D.I.Why?

With influences from mediums like Pinterest and HGTV expanding like a sponge dinosaur, the concept of improving your space all on your own has become an institution of interior design in and of itself. The idea that you, Joe Schmoe, can make one swift trip to your local craft store and within an afternoon have created some masterpiece has become commonplace. Well with this notion, a nasty little acronym has been birthed. It’s name is DIY. Obviously this stands for the phrase “do it yourself”. I’m going to be completely honest with you: I have yet to meet an interior designer worth their weight in salt who would spend hours upon hours whittling some weirdo coffee table in their garage that ends up leaning to one side and eventually collapsing.

Personally, if someone told me to “do it myself” I’d actually be offended. The temptation to simply purchase your latest home wants and needs via the internet while you watch The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills is just too strong sometimes. However my at-home creative types need not fear. Though I have not the time or the patience level to hot glue 3,000 corks to a plywood substrate in an effort to create “art”, I do believe that there are some really cool things that can add a super chic sheen you your space, for not a lot of dough. My whole mantra on the DIY movement is as follows: more power to you. If you can muster up the time and endless supplies to fabricate your next conversation piece, then be my guest. My role, as your Homeboy, is to tell you to be realistic about the end result. Set yourself up for success. These DIY projects are easy, affordable and sure to inject a dose of zest into your living space.

1.

An easy way to add some super glam to your place is to take that old-ass mirror that’s either stuffed into your closet or hanging awkwardly on your wall and give it the Midas touch.

Step 1: Get some good gold spray paint (or crackle paint) and go to town.

Step 2: Let it dry. Apply another coat if needed.

What are you looking at? You’re done with the mirror. Insta-chic. Believe in yourself! You did it!

2.

 

Let there be light… switches. This is about as DIY as it gets for me, if I’m being honest. A really cool way to add detail to your space is to find a neat light switch panel cover, and replace that boring white one. Simply unscrew the 2 or 4 screws that hold the old panel on. You can use that screwdriver thingy. And then put the new panel on. Repeat screwing. TAH-DAH! Instant, fun wall accent.

3.

Throw shade. Yeah, that’s right. It’s about time you took that boring table lamp that mom and dad gave you ten years ago, and dress her up. Buy a fun and stylish lamp shade and let her have it. Adding this updated look will take your lighting selections to the next level. Even if you don’t think that the base matches, don’t worry: Eclectic is electric.

4.



Make contact with contact paper. I know it seems strange, but this age-old household item is good for more than just lining Grandma’s kitchen cabinets. Be warned, this DIY project is a little more time- intensive than the previous, but I figure if you, my little homie, have mastered the art of the previous, you can handle this one as well. So the point here is to give that unsightly sliding glass door, or any transparent surface for that matter, a touch of class with a chic nesting pattern.

Step 1: Determine your pattern and cut one shape to the desired scale of your pattern.

Step 2: Trace your shapes by using your newly cut template (kudos, you. You made a template. Mom would be so proud!) onto your frosted clear contact paper. Make multiple tracings as you’ll have to fill up the window.

Step 3: Turn on the tube and cut out the multitudes of shapes you’ve created while watching that Real Housewives of Beverly Hills marathon. You didn’t think I would skip it, did you? You’ll probably get through, like, two episodes. Just enough to watch Kim crash and burn, yet again.

So with a splash of vibrant paint, some cute pillow covers from IKEA and the quick projects I've spelled out for you above, adding spice to your space all by yourself is indeed possible. And why DIY? Because it can actually be easy! Even if you (or me) don’t have the time or patience to string a macaroni necklace, these suggestions can really save time, while making an impact.

Homeboy.



Mini blog: Spring 2013 interior color forecast

Spring has sprung, y'all! If you're going to get into the whole interior design and trend thing, you should know that every season, new Pantone color palettes are released which set the bar for everything in the fashion, art and design worlds. This spring, we get to traverse vibrant jewel tones and smoky taupes.

Don't be afraid to embrace this very forward palette in your space, mixing some or all of these colors by way of painted wall colors, throw pillows or accessories. Infusing new colors in these ways is a super easy method of breathing new life into your place, especially if it's looking like the inside of the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland after a long winter. If your nervous about giving something called "Tender Shoots" a big design hug, don't worry: just remember that using new colors in your pad is like getting a haircut- nothing is permanent.

 

Homeboy.

True Crime: Who still loves a Lovesac?



So you all know that I’m into capital murder cases, right? Well in case you didn’t, you now know my guilty pleasure. That’s right, I have a completely dependent relationship with one Miss Nancy Grace every evening at 7. Upon our latest not-so-secret liaison last week, Nancy was ranting and raving about her latest witch hunt involving a woman and the unfortunate demise of her former other half. Naturally, my eyes were glued to the television while taking in every tabloid detail. While Nancy played the gripping testimony from the courtroom, I found myself particularly shaken by the defendant’s account of what happened that fateful day. My disturbance, however, wasn’t from some gruesome account full of blood and guts, but of the revelation that the crime scene involved… a Lovesac. That’s right folks, before the perpetrator supposedly made mince-meat of her better half, it was revealed the poor guy owned… a Lovesac.

For anyone who doesn’t know what a Lovesac is, proceed with caution. A Lovesac is essentially the new millenium’s answer to a bean bag chair. What’s even more shocking is that apparently people still own and use them for a legitimate seating solution. You may have thought that the bean bag chair was extinct, like the Dodo bird or something. I’m afraid not folks. The Lovesac admittance led me to a realization about a major social problem in our nation: There are too many unacceptable seating options out there. From futons to folding chairs, fully developed, functioning human adults are still inviting over guests and offering them patio furniture to sit in while they sip their wine in the living room. My mission, as your homeboy, for this week’s entry is to offer sound alternatives to the furniture felonies you may be guilty of.

 

 

Design crime #1: The Lovesac- You should never sit on something with “sac” in the title.

If you own a Lovesac, or any incarnation of it, it’s time to let the cat out of the bag- the bean bag, that is. This classic staple is officially stale, homies. Rather than offering company a random squishy vortex to awkwardly settle into, try implementing this Pouf. The pouf is a more sturdy option that still gives the effortless feeling of the Lovesac. Try it in a funky, ethnic print to make a statement, even when simply adorning the corner of your living room.

Design crime #2: The La-Z-Boy- You’re not in the cast of Friends. Accept it.

Yep, It’s called a La-Z-Boy for a reason. Though we all secretly pretend to be a part of the real-life version of Friends, the boyish charm of Joey and Chandler’s apartment doesn’t cut it in the real world. My suggestion? Immediately put the old recliner on Craigslist and opt for a more updated look. Don’t freak out boys, this piece I found does recline, yet is much more tailored and finished with a gorgeous brown leather. Think of furniture like clothes: The majority of your wardrobe should be tailored and well-fit, with the occasional statement piece.

 

Design crime #3: The Futon- Is neither a Fu or a Ton. Discuss.

 

Just when you thought you’d left all of you college evidence behind, this little gem serves as a constant reminder of making out with that guy from your astronomy class on the “couch” that folds down into a “bed” that folds back up into a “couch”. Leave the Futon with the red plastic cups and the beer bong and move into adulthood with alternate seating. If it’s space that you’re concerned with, there are so many retailers these days who design small-scale furniture to accommodate your tight-fitting apartment. This sofa I’ve selected for you is sleek and mature, while at the same time guaranteed to accommodate minimal square footage.

 

Design crime #4: The metal folding chair- White trash industrial chic.



These actually still exist and are still actually being used consciously by people in their dining rooms. It’s as if the goal is to live in some constant poker night purgatory. If it has to be metal, take a chance with this wire-mesh basket chair available at Bed Bath & Beyond. It’s contemporary and fun while not taking itself too seriously.

 

Design Crime #5: The statement piece- The shoe does not fit.

No matter how fabulous you think you are, drag queens are the only people who should own shoes this big. If you’re looking for a high-energy statement piece, embrace color in a less Charlotte Russe-ey way. I’ve found this super sexy piece from Horchow that will bring vibrancy to any area of the house, while blending with your other pieces.

Hopefully with these ulterior motives you can avoid any incriminating design situations.

Homeboy.

 





I Theme of Jeannie

If I had a nickel for every time I heard the phrase “I want my kitchen to have a diner theme” or listened to the excuse “we were going for a safari kind of feeling in here”, I’d realistically probably have, like, 9 nickels. I know that’s only 45 cents but that’s plenty for me, thank you very much. When it comes to designing your home, that first conceptual portion of the design process is always an exciting one. Grandiose visions of an exact replica from the Titanic fill your head when looking at your blank bedroom as you anxiously await that feeling of old-world sophistication and aristocratic luxury. Well put your shirt back on, Rose. The fact of the matter is that designing with a theme is a privilege, not a right.  My advice: really use your editing eye when you have a theme in mind, people.

I was once on a trip to Paris with an old fling, soaking in the rich ambiance of the city of romance. As you can probably imagine, my first stop was to see the smoky glamour of the infamous Moulin Rouge. To say it was garish would probably be an understatement, and not just because I’m still trying to resolve the genders of some of the performers. I think they were women, but I also think they were men. Anywho, I digress. My point to this ramble is that my then beau turned to me during intermission and declared that he wanted his entire house to look “just like” the inside of the Moulin Rouge. Needless to say, it didn’t last much longer. On the bright side though, this experience taught me a valuable lesson about design:  Nobody actually wants to live in the Moulin Rouge. Nobody actually wants to live in Jeannie’s bottle, either. I mean, do my eyes deceive me or does her bottle look like a Moroccan-style My Little Pony stable? Don’t get me wrong, Jeannie’s pad is fabulous but not for the modern, life-size girl (or boy). When using inspiration from a certain theme, design with the essence of it, rather than the literal translation. Use furniture and finishes that evoke the feeling of your theme and apply them tastefully.

Good news: Jeannie’s moving! I’m going to help her out by redesigning her bland bedroom and make her feel at home. All of my selections below are readily available from retailers, so you won’t need three wishes to get your hands on this stuff. Check the scene…

The utterly fantastic part about a Jeannie bottle makeover is that patterns are so in right now people. Mix all of your patterns together and throw in some Moroccan-inspired accent pieces with a jewel tone paint scheme and people will practically be rubbing your bedroom door. Or whatever.

POOF! There it is.

 

Homeboy.

The Deal Breaker

 

Everyone has their own idea of what they consider a "deal breaker". For some people (me), the notable distinction between there, their and they're is a must. If you can't compose a literate series of sentences which flow seamlessly and appropriately with these three words, I'll call you, don't call me. Aside from the grammar woes that come along with dating, the inevitable first visit to your newest knight in shining armor's bachelor or bachelorette pad is atop the list as well.

Long ago, in an apartment complex far, far away, I had butterflies in my stomach before entering the hovel of my latest fling. He was tall, dark and handsome. An artist, in fact, with deep chestnut eyes, unruly hair and surely the same level of obsessive compulsive disorder that I have when it comes to my home. Upon walking over the threshold, I was able to forgive the futon, the shamelessly exposed litter box (barf) and the Matisse poster prints still backed in cardboard and wrapped in plastic. I had to convince myself that these things were superficial and had absolutely no relation to his character or future ability to care for hypothetical children. After sharing a glass of Tang, the artist left me to my own devices in his bedroom while he went to find his roommate, who was buried somewhere in the litter box, I'm certain. The bathroom. I hadn't yet seen the bathroom. Everything changed when I opened that door. It looked like a scene from Texas Chainsaw Massacre, with not a matching towel in sight. Everything from toothpaste splatter, moldy everything and the mysterious sheering of some sort of hairy animal were present. I quickly turned on my heels and kicked rocks, never to see the artist again.

And so ends my tragic tale, but not without a lesson learned. Gentlemen (and perhaps some ladies too): modern retailers make it incredibly easy for you to have an acceptable bathroom that won't scare away the likes of me, or anyone else. The formula is not difficult, gents: Start with a color palette of 2 to 3 complimentary colors and go from there. Retailers like Target, West Elm and even Wal-Mart provide ample options for bathroom CPR, and to create a comfortable and stylish environment that will make any prospective date think you're the swankiest.

Take a look at these finds from Target. Did you know that the word Target is french for NO EXCUSES. So get out there! I've selected from their inventory and put together a combination of items to save your grody bathroom.

Transforming your bathroom into a chic man-spa is as easy as simply applying a well-coordinated group of finishes.

 

So here's to you, full of bathroom shame. A new dawn has come. And all for less than $100!

Homeboy.