SMALL SPACE SOLUTION: DIY SOFA WITH STORAGE

This is a small space solution, that can also work if you're in a home and looking for a multi-purpose sofa/bed/storage. When I was designing this small space above, I was looking for a way to incorporate those three elements. There are options out there you can purchase, but I didn't want to commit to keeping a piece of furniture there, I was looking for more flexibility to be able to easily move things around or change items. So I came up with the idea you see above. I used some Ikea cabinets to create a base, so there was storage, and I topped these cabinets with a board. I then made a custom foam mattress to fit on the board and covered that with linen fabric. I had looked at many of these ideas online before I came up with this idea.  These were a few in my inspiration file.

So used 3 of these cabinets from Ikea as the base, to use for storage:

And here is how it all looked finished. For the purposes of the photo shoot I covered the white fronts with a piece of black fabric, creating the look of a skirt around the base.

BEFORE & AFTER: AFFORDABLE, DIY KITCHEN

In this kitchen update, the only material I used was paint and that was the only cost involved! This is what I would call a true paint makeover. Here are a few BEFORE pictures:

And a few more of the AFTER pictures. I painted 8 different surfaces in this kitchen, can you spot the changes?

Painted surfaces included:

1. The fridge: in black chalkboard paint, probably my favourite part of this transformation and was so easy to do!

2. Upper Cabinets: white

3. Lower Cabinets: F & B, mouses back

4. Counter

5. Backsplash: you might be able to see in the 'before' the backsplash had a dated flower motif throughout the tiles

6. Hardware: spray painted all the old hardware silve

7. Range hood: it was an 'almond' colour before and didn't match the white stove

8. Dishwasher front: painted in lower cabinet colour to blend in

DESIGN INSPIRATION: OPEN CEILINGS

I've always loved the look of open ceilings – it gives a room such a bright, spacious and open feeling. In the room above I have an open beam ceiling that adds a lot of character to the space. Of course my open ceiling (and room) is painted white. This room isn't as high as some cathedral ceilings, but still has a similar look and feeling. If you're renovating or building and have an option to create a room with an open ceiling, it can definitely add a lot of style to your home. I've always liked the look of an open cathedral ceiling, and many of the rooms below have beams and exposed boards painted white. Here are a few of my favourites in my inspiration file!

ASK DEB NELSON: SHOULD I PAINT AN ANTIQUE?

A question I get asked a lot, is whether or not I think it's okay for people to paint an antique piece of furniture. The answer to this is a definite: It Depends! It depends on many factors about the antique. Starting off with the type of wood, the style and value of the piece. There are some formal, traditional styles of wooden antiques that just don't lend themselves to a painted look. I think the paint gives an antique a more casual, sometimes quaint, look – so it just doesn't suit some formal styles. For example, I have some beautiful family antiques I would never paint, I like the colour and style of the piece the way it is. But there are other pieces, that I have no problem painting. The ones I paint tend to fall into one of these categories: it was already painted, or I will use it because if it's painted it works in my house or it was really inexpensive and I don't think a coat of paint will diminish it's value. For example the hall table in entry (shown above) was already painted, so a fresh coat of white paint on it doesn't really alter the piece.

Each case is very different, but if you think a coat of paint will mean you love the piece and will use it – I say go for it. The idea is to enjoy the antique, so if it's sitting in the basement, maybe a coat of paint is the answer!

Here are some tables that have been painted white – I think these all look fabulous and highlight how great a coat of paint can look.

INSPIRATION: ANTIQUE TEXTILES

I love the picture above that shows how fabulous old, worn textiles – like rugs can work layered with new rugs. I sometimes layer old rugs with a sisal underneath. I'm always searching for antique kilim rugs and here are a few more in my house. I'm now on the hunt for additional antique textiles to make into pillows, more on the results of that coming soon.