I’ve been kinda MIA for a bit haven’t I? I worked my butt off to finish those 3 union jacks and put them in the store, and then 2 days later we started babysitting a Dalmatian puppy! It was only supposed to be for a couple days and then I would send her on the plane to my brother (long story). However, she didn’t pass her health exam and so she has been staying with us for 2 weeks! And those of you who know, know that a little 9 week old puppy is A LOT of work. So between that, spring break this week, and waiting on some of the work to sell (it is occupying space and funds right now), I haven’t done ANY furniture makeovers!
But. Last Saturday I hosted a fun thing called designHop. A local interior designer (Dana King) started it here in St Louis, and you basically identify something that needs some design help in your home, and invite friends over to help you tackle it in a 2-3 hour time period. I had been putting off re-styling my book shelves and also creating a gallery wall above my couch. So that was our project, and I invited 6 ladies to come help me get the job done. I probably could have done this all myself, but it would have taken a lot longer and it wouldn’t have been as fun.
This is my moment of truth where I will show you how simple (and small) my home really is. I decorate on a budget (mostly thrift store finds), and because of the size it gets messy fast. The upside to small is it is also fast to clean up!
So on with the party. My friend who introduced me to the idea, Valerie, brought scones and kinda kept everyone on task. I ran around getting things that people needed, and gave my input here and there.
You know what I loved most? Whenever I decorate by myself, I either peruse online or in magazines beforehand and get inspiration (or do my best to copy what I find), and then ask my husband what he thinks. Sometimes, his input is not helpful , bless his heart! 🙂 haha I often wish I had a friend or two to either confirm what I like to offer a little fresh perspective. And that is exactly what this party was all about. I had several friends who have awesome interior decorating skills and offered opinions until we reached an agreeable consensus (quickly, mind you, because we were mostly doing, not sitting and talking).
I gave them free reign of anything in my home, so they could basically “shop” around until they found things they liked to use in the book shelves and gallery wall.
BEFORE SHOTS:

What a cool idea! I have never heard of a design hop! They did a fabulous job in sytling the shelves… And that little puppy is soooo cute! – Susan
Oh what fun!!!! My hubs would cringe at the idea but maybe when my new studio in the basement is ready to move into we can do it then :0) After all it will be my space ♥
That puppy is adorable and I do remember the energy they take. If I ever get another dog it will be full grown..already house broken… a hopefully really laid back 🙂
The after looks SOOOO much better. I find it funny that bookshelves are meant to hold all of your books but it never looks good like that. sigh.
I really like the white fireplace better too.
We found a dalmatian puppy when I was a teenager. I loved him and I still have a soft spot for dalmatians! : )