3 Wallpaper Remnant Projects

Let's face it, wallpaper is expensive.  I'll be the first to admit it.  Initially wallpaper doesn't seem quite so spendy as most papers are priced in a single roll.  Most vendors make you buy double rolls, though, even if you just need one.  In my experience, this leads to a LOT of leftover wallpaper, up to a full roll, that can cost $30-100+ in waste.  The Ms. Frugal in me just can't handle that kind of loss, especially when the paper is so beautiful! 

Here are 

3 WALLPAPER REMNANT PROJECTS 

used in the Canyon Crest nursery suite:

PAPER INTERIOR OF CLOSET

I especially love this idea for kid's closets, as their clothes are so small, you'd actually be able to see and enjoy the interior of the closet.  Unless you know how to install wallpaper yourself, this project may be best left to the professionals (which we did). If you want to try your hand at wallpapering, though, the closet may be a good place to start, because you can easily hide your mistakes!

 COVER MATS IN READY MADE FRAME

This project is my personal favorite, maybe because I did this one all by myself.  If I can accomplish a successful DIY, ANYONE can!  I purchased four large square Ribba frames from Ikea, for $20 a piece. When I got them home, I popped out the ready made mat and sprayed the front of the mat with 3M SUPER 77.  I can not stress how important getting the right brand of spray adhesive is.  I spent years upon years trying to find an adhesive just as good as Super 77 but not so pricey.  It doesn't exist. Trust me. I can't tell you how many of my projects would literally fall apart as I was turning them in... so frustrating. Many tears were shed.  Just buy the Super 77.  

Once the mats were sprayed, I laid them glue-side-down on the wallpaper remnant's backside.  I waited a few minutes for the glue to dry, then I used an Xacto knife to cut out the wallpaper from the mat's opening.

I popped the covered mat back into the frame and wallah!  Customized matting.

COVER LAMP SHADES

These lamps were purchased by my client at our local Home Goods, one of my favorite sources for affordable lamps.  I adore the lattice-like ceramic base for a girl's room but paired with a cream colored shade, the lamps were... a little boring.  Using a method similar to covering the mats, we turned the ho-hum shades into stunners!  I'll admit, I didn't tackle this project myself, but when researching if this was possible, I came across this useful video:

(Sorry it plays automatically. Annoying.)

Again, I HIGHLY recommend Super 77 spray adhesive. It will save SO many tears.

HAVE YOU DONE ANY PROJECTS WITH YOUR LEFTOVER WALLPAPER?

I'd love to hear your ideas!!

{Interior Design by Brooke Jones Designs, Photography by Jylare Smith, Video via eHow}

My Home Office Inspiration

I'm in the market for a new 'home office' for my living room.  The other day my husband informed me that he was really sick of our living room chairs and I that I needed to sell them.  For a man who has no opinions when it comes to... well, anything, this was definitely a shock!  Not that my chairs weren't cute (they were green and white houndstooth with black lacquered frames) he just knew they weren't 'me.'  So I placed them in the classifieds and they went to a cute young couple who just bought their first home.

Now I have a large area in front of a large picture window that is a blank canvas.  I've been toying around with the idea of adding a 'home office' area, as my apartment doesn't have a second bedroom or home office space.  After some tinkering around with some ideas, here is what I came up with so far:

I would swap out my green curtains for a pair of dove grey velvet panels, add a white Parson's desk, and a sleek lucite cantilever chair.  

(Clockwise from left)

1. Pottery Barn's Velvet Drape

2. Custom Abstract Painting from yours truly!!

3. West Elm's Lacquered Trinket Tray

4. Z Gallerie's Lotus Tealight Holder

5. West Elm's Cowhide Rug

6. Ikea's Tobias Rug

7. Bungalow 5's Parsons Console

8. Ikea's White Vases

Did you notice the abstract art?  It was my first attempt at being an artist.  I think it turned out pretty good, if I do say so myself.  It's all because of my adorable muse, Jack.

He was a great help sitting on my lap, sniffing the paint, and getting in the way of my elbow with each stroke.  How could you get mad at a face that sweet though?

So what do you think?  Should I purchase two more chairs that are more 'me' or does a home office in a living room fit the bill?