I'm not sure when I developed an interest in interior design, but this new hobby has been one I've come to really enjoy. If only money was limitless, right?! Oh, the things I could do! For the record, I would definitely not call myself an interior designer, but I would say I have an eye for pretty things and that's what I love to surround myself with.
It's been insinuated that I have expensive taste or that I am materialistic. And while, yes, interior design can be costly and it's really all just "stuff," I'd never say that I am either of those things. Actually, contrary to what some might believe, I shop around for good deals and stretch my dollar as far as it will go without sacrificing the look and feel that I want. And, yes, some things are a bit on the pricey side, but I save those expenditures for pieces that absolutely spark joy!
In April 2018, Reina and I decided to pass some time while we waited to pick up Lex from school by checking out the model homes to a new development, Gardens at Mayfield in Round Rock, TX, just five minutes from school . We were not at all in the market for a new home, but because I love interior design and new houses, I thought it would be fun to check them out. And so did Reina! And it did not disappoint! The house was gorgeous. Walking through room after room, I instantly fell in love! A few days later, and after several visits, we signed a contract and soon afterwards, construction began on our house!
We decided to go with the Pecos floor plan. It was so perfect for our family--a room for each kid, an office for me, a playroom hidden from the main area of the house, a HUGE kitchen island, a laundry room, an attached garage (which would eventually become a home gym) and it was one story! Checked every box for us! We couldn't be happier with builder, Blackburn! Loved that they worked with us to customize the floor plan to fit our family and they showed a genuine understanding for my need for symmetry within the house. (FACT: I never leave home without my level!)
The ink was hardly dry before I started planning the decor for the house! The thought of filling our new home with pretty things was so exciting and I could hardly wait! I'm not a flashy person, by any means, but I do love a pretty house! And by December 2018 our house was done and we were finally home!
But before all of this, I am a graphic designer. I create pretty things on paper and screen and, most recently, on fabric! While, like ALL designers, I find inspiration in looking at the work of other great designers, my designs are my own and I absolutely LOVE creating pretty things. I often feel like what I do is under valued, like throwing graphic elements together is so easy and anyone with MS Word can do it. But the truth is, I can easily spend hours looking through my thousands of fonts to choose the right one. (FACTS: (1) I hate when wanna-be designers use more than 2 or 3 fonts in any one design. (2) Using default fonts found in MS Word is NEVER okay!)
Now, back to the house... I'd look for decor any free moment I had, whether is was browsing stores online or Pinterest. Some I loved and some, I wanted something similar, but it wasn't quite right or it was too expensive. So, I took this opportunity to create my own home decor! Not only would it be something unique for our house, but I would be able to keep the look consistent throughout my house! I used my own fonts, chose my own colors, determined my layout and "dressed it up" the way I wanted! And that's exactly what I did! Check them out below:
DINING TABLE RUNNER: Decorating Method: Heat Transfer Vinyl | Materials Used: Siser EasyWeed HTV and Solid Chambray Table Runner 14"x108" (Amazon) | Total Cost: $18
CONSOLE TABLE RUNNER: Decorating Method: Heat Transfer Vinyl | Materials Used: Siser EasyWeed HTV and Solid Chambray Table Runner 14"x108" (Amazon) | Total Cost: $18
THROW PILLOW: Decorating Method: Heat Transfer Vinyl | Materials Used: Siser EasyWeed HTV, and Decorative Linen Square Throw Cushion Covers (Amazon) | Total Cost: $8.50
BATHROOM WALL ART: Decorating Method: Printed Photo | Materials: Gray Rustic Barn Slats Wall Frame 11"x14" (Hobby Lobby) | Total Cost: $35
"FAMILY RULES" WALL DECAL: Materials Used: FDC 4200 Intermediate Decal Sign Vinyl Film| Total Cost: $1/sqft
DOOR DECAL: Materials Used: FDC 4200 Intermediate Decal Sign Vinyl Film| Total Cost: $1/sqft
TOILET PAPER HOLDER: Decorating Method: Heat Transfer Vinyl | Materials Used: Siser EasyWeed HTV and Small Organization Bin (Target) | Total Cost: $8
We've been in our home for just under two months now and I'm loving every square inch! I am working on a few more additions so I'll be sure to post again once they are up. In the meantime, I'd love to hear your thoughts! Comment below!