Thursday, February 11, 2010

Inspiration Board

For a while I've wanted an inspiration board but when I had a 9-5 along with my side decorating gig, I never had time for one.

Erika of Urban Grace Interiors has a huge one that long ago become my favorite:





Here are some of my other favorites...



When we first found this apartment, I grumbled a little at the built in desk, how college-apartment is that? However, I turned lemons into lemonade and am working on making it the center of bryn alexandra interiors... because I don't want to get in the habit of working from the sofa (as nice as it sounds).

Luckily, the built in desk had the perfect rectangular nook for an inspiration board. See the "before" here:



I went to Hobby Lobby to pick up corkboard, black burlap, some glue and ribbon.





Then you just wrap and glue your fabric over the corkboard, and it's as simple as that. Then I glued on the ribbon trim outlining the board.

I hung the board onto the wall with no-hole picture hangers (as seen in the above image).

Here is the after, although I should say "work in progress" because I don't have any inspiration pieces yet other than the magazing page I tore out to demonstrate the use:







It's not 100% finished. The fabric isn't as tight as I would like so I am going to try to re-apply the fabric with spray adheasive. It's hard to DIY when all of your DIY tools are on a moving truck ;)

I'd also like to get some vintage buttons to cover the corners were the ribbon meets, something like these:



Do you like the lamp on my desk? Doesn't it look like it's from Restoration Hardware? Guess where it's from....... IKEA!



And the price tag is only $25. Run, don't walk, to your nearest Ikea and pick one up!

The lucite boxes on my desk are also from IKEA. They are actually for the bathroom but when I saw them I knew they'd be perfect for my desk to hold post-its, pens and misc. desk items.


You get all those pieces above for only $8!

(click on the IKEA images to go to the product pages)

So our boxes are supposed to arrive mid next week, I'm relieved. I enjoy unpacking much more than packing.

16 comments:

  1. Its starting to scare me how much we think alike- I'm working on the exact same project and I posted about it yesterday.

    If you are ever up in the Boston area we should totally meet up! And I mean that in a total non weirdo, only cool blog friend kind of way :)

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  2. What a cute space! Love your idea about using the lucite bathroom accessories ~ so creative! :)

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  3. I KNEW you would not be idle once you got there at all! You know, I have a boring cork bulletin board in my office (Target) nothing creative and covered with AL stuff, but you have inspired me (once again) to change it out with things that make me happy :)

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  4. Perfect use of "nook" space. Gotta love Ikea, that lamp is fab!

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  5. This lamp will be perfect on my Parsons desk! Thanks, Bryn! Your blog has quickly become one of my favorites. I love your design-on-a-budget posts, and you have fantastic taste. I'm excited to watch you grow your business and decorate your new home!

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  6. It's so cute. I love watching this new apartment unfold.

    jbhat

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  7. Great job! I have an inspiration board, but don't seem to have the time to keep if full. Looking forward to seeing what you fills yours. Happy Weekend.

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  8. looks great! :) Can't wait to see what you do next.

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  9. Looks great! I kind of like the built-in desks actually - your workspace looks so personalized and cozy.

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  10. I love Ikea. How creative, using clear bathroom accessories for your desk!

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  11. love it, the lamp, and the boxes! great job. i need to pick up the lucite accessories, they are great!

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  12. I've been eyeing that ikea lamp myself. Nice work.

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  13. Michelle adams has one of my FAVES...:)
    Good luck on yours! IKEA always works...i wish they had one in my town...


    Jen Ramos
    www.madebygirl.com
    madebygirl.blogspot.com

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  14. Great job! I have an inspiration board, but don't seem to have the time to keep if full. Looking forward to seeing what you fills yours. Happy Weekend.

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