Save and Splurge Mondays! - DIY Monogram Napkins

I just love making pretty things, almost as much as a like saving money.  BUT, when you can do both at the same time.....WELL, winner winner chicken dinner.  Speaking of dinner.  I wanted to share with you my dinner table complete with DIY monogram napkins I made for myself.  This monday, instead of showing you just furniture I decided to show you a save and splurge at the dinner table!  Bon Appetite and happy crafting!

My inspiration design..... BEAUTIFUL isn't it!  I just love the sharp contrast of the crisp white linen with the bold graphic monogram.  These are from http://www.leontinelinens.com and will run you between $135 - $145 depending on size and style.  Love them, BUT.... that's a grocery bill right there!

Click on picture to take you to the link above

Now here is my version.  Not hand stitched, but I think it looks pretty good.  What do you think?  I bought the white napkins from Walmart for $1.97 per pair, used iron on transfer paper and Viola!  My own monogram napkins for less than 5 BUCKS!!!!  

This is what it looked like on my tablescape.  To view my quick tutorial on making your own, click the pictures below or my link to the right. YouTube channel "That's Your Q"- DIY Monogram Napkins 

Thanks for reading, Ciao of Now!  

-Quintece-

Save and Spurgle Mondays! - Sofa Seats and Lights OH MY!

I love Mondays!  It's a brand new week and a fresh start at spending money...lol!

Check out some of these Save and Splurge Monday finds!  Enjoy.  

This sofa from Kravet is GORGEOUS, I love the tufting and the simple lines of the high arms.  The nailhead trim detail is and interesting touch as it creates a pattern on the apron of the sofa.  Since this is a custom piece the price range varies depending on fabric choice.  However I can guess at the starting price of $2200. That's before you have to buy the fabric....jeepers!

Kravet Malibu Sofa 

NOW, LOOKY HERE!  This sofa is just as cute!  It's a little more beefy in the arms, but the style is very similar and will give you the same elegance in your space with the the tufting detail.  It's missing the nailhead but if you're feeling the DIY fever then add it yourself.  It's actually not that difficult.  This one is from Home Decorators.com and has a price tag of $849.00 and it already comes with the fabric.  It's limited in terms of color choices but I still love the look of this sofa.  It actually looks more comfortable than the Kravet piece.

 

Home Decorators Collection $849.00

How I love Barbra Berry....let me count the ways....one (elegant style), two (clean detailing), three (super sexy curves)....four, ok I could go on for a while.  They gave this armchair the PERFECT NAME, Graceful!   Yes I find this chair to be just that.  Graceful, elegant and pristine.  Like a fine tailored business suit.  The structured back, the tight seat cushion and the contrasting exposed wood.  This armchair is beautiful and CRAZY expensive.  We used this chair in a design a while back.  I can't remember the exact price, but I do remember it was a tough sell because of the price. 

Barbara Barry Graceful Arm Chair

Bailey Street Crystal Side Chair

This one is made by a company called Bailey Street.  They have changed up the style slightly by making the back a little straighter.  It doesn't follow the same rounded back as the Barry chair.  They have removed the arms and added a scalloped detail to the apron and legs.  However, it still carries the same oval cut out detail on the back giving this chair the same elegance at $498.00.

CLARISSA GLASS DROP EXTRA-LONG RECTANGULAR CHANDELIER

Let's touch on lighting for a second....This fixture is sooooo pretty.  It gives your space that vintage look and would look phenomenal in a dressing room, closet, or even a chic dining room.  Actually there are so many places I would use this piece.  The teardrop glass pieces remind me of a summer rain storm (corny I know, but it does).  I love that they paired the droplets with an antique filigree finish on iron.  The contrasting finishes adds wonderful texture to the piece and makes you appreciate it's individuality.  I also LOVE that it's rectangular.  Most dining rooms have rectangular shaped tables or oval so this little baby would look even better keeping with the shape of a table.  This is from Pottery Barn and it's called the Clarissa Glass Drop Chandelier and it's a WHOPPING $800 buckeroos!  BUT GOODNESS it's pretty!

Crystal Glass Drop 3-Light Antique Copper Chandelier

This Crystal Glass Drop 3-Light Antique Copper Chandelier from Overstock.com works perfectly as the Clarissa stunt double and at a price tag of $170.00 you just can't beat that.  It's smaller in size to the Clarissa but the design is just as pretty.  I have used this chandelier in a small Manhattan apartment and the client and I couldn't have been happier.  YES it was a gamble purchasing this one from Overstock.com after seeing the Clarissa, but I'm glad we did.  It still cast a fair amount of light and it was lite on the the pocketbook...lol.

I hope you enjoyed that!  I did!  I love sharing bargain deals with you and I hope that you subscribe to my blog so I can continue to inform the FRUGALISTAS of the world about the look for less!

Ciao for Now!

-Q-

Capella Kicheloe - "Maga Makeover"

Capella Kincheloe Interior Design does a great job at keeping this light and airy yet colorful and visual exciting.  I like the use of an accent wall done in a graffic pattern.  It really sets of the seating arrangement place in front.  Since the picture doesn't source the products in this photo, I can tell you what the retail price of the items might be, but I can still find affordable subs to get you started.

For example, the wallcovering in the space is a really pretty gray and white Moroccan pattern.  I like the idea of adding texture to the walls with this gray and white contrast.  It's dramatic without it being over the top.  I found this gray and white pattern below, Allen Roth Spanish Tile Wallcovering from Lowes at $20.98 per double roll.  That's a pretty good price considering most designer wall covering are averaging about $45.00 per roll.

  

The lamps in the photo appear to be of a crystal variety.  Again, I can't be for certain, but many have probably seem this trendy style of lamp in your local TJ Maxx, Homegoods, or ANY HOME STORE for that matter.  They are extremely popular and very affordable.  I found these Quad Stacked Crystal Lamps from LampsPlus.com the set is $149.00.  

 

That coffee table in the picture looks like it came STRAIGHT out of the box from IKEA.  SHHHOOOOTT!  IKEA, well I can't bet those prices...lol. LACK coffee table from Ikea in white for $19.99

 

I love the graphic print fabric on the throw pillows.  It gives the neutral sofa some dimension and color.  I chose this Bail Toss Pillow in Navy from Target.com $31.00 because I think the pattern design is not only similar, but a little easier on the eye.  It's not as bold as the one in the photo because of it's selective negative space in the design.  

 

I want to point out the cobalt glass on the table because I think the designer did a great job selecting just the right piece to bring more life into the design.  Cobalt blue is one of my favorite colors, but you have to be very careful with this tricky devil.  It can go wrong in a heart beat.  You have to use it right, and when you do it brings such a royal quality to your look.  The glassware on the table is actually a vase but I like the item of putting a jar on the table instead of flowers.  One like this Colbalt Blue Glass Biscuit Jar from Galesgifts.com for $8.00, is perfect.  You can stash some yummy treats in them for when you're lounging on the sofa or reading a book in your comfy chair.

Speaking of chairs, the one in the photo is a good mixture of exposed frame and upholstery.  It creates this cozy yet firm, structured yet stylish, soft yet firm look to it.  Kind of like salty and sweet.  That's right ladies, you know what I'm talking about.  That salty sweet combo is no different then the cravings for a good piece of furniture.....lol, at least in my eyes.   LOVE THEM! However they can be hard to find.  I like these armless chairs too.  They definitely give off the comfy vibes, and the exposed legs still gives you a little salty....lol.

Dexter Navy Armless Chair $235.99

Cassidy Indigo Ikat Armless Chair $259.99

I'm not a fan of the animal print foot stool in front of the coffee table, but if you are I would suggest a place like Homegoods, Garden Ridge, and other home discount store such as those.  I see them come through those places all the time.

Well I hope you enjoyed that "Maga Makeover".  If you have a magazine picture that you would like me to try and recreate, please feel free to email me the photo at thatsyourqdesigns@gmail.com

Ciao for now!

Casual Elegance, basement makeover from the Washington Post "House Calls"

So I decided to participate in this feature for the Washington Post called "House Calls".  It's where readers get to submit their design problems and the Post finds a designer to help them with their design solutions.  Here is my feature.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/home/house-calls-make-room-for-music-and-play/2013/06/25/8add3a64-d774-11e2-a016-92547bf094cc_story.html

The article really doesn't explain the level of difficulty in this design challenge, but I will!

If you take a look at the article, you will find a picture of what the space looks like now!  But here are some more.

They wanted this area of their home to have multiple purposes.  When I first looked at it, I have to tell you, I was stumped!  Even my kids playroom isn't this filled with stuff!  Not only do they want to keep the kids play area, they also wanted the husband to be able to keep his drum set there, have a sofa/seating area, storage, home office and laundry area.  OMG, say what now!  Well GAME ON!!!!

Well after racking my brain over several different layouts I came up with this one.  

The hall area is the perfect place for the office area.  It's rather wide in the hall and can house a nice size desk and shelving for more storage.  Top it with this cute lamp from Pier1, texture texture texture! Across the hall I added a mirror to bounce some more light around the space.  Add this garden stool for color.

Adding the storage units on the left as you come into the space is going to give the home owner MUCH needed tuck-a-way space.  OH YES, we are putting doors on that clutter bug! The one thing I really love about the storage I added is that it's completely customizable (whoa, is that a real word, because spell check says it's not).  From size, to the interior guts, to color, to door style.  Now I chose to add fretwork to the doors to spice up the plain white doors.  Check out myoverlays.com.  They specifically make overlays/fretwork for IKEA furniture.   

The owner wants to change the flooring to tile...so...I suggested they add an area rug for warmth and sound control.  OK, as a designer I would try and talk them out of changing the flooring to tile. If they are going to have kids on the floor and BLARING DRUMS in the space they are going to want a material that will be soft of the feet and absorb sound. But hey that's what they want.  

Since the space isn't that large I opted not to have a 3 seater sofa.  Honestly, no one want to sit in the middle....lol.  So instead I placed an armless loveseat and a side chair in the far corner to create a good seating area where you can actually sit and have a convo.  I choose the armless because it was less bulky in this tight space.  Next to the sofa I added nesting tables.  I love nesting tables.  They are great conceptually and great functionally.  You can tuck them under one another to save space or you can pull them away from each other to create separate surface space.  The lamp I chose is PRICEY, but I just love the glass and mesh combo.  Casual Elegance. LOVE IT!  The sofa pillows are two lumbar pillows done in a P Kaufman fabric.  You can find custom pillows like these on Etsy.com  

I love coffee tables, but I love OTTOMAN coffee tables even more.  They are all over my house...lol.  Seriously!  They are very kid friendly, comfortable to put your feet up, and another great way to add texture and color to the space with fabric.  

Some of the accessories I picked I chose with the kids in mind.  I added some floor pillows for reading and playing.  These bicycle figures are fun too.

I think house plants always add life to a space and so I tend to put them in all my designs.  However, if you're like me they will be dead before the week is out.  So this faux ficus is great for areas that don't receive a lot of light.  Place is on top of this Mocorran side table for height.  I placed it next to the storage units becasue I could not run the units all the way down to the wall because of the door.  I didn't like the blank space, so this fills it out great.

Lastly, I want to mention the wall color.  Again if you look at the article and pix above you will see the space has this VERY dated dark paneling on the bottom half of the wall.  It's creating this crave like atmosphere and in a perfect world with lots of money I would have told the home owner to just get rid of it, but since they are working with a tight budget, let's just paint it a soft off white and on the top half of the wall I'm thinking a calming cool blue-gray color.  Benny Moore's Nimbus Gray is perfect.

Ok, lastly...the short stubby windows.  Most homes with a finished basement have these high up windows, and no one knows what to do with them.  I would suggest a double rod with white sheers in back and color side hanging drapes to add height.  This will keep your eye from reminding you that you are partly under ground.  

As for some of the other challenges in the space....the owner didn't ask me to address these, but I feel as a designer it's my job to be thorough.  The lighting in the space is currently a LARGE (and I do mean L-A-R-G-E) fluorescent fixture.  IF budget permits, they should really invest in recessed lighting set on a dimmer.  This will be much better task lighting for playing, laundry, etc.  The laundry area needed doors!  I would put floor to ceiling bi-folds on the closet area housing the appliances.  This way you can keep it out of sight, but still have easy access when needed.  Why bi-folds?....They take up less floor space to open.  

Well I hope you enjoyed that!  Don't hesitate to email me you design dilemmas and I'll see what I can do.  thatsyourqdesigns@gmail.com.

Ciao for Now.

The Great Outdoors - Save and Splurge Monday!

Welcome back to another Save and Splurge Monday!

I decided to focus this Monday on the GREAT OUTDOORS!  Face it, when the weather gets warm, no one wants to work, we just want to be outside in the open air.  Outdoor living spaces are becoming more and more popular these days.  I mean WHY NOT, you paid for the real estate you might as well find ways to enjoy it!

I love this outdoor Chatham Low Platform Sectional from Pottery Barn.  The overall look of the piece is very simple and clean.  You can order it in different configurations to fit your space as needed.  I think the slat back on the frames adds a nice SIMPLE detail that allows you to maneuver your seating arrangement anyway you like it and it still looks good from all sides.  One problem I have with this piece are the 8,000 pillows. (ok, so not that many but you get my point)  Yes, it looks super comfy, but any of us with kids should definitely think twice about ordering all of those fort makers.  All in all I still love the piece.  This combination would cost you in the ball park of about $2200.00.

This piece is a similar in style and function as the Pottery Barn piece, but.....wait for it!.....it's only 640 BUCKS.  BAM in your face savings.  Now of course it doesn't have the multitude of pillows like the Chatham does, but you know how I feel about that.  It also has a slightly high platform then the Chatham, so this piece has longer legs, but that's why they call the Chatham LOW. This sectional system is from Ikea and it's called APPLARO. 

Garden Stools are SUPER trendy.  They step on to the design scheme a few years ago and the trend is still holding strong.  What's great about garden stools is since they are usual made of ceramic material they will last extremely well in the outdoors.  You can use them as tables, seating or plant stands.  Totally worth the money to have one.  They can also be used indoor.  I have one in my living room as a side table. The garden stool on the left is the Anitque Garden Stool from Horchow for (GULP) $760.00!  But the Urban Trends Garden Stool on the right is from overstock.com at $209.99.   Personally, I have seen this garden stool at Homegoods for $60.00 so keep your eyes OPEN and snatch it up if you see it for that price!

Garden accessories are a fun aspect to add to your outdoor space.  These two statues are very similar in shape.  They are different in style however.  On the left Pineapple Finial from Restoration Hardware for $95.00.  On the right, Artichoke Finial from Frontgate for $49.00.  I actually like the Artichoke better!  What do you think?

            

That's it for now.  I hope you enjoyed that little tid bit of frugalness.  Ciao for Now!

-Q-