Theme Decor : Equestrian design Ideas!!

This post is about Equestrian themed decor inspiration. Horses are such regal animals and a favorite of so many! All of us have either been horse lovers at some point in our life or know someone with fondness for the amazing stallions. Horse themed decor is absolutely evergreen and favourite with kids as well as grown ups. I can think of two major themes that would include horses at its center. 'Equestrian hi-lif'e and the amazing unique appeal of the 'wild west' and everything in between.

Equestrian hi-life could be glamorous, stylish and very city chic and on the other end the Wild western would have the rustic appeal, elegance and simple endearing feel. And then there is all the ways you can design to fall in between. :)

This room will be a little girl's paradise!! The horse show ribbons add colorful touch to the young rider's room. Distinct pink and black with pretty flashes of color. I adore the white barn door, and quirky way the saddle is displayed!

Ralph Lauren rocks Polo!! The color combination so pretty and unique. The silver, brass, green and the punch of yellow and red makes it so irresistible. How very chic and glamorous. Pick an idea or two for your own home. I would pick the yellow roses in a trophy for my home.

Elle Decor never fails to inspire me. This is such a beautiful room. Not one for horns but for someone who has inherited some it is a classy way to display. The black and white combination with lovely wooden grains all evoke cowboy lifestyle. Very masculine and impeccably stylish!

The vintage collection of horse themed accents makes this living room such an interesting space. The neutral colors and sepia shade helps relax the eyes in this artifact filled room. Very earthy and pleasant.

This horse themed bedding is perfect for a teen room. If you have a young one who is fond of horse this is a great way to include their passion without redoing the room and at a low cost. Keep looking for nick knacks at flea markets and build up on the Equine style. Cost effective yet impressive!

Little girls love horses :) This is just too pretty to not be featured! Love the main motif, and the darling monogram ! Pink and horses..and I am totally smitten. Country style and super cute!

Investing in room decor is not always easy. But there are always options available if you search enough. This eye catching, stylish horse decal is a great find! A very modern decor in black and white and the decal takes the whole decor notches up. Great idea to decorate dorm room or teen bedrooms at low cost!

Horse shoe makes such a versatile accent! A simple iron bed is now a designer piece of art with some horse shoes added! If you love horse themed decor and know someone with talent, get them to weld horse shoes to an iron bed. The lovely South western colorful rug adds awesome style and color. I truly love each and every detail in this room.

Have a passion for the Equine style but not sure how far you want to take it? Choose accents to include your love for the lifestyle. These horse head book ends are just right for your work space as well as living room. To me it even looks like a chess piece. Horse rider who loves chess?

This is an out and out display of love for the horses and Polo! Each detail in this room goes perfectly with the equestrian theme. Right from the delish wall mural, plaids, window valance in horse prints to simple furniture! Perfect!!

Themed decor should not stop at living room and bedrooms. Take it to every corner and be open to ideas. These lovely dinner plates are so unique and delightful! I love the silhouette and can imagine this set would make a wonderful gift too. You can find these @ West Elm.

Another impressive horse shoe decor accent! This wine rack will so appeal to the cowboy in you. I love the elegant design and simple lines. Very creative and super stylish!

Each time I choose a theme I fall in love with it!! This theme has been unique in the way it celebrates the love and passion for a beautiful animal. Equestrian themed style might not be an easy choice, but if you love horses you can totally include it in your homes and lives. Hope these ideas inspire you as much as it inspired me! There is a second part coming up soon :)

10 Interesting ways to display art on walls!

Displaying art is an art in itself! There are different types of art work that you can collect, make or thrift to create an awesome display. It could range from fine paintings, photographs, your craft or even a mix of different kinds. The idea is to not clutter while keeping things interesting.

If displayed artistically even an assortment of art forms can look spectacular. If you think only painting and prints make stylish wall art, here is some inspiration for you. For the budget conscious, even crocheted swatches or empty frames have great potential as creative art displays for your home.

This is one of the cutest form of wall art! Love the vibrant colors. Imagine getting one made by each of your sisters/aunts and displaying! The cushions are drool worthy! Very cheerful and fun :)

Go thrifting!! The art ledge is full of vintage prints/paint by numbers. The floral theme is so easy on the eyes and even the small corner has the charm of a french cafe! I specially adore the milk glass and vintage phone.

Christmas theme here, but can be recreated in any color. Just keep looking for plates with a theme in mind. It could be color/pattern/ motif(flowers, birds). They go up in a breeze and easy to rotate with holiday and seasons.

Black and white with gray is so sophisticated! The optical illusion prints are so interesting. A wonderful focal point for a masculine living room. Terrific look for a modern contemporary home!

Adore the lovely color combination. The idea is simple, with great results. Simple black frames pop against the pastel blue. Pocket friendly and easy do-it-yourself. Easy winner!

An eclectic mix of art is not easy to pull off. yet when executed well it just stand out! The rich purple wall is such a beautiful foil to display the gorgeous colors. I am specially smitten by the skinny framed art in the middle and the punchy yellow in the gorgeous ornate frame!

If you have been lucky to have inherited vintage family pictures in good state, this is just the one for you! Different tones of sepia look so awesome. There is symmetry and history served together. Go vertical if you can, it creates more interest.

Decals are a popular choice for wall makeovers. Its cost effective & easy to install. This wall design is specially neat for its use with photographs. The frames are decals and the pictures can be pasted with double sided tape. Create a memory wall and keep including new ones as you like! Heart it!

  

Frugal and fab! If you are still looking for a choice of paintings..don't let it hold you back. This is such an easy installation. Interesting how it looks complete even without any art insertion. Get yourself a stash of frames, spray paint and install. Viola!!!

This cluster of art piqued my interest. I would bend back to check whats hiding :o) If you like a little mystery and drama, this is a fun way to install. It would be a good idea to keep switching places so all of them get the spotlight though ;o) 

These are just a few ideas to inspire you. Take out your art collection and arrange and rearrange on the floor to find what you like best. Click pictures and check again. Most important, hang them up!! Its no fun storing them when they can add so much character and spirit to your home and lives. Get going and get inspired.

Guest Post : Design Shuffle

While I am away on yet another vacation with the family. Design Shuffle has offered to write a guest post for my blog! Today's post is about Black and White decor, if you know my at all, you know I love black and white palette!

Hi all! I'm Jennifer and I write for Design Shuffle, a social media site that chronicles the work of top interior designers around the world. I've been writing about home decor since graduating university and have loved it ever since. I'm addicted to patterned fabrics, Jonathan Adler, chaise lounges, old doors, milk glass jars, antiques, and more. I feel honoured to be back sharing with readers a few rooms that have black and white palettes with a dash of fun color.

Many homeowners with black and white decor want decorating ideas to add a little color to their spaces. While a monochromatic palette can be incredibly visually appealing in bathroom designs, kitchen designs, living room designs, and more, a touch of red, blue or yellow can up the style factor tenfold - there's no shortage of color options when black and white provides such a neutral backdrop.

Black birds via homeindo

A cozy kitchenette, with a dramatic accent wall imprinted with birds, looks more organic with a vase budding with freshly-cut herbs and red table linens.

Butter me up via Better Home And Garden

One bedroom design idea that is heavenly is to mix punches of black and white with a hit of yellow - the contrast is simply lovely.

An apple a day via home INTERIOR gallery

One of the yummiest colors to add to a black and white scheme is apple green - the cushions in this casual eating area are just what the style doctor ordered.

A splash or orange and green via Revolution Church

A black and white tween's bedroom design gets a good dose of color with some orange and green touches on the walls and bedding.

A melange of color via BeInteriorDecorator

A long entryway in stark black and white is visually appealing because of a few flecks of color, like the red jacket and throw blanket as well as the green framed print.

A room with edge via Fixture-World.com

Most people would never dare to paint their bedroom walls black, but it's not nearly as startling with small coloured paintings that break up the infinite darkness.

Red roses via Best House Design

Red is one of those optimal complimentary colours that meshes perfectly with black and white - it's an interior design idea that works well in modern kitchen.

Posh pink via The Glam Lamb

There's something so divine about black and white spaces with pink - a pale pink wall creates the prettiest of backdrops for a white couch and black silhouette framed pictures.

This post comes courtesy of Design Shuffle, where you can find top tier interior designs from around the world ñ from New York interior designers, San Francisco interior designers, and more, check out the latest at Design Shuffle.

Thanks for that! 

Don't forget to enter my giveaway. 

My daughter has opened up an Etsy shop and has generously donated a painting to giveaway!

XO Barbara

Re-covered Bulletin Board

Things don't stay the same in our house for long. 

After re-painting my son's room, I realized I didn't like his burlap bulletin board anymore. 

The burlap trend is alive and kicking but I can't say I have taken to it. Burlap is a crotchety sort, tickling my nose, making me sneeze.

 So bye-bye burlap. 

Hello black and white stripes.

 If you have been following along you will notice my obsession with black and white stripes. I have recovered this, that, and made this with the same fabric. 

Yes, I love stripes.

Come back to see how I made this, just in case you are dying to know how.

XO Barbara

Bedroom: 7 Zen ideas to inspire II

Bedroom is not just another room in our home, but integral to our life's daily unwinding. Its should be the one place where you can let worries go and relax in its peaceful atmosphere. Zen is a perfect decor inspiration for bedroom designs. Think about serenity, uncluttered thoughts, peaceful retreat..a getaway from all the outside stress. The flow of energy is uninhabited, and restful. 

The key to having a zen aura is letting energy flow, uncluttered simple layout, minimal furniture , lots of light and air with balanced colors. A spot of greenery or flowing water will add to the serenity. It should feel like nature.

Check out my earlier Zen ideas for living room and bedroom for more inspiration!!

The colors in this design is so serene. Blue like skies with sunlight and green fronds, lots of positive energy here. Love the simple elegant furniture design. Very stylish and Zen!

Green is a very soothing color. Its a gentle shade which is relaxing and easy on eyes. The bedroom set in light color wood and compliments the lovely wall color. Nothing too bright or complex, yet packs an impact. Love the framed leaves artwork too.

Yin yang, and how they compliment each other. This Zen bedroom decor has accents in black and white and they balance so beautifully to bring harmony. I love everything about it. The sensible space saving furniture, clean lines, lovely airy window and the energy of yellow. Perfection!

Zen bedroom design can also be modern and stylish. This design has all the key aspects; open layout, ample light, few but impressive furniture and balance of color. Black and white uber stylish bedroom with a splash of blue. Perfect abode for recharging.

The bedroom design is so stunning! Charcoal gray interior walls juxtaposed with bright light is very impressive. There is a lot of diffused lightning in the room and simple elegant furniture. The bamboo shoots against the natural light makes for an interesting accent.

The simple, functional elegance of this bedroom is effortlessly beautiful. The color palate is neutral and the room is well decorated without over crowding. Each piece belongs and is integral to the decor. Don't miss the full length french window.

This bedroom design is streamlined and so delicate. The ivory walls is like a canvas which allows each furniture and accent to show up. A little goes a long way. Simple Chinese lanterns and tatami mat complete the zen look.

Try some form of  Zen in your home decor and lives. I am sure you will love the value it will add to you and your loved ones. The energy will fill your homes and lives, and leave you more happy and peaceful. De-clutter and let the energy flow, today!

How-to Make Striped Drapes Using Ikea Drapery Panels

One sewing project I have been slaving over working on and finally completed was sprucing up some plain store bought drapery panels. My daughter wanted striped drapes, we searched for wide-striped fabric but after the calculating yardage, price and work involved we made these instead.

All that was required was this:

Ritva drapes from Ikea.

And some contrasting fabric:

Here is the how-to:

You need:

• Store bought drapery panels {I used Ritva drapes from Ikea for $39.99, I liked the weight and the header on these drapes}
• Fabric for stripes, your choice, but choose a fabric with a similar weight and weave as the drapes, I used 3 meters, it will vary, depending on how wide and how many stripes you would want
• Long ruler
• Chalk
• thread to match the fabric {or you can use contrasting thread to add some interest}
• Hand sewing needle
• Pins
• Sewing Machine
• Iron

*You could use fusible webbing if you didn't feel like sewing. 

*Another option: You could line the drapes to really give them a custom look, but I chose not to.

How to:

Hem the drapes following the directions on the package.

First determine how wide you want your stripes and how many would be needed on your drapery panel. My finished length was 86". I chose 7"wide stripes and determined I needed to cut 6 for each panel. 

 Lay out your fabric and measure strips 1" wider and 2" longer that your desired width and length. This is to allow for hems.

My drapes were 57" wide and I wanted 7" high stripes. Using chalk, I measured out 12 - 8" X 59" strips.

Using a quilting square or a dressmaker right angle ruler works well to get even strips.

Cut out strips and iron a half inch hem on one side running the length of the strip.

Then iron a half inch hem on the opposite side, using a measuring tape to ensure the strip is 7"wide after the edges are ironed. Leave the ends un-hemmed.

Start pinning down the strips. I determined my strips would begin 4"from the top, that way I ended up with even spaces of black and white down to the bottom hem.

 Continue this down the drape, spacing 7" between the strips. Leave the edges overhanging.

Topstitch the edges of the strips with your sewing machine, leaving the ends free.

Iron the edges over to the back and pin.

Slip stitch the edge hems. Press edges with iron.

Hang up!

Now I am working on sewing working Roman blinds for all three kids' rooms. The sewing part has been easy, but I am having a hard time finding parts in the right widths. I can't find wooden dowels {these help the folds} wider than 48" without having custom cut dowels from the fabric store. That brings up the price dramatically. 

I need 57" wide, anyone have any tips?

{No, I don't like Little Green Notebook's way of making Roman blinds}

XO Barbara