Home Ideas - Modern Home Design: Designer Confessions

<div style="text-align: center;"><div><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/olympic_inspired_xtreme_boys_room/set?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed&id=16358860"><img alt="Olympic Inspired Xtreme Boys Room" border="0" height="400" src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFm5oVkdPNjhoM3hHLWhJQW5CQldQYlEAAAACaWQKAWUAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg" title="Olympic Inspired Xtreme Boys Room" width="400" /></a> <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/olympic_inspired_xtreme_boys_room/set?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed&id=16358860"> </a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/olympic_inspired_xtreme_boys_room/set?id=16358860">designvignettes on polyvore.com</a> <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?.mid=badgeswatch&id=971780"><img border="0" height="60" src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-swatchbadge?.out=png&count=20&uid=971780" width="120" /></a> While watching some of the amazing <a href="http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-news/n/news/afp-news/snowboard--us-star-white-wins-halfpipe-gold_282890Lc.html">highlights of the 2010 Olympics</a> in Vancouver, I have been drawn to the green and blue graphics that have been used to brand the winter games. Looking at them, I am reminded of the color palette that I have chosen for my oldest son’s room. I have added a lot of orange to my palette (the same bright color as seen on the Olympic <a href="http://www.vancouver2010.com/store/mascots/mascot-plush/vancouver-2010-mukmuk-9-5-plush/prod97035.html">mascot’s</a> knit cap), warm beige and a muted gray-blue. I want the room to look spirited, not overly coordinated. Just like Shaun White and the U.S. snowboard team, this room will be decked out in warm flannels, slick finishes, and a touch of good ’ole red, white and blue. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqRBJYOkxv5HrD2XEKXdTk8FDFsXzvZrsOVFfnVsQ0cNWEl-38mURX1nxfl5bU3yHrz2V-VMYQFzROORZxq7i2e8jPjBs2YVknh9GcEYw816UV-v-NnULNJW9tMv6Jco5Vp993eY6AcTw/s1600-h/boysroompalette.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441931685223761282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqRBJYOkxv5HrD2XEKXdTk8FDFsXzvZrsOVFfnVsQ0cNWEl-38mURX1nxfl5bU3yHrz2V-VMYQFzROORZxq7i2e8jPjBs2YVknh9GcEYw816UV-v-NnULNJW9tMv6Jco5Vp993eY6AcTw/s400/boysroompalette.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 367px; height: 320px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vic46jh9TSl8rnyQjr7M_H1cwyJeffuittWT-Hc2B87GzEkS5WAf-Ol-K9G_nqEBxIFP8TsidyTnDuNaHq3-k_eylypoLS_-SBuhBoJbfmBrW6XRpZPsAdQRPUTcJcYo2XBrAgHu77I/s1600-h/skateboardfabric.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441941412671707330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vic46jh9TSl8rnyQjr7M_H1cwyJeffuittWT-Hc2B87GzEkS5WAf-Ol-K9G_nqEBxIFP8TsidyTnDuNaHq3-k_eylypoLS_-SBuhBoJbfmBrW6XRpZPsAdQRPUTcJcYo2XBrAgHu77I/s400/skateboardfabric.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 387px; height: 400px;" /></a> Energetic fabrics and bold prints play upon the xtreme theme. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESUyEYJABZWgU8YfwRnm8ZIXne8AmKi8pfM6k-jwZS96CFSD37re-XalpFyGG8CictVjYQ_fVULbMXn0Jjg19XixaCeRvXZ4fy0Q33HBDn8FlKGmUaWpGfUbkgI22xCKIwnrZGHgHm1U/s1600-h/diamondfabric.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441941406861235298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESUyEYJABZWgU8YfwRnm8ZIXne8AmKi8pfM6k-jwZS96CFSD37re-XalpFyGG8CictVjYQ_fVULbMXn0Jjg19XixaCeRvXZ4fy0Q33HBDn8FlKGmUaWpGfUbkgI22xCKIwnrZGHgHm1U/s400/diamondfabric.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 328px;" /></a> Currently our oldest son shares this room with brother number three (we change the line-up often around here depending on who is getting along better with who). Our first born loves to snowboard, skateboard and do anything that makes my stomach drop! I have learned to live with his extreme lifestyle (he was riding his bike without training wheels by age three) but I usually try not to watch. Although sometimes I find myself enjoying the exposure to this super-charged world – a world I never would have taken much interest in if it weren’t for my brood of boys! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-gIdO6So_G8JwZ1FDJtJDsoTUy-FW0hf0DUBja2x4NRi7KMQFmritGlwezXOuri2uJibeAZB9-_a1S_M6G44EAI86cp2OMgOU35_TPQvgZ5-A3PCkMkUCniOrL0kvS7rVRj830yGu_E4/s1600-h/quiksilverpillow.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441998838816208226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-gIdO6So_G8JwZ1FDJtJDsoTUy-FW0hf0DUBja2x4NRi7KMQFmritGlwezXOuri2uJibeAZB9-_a1S_M6G44EAI86cp2OMgOU35_TPQvgZ5-A3PCkMkUCniOrL0kvS7rVRj830yGu_E4/s320/quiksilverpillow.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 317px; height: 320px;" /></a> Cool graphics are a definite must-have when decorating a boy’s room. With a team of four boys living under one roof there tends to be a lot of wear and tear on our surroundings. As a result, my husband and I often delay final completion of design projects figuring the longer we wait the better chance we have of furnishings staying in one piece. I am hoping that now is an age-appropriate time to push ourselves towards that decorating finish line! Without fear or hesitation : ) Here is a quick tour of some before and afters ... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZs57BmFFW-3-uWJA-SarTZaq1B1LFWagpbJ2vJMhDbeoBdS_H5YTfm1HeK5m2rsBISzr_O86jRqisLJr6TeOhKo1uMm6SGe5PEaNT9FcDMMLQytOyKUD_SqPjSjtapW0qZgnadWPLc-M/s1600-h/boysroomb4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441931680863098018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZs57BmFFW-3-uWJA-SarTZaq1B1LFWagpbJ2vJMhDbeoBdS_H5YTfm1HeK5m2rsBISzr_O86jRqisLJr6TeOhKo1uMm6SGe5PEaNT9FcDMMLQytOyKUD_SqPjSjtapW0qZgnadWPLc-M/s400/boysroomb4.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 321px; height: 400px;" /></a> Before ... original (to the previous owner) baby blue walls without architectural interest were given a dropped picture frame molding and a newly insulated/plastered ceiling. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8rp9oVXH1SrSwMhn-biyiRznkyBFcS0gP1SwHs7kPn1OP-todKDHWbfG2PShduaiwhNU8X5QttIer366Awo7rlCRI-z4hL-5LdfaeeD6-5kODcSZOYzTKQK2s2ZeYebQ5sM2YFqFYfC8/s1600-h/woodlawnhillsgreenwall.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441931899336906354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8rp9oVXH1SrSwMhn-biyiRznkyBFcS0gP1SwHs7kPn1OP-todKDHWbfG2PShduaiwhNU8X5QttIer366Awo7rlCRI-z4hL-5LdfaeeD6-5kODcSZOYzTKQK2s2ZeYebQ5sM2YFqFYfC8/s400/woodlawnhillsgreenwall.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 271px; height: 400px;" /></a> After: The high ceiling was painted Benjamin Moore Bennington Gray to “bring the ceiling down” and make the room feel cozier. Manchester Tan highlights the trim and coordinates with the <a href="http://www.smithandnoble.com/sn/home.jsp">Smith & Noble </a>wooden blinds. Walls are painted with Woodlawn Hills Green. I LOVE this color. It gives the room so much visual life. It looks fresh and new and it serves as a good distraction when the room isn’t as neat as it should be (who sees the floor when the walls are this vibrant?!) </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4hG6PiEFXbaL2HHucUslpp34vzEp89Sa5m_ID3CBcVjj9y5S8cJ75BBoZFs9vnx_L-V27alsv_Bzu2L7cE9TVo-iy9c1ShEsmsMhhxb8E4R74YPIdOhtWjpa0NlGxM00CjAXo3bZ6Y3g/s1600-h/boysclosetbefore.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441931678855371042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4hG6PiEFXbaL2HHucUslpp34vzEp89Sa5m_ID3CBcVjj9y5S8cJ75BBoZFs9vnx_L-V27alsv_Bzu2L7cE9TVo-iy9c1ShEsmsMhhxb8E4R74YPIdOhtWjpa0NlGxM00CjAXo3bZ6Y3g/s400/boysclosetbefore.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 281px; height: 400px;" /></a> Before: the closet. This will be a study area when it is complete. We store all of the boys clothes in a separate laundry room (that will be a topic for another post!) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivXlYtJzRf2Uu03xiW04Vp-J3_R-raXEtH7P_QVgbr6s2P_UgVTVnyRUbe2VYBqtP2CWOO2GgfA3KqBhosXrZ45q7Z15v2jPC9E_y9oyrQz50NxYLVpsZZa7oHgSDgYLt0dLbnFBpGQ94/s1600-h/abovecloset.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441941401561040706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivXlYtJzRf2Uu03xiW04Vp-J3_R-raXEtH7P_QVgbr6s2P_UgVTVnyRUbe2VYBqtP2CWOO2GgfA3KqBhosXrZ45q7Z15v2jPC9E_y9oyrQz50NxYLVpsZZa7oHgSDgYLt0dLbnFBpGQ94/s400/abovecloset.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 322px;" /></a> During: New upper closet doors and trim have been added. My job right now is to get motivated to finish painting and maybe find some interesting door pulls. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcwHuKxDHAUXyeEJW-M5Ky8BO2XeK3Sn6RgzQtsmrY4yvtpSH_AfkQBIXEXsisOdzEJhhEYQPgKuUL5TG9srNj_Qlzp1FoGJvD9-ts3pRPnbh2SAx8YdirLGYt4yBI5WQ3A07etziN-k/s1600-h/whitebedbefore.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441931897054067810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcwHuKxDHAUXyeEJW-M5Ky8BO2XeK3Sn6RgzQtsmrY4yvtpSH_AfkQBIXEXsisOdzEJhhEYQPgKuUL5TG9srNj_Qlzp1FoGJvD9-ts3pRPnbh2SAx8YdirLGYt4yBI5WQ3A07etziN-k/s400/whitebedbefore.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 254px;" /></a> Designer confession: at a certain point, a mom of four boys stops seeing random graffiti like you see on this headboard. At least whomever did this (I have a good idea) stuck with my chosen color palette! I have since had this cottage-white bed painted a shiny black (photo to come). Much more appropriate now that the boys are older and the markers are no longer under lock and key! Check back later for the final “after” photos. My plan is to have the room completely styled and photo-ready before the first of April (if I write it down here, I will have to do it!) Achievable goals ... • add unique lighting • create a study corner • dress the beds • hang new art • train the boys to keep it clean! </div></div>

Xtreme sports inspired ...

designvignettes on polyvore.com While watching some of the amazing highlights of the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, I have been drawn to the ...

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB0L9fliFQfb8_uQeoftpn9scrDCaFgzuJLLL13WcspAiCCMsk1-94KNCIJ4IVcHj57xmdMS9E1t3V1Qnv-dw2p-duLcAztrwcNPIZpkOxCA4D8T9ctyUI_HMFzbfhZL_EJid03wSAVhk/s1600-h/2010toast.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421849844450471426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB0L9fliFQfb8_uQeoftpn9scrDCaFgzuJLLL13WcspAiCCMsk1-94KNCIJ4IVcHj57xmdMS9E1t3V1Qnv-dw2p-duLcAztrwcNPIZpkOxCA4D8T9ctyUI_HMFzbfhZL_EJid03wSAVhk/s400/2010toast.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;" /></a> Before you read any further ... I wrote my original post early last night as I was at home with 2 out of 4 kids who were under the weather (no need for details). Instead of going out to celebrate, we made a family dinner for the healthy among us (roast, mashed potatoes, corn) and had a few bottles of Prosecco, one 2-liter of gingerale, plus a jar of marachino cherries all chilled and ready for a midnight toast. Well, we never made it to midnight. I woke up (hangover free) but face-to-face with the resolutions that I had penned the day before. The last thing I wanted to do today was get to work on sanding, priming and painting the new wall in the foyer as I had envisioned (see resolution #4) or jumping on the treadmill (that would be #6). So instead, I went back to bed and hid my head under my pillow for a couple of hours! When I got back up (good thing the kids can get their own breakfast!) I sat down with the hubby/general-contractor-in-residence and we decided to make a wish list for 2010. Let’s just say that by October of 2010 we should be done finishing what we have started around here (plus I will have my *dream* kitchen!) So, now I just have to get to work on everyone else’s projects so that we can make it all happen (or start playing the lottery). I just figured that by making the list we could throw it all out there to the universe and see what comes back! P.S. I am happy to report that we did start the day with fruit smoothies and I stood in <a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/492">Mountain Pose</a> for at least one minute. Next I will be gathering up a few friends to see the movie <a href="http://www.itscomplicatedmovie.com/">“It’s Complicated.”</a> I figure it will provide some comic relief (plus some visual escape) to the end of vacation week and the start of a new year with high expectations! So now back to my previously scheduled post ... </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdLsQjJ0-nSljZFQftE4wm-7S4FbfplK3x2bg3ODetIxTh0jkyMVUXrCFVTcA5rX37pcxyzq3FMbK90V4I8WTsQzC7K_KZlJEL1V3MIUHXWjMnDRTnuG1Lhm7eTI8Iee0H_J5Sssi8IkA/s1600-h/newyearstoast.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421571127670872946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdLsQjJ0-nSljZFQftE4wm-7S4FbfplK3x2bg3ODetIxTh0jkyMVUXrCFVTcA5rX37pcxyzq3FMbK90V4I8WTsQzC7K_KZlJEL1V3MIUHXWjMnDRTnuG1Lhm7eTI8Iee0H_J5Sssi8IkA/s400/newyearstoast.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 303px; height: 400px;" /></a>My 10 resolutions for 2010 #1 Streamline time on technological devices (interpret as needed) #2 Travel more ... with and without the kids. #3 Inspire my children with daily quote board (already started this : ) #4 Set time aside each day to tackle at home design projects. Look for “Designer Confessions” coming to this blog soon! #5 Organize family photos like I used to. I am about 5 years behind (my sincere apologies to my fourth child who is almost 6). The outrageous number of pictures I take with the digital camera might have something to do with it ... I guess running out of film was a blessing in disguise! I plan to skip the photo albums and create <a href="https://www.shutterfly.com/photo-books">memory books online</a> instead. Resolve to create books with actual people in them and not just design “before and afters.” #6 Get on the treadmill for 10-15 minutes a day without fail. Do at least one yoga pose a day. If I can devote substantial time every day to mundane tasks like laundry and dishes, there is no reason why I can’t do the same for something that will actually have long-term physical benefits. How hard can 15-20 minutes be? #7 Actually use lateral file to file stuff, instead of as a drawer to put things in “till later.” This goes along with the annual resolution to get organized. I would love to know exactly where something is when I actually need it instead of wasting time searching through piles (of paper, of clothes, of ...) #8 Eat more high energy foods and less Cheese-its. More green tea, less Keurig. #9 Schedule time for family adventures. The boys are all old enough to get out there and try new things, and with all my new found time and increased energy (see resolutions #1, 6, 7 and 8) I should be able to keep up with them! #10 Expect to be lucky and at the same time focus on gratitude. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1w9vVecGDt2ToMOh0F_yzZfnBb_s4nWLYbgHrfylXHpAz0jhuP_IU8fqcvRE8jqqE4Bpz-YQ85dlqW6uoCcTbCbVfGeSc9itZnCsKn8nL3wZwSjh2B5dkITJnLpfhnl9VFOYW35W_dt4/s1600-h/horseshoepin.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421576738239212834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1w9vVecGDt2ToMOh0F_yzZfnBb_s4nWLYbgHrfylXHpAz0jhuP_IU8fqcvRE8jqqE4Bpz-YQ85dlqW6uoCcTbCbVfGeSc9itZnCsKn8nL3wZwSjh2B5dkITJnLpfhnl9VFOYW35W_dt4/s200/horseshoepin.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 164px;" /></a> My resolution last year was not to have any resolutions, which actually worked out pretty well, too! Good luck with whichever approach you decide to take in 2010. </div>

A new day ...

Before you read any further ... I wrote my original post early last night as I was at home with 2 out of 4 kids who were under the weather (...

Home Ideas - Modern Home Design

Xtreme sports inspired ...

A new day ...

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