Accent walls

Accent walls aren't exactly a new trend, but I'm seeing more and more accent walls with wallpaper. I still tend to think of wallpaper as a negative design element, only because paint was all the rage for so long. But there is some really beautiful wallpaper (or ways to create a wallpaper look) these days. And an accent wall is the perfect place for it if you don't want your room to look too busy.

This was Lonni's final project on Design Star, and it's kind of shame that she was sent home over this room. It is absolutely gorgeous, and the printed grasscloth wallpaper is pretty much the whole reason I love this room.

I love the light and airy colors and patterns of this accent wall. It's subtle and sweet, and not "in your face", which creates a more sophisticated look. And I like how it meshes with the striped material on the chairs.



I think this is kind of a neat idea if it actually looks this good in real life...placemats hung symmetrically to mimic wallpaper...but for a fraction of the cost. It photographs well, but I just don't know how well it would translate.

This next picture just makes me happy. It is my favorite accent wall on this post.



But if the wallpaper is too expensive for that look, try stenciling it on with chalk first, then painting over the chalk.



This may not fool you into thinking it's wallpaper, but the painted stripes add so much to an otherwise less exciting room. See before and afters here.


I can't really think of a place in my house that would be appropriate for an accent wall, but I love looking at other people's creations!

1) HGTV.com

2) Room Remix {the blog}

3) Room Remix {the blog}
4) Apartment Therapy

5) Designing Life in Miami via Young House Love

6) Young House Love

Dining Design Dilemna - Curtains

Hubs and I have set a goal for ourselves this weekend - pick out curtains for our dining room. Sounds like a fun task, since I like to shop, I like to decorate, and I like that Hubs is interested. But I've mentioned before that I'm not the best decision maker. Let me take you through my thought process so you can see what I mean.

Exhibit A - the dining room:

Thought 1: Since the room is a light beige and the furniture is pretty dark, I should try to bring in some color...the few accents I have (picture on the wall, a few accessories, a vase, and placemats) are red.
Red curtains?

Thought 2: But what if I change my mind down the road about red accents and I am stuck with red curtains? Maybe I should stick to a more neutral color...a safer color.
Well, what color is safer than white?

Thought 3: But maybe the white will blend into the wall too much...
Maybe it needs a slight pattern?

Thought 4: That still might not be enough contrast...
What about a more prominent pattern?

Thought 5: But I have three windows in my dining room, which means I'll need six panels. Could a pattern like this be too busy? I don't want the curtains to overwhelm my room...
Oh, look these very random blue curtains are pretty!

So that's my thought process. Am I the only crazy person who does this? More importantly, do you have an opinion about what I should do?
Please share!

Images: 1) Thompson Accordion Window Panels from Bed Bath & Beyond; 2) White Venice Window Panels from Bed Bath and Beyond; 3) KAJSA from Ikea; 4) Medallion Window Panels from West Elm; 5) Blue Venice Window Panels from Bed Bath and Beyond

Glam

Didn't Betty Draper look beautiful on Sunday's episode of Mad Men? Rome suits her, don't you think? We're finding out that Betty is more than just a pretty (albeit very unhappy) little housewife - attended Bryn Mawr College, majored in Anthropology, speaks fluent Italian...
How else will she surprise us?

images from AMCtv.com

Fall Harvest Festival

image via ehow.com

Calloway's Nursery is hosting its
Fifth Annual Fall Harvest Festival tomorrow
in Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston.

From their press release:
"Throughout the day customers browse and shop from a unique pumpkin selection while children can decorate a free pie pumpkin and participate in various activities including a slime-making station, a picture takin’ place, a decoratin’ parlor, and learn from the Mad Scientists. The day will also include several free clinics for adults focusing on fall’s colorful flowers and a fall container garden. A number of workshops including a pumpkin decorating, wreath decorating and make-it and take-it color creation class for a small fee."

Free Kid Activities:
pumpkin decorating
slime station
chalk garden

Free Adult Clinics:
colorful fall flowers
fall color creations

I'll be taking advantage of the pumpkin decorating with my
favorite three-and-a-half-year-old twin nephews.

image courtesy of how cute they are

My fall tv

I've settled into my fall tv habits so I thought I would share. Maybe you will take a chance on some of the new shows I like so they don't go the way of Pushing Daisies. I'm still sad about losing that show.

Believe it or not, I have somewhat limited the amount of tv shows I watch. The biggest difference is that I am not watching Dancing with the Stars this season. It just takes up too much time...2 -3 hours per week. I even deleted it from my season pass, so that is really serious!

Sunday:
Mad Men

Monday:
How I Met Your Mother

Tuesday:
nothing...that's right NOTHING!

Wednesday:
Glee

I love musicals, and while this show is a little over the top, the musical numbers just make me so happy. I'm still thinking about last night's performance of Somebody to Love. Do yourself a favor and watch this video.

Thursday:
The Office
30 Rock (premieres October 15)
Community
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Thursday is always a big tv night and this year is no exception.

DVR worthy - may or may not watch when I have time

The Vampire Diaries - my new guilty pleasure (and for the record, this show is based on a series of books that were written in 1991, so it's definitely not a Twilight rip-off)

Grey's Anatomy - just curious about the new season without George

Modern Family - I haven't watched this yet, but I've heard great things and the previews make me laugh. I'll probably record a few eps before I jump in.

What's on your fall tv schedule?

(all images from GiveMeMyRemote.com)