Archive for December, 2009

HDDI Project: Evolution of My Media Console

Wednesday, December 9th, 2009

So, after a couple years of deciding that I needed a larger media stand (you’ll see what I mean in the before photo) and not finding one that fit my budget and vision for the room, I decided to get creative.   When most people do home improvements, they tackle DIY projects.  I prefer the HDDI method, also known as, Have Dad Do It.

My dad is very skilled as a carpenter but committing to a time frame is not his forte because he is in high demand.  Luckily, my grandpa and my cousin were willing to help out with painting and hauling the completed piece to my apartment.  Now to get my dad on board with my concept.  As you can see by my sketches, I was definitely more focused on the little accent pieces…I did give him dimensions, I’m no dummy!  The goal was to get the baskets of movies in the console but still functional and hide all the wiring to my components.  I’ll let you judge the photos for yourself.  I bet you are already thinking of your very own HDDI project!  Thanks for all the hard work guys!

Before Media Wall - Yes, it's an end table...

Before Media Wall - Yes, it's an end table...

My Concept Sketches

My Concept Sketches

Phase 1 - The boys got carried away with the red paint on the center lines

Phase 1 - The boys got carried away with the red paint on the center lines

Phase 2 - I created the shapes out of cardboard with my arty friend's help

Phase 2 - I created the shapes out of cardboard with my arty friend Brent's help

Voila!  Finished product - Functional & Pretty!

Voila! Finished product - Functional & Pretty!

New Media Wall - so much cleaner!

New Media Wall - so much cleaner!

Team Photo Take 1 - Eric, quit moving!

Team Photo Take 1 - Eric, quit moving!

Team Photo Take 2 - Grandpa's not smiling

Team Photo Take 2 - Grandpa's not smiling

Team Photo Take 3 - This will have to do!

Team Photo Take 3 - This will have to do!

“The One” Stockings

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

So, I just found out that one of my favorite places for inspiration, Hable Construction, is no longer making all of their pillows out of fun wool felt patterns.  And this year is the last year for the wool felt stockings…now here are the results of my web search for unique, colorful stockings!  Happy Holidays!

Hable Construction Wool Felt Stockings

Hable Construction Wool Felt Stockings

Ballard Designs Personalized Stockings

Ballard Designs Personalized Stockings

Pottery Barn Crewel Embroidered Stockings

Pottery Barn Crewel Embroidered Stockings

Crate & Barrel Cheers Stocking

Crate & Barrel Cheers Stocking

Pier 1 White Jester Stocking

Pier 1 White Jester Stocking

PB Teen Peace & Floral Stockings

PB Teen Peace & Floral Stockings

Horchow Angelica Shell Stockings

Horchow Angelica Shell Stockings

Wisteria Running Reindeer Stocking

Wisteria Running Reindeer Stocking

“The One” Holiday Ornaments

Tuesday, December 1st, 2009

I’m back in search of the perfect design element, this time, ornaments for the tree!  Actually, ornaments can serve several purposes during the holidays, some become hostess gifts, others become napkin rings, the list goes on and on.

So here are a few that I found especially beautiful and unique this year!

Happy Decorating!

Wisteria Glass Ornaments

Wisteria Glass Ornament

Crate & Barrel Curly Antler Reindeer

Crate & Barrel Curly Antler Reindeer

Wisteria Silvered Mistletoe

Wisteria Silvered Mistletoe

Ballard Designs Burlap Bird Ornaments Set of 3

Ballard Designs Burlap Bird Ornaments Set of 3

Pottery Barn Peppermint Sphere Ornament

Pottery Barn Peppermint Sphere Ornament

Horchow Waterford Crystal 2009 Snow Crystals Ornament

Horchow Waterford Crystal 2009 Snow Crystals Ornament

Restoration Hardware

Restoration Hardware

Crate & Barrel Jingle Bell Wreath Ornament

Crate & Barrel Jingle Bell Wreath Ornament

Pottery Barn German Glitter Bird Clip Ornament

Pottery Barn German Glitter Bird Clip Ornament

West Elm Silver Ball Ornament designed by David Stark

West Elm Silver Ball Ornament designed by David Stark