Boxwood Clippings

Our client, Lisa approached us needing help with her master bedroom. She has just moved in to a beautiful brand new home and having a hard time visualizing her master bedroom around her existing furniture.

As she is finishing and furnishing the whole house right now we need to help her create a great space with minimal costs. We’ll accomplish this by three huge bang-for-your-buck changes:

1. Paint: Hands down paint is the least-expensive option to update a room. We’ve chosen a warm gray to modernize the space that will compliment the creamy furniture and create a warm and inviting environment.

2. Linens: The bed is the main feature of a master bedroom and we’ll be adding a few layers of linens to scream comfort.

3. Large Modern Lamps: With the chunky furniture already present in the room modern accents are a must to add a hint of sophistication and glamor to this master suite. Large lamps are definitely needed to flank the master bed and ground the large furniture in the space.

We will be shopping the sales to make sure this room turns out fabulous with just three changes and a minimal budget, we’ll keep you posted on the result!

Please let us know if you would like help with a design dilemma or consultation. We can work with any budget. Please email us at mail [at] boxwoodclippings [dot] com.

I have to admit I’ve been spending way too much time lately looking at window treatments.

The new house will have lots of windows, and treatments are on top of the to-do list.

My number one concern is a cohesive look when looking at the house from the outside. Ideally I would like every window to have moldings added (the windows will be totally bare without any casing), bamboo blinds as well as classic drapery panels…

milkandhoneyhome.com

In reality, with budget and time being factors I need to start with something simpler. I need your help and your experiences of what you liked best…

Classic Panels: Easy, breezy and beautiful or annoying to open and close and ‘fix’ each time?

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Roman Blinds: All you need?

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Plantation Shutters: Expensive, but worth it?

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Bamboo Blinds: Inexpensive, but do they really keep the light out?

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Can you tell I’ve given myself a headache? I’m trying to steer clear of the classic 2″ blind dust trap, but they are so affordable, easy and unoffensive to the eye. Maybe I should just start with these? Insights and thoughts please!

The next Draper house decision I am pondering is the master bathroom mirrors. The standard option is to get the huge, gargantuan mirror. I think it’s going to be a lot like Sarah’s with a double vanity, white counter tops and lights over each sink:

My cabinets will be a dark brown ‘java’ color though. I have mixed feelings about massive mirrors like these.

On one hand, it would be nice to be able to have a big mirror to see myself before headed out of the door in the morning (no large mirror currently in the apartment). It also would cost no additional money.

On the other hand, that is a big mirror and my husband is a big water splasher. I would have to clean that baby every day.  Also, their are so many fun options to be had to customize the master bath, I’m not sure if I can commit to the large mirror being glued to the wall.

Here are a few options I am contemplating. I would love any help and advise please!

Option 1: It has been very popular lately to add paneling to a large mirror and I love the look:

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Option 2: Round mirrors. As you know, I LOVE THIS OPTION. I could easily be persuaded on pivot, oval mirrors too.

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Option 3: Rectangle mirrors. Traditional, classic and never out of date.

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Option 4: Medicine cabinets. I love our current medicine cabinet above our sink, it helps me stay so organized! I am a big fan of two cabinets hung next to each other:

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Do you have a preference in bathroom mirrors? What do you think is the best choice considering both aesthetics and functionality?

A friend and loyal reader of ours asked us to solve a design dilemma for her daughter Brittany. Britt moved to NYC a couple of months ago, and while she’s been busy planning and decorating the rest of her apartment, she was at a bit of a loss as to what to do with the kitchen. Having a budget of $100 we came up with this design board.

By adding just a few accessories you can really help spruce up a dull room, and as this is may just a temporary apartment for Britt, we wanted to make sure we were suggesting things that would work in most kitchen spaces, and easily transportable.

THE DETAILS:

No. 1 Lantern: These lanterns have been our fave for years, they make a huge impact and cost only $5 from IKEA. Adding light, always adds warmth.

No.2 Art: We wanted part of the apartment to show off NYC, and what better way than subway stops.

No.3 Plants: Bringing living things into any space adds life, and air. We suggested easy herbs like Rosemary; that look good, smell lovely and spice up any dish. The plant pots are also from IKEA $2.99 each.

No.4 Clocks: We adore the look of clocks, and the more the merrier. We suggested 3 in a row, with time zones of family members in different cities. These are from Target, and cost $3.99 each. (Also seen in our post HERE)

No.5 Jars: These came to mind immediately when I saw Britt’s kitchen, as the counters + drawers are white, while the rest of the cabinets are wood. Not only are they functional but look great too. Currently on clearance at IKEA for $3.99 each

No.6 Baskets: Britts kitchen also has a few open shelves were she keeps food items. All the different packaging of food items can make the place look messy and disorganized, by simply hiding them in baskets you’ve done an instant clean! Baskets $6.99-$12.99 at IKEA.

No. 7 Tea Towels: These are a great way to add a burst of colour and pattern. These are from Dwell at Target, and can only be found in some locations or online $12.99.

No. 8 Photo Frames: As always these are a vessel to add any personal touch. We suggested framing some favorite family recipes or some recent snapshots of the city.

We had so much fun with this project, and hope we successfully helped Britt’s new home feel like home!

Britt, we’d love to see before and after shots if you have time to snap some. x

Our very first Design Dilemma comes from one of our great friends Emili, who just moved into a new home. They plan on living in this house for three years while her husband attends dental school. Although she already made a great start to her house (loving the paint colour), she had a question as to what to do above her coach.

Take a look at what she’s up to so far:

Suggestions we think would work great:

Option no.1: Frames in Rows, the thing that is a great about this option, is that it can really add visual hight or width to a space that’s lacking. In Emi’s situation it can help unify a tricky wall, as the stair railing is cutting into this otherwise blank wall.

(Image, opps…forgotten source)

Option no.2: Picture Shelves, these are great for versatility…if you’re the type of person who can’t commit these are a great alternative as you can switch out any of the frames and even add accessories.

(image via IKEA)

Option no.3: Large Print, this is a simple yet striking solution to any big space.

(Image via ELLE DECOR)

Final Decision:

We think option no.1 is the best. It’d look perfect in Emi’s space and really help balance out the wall. Here’s what it would look like.

VERICALLY:

HORIZONTALLY:

Which way do you guys like it best?

There are some great frames at Target, that hold a 8×10 print; unfortunately I can’t find them online, but in stores they are around $5 and have a certificate in them. Any prints or snapshots would work as long as the colours are the same, or they’re all black and white.

Command picture hanging strips have been a life saver while living in my apartment.  They take away all the anxiety of hanging things on the wall, especially when you want to hang a whole gallery of frames like this.  You can try the look without having to put holes in the wall and change it around as often as you like.  Come moving time, you just pull them off without having to putty and paint.   The best place I have found these is at Michael’s.  They have a large selection and I use the 40% weekly coupon to make the strips more affordable.

We’re also thinking option no.3 (a large print) would work perfectly above the desk, to help bring the different height of the bookshelf’s together.

Emi thanks for asking us to do this, we hope you like your options, please keep us posted on what you decide.

Wow, today we are celebrating our 100th post, holler!

We know of no better way to celebrate than a good olde giveaway…and because we’re uber excited we’ll make that TWO!

GIVEAWAY NO.1: Is a set of handmade coasters, made by twine & twig. These will available shortly in our up coming Boxwood Store, but now one of you can win preview set of your colour choice.

GIVEAWAY NO.2: Is introducing our new feature Design Dilemma, as Em + I both fancy ourselves as interior designers, we’re on a mission to help solve design dilemmas in your homes, as well as our own.

Two winners will win an personalized inspiration board, and instructions on how to solve your specific design questions in your home.

(Photographer: Pieter Estersohn via elledecor.com)

To enter simply leave a comment, by Monday 23rd 12.00 MST, winners will be selected at random.

Good Luck!