January 2019 - Slave to DIY

DIY Restoration Hardware Knock Off Velvet Curtains

Posted on January 31, 2019March 24, 2020 by admin

Can you hear me laughing maniacally from there? I believe once I added in the shipping it was five hundred dollars from Restoration Hardware! For TWO luxuriously wonderful curtain panels. Yes, TWO. Not two sets. Two panels. ON SALE. I swallowed my insanity, put down my wine glass, closed the tab, and let reality sink in. Allow me a moment to get my blood pressure back down. Look, I admire Restoration Hardware’s whole seductive look they have going on, but I’m apparently in the wrong tax bracket to be shopping there. They’re CURTAINS. As in, fabric that adds privacy and style to windows. Not exactly life or death. So, I did what I do best: I found a way around their ridonculous pricing. But, first let’s bask in the sexy glory of Vintage Velvet Drapery for just a moment.

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see full disclosure at the end of the post.

Restoration Hardware

Luckily for us, Restoration Hardware likes to brag about their designers and suppliers. Woot! It ALSO turns out their velvet supplier, J.B. Martin, is available on Fabric.com and Amazon (let’s hear it for non-exclusive suppliers). And (even better) I have a mother that is awesome with a sewing machine. WIN.

I almost purchased the J.B. Martin Banker’s Gray Velvet on Amazon, but decided I wanted a darker gray. So, I found 54″ wide fabric instead J.B. Martin’s Velvet in Graphite, to EXACTLY match the curtains I couldn’t afford from RH, shipped them directly to her… And here they are… (DRUM ROLL, PLEASE)…

RH knock off, DIY Velvet Curtains with Pottery Barn Chesterfield Grand Sofa

So, we made two 96″X50″ exact duplicate panels for the jaw dropping low price of:

$169.05

We saved $330.95 off of retail RHs SALE price.

So, not cheap, but CHEAPER. And gorgeous. And happy me.

Here are some shots with fewer distractions:

Yaaaas! I just love them!

Check out more of our awesomeness on our blog! Cheers!

*Legal stuff:

I am honest about my experiences with different products and write because I enjoy it. I do however, have the opportunity to earn money for my writing, also.

Slavetodiy.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon offers a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links. Each of your purchases via our Amazon affiliation links supports our cause at no additional cost to you.

If a blogger links to an Amazon product (with a special code for affiliates embedded in the link), and a reader places an item in their “shopping cart” through that link within 24 hours of clicking the link, the blogger gets a small percentage of the sale. Amazon links are not “pay per click.” If you click on the product link and stay around Amazon and purchase something else, however, I will get a commission on that sale.

Slavetodiy.com is also a VigLink affiliate advertiser which works similarly.

Mashup Monday 6: Inspired Ways to Update Your Fireplace

Posted on January 28, 2019March 29, 2019 by admin

I’ve been looking for ways to update our sad, tired fireplace surround, and it’s difficult because there are SO many great options out there. Some are quick updates, some are complete overhauls. I knew when I started looking that I want something classic that won’t need an update in ten years, so I narrowed it down to stone, cast stone, brick, with some raw wood finishes. Keep in mind, we’ll be tackling this ourselves (DIY rocks) so I need to make sure that I’m not getting us in over our heads. Now I need to narrow down the options and find the perfect design.

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see full disclosure at the end of the post.

This is our current fireplace. So, why the redesign? Well, I hate it. I hate the TV above it with the cords showing (this was designed for the big tube TVs so there’s a ton of wasted space in the back). I hate that the gas insert is totally inefficient (there’s no fan, and everything on the mantel has to be moved so it doesn’t get fried if you ever want to actually turn the fireplace on). Most annoyingly, the mantel can’t really get decorated the way I want because the stupid TV is sitting there staring me in the face.

Slavetodiy.com, Original fireplace with gas log insert

This was designed to be the living room, which obviously did not work for us. We made the tiny dining room an office, the music room our living room, and the living room (that looks into the kitchen), the dining room/keeping room. Now that we are officially finished with the living room, I feel comfortable starting the re-design on the dining room, that will inevitably creep into the beginning of a kitchen reno (I’m sure Rainman won’t realize what I’m doing until it’s too late).

Anyway, here are some of the ideas I came up with for inspiration:

The Stone Wall:

I love stone and this is a great, clean look. However, I definitely have to have a mantel and a way to conceal a TV, even if it isn’t visible all the time.

This is a stunning look, and believe it or not, in a new build. They nailed the Pennsylvania Dutch, antique Americana look in the awesomeness of new construction. Bravo. It does not, however, solve my problem with a visible television.

There are so many outstanding elements in this, particularly the varied stone sizes. It’s breathtaking. The beams may be a bit too rustic for our place, however.

Stone and Poured Stone Forms:

I had to include this because it is just SO cool. I researched what this company does and they pour forms to your exact fireplace dimensions. It’s still real stone, but is lighter and you can DIY in a snap. VERY cool. We won’t use this particular design but we may end up using one of their other, more classic, designs.

This is awesome because it combines several different finishes. The brick INSIDE and on the hearth is perfect, crowned with cast stone. The scale is fantastic. I think I could easily incorporate a hidden TV above because of the depth.

Another similar cast stone mantel surround topped with a rustic, wood slab. I love it, but it’s still slightly too raw for what we’re going for.

This is awesome. Super awesome. I adore it paired with the travertine. Simply elegant.

I LOVE the scale of this. If I could transport a replica of this directly to my house I would definitely do it. I just need a hearth to cover the wood. Sigh.

A mix of shiny marble, a classic stone surround, and a resident florist? Yes please.

This is obviously a little too formal for what we’re doing, but the look was too good not to share. I’d like to sign up for bath time, please.

Painted Brick Updates:

So, obviously, I’m not starting with an eighties brick fireplace. But, it would be SO much easier if I was. Because this look is trendy and CLASSIC, a rare find. Check out this inspiration on how to update a brick fireplace surround with paint.

This one they weren’t messing around. They went ALL the way white. It’s very pretty.

This guy is a little more “Joanna Gaines” chippy white, with a heavily applied German Shmear technique. It’s really nicely done.

For a more modern take on the painted fireplace brick, this is a sweet alternative and would work with a number of different design styles.

Aaaaand straight to farmhouse. Light German Shmear, shiplap backed builtins, and a rustic mantel. Very NOW.

The FAUX Fireplace:

So, here’s another thought on design inspiration. How about a FIRELESS fireplace? Or a focal point without functionality? I love the idea of constructing something without having to do demo first (and keep in mind any of these could easily add an electric fireplace kit if you really want the additional ambiance).

This one was done in multiple stages and is very effective in warming and styling what was previously a drab, stark, and boring room.

The lady behind the design is creative and ingenious at finding inexpensive ways to make her design spaces come to life. Antique mantels are relatively easy to find at salvage shops and this is a great idea of how to use them (I like that it’s a clever disguise for the air intake, too).

Deconstruct and Go:

For those of you lucky enough to live in older homes with character, sometimes just doing a little deconstruction and cleaning goes a long way.

This is stunning.

This is a little cleaner, but still looks original. I love it.

This is daring and rustic, and may exist in its natural form somewhere in a cabin in the woods. Possibly Narnia or the Shire.

With a simple slate hearth update, this is recreated into something gorgeous and functional. Love.

Thanks for hanging with us today and check out some of our other design inspiration and DIY projects on our blog. Cheers!

*Legal stuff:

I am honest about my experiences with different products and write because I enjoy it. I do however, have the opportunity to earn money for my writing, also.

Slavetodiy.com is also a VigLink affiliate advertiser which works similarly.

Mashup Monday 5: 22 Inspired Ways To Use Industrial Black Steel and Glass

Posted on January 21, 2019January 31, 2019 by admin

From the National Archives. A tennis racket factory with black rolled steel and glass windows.

A few years ago I spotted them for the first time, the black steel and glass doors on someone’s front entryway. And then the beautiful simplicity of them on someone’s windows. They’re the same kind you see on old abandoned, brick factories. Industrial. Vintage. Simple. Beautiful. Then I saw kitchen cabinet doors using this same industrial black steel and glass look, and I thought, oh, I’m going to have to have that. And, it’s sort of like someone said, “please fall in love with the MOST expensive way to do anything, possible.” And I did.

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see full disclosure at the end of the post.

The problem? Since then, in planning my kitchen reno, I’ve emailed several different companies for a quote, and my pantry doors in this black steel and glass are somewhere in the neighborhood of $2000 each. For a pantry door. Yeah. So, that’s not happening. I keep thinking maybe if I stall long enough, some brilliant and driven entrepreneur will start creating off-the-shelf cabinet doors in standard sizes that I can afford (off the shelf wood kitchen cabinet doors are widely available, so why not black steel and glass?).

I’m holding my breath, until I’m saved by my own personal Hank Reardon. We’ll pay, I promise! Just not custom pricing. Apparently, there’s not enough demand. So, maybe if I get the word out, we can create more demand so a supplier will crop up and start manufacturing these bad boys. Here’s some inspiration I’ve been collecting. It’s all for you, Hank. Make it happen.

Be inspired:

It is a neat concept to break up the space without it really being visually closed off.

This is about as cool as it gets for a bedroom door, unless you want any kind of privacy.

I adore the separation, the noise insulation, the cooking smell insulation (also, the me cursing at the stove insulation)… But, I would have to see the price tag. File this under “the most expensive room divider available.”

This is a possible door option for the pantry, I just want someone else to buy it first and let me know whether it is a suitable substitute or not. Because it’s like $700-ish on Amazon for a shower door. But, it could be a good option. I just don’t want to waste that much money if it sucks.

Cough.*** Will this cost me my first, or second born, in financing? Well worth it.

The part where places like this exist and are not part of my house, makes me desperately unhappy. “Welcome,” through my magnificent steel and glass door, “to the rest of my ridiculously awesome lodge with rustic stone fireplace.”

This particular fabrication company asks you to feel free to get a quote, but is nice enough to mention that, “for example, depending on options chosen, a 5’w x 8’t double door at the middle of our price range costs around $10,000 including standard dual-pane, Lowe glass and hardware, but not shipping and installation.” A statement which, inevitably, saves them time answering quote requests from people like me.

I love these windows. But, the problem is… if you splurged and did the kitchen windows, wouldn’t the vinyl, double hung everywhere else in the house look like poo?

Instagram, Kitchens of Instagram (with credits to “studiomcgee” and “Nicolehollissf”)

This look is amazing. I just love the industrial look of the cabinets.

From desiretoinspire.net Photographer Sara Niedzwiecka

This is the image that initially REALLY got me lusting after the factory steel windows look. It’s still my favorite. I love the wood cabinet frame with the inset doors.

Jean Allsopp with Birmingham Home and Garden

If you can afford something of this scale… This is a custom all-steel piece with wooden interior cabinetry. Sigh.

Nequette architects, Francis Bryant Construction

This is a nice custom look and I like that the cabinets are really just a frame with open back. What a way to make the look cohesive. Stunning.

This is another shot of that same, awesome kitchen. I love that the black carries over to the hutch on the opposite wall.

Using the quote that I got from the steel door folks, that looks to be about $12,000 in pantry doors. But, that stove is probably about the same as a new Volkswagen Jetta, loaded. So, while I may dream about winning the lottery someday, someone, somewhere has this (and a private chef that cooks in it for them).

Dark wood cabinets with the perfect black steel and glass overlay and moody strip lighting to illuminate your favorite kitchen collection. Yum.

I like these too, for those of us that dream about having a pretty Pantry but can’t QUITE get it there. I think I’d opt for antique glass though or something more traditional.

There it is again. Just taunting me. Tempting me.

Those builtins are an A+. How clever. Especially because they aren’t a true grid, but have the same appearance because of the black shelves.

I love it. BUT. Is this realistic for everyday use? I doubt I’d use glass shelves. But, replace those… and I’m sold. Artichoke, anyone?

This is super cool even if it’s a mid-century modern look.

e78382a7-6aa8-465d-955d-3e97b08d8815 — Maple Nest, Roost Curator’s Cabinet

So, I’m always looking for different ways to get the pieces I need, and I’m not above buying a piece of furniture so I can strip the doors off and use the rest of it elsewhere. This particular piece would make that door (for a 23.5″wide X 49″tall door) $797.95. That’s not quite big enough for a pantry and ridiculous for one door.

This piece runs $1620, with rough dimensions on each of four doors at 23″w X 38″ish in height. So, about $400 for one cabinet door. Yikes.

Kathy Kuo Home, Pickford Rustic Lodge Two Tone Wood Glass Display Cabinet

Guess what, this guy doesn’t even have steel doors. Those are painted wood look alikes. So, for this one (at 83″h X 47.5″w) you’ve got pantry size doors, but in wood, for the not-so-bargain price of $3108. That being said, I do love the interior on this, so if you’re looking for a glass door pantry piece, this is a functional, refined option.

So, now that you’re in love with the look, and have confirmed that this is ridiculously expensive to do for kitchen cabinet doors, please share aggressively in the hopes that someone, somewhere will start manufacturing these at a reasonable price. I’ll be their first buyer.

Thanks for coming along and check out more of our blog here!

*Legal stuff:

I am honest about my experiences with different products and write because I enjoy it. I do however, have the opportunity to earn money for my writing, also.

If a blogger links to an Amazon product (with a special code for affiliates embedded in the link), and a reader places an item in their “shopping cart” through that link within 24 hours of clicking the link, the blogger gets a small percentage of the sale. Amazon links are not “pay-per-click.” If you click on the product link and stay around Amazon and purchase something else, however, I will get a commission on that sale.

Slavetodiy.com is also a VigLink affiliate advertiser which works similarly.

Mashup Monday 4: 26 Inspired Ways To Style Your Preserved Boxwood Wreath

Posted on January 14, 2019January 25, 2019 by admin

I have been dying to get a preserved boxwood wreath for a long time. They’re classic, timeless, elegant, and versatile. They can be used as decor for every holiday or just for an everyday splash of green. I consider them one of those foundation pieces around which you can decorate for every season, and it’s worth spending the money to get an authentic one. I finally ordered mine from a wreath guru on Etsy, Door and Decor. I’m not an affiliate, I just think her work is awesome.

Here’s a shot of mine hanging proudly in the *almost completed living room:

Preserved Boxwood Wreath with iron and glass lantern, Kim Taylor Reece Photography in Koa Wood frames, and Lansing Leather Recliner from Pottery Barn

So, now that I have my beautiful wreath, I am looking for seasonal ways to style it and use it with the most impact. Here are a few of my favorites I found:

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see full disclosure at the end of the post.

From Pender and Peony, beautifully styled preserved boxwood wreath with navy blue ribbon on an ornate gilded frame mirror

From HGTV.com (Photo by David A. Land, styling by Matthew Gleason), not boxwood, but I like the idea of the wreath with a neutral ribbon and a matching garland for Christmas

From Etsy. I adore the silk tulips with the burlap ribbon. Classic and stunning for Valentine’s Day, Easter, or Spring

From Garnethill.com. I adore this hanging set with neutral ribbons. These would be super simple to DIY.

From Oliveandcocoa.com. I realize this would be VERY specific to Valentine’s Day decorating, and they’re pricy at $134, but if you can do it, it’s super cute.

From Donnahubbard on Etsy, I love the striped ribbon. A very classic Polo look for Fourth of July styling and summertime.

From Pier1.com, this is so attractive with a fall/harvest garland. It really kicks up the look in a clean, white kitchen

From garnethill.com I love this big wreath with baby wreaths. Great focal point on a blank wall.

From jet.com. I realize this is also very specific, like the heart wreath, but I would love it on a gallery wall on a shelf. It adds interest and color.

From Wayfair.com. I honestly don’t think I’d keep a boxwood next to my range, but I do dig the idea of the peace sign. Once again, I think it would be a poppy addition to a fun and eclectic gallery wall.

From betweennapsontheporch.net, I think this blogger is masterful with both styling and taste. I love this very classic styling for Christmas on a gorgeous mirror, well accessorized and simple. Bravo.

From This Old House. I adore the mirror and the trio of small boxwood wreaths. Stunning.

A stunning and simple design from Simplicityinthesouth.com. Well done, boxwood wreath with a rustic burlap ribbon on a great, panelled mirror.

From MercantileAtMulberry on Etsy. I love the combination of the painted sign, simple ribbon and round tobacco basket. This is a great statement piece.

From emoryvalleymercantile.com. This is a clever use of a 6″ wreath as part of an Easter tablescape. I love it.

Also from MercantileAtMulberry on Etsy. This mini boxwood wreath is so awesome hanging in the frame with a rustic ribbon.

From Julieblanner.com. Preserved boxwoods done even without frills are awesome. They are a strong standalone piece.

2855c15a-e97b-4d00-83c3-3a42993f37a3 — From JustOneElle on Etsy. I love incorporating greens into farmhouse decor and signs

Joss and Main. I would love a set of these on a dining tablescape or even on a side-table. Very simple and elegant.

Via Shop.lisarobertson.com. I’ve never seen these hanging on a lantern before and I really like the look, especially in a pair like this.

From decorsteals.com. This is a great deal at around $35 for a set of 3. What a great idea for a mini tablescape.

3e2422ae-ba46-4e69-9ea1-fd33d231a0a5 — From Ebay. This is probably my favorite Christmas or Winter decor idea with preserved boxwood wreaths. I love these on an antique sled. Very well done.

From Kirklands.com. This is such a great look with a combination of Preserved boxwood topiaries and wreaths. They look great even unadorned with ribbon.

Here’s another super clever and classic Christmas styling from betweennapsontheporch.net. I highly recommend following her on Pinterest and her blog.

From decorsteals.com. What a great idea to use these as a wreath necklace on faux animal busts on the wall. It reminds me of the winning horse at a steeplechase. How cool would a trophy cup underneath it be?

Source unknown. I totally dig a little bit of Christmas cheer in the kitchen. These mini preserved boxwood wreaths totally work.

I hope you were able to get some good ideas on how to decorate and style with Preserved Boxwood Wreaths. I would love to see how you use them in your own home in the comments!

Take care and check out more decorating and DIY renovations on our blog.

*Legal stuff:

I am honest about my experiences with different products and write because I enjoy it. I do however, have the opportunity to earn money for my writing, also.

Slavetodiy.com is also a VigLink affiliate advertiser which works similarly.

Mashup Monday 3: 17 Inspired Ways To Decorate With Maps In Your Home

Posted on January 7, 2019January 20, 2019 by admin

We are underway on a gorgeous home office remodel. The builtins were one of the first projects we tackled in the new house because Rainman’s desk was surrounded by boxes- literally stacked up to the top of the nine foot ceilings. Sorry if that was misleading. They’re not finished. Just waiting on trim, the cap and crown, and hardware. Like everything else here: we got to 90% finished and moved onto the next project.

4f252b48-e052-4499-b71a-0aedac774b39

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see full disclosure at the end of the post.

We may be the only people in the world that still maintain a library, but that’s a different story. The cool faux cowhide rug is super cool and we had existing office furniture from the old house that works. We got a fantastic Globe Light Fixture from World Market but I feel like the ceiling needs a special treatment. And, of course, hoping that the finishing touches to the builtins will follow the ceiling treatment, I started looking. We both dig maps and of course, the Compass Rose, so I am sorting through ways of using maps as ceiling and wall treatments. I am in love with this inspiration, so here are the best ideas I found.

Map on the ceiling:

Inside tray ceilings. Perfection.

Segretofinishes.com (Goodchild Builders, Designers Rudy Colby and Nicole Zarr)

If you happen to have an office/library the size of a ballroom with an exquisite arched ceiling, this is an excellent treatment. Bravo!

I love that the crown is incorporated as a frame inside the tray ceiling. Very well done.

So, no, the Compass Rose is not a map, but I was picturing it overlayed on a map. I do love the combination of the map on the wall in the background with the Rose on the ceiling.

I realize this isn’t a true map, but it feels like remnants of the map. I love how antiqued this is.

What an awesome design and commitment to book collection and proper display. I ADORE the ceiling nook with the added depth of the map.

5b0142b4-3952-46dd-b980-a5fddd5f330c — Painted by Hugh Luck

Apparently, this is a painting. Unreal. Stunning.

I adore the texture and colors in this.

What an elegant traditional office. The ceiling map is just the right touch.

Maps on the wall:

I love this little carved out nook and would love to see some wood shelves in there.

This vendor on Ebay (for the two above) has a whole bunch of different styles. I love that they’re only around sixty bucks… cheaper even than wallpaper for a comparable wall and WAY cooler!

This is so great. Rustic finishes and beams. The map really enhances the look.

Essener Mural Wallpaper paired with a gorgeous antique leather Chesterfield couch. Half Restoration Hardware, half steam punk. All love.

Here are some more examples I’d put on a wall OR on a ceiling:

This may be the one for the office ceiling. It’s perfection.

If you’re looking for more of a traditional map, but still with beautiful antiquing, this might be the way to go.

I hope you enjoyed exploring inspiration for decorating with maps with us and I would love to see some of your ideas/projects in the comments! I will share the results as soon as we get that map on the ceiling (here’s to everyone collectively holding their breath)!

Check out other inspiration and DIY posts here!

*Legal stuff:

I am honest about my experiences with different products and write because I enjoy it. I do however, have the opportunity to earn money for my writing, also.

Slavetodiy.com is also a VigLink affiliate advertiser which works similarly.

Month: January 2019

Map on the ceiling:

Maps on the wall:

Here are some more examples I’d put on a wall OR on a ceiling: