Bye bye 2010!

I hope everyone has a fantastic New Years Eve tomorrow! I'm signing off a little early because I am headed up to my family's cabin for the weekend to enjoy some rest and relaxation, good food, good company and maybe even a snowball fight or two!

Whether you are snuggled by a fire with loved ones, or out on the town living it up, I hope you have a wonderful New Years! See you back here in 2011!

Decorating Resolutions for 2011

Do you have any items on your New Years resolution list that have to do with your home? I sure do! There are several areas that need a little improvement around my house (like any decorator, my home is constantly evolving!) Here's a few things I plan on getting done in the new year. . .

My bar area is in desperate need of a little TLC. It has so much potential and just needs a little tweaking so this will be an easy project to complete. Here's the image that I am using as inspiration;

via Habitually Chic

My mom graciously gifted me a new sewing machine for Christmas. I plan on making some new pillows for the living room once I figure out how to sew. I am a huge pillow fanatic and have always wanted to be able to make my own to swap out with the seasons (or my mood!) I figure if I can buy discounted, designer fabric and sew them myself, I wont have to break the bank every time I'm ready for a new look!

via Apartment Therapy

I would love love love to do a little make over in my kitchen and take the upper doors off of the cabinets and arrange everything in an artful manner. I know it would totally transform my tiny little kitchen into something a little more chic and sophisticated! What do you think?!

via Decorpad

What about you? What's on your 'to-do list' for 2011?

Kitchen Makeover

Made By Girl is hands down one of my favorite blogs to read. Jen Ramos is not only a talented artist (check out her Etsy shop here) but also has an eye for interiors, great style and impeccable taste. She is constantly providing me (and all her other 50 bazillion readers) inspiration on a daily basis (Have I ever mentioned that I spend WAY too much time reading design blogs?!) Anyway. . .

Jen moved a few months back and has been sharing all of her remodeling and decorating projects on her blog. My favorite room in her house to date is definitely her kitchen. She took her boring, builder basic space and turned it into something so fantastic I am squealing with delight!

This kitchen served as her inspiration: 

via Style At Home

Here is what her kitchen looked like before (she had the light fixtures installed just prior to moving in): 

Hold onto your socks . . . And here is what the kitchen currently looks like:

Jen hired a contractor to paint the cabinets white and install a backsplash. Here's a close up of the honed 3x6 Carrara Marble tiles purchased from Home Depot: 

And the polished chrome drawer pulls and knobs, also from Home Depot:

I love the fact that she was brave enough to mix finishes and combined the brass and navy Hicks Pendants from Circa Lighting with all the polished chrome in the space. It's so very modern and chic. I think the finished space looks amazing, I wish I could move right in! And I can't forget to mention those acrylic barstools, love love love!

all images via Jen of Made by Girl

What does your dream kitchen look like? 

Contact me if you would like assistance turning your boring, builder-basic kitchen into something spectacular! Whether your kitchen needs a total overhaul or just a fresh coat of paint, I can help. Hiring a designer can help you save time and money!

DIY Tray

If you'd like a large, colorful tray for your coffee table or ottoman (or heck, just about anywhere!) but you don't want to spend $20-$100 to purchase one, try this inexpensive DIY project! All it takes is 1 yard of fabric, an aluminum rimmed baking sheet, spray adhesive, and a piece of felt for the back. Also, you can have a piece of plexiglass cut to fit the tray for added durability. To see read the full tutorial or to watch the step by step video, go here.

via Martha Stewart

I think I might have to try this out! What about you, have you completed any DIY projects lately?!

Dreaming of a new Dining Room

I've mentioned time and time again how much I would LOVE to have an old farmhouse table combined with mid-century modern chairs (particularly Panton Chairs or Tulip Chairs) Last week while I was finishing up some last minute Christmas shopping at World Market I spotted a table and was instantly in love! It's the Provence Dining Table and is on sale for $524. It has that old farmhouse feel to it, but of course it's brand new and comes with a pretty decent price tag.

Available here

Since my current dining table and chairs are only a couple years old and they are still in great condition, there is no way I can realistically replace them at this time. So just for fun, lets do a little virtual redecorating! Here's what my dream dining room would look like:

Dining Table via here 

Chairs via here

Chandelier via here

Buffet via here

Art via here

Lamps via here

Modern Chic Home

If you have some extra Christmas cash you are dying to spend, head over to Modern Chic Home to check out some AMAZING deals on fabulous home decor products!

Modern Chic Home is an online retail store ran by Julie Thigpen. Julie's blog, Belle Maison is one of my absolute favorites (we both share a love of colorful, modern interiors!) Right now at Modern Chic Home you can find some pretty great deals, up to 80% off of select items. Here's a few things I wouldn't mind snatching up while supplies last. . .

This metal and chrystal chandelier would look excelent in my hallway (which I plan on making over sometime in 2011.)

I'm loving this ampersand pillow, and at only $20 I think this will look excellent on my living room sofa!

 This tray with faux horn handles is just what I need on top of my bar! I've been on the hunt for something like this for a while and this one fits the bill perfectly!

 The price on this black lamp is too good to pass up! At only $65, I'll take (2) please!

 How cute are these bottles?!

These are just a few of the items on sale right now. Modern Chic Home has a huge selection of furniture and decorative accents for your home. Here's a sneak peak of some of the new products that will be available in the new year! 

Merry Christmas!

WOW, I can't believe it's already here! I want to wish everyone a very MERRY Christmas. You know how much I LOVE color, so here are some fun, colorful Christmas images for you to feast your eyes on this lovely Christmas morning. I hope everyone is enjoying the holidays!

It's almost time!

I uploaded over 100 inspiring images of holiday decor ideas to the JPM Design Facebook fanpage. Go here if you are interested!! I know it's a little late in the game for holiday decorating. . . but if you have family and friends coming over for Christmas there are always a few last minutes, quick fixes you can do to make your home feel as festive as possible. Check it out and get inspired!

 via Eddie Ross

Tis the season. . .

For giving! I finally finished my Christmas shopping and wrapping this afternoon. I usually start purchasing gifts in September or October, but always leave a few things for last minute. (I guess it doesn't really feel like Christmas to me until you battle the crowds or spend two hours trying to get out of the mall parking lot? Sick, I know!) What about you? Do you get all your shopping done early, or do you wait until the last minute?! Be honest. . .

And while we're on the subject of giving. . . Check out this awesome print that Averill of Odi et Amo graciously offered her readers in a blog giveaway. . . And I won!

Thanks Averill!

Monday Morning

Good morning! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! Mine was filled to the brim with fun, holiday festivities! The countdown has begun till Christmas. . . 5 days and counting. Here's some gorgeous images via Living Etc. magazine that I wanted to share with you. I'm loving all of these deep, rich saturated colors this morning!