recoats, etc.
• If you are stenciling a pattern over the painted finish consider your pattern's size -- bigger is better -- and also think about door thresholds and how you will end your pattern.
•  For a great step-by-step guide to painting over hardwood using the low VOC product Breakthrough, check out high-heelfootinthedoor.blogspot.com.

Finishing:  


Depending on the amount of wear expected or desired, plan on using two to five coats of a water-based polyurethene to protect your painted floor.  Unless you want a worn finish, a kitchen floor should have 4 - 5 coats. If you want a lot of shine use a glossy finish -- but it will show scratches - so if you have pets and kids, you really might want to use a matte or satin finish instead.  Tada!  That's it! 


Maintenance:


Ok, no one wants to do it, but you need to sweep regularly and wash your pretty painted floor with either a mild detergent, your handy Swifter,  or  a mix of warm water and white vinegar. Enjoy!


The kids and I are off to the beach for some late summer sun before the school year starts!  


Have a fun day!
xoxo,
Millie