A Master Bedroom with Repurposed Decorative Touches

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing a young stay-at-home mother of two named Sara, who wanted to give her master bedroom a "redo" that didn't cost an arm and a leg... She originally had her heart set on finding wallpaper to create a feature wall behind her bed, but when she priced designer wallpaper, and discovered how many rolls she needed, she had to rethink her vision.  Instead she purchased an inexpensive stencil and some white paint.  Using a level, some spray adhesive and a little patience, she created a "dramatic" look for "dramatically" less than her original plan.

This perfect little vintage settee was discovered at an antique store by Sara's mom,
who purchased a portion of it as a gift to Sara for Christmas. 

"I needed an additional "pop" of color in the room." 

After the room was nearly complete, Sara felt that there was something missing.  She loved the navy and the golden colors together, but she felt it was a little bit too two-dimensional.  She bought a can of "pimento" colored spray paint and sprayed her "light blue" lamp and an iron candle holder the yummy new color.

"The headboard is probably one of my favorite details in the room."

When she and her husband moved into their new home, they took the door off to the playroom, and she knew immediately that she wanted to repurpose it...but wasn't sure how.  As she was perusing the new on-line bulletin board phenomenon "Pinterest," she saw an image of a door being used as a headboard, and she couldn't get her old headboard out of her room fast enough!

Sara added a funky golden colored owl to add some additional warmth to her room. 

Sara explained that the small "bench" in front of her couch was given to her by her grandmother to use as a small coffee table.  The bench was first painted white, then a small decorative stencil design was added to the top, to integrate in with the graphic designs already gracing Sara's bedroom.

"I went on a scavenger hunt around my house to find a fun mix of things."

Sara wanted to create a collaged wall of memories on the wall around her couch.  Not only did she hang a collection of family photos, but she integrated several pieces of memorabilia:  a piece of artwork that was designed by her grandfather over 30 years ago for her mom's wedding invitation; a shadowbox collage that her mom made for her husband one Christmas; three tiny Danish blue plates that her sister brought back to her from Denmark; and a vintage key from the first home she and her husband bought together.

A stack of books next to the settee' on a couple of storage
baskets...adding another "spot" of the golden color.
Another book laying on her dresser with an ornamental iron piece
on top, adds an additional "pop" of the red color to the room.

All in all, Sara did not have to spend much to create a whole new look to her bedroom...adding a bit of innovation for the feature wall, repurposing some of her treasures from around her house, using a bedspread and pillows that were used previously in a guest bedroom...and collecting small things that she loves...what a massive impact for so little invested!  Amazing job Sara!

In the Search of "Goodies"...

My sister, my niece and I took Mom to Ottawa, Kansas to celebrate her birthday last week, and to see if we could come across any goodies to bring to the Friends of a Feather sale.

We found goodies alright...but I won't be bringing these particular ones to the sale...the beautiful architecture of this small Kansas town, and the way they are being maintained by the current owners, is absolutely breathtaking!  These buildings, that were constructed over a hundred years ago, are nothing short of remarkable...built with intricate details...unique, creative artistic design...and pure craftsmanship.  I love that, on some, the year that they were constructed are engraved in stone and integrated into the building design, and some, additionally, feature a name.

I couldn't physically bring them to you...so I am sharing some of these wonders of a bygone era here on our blog...where I love to share creative and unique corners of our world with our "Friends of a Feather"!

As I was walking the main street of Ottawa photographing these beauties, Mom, Cara, Alexandra and I would tuck our heads into the many antique and flea markets that Ottawa had to offer!

By the way...we found some treasures that we DID bring home with us...

You'll have to come to our next Friends of a Feather Sale, which is on the calendar for 

Thursday, February 23rd from 6 to 9 p.m.

Friday the 24th and Saturday 25th from 10 to 5

to see what we found!

LOVE CUBBIES!!!

We took a break to enjoy some lunch at one of the local restaurants...

"I bet you can't wait to see what we found...."

Friends of a Feather - Our Next Sale!

Thursday, February 23rd ~ 6 to 9 p.m.

Friday, February 24th ~ 10 to 5

Saturday, February 25th ~ 10 to 5

Click this link to see a previous Friends of a Feather sale held at The Vintage House

And here...

And here...

A Friend of a Feather at Now & Then...

One of my dear Friends of a Feather, Cheryl Hocker, owns a lovely little shop on the main street running through the middle of old downtown Overland Park...Now & Then at 7912 Santa Fe Drive.  Her welcoming little store has an eclectic mix of unique treasures...whether they are antiques, shabby chic pieces, rustic, handmade furniture, repurposed and renewed furniture or a variety of home decor!  There are always new wonderful items that come through the door.  

You may also find Cheryl working on a unique piece in her own workshop that she will be opening up in the back of her store...so you really need to stop by often to see what Cheryl has to offer!   She will be offering ideas on how you can renew your old pieces, or you can have her do it for you!