Creating My Own Style and Avoiding That Cookie-Cutter Look

If there's one thing I want to avoid in home decorating, it is a room that looks just like a furniture catalog, untouched like no one lives there, with perfectly matching sets of everything from furniture to bedding and curtains. I think rooms should reflect your personality, culture and values-and tell a story--and I absolutely think it doesn't have to be expensive.

 To finish up the posts of my bedroom redo, I am sharing a few photos and ideas of how I added a mix of old and new, vintage and global accessories to create a look all my own.

A look inside the door

pretty jade plant

distressed frame

The above frame was an old one I had, originally black painted wood. I freshened up the look distressed style (my favorite!) with a little flat white paint, a touch of pale green, and a sandpaper finish.

curtained closet


When our closet door broke, I didn't freak out. Instead, I improvised by adding a tension rod and a single curtain panel to the doorway. I actually like this look better-I think it adds a global feel to the room.

antique stool stand

 I found this cool blue stool at an antique shop. I think it looks and works great as a nightstand. And another distressed frame I updated.

bird made from zippers

My friend Danielle, is oh-so-talented at making gorgeous recycled art-this bird was a birthday gift for me, made from jean zippers! You can check more of her work out at PaperDenimArt.

fun free and cheap stuff! 

This table was sitting in a friends' garage. It was given to us and it fits perfectly in the corner as my nightstand. I have started collecting old metal trays and I love this one-from our neighbor's garage sale--everything looks better on a tray! The pretty white lantern was a cheap thrift store find.

So, this finishes up my show-and-tell of my bedroom redo--until I finish my headboard idea and show you that, and update the lighting. Next, I will be showing you some crafty ideas I've been working on from my favorite season--autumn!