I am super excited to be sharing our completed living room with you!!! It’s hard to believe that it’s come this far from where we started, but one of the reasons we bought this place was its overall improvability. I like everything customized MY way, and it’s nice not have to make any structural changes to achieve results, or to pay a higher price for a home that’s finished, but not necessarily what you would have chosen. So, now we have EXACTLY what I wanted and it turned out even better than I dreamed. See the complete source list below each photo!
*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see full disclosure at the end of the post.
So, here’s a flashback to what this place looked like before we moved in (eeeeek!). But, with the high ceilings and great windows, it was ripe for an elegant update. The house was super clean and ready for a facelift.
It is difficult to believe that this is the same room, but I am completely in love. Check out the incredible results:
Classic living room with Pottery Barn Chesterfield sofa, RH 19th Century Rococo Iron & Crystal Round Chandelier, and RH knock off (DIY) velvet curtains
The fantastic light fixture from RH is the crown jewel of the space and really takes it to another level. It is the 19th Century Rococo Iron & Crystal Round Chandelier in Matte Natural Iron/Smoke Crystal and it is breathtaking.
I started out with a great foundation piece from Pottery Barn, this Grand Chesterfield Sofa in Vintage Cocoa Leather that has held up great to kids, two cats, and a dog that occasional jumps up when we’re not looking.
The side tables are from wally-world and are decent (they’re not show-stoppers because they are playing a support role here).
The customized Bourbon Barrel top is from Etsy and the shop name is KYBourbonBarrel. This was a gift for my husband for Christmas and we just love it.
The velvet curtains were sewn by my mother and you can find the source links and project tutorial here.
The rug is from Home Depot and it’s one of my favorite finds. It doesn’t feel cheapy and it wasn’t a small fortune like similar ones I like from Pottery Barn. I wish I had a sourced a few others from there that I got online and didn’t totally love.
The beautiful, solid (and did I mention heavy) dough bowl is from Pottery Barn, although I’m not totally sure they have this dark wood one anymore. In it are found driftwood, a starfish, and Japanese Fishing Floats.
The room was designed around the curved television so that it can be viewed well from almost any angle. Rainman researched and decided on the LG 4H in a curved model. It’s pretty awesome.
Classic Living Room with black builtins, leather chesterfield sofa from Pottery Barn, and Chandelier from Restoration Hardware
Most of the items in the builtins are things that I’ve collected over the years but there are a few that I’ve purchased recently to fill in just a few areas. I believe in builtins because you need them, not to arbitrarily spend money for storage and display space that you don’t need.
IKEA black builtins, brick veneer, custom wood shelves flanking the builtins, RH Chandelier
The little punches of green are super important on the builtins and I love getting REAL preserved boxwood. My artisan of choice is on Amazon and Etsy, Door and Decor. The wreath below is from her, also, and her work is stunning. The prices are slightly less than West Elm or other online vendors and her creations are far superior.
Rainman’s chair, with Kim Taylor Reece photography in Koa wood frames, Preserved Boxwood Wreath from DoorandDecor (Etsy)
To match the chesterfield sofa, we purchased the Lansing Leather Recliner in Vintage Cocoa from Pottery Barn.
The tutorial for the dried rose arrangement is here and the table is an antique hand me down from my mom.
The Octopus Pillow Cover and Compass Rose Pillow cover are both from Amazon. The lantern looks very nice but I wasn’t super excited about the construction, so I won’t recommend it.
So glad you came to check out our finished adult living room! Thanks for stopping by and check out our other updates, projects, and design inspiration 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.
For those of you have been following our progress, you know I was mortified that we hadn’t completed the front garden project. We did a massive, beautiful stacked stone garden around the front porch but the garden along the walk leading from the driveway to the front door was still sad, neglected, and downright awful.
*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see full disclosure at the end of the post.
This is the “after,” but it took a few weeks to get there, working a little bit each day:
So, this is what that “garden” looked like before I finally insisted Rainman go buy me some rocks (like we didn’t already have enough on our plates). We had already cleared for the future patio and had deposited excess dirt into it, piled up around the bushes, with the bonus of random pavers that braced Christmas lights. Just beautiful. Sigh.
Before. Awful, unfinished landscaping project.
Ugh. It’s really bad. Please look away.
View from the porch of the bad garden.
The sand-base is the home of the future brick patio. This is another “before” photo. So, I’m not going to go into the project as exhaustively as I did on the last one, this is sort of an abbreviated photo tutorial. For detailed instructions (totally the same process!) check out A Classic Stacked Stone Garden Wall, Phase One and Classic Stacked Stone Garden, Phase Two. As for this guy, here goes.
Base layer for dry stacked stone garden with gravel and stone.
First we did the base to make sure we had a stable foundation. We mimicked the curve coming off the steps so the future patio will be the right shape. We used the bricks since that side will be higher (a step up to the brick patio) and that way we didn’t waste any stone.
Another shot of the base layer in on the dry stacked stone garden.
It didn’t occur to me at this point what was really bothering me. But, I’ll get to that.
The curve around the Crepe Myrtle with stacked stone garden base
I really love this gentle curve around the end of the garden. It’s a great shape.
Another shot of the rock base for the dry stack stone garden wall.
This shows how the base took shape.
Dry Stacked Stone Garden wall going in.
So, I was standing there looking at it: this future garden and Rainman asks me a simple question. “You don’t like those bushes do you?” And, of course, that was exactly what was bothering me. It would’ve been WAY more simple if I had asked him to remove them BEFORE I began the wall installation, but he didn’t even fuss at me.
Dry Stacked Stone Garden wall taking shape.
So, the deal with the garden wall installations is that Rainman can’t help. It’s sort of like playing tetris, except that the pieces aren’t the same and you have to be a little creative. It’s an art, really. So, he did what he could: he broke up the weeds and filled in gravel where I needed it. He also lugged rocks of various sizes over to where I was working so that I could build faster. He’s really very awesome, this Rainman of mine.
Leveling the dry stacked stone garden
When we get to this stage of the game, where final leveling is happening, his help, and his eye are essential. I still don’t let him touch any rocks, but he gets me a line so we can get the wall ready for capstones.
Topsoil going in on the dry stacked stone garden
In order to get the garden ready for capstones and landscaping fabric I needed the rest of the topsoil in so I put the teenagers on duty, running back and forth to the topsoil and mulch place.
Getting dry stacked stone garden levelled and ready for landscaping fabric and mulch.
So, we finally got it mounded where I wanted it, and let it rest overnight with a good soaking rain so we were sure it was good and settled and the levels were where I wanted them.
Dry stacked stone garden with landscaping fabric and capstones going in.
Once the soil was in and mounded the way I wanted, we added landscaping fabric and capstones. Don’t EVER skip the landscaping fabric. You’ll be sorry you did.
Dry stacked stone garden complete with mulch and ready to plant!
Once we had the landscaping fabric and capstones in, it only took two scoops of mulch to get a nice thick layer. Now I could really look at my blank palette and make plant decisions.
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This little tree frog took up residence on one of the porch columns and kept us company almost the whole project.
Dry stacked stone garden from the driveway.
This is a shot of the garden from the driveway.
Both dry stacked field stone gardens together and finished!
For the tutorial on step-by-step stacked stone garden wall installation see our blog post here.
Landscaping Fabric Pins (leftover from another project)
Two Scoops Mulch: $74.72
Four Incrediball Hydrangea and a Rose Bush from Spring Hill Nurseries: $147.55
Seven Scoops Topsoil: $134.54
Total: $1074.17
Can you imagine how much it would’ve cost to hire someone to do this? I’m not saying it’s easy, but it IS a project you can do one afternoon at a time. And it’s VERY, VERY satisfying and rewarding to see what a beautiful thing you created.
Thanks for reading along and check out more of our 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 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.
Every month I get a delivery from Amazon of stuff I need to reorder. Every month. One month it occurred to me: Do I really need all this disposable stuff? The answer is easy. No. So I found easy, eco friendly substitutions for almost all of the items, and started saving upwards of $100 a month.
Every little step we take trying to be more frugal, and to throw fewer things away, ultimately saves us money and helps the environment just a little bit. It’s a matter of changing our minds, our habits, and teaching our children to do the same.
*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see full disclosure at the end of the post.
Here are the items I dropped from my monthly purchase list and what I replaced them with (most replacements are a one time purchase):
1) Dryer Sheets- $5.98 a month
Replace with wool dryer balls and essential oils. That’s a one time purchase of like eight bucks for the dryer balls, and you can stop buying boxes of dryer sheets. Less packaging waste, cardboard, money saved! Plus I get to use all those essential oils I bought and haven’t used, so now I’m in there mixing scents like a boss. Boom.
Wool dryer balls and essential oils replace disposable dryer sheets like a dream
Speaking of essential oils, we also stopped buying plug-in scents, because we already have the essential oils and diffusers. Free up your outlets and get a healthier option with WAY less waste and cost by using an essential oils diffuser/humidifier.
Lighted diffuser/humidifier replaces disposable plug in scents
2) Paper towels (or drastically reduce their use)- $38.84 a month (big families use a lot of these!!!)
At the dining table: Replace with cloth napkins. Dude, you’re doing laundry, anyway. My laundry is always moving, so throwing these in with an existing load costs you nothing (plus, my kids think we’re all fancy now eating with cloth napkins at dinner). They’re inexpensive and hold up well to frequent washing. I went with black for everyday use to best hide stains.
For kitchen clean-up: Replace with bar towels. I get that there are some things you don’t want to put into your washing machine. I’m not cleaning up dog mess or cat vomit with these, but I figured out that most messes I was using paper towels to clean up, I could totally use bar towels (and they can be washed quickly with existing loads just like the cloth napkins). These are rough, inexpensive flour sack towels and I love them.
White flour sack towels for kitchen clean up
3) Ziploc bags $9.48 a month, gallon size $19.20 a month
Left-overs and refridgerator items: Replace with Glass Pyrex Containers. I have two sets of these and they are one of my favorite things in the kitchen. YOU DON’T NEED THOSE BAGGIES! (I cringe thinking of how many baggies I’ve used over the years that should’ve gone into a covered glass container). I love that all my little leftovers are super easy to see and they stack nicely in the fridge. I also send them to work with Rainman and the containers don’t get ruined by spaghetti sauce because they’re glass.
For pantry storage (dried goods) I use salvaged (re-used) jars.
My temporary pantry with Anchor Hocking Jars for large storage and upcycled jars for dried goods
For freezer bags: Replace with reusable silicone bags or other containers. It doesn’t take any more effort to use these for pre-prepped freezer meals, and it’s so worth it. And I don’t have to buy the disposable bags anymore. This was one of the things I worried about MOST with transitioning away from baggies: RE-storing my meat, premade meals, soups, etc in the freezer, but they work GREAT, and seal well also. The baggy below is the medium sized silicone bag with frozen tomoto soup stored in it. I have never had a leak and they are top rack dishwasher safe.
Re-usable silicone bags for freezer and fridge storage
Below is a collection of my jars ready to hold odds and ends that would normally go in plastic baggies. We use them for everything from chocolate chips, to nuts, to leftover sauces.
Up-cycled jars for pantry dried goods
4) Plastic bags for your produce at the grocery store and grocery shopping bags
These are the WORST! They can’t be recycled! Replace with green produce bags, you can bring them to the store with you to get your produce: win, win. They really, for real make your produce last longer. That saves you even more money. And you don’t have to throw those non-recyclable produce bags in the trash.
Disposable bags are easily replaced with buying Reusable Grocery Bags one time (many areas are banning single use plastic bags altogether). These are inexpensive, washable, and foldable so they store nicely.
Replace with Classico Sauces… But, dude. Did you know that Classico Sauces are intentionally made in reusable containers? It is actually our favorite sauce anyway, but I keep all of the containers and use them for storing nuts, etc. Why buy containers when these are basically free? After we use them, I soak the label off, run them through the dishwasher, and voila, free storage container. By the way, this is one of the items that I buy in Prime Pantry that is quite a bit cheaper than my local grocery store.
Re-usable Classico Jars
In other news, my son just got home from school and busted me taking pictures of spaghetti sauce.
By the way, I definitely think that re-claimed glass jars make for Pinterest-worthy pantries and they’re FREE.
One of the most important parts of the DIY process for us is trying to find ways to reuse items and make our home as self-sustaining as possible. It’s a long journey but I’m happy to share so we can work toward helping our wallets and our planet!
As a bonus to helping out your wallet, one of the most important steps in reducing your household waste (less carbon going to the landfill), is composting. My compost container sits right in front of my chopping board, and it gets emptied into it’s bigger partner that lives outside when it’s full. And what do I get? Free fertilizer! This one is super cool because it has charcoal filters that prevent the smell from escaping, which is fairly important.
6 Household Items You Can Stop Spending Money On Right Now
I have two of these, different brands, but I’m pretty sure they’re all the same manufacturer:
And the big compost bin for outside (I like mine enclosed so it doesn’t stink up the backyard but a bin that you stir occasionally works just as well):
Cheers to taking steps toward saving money and creating a sustainable household! Check out more of our DIY, project, and inspiration posts over 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.
Did you notice that it’s super hard to find reviews on RH light fixtures (or anything else Restoration Hardware sells)? I have to tell you, I was a little afraid… the shroud of secrecy surrounding the quality of the items, and lack of happy customer (or any) reviews, left me feeling a bit wary. So, I hope I can shed a little light on my RH “experience” and provide an honest review (I still have fear about a hypothetical RH strong arm guy coming to bust my knee caps, but here goes…): oh, by the way. I’m not an affiliate. I think their snobbery prevents affiliatery (dude, that’s not a word, I just made it up), so you can be sure of my unadulterated, completely honest opinion.
*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see full disclosure at the end of the post.
First, let’s be totally up front. Restoration Hardware’s marketing team and strategy are second to none. They are selling class. Period. It’s unbelievably brilliant and diabolically well executed. Every purchase says: welcome to the champagne life. But, is it true? Are their products that much better?
I’ve had my eye on a light fixture at RH for a while. I visited it at night on their website, shielding my iPad just in case Rainman was just pretending to be asleep and really wanted to know what I was cyber stalking. Several times I almost caved and bought a knock off (everything that was similar had a lot of chrome, which was too glammy), but I stayed strong and finally bit the bullet. Enter the 19th century rococo chandelier in smoke into my life. It was the perfect piece to complete a recent adult living renovation and I just couldn’t say no.
RH Restoration Hardware 19th C. Rococo Iron & Crystal Round Chandelier Product Review
As we have been busy on a MAJOR DIY deck addition, the box sat unattended for several weeks before my Rainman discovered me looking sad one night and rolled up his sleeves. What we thought would be a simple installation was not quite, but I’ll tell you all about it.
RH Restoration Hardware 19th C. Rococo Iron & Crystal Round Chandelier Product Review
But, first, back to that deck renovation. So, the deck needed to go in before child-next graduated from high school so there was an appropriately awesome place for his friends to hang out, not inside with all of the boring adults (and no one sued us when they fell through the old, rotting deck). Surprise, surprise, as we were peeling back siding to install the ledger board, Rainman and my father in law discovered rot. It went halfway up the back wall and surrounded the door.
RH Restoration Hardware 19th C. Rococo Iron & Crystal Round Chandelier Product Review
This was the same door that eventually I wanted to close in anyway, and was going to have a kitchen cabinet behind it, because we would also rip out windows and install custom steel doors instead. Nevermind that this other renovation was nowhere near ready to start, financially or otherwise, I was like, “fill it in.” We’re already doing this, and I’d rather not install a new door that we’re going to take out and close in later. And, as anyone knows who has DIYed a kitchen reno, there’s no time like the present to start it, and no time like right before you sell the house to finish it! Needless to say, I was a bully, and Rainman was not happy.
RH Restoration Hardware 19th C. Rococo Iron & Crystal Round Chandelier Product Review
Well, I couldn’t leave the blank wall without a cabinet. And if you’re going to get the cabinet you might as well get the matching one for the base of the banquette island you planned. And if you’re already paying the unlimited furniture delivery fee (which is unfortunately $399 in my area because I live out in the sticks), you might as well buy that fixture you’ve had your eye on. It’s like I was saving us money already. (I feel like I’ve maybe been reading those “If You Give A Mouse A Cookie” books to the little one too much lately).
RH Restoration Hardware 19th C. Rococo Iron & Crystal Round Chandelier Product Review
So, I had my fixture.
RH Restoration Hardware 19th C. Rococo Iron & Crystal Round Chandelier Product Review
Rainman just wanted to make me happy, and generally, fixture hanging is a weekday evening type of deal. Straightforward and satisfying. Unless there are like 200 crystals that have to be individually attached. But, it’s fine… it would be better if there were gloves but they’re not included (I still need to go back and get all of the fingerprints off the crystals). I ordered white cotton gloves from Amazon and they’re ready for me whenever I get to it (there was no way I was stopping progress to wait on gloves).
RH Restoration Hardware 19th C. Rococo Iron & Crystal Round Chandelier Product Review
So, the actual fixture installation was pretty straightforward (although the directions are a bit lacking). I believe the prevailing assumption is that anyone buying this is going to have a pro install it and not their own personal slave Rainman after work one evening, so I guess I get that the wiring diagrams weren’t totally great. The real kicker was that the number of crystals doesn’t actually match the installation guide and you basically can’t get there from here. But, it may be that it’s a matter of personal preference how you’d like the crystals to hang, I’m not totally sure.
RH Restoration Hardware 19th C. Rococo Iron & Crystal Round Chandelier Product Review
What I didn’t get from the product info before I received it (and you can’t see in their pictures) is that the body of the fixture is in matte iron – which sort of reminds me of industrial steel beams before they start rusting. It’s beautiful, just not what I expected. The black wrought iron seen in some of the pictures is only on the clear crystal option. I love it just as much, I just figured it was worth noting since it wasn’t entirely apparent to me upfront.
RH Restoration Hardware 19th C. Rococo Iron & Crystal Round Chandelier Product Review
The verdict: (drumroll please) I would ABSOLUTELY recommend the fixture. It’s gorgeous and dazzling (like, going to need a dimmer), it is the crown jewel in the living room that took it from nice to, OMG-where’d-you-get-that? I love watching the light dance off of the beautiful smoke crystals in different patterns as the sun moves around the house during the day and the shadows it creates when the sun goes down. It’s breathtaking.
Although we didn’t have any issues with this particular fixture, there were some blemishes on one of the cabinets. I offered to have them send me replacement hardware, but as that was out of stock, they send a team to pick up the cabinet and bring me a whole new one. No trouble, no fuss, no problem. The customer service is fantastic, and their dedicated delivery teams are super professional and friendly.
Apparently they have some ludicrously good warranty on all of their stuff (which I honestly didn’t know when I hit “play” on the purchase), so even though the products are a bit *cough *cough on the pricey side, we’ll be buying from them again. It’s well worth the extra money to have heirloom quality pieces.
Thanks for hanging out with us today and check out more of our DIY, projects, and decor 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.
I’m so excited the Hemnes IKEA builtins are finally finished!!! This has literally been a two-year process (of building custom-ish bookshelves) and life has been truly uncooperative. But, they are done and I am super psyched to be sharing our process and pictures with you!
Before I get started, I feel like a short discussion is warranted… a note on this new culture in which I find myself.
You know, when I was growing up, the word “hack” was a bad thing. Like, if someone called you a “no talent hack” or you were watching a movie about murderous chainsaw wielding “hacks”… or am I using that wrong? Anyway, so I’m old now, and apparently hacking is a positive thing. Unless, it’s computer related and you’re trying to pass high school by updating your math grade in the school by flashlight. But, suddenly life hacks are awesome, furniture hacks are even better, and IKEA hacks are the holy grail. So, now I’m hacking away, trying to fit in.
I’ve performed my very first IKEA hack (in my head I’m trying desperately to suppress the sound of a hair ball being coughed up every time I write the word “hack”).
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see the full disclosure at the bottom of the post.
After much pinteresting and pinning and planning I finally bit the bullet and ordered the components for my long-awaited living room builtins (I challenge you to find hemnes hacks in black on Pinterest- they’re few and far between). The boxes of homeless decor were staring at me every time I walked by and rendering the media room, which was temporarily storing the wayward decor, unusable. Enough was enough. And this HAD to be easier than building from scratch with MDF and poplar/pine as we’ve done in the past. And, of course, that dreamy factory finish is just impossible to accomplish without, you know, buying it from the factory.
So, we’ve previously done four sets of built ins of slightly varying design, each time getting better and learning tricks along the way. However, when you’re working with afternoons and weekends, and your own personal OCD- Rainman husband, they take FOREVER. It was worth seeing whether these would look as nice (or better) and if the process would go any more quickly. Fingers crossed. This is in my living room. So, no pressure if I hate it, right?
Listing photo from before we purchased the house.
Before.
Our New House, getting unpacked!
Here’s how this went down. In case the cops ask.
So, I ordered the hemnes components after measuring, remeasuring and adding their weirdly sized measurements together (these are designed with metric measurements, so the conversion is generally some oddball number and 5/8s). So, I got my 6th grade math hat on, did my measurements, made a pretty drawing on graph paper, left PLENTY of wiggle room in the design, and ordered online. This is literally drawn on graph paper. And yes it’s still okay to use a paper and pencil. This is a big wall, and those of you that follow our journey, know I like to use the WHOLE wall when we do builtins. Go big or go home, right?
And now I can’t find my sketch, so I have no proof that ever happened.
A design note: I fell in love with white cabinets and built ins for years. We did white builtins in the last place and I adored them (so did the buyers apparently). But, is that dreamy white kitchen on Pinterest really timeless? Are the built ins? Or will they be the next victim of HGTV inspired design trend that date the home? I’m so glad I waited, because we went with black, and I feel like it’s way more US, and timeless. Dare I say classic? I would hate to be here in 15 years and think, “nice going, 15 years ago self. That looks like garbage.” So, time will tell. But, I feel like black is like that little black dress that will stand the test of time. (I’m not hating on your white builtins, they’re just boring me to tears lately and I’m way to moody for all that cheerfulness).
Total cost on the bookshelves and bridging shelves from IKEA (not final cost with support lumber and trim) was $1591.64. This was the general plan:
IKEA Hemnes Builtins Hack, in black, bridging shelves and bookshelves
Buying from IKEA, a few things to note:
I purchased when I did because they were offering 20% off. Once you add the shipping, it comes out to about what it would’ve otherwise cost. Shipping on furniture is almost never free at IKEA, so if you’re waiting on that it will be a long time. Furniture delivery took about two weeks and was delivered by a different delivery service (as in scheduled with an appointment time, not FedEx or UPS). There was one damaged box with a nicked shelf and one of the seven bridge shelves was missing completely (I did the math on weight and figured out that it never shipped from IKEA, not that it disappeared en route).
So, I immediately emailed with the discrepancy and, after not getting a reply, called IKEA. After 59 minutes on hold listening to the elevator version of “I love you, always forever” by Donna Lewis mixed in with Ikea advertisements, I was approaching homicidal, but got a human being in time that my phone didn’t become just another statistic. Well, it turns out they didn’t ship it on purpose because it wasn’t in stock (could I get a heads up???). Also, helpful-insider-info-Ikea-customer-service-guy shared with me that they never get to the emails, so just call next time… good to know. Back on hold with electronica Donna Lewis…. Yay! They shipped it via FedEx so I don’t even have to be there for delivery. But, wait! The shelf! Back on hold… sigh.
The missing bridging shelf arrived a few days later, not so much the other shelf. Let’s see if I ever get around to calling them on that.
Assembly:
Assemble components. Follow the directions. Leave the el-cheapo back covers off (this is the cardboard-ish thin backer board).
Bridging shelves. Well. Most of them. Stacked. Tempting cats to cause a mishap.
IKEA hemnes bookcase with drawers and cabinets. Partially assembled.
IKEA Hemnes Bookshelf in Black
Helpers assembling Hemnes IKEA with Rainman
Wall prep.
So, for installation the baseboard had to be removed, and not being totally sure where the shelves would cover to (due to the *cough *cough extreme precision of my design plan) I decided to spackle and sand the uneven spots. I hate mud. I hate sheetrock. I hate sanding. Shoot me.
Paint:
I kept seeing all of these great shelves with an accent color on the back wall. So, I chose a color at the paint store, and hated it. My pretty gray turned out purple and I waited a couple of months before admitting that I hated it, and got the wall painted black before the installation began. Yeah, I said months. This is why we don’t six-week challenges. Six MONTH challenges would be record-breaking for us.
Purple. Blech. It was supposed to be gray.
So, we survived the holidays and I dropped not so subtle hints about beginning the installation on our anniversary weekend when we were both coming down with colds. I mean, I painted (again) so now we were waiting on HIM. Not my best moment as me and grumple-stilt-skin headed to Lowe’s with Chatty-Cathy in tow. Thank the Good Lord the Lowe’s car shopping cart was available. About a hundred bucks later, with black cabinet screws and framing lumber, we escaped back to our nest where I decided we collectively needed a break and SEC football was more important than my built ins. Oddly, I didn’t get any protests.
The black looks good, though, right?
Two days later he built the base for the bridging shelves to sit on and we were back to waiting on…. ourselves. Because we were not sure what we wanted to do for a conduit to hide all the crap that goes behind the TV. Well. I’ll let you know.
It’s going to be a few days because it snowed in North Carolina and the state is shut down. My husband was doing donuts in the cul-de-sac in his truck with the kids, so that’s a better day, ANY day, than installing built ins. Snow man 1. Built-ins 0.Send help.
And the kids were out of school for a WEEK. No snowplows. (Did you happen to notice that we’re nowhere near done and these aren’t so much as attached to the wall, but I already started putting stuff in them?)
Cord hiding solution win. I pulled the surge protector out so you could see where it was all hiding.
Several installation sessions happened in the spring. I finally decided on a cord hiding solution (which is totally genius and I should definitely receive a prize for) so my tired Rainman got to work. The cord hiding solution ended up being three rectangles, one in each center shelf, hiding from view the two-inch diameter access holes through the horizontal panels. The cords thread through behind with super easy access.
To be fair… Looking back, I realize that the hesitation for Rainman on this project actually had to do with the odd shape of the hemnes components. And this is something to keep in mind during the design phase.
Front and Side View of Hemnes Bookshelves from IKEA, Dimensions
Basically, the back is not flush on any of them. Presumably this is to allow for the whole unit to sit flat against a wall with base molding, (with the top of the back sticking out further than the bottom) but makes installation as built ins maddening. Several times we had to pull pieces of trim out and reseat them because we lost track of which edges On the face were supposed to line up flush.
In hindsight, it would’ve been easier if we had trimmed the tops on each component so that the back sat completely flat against the wall and we didn’t have to shim each component to line them up. He suggested that after the initial component assembly and I shot it down because all I saw was an afternoon of wasted time disassembling, trimming, and reassembling components. I like the way it ended up because now I can install a light kit with existing gaps, but in hindsight this project would have been WAY faster without the bumped out tops. He was right. I was wrong. Don’t tell him I said that.
This is how ridiculous my life is. It was December when we ordered the IKEA components. It is now July, and wouldn’t ya know, that s&@# is still. Not. Finished. We’re agonizingly close. But, life and work just won’t step aside to allow us to finish the built ins.
Side note, I can blame an entire lost work day, last Sunday, on a collapsed shelf in the garage. Little shelf? No, huge shelf. Like shelf that runs along the entire back of the garage shelf. I went out to get a water out of the beverage fridge and the door was WIDE open. “Which one of you little $#&% left the damn door open and how long has it been that way?” I thought to myself. I pushed on it. Harder. Nothing. I looked up. Why was the beverage igloo pushed forward against it?
Then I saw it, the giant shelf collapsed on top of the fridge, on top of the filing cabinets and router table, BARELY missed the bottle on top of the hot water heater. I distinctly remember warning a certain someone that those were crappy shelves were going to collapse. We installed really strong, nice shelves, that are bolted into ceiling joists. UGH. I managed to only say I told you so once, and everything on the shelf fit up on the new shelves. I still want to find the jackass who built that shelf and have a short conversation with him.
So, here we are again, NOT finished. However, we’ve made some progress. I almost, in a moment of desperation, changed the design plan in favor of the version that would get us to the finish line faster, but I’m just not willing to throw in the towel, yet.
We began installing the components and securing them to the wall and to each other, which proved challenging. This is because of the aforementioned bumpouts which leaves only one section of each component actually touching the wall. We secured them to the studs with black cabinet screws. We used pine boards for the transition areas since they were going to be painted black.
And I have to say, the details are turning out BAD ASS. We ordered some brick veneer from Home Depot (after I price compared with a local brick distributor that needed six weeks lead time to create the veneer and only sold big pallets). It’s called Old Mill Brick, comes in neatly stacked cardboard boxes and is really nice. I looked at all the types first on their website and ended up choosing an antique style, “Colonial Collection Castle Gate”, 59.97 for a box of 50 bricks. Not cheap, but reasonable. Here’s the thing, the cost of the brick detail just on the outside shelves, cost about $120. The mortar and grout ran around $70. But, it’s the thing that makes them awesome. Don’t let the “veneer” part fool you.. It’s real brick. Just thinner.
Castlegate, Old Mill BrickCastlegate, Old Mill Brick, Veneer
Tip: When measuring for your brick, include your anticipated grout lines in the height and width of your bricks and you won’t ordered $120 worth of extra brick. Yes, we literally ordered twice what we needed. We used half-inch grout lines so our measurements should have been 8.225 x 2.75 instead of 7.625 x 2.25. Luckily, we’re planning to use this same brick as an accent in the kitchen so no biggy.
Concrete Backer Board
We installed concrete backer board on the walls where the brick was going, but looking back, we probably didn’t really need it.
Old Mill Brick, Castlegate, on the accent walls flanking the buitins
We got the brick installed… (that is a much longer story). And I’m not going into it. Because it was misery. Working in the tiny space was awful. I look forward to doing this on an open wall.
Anyway, it looks awesome. Took three different tries and one of the biggest, messiest, most tedious installation processes ever. The brick installation process is coming soon. Maybe. If I have the strength.
But, this is what it looks like when we finished the outside edges:
And as you can see we installed the awesome floating shelves on the outer edge. This, combined with the brick really makes this installation special. These little customizations are what make the IKEA hacks look super awesome and non-generic.
Oh, and I’m sure you noticed the pure awesomeness of that pretty hardware (hint: NOT IKEA). See the tutorial on updating the hardware.
So, here’s what they look like empty. Awesome. And most importantly, finished.
IKEA Hemnes Builtins in black
For those of you looking for stuff to buy to “dress your shelves”, I hate you. Built ins are for unpacking 10 boxes of stuff you already had, not arbitrarily purchasing junk so your built ins look good. That’s insane. Find stuff around the house. Arrange it. Never, never buy stuff to fill shelves. Also, never buy anything you don’t ABSOLUTELY have to have. I learned this from my mother who had to smuggle outdated decor out of the house when my dad was out-of-town.
Anyway, how cool is it that we went from THIS:
To THIS:
IKEA Hemnes Hack-in-black Builtins, dressed and finished.
I’m SO super excited we’re finished. My SUPER EXACT recollection of how much this project cost was around $2500, including the hardware update. Using the brick veneer definitely added some cost but I think the effect is spectacular, and lends itself to the CUSTOM look we were going for.
Thanks for checking out our FINISHED project and we’d love for you to check out more 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.
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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.
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:
RH knock off, DIY Velvet Curtains with Pottery Barn Chesterfield Grand SofaRH knock off, DIY Velvet Curtains with Pottery Barn Chesterfield Grand Sofa
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.
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:
Luxe Magazine
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.
Homebunch
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.
Houzz.com
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:
Mantel Depot
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.
Homystyle.com
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.
Margriet Swart
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.
Source Unknown
This is awesome. Super awesome. I adore it paired with the travertine. Simply elegant.
Murphy Mears Architects
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.
Source Unknown
A mix of shiny marble, a classic stone surround, and a resident florist? Yes please.
Washingtonian.com
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.
Halfway_wholeistic on Instagram
This one they weren’t messing around. They went ALL the way white. It’s very pretty.
Homystyle.com
This guy is a little more “Joanna Gaines” chippy white, with a heavily applied German Shmear technique. It’s really nicely done.
Homystyle.com
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.
Homystyle.com
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).
Startathomedecor.com
This one was done in multiple stages and is very effective in warming and styling what was previously a drab, stark, and boring room.
Welivedhappilyeverafter.com
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.
Interioreditor.com
This is stunning.
Buildandhome
This is a little cleaner, but still looks original. I love it.
Alison Chambre
This is daring and rustic, and may exist in its natural form somewhere in a cabin in the woods. Possibly Narnia or the Shire.
Source Unknown
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 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.
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:
cotemaison.fr
It is a neat concept to break up the space without it really being visually closed off.
nonagon.style
This is about as cool as it gets for a bedroom door, unless you want any kind of privacy.
HGTV.com, Joel Kelly Design
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.”
livesimplybyannie
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.
goodieline.com
Cough.*** Will this cost me my first, or second born, in financing? Well worth it.
love.firerock.us
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.
inspiredecor.info
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.
Instagram, Kitchens of Instagram (with credits to “studiomcgee” and “nicolehollissf”)
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?
apartment34.com
This is super cool even if it’s a mid-century modern look.
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.
Burke Decor, Camila Sideboard in Black
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.
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.
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 mirrorFrom 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.
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.
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.
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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.
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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:
behance.net
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!
Celadonstudio.com
I love that the crown is incorporated as a frame inside the tray ceiling. Very well done.
Ebay
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.
aroomsomewhere.net
I realize this isn’t a true map, but it feels like remnants of the map. I love how antiqued this is.
drscott on Flickr
What an awesome design and commitment to book collection and proper display. I ADORE the ceiling nook with the added depth of the map.
Painted by Hugh Luck
Apparently, this is a painting. Unreal. Stunning.
Source unknown
I adore the texture and colors in this.
Via thefullerview on Pinterest
What an elegant traditional office. The ceiling map is just the right touch.
Maps on the wall:
Source Unknown
I love this little carved out nook and would love to see some wood shelves in there.
Ebay
Ebay bestdealdepot – com
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!
Source Unknown
This is so great. Rustic finishes and beams. The map really enhances the look.
Ebay
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:
Murals Your Way
This may be the one for the office ceiling. It’s perfection.
Source Unknown
If you’re looking for more of a traditional map, but still with beautiful antiquing, this might be the way to go.
Source Unknown
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)!
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.
