MEDICINE CABINETS

The best way to upgrade a bathroom fast is by replacing the standard medicine cabinet. Often overlooked, the medicine cabinet is the first thing bathroom-goers see when they enter the W.C., and admiring their reflection is the last thing they do before leaving. Here are some options to get started.

The Broan Metro’s oversized build is perfect for product junkies. Or, recreate Damien Hirst’s pill cabinet art piece, pill bottles not included.

Broan Oversized Series Classic, $225

Broan Oversized Series Classic, $225

 

Add glam and perfect bathroom lighting in a cinch with this mirrored medicine cabinet, which comes equipped with its own light bulbs.

Nutone Tri-View Frameless Medicine Cabinet with 5 Lights, $220

Nutone Tri-View Frameless Medicine Cabinet with 5 Lights, $220

 

Or, try the Broan with a built in top light for a more masculine effect.

Broan Surface Mounted Cabinets w/ Built-In Top Light, $137

Broan Surface Mounted Cabinets w/ Built-In Top Light, $137

 

This beveled model is a perfect addition for a retro bathroom.

Nutone Single Door Recessed Medicine Cabinet, $123

Nutone Single Door Recessed Medicine Cabinet, $123

 

The Commodore is a classic storage cabinet for those bored of the normal medicine cabinet look. Or, mount on a side wall for extra storage.

Nutone Commodore, Storage Cabinet, $114

Nutone Commodore, Storage Cabinet, $114

 

For a mid-century bathroom, the Kingston Solid Wood Medicine Cabinet is an excellent finishing touch.

Kingston Solid Wood Medicine Cabinet in Oak, $121

Kingston Solid Wood Medicine Cabinet in Oak, $121

TV STAND SUBSTITUTES

Recently, my roommate and I scored a free TV outside of the Housing Works thrift store near our place. Of course, it’s an enormous, junky,  box of a thing.  Housing Works didn’t even feel like dealing with it. But, hey, it’s a functioning television and we’re college students, right? For us, it was the high-light of the week. Since the day the two of us laboriously lugged the set up our three flights (OK, alright, a lovely gentleman and his dear tween son helped us out), it has been sitting on the floor of our living room. Sad. Alone. Banished to sit on the corner like a problem child punished in day care. Being opposed to the soulless look of many media stands or “entertainment centers” out there, I’ve started to brainstorm for some creative ways to prop up my brand spankin’ new, really old TV.  Join me on my brave quest to get my pathetic television off my dusty, wood floor.

Let’s take “TV Stand” literally… I’m warming up to the idea I had of placing my newish television atop an enormous, inoperative, vintage television when I saw this one on Ebay for only $60! I could leave the vintage tv ‘as is,’ or I could get crafty, painting it a bright color or playing with prints to display on the screen, as a frame.

OldTVs

I also love a western-chic vibe. How better to achieve this look than with a  barrel? I think, if I could find m’self the perfect ol’ barrel, I would paint it with a glossy, vibrant color that matches my interior. Picture a very modern acidic green or even a silver to revamp the antique piece.

barrel

antique barrel – moonstruckcottage, $80

 

They may be a bit overdone, but I don’t care… I’m a sucker for a suitcase. I love the dreamy touch that stacked vintage suitcases give to a place. A perfect tv stand substitute. Though they might have me turning to the travel channel every hour of the day. Online, I’ve found cases for $25 and $24.95, and if you want to cut to the chase and buy a ‘suitcase table’ – see below – it’ll only cost you $90 on Etsy!

stacked suitcase table - auntsisterspicks, $90

stacked suitcase table – from hunter dear’s etsy shop, $90

 

Really liking this little ladder. I see tv and film-themed coffee table books filling the four steps…

davis accent ladder - world market, $89.99

davis accent ladder – world market, $89.99

I hope I’ve inspired some of you to think outside of the box when it comes to displaying your tube! Would love to hear your favorites, or your own alternatives for the dreaded TV stand…

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COOL USES FOR RETRO LABEL MAKERS

You don’t have to be OCD to love the organizational high of labeling everything in sight. And there’s something still so charming about the label makers manufactured back in the 70’s and 80’s, before digital budged its way in. Such old-school labellers are so textural, so boldly colored, so painfully retro. Score one of your own on Ebay (Exhibit A) and start labeling all kind of things besides just cupboards, files, etc.

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Wine Glass Markers: Even those wine glass bangles start to look alike after a few. Labeling party guests’ glasses with their own name leaves little guessing work.

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Tiny Door Labels: Dress the doors in your home with colorful—albeit elfin-sized—labels. This helps guests differentiate between a bathroom door and a closet door without helping them too much.

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Last-Minute Greeting Cards: Label makers are especially great for whipping up a birthday or get-well card in a jiffy. Simply type out the subject (i.e. “Sorry you broke your leg, you big klutz!”), stick it on the front of a blank card, scribble a heartfelt line or two within and voila. -4

Book Labels: Never let book borrowers doubt for one second who that book belongs to by plastering your labeled name inside each cover. Pseudonyms are fun too.

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OUT WITH THE ORANGE, IN WITH THE NEW

Pantone, the authority in all things color forecasting, has bid adieu to the tangelo color of 2012 to welcome in Green upon the New Year. With its light and bright tone and welcoming hue, we’re sure you can find a special place to showcase 2013’s Color of the Year.

Try a trio of these adorable tea light candle holders. Geez…for $1.99 try a whole collection.

$1.99 at Ikea

$1.99 at Ikea

 

What’s a space without some occasional tables? Try this one for under $50.00!

$49.99 at Target

$49.99 at Target

 

For those of us who are strictly frugal, I have found you the gem of all green side tables for less then you spend on lunch.

$7.99 at Ikea

$7.99 at Ikea

 

Oh how I love a good throw pillow. With the color variation and trendy geometric print on this baby, we’re sure you’ll be able to find a sofa or side chair just waiting to welcome this pillow in satin.

$12.99 at Target

$12.99 at Target

 

I also found this very cool, oversized, polyresin chain link. I can’t say what its intended use is which makes it even better. I’d love to see a length of it stretched out on a dining table or a bunch of them hung together as a room divider.

$12.99 at Target

$12.99 at Target

 

Finally, for just a touch of green, check out this adorable print, aptly titled “Sit Down.”

$36.99 at Target

$36.99 at Target

 

Wishing you all a happy 2013. Cheers to going Green!

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SIDEWALK SCORE OF THE WEEK

Find: Small wood dining dining table

Location: My apartment

This week my “score” was basically handed to me. It had been left in the apartment I was renting by the previous tenant and was just begging for some DIY. It is the perfect size for the space we are in and I was drawn to the detail of the table (and you can’t beat free). I kicked around a couple different ideas and in the end I went with a fresh paint job to brighten up the whole room!

Table in original state

Table in original state

I kind of love the idea of painting the entire table set the same color. Painting the table, bench and chair the same color the same great shade of green does such a great job of brightening up that space and giving a fairly rustic dining set a little edge.

Farm Table seen on Remodelista

Farm Table seen on Remodelista

Painting the table with a lace pattern is something I’ve always wanted to do and never had the chance. I decided against doing it on a dining table due to the current state of the table top as well as the wear and tear it will get currently being our only table in that room! This DIY is super simple and I will definitely be tucking this idea for future end tables etc.

Lace painted table at A Beautiful Mess

Lace painted table at A Beautiful Mess

If the wood on this table were a little better I could have done a nice sand and stain to keep it simple. It would have need a LOT more sanding then I would have felt comfortable doing indoors. With the type of legs the table has, sanding and staining evenly would have been really difficult and I imagine I wouldn’t have been as thrilled with my final result. This is a good DIY for those looking to keep it simple.

Wood staining DIY at familyhandyman.com

Wood staining DIY at familyhandyman.com

I am obsessed with the table now that it has a bright, BRIGHT turquoise paint job, with metallic bronze details no less.  After throwing a bright pink linen table runner on it for protection I loved it even more, which is kind of weird. I love how it injects some color into the living room/kitchen area and it has since given me a ton of inspiration for ways to build around it!

Final Product!

Final Product!

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YOUR NEW YEAR’S WORKSPACE

When I woke up this morning, greeting the new year, I immediately started going over my work schedule in my head. Referring to the iCals on my iPhone, iPad, and MacBook, I realized that 2013 is already begging me to get ultra-organized. Knowing other’s may have the same resolution, I thought this the perfect time to write a post inspiring us all to makeover our home offices. I hope these stylish and practical items motivate all you hard working women to create the workspace that you and your careers deserve.

Recently, I read an interesting fact: the color green helps you focus and should, therefore, cover the walls of libraries and offices. Pick your favorite of these viridescences and get to work!

Benjamin Moore Paints

Benjamin Moore Paints

 

Of course, you cannot call it a home office if it’s without a desk! This handsome piece with its two shelves and vertical design is perfect for a small space.

Wood & Metal Desk, World Market, $299.99

Wood & Metal Desk – World Market, $299.99

 

Are you a designer, needing more than just a computer desktop desk? Don’t worry! World Market also offers this beautiful, adjustable drafting desk. What I love about this item: when you’re done with your drafting, throw a fun vintage tablecloth atop it and you have yourself a very handsome dining table. You’re welcome…

Drafting Desk - World Market, $223.99

Drafting Desk – World Market, $223.99

 

Whenever a friend or client of mine says they want a “big comfy” office chair, I always tell them, “Why get one of these cumbersome (and typically ugly) super comfortable chairs when you already have a couch, bed, and armchair?” In my experience, opting for the “simple” chair for your workspace is always the smarter choice. More work gets done, more space is saved, and your hardwood floors are spared the many scratches that come from the rolly chair. Though it’s a bit of a splurge, I just love the classic and surprisingly snug ghost chair. 

Ghost Chair - InStyle Modern, $115

Ghost Chair – InStyle Modern, $115

 

It’s a rough life for those of us who just can’t live without our iPads but have a fondness for the past, always purchasing antiques and adorning our homes with decorative old phones and typewriters. But now, thanks to “a revolutionary advancement in the field of obsolescence” our two juxtaposing loves can come together, giving our decorations a utilitarian makeover while staying oh so aesthetically pleasing.

USB Typewriter, DIY Kit - usbtypewriter on etsy, $49

USB Typewriter, DIY Kit – usbtypewriter on etsy, $49

 

While searching for the rare, stylish bulletin board, I was thrilled to find the following item. The fabulous fab.com doesn’t only sell pin boards featuring the map of London (in both blue and black), but of Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, and Manhattan.

Pin City Map of London - Palomar, Fab.com, $45

Pin City Map of London – Palomar, Fab.com, $45

 

Another difficult find is the nice-looking, long-lasting desk lamp. It’s alright, I’ve found it for you! For just $40, this Ikea lamp is sure to illuminate your space all year and for those to come.

Ardod Work Lamp - Ikea, $39.99

Ardod Work Lamp – Ikea, $39.99

 

A great room is always made perfect by the detail. Don’t overlook the chance at spiffing up your station with unique stationary or colorful paper organizers. These floral file folders are model examples, adding the perfect pop of color and character to your desk.

Wildflower Folders - Office Max, $5.99 for nine

Wildflower Folders – Office Max, $5.99 for nine

 

Don’t let your files be the only sign of nature in your office. Make the smart addition of greenery to turn this study room a home.

Table Top Terrarium - chive.com, $23.10

Table Top Terrarium – chive.com, $23.10

 

Earlier, I mentioned something about the importance of detail. Now I cannot say that without sharing this gem of a find from Paper Source. This particular eraser says it all for you, so you don’t have to…

Sh*t Eraser - Paper Source, $4

Sh*t. Eraser – Paper Source, $4

 

Happy organizing, happy resolving, happy working, and happy New Year to all you Frugal Materialists!

 

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