swieland's Profile

As an actual artist (with a BFA in painting), my style is very realistic and detailed. However, I don't really gravitate toward that style to decorate my home, don't like hanging my own art in my house, and I have a limited budget.
YES, I have copied other styles and artists that I admire. It's not a matter of "anyone can do it", because I am trained and skilled. I feel no guilt about it. I don't try to make money off of it, and the artist is not losing a sale because I can't buy it anyway. I simply love their work and think it would look good in my house.
Mine always turns out a bit different from theirs even if I try to copy it. And sometimes I get schooled, because mine looks awful, LOL! I think of it as a fun learning exercise (like some assignments in art school), and gives me a bunch of "Decor" art to switch out with no worries about money. Don't see what the big hullabaloo is about. *shrug*

I totally agree that nurseries are and should be mostly for the parents. I decorated mine to be serene, efficient, and comfortable for ME. When my son gets a little older, we can re-decorate the room to be more suitable for HIM. However, I will say that some decorative items like mobiles and graphic black-and-white images are beneficial for the baby.
Another tip that I read somewhere when pregnant (and am still thankful for) is having a source of dim light near the changing table, for those nighttime diaper changes.

I love this reno. My kitchen has a similar layout, but bigger. And we're planning an almost identical reno in a few months - IKEA cabs, tile backsplash, solid surface counters, and cork floors! It's awesome to get a preview of what's to come. It looks great and I can't wait to do ours!

Totally agree about the peeling wall in The King's Speech! It stole every scene it was in!

OMG! Got to have this! My nursery will be done in Eric Carle theme (due end of May). This is awesome!

I keep my hand tools and hardware in my mid-century china cabinet. It's so sturdy and has several drawers. However, I do worry about damaging the cabinet, so I'll find another place for the tools eventually.

I agree with most of what mschatelaine said. The purpley walls need to go, but PLEASE don't paint those cabinets. The wood is gorgeous - I'm jealous! If you do a backsplash, I would recommend some green shade - it would really look great against the cabinets and counters. As for the walls, I think a lot of other comments had good ideas. Turquoise would look amazing, but maybe too dramatic for some. A sagey green would be the best if you want a more toned-down look. Curtains depend on the wall color, but white or cream never looks bad.

A couple of years ago, my taste was all shabby-chic and off-white. I was forced to decorate slowly because I was broke! I found a mid-century modern china cabinet on craigslist for $75 and brought it home. Luckily it was one of my first purchases, because it revolutionized my aesthetic. Now my house is full of vintage and funky, even colorful things that I love!

Who cares about the sofa? I'm loving those tall canvas-like pieces on the wall! What texture and drama!

I don't know if it is in your budget, but I suggest a new front door. I have the same sort of entry hall, and it was so dark. I bought a door with 3/4 frosted glass with a wrought iron detail in the glass - gorgeous! I found it a building salvage shop for less than $400, and it was worth every penny. I love the view down my hall now, and there is a ton of sunlight during the day. There is plain neutral paint with no artwork on the walls - the door is the focal point. And with double-paned frosted glass, I don't have any problems with privacy, energy efficiency or security (because of the metal grille). And it greatly improved curb appeal!