DIY lighting projects? Yep.  Most of you know how I feel about DIYs. I am not a huge DIY gal. I rarely do DIYs, unless absolutely necessary.

And truth: here is my own, personal, raw opinion of DIYs: I don’t actually think most of them are worth doing.

Except when they are. And sometimes, they are!

Sometimes, stunning design can be replicated for a fraction of the cost – with just a bit of elbow grease! {<- tweet this }

And so, I am starting a new series of posts called “DIY’s worth doing” that will comprise of a line-up of projects that receive my “Worth Doing!!” Seal of Approval.

And what better category to start with than lighting? Lighting is a SUPER pricey aspect of home decorating.

If you see a project below that you like, follow the links over to the originating blog to read the directions and see if it is DIY worthy for you. But as for me, I say ditto-diy-worthy!

The first project that I want to share is very ditto worthy, and quite simple for a DIY. I LOVE this cube light that was created by Vintage Revivals. Definitely worth doing:

{via vintage revivals}

I think the modern edges of this next light fixture make it ditto worthy. If you were to purchase a light of similar design, it could get quite pricey. So, while this is an involved project, I think it is worth it:

{via Lindsey Adelman}

If you don’t mind cutting out triangles while watching TV, this next project is worth it. I love the FUN look of this DIY light fixture:

 {via the 3 R’s blog}

This project below is not only worth doing, but is SUPER handy to know about. Every home has a lamp that could use this DIY treatment. Goodbye ugly cords:

{via View Along the Way}

Sooo…. I am not 100% convinced that this next project is “worth doing,” instead of buying. If it were me, I might just cough up the $499.00 if I really wanted this light. But, still, $500 IS a lot of money. And, if you are crafty, I really think this is a stunner. So, yes, that makes it worth doing:

 {via Gus and Lula}

I LOVE this cute little DIY desk lamp. Well… DIY may be a stretch since it is sold as a kit. But, for me, that still counts… because I have to pull out a screwdriver! Worth it:

{via Remodelista}

 And last but not least for today’s round up, I adore this project. Simple. Lovely. Glam. Refreshing. Worth Doing:

{via Splendid Objects}

So. Which project is “Worth Doing” for you??  Which project would you be willing to tackle?

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Hello.  My name is {darlene}.  And I am not a millionaire.

I know. I know. For most of us, this is an obvious statement. But for some of us, who have spent a good deal of their lives dreaming of dramatic princess fairy tales, Barbie dream houses, decorating lavish houses in their minds and inheriting crowned jewels in their heads, this simple statement can be hard to accept.

But they say, admitting the truth is the first step.

I am jesting. ……Sort of……. But, what does this have to do with overcoming decorating paralysis anyway?

Well, you see. Accepting the fact that you are not, indeed, a person of superfluous and deep pockets, means that you need to start living in – and decorating in – R.E.A.L.I.T.Y.

I know this sounds obvious, but trust me. This whole millionaire-denial thing can be going on in your decorating sub conscience without you even knowing about it.

When making decisions for your home, do thoughts like these float through your mind?:

“I will just wait until I can afford to do it right.”

“I will paint that after we get the kitchen remodeled {and you have no current plans to have a kitchen remodel}.”

“I am holding out for the one I love from ____ {fill in blank with super-high-end-store}.”

Are you waiting until a large sum of mysterious money shows up on your doorstep before you dive into your decorating? Is it causing your decorating paralysis?

Well, I am certainly qualified to chat about it, because if I did not confess “Yes!,” then I would be the pot-calling-the-kettle black. The truth is, I find myself putting so many things on hold because I cannot yet afford to do things EXACTLY {the key word here truly is “EXACTLY”} how I want to do it. Usually, the reason is because, I, {darlene}, am not a millionaire – or even close.

I yearn for quality in my home and I have a vision for exactly how I want to do things. I don’t want to waste any money or energy doing it wrong.

And those are all good things.

EXCEPT, when they paralyze you. And this has certainly paralyzed me.

So. As I see it. The solution is for me to admit that I am not a millionaire, and then go about getting creative with my home decorating solutions. And that is just what I have been doing.

Oh, pretty $1600 chair. How I love thee…

And, on sale for $1700? It still does not feel like a deal to me. But how bright, lovely and lively are you!?….

Even under $1000, there is no way I can afford 2 of you pretties…..

So, I had to come to terms with the fact that I, {darlene}, am not a millionaire – or even close. And I do not have the budget for these beautiful specimens in my home.  Not now, anyway. Therefore, it was time for me to move on.

Move on and get creative:

{click here to see my gorgeous chairs that I got for $59, and then “gilded” in gold}

So, fess up.

Anyone else out there with this paralyzing decorating hang up?

If so, join me in saying….

Hello. My name is _________. And I am not a millionaire.

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Inspired To:

{image via My Thing For the Land of the Free; via tumbler}

Inspired To :: sing New York New York. Hail a cab. Remember that day and never forget. Wear Red, White, and Blue like I mean it. Love the land of the free. Strut some platforms that are Star Spangled. Sing “I’m proud to be an American,” regardless of how tacky of a melody it may have. Think about the skyline I once knew… the one I grew up looking at in awe. Listen to the honk of taxi cabs like it is music. Be thankful.

So. What does this picture inspire you to do/feel/create/think……

What are you Inspired To?

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Feeling Inspired? Visit more “Inspired To” Posts.

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Today’s ditto is a butlers pantry that is filled with brilliant design concepts, all of which would translate beautifully into kitchen design as well. The space is by one of my fave designers, Steven Gambrel, and there is much to learn from this great space.

The list below will break down for you many of the decorating concepts that are employed in this great space. As with all of our dittos, let’s study the DETAILS of what makes this space SO AMAZING, so that we can learn how to add more beauty to our own homes!!!

{And, as always, I look forward to hearing from you and finding out what you would ditto, too. So, be thinking!}

{design by Steven Gambrel}

DITTO :: {WHAT I WOULD STEAL FROM THIS SPACE}:

1.    RICH DARK BROWNS.

The deep and gutsy brown tones in this butlers pantry create a dramatic backdrop for the simple things in life. Food and beverage prep surely seem sophisticated in a dark, mysterious space like this. A deep, rich look like this would be stunning and gutsy in a kitchen design as well. Do you have the guts? Ditto!

2.   A DESTINATION TABLE.

This long narrow space leads to a place to sit and enjoy. I find that thoroughly inviting… not to mention, brilliant design. Ditto!!

3.  NARROW UPPER CABINETRY.

One of the rockstar features in this space is the narrow upper cabinetry to the right that has glass front doors.  The cabinets are just deep enough for all of your glassware, but do not obstruct the long view {toward the window} in this space. What a fantastic way to keep this long galley butlers pantry open and flowing.

4.  DRAMATIC GLOBE LIGHTING.

Not only are the round cage pendants in this space beautiful, but what makes them even more  ditto-able is how their globe shapes contrast with all of the linear design movement in this butlers pantry. Playing with contrasting shapes adds such life to a space. This is a great design concept to use in any space – contrasting shapes; lines vs. circles.

5.  HORIZONTAL AND SOPHISTICATED WOOD PANELING.

One of the drop-dead beautiful features in this room comes in the form of added texture: the solid wood paneling. The paneling gives a new definition to the concept of “wooden paneling.” This is no country barn-wood {which is beautiful in its own right}, but instead is a smooth wood that shines with polish and reflects the light. Mahogany, or possibly an exotic wood? Each panel stretches the eye and adds length and width to the room. I love this stunning feature, which adds so much depth to the fully brown-toned space.

6. A WINDOW AT THE END OF THE GALLEY.

This design trick is for the “building” phase of design, so if you are ever planning to build a long, galley space, don’t forget to integrate a window at the end. It is so worth it to have the added light, as well as giving the space a “destination” that pulls the eye through the space’s corridor.

7. A SQUARE SINK.

Ditto. I adore square sinks. In kitchens. Butlers Pantries. Bathrooms. They are so sleek and fantastic, and modern in every good way.

8. CABINETRY THAT REACHES TO THE CEILING.

This is a must-do ditto if you are creating a kitchen or butler’s pantry. Take those cabinets ALL the way up. It will create a soaring and streamlined backdrop for your space. If you are worried about reaching the top shelves, put things there you hardly ever access. That is just as practical as leaving the space open and bare to collect dust! Go for it. Take them all the way up!

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SO much goodness.

Love anything I did not mention? or…

WHAT WOULD YOU DITTO {STEAL} FROM THIS SPACE, 1-8? SOMETHING ELSE?

I LOVE HEARING YOUR THOUGHTS!

 

 

 

 

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