2.08.2010

Economista.....

I nicknamed myself economista over the weekend.
Only because the word budget and i are getting
to know each other quite well.
I was at Ikea {again} last week...
as well as the week before...
and i just fell in love with the linen curtains
{pictured above}
that were clearanced at $15...
down from $30.
Linen and i have a love affair....
just don't mention it to anyone....
and because of this love affair..
i decided it was time to update my little sun room.


I was able to transform this room with only spending about $100....
that included the 4 pairs of curtains...
and some small pieces that i found at the flea market this weekend.
I also did a lot of moving pieces of
furniture around that were in different
rooms of my home.



I even created my own chandie shade.
yes...
yes i did.





Hard to believe that i actually crafted those with
my two hands.
They are actually knee highs from
target.
You know how i have a knee high fetish....
because every pair of knee high boots
has to have...
knee highs peeking out.
And these go perfect with my love of linen....
oh..
and buttons.....
oh my.
drooling is not a good look on me.











yes....
some french words to practice....
while i sip my wine....
sitting in my reading room.
all is quiet.




Every sun room/reading room needs a wine trolley.
{it's actually an old library cart}


































I wonder if i can lock myself in here without the children noticing....
probably not for long...
Oh...and just an fyi.
The wall color is called french silk...
and it's by Ralph Lauren.
My friend emailed me last week letting
me know that home depot will not
be carrying the R.L line anymore.
So...
get in and grab all the color cards you need.
just don't mention that it was me that told you
to grab them...
xo















118 comments:

Farmgirl Paints said...

You did a great job. I especially love the little basket with the flowering twig in it. Makes me dream of spring. Thanks for the RL tip too. I'll have to get in there.

Mary said...

Gorgeous! I am seriously coveting that library cart! ~mary~

Melissa said...

You go, economista! What an absolutely lovely room. I heart the color, but I think the name is actually faded silk by RL..

Jacque Ferreira said...

Beautiful! Love the white wood floors, mine are blue and was considering white, but thinking they would show dog foot prints to easily. I sold a library cart just like that... I wonder if it was to you!

Unknown said...

wow... great job, awesome title!

economista...LOVE IT!

Michelle @ Sweet Something Design said...

Beautiful Kasey!

luciwallis said...

Totally with ya on the curtains I grabbed the look alike linen for $14. My Mother the doubter was so impressed! Have a great Monday.
Bristol

Anne Marie said...

wow Kasey.......your new camera + your new re-arranging? wow! I can totally see your perspective is changing since I first came here....

I really like that cart in the corner.....

fawn said...

a little slice of heaven ;)

Shawn Seay said...

Beautiful, Kasey. It is simply divine. I thought of you this morning as I was driving my daughter to school. We woke to a beautiful few inches of snow and all is "white". It made me think of you, and Lissa, and Tracey, and Paige;-)
Blessings!

Unknown said...

Absolulely gorgeous Miss Economista....I would LOVE a room like that.....nice work! :)

Tricia said...

It's so gorgeous Kasey! If only I could rip the stained cream carpet out of my sunroom and create a space as gorgeous as yours....

Happy Monday to you.
Hugs~
T

Dennice {Fringe} said...

swoon! i'm in love with your sunroom...it's perfect. i adore your tricky creative touches too.

i haven't been to ikea for probably 2 years...you have inspired me to venture back.

for the love of humanity, please don't take red wine in that fabulous room! stick to riesling or champagne or something...colorless...

xo

alee said...

How beautiful---But I have to admit when I got to the "lampshade" pic.s I laughed out loud :). I own those very ones & then Miss grace wondered in took one look at the comp.screen & said "Hey those look like your knee socks" I laughed again!
Thanks for starting my week off w/ beauty & laughter!

Unknown said...

Beautiful!!! Hmmm, I see you found some quince branches...lovely...

:) T

Jocelyn said...

Very shabby chic...I love it. (i heart ikea too)

Lili said...

It's breathtaking! I absolutely love every bit of it. What a lovely place to come visit. ~Lili

The Flying Bee said...

I am in love with that room!

Gorgeous.

xo,
Adrienne

Simply Me Art said...

Ikea needs to call you for a Commercial BTW! I own those Socks on the Chande Shades too. Very Clever, Very, Very Clever... I love all the inspirations. Just gorgeous!! xo Jamie

Jacki said...

Kasey-the socks look great on the shades. So glad you got to create your own! Everyone that comes to my house notices mine all the time-it will be a huge conversational piece for you!

Unknown said...

it's perfect! you got style my friend, love everything about it! enjoy the week! xo susan

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

This room is just so pretty, one of my very favorites. Love the new curtains. All of your accessories are just fabulous. Beautifully done. Hugs, Marty

upstatechic said...

Do you think my kids will notice I'm gone to relax in your sun room?
Loving the lampshade on the floor lamp! Where'd ya find it?
Beautiful as always Kasey!
XO
Lisa

Sarah said...

It is so pretty! I love it! Thanks for the update on the R. L line, I will grab some cards! That color is very pretty and those linen curtains...sigh I wish Ikea was closer than a Saturday trip for me! I am tempted to beg you to pick some up for me! ; )

Preppy Mama said...

Love it! Can I come and sip wine with you??

Annie said...

I adore your style! If I was in your neck of the woods - I'd drive by slow at night and house stalk your house to see what was inside! I love it all - the old metal just calls to my heart!!

Martha said...

As always beautiful Kasey!!! Economista is my kind of language!!!

Pam @ Frippery said...

Gorgeous!

Tara said...

Lovely.

Laura said...

ARE YOU KIDDING ME??????

OK
I need to take a deep breathe here...

crap.

and I am talking about MY HOME...
CRAP.

I need to go clean now...

that room is so beautiful I wanna cry....

Tracy ~Seeking Refinement~ said...

yes please, I *would* like a sunroom.

I just LOVE decorating and redecorating in my own home...of course incorporating a few new pieces...so fun!

and you crafty girl, your own chandie shades! quite impressive. You'd fit right in my new 'craft' room... (which also doubles as a guest room, ready for you at any moment!)

xoxo

sweetpea said...

It must be in air, this re~doing thing. I just re~arranged my studio. The paint pro at HD gave me the same tip on the color cards. Kinda bummed that RL is no longer doing paint but the paint dude said the new MARTHA paint is even better.

Off to grab more paint cards...

Hugs,

Shelley

Unknown said...

the knee high shade s brilliant !

Unknown said...

I have the library cart and the tool box under it. I will a copy cat with that. The room is beautiful.

Anita said...

I am going to go to ikea.com since we have no IKEA in Iowa and see about theose drapes for cutting up and screenprinting my pillows...it's cheaper than the yardage!

Sorry I didn't get to chat with you Saturday- we were MOBBED...in a good way :)

Twig said...

aaah so cute!!!! I love it. And those branches...well I'm always a sucker for a cute twig...haaa. ;) Anyway, hey whats the color number for the paint?? I think that color would be perfect in the bathroom!!

Kristin My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia said...

OMG! What a gorgeous room, I would never leave! I think I need to get my hands on those drapes, I love Ikea, wish it were closer! This post is going in my favorites, I'm trying to pull off a french flared guest room. YOu have given me a whole lot of inspiration today, thank you!

CharityMay said...

gorgeous, gorgeous. one day i will own an old home with a room i can transform like that...
for now, suburbia and envy!

MODERN Prairie Girl said...

I want to move in! Your house looks like pure heaven to me. Fantastico job on the shades..you crafty girl, you.
ox
Lara

Home Sweet Seattle said...

absolutely gorgeous!!! Looks like a million bucks. Please come on over and help me :)

Julie Harward said...

I can't believe you did that all for under $100.00 it all looks great! And you are a creative gal with the shades..very cute! Come say hi :D

Leah C said...

Love, love every bit of it! If that sunroom were mine, I don't think I'd ever leave it {well, ok, there might be times when I'd have to, but I wouldn't want too:}

Unknown said...

Hi Miss Kasey,

I think your sunroom is my favorite room in you home and now it even looks more devine! Wish I could come over right now through all this stinkin' snow and sit on that settee and enjoy a glass (or two) of wine with you. Let's catch up this week girlie!
xo
Jill

Lanette of Cottage Elements said...

Looks like a very cozy and inviting room. You did an amazing job, and all for about $100? I think you could have your own show on HGTV (they do need some better decorating ones)!

Rachel~Wildflower Photography Studio and Wildflower Creative said...

Lovely room, Kasey! I especially love your "wine trolley". ;)

Smiles,
rachel

Gail said...

I love the sunroom....way to go on the "budget". :) The chandy shades are fabulous. Knee highs? No way. Who'da thunk?

bethchien said...

THAT IS A TOTAL GIRL CAVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE IT! I WANT TO COME OVER THERE AND HANG OUT IN THAT ROOM!
I hole myself up in my girl cave all the time and rarely leave. lol
Then, Austin (bf) comes in to bug me, then the dogs follow him in and then it's just a big clusterf@@@ and I have to yell at everyone to get out. lol
Have a good day!
B

Wendy said...

Lovely as ever!!! Wouldn't have thought of using those socks on a chandey (although as soon as I saw the shade, I knew what you did!) but they look FABULOUS! You go girl!

Faded Plains said...

Your reading/sunroom is beyond amazing...love it!

Lora said...

how incredibly gorgeous!

MommyLisa said...

THAT is what I want in my step-daughter's room that WAS a sunroom before the people who we bought the home from got hold of it.

sigh. maybe in six years?

Anonymous said...

kasey, kasey stop it! that sunroom, oh! love it! it is perfect! please come to florida and help a girl out!

Unknown said...

Beautiful! I LOVE the curtains and that old cart!

Lisa@Pickles and Cheese said...

I love your room so much. I have a sun room and it needs a change from a beachy look and I am headed for something more shabby/vintage like you have going. I just love it. Thanks for the inspiration!

farmhouse wares said...

Gorgeous! I must have that library cart!!!

Anonymous said...

Kasey, it looks divine! I'd try locking myself in it....

Dolce Baci said...

Love it!! Thanks for the inspiration!

Ali said...

Can I come live in your room? Beautiful! Love the curtains and such a bargain too!

PS~Erin said...

I love the frame/tray with the sheet music in it... So many great pieces. I'd love to go on a flea market shopping spree together! Oh, and I totally recognize those socks. I was deliberating between them and the ones that had the stitch that made a ruffle up the back. I got the latter. Now I'm rethinking my decision. So creative!

Ashley said...

Lovely my dear!!

Sami said...

I love it, so beautiful. I wish we had an Ikea where I live. Thanks for sharing your reading room.

Sami G

Amy Kinser said...

How many ways can I say love and beautiful? Enough said...

Jboo said...

Wow -- so beautiful -- you really have the touch!

Janet

Mande said...

Gorgeous! I am inspired to rearrange my little sunporch/coffee room now. What a cool idea to make lampshades out of knee socks. Love it!

Simply Mel {Reverie} said...

You are a design/decorating genius! The knee highs as lampshades is BRILLIANT and quite racey all in one!

1 Funky Woman said...

Wow, and thats all she could say!

Tiffany said...

Gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous. All of it.

paula said...

your style just exudes romance.

Colleen said...

Hi ... I enjoy reading your blog. Can you tell me where you bought those flowering branches? Love how they are sitting in the wire basket. Your room looks beautiful.
Colleen

Susan R said...

What the heck????? I'm going crazy at all the craftiness abounding from these blogs I come across. That room looks like something out of Pottery Barn Magazine or Martha Stewart. You have a true talent girl...now send some of it my way.

Scott and Rebekah said...

I absolutely love this room!!! Will you come makeover my house?!?!

traci said...

so, so beautiful!! great job kasey. since my kids are grown and not really needing too much anymore, i am coming over and locking myself in there for a few days.

Lynda @ Happenstance Home said...

Perfect! I love all the different textures and finishes. You are so creative with those socks. I adore your bar cart. What a lovely place to be able to escape to!

Unknown said...

Love it...and I have those knee highs!!! So great, enjoy the snowy day in your pretty room!

JEN FROM WINDY RIDGE(FOR NOW) said...

love love love love love love!!!

Bonnie @ House of Grace said...

awesome blog, i just foung it from a to z. i will be a follower! great pics!

Laura said...

I had to visit you again...because......

first of all, just got back from Trader Joes, and I bought white rice.
I dont eat white rice.
But the BAG design is beautiful.
AND...kettle corn.
DO tell me you have seen the packaging for the kettle corn.
I bought 16 bags.
I hate kettle corn.

And finally..

I have lost my mind, because when I read this post yesterday, I THOUGHT I was reading Lulu's blog!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So...now it makes more sense that this is YOUR room........

I have lost my mind.

sarah said...

I think I have that same couch--from anthropologie? I love it!

Sarah
www.pittsburgh-odds-and-sods.blogspot.com

beth said...

is it okay to drool over someone's sunroom...too late !

Room Service ~ Decorating 101 said...

Beautiful! You have great style in everything you do. I would love to do a "style maker" post on you. I don't know if you ever visit my blog, but it is a shout out for great blogs with great style. Are you interested? Let me know.

Tami said...

Beautiful....adorable lamp shade idea!!

LuLu said...

Oh Kasey it's just beautiful. Feel free to roll that cart my way when you are ready for a change again! Just sayin g :) the socks rock! yep totally brilliant!!!!
xo,
LuLu

Natasha in Oz said...

Oh...what beautiful images....so dreamy and pretty. I can't believe I have not seen this blog before...I am addicted!

Best wishes,
Natasha.

Debra said...

This room is simply beautiful your own little place it looks so soft and pretty. A place to come and relax and just be you.

J.J. said...

Yeah I was so sad to hear that Home Depot was not going to carry RL anymore. They told me about a month ago. Bummer. He did say that they were going to stat carrying a Marth Stewart line. I thought someone already carried that...maybe I need more sleep. Meh.

I love that room. i would liek to go read in there drining a nice glass of lemonaide on a beautiful spring morning. Ahhhhh...

Brenna LaPray said...

So creative Kasey. I love the room. You have impeccable taste!

Katy said...

What a nice peaceful pretty room!!!

Betty Jo said...

A gorgeous room and blog. I found your link at The Inspired Room. ♥

Red Door Home said...

So enjoyed seeing your home. Looking forward to more. Thanks for sharing. Found you via the inspired room.

Jen said...

This is beautiful, I adore the french theme! Also the crown pillow and the floor standing lamp -designwork on it is so pretty! what a beautiful resting place! ;) great work! ~Jenn

Shining Windows said...

LOVE, LOVe, LOve, Love, love.......!!!

Things That Inspire said...

Wow - what a beautiful room, full of light and grace. I love the color of the walls!

Crystal said...

Love,love,love it, Kasey. What an econominista you are. I must go visit an IKEA. Is that wall color blue or gray? Thanks for the Home Depot update.

FiftyCentLove said...

WOW! First time at your blog. Beautiful, inspiring!

Rue said...

What a beautiful and serene room Kasey. You did a wonderful job. Congratulations on your feature at Melissa's blog.

xoxo,
rue

Deb said...

Wow!

Carly said...

oh how lovely!

Irene said...

Lovely! Enjoy your beautiful house!

Amanda said...

ok as Im reading your post I am actually tearing up! What a beautiful room!! and the paint color! I have been through over 8 test pots looking for the perfect blue/green shade for my dining room & was at a loss last night-ready to throw in the towel, then I stumble upon your site (Via Melissa) and I am RUNNING to Home Depot now. Girl you did an amazing job! pure beauty!!

LesleySW said...

Really amazing. And I love your photography. It helps make the post really special.

Unknown said...

I am visiting via Melissa @ The Inspired Room. Can I just say that I love this!! When can I move in?

XOXO

Pinky said...

So glad that Melissa sent me over. YOur room is FABULOUS! Love thaT CART AND THE FLOWERING BRANCHES AND THE BENCH AND...AND....everything! I am going to look now and see if I can "subscribe" to your blog! Hope so! XO, Pinky

cotedetexas said...

gorgeous. just gorgeous!!!!

Linda in AZ * said...

* Firstly, I would like to THANK "THE INSPIRED ROOM" for directing me here! WHAT A SUMPTUOUS JOY!!!!!!!

Secondly, your library cart idea is tooooooooo creative n' fantastic!!! Oh, how I wish I had one (or MORE!!!~~ Altho, my DH would surely think I needed to be committed! I ADORE HIM but imagination/creativity??? Nahhhh, poor babe got slighted there, I'm afraid!)~

Having no children, I'd use it like you have, too! (Or a better "rotating cart" for plants!)~~~ but if I HAD kids, what a FUN way to teach them to pick-up their toys (& it would STILL be cute n' "fashionably adorable"!)... And what a GREAT BAR, too!!! (Not to MENTION the practicality for returning freshly washed & folded linens/clothes to each room! (The French Maid's costume is YOUR option!!!)...

I signed up so I don't miss any of your DEEEEELIGHTFUL postings... What a WONDERFUL, FUN, RELAXING way to start the BRAIN FOR THE day, & inspire my brain to wake up"!!!!

Many thanks! PLease, if you're willing, inspire me more, whenever you're so inclined!!! Loved it! Loved your MOST WONDERFUL HOME, too!!!

Blessings,
Linda in AZ *
bellesmom1234@comcast.net

Linda@ Lime in the Coconut said...

Well Ms. Economista...your home and your photography skills are bar none. None.

gina said...

I can't believe you did that with $100!! You have a gift. The room is absolutely beautiful. I can see I need to spend more time scouting deals at IKEA. Love those linen drapes.

Sibi said...

Sweet Goodness.

I feel like I have been raptured up into the Heavens.


Love your style. You've got it loads and loads of it!

Love that library cart.....love it. love it. love it.

Pure Genius.


Big hug,

Sibi

flowerlady464 said...

Found you via The Inspired Room....oh how I love this room! Snowed in so I'm going to check out some of your other posts.

Suzanne : : S.HOPtalk said...

Amazing Kasey!!! I think this may be my favorite transformation/mini house tour yet. You have such a knack!

P.S. I may soon have a French silk dining room--thanks for the tip.

ClassiclyAmber said...

Your house is uber gorgeous!! I just love everything. Love all the details. Love the shades. Love the shabby chic appeal. Love love!! <3

Shannon C. said...

o i wish i could decorate this amazingly!!! this room is so beautiful. i thought i was looking at a magazine cover for a sec. I LOVE IT!!

Elizabeth said...

Love, love, LOVE these pictures! Adorable.

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Oh, my goodness, what a beautiful room. You've done a fabulous job, Kasey. Just fab!!

Julie Johnson said...

Gorgeous! I picked those curtains up at Ikea a few weeks ago too and they're in the kitchen. Love them. I have the knee socks...may need to get another pair for the dining room chandelier! :)
Julie

Dreamy Whites said...

You blog is sooooo beautiful, I am so glad I found you. I look forward to following you!
Take Care,
Maria

Val said...

What flea market were you at? Because I thought that the kane co flea was closed till March? And I am sooo having a flea-market type fit, here, in February, in the snow.

Amanda said...

was your shop in downtown st.charles? or maybe geneva but i thiunnk my mom and i visited....she lives in glen ellyn, used to have a florist there, anyhoos, i WANT the linnen, ruffle pillow in your chaise and i wanted to know if your linen panels were a tanish color? also, did you get them at the schaumberg location? before i make the 70 mile trek, i am wondering if that still had any left?! thanks.

Patina Soul said...

Pure bliss...can I move in? That room is so lovely!