PROJECT: #1Room30Days Kickoff: Home Office Makeover

Hey Friends! Today I am excited to be kicking off my PROJECT: #1Room30Days. If you don't know about it check out the information page. I'm so excited about this project because I love helping and motivating people to make changes in their lives. Sometime we all just need a little push to get us going and help us stay on track. I will be spending the next 30 days motivating a great group of ladies and somewhere in there I know I will be motivating myself too!

Over the next 30 days expect me to share the room I'm working on and my progress. I'll also be sharing progress of my participants. You can catch all the behind the scene and day to day deets on my Instagram: @alayadonetta or by searching the hashtag on Instagram: #1Room30Days.

Now, I have been talking about doing this room for FOUR, yes FOUR years! If you have been a reader for a while then  you will remember me discussing my home office. You can catch up on all the old talk HERE.

Here is some inspiration for my space:

I love the colors in this space from love, charmaine! It's very feminine and just looks so welcoming. My house is mostly gender neutral, and because this space is purely my own, I'm going super girly!

Organization will be a major factor in my space. How beautifully organized is this space from Best Friends for Frosting!

I'm thinking I want a huge corkboard wall. It'll be nice for decor and organization. I love this wall!

Lastly, I want to have a built in desk love that both me and my daughter can use. This will be perfect from us. I saw this space on Domino.com and the creator nailed this space perfectly!

Stay tuned for next week on more updates to my space. At the end of the 30 days I will share my before pictures, but for now, those are limited to those participating in the project! (They are truly embarrassing!) Also, at the end of this project I will share all the participants before and after. I am already so proud that they have signed up for this project!

Remember, you can catch all the behind the scene and day to day deets on my Instagram: @alayadonetta or by searching the hashtag on Instagram: #1Room30Days.

What do you think of my inspiration?

How to Create a Gallery Wall

 
Earlier this week I posted my completed gallery wall to Instagram. I got a lot of great feedback so I figured I would spend some time sharing more about my gallery wall; my process and where I got my prints from. I wanted a super feminine look and I think I was able to achieve that!

WHERE I GOT MY FRAMES & PHOTOS: I picked up all my prints and frames from Hobby Lobby. As many may know they rotate their departments for the weekly 50% off sale, so you can usually catch something for a discounted price. If the item isn't on sale, you can always use their 40% off coupon on their website.

I picked up my prints in the photo kits that Hobby Lobby offers. This is a combination of two kits that I paid a total of maybe $12.00 for, after using the coupons.

HOW TO CREATE A GALLERY WALL: There is no perfect way. My best advice is to be true to your style and what you like. Browse Pinterest for ideas but most importantly - When it come to design style: Be true to you!

I have an eclectic style but I like to mix in some structure.  For this wall there was 4 steps I followed:

1. Have the necessary tools: You will need a tape measure, leveler, hammer, nails, frames, prints, and any creative things you would like to add to your wall

2. Lay it all out: Find a clear table or space on the floor. This will help with arranging your gallery wall and also minimize the amount of holes you will have in your wall when hanging. Let's face it, there will be holes, but less say this will cut down on half of the holes.

3. Take a picture of your arrangement: I like to snap pictures of my arrangements to get a good look of how everything looks together. I generally take a bird's eye view and some closeups. I look at the picture and go back and make some changes if necessary.

4. Hang it all up: Start hanging up your pictures. Use your leveler to make sure everything is straight and your tape measure to measure how far apart you want your pictures.

NOW GET CREATIVE: Some things I did to get creative was to use washi tape inside my frames to hold the pictures and I also combined multiple pictures in larger frames.

Do you have a gallery wall in your home? What are some things that you love to see in gallery walls? Do tell!

4 Ways to Make Home Thrift Finds Chic

So you've stepped out on a limb and browse your local thrift store to see if you can score a find. It's the latest trend now to thrift shop, so you have to join the party and see what the fuss was all about. More than likely you are buying a used item that may need some clean up or just may be in bad condition all together. However, that shouldn't discourage you, I have some easy tips on how to clean up thrifted items to give them a chic look! Check them out below:

1. GO METALLIC

There's something about a metallic finish that gives an item a polished look. It's quite easy to give an item a metallic finish with spray paint. Spray paint has really come a long way and it super easy to use. Even the most beginner DIY'r can managing spray painting.  When browsing, if you see a small item think how refinishing it in a metallic may enhance the beauty. For instance: there pen holders and paper tray. What was originally black is now gold and I love it!

2. GO FOR A TOTAL MAKEOVER

Sometimes a item you find may have a bit of damage, or be a great piece but just not your style color wise. This can be a simple fix depending on how drastic of a change you want. One simple thing I have done is to paint a piece of furniture. With some sanding and paint you can have a piece you truly love. 

3. MIX IT WITH NEW ITEMS

The concept of blending the old with the new can really make the old look new. Let's say you find an old basket that could use some TLC, but you're not in the mood for painting. Place that item next to a new item and it will blend right on it. Here's an example of this: I found this old box at Goodwill and placed it near my new vase.. it just flows so nicely on the shelf!

4.  UPDATE WITH WORD DECALS

As I shared in my post about 6 items I always thrift, there are plenty of white dishes and glasses to be found at the thrift store. You can give them an instant updated and chic look with word decals. You can find word decals at your local craft store and even at some bigger stores such as Target and World Market.

Now tell me, how do you turn your thrifted items into chicness?

Follow along on Instagram: @alayadonetta