DIY Chalkboard Paint

Creating a shopping list on the back of your pantry door would be wonderful. I love the idea of use a pretty color for the chalkboard. I am thinking about doing this to my kitchen cabinets.

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Here are a few tips on how to "Do it Yourself"

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loving gingham

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Updating our Kitchen

After moving into this 1950's home we are slowly making changes.  The wallpaper has been removed and replaced with texture and paint.  I was eager to replace the floor, counters and back splash immediately after we moved in as well, but we have decided to wait and do this later because of the cost.  I couldn't stand the maroon tile any longer so I decided to paint it for now.  

BEFORE we moved in photos  

BEFORE we moved in photos  

 1st step- tape off

2nd step- 1 coat of primer

3rd step- 2 coats of paint
4th step- 1 coat of polyurethane

 Finished the look by spray painting the knobs with oil rubbed bronze finish metal paint.  Check out a tutorial on Living Savvy.  I am going to paint all my interior doors next.  

New faucet.
Soon the scalloped woodwork will be coming down as well.

The vent above the stove was painted with appliance paint.

 Soon the refrigerator will be painted with the same exopy paint.

To help the boys have fun in the kitchen with me I used chalkboard paint on the partial wall. Looking forward to replacing the linoleum floor with tile soon.

Kitchen Floor

I have been itching to redesign our kitchen for some time now, but I'm having a hard time deciding on tile. I would love to carry our hardwood floors throughout, but afraid of water damage and scratches from everyday wear in the kitchen. Right now there is 1970 linoleum that needs replacing. Since our hardwood floors are dark mahogany I think a dark gray tile would look good below the white cabinets in either a brick pattern, diagonal square pattern or herringbone. I just recently painted the white knobs with a dark bronze metallic spray paint saving me lots of money by not replacing the knobs. My next project will be to paint the back splash tile white until we decide to replace it with subway tile.

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DIY Bins

Before you throw out your old diaper boxes check out this tutorial from Positely Splendid, canvas bins from diaper boxes.

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Family Rustic Dining Table

This family table is wonderful because of it's rustic look with a house full of kids. You can enjoy family meals here as well as doing crafts without having to worry about scratching it up. I also love the wooden vessel that holds all crayons and pencils. The stencils chair backs are so cute as well. Check it out on designmom

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Monogram

I love monograms especially in the bedroom because it is so personal. There are so many different fonts and styles you can use when monogramming these days. The fuschia on linen is beautiful.

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The single letter on the wall is so bold and fun to use for a baby or kids room.

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Stencil Project

I was going to apply wallpaper to my dining room wall, but instead I painted on this trellis stencil.  It is less expensive and can be used again on the wall or any item.  I might use it on a serving tray next. If you love the chandelier as well stay tune to how this was made for under $50.

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Happy {Girl's} Weekend!!!

I hope everyone has a wonderful and relaxing weekend.  I am off to the pool today with my close old college girlfriends.  There will be plenty of bubbly to go around and lots of girl talk.  I hope your weekend is just as relaxing.

Unique {POST}

If you are looking to customize your emails with unique designs check out the new iPhone app called POST.  I love the name.  It was created by the young and fabulous designer Hanna Brooks Nation of Gababout stationary.  

 

The app allows you to design and send custom invitations and notes using 60 or more designs and it only cost .99 cents.

Gababout Stationary 

 Gababout Stationary comes in a 5 x7 note card, sold in a set of 25 and made with high quality materials and boxed with the company's signature orange color. These are a few of my favorites.

 She will customize each note card with your initials.  Stop by La Dolce Vita to check out her most recent interview.