HDDI Project: Evolution of My Media Console

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

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

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

“The One” Lounge Chairs

So, you want to lounge a little, put your feet up, relax after a hard day at work.  Who better to greet you than your favorite lounge chair?  Just because it’s a workaholic doesn’t mean it sacrifices looks and personality.

Check out these great options that deserve a corner in you living room (and your heart).

First we have a classic French Bergere chair with an upbeat paisley fabric and it is instantly reborn!

Anthropologie Antwerp Chair
Antwerp Chair - Anthropologie

Who says “caning” spells traditional?  The sleek black lacquer and modern leg profile make this chair unstoppable.

Atom Designs - Cane Chair Black
Cane Chair Black - Atom Designs

Barbara Barry’s designs are graceful and effortless.   She works to make furnishings the appropriately muted backdrop to our lives.

Starlet Chair - Barbara Barry Realized by Henredon
Starlet Chair - Barbara Barry Realized by Henredon

This one never gets old for me.  They introduce new colors every year and the fact that it can be a recliner and still look like a Parisian club chair, I absolutely love!

Manhattan Chair/Recliner - Pottery Barn
Manhattan Chair/Recliner - Pottery Barn

Houndstooth.  Clean lines.  How can you go wrong with that?

Ryan Chair in Houndstooth - Bernhardt Furniture
Ryan Chair in Houndstooth - Bernhardt Furniture

Even if this chair wasn’t upholstered in a beautiful velvet, it would still make a great statement.

FL3248 - Vanguard Furniture
FL3248 - Vanguard Furniture

The perfect little mod slipper chair, can be redefined with a multitude of fabrics.  Fresh & sleek at the same time.

Abigail Chair - Williams Sonoma Home
Abigail Chair - Williams Sonoma Home