Theron's Big Boy Bed

Theron's three years old and since we have a new baby boy on the way [eek!] we thought it the perfect time to switch him over to a big boy bed. 

He has been in his crib-converterted-toddler bed for awhile now...maybe even over a year. He did so well with that transition and thus far has done great with this latest one, too. 

I was hesitant on buying a bed because they are not cheap. I mean, you can find some cheap ones but I didn't want to waste my money on something that wasn't sturdy or that we would have to replace in his teen years. 

I debated between a couple metal beds from Target and Walmart but finally settled on the one I had always loved from West Elm. It has a classic shape, color, and is solid wood so I hope it will stand the test of time. I still want to get him some new bedding but the current setup seems to be working for now. 

We were worried that Theron would roll or fall out since we decided against purchasing bed rails but so far, so good. He happily went to bed the first night and didn't have an issue one. I hope I'm not jinxing us by writing that!

When we first moved in his room looked like this:

Then we transformed it into this:

And now, here it is with his big boy bed:

It's a simple space, but one that our kiddo seems to love! 

xo

Unplanned Master Bedroom Update

Things have kind of stalled on the master bedroom decor front. It has all of the old decor from our last home and that's how it's stayed since summertime.  I really put zero thought into this space since such a large chunk of our budget has gone to new flooring throughout the whole first floor, kitchen countertops, and bathroom updates, too!

The space is calming and soothing and not at all like the rest of our house--haha.  Lately, as in these never ending snow days, I have been getting the itch to change it all up. And, really, it's pretty much a blank slate.  

As you can see, I have those floral fabric panels framed and blue pillows & patterned quilt on the bed but minus those it's really blank. 

I've been pinning some ideas and have no idea which direction I will take it.  But I think the whole calming vibe is over.  I mean, I do want us to be able to relax, but I want to throw in a more eclectic mix as well.  

My first little change-up came on a whim.  I've been basically holed up at home for the last 5 days due to our massive snow storm we had this weekend and my wheels have been turning.  

To be honest, I have never loved that bench you see in the window area.  I bought it to fit a space in our last bedroom and just plopped it in here when we moved in.  Ideally, I think I'd like a built in window seat, but I'm not 100% sold on that idea either.  

Anyway, back to the change-up.  I decided to move the glider, that got a ton of miles put on it when Theron was a wee babe, into the space.  

Since living in this house, it has just been sitting in our third bedroom with other hodgepodge things keeping it company.  

But now, it looks like it was made perfectly for the bay window area in our master bedroom.  

I actually have sat in it, rocked in it, and read a little bit of my book [I'm really trying to finish--I am so NOT the reader] in it.  

Now to get going on some updated decor in this space!

Have a great day, guys! Looks like I'll be enjoying [or trying not to go crazy during] snow day #5. Wowza. 

xoxo

Gold Dipped Vintage Highchair Makeover

You guys know that I like to hit up the local thrift shops on Fridays after school as a sort of "Congrats! You made it through the week!" treat.  I usually head home with some clothes and maybe a toy for Theron but this particular week I scored this vintage high chair priced at $10.00. 

I almost passed on it because 1. We already have a highchair and 2. Our families have one, too.  You'd think that would be reason enough to walk on by but of course I had to have it.  

I knew I could turn it into something great for T to use at his first birthday celebration.  I decided to paint it white with gold dipped legs.  I used an all-in-one white paint & primer spray paint for the entire chair and then taped off the bottom of the legs to spray the gold.  It was incredibly easy and took under an hour. 

I have an arsenal of spray paint with a variety of gold options.  I randomly chose this one and I am pleased with the outcome.

I love how it turned out!

I can't wait to add some fun balloons to the back and watch baby boy smash a cake into his face!  I've been planning our little guy's first birthday for awhile and I hope I haven't gone overboard.

xoxo

Wish List: World Market Desk

So I gave you guys a little peek into my last week's World Market shopping bag and I forgot to mention that there is a specific item from World Market that is now residing on my wish list.

My latest obsession is an absolutely gorgeous white lacquer desk. It flirted with me while I was about to check out so I had to walk over to it and give it a second glance. It would have been rude of me to ignore its loveliness, don't ya think?

Alright, but let's be real here...

First, I don't need a desk. I know, I know. I can almost hear all of you saying, "Really, Joi?!" to me as you're reading this. Especially you, Maw Maw!

Second, and most telling, since when did I ever let that stop me? Come on, you all know my weaknesses by now.

Third, I signed up for World Market rewards and get 10% of my first purchase. Hmmm, I have to make a trip there this weekend anyway so I may just come home with Mr. desk.

He was so very handsome; take my word for it, ladies. Mmm, mmm! His online photo does not do him justice. ; )

xoxo

Video Tour: Living Room + Phillip's Furniture Design Event

We made it to the end! Dana's final installment of my little house tour is available for your viewing pleasure.

I hope that if you're in the St. Louis area you will join me and the fabulous people from Phillip's Furniture and Woodard Cleaning and Restoration for a free design seminar on December 2nd where we'll help you with any of those problem spots in your home! Also, you'll come away some goodies {a free copy of the December issue of St. Louis Magazine, 10% off ALL accessories, and a chance to win gift cards}!

If you're interested in attending, RSVP here! The event starts at 7 p.m. at the Kirkwood Phillip's Furniture Store.

I hope some of my StL blogging buddies can make an appearance!

xoxo

Sweet Dreams

Most people I love, like to joke around with me and give me a hard time about the rotation that the decor and furniture in our home undergo. My husband likes to refer to it as baseball. The furniture pieces all start out in the major leagues, then some work their way down to the minor leagues {AKA: the basement}, and then many find themselves unemployed and cut from the team completely {Hello Goodwill and Craigslist!}. Ouch.

It's a funny comparison and one that is just about right. Oh well, if you can't laugh at yourself once in awhile then you're missing out. : )

While A LOT of our furniture goes through that cycle I am proud to say our bedroom furniture has stayed constant since the moment {over 5 years ago} that we bought it.

And that's exactly the problem. EVERYTHING matches. As my tastes have evolved into a more eclectic and collected-over-time vibe, I have been feeling the itch for change. It's not that I have grown to dislike our set, but rather I merely want to mix it up. "Sets" are no longer for Miss. Joi.

At first my mind had envisioned some sort of mirrored night stands or silver leafed ones as well. But then, I saw this, that someone posted in the Look for Less section of Decor Pad and my heart skipped a beat.

What a great bed and at that price? Someone help me. I think I need it. It's a head turner and stunning. Just take a peak at the more expensive version in A & L's famous bedroom.

Lovely, right?

I thought so. Now I wait until my mind makes its decision. I think I know how this is going to end.

xoxo

Finally...A Bamboo Find For Me : )

As you all know, I'm always searching for some hidden treasures on craiglist for my great readers and every once in awhile I'll head on over to the St. Louis site just to browse. I've been in love with all the fun bamboo pieces I've found in other cities and this summer I was lucky enough to score a piece for myself!

It's sitting in the garage right now, but I am itching to give it a makeover and bring it on inside. I think I know where she's going, but only time will tell!

I just love a good project!

xoxo

Kitchen Island Paint Debate

Well as you may recall, the kitchen island was lovingly and quickly built by my A1 father-in-law in one day!

I had not expected the project to move so fast from the planning stages to completion and thus am rather perplexed on my paint color choices. You all know I am in love with this island seen below; but I am unsure if I want to go that bold.

[credit]

I'm actually thinking about painting our island a couple shades lighter than our wall color and staining the top as if it is a butcher block. Do you all have any suggestions? I am all ears!

Oh, and can you see what I put up in the background? Once I'm home for good lighting I'll take a pic of the plate wall and post it for you guys!

I also have plans for some vintage wire locker baskets to hold stuff on the bottom and I purchased a modern cabinet pull off of eBay to act as a towel bar since none of the standard sizes would work. I promise when it all comes together another blog post will follow. Have a great, great day! ♥

xoxo

DIY Modified Modern Farmhouse Table Plans {Lots of them}

Let me preface this post by saying my father-in-law is a perfectionist and very detailed and believes in doing things the right way instead of taking chintzy shortcuts. Instead of me writing a mangled post of mumbo-jumbo I asked him to detail how he made the table. He did and it's 5 pages in a Word document. My husband and I knew this was probably coming! I'm sure this comes as no surprise to those of you that know him!

--If you'd like the plans leave your email in the comment form and I will forward them on.--

I do have several photos documenting the process until Dave and I had to leave to go to our master's class we almost forgot about that day! Oops! That's what lovely "Spring Break Brain" will do to you!

The tabletop boards all laid out to see which way the grain flowed the best!

Planing the boards for a smooth seamless fit!

Wood glue and biscuits so the table top boards fit together tightly!

Jointing the rest of the spots for the biscuits

Clamped together for a secure glue dry!

Cleaning up any glue that oozed out!

The 4 legs!

Sanding the legs with a belt sander for a smooth finish!

Drilling pocket screws!

Like father like son...or not?

Finished tabletop waiting to be conditioned {to reduce blotchiness} and stained!

Already conditioned, now being stained! [Dark Walnut by Miniwax]

After the second coat--but before the poly!
[2 coats of poly on legs/ 3 coats of poly on tabletop]

Remember, full extensive plans available! Just send me your email and I will be happy to forward them on! : )

Have a fabulous weekend!!!

xoxo

Kitchen Paint Makeover + DIY Dining Table Reveal

I had been wanting to repaint the kitchen+dining room for quite awhile now. Heck, it's the only room in the house that hasn't been repainted [multiple times might I add] since we moved here 5 years ago. Everyone teases me about my ever-changing tastes, but I consider it a hobby and such a fun one at that. Some people shop, others party, some scrapbook and well I--I decorate!

About a year ago I was reading Chelsea's blog and absolutely fell in love with this photo she posted!

Then not too long ago Bryn posted it again. And upon seeing it again, I fell in love all over! As with all things I fall in love with I acted fast to repaint right away! I knew our little kitchen needed a paint makeover and Ralph Lauren Mercer was just the answer. Now as some of you bloggers probably know, Ralph Lauren paint is no longer carried at Home Depot, but they still had the fan deck and colormatched it-no problema!

I was able to tape [with Dave's help] and paint all by myself in about 4 hours. I forgot how much I hate cutting in!

It's safe to say I'm pretty much in love with the color and can't wait to make those floors reflect my style more accurately. They cheapie laminate sheet stands out like a sore thumb but I have big plans for its replacement someday!

I also ordered this Amy Butler fabric online and followed John and Sherry's no-sew hem tutorial and I had both "curtains" up within the hour! I love the vintage feel to them [no surprise there] and well the pink and grey were pretty much icing on the cake.

I know I was a major tease by only showing you a hint of the table last week, but here she is in all of her glory. To say I am pleased with it is the understatement of the year. It is the best thing ever! I have tons of pics and some info about the process if anyone is interested--post to come on that later. : )

I've got more plans up my sleeve for this double room that I can't wait to share with all of you. One of them involves more building---Dan, are you listening? ; )

¡Hasta luego, chiquitas!

xoxo

DIY Modern Farmhouse Table {Sneak Peak}

Oooooh...I am so excited to share with all of you just a snippet of the finished project! The table took a day to make {thanks, Dan!} and a couple of days to condition, stain, and poly {go me!}.

Total cost ended up close to $150 {wood, conditioner, stain, new paint brush, and tacky cloth--we already had a can of poly}. I promise to go in depth better in an upcoming post of the behind the scenes play by play. : )

I am beyond happy with the finished product and can't say enough wonderful and positive things about the absolute best father-in-law in the world to whom I am forever very grateful and thankful. Thanks for always being the brains and brawn behind my crazy ideas. : )

More images coming very soon. Stay tuned!

xoxo