Magazine wood working

My favorite way to freshen up a room is adding something unexpected or unique. Just like the reason behind my brand name, I love finding the "white buffalo" element in every room. Thats something rare, not seen before, or something that just has a story. When designing, I like to start with this and then build the room around it. But, that really is the best way to freshen a room later on too! Find or create one unexpected item that will make people go, "Whats that?" or "Where in the world did you find that?" I love a good conversation starter!

My favorite DIY project falls into this "white buffalo" category. I loved West Elms accordion sconce and really wanted them for our bedroom. As a habitual DIYer, I couldnt justify the $180 price tag and really thought we could make one ourselves. We took the Frack mirror from IKEA (4.99!), a lamp kit from Home Depot, and a shade, and DIYed our little hearts out! You can read more about this project here.

Now, I just have to finish the rest of the master bedroom to go with it!

Yall, I have so many DIY fails. You have to take risks to end up with the good stuff and risks can also mean failure.

The one thats coming to mind is my most recent. Over the weekend, I was preparing our house for an upcoming fall tour and I had the idea to cover a frame with plaid fabric using double-sided tape. That should totally work, right?

Well, one hour and lots of frustration later, the frame wasnt done, looked horrible, and really couldnt be salvaged.

Once, I gave up, I knew how to tweak the project to get it just right, but after an hour, I didnt have any time left for this one.

Every time I fail at a DIY, I learn how to do it differently and hopefully more successfully the second time. More than that, though, I learn that taking risks is essential in good design. Sometimes youll fail, but other times, some rare, white buffalo magic will be made.

We have been renovating a house for the last seven months and have just gotten to the decorating phase that I love. I am loving having spots in our house to FINALLY style! One of the first areas that we tackled was the kitchen. Ive dreamed of a white kitchen with open shelving that could be re-styled at my every whim for years.

Designing and styling these shelves is still one of my favorites. I chose to keep the shelves themselves fairly modern, layered them over white bead board, and then styled them with a mix of rustic, modern, and pretty touches. Theyre a really good mix of my eclectic style, I think.

Speaking of my eclectic style, my favorite room in our house is currently our lounge. My readers helped me re-name it recently because I was dumb and was calling it "the front room." "The Lounge" was the winner. I love it!

Its my favorite room because even though its not finished yet, it has a really good mix of all the things I love. Navajo rug, antlers, mid-century modern chair, cozy handknitted afghan, and plants.

I am in love with all things tribal, kilim, and navajo. Every single room in our house now has a rug that fits this trend.

Our dining room has a black navajo beauty that I found clearanced for $25.

And then, as if all of the rugs werent enough, Ive been stocking up on kilim pillows. I made this pile from $2 rag rugs.

I just love the punch of color and pattern that it adds. Some of these rugs are old, some are new, but for some reason, this pattern makes me feel like the objects have a soul and story. Whether or not this trend stays popular, I think these patterned beauties will be hanging around my house for quite a while!

There are so many amazing designers that I love, but I just have to give it up for Miss Emily Henderson.

 

So much of my eclectic style is inspired by her. I love how she mixes different colors, patterns, and textures in a no rules sort of way. 

Thanks so much for having me, Sarah! I loved stopping by :)

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ooh how gorgeous is Lindsays West Elm accordion lamp hack!? I love West Elm, but I prefer Lindsays version! That would be perfect for our current bedroom since it is so tight!! 

Her kitchen is also stunning!! LOVE the open shelving and mixed metals! and that rug is fabulous!! I want :) 

Thanks so much Lindsay, such a pleasure having you today!! 

If youre new to Lindsays blog, make sure to check out her home tour and tutorials page!