Happy Valentines Day.....

Happy Valentines Day. May your day be filled with unexpected Joy, Love, and plenty of Happiness. Wine and chocolate brings me all three. Have a lovely, loving day everyone. 

Leave A Love Note.....

There's nothing better than receiving a heartfelt love letter. Especially if it's from the one you can't seem to stop blushing over. Instead of the traditional Valentines Day gift or card, why not change things up this year. Better Homes & Gardens features these super cutesy V-Day cards, along with tutorials and templates to get the job done in a jiffy. If your like me, and love to give something handmade try a personalized card this year. Say what you mean, in a way that will warm your Valentines heart. 

Images Courtesy of:Better Homes & Gardens

Tip of the Week: Camouflage It...

This weeks tip is based on camouflage. Do you have extra storage in a space that has become an eye sore for you? You know, those plastic bins in the corner that store your nick-knacks. How about those mops and brooms that are needed on a daily basis, but there's have no where else to put them except in the corner of a room? Yeah that extra storage! Don't be bashful well all have that corner. Well, a folding screen can solve this problem without taking away from the look of the space. 

Pictured above is a folding screen, I created, with minimal supplies. Three pieces of plywood (cut to the size of your choice), 8 hinges/screws, quart of paint, and 2 yards of fabric. This project should only take about two hours (depending on how fast you work). This is an easy and quick way to cover unsightly items. Folding screens can also be used as dividers to separate spaces or used as a decor piece. As an added touch, a mirror on the front of this design can act as a makeshift dressing room. Bet you can't guess what I'm hiding....

My Designs Custom Made Benches....

I have been on pins and needles waiting to show you all these benches that I custom made for the seating area over at Folliclez 360 Salon. We started on this project a few months back and we have now achieved a look that is not only appealing to the eyes,  but also comfortable and inviting. This was a project I had to but my back into. No literally, I started out with a few 2x4's and a sheet of plywood (hence the back breaking work). Using the 2x4's I made a 5ft x16in frame, topped it with a few pieces of plywood cut to size, some foam, batting and covered it in this beautiful fabric. Sounds so simple when you spell it all out, but it was a lot of hard work that I am now patting myself on the back for. I could not be happier with the way the benches turned out. I can sleep easier knowing that I have another happy client in the bag. Leave a comment, I would Love to hear your thoughts. You can also contact me directly @ Mydesign80@gmail.com for custom design services. 

Here's a picture of the frame built using 2x4's and 1" thick plywood.

Before & After: French Provincial Dresser

There is just something about a DIY project that gets my creative juice's flowing.  While hunting the city for a project I'm currently working on, I found this French Provincial dresser that was just to good to pass up. I bargained my way into a killer deal and walked out the store one satisfied customer. When I got home, I got right to work. I sanded the piece down, primed, and painted it for an updated more modern look to make it work with the space. I have to admit, this was one of those projects I did not want to see leave the workshop. I absolutely LOVE the way it turned out.

2012....

It's finally 2012, finally! I can't tell you all how much I've been looking forward to this year. I'm not big on horoscopes and things of that natural, but last night I was prompted to read my horoscope for January 2012 and I must say it put me in a really good space. Seems as if Mars is hanging around for a while, which should help to keep my creative juices flowing and if I read it correctly 2012 just might be the year I can potentially see my name up in lights. Even if I have to build my own marquee and hang it on my garage out front. Lights are the goal this year. Reading my horoscope shined a light of inspiration on me that had seem to start to dull. So I want to know what's inspired you so far in 2012. Do you have a plan for the next 363 days of this year. If not check your horoscope, maybe you do and just don't know it yet.

Giving Thanks for the Kids...

As I am still running around like a turkey with my head cut off I realized I will not only be entertaining adults this thanksgiving, but a few kids as well. As a child I remember being seated at the kids table and being served thanksgiving dinner every year. Wanting to sit next to my mom at the adult table because of how pretty it was always set up.  This year the kids table will be the envy of all adults attending dinner at my house. My brain is telling me if I build it, they will come. Meaning if I load the kids with fun crafts upon crafts they may stay entertained though out dinner. Allowing the children to decorate their own place-mats with crayons is always a fun idea. I love the idea of allowing the children to build the Mayflower from felt sheets, and paper pilgrims will definitely be a show stopper. If you are entertaining kids that are a little older in age, the paper "Thankful" tree is a great centerpiece as well as conversation piece. Blank leaves on the tree for them to write what they are thankful for is a way to get everyone involved in the Thanksgiving spirit. 

Images Courtesy of: Its Written on the Walls, DTE, Kitchen Daily, Pepper Design

Some Tuesday Morning Cute..... Bleached Pillows

I love all things pillows. Of course you all should know this about me by now. These pillows we created by Amanda over at Burlap and Denim and they have made my "I just love theses list." Amanda gave these pottery barn denim pillow covers a face lift with an stencil, a little bit of bleach, and lots of creativity. This best part of it all, is she show us step by step how she achieved the look. This project seems simple enough to tackle in an afternoon. Click here to enjoy this fun tutorial and create your own Bleached out denim pillow covers. 

Images Courtesy of: Burlap and Denim

Add Glitz to your table this Thanksgiving....

With Thanksgiving just a few weeks away the lovely Erinn Valencich over at HGTV shares a few designer tips for adding a little glitz to your Thanksgiving table decor this year. Erinn shows us how to mix natural elements with metallic painted fixtures to create a table setting your guest are bound to love. The use of fresh fruit and dried tree branches along side metallic colors, glass and ceramic fixtures help to create a contrast that will make for a great decor combination for you Thanksgiving feast. 

How To Save Money On Energy Coast This Winter....

If you are looking for ways to cut energy coast this winter all while keeping your home warm and cozy, Real Simple has some great tips and tricks on how save money on winterizing your home. The average American spends close to an arm and leg on energy bills on a yearly basis. These tips will help to make  your home more energy efficient and your wallet a little heavier this winter. 

Images Courtesy of: Real Simple

Decorative Pumpkins.....

With Halloween just a few weeks away I am not looking forward to carving pumpkins after last years fiasco. I will be the first to say that I am not a pumpkin carver by far. I ran across these cool pumpkin crafts while waiting in line at the grocery store. I could not wait to get home to get the how-to's from  CountryLiving.com. These fun filled crafts require little to no carving and are full of creativity. My favorites just happen to be the one's that require NO carving at all. I can't wait to get my hands on some  cool prints to wrap my pumpkins in this year. Happy Crafting everybody. 

Images Courtesy of : Country Living

Thrift Store Finds.....

I've been on the hunt for a new headboard for months now. When I finally decided to make my own I ran across this gem. I stopped over at Habitat for Humanity looking for some side table that would work with my design scheme on another project, and low and behold the design Gods we shinning down on me. This queen size headboard was priced at $25.00 and I was not about to let it pass me bye. I'm so excited to get started working on it. A little TLC is all this headboard needs and I'm ready to nurture it. Headboard make over take one.  There are plenty of unseen treasures at your local thrift store. If you are a DIYer like myself take some time to shop your local stores before diving into your next project. You might find it a little more satisfying doing the work yourself and a bit more budget friendly by going the thrift store route.

And We have A Winner.....

And we have a winner people. But before I start the drum roll I would like to thank everyone who entered my From the Heart Giveaway you guys are the best. It's so hard to just pick one Winner so I let my son pull the name out of the hat. Drum Roll Pleeeeeeeeeeease............

A Big Congratulations goes out to Nikki you are the lucky winner of this fabulous giveaway. Please email your mailing information over to mydesign80@GMail.com and I will get your gift to you asap. Thanks again to everyone who entered or spread the word about the giveaway. Be on the look out for the launch of  My Designs 80 on Etsy coming next week. I can wait to give you guys a sneak peek of my shop. Yayyyyy!

Last Chance to Win... Pillow Giveaway

Today is the last day of this special Giveaway so get involved for your chance to win a set of hand made pillow covers that I like to call my Naturally beautiful girls. These pillow covers are valued at $45.00 USD. If you want to try your chances at winning here's how to enter. Step 1: leave a comment on the blog asking any question you want answered about interior design. Step 2: head over the the Official My Design Interiors fan page and click the "Like" button for a chance to win. Good Luck everyone.


For more information about this giveaway click Here.

Decorate Like A Pro....

Let's just be honest, sometimes redecorating your home can be not only time consuming but a bit expensive as well. Not everyone has the means to go out and hire an Interior Designer to help redesign their entire home. Bummer for me but it's true. Over at House Beautiful there's a great article that consist of 20 decorating secrets from professional designers that should help you get your creative juices going. It's full of tips and tricks that will help you think and decorate like one of the pro's. 

Images Courtesy of :House Beautiful

They Say When You Go Black.....

Black is and will always be one of my favorite colors. It works well with everything, and has such a sophisticated feel to it. It's such a dramatic color that it will always make a statement in a room. People love to wear the color black because it's such a chic and bold color. I don't you about you ladies but I always feel a bit seductive in all black. Make a bold move and bring black into your home, it can be used to make a strong statement when done properly. I'm doing a really dramatic makeover to my bedroom and of course black was the first color in my design scheme. Bold, Seductive, and Sophisticated, yep sounds like me.

From Me. Too You.... A Giveaway From the Heart!

In honor of My Love for Design turning 1 year old, I'm doing a Great Giveaway to give back some of the Love that I have received this pass year. Now you can't tell me these throw pillows pictured above for not to die for. I like to call them my Naturally Beautiful throw pillows . Now that your in Love with them you want to know how to get your hands on them right? Well to enter the giveaway all you need to do is follow theses two steps. Step 1: leave a comment on the blog asking any question related to interior design. Step 2: Head over to the My Designs Interior page on Face Book and click the "Like" button. A winner will be randomly selected a week from today, October 4, 2011. Good Luck to you all, and I can't say Thank You enough for all the Support on the site.


FYI:
2 Pillow case size 16"x16"
Throw Pillow Cases valued at $45.00
Pillow inserts not included in giveaway
I encourage getting family and friends to enter giveaway
for better chanced to win
You can click the Blue FB heart on the Home page to get to
My Design Interiors FB page.

Celebrating 1 Year in the Blogophere.......

Break out the Cake- pop's cause it's time to celebrate. My Love For Design is now 1 year old. I am proud to say that I have been blogging, learning, teaching, and networking through My Love For Design for a little bit over a year now. The saying is true, time does fly when your having fun. I can't even put into words how blessed I feel to have come this Far, and I could not have done it with out all the love and support from my family, friends, and close network of go-getter that keep me grounded. To celebrate this big occasion I'm doing a Giveaway! That's right people FREE GOODS, to give back some of the Love I have received from all of you. Stay tuned for the Details coming tomorrow morning. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You all for the continued support of My Love For Design as well as My Designs Interiors.

Make A Simple Throw Pillow

The first thing I want to do when I'm switching up my home decor is get new pillows. A nice pillow now a days can run you anywhere from $20.00 to $120.00. I don't know about you but I tend to change things up quite often in my home and at $120 a pop that can get pretty pricey. Well today I'm going to show you how to make your very own throw pillow, so you can keep a few dollars in your pocket. Also this Saturday I will be teaching a decorative pillow making class over at Home Fabric's & Rugs if you are interested in making pillows for your home, family or friends and would like a live demonstration come on down. Home Fabrics & Rugs is located in the city of Torrance, Ca on the corner of Hawthorne & Sepulveda Blvd. The class with begin at 12 noon and last about an hour or so. If you can't make it in here's a quick tutorial on Making a Simple Throw Pillow . Happy Sewing!

Winter Vacation.... Lake Tahoe

With summer coming to a close it's time to start planning for a winter vacation. The Ritz Carlton in Lake Tahoe is the perfect getaway for some cold, snowy winter fun. Now to be honest with you, I'm not one for the snow. My sister has been trying to get me to snow board and I just have not mustard up the courage to play in the snow. Lately I've been feeling a bit braver than usual so who knows I just might try it. While searching for places to visit I came along the Ritz Carlton in Lake Tahoe. This Hotel is what a luxury winter vacation should consist of. It's loaded with spectacular views, fine dinning, spa services, beautiful rooms and lodging, and snow as far as the eye can see. So if you’re looking for a winter wonderland getaway this year, I think Lake Tahoe is a great choice. 

Images Courtesy of :Ritz Carlton.com