Living for Pretty

Celebrating all things pretty, happy and inspiring. From renovation stories, to recipes, decorating, parties and little life lessons, you’ll find a little bit of everything here.

get the look: ikea rast hack

After searching high and low for affordable bedside table options we finally landed on this DIY version of the Ikea Rast drawers. It may not be the most original idea, but it is tried and true, and sure is a good one.  The dimensions were spot on; the small dresser took advantage of the remaining space on the side of our bed and gave us extra storage all at the low, low price of $35.

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pantry planning

We have one very ugly spot in our house. When we rebuilt this portion of our house two years ago Billy and I disagreed on what we should do with the space. I wanted a pantry, and he wanted to keep it open and filled with airy, natural light. I let him have his way, knowing come around to the pantry idea soon enough, and my friends, that day has come!
The space is just under 3’x4′ and will fit a small, walk-in, L-shaped pantry perfectly. Of course, it will be white and filled with glass jars brimming with flour, rice and sugar and will always be clean and organized (ha!).

The dream:

The Space: (you were warned, I said it was ugly)

We built the half wall
for safety’s sake when my brother + little kids stayed with us (which
doubles the ugliness). You can see in my amateur sketch the location and depth
of the shelves. The space will be tight, but 100% effective. Oh and it will be
pretty.
Here’s what we have
planned
  • Move the current light
    fixture
  • Frame the walls
  • Add in electrical outlets
  • Put up drywall (mud,
    tape, and sand it)
  • Install door (we found this narrow door at
    a local salvage store and are smitten)
  • Install beadboard
  • Calk and paint
  • Install shelves
  • Load with food and bask
    in its glory!

 

london calling – artist residence hotel

When I first stumbled upon Artist Residence – London, a boutique hotel, I immediately started daydreaming about a trip to London just to step into this space. The hotel’s name speaks to the aesthetics of the interior, in fact, it was co-designed with artists. The result is something of perfection. A sort of lived in, collected, but still clean and simple vibe.
I often joke with my friends and husband that Anthropologie is my happy place. If I could live in that store, I just might. I have the same feeling about this hotel, and not surprisingly they use many products from Anthropologie.
So, Artist Residence, you are officially on my bucket list of places to experience in my life. I look forward to meeting you. Until then, thank you for the lovely interiors and inspiration.

 

 

 

(images by Vanessa Jackman & Artist Residence)
Grey Armoire (alternate) | Reclaimed Wood Dresser (alternate) | Hotel Pendant (Alternate 1, 2) | Canopy Bed | Green Couch | Green Chair | Art by the Connor Brothers  |

blushing – home decor with a touch of pink

With it being the month of love I thought it’d be fun to ‘think pink’ for the home! I love pops of pink in the interior, it makes a space instantly colorful, playful and feminine.  On top of that, pink is a such a flattering color. When light bounces off it, it can give a soft light and rosy hue. Here are a few of my favorite spaces that do the hue justice.

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OUR IKEA BAR CART

I’ve had my eye on this little minty-green cart from Ikea ever since it first premiered. During trips to Ikea to take in it’s beautiful practicalness and unique, yet on-trend color.  In the end it always felt like I didn’t really need it, and thus shouldn’t buy it. Thankfully, my mother-in-law got the tip this Christmas and I can now call it mine. (I suggest Pinterest board Christmas lists for everyone!)
I initially kind of needed it to store all my baking supplies on the cart and stash it in the pantry, but seeing as our pantry is non-existent at this point (that’s our next project!), it is perfectly filling my bar-cart void. With our entertaining supplies so handy we fill the need to entertain, and a 5 o’clock cocktail is a rarity no more! I’m sure its styling will evolve in the coming months as I get used to our first bar cart, but here’s our first attempt! (By the way, I think I have a stem-glass issue, this is only like a 1/5 of our collection, anyone else in the same boat? I think I have a problem…..)

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bedroom update: styling nightstands

A long time ago I shared some photos of our bedroom. We had finished our headboard and the room was ‘good enough’ to take you all through, but still missing many finishing touches and a few essential items – like nightstands. Today I share with your our bedroom update, complete with good lighting (you’re welcome) and our DIY Ikea Rast Nightstands.

I had searched tirelessly for nightstands that would maximize the space on either side of the bed. These fit like a glove and had the storage we were craving. They were also cheap, which meant that some money could be spent fixing them up and buying hardware.

Is the room still a work in project? Always. But it is finally a much prettier, happier and functional work in project. I hope you enjoy.

 

nightstands, ikea // lamp shades, target // headboard, project here // duvet cover, macys (old) // clock, vintage // fitzgerald print, etsy //  lamps, vintage //  candle, antrhopologie //  curtain tie backs, urban outfitters  // trinket dish, anthropologie (old) //  brass tray, vintage // box, target (old)

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