Great Ideas for Cheap IKEA Mirrors

Have you been to IKEA and seen those very cheap square little mirrors ??

There are huge tall stacks of them, mostly unfinished.

And you think...what people do with those? They are so small and can't see myself !!

Guess what ? They are perfect as decorative pieces, with a little creativity and maybe some

acrylic paint and glue, you will have an art piece in no time.

And the best part? Is unique and it didn't cost a lot of money...another great point, It will look great !!

These mirrors come unfinished, but also in some basic colors, including black.

Measure the wall area you want to use as canvas and arrange the mirrors on the floor. 

Then glue them or attach them using small wood nails or screws.

Use only one color mirrors or combine for a more vivid look.

These mirrors can be easily finish with acrylic paints, you don't have to be an artist, just by painting them in a solid color would be enough.

Place them horizontally or vertically for a more stylish modern look, go a little wild and scatter them in different directions for a more casual and fun look.

Also, place them between a piece of art, to make a bigger statement.

See some examples of how they were used in different areas and styles of decor.

Nobody would think they cost less than $2.00 a piece !!

Have Fun !!

Designing In High Heels and Mac n' Cheese: Light It Up With Style...

Designing In High Heels and Mac n' Cheese: Light It Up With Style...: "The trend in home design is multipurpose rooms with energy-conscious, high performance lighting. The right lights complement the decor wi..."

Light It Up With Style...

The trend in home design is multipurpose rooms with energy-conscious, 

high performance lighting. 

The right lights complement the decor without being "in the way" and 

provide sufficient visibility for every task. 

With more homes relying on daylighting for daytime illumination, 

lights for cloudy days or after dark are even more important to get right.

Living and Family Rooms

Rooms that serve as gathering spots have the most functions to accommodate. 

A living room or mixed living room-family room will house the media center, conversation area, 

reading chairs, art collection, computer station, library and entertainment and game tables, etc... 

Use recessed downlights to draw attention to a fireplace without creating visual clutter. 

Take care of adjustable ambient lighting with a bar of small spotlights on dimmers that hit paintings and 

sculptures but can be lowered to accommodate computer screens and TVs. 

Task lighting in reading corners comes from freestanding (floor) lamps that are low enough to prevent glare.

The rule is the bottom of the lamp or shade should be at eye level. 

A chess or pool table is more inviting, and better lit, with pendant lamps 

that hang about 36 inches above the table to provide adequate headroom. 

If the pendants are dimmable, the game table becomes a standing sculpture in low light when it is not in use.

Kitchens

The kitchen is another room that gets heavy traffic and near constant use. 

Various stations are provided for a variety of activities and each one has its own lighting requirements. 

Under-cabinet counter lighting should be placed toward the front of the cabinet so it is less 

visible and illuminates the whole counter. 

A kitchen island stands out with an odd (1-3-5) number of matching pendant lamps over it. 

They should be 60 to 66 inches from the floor. 

Recessed downlight is ideal for over the sink and stove. It gives strong, focused light and is out of the way. 

A pendant on a dimmer over a breakfast nook provides bright or romantic dining. 

And light strips or LED downlights inside glass front cabinets highlight a collection of antique pieces or 

crystal as if it were in a gallery.

Bathrooms

The bathroom has become a spa, make-up station, peaceful reading retreat (LOL) and 

usually have separate spaces for tub, shower and toilet.  

Lighting for all these divisions and activities has to be coordinated or the bathroom will be anything 

but welcoming. 

A chandelier in the center of the room is a trend that shows up as "flea market chic", they can be crystal 

and ornate or sleek and contemporary, depending on the decor. 

Mirror lights might be a row of theatrical bulbs across the top but wall sconces next 

to the mirror are a new look. 

They should be bright enough for grooming but soft enough to avoid shadows. 

A separate shower stall needs a recessed ceiling light. 

A bathtub could use a small spotlight on a dimmer, in combination with a tray of pillar candles in different 

sizes but in the same color.

If you read in the bathroom, add task lighting to the toilet. 

A recessed downlight, correctly positioned, should make everything clear.

Hope all this information helps, next time we'll go through outdoor lighting for patios, terraces, balconies

and porches !!

Until the next time...Lights Up !!

Art, Frames, Photos...All you need to know !!

Have you ever seen a frame that either looks wrong for the picture or wrong for the decor? 

Although there are no specific rules for selecting frames, some general tips should be followed.

1

Frames basically fall into three categories: traditional (often wood frames with some ornate carving, etc), modern (metal or wood, very simple) and transitional (minimal ornamentation).

2

Choose versatility when using a plain transitional wood picture frame, either stained or painted, maybe a simple stripe of contrasting paint color or metallic. 

These frames work in nearly every decor and styles of art; they also can usually move 

from room to room very easily.

3

Use old-style, ornate gold frames in traditional, formal environments with decorating styles such as 17th- and 18th-century styles, as well as with Victorian and English country decor; 

they can also be used in eclectic-style rooms (combination of styles). 

4

Give yourself more latitude if your decorating style is eclectic. Frames and artwork can mix it up a little bit, but you'll achieve a more harmonious atmosphere if there are other furnishings in the room 

(like a coffee table or chair, that also reflect the style of the frame and picture.

5

Consider hanging large abstract canvases without frames. This is a better look in modern decor.

6

Use the same or similar frames (and mats) to unite a grouping. Black-and-white drawings of varied subjects blend nicely when all are edged with black metal 

or walnut-stained picture frames; color family portraits may gain the same sense of unity with whitewashed wood frames, pewter frames or brass frames.

Now that you have a better understanding on which frame to use, we can move on to the wall arrangement.

Picture arrangements of family photos or wall art are an ideal way to enhance your décor and add personality to your home. 

Once you select your picture frames, you’ll be able to create a professional-looking picture arrangement on any wall.

Here are some tips and guidelines to make this task easy and not become a nightmare:

1

Select picture frames of various sizes, but use the same type and color of picture frame and mat. 

This approach focuses attention on the art rather than on the frames.

2

Cut a piece of craft paper according to the size you want your picture arrangement to be. Lay the paper on the floor or another flat surface.

3

Arrange all your frames on the piece of craft paper. You will need to try different combinations until you find the arrangement that has the best 

impact and you like the most.

4

Trace around each picture frame with a pencil. Remove all the frames.

5

Turn each picture on its back. Measure from the top of the frame to the hooking mechanism. Measure from the mechanism to one side of the frame. 

Write down the measurements within each traced frame on your craft paper, and repeat the process with each picture frame.

6

Take the measurements you wrote down, and determine where the nail should go on the corresponding frame outline on the paper. Make a mark with a pencil. 

Repeat this process with each picture outline.

7

Tape the piece of craft paper onto the wall.

8

Hammer in a nail through each mark on the paper. Remove the paper and tape from the wall. Hang your pictures.

And you are done !!

Hope this little tips help you use your creativity and fill your rooms, amd your life, with beautiful art and family momentos...

Eclectic, Is that what I am ??...Let's see..

Ecclectic...Ahhh....what a complex word and it's meaning even more so...I'm not so sure why I have been thinking about this style lately, wanted to write about it for the past days but seem to never have the time to really sit down, research and write a great informative piece...so today (bare with me), I finally decided just to start wrting and see how it goes...

Finally came to the realization that eclectic is just how I feel right now (well better to call myself ecletic than just on the verge of a nervous breakdown !! LOL)...as you know I am in the search for my creativity, back to my roots, back to who I am, even though I am "stuck" for the moment in an opposite side of the spectrum...so combining (at least trying) to combine these different worlds is kind of eclectic...

On friday, I had a GREAT experience, went to Lakeland, Florida to visit some of the buildings designed by my most admired architect ( and I said architect, so fellow designers don't get jealous, you are in a whole different category in my book!) and for those couple of hours I spent there, I was in heaven...I was me, the designer, the artist...the eclectic individual...

I will try to share with you some knowledge, LOL...so this blog won't be a complete waste of space and just my random thoughts (not fair to you guys)...so here we go !!

Eclectic design is an excellent choice for those who prefer a more "organic" style of decorating. Other way of saying this, a person likes more than one choice or style of decor...you can love modern furniture but also love great accesories from your favorite antique shop and there is nothing wrong with that !!

Variety in life, as well as in design is a great thing...all of us are complex human beings, with different ways of thinking and, of course, likes and dislikes...
Now add to this organic mix of styles a touch of ethnicity.
Bring in african prints, hispanic statuary, native american pottery or americana memorabilia to a mix of furnishings to create an ethnic-eclectic decorating scheme.

Basically there are two approaches you could take to creating this style.
* The first approach is to limit the ethnic component to accessories.
* The second approach is to create a "globalization scheme".

But be careful, eclectic is one thing, a mess is another one and there is just a fine line between the two...so...

Follow this guidelines and you'll be safe !!

because the eclectic design scheme, like eclectic-ethnic décor,
can be difficult to control., it can cross over from eclectic to clutter.
One of the techniques for keeping the design on track is to establish unifying elements.
COLOR is one of the best ways to do this, also one of the easiest to follow if you are just starting out with a project.

Bring the same color or tones of one color to
all the rooms to create a unify atmosphere.
Any element that goes into the room or rooms must relate to the same color palette.

Start with this rule and you are in theright track !!

Color is your best friend, don't be afraid of it, on the contrary, play with it, have fun, that is the whole purpose of decorating. Creating a space just as unique and special as you are.

An eclectic decorating style combines a variety of influences and periods to create an unconventional whole.

Just like us human beings.
Eclectic decor allows you to avoid choosing a particular period or regional theme for your house and instead
experiment with a variety of pieces.

Just like us human beings.

Like in life, you might get hit by a situation out of your control and out of your comfort zone, well, my best advice at the moment, create an eclectic side of you...stay true to yourself, your likes and dislikes, throw in the mix some of this "new and unknown" stuff and create a place inside yourself which make you feel comfortable.

Di'Luna's Design Tip:

Like in this picture above, we have a perfect example of eclectic design without going overboard. A very modern style italian kitchen with an antique crystal chandelier...what a better way to showcase a beautiful accesory.

Reality Check ?...NOOOO, I refuse, I'm still a designer !!

Aren't you tired of hearing: "You don't know what you have until you lose it?", I know, it sounds so cliche and almost dumb, but you know what?, I'm starting to believe that, I have been feeling like that lately. Today is tuesday, just the second day of the working week and I feel like it should be friday...tired, exhausted, drained...and once again, just like the past 13 weeks, I had my reality check.

I have tried all you can think of to deal with this "task" I have to do everyday, but with not much luck, it was hard, it is hard and each day is getting harder...

I keep hearing my loved ones saying: "Everything happens for a reason" (yes, another one of those...), but I still can't see, or understand, what that reason is...

Then I got the next good one: "If you are going through this is because you need to learn something from this experience" (yeap, another one of those...), but at this point (and I sadly have to admit), I was over it, tired of listening to all this everyday, I felt so alone, like no one was able to really understand what I was going through...I fought with myself, What am I learning from this? Ohhh yes, I'm learning a lot, I'm learning that I hate this, that I'm not good at it (and I thought I was good at everything LOL), that I'm getting sick because of it, I'm learning that I can spent night after night awake....great, great learning experience...

But you know what? It finally hit me, I did learn something from this, I AM ME, no one would change that, or damage that, not even the harder of jobs.

I am a designer, I am an artist, I need to create and be surrounded by beautiful things (even if they are not mine !! LOL)...I have a big necesity in my life, I need to be creative, to help others achieve their dream homes, kitchens, bathrooms, closets, doggy houses, whatever !!

This desk job, this little prision can't contain that, my days go by answering the phone, call after call, hearing people scream and fight all day and I just need to learn how to never forget this is just a phase, a learning phase, and here goes another good one: "This too shall pass..."

"You don't know what you have until you lose it?= Now I know, I took for granted my past job experiences in the design field and always had a reason to complain, now, I miss each one of them.

"Everything happens for a reason"= Now I now the reason, I had to lose what I love the most, to realize this was really my calling and not just a job.

"If you are going through this is because you need to learn something from it"= Yes, I am learning, I'm learning that I am not perfect, that I can't do everything, that I have a lot more to learn and most of all, I learned and realized what I really like to do and the way to go to better at it.

"This too shall pass"=YES, YES and YES, This is the best one, this is my faith, this is my strenght, this is my future...

Everyday is a journey, not one that I like, but I try and will keep trying, I just need to keep in touch with myself and with you guys, I need to channel my energy towards my inner self and soon, very soon, I will be free again...

PS. I want to thank my family, for being there for me, for giving words of wisdom even when I don't want to hear them, for loving me even when I know it's not an easy task...Thanks, I love you all.

Colors, Colors and more colors...feeling blue? or red?

I want this blog to be a combination of a lot of things, just like my life right now...I thought maybe I'll start with some basic design concepts, like color...and can't help to compare them with personal feelings.

We are all affected and inspired by the colors around us.
It is important to consider the psychological effect of a color before considering using it.

Well, let's start with the basics. I need the practice before going into "deep stuff". LOL
If you are interested in changing the way a room looks or make you feel ( sometimes uncomfortable, tired or unhappy),and of course we are looking for the opposite...the first thing you should check out is the colors used in the space.

Here are some exaples of how colors "talk" to us:

Blue is a relaxing, clean color, the color of the sky, it is a color that both men and women like, great for bedrooms and bathrooms.
Yellow is warm and sunny, creates a cheerful atmosphere, in lighter tones can replace a neutral.
Red is powerful and exciting, red can even stimulate the appetite. More muted shades, like brick, create a cozy warm feeling, while pink tones are more soft and feminine.
Green, known as the color of nature, is soothing, healing and refreshing. Tones like olive and sage are considered more neutral and easier to work with.
Orange is often used in restaurants for its positive effect on the appetite, orange is also warm and friendly.
Black has a sharp, modern feel, very elegant (and make you look skinny, well, if you wear it).
Brown is a comforting, reassuring color, can make a room seem smaller, like black.
Grey is stylish and versatile, and because it enhances creativity makes a good color for an office.
White denotes cleanliness and sophistication...uhmm, maybe that's why brides use it ??

If you decide to change what size the room feels like.
The lightness or darkness of a color can visually affect how big or small the room seems.
If you have a large room that you want to seem smaller and more cozy, you'll want to use darker colors.
Lighter colors will open up a small room.

Think about the emotion you want the room to have. Color does impact people's mood.

A light sunny yellow for instance is a great shade if you don't want to go neutral but don't want too bright either.
Psychologically, we associate this color with happiness and warmth (like the smiley face icons !)
Red can be used as an attention-grabbing color.
You can have one focal wall painted red and the others painted a more neutral color.
Your eyes will automatically go to the red wall first. It's a great way to showcase artwork.
Cool colors such as blue and green are more soothing, they're great options for bathrooms and bedrooms.
Purple tones are believed to be more sophisticated.
And don't forget about textures, we will talk about this later !!

This week I have been a combination of grays and reds, maybe with some sparks of blue, haha ...I know, so different it doesn't make sense, but colors are as complex as our moods and feelings...

Di'Luna's Tip:
Try it out first, like a car ( and thinking about it we should try out other "stuff" too before commiting, LOL ).

When you're thinking of changing a color of a room, get a small sample square, like those little cards they have in the stores, bring a couple that you like and grab your attention and post them on the wall to check different lighting conditions.
You may love the color during the day but find you dislike it when it gets dark.
If still not sure, stores can sell you a small sample and try it in a wall spot.
After all this, if still not sure, then that is not the color for you !!

Well, hopefully this didn't suck too much...thanks for reading me !