April showers bring more and more showers

Tis the season to be jolly! Wait no wrong season...but Spring is the season for showers. No not the watering your plants showers but the wedding and baby showers.

I have had and will continue to have showers throughout the rest of this month. However I was lucky enough to co-throw two of them.

First up was my brother and future brother in law's wedding shower <3

They both love music, movies, and books....so naturally I wanted to take on the challenge of decorating for this event:

I went with books....and never stopped! I may have gone overboard with book pages...but what can I say I was having fun.

Here are the book page decorations I put together.



These photos are actually from my kitchen. I tested out the hanging effect but stringing them to my chandelier in the kitchen to make sure they wouldn't fall on people at the shower.

Of course I went for a sphere....why wouldn't I?? Apparently it's what I love to do as you can see from my bubble sculpture and my decorations from last years shower:


String Spheres from Wedding Shower 2012

Bubble sculpture in my living room.

But anyway back to the book spheres...here is what they looked like at the shower:



 
 
I really just loved the artichoke page layer look. So soft and organic.  I had so much fun doing these that I am sure you will see them again in the future. These 6 however went with my brother to his place so he could hang them up and have them as a keepsake from the shower.

Here are some of the other decorations I put together for this shower:


The centerpiece with book pages and a record.



Book Page organic garland.



Book Page stringed hearts.


 Then I had my lovely sister-in-laws baby shower. So excited for this only because A) I love her guts and want to make the girl happy. and B) she made me an auntie again and that is a gift that deserves a PARTY!!!

I guess looking back at the photos the flower pom poms could be spheres...What can I say!

 

  

Burlap Banner (gotta love the James Taylor Song!)

The flower favors.

 Complete with a thank you flag!

Have you been doing any decorations for baby/wedding showers?? Would love to see!

Sewing Machine Project

I always feel like I am apologizing for never getting around to posting on the blog.
Years ago I would try and get as many post up as possible. But since deleting that blog I know very rarely think to blog. (shame on me) turns out I used to do a lot more projects when I had the pressure to blog about them. Something I might look into.

 But last month I decided after seeing an inspirational photo, to take a family treasure and turn it into something beautiful, functional, and sentimental.

This was my Nana's sewing machine. Though I will admit I don't think I ever saw her use it because by that time she had a portable one. But this did live in her kitchen and served as a buffet table for parties and later on where her bird cage would sit.

Now I don't sew...and even if I did I don't think this would be the one I would learn on. But even still I have an attachment to this piece of furniture.

Which lead me to get Nick to go to our old apartment and dig it out of the closet and have him get on his hands and knees and take of the dusty top ( he is such a great and wonderful husband).

So that I could use the iron base for this:

 I bought a pre made top and stained it. It took a little while to find the right length and depth but I did. See this pesky spot next to the stairs has been bugging me. It collects cat fuzz balls and it wasn't very inviting before. In our house we really don't have an entry, but having this piece now gives it a little bit more of a cozy feel. (as much as cozy can be in a high ceiling room)

Oh but the iron bottom I tell you is what makes this piece and fills my heart with love. Sometimes design isn't about what looks good by everyone else but what makes you happy

And this my friends makes me happy. Something tells me it makes my Nana happy too to know that her piece of furniture isn't locked up in a closet somewhere but is re purposed and on display in her granddaughters home.


-Deirdre

I Spy

So Nick and I hosted Easter this year. I think we had a total of 24 adults and 6 kids! Thankfully we got a lot of help from family to do the cooking and cleaning! It was a beautiful day outside and inside my soul could no stop singing "He is Risen!".

I was surprised that no one commented on the change in the kitchen. I guess it's hard to see with a sea of people. But curious if you can spot the change?!?

I'll post later with the answer.

Happy Weekend!

Wallpaper in Hallway

We have almost been in the house for 2 years now. Time has really flown by here. I have so many things left to do in the house that it feels like it's going to take me years to finally get it where I want it (then Nick will probably want to move!).

But if you have been following me from the beginning you would know that this hallway has been something I have been constantly working on. I feel like I can finally see the end is near.

This is what it looked like in March 2011:

before: Black Pearl Interiors

A pretty blank slate if there ever was one. I still can't get over the fact that my house at one point looked like this!

But since then it has been painted....and uncovered wallpaper underneath to only have to re-paint it. To then decide that I wanted to wallpaper it with my own vision. And cover up the paint. I don't like to talk about. I will tell you though the wallpaper marries the Revere Pewter in the kitchen BEAUTIFULLY!  I also love the pattern of the wallpaper. It reminds me of the house that I grew up in something about the pattern. It's just a little more modern and it shines (my favorite part) So here is some updated photos for you.

Black Pearl Interiors

I know some people aren't a fan of wallpaper. But can I just say I am truly in love with it. I love the way it looks and the punch it gives to the space. I am thinking of possibly using wallpaper somewhere else (It does take a lot of patience.)

Black Pearl Interiors

This photo really shows off the diamond shape. You can also notice the chair rail we have installed to give the house a little more architectural detail.

Black Pearl Interiors

 I just love walking down this every day. It really makes me so happy.

Black Pearl Interiors

Another close up of the design and how it goes with my stainless steel picture frames that are finally standing out the way they should.

Black Pearl Interiors

Here is what is left to for in the hallway for all those who are wondering how much is there really left to do.
1. I am thinking I want a more glam chandelier. A little more sparkle. But I am also playing around with the idea of banding the one that is currently there. Just to make it stand out and not get lost in the ceiling. (it is right now with this new wallpaper design)
2. We bought the molding to do the picture/shadow boxes below the chair rail. I can't wait to install that.
3. Install crown molding. Seriously this is going to be the most glamorous hallway eva!
4. Change out door hardware too.

Should be done by the end of the summer?? Maybe who knows. Would love to hear what you think.

**Also a big THANK YOU to my mom who helped me put up the wallpaper. If it wasn't for her it wouldn't look nearly as perfect and beautiful.




-Deirdre

Kitchen Plants

So I am not one to have a green thumb...at least not with plants inside of the house. I have killed my fair share.

Hopefully that will all change after today. Because today during my weekly trip to the Salvation army in my town I found the perfect little plant holder. Thought it probably wouldn't appear that way to most.

So I picked up my plant holder for $2.99 and them made a quick stop at HomeDepot to pick up some $3.00 succulents that I hear are practically impossible to kill.

Here is how it turned out:

My Kitchen sink/window

It's so lovely

I sorta think it adds a special touch to the sink. While out shopping today I also picked up the soap pump. I was getting tired of seeing the Dawn plastic container on my counters. So I opted for more of a design look. Now all that's left is to hide the sponge!

What about you....do you add plants to your kitchen counters? Do you try and hide your soap and sponge? If so how?

-Deirdre

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Wallpaper yay or nay

As I'm sure all of you know I have begun my wallpaper installation in the hallway. I must say it looks fabulous but I can't share it with you just yet. Still have some stuff to finish and need some time to rehang my picture frames. But in due time you will see it.

However what I have noticed is that we are in the in between on wallpaper opinions. Some say it is out and other say it's in and making more of a come back. I would like to think that it's making a come back in a way that people are better selection the wallpaper they choose and where it goes. I find a nice balance of paint and wallpaper is creative and unique vs a house that is wallpaper crazy!

Here are some successful images of wallpaper use that I have found:

What do you think? Yay or Nay? Do you have plans to use wallpaper in your space?
Let me tell you if  patience isn't your strong suit I would hire someone to do it.

-Dee
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Side Table Re-Do

Yesterday I showed you my living room space and how over time the layers of design have really begun to transform the space.

I thought today I would share with you the side tables that ones were black and now shine like gold!

I bought two of these from Target knowing that they were the perfect "X-Form" shape I had been looking for. However not only was the black base a problem but also the black glass...GROSS!
So I decided to take out the glass and spray paint the base a nice brass color. While for the glass I went down to a local glass company and had them custom cut two clear pieces for me.
I could not stop staring at them once I put the tables together. I would go in another room and come out and go "Oh I just love it!" That is when you know your money and time was well spent when you use the L word.

Here is once the side table was complete adorned with my favorite picture frame and a new favorite of mind the brass bowl from Nate Berkus's Target collection.

But here it is again my living room with the side tables on either side of the sofa.

If you are interested in design services in the Massachusetts or New Hampshire or want us to help you via E-Design Services please like our Facebook Page and contact us with any questions you might have! https://www.facebook.com/BlackPearlInteriors or e-mail us info@blackpearldecor.com

Have a wonderful weekend!
-Deirdre

Progress in my Living Room

When it comes to designing in my house it's a process. We got married and had no furniture at all to bring to our apartment. Once we were in the apartment we bought only some furniture and used my Nana's furniture in the mean time (Happy Birthday Nana...I miss you!)

So when we moved into our house well we had some piece that took priority like a kitchen table and appliances. Not a ton of money to spend on other things like rug,pillows, and curtains. It's a process for me. It takes time and money which sometimes I don't always have.

But I am working hard on making our living room the way we envision it to be.


When we first bought the house the room looked like this:

Kind of hard to see but the previous owners I think...overstuffed the room with large pieces....or should I say grand pieces. Worked for them....just not for Nick and I.

So about a year ago (you can tell from the Christmas lights) our room looked like this:

I was in love with it. I had just gotten all new furniture. It was like Christmas came early when I got the sofa! However what the picture doesn't show you is that the rug is so paper thin and cheap from target and that lamp next to the couch is actually on a black folding chair. I was working trying to find what I really wanted the layout of the room to be.

Now it brings us to 2013. I am more focused on this room then ever because it's the first thing you see when you walk into our house. So it should be put together right? Well I still have about three or four more pieces of furniture to go...and more decorative accessories. But I am loving the space.

I found these great end tables that were black from target for super cheap. I took out the black glass and had new pieces cut. Then I spray painted the bases gold (shocker I know!) But I needed something that was elegant with clean lines and glass so it still added furniture but doesn't make the space closed in.

Here is a better shot of the side tables. I still love everything about them! But I know gold isn't for everyone.

 I switched out the Target rug and put in this beauty from Potterybarn. I have loved this rug for so long. Sadly I must be the only one because its discontinued! But that means I got it on a great sale price!

  I have moved so art around. My sister-in-laws painting now hangs next to our front door for all to see. I get so many complements on the piece. Also I added some sheer swag to the large window. I plan on doing it for the smaller ones too...just need some time to get that done.

I moved the ottoman over to the piano as a bench for nick. It has glamor with the nailheads and the blue and tufted characteristics just help with the overall look of the space. The gold frame I got from my neighbor for free!!! I plan on painting my own picture and swapping out the flowers for something a little less traditional.

 These lamps may or may not stay I haven't decided yet. But I love that the burlap shade helps to give the room a little more texture and a warmth of a nice neutral color. And of course my room has a bird...it is my room and expresses who I am.

 
I think it's coming together nicely. I would like to put a sofa table behind the couch and then in the corner by the stairs (not shown) add another piece of furniture (not sure what yet) so it's more of an entry feel and helps not to leave dead space.

Thinking of hanging some art in this corner. Very sleek an less chunky like the gold. Or toying with the idea of a thin open bookcase?? Who knows. It will probably take me a year!

Here is the reason why I moved the ottoman. The rug is just to pretty in the middle to cover up at this point. But I know I will have to have something in the middle eventually. Just haven't been inspired yet.

What do you think? Do you like it? Have you noticed progress in a room you have that once was bare and now slowly you have built design layers into it? Show us!

-Deirdre