Faux Bamboo Ikea Hack Daybed – Week Five – Spring 2025 One Room Challenge

The Spring One Room Challenge has been just the motivation I need to decorate our bedroom addition! And the most important project is, of course, the bed! I love customizing furniture – remember my DIY built-in shelves or the DIY … Continue reading

“Built-in” Extensions for Hemnes Bookcases

I love the look of built-ins, and Ikea Hemnes furniture pieces make a great base for semi-DIY built-ins, because they are made of solid wood and have flush sides to line up neatly with each other. At our last house, … Continue reading

Favorite Blue Chinoiserie Wallpapers – Week Five Spring 2023 One Room Challenge

Since I chose a smaller project for this challenge, I have some time to show you all the details! Wallpaper is a really popular right now, and I’m loving this new-again trend! Ever since I wallpapered an accent wall in our bedroom, I’ve been looking for my next project. The choices are nearly endless, which made picking a pattern for our mini-mudroom both daunting and fun! Here are some of my favorites, including high vs. budget options.

My criteria were:

  • Blue or green, of course!
  • A bold print – a small space is the perfect spot to try something brave!
  • A modern twist on a traditional pattern, with a nod to chinoiserie

First, I was really drawn to these patterns with metallic branches on a dark background. The “high” option on the left is Nutcracker by Juliet Travers. It’s so elegant, and the little squirrel adds a whimsical touch! The “budget” version on the right is Colby Floral wallpaper. I think either of these would be beautiful, but I decided I wanted something a littler bolder for this project.

I was really considering these next two favorites: a “budget” version is Crown Sherwood Woodland in Dark Blue on the left, and the “high” version is Rifle Paper Co. Menagerie Toile in Navy and Metallic Silver. They have a bit of a chinoiserie feel to them, and I really like how the patterns are very elaborate, but they don’t feel too busy, because of being two-toned. I was definitely tempted by the metallic finish of the Rifle Paper one, also!

I was also very drawn to this Toile pattern by Borastapeter in green or blue. Ultimately, I think the scale would be better for a bigger space. I would love this in a dining room!

Finally, I decided to go with this beautiful print, the Ronald Redding Aspen wallpaper in dark blue. I love the mix of classic and whimsical and the dark teal blue color with light brown accents that will be brought out by the wood cabinet and the brass coat hooks. I knew it was meant to be when I realized that this is the same pattern that was in the powder room of our rental house. I always loved it, and I am very sentimental , so it makes me really happy to have that connection between the two homes.

Stay tuned to see the wallpaper installed in the mini mudroom next week! In the meantime, head on back to the One Room Challenge site to see some more room transformations!

Julie AKA “Jewels”

Quick, Easy, No-Sew(!) Ways to Add Room-Darkening Lining to Your Curtains

I wish I were a better sleeper. Trust me, I really do. I’m sensitive to light when sleeping, so room-darkening window coverings are a must! I’ve found some quick tricks that I’m excited to share for adding lining to existing … Continue reading

How to Hang a Mirror or Art on a Bookcase

So, my weakness (talent?!) for finding home decor on the street is well-established. Remember when I made over this cute Chinese end table? Well, I was walking over to meet a friend for lunch today, and I saw this mirror … Continue reading

Your Home is Your Canvas – Inspirations for Custom Art

I want each item in my home to be meaningful, and custom canvas art is a wonderful way to personalize a space. I’m sharing four custom canvas ideas that I’ve used in my home. This includes several original projects as … Continue reading

A Timeless Sideboard Styled Five Ways

We recently moved into our new house, and I’ve been busy arranging and re-arranging things to get us settled. In this process, I was fortunate to receive a beautiful new sideboard cabinet from Hernest.com. This item was generously gifted, but … Continue reading

DIY Knitted Sweater Ornaments

Okay, so maybe I shouldn’t be calling them ornaments, because I am pretending that I am being seasonally appropriate and not decorating for Christmas yet, but I think we all know the truth… So, you may have seen that I … Continue reading

Cozy Sweater Pillow Covers

I’ve channeling all the cozy winter feels for this holiday season (even if the California weather has other ideas!) To create a comfy atmosphere, my first project of the season was sewing these pillow covers from old sweaters. (More on … Continue reading