Bookshelf Tips and Decorating Compromises

  

Photo found on Pinterest

 

This past weekend we decided to paint our bookshelves in the living room.  I've always thought they make the room feel dark.  The main reason I didn't like them is that all my accessories wouldn't POP on a dark background.

 

 

It was like pulling teeth to get my husband on board but he finally said YES!  We had to compromise on a few things like keeping the crown molding stained but I can live with that.  I've learned that it's his house too and he has input that I need to consider.  I'm constantly encouraging my husband and wife clients to compromise, it's just hard to do it myself.  I've got to practice what I preach!

 

I stumbled upon  Comex paint at  Lowes.  Their color sample display got me ALL excited and they definitely have some rich beautiful colors. They have a fabulous selection of neutral colors as well as gorgeous bold colors!  

 

BEFORE

 

 

AFTER

 

 

 I chose the Comex Paint Glutted 2853M for the bookshelves.

 

 

Your bookshelves can be as beautiful as a window view.

 

 

I shop for books at estate sales and thrift stores.  Take their jackets off and sometimes there is a treasure cover or great color/texture underneath.

 

 

 

 

My husband grew up in Papua New Guinea and I grew up in Africa.  This bookshelf has touches of our childhood.

 

My accessories are now alive!

 I love to use muted tones for my accessories and then add loads of color with my books!

 

 

Tips for Decorating Bookshelves:

• Try to collect colorful books that tell a story about you.  Sometimes they are just for the color, sometimes they are because they say something about where you have travelled or what you love to do.
• Adjust your shelves so they aren't all the same height.
• Use muted tones for your accessories and then add loads of color with the books.
• Add a small lamp to a shelf if you can, it creates a nice mood in a room.
• Lean artwork against the shelves and layer accessories or books in front of the artwork.
• Every shelf doesn't have to have lots of items on it.  One larger scale accessory can look better than a bunch of clutter.
• Use a variety of textures like baskets and pottery, this makes it eye catching.
• Don't over decorate your bookshelves, less is more.
• Hang items on the back of the shelf.  I love to do this with mirrors.  Especially round ones.
• A interesting empty frame leaned up inside a bookshelf looks amazing.  Even a few of them layered on top of one another looks amazing.
• Hang a picture or mirror on the outside of the bookshelf.
• If you don't like some of your books, wrap them in your favorite wrapping paper or just brown paper.
• Add a storage basket to your shelving so you can hide things quickly when guests are coming.
• Paint the back of your bookshelves the color or a couple shades deeper to make the room feel bigger.
• Add lighting to your bookshelves if that is possible.

 

 We thought this project would be a quick and easy one.  However, like I always tell my clients, it always takes TWICE as long as you think.  Don't believe what HGTV tells you, it's never like they show on the design shows. 

I was reminded that painting also makes you feel you are moving, urggg!

The good thing is that both my husband and I are happy with the outcome! SCORE

 

I'd love to hear your comments!  Add your tips to the comments, we all love to be inspired!

 

P.S.  As you probably noticed, I'm not using "Ruthie's Renewed Treasures" anymore as my blog name.  I'm just using "DecRenew Interiors" for now.  I'm feeling like "Ruthie's Renewed Treasures" limits my readers and I'd like to broaden my following by making it more Interior Design focused.

 

Visit my website DecRenew Interiors to see my Design Portfolio and book your consultation today.

Hourly consultations available.

Opulant Foot Stool Inspiration

 

 

Oh wow!  I LOVE this vintage Art Deco foot stool that I found on Etsy here.

 

I've been swooning over it because it's so interesting and these kind of items are what make homes feel so charming and different.  Mixing old with new is my favorite way to pull a room together.  With every client I work with, I try to add something unusual that is created especially by me so it's one of "Ruthie's Specialties" in the space.

 

 

Items like this one always inspire me to look for unique items while I'm out shopping at consignment stores, estate sales, garage sales or thrift stores. They may be hideous when I buy it but I always know that they will become a shining star in a room when I'm done with it.

 

 

I find that looking for a treasure that has potential to be made into something fantastic is MUCH MORE fun than shopping for something that is brand new and predictable.

 

 I especially love adding an animal print to a room because it makes a room shine.  Never overdo the animal prints.  Small doses are just enough to give you that statement you need.

 

Designer - Ruthie Sommers

 

The above room designed by Ruthie Sommers (I love her style, could be because she has my name?) has touches of faux zebra on these cool side chairs and it makes this room come alive and gives it an eclectic vibe without being overdone.

 

Here is a find that I found this week sitting in a lonely corner that I thought was so much fun and they were definitely calling my name!  I can't wait to transform them into something like the footstool above that inspired me so much.

 

 

They are stackable foot stools, how fun.  They look very outdated as they are with their nasty old faux leather (they didn't make faux leather's as nice as they do now) but I thought I could paint them like the foot stool's patina above or maybe even do something even more dramatic like midnight black or even an antique gold rub.

 

I've been introduced to this pewter rub on finish and thought I might try it.

 

 

Thank you Thrifty Decor Chick for showing us how to use it. 

 

 

 

I do love this finish.  Love it when it's far from perfect, it adds charm and character.

 

 

I'm going to reupholster them in this fabric or find  or something like the one below.  Won't that be great?  I'll do the the cording in a solid color. 

 

 

 

A couple copper or metal upholstery buttons and it will be a winner.

 

 

These crystal ones would make it shine!

 

Always be on the look out for a treasure that can be RENEWED! I'll post pictures when I've finished with this treasure.

 

Blessings on your day and weekend!

  My cousin is getting married on Saturday in England.  My dad and step mom are there and I can't wait to see pictures.  They are getting married in a beautiful little stone church where my grandparents are buried.  So meaningful and beautiful! 

Visit my website DecRenew Interiors to see my Design Portfolio and book your consultation today!

 

Tips to Personalize your Decorating

 

I've always loved this picture of my brother and I riding camels on the beach in Kenya. 

 

Once you have lived or been to Africa, it always stays with you! I have wonderful memories of doing fun, crazy things that I look back at now and think "Wow" that was awesome and I had no idea how blessed I was to get to experience such a cool childhood. 

I truly realize now and can't wait to travel more with my kids.

 

 

Anyway, I found this cool camel's saddle at an estate sale and it sits beautifully in my living room.  It has significance to me because of my memories riding camels on our holiday in Mombasa, Kenya.  It's worn and tired but it has incredible character and makes for a great conversation.

 

When looking for items for your home, find things that have meaning to you.  We personalize so many things these days, our Facebook page, our Google profile, our cell phone ring tone, our Instagram photo's, our laptop screen saver.  I've been thinking a lot about it and started to wonder if people really put that much energy into their personal spaces where they spend most of their time.

 

Do you personalize your home?

 

 

I try to collect pieces of driftwood.  I've collected them from all over and have scattered them throughout my home. 

 

 

 I love their texture and they makes me think of the simplicity of life.  Nature does that to me.  Brings me back to the basics of life.  Having a bit of nature in my home constantly reminds me to keep things simple and reminds me to enjoy all things beautiful.

 

 

Seashells and corral also makes me think of my visits to different beaches.  The beach is what makes me relax and there is something about the smell of the air that makes me feel peaceful.  I instantly feel "chilled out" when sitting on the beach and feeling the breeze.

 

Here are a few tips for you to help you personalize your home.

 

 

Surround yourself with things you LOVE or items that trigger memories of your travels.

 

Re purpose old antiques or heirlooms.  Add your special touch and style by displaying them in unique ways.

 

 

Find one of a kind artwork, rugs or accessories  that says something about who are or what you have done.

 

 

Use your own signature scent for your home. 

 

 

Throw splashes of your favorite color around.  Layer those colors with different sizes, styles and shapes.

 

 

Incorporate your heritage and place vintage and family photos on your bookshelves along with your favorite collections.

 

 

Incorporate architectural elements.  They add so much interest to any corner or wall.

 

 

Add a few interesting imported pieces of furniture.  This is also a great way to add color!

 

 

Scatter your child's artwork in different places.  They love seeing their creations on display!  Date the bottom of them so you know what year they did them.  They will want them for their home one day.

 

 

 

Baskets add loads of personality and interest!  Hang them on your walls for all to enjoy.  I full wall of woven beauties has just as  much impact as a full wall of mirrors because it makes a statement!

 

Make the first thing your guests see when they ring the doorbell have a splash of YOU.

 

If you haven't personalized your home, I challenge you to do so.  If you have kids, it means a lot to them too.  My girls love to see their history and memories all over our home.

 

Tell your story by personalizing your home today!

 

P.S. - I am not a good writer and my punctuation may not always be perfect.  I just love what I do and like to express it on this blog.  I'm apologizing now for anything that you see in my grammar, etc. that isn't right :)  I try, but I'm far from perfect.

 

Visit my website DecRenew Interiors to see my design portfolio.  I can help you personalize your home and make you "house proud" as Nate would say :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who doesn't LOVE Sunday lunch?

 

I have always loved Sunday lunches after church with family.  This Sunday was extra special because my Aunt and Uncle from South Africa are here visiting! 

 

 

My mom, my aunt, my sister and myself :)

 

 

One of the things I love most about Sunday lunch is setting the table.  Nothing fancy but just simple and  inviting "using what I have."  I used my every day china and crystal this time.  I found the tablecloth last year at an estate sale (thank you to my daughter who ironed it for me).  It is a beautiful cross stitch pattern that the lady's mother had made. 

 

 

I brought in the miniature roses and berries from my backyard.  I have a set of 5 little vases and they always make the table feel "simply" spectacular.

 

 

We made fajitas since my Aunt and Uncle had never had them.  Of course, they loved them.  We did have to convince them that they didn't need to eat them with their knife and fork.  Picking them up and eating them like a sandwich was totally cool here in Texas.  We had a good laugh over that. 

 

 

Several years ago, I purposely purchased a large bowl that goes in the center of my table.  The reason I love it so much is that everyone can be seated and I can have something beautiful in it without disrupting our view of each other.  

 

Ruthie's tip of the day: 

 Centerpieces are lovely but don't create one or place one in the center of the table that you have to remove once everyone is seated.  You want to be able to enjoy it while you eat.  Make it low and wide if you have to, rather than too tall.

 

 

I change what is in the bowl with the seasons.  I can't wait to put my pumpkins in it for the fall and then fill it with Christmas ornaments for the holiday season.   Of course everybody got a cloth napkin because as you know, Fajitas are not easy to eat without making a mess!

 

 

For yesterday's meal, I filled it with these blown glass balls.  I placed a loose flower amongst them because I loved that pop of interest.

 

It was amazing to hear about my Aunt and Uncle's adventures and ministries that they are a part of all over the world.  Very inspiring to hear how lives are being touched and hope is being planted in others hearts. My uncle has been building houses, teaching others to garden so they can eat their own crops, feeding and providing shelter for orphans, etc.  See his website here.  http://www.tendinternational.org/

 

 

After we finished the meal, I scattered the little vases around the house so we can enjoy them all week!  We all had coffee, apple pie and ice cream and chatted all afternoon.  Perfect Sunday!

 

 

Hope your Labor Day weekend was amazing.  We were blessed to have my husband's family and some great friends over for the day for burgers.

  My house was full all weekend and that is what makes my soul happy!

 

Thank you to my sister in law who brought me these beauties!  I have them on my desk so I can enjoy them while I work this week.

Hope your week is filled with beauty and not too much chaos.

 

   Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. (Colossians 3:23 NLT)

 

 

Visit my website DecRenew Interiors to see my Design Portfolio. 

 I'd love to set up a consultation with you so we can make your home beautiful.

 

 

 



Wool dress transformed to pillow

 

Today I took 5 teenage girls to my favorite thrift stores in town. It was an absolute blast!  I taught them all my thrift store tips and it was fun to watch them find their treasures! 

 

I found the above wool dress and can't wait to turn it into a throw pillow for a teenage bedroom!  Cool, don't you think?

 

Everyone found something wonderful and I drove a car full of girls home that were excited and happy!  They loved digging for that perfect item, just for them. 

 

Hope you are having a great long weekend? I'm spending the weekend with my mom and family.  My Aunt and Uncle just flew in from South Africa to spend some time with us. They are on their way to Alaska!  I'm cooking Sunday lunch tomorrow for the family and we can't wait to be together.  Cooking fajitas!