Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Easy Ways to Lighten a Dark Kitchen

I recently had a reader email me asking for tips on lighting up her dark kitchen.  She loves the look of white kitchens but unfortunately any major changes are not in their budget right now. 


As you can see the kitchen isn't horrible it's just really dark. The cabinets are clean and modern and the floor is at least light. 

If you don't have the means to give your kitchen a complete overhaul there are still a lot of easy changes you can do. 
1. I love the idea of using a beautiful tea towel as art. Something white with a little color will really brighten up the kitchen. 
2. If any of my clients ever have windows in the kitchen I always recommend installing a roman shade. A window treatment is a great way to add some pattern and color to the space distracting the eye from all the brown going on. Since this kitchen has all warm tones I chose a blue fabric to add a cooler feel to the space. Roman shades can be pricey so if you want to save some money you can make a faux roman shade using this tutorial
3. The easiest thing to do to lighten up the space is to add as many white accessories as possible. White will help to break up the brown. White serving pieces could also be added to top the kitchen cabinets.
4. I think adding crystal knobs to all the cabinets would be amazing.  
5. These canisters are bright and cheery and would really help bring the kitchen to life. 
6. I have patterned bowls displayed in my kitchen and I love them!
7. Because the kitchen appliances are all dark it would be great to brighten the oven up with a fun dishtowel
8. Although the client doesn't want to do any painting I'm going to strongly recommend painting the tile backsplash. I love this tutorial. I really feel like transforming the backsplash will help break up the darkness of the cabinets and countertops. 

What would you do to lighten up this dark kitchen? 

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Living Room under $500

I am really excited to be introducing a new contributor to the blog today! Kimberly Moore is a fabulous former intern of mine and she is now running a design business of her own. Her blog is one of my favorites and I love the post she's put together for us today! 

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It can be difficult to stay within a small budget when decorating, but it's certainly not impossible! I've put together this living room inspiration board that came in right at $498.48 Not only is this room affordable, it is pretty to look at! 

Keeping a list of a few basic resources will help when beginning the design process. Don't forget to include these on the list >>>



[RESOURCES]
Sofa: $230 // Target 5'x7' Rug: $80 // Target
Coffee Table: $20 // Ikea Lamp: $45.48 // Target
Pink Dot Pillow: $20 // Society 6 Floral Pillow: $20 // Society 6
Yellow Scallops Pillow: $23 // Society 6 3 Mirrors: $60 // Target




Kimberly Moore here >>> My favorite color is mint, I have bangs, and love a good pair of glasses! There are few things that make me happier than designing a gorgeous room, creating art, or throwing a smashing party. My blog, Third Floor Design Studio, has become a place to learn, shop, and be inspired. On any given day you'll find great sources for decor, simple DIY projects, or party planning essentials. So be sure to stop by my blog and say hello! 

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Last Week's Links


Last week was amazing! The highlight of the week was a giant slip n' slide that we went to in our neighborhood. I felt like a kid again! I feel like I'm soaking up every moment of this summer that I possibly can. 

You can keep up with all my latest happenings on instagram (@kirstenkrason)


1 || Snakes as art? I never thought I would love it so much! 
2 || I love this roundup of "non-hideous" ceiling fans. 
3 || This is the coolest website! You can use your favorite quote to create a totally "pin-worthy" image. 
4 || So excited to have discovered this amazing artist
5 || Right now Banana Republic is offering an additional 35% off everything with code BRSPLASH!



6 || I am super excited about the new Maxi - Cosi AP car-seat that's launching today! It will be available in 14 color combos and only weighs 8.6 lbs!  I've been eyeing it for awhile now.
  


8 || This tutorial on how to arrange grocery store flowers is going to change my life! 
9 || I get weepy every time I read an article like this
10 || This post on what not to do as a blogger was really interesting. 
11 || I LOVE this little gold table

top image - I Suwannee // bottom image - Third Floor Design Studio

disclosure: affiliate links used

Friday, July 26, 2013

Feature Friday: The Nesting Game


Today I am featuring the home of Molly from the blog The Nesting Game. Her home is full of great DIY projects and fantastic style. Here is what she says she loves most her home.

"Our home is a mix of old and new, high(ish) and low, inherited and thrifted, color and calm. Just like life! I love the challenge of pulling together a space and hunting for just the right elements to finish a room---even if it takes years. Most of all, I love that our home is a place our family and friends like to hang out in."


Enjoy!


vignette with bust botanical photobooth


l i v i n g   r o o m 

LR Sofa and End Tables

LR Iron end tables

LR antiqued mirror tabletop

LR wide shot_sisal rug

LR sheepskin vignette

LR corner white table

LR china cabinet

Read more about this room here

k i t c h en




Read more about this room here.

d i n i n g   r o o m





Read more about this room here


g u e s t   r o o m   /   n u r s e r y



IMG_3625




Full Room

Navy Nursery Rocker Crib

Santa Maria Desert Pillow

Bed and sconces

Side table Full

Red Side Table

Dresser and Mirror

Bookshelf McDowell Print

Rocker and ottoman
Crib and Skirt

LBD_0724
Read more about this room here

b o y ' s   r o o m 





Read more about this room here

Thanks so much to Molly for letting me feature her home. Check out her blog here

Go here to check out past Feature Fridays.