{DIY} Custom Sized Headboard From Twin Bed

For some reason, my bedroom is consistently the last space in my home that I finish. I believe it is because I am so used to moving, that I try to get the areas in my home that I will be entertaining in completed first.     

Since I have been renting the same place, my loft, for a couple of years now and I plan on staying here for a bit. Now, I finally finished my bedroom, and oh boy, it is so important to have a "finished" and peaceful place to sleep, shut down and unwind in...Let's be real, in my home, a room is always a work in progress. I am loving the bold mix of modern with ultra traditional.                          

I scored this 100 year old, Louis XV, twin headboard in France for $100 right before leaving Germany, and finally had my master plan for this piece executed. Since I won't be having kiddos anytime in the near future and larger European bed sizes don't convert to our American bed sizes, I decided I would butcher this gorgeous thang and give it new life. I am typically not a fan of modifying antiques but knew this bed would get FAR more use and would be appreciated and honored more if I did cut it, than if it just sat in my garage, waiting for a kid to come along who wouldn't appreciate it's beauty as much as I would anyhow. Sorry (not sorry), future, unborn child.

I want to encourage you guys to not be limited by what/how you "should" be using an item for but to re-imagine or re-engineer how a piece can evolve and be used. I only have a full mattress at the moment and wanted this headboard to fit that but to also potentially fit up to a king sized bed in the future. In order to make that happen, us antique-loving, Europe living expats have been known to slice a twin footboard in half and mount each half to either side of the headboard. It makes for a ridiculously dramatic bed and at a stupid-cheap price. The best part about it, is it looks great with ANY size bed and is totally custom and unique looking. 

Thankfully, my footboard had a line down the middle, so it was an easy line to cut on. This is helpful for lazy folks. 

In order to make it as flush with the headboard as possible, I had the moulding on the back of the headboard's feet cut off vertically. 

By the way, do you ever wonder why fake antiques have all the little holes in them? It is trying to emulate the wood worm damage in real antiques as seen below, to make it look more authentic. Wood worm is not a good thing and will shred your gorgeous wood. This piece along with all my antiques were treated before bringing it back to the U.S.

 In order to attach your footboard halves to the headboard, you will flip your headboard over and mount each half to either side (from the back). This will make the centerpiece protrude a little bit more but it adds a dramatic effect. These were attached with long screws. 

 The finished product is stunning. I like the look of having the nightstands in front of the extra large headboard as it gives it a "hotel look". When I eventually get a king bed, I will mount the headboard higher on the wall and know it will look spectacular. This incredibly, inexpensive headboard is quite possibly one of my favorite pieces of furniture in my home. 

As you can see from my coffee bar armoire, I like to do unexpected things with my antiques and use them in ways that are totally different and unassuming. If you missed my Christmas decor (which you totally did because I was ultra late posting pics, because of a technical problem), click the image below!                                      

I want to thank Rachel and Ari from Ari and Faye Photography, for taking these beautiful images of my bed!

I am off to sip some coffee and get more work done. So tell me, dear friends...What pieces in your home can be reworked or reimagined??

My Little Loft Tour {Fall Edition}

You guys!!!! I am so excited about Fall being here! There is nothing like cooler weather, spiced treats, snuggling with loved ones, and wearing all those cozy sweaters and hats. Nature seems extra gorgeous and the sky isn't gray and dreary yet. Everything seems to have a golden glow to it that is absolutely divine!
I don't know if you all feel this way, but once October hits, I feel as though the rest of the year flys by waaay too fast. I always hope to slow down and enjoy the seasons like I did in Germany, and this year I plan on making that happen. As of late, I have been so slammed and am running on virtually no sleep. I haven't kept that promise to myself thus far, so I am grateful that Autumn has only just begun! I am hoping to relax and soak up the season a little more VERY soon!
Today I am off to Nashville to visit some of my best friends but first, I wanted to share my Autumn decor post with you all!

This year, I wanted to do Fall in a very subtle way. As much as I love lots of leaves and orange, I wanted to show you how to do Fall in a more neutral and luxe way. I have changed the florals to things that are less vibrant but still rich in color. I have added gold metal tones, wood accents and lush fabrics to add warmth to the space. Gold antlers and acorns in my lantern definitely hint at Fall without feeling overdone!

Nothing says cozy like a fireplace... since one does't exist in my loft, I created one (that I use year around) with a mantle, an antiqued mirror and faux candles. That is probably my favorite thing about this space. The feeling of a fireplace can be done with a shelf as well!

I placed some glitzy pumpkins into my rustic dough bowl and I love the contrast of the two mixed together! I definitely love blending the two looks. Faux sheep skins draped over my ghost chairs make them extra comfy and remind me of the bistros in Europe during the Fall and Winter months. 

Copper, brass, velvet, lots of soft blankets and warm colored glass help add warmth to the space as well!

Thank you so much for coming on this small tour of my little loft!! I am off to the airport and am stoked to listen to some good music this weekend! So tell me, how do you do Fall? Ciao, ciao for now!

Announcements, A Peek Into My Redesigned Rental Kitchen and My Home Layout

Sometimes life throws a ton of blessings and business your way and the only thing you have time to do is sleep and drive... That is the story of my life at the moment. If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I have been slammed with work and have been a bit behind on blogging... "A little bit" is quite the understatement, but hey.... Not only am I working on a ton of design jobs and stagings in San Francisco, but my rental has been under a complete re-do as well! My life as been a never ending construction zone everywhere I go. I finally have a peaceful place to land again! 

Here is what my kitchen used to look like!

Many of you have asked about my loft/kitchen/living area and since my living situation has come across as a bit confusing, I thought I would break it down for you so it is easier to understand my layout, design and the changes that I have made to their rental of mine.

I live in a two story home where I have converted the upstairs loft into a separate, apartment-living space (more before and afters coming next week) with its own bedroom, bath, living room, dining room and have almost everything I need with my espresso bar armoire and mini fridge. Downstairs is a shared kitchen (with my landlord) and an additional couple living areas and wonderful little yard. My apartment has been my little feminine haven and the perfect bachelorette pad for Penny and me. Recently, I have completely redone the downstairs part of the home and have made it appeal to future renters and that isn't too girly for my landlord. This has been and will continue to be a long, slow, work in progress, since it is a job that is done on a budget and in my (very rare) spare time. I have also made quite a few major changes upstairs and look forward to next year when we lay laminate flooring upstairs and add marble to my bathroom sink. I am beyond grateful to live in a place that I can design and I think my landlord is pretty elated with the outcome as well. We both win!

So much of the furniture that I am using downstairs has been out at stagings and is slowly coming back in! I am so stoked to entertain again and deck the place out for all the seasons. This is the year of getting my "me" back. Now that I have a kitchen that inspires me, I will be doing a ton more cooking and creating, something that I am passionate about and have most certainly missed. 

I will also be breaking down all of my resources for you and how I did this makeover on a moderate budget. Once again, you don't have to break the bank to live luxuriously. 

I am also "shaking in my boots "to share all the changes that I have made to my little femme loft, including some seasonal touches that I have made. I have worked my tail off the last couple years and have a place that I am so proud of and feel relaxed in. When I commute as much as I do (sometimes 6-8 hours a day with traffic) I need a sanctuary like the ones I create for clients. I have been indulging in comfort lately and it's just what my tired bones have been needing.

Get your coffee or cocktails ready and get ready for some major content, including before and after photos, entertaining ideas and recipes and some travel and style images too! Psst, My blog is getting a makeover also!

By the way... got a chesterfield!!! Im so in LOVE!!!

Espresso Bar Armoire Part 3: Installing a Chandelier in an Armoire

As you know, I recently converted an armoire into a quaint, tucked away espresso bar. Click here to read parts one and two. This is part three...Installing a light fixture. If you are lazy and don't like overly involved projects, this is the project for you...

This "tutorial" is so insanely easy, I almost feel guilty writing an entire post that is dedicated to doing this, but alas I shall. There is something so enchanting about opening an armoire that is converted into a unique space that has a glistening little chandelier or awesome light that establishes the petite area as a place of importance or "retreat". The best part is, it is SOOOO incredibly simple to do.

Step One: Convert Your Chandelier Into a Plug-In Light (and of course, drink a yummy iced coffee while you do it!)

You are essentially turning your hanging light fixture into a lamp. There are tons of light kits that you can purchase (at any hardware store) and plenty of sites that give tutorials and instructions. I am no electrical expert, so please follow the directions on the light kit. I am not responsible for someone not doing this step correctly. If you can't figure it out, ask an electrician or purchase a "plug in" light fixture. These are available at a plethora of retailers, including Cost Plus World Market, Ikea, Pier One, and dozens more.

I kind of want to have a "laying" chandelier table lamp in my home... I may have to do another one like this. I love the look.

Step Two: Drill Your Hole

Using a 1-1/2" drill bit, drill a hole in an inconspicuous space in your armoire. I saved the little piece of wood to pop back in if I ever decided I didn't want to run electricity into my armoire anymore. I also drilled a hole in the same spot on my removable wallpaper backdrop so they line up. 

Step Three: Hang Your Light on a Hook

Yep... That easy. twist a hook into the ceiling of your armoire and hang your light.

Step Four: Plug Your Light in and Run it Through The Hole You Have Just Drilled

You can hide your cord by running it along the inside of your armoire or behind the replaceable back panel that I show you how to make, here.

Step Five: Stand Back and Look at Your Lovely Little Space in "Awe"!

A dazzling or unique small  light fixture is an unexpected touch that will add character, charm and dimension to your little space, whatever it may be.

Note: Do not leave your light on while doors of armoire are closed. You can purchase switches that allow you to click it on when you open your doors. Too much heat in a small space can cause a fire if left on. I am not responsible for any problems that may occur if this is executed incorrectly.

I am off to chug a ton of coffee and work on a remodel here in San Francisco! Let me know how this works for you! Ciao, friends!

Espresso Bar Armoire Part Two: Installing DIY Removable Wallpaper Backdrop

When you open your armoire, closet or drawers, does it's blandness get you down?? Do you feel like you are staring into a dark pit of "meh"?? (Don't worry, I am not about to start an advertisement for furniture anti-depressants...) I don't know about you all, but I like to feel a bit jolted and stoked when I open a cupboard door. My faux, fawn hide wallpaper is such a delightful eye treat every morning, I kinda wanna wallpaper or mural every cupboard and closet in my home. It adds the perfect amount of sass to the French armoire I brought home from Europe. 

This is part two to my espresso bar armoire redo, in case you were wondering what I am jabbering about. You can read about it and see some other "before" and "afters" by clicking here.

This is the stink-face I made when I opened my armoire before the redo...

In case you forgot what this armoire looked liked before I adorned it with a gorgeous wall-paper from Walls Republic, check out this photo below...

Madame Brun Armoire was a frumpy lady indeed!

I decided I wanted to wallpaper the back, but I surely didn't want to mess with the integrity of this gorgeous old piece... While this wallpaper is classic and timeless, I change my style on occasion and I didn't want to mess with the wood on the back panels. The best way to do this was to create a removable, pop-in back wall, that I could switch out or replace any time my heart desired. I also want to be able to get other wallpapers from the incredible selection at Walls Republic so I can swap out the backdrop for different purposes or entertaining occasions. I may want this to be a wine bar or hide-away Bier Garten at my next dinner party and can swap the backdrops in and out accordingly! I also wanted it to be able to slide into place and sit still without, nailing, drilling, gluing or screwing a back panel in my armoire. 

Lucky for me, my friendl Drew (a super awesome and talented construction project manager) came to the rescue and helped me figure out a way to accomplish this goal! What a wizard he is indeed! We created this template below, using old bags, and traced the top of the inside of the armoire. 

 We traced that pattern onto a piece of wood that was 4'x8' and 1/16" thick and cut it out with a jig-saw. 

We slid it in and made adjustments till if fit like a glove....

I mounted the wallpaper to the wood with spray adhesive and wrapped it around the back, so that the edges wouldn't lift. I popped it in, slid the shelf in and Bam! Shazaam! Kapow! I now had a gorgeous, wall-papered armoire! 

In case you forgot what it looked like before.....

.....and here it is now!

I am completely IN LOVE!

Next, I will be sharing with you how I installed my chandelier and where I hid all my cords to my espresso machine and light fixture! To read more on the transformation of this armoire, click here!

I want to thank Walls Republic for the fabulous paper and Drew for helping me make it happen! 

Stay tuned my friends!