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Tuesday, March 4, 2014

62

Studio Update: A Frame Worthy Update

We are slowly making little adjustments and tweaks to the studio space, to bring things down a notch.  As I mentioned here, there was just too much going on, and I was re-living my teenager days of color happy everything.

One of the items I loved in the studio is my memo board. 


I used it to pin up notes, inspiration, photos, memorabilia, etc... anything that made me happy.  Unfortunately, the board is visible from the sofa in our family room, and it really disrupted the flow of the two spaces.  It also added a lot of visual clutter.  Even after emptying everything out of the room, just that board alone still gave the room a feeling of "too much goin' on".


So, I took it down.  There are other ways for me to enjoy those photos and happy moments, so I am going to explore those options as I continue with the space.

I decided what the wall really needed was symmetry and simplicity.  A way to still bring in small amounts of color, but not in a jarring sort of way.

I happened to spot some beautiful frames on Pottery Barn's website.  I fell hard for the silver finish with the over-sized mat/small print combo.


I wasn't going for a busy wall, but the frames and mats spoke to me.  So, I added six to my cart to the tune of $356.  Not.

Clearly that was more than I would care to spend on a photo display.  I needed the Pottery Barn look on an IKEA budget.  So, off to IKEA we went and I purchased six aluminum RIBBA frames at $10 each instead.

The only thing left to fix was the matting.  The IKEA frames come with a mat that has an opening of 7½ " x 9 ½ ".  I was aiming for 3" x 5" opening because I was so drawn to the look of the thicker matting. 

Off to Michaels I went, where I purchased two large pieces of framing mat board, which you can find in the framing department.  I also purchased a mat cutter

The process was super simple.  We started by cutting the mat boards down to a total of 6 mats to fit the six frames.  Then, we found the center of the mat, and measured out to create a 3" x 5" rectangle.  Using a straight edge {an old level} and the mat cutter, we created our own photo opening.


Then we just popped the frames up on the wall in a 3 x 2 grid.


As far as the styling of the room, please remember that I am basically back to a blank slate.  Going so far backwards means that I have not styled any of the surfaces/spaces or integrated any warmth.  It is all about slowly layering in items. 


Inside of the frames I selected photos of some of our favorite travel memories and a few other shots that just bring a smile to my face.  It was a fair compromise in taking down the over-sized memo board.


I am definitely crushing on those chunky mats. 



Adding in the simple frames completely changed the feeling of the whole room.  They allowed me to keep some favorite moments on the walls while drastically reducing the visual noise.  And it cost me a fraction of the price for the inspiration frames, so that is totally worth doing a little tap dance for!

Sometimes the smallest things make me so excited.  Discovering the mat cutter will allow us to customize our hallway gallery wall down the line, and I even have a few other random frames that will be getting updated. 

Here are some of the other items on the studio list:
  • Find the perfect rug
  • Sew and hang a curtain for the closet door
  • Build a new desk {a beautiful wood desk to replace the white one under the frames and fit over our filing cabinet}
  • Update the built-in desktop
  • Accessorize and style

Still lots of fun ahead!


62 comments:

  1. Everything is looking so amazing. A real inspiration!! I did spot a great phrase on your memo board about loving color. Can you please let me know where you found that?

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    1. I found it on Etsy last year, however, it appears it was only a limited edition print: https://www.etsy.com/transaction/141669355

      xo!

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  2. This change is perfect for your studio! The scale totally makes it all work without it being busy or distracting! Great job!

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  3. The space already looks so much more sophisticated and clean! I love what you're doing with it. Although, I'm a little sad to see that the cart is now gray instead of pink, I think it all looks so fresh. Great job, and I hope it just keeps flowing for you from here! xoxo Ruth

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    1. Thanks Ruth! I was sad about the pink cart as well, and the gray still is not working for me either so I am hoping third time is a charm. There will still be some pink in the final space though, it is my favorite color after all!

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    2. The cart shoukd be gold like your lamp. Im loving your new clean space cant wait for the next update.

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  4. I love the new look! I've found that the IKEA mats are a tinge yellow anyways, so now you get pure white, and the wide borders!

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  5. I think this looks great!! And I am totally digging the chunky mats...I may have to copy ;-)

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  6. LOVE this room! I never thought of large matting with a smaller picture but I love it!!

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  7. Love the simplicity of the frames. The board was way too busy. I am redoing my bedroom and that looks like just the ticket. Thanks for all the hard work you put into your posts, I enjoy reading them.

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  8. Love the pictures! You space is really coming together, looks great.

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  9. Love this idea. I plan on going to IKEA soon to try this out!

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  10. So beautiful! I love the chunky mats, I have always wanted to try to cut my own.

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  11. Jen, I love your studio and I love your blog.
    Congratulations!!!

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  12. Love the frames. I need to look into a mat cutter!

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  13. Oh I love this! I think I need to add those frames to my IKEA wishlist! :)

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  14. So bright and inviting! What a great place to work.

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  15. Love it! You always do such a great job. I actually liked your studio before. I get you needed the change and to cool it down a bit. It looks amazing so far. Its very inviting, has a soothing and calm feel to it. Well done and thank you for sharing :)

    Diana

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  16. That looks amazing! Really simple yet elegant, I love it.

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  17. Love It! Just wondering, did you buy the gold lamp or spray paint it that way. I have seen a similar one in black but the black was not working for me.

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    1. It was originally this oil rubbed bronze lamp: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Canopy-Pharmacy-Desk-Lamp-Oil-Rubbed-Bronze/16783649, which was given a few coats of Rustoleum's Gold Metallic spray paint. It really made the lamp look more chic, I love it!

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  18. What a great idea! I've been wanting to update my gallery wall to look more clean and this just might be the way! thanks for sharing...and if you don't mind me asking where you got your gold desk lamp from? Thanks!

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    1. Thank you Colleen! The lamp was originally this oil rubbed bronze lamp: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Canopy-Pharmacy-Desk-Lamp-Oil-Rubbed-Bronze/16783649, which was given a few coats of Rustoleum's Gold Metallic spray paint. I love it!

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  19. I know you still have lots to do, but this space is super gorgeous as it is today! I love all the white and pops of colour. The chunky mats are fun too.

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  20. This is looking nice, I liked the look before but with this new grownup and elegant look I am loving it even more!

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  21. Love this!! I splurged (whoops) on 2 PB frames with oversized mats last year and since then have gone to IKEA to recreate similar looks in other rooms. I am loving the aluminum finish frames though... might have to make an IKEA run this week :) Thanks for sharing!

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  22. Your room looks great already ! It was not bad, but I agree with you, it is way more elegant now. I love your desk, if you ever decide to sell it, I would gladly take it. I'm in Minneapolis.

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  23. Love how it looks! Although it was cute before; I understand what you are meaning regarding updating it to be a bit more sophisticated. I was sad to see your cart no longer pink though. ;-( I think that added a fun touch of whimsy to the room.

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  24. Love your IKEA hack with the frames with chunky mats! I've never thought of cutting my own picture mats before (I guess I just thought it required specialty tools, complex math, whatever)....I'll definitely have to try this now!!!

    I wish I could envision a wood toned desk, cause I really love the existing white one you have - with the pops of color from the pink & turquoise/blues and that beautiful purple orchid! And I'm glad to see your beautiful, thrifted chair is still there! I hope it make the final cut!

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  25. I'm looking forward to the changes in this space since I'm currently trying to find inspiration for my own office/desk area. I'm currently looking for a filing cabinet solution since file boxes are no longer cutting it for me (it's not very attractive either). Do you mind sharing what filing cabinet you are trying to fit your to be build desk over?

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  26. Plus one for IKEA! :) I'm always looking for wall art ideas, and I love this look!

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  27. The frames look so great! I am intrigued by the mat cutter tool...will have to investigate that further when I get to the frame phase in my own house.

    I'm sure you have a plan for the memo board, but thought I'd offer my 2 cents. I wondered if it would fit in your under the stairs storage room? Not sure how much space there is with the sloped ceiling. If not, then maybe two smaller memo boards, one inside each upper cabinet door...

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    1. Thanks for the suggestions! Both are absolutely on my list. The large frame will not fit under the stairs, but I am going to try to find some glass and use it for a family portrait in our family room, so I am basically back to square one. :) I appreciate the ideas!!

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  28. Because of you I have fallen in love with white rooms with gold accents. such a clean look.

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  29. Love the frames - what a big difference! I too am a little sad about the pink cart :( Maybe some blue ombre to match your chair?

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    1. The cart drawers are going to change a third time {still not digging the grey}, and I definitely want to re-introduce pink and splashes of color into the space, I am just patiently waiting until I get the basic neutrals in first so I can resist overdoing it this time around. :) xoxo!

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  30. Soooo much better. Feels more relaxing.

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  31. The frames are great ! I would say the room does not need any more accesorizing, just from seeing this side of the room anyway. Looks calm and peaceful right now. Not that I don't love all the color you had, but it's simpler now.

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  32. Looks much calmer - very nice.

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  33. So nice and refreshing! I did something similar with cheap Ikea frames and homemade mats in our old bedroom. Love the extra large mat look.

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  34. I love my matte cutter! I've had it since college when I needed it to cut my projects for studio. It makes decorating the walls so much easier. Not being confined to what is available in the stores and doing my own thing is so much cheaper. I never knew they just sold the cutter. That is a much cheaper option, although the straight edge takes all the guesswork out of cutting, which is a good thing for my math challenged brain. :)
    I love those silver frames. I might need to get some for the master bedroom, I love the fact that they can be contemporary or vintage in feel. Can't wait to see what you do with the rest of the space!

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  35. Love the new frames! A few years ago I had custom mats cut for me at Hobby Lobby. Can't remember how much it was exactly but it couldn't have been more than a few dollars. They use a computer so the cutting is really precise. I wonder if Michaels will do this as well.

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    1. Hi Aimee!

      I asked the gal at the desk at Michaels and she told me that custom mat cutting could run me $14-$40 per mat! That is when I instantly turned around and went down the framing aisle and grabbed the mat board and cutter. :) Good to know that Hobby Lobby has a cheaper alternative for those who do not want to invest in a mat cutter.

      xo!

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  36. I love the room it looks so refreshing. Just curious. I noticed the countertop behind your desk looks marble. Did you change it. I thought in a previous post you said you got it at IKEA?

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    1. Great eye Lisa! I actually had leftover marble paper from this project: http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2014/02/ooh-la-la-marble-top-coffee-table.html and used it on the counter. I sort of love it! :)

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  37. I love it! How much was the mat cutter tool?

    I don't know if you looked for a rug at IKEA or what size you are looking for but they had some cute ones (I think they were 6x8) in their flyer this week for $30.

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    1. Hi Stacy! They run between $20-$30. I believe they are closer to $25 at Michaels, but they always have great 40% off one item coupons, so I went that route! :)

      xo!

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  38. I am really liking the direction your studio is taking! It looks very sophisticated right now. :)

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  39. I do love the simplicity of a gallery wall with wide mats. I love that you're taking your time and slowly layering things in - I find that so hard to do, I'm so impatient!

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  40. Beautiful studio space!
    xx

    www.bohemianjourneys.blogspot.com

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  41. I love the frames! This totally inspires me to do something with my space. It needs tidying first though!
    Eilidh | http://letsgetwonderfullylost.blogspot.co.uk

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  42. Such a good idea to do your own mats. I like Ikea's frames, but I find the matting is always yellow-toned. Yours look professional.

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  43. Love the IKEA frame remake. I like the tidy look. So nice for a workspace.
    Darn that IKEA, it is such a drive for me. I have been working on a big photo wall project and it has been a bear trying to find frames locally. I've been dreaming of a shopping day at IKEA.

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  44. Did you change the color of your rolling cart with your Silhouette on it? I thought it used to have pink ombre fronts.

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    1. I tried to tone down the fronts with grey, however, the cart drawers will most likely change a third time {still not digging the grey}. I definitely want to re-introduce pink and splashes of color into the space, I am just patiently waiting until I get the basic neutrals in first so I can resist overdoing it this time around. :) xoxo!

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  45. You could keep the cart gray but re-incorporate the ombre effect with the existing dark gray at the bottom and fading to the light gray on the walls our even the white. It would connect the floor while keeping the contrast.

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  46. I really love the new look. So refreshing and pretty. I have to ask...Where did you find the lumbar pillow that is on your office chair? I have been looking for something similar online.

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    1. Thank you! I found the pillow on Joss & Main awhile back: https://www.jossandmain.com/Marrakesh-Market-Lakhi-Pillow~PICO3601~E5600.html

      xo!

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  47. Your studio is looking great! I love large mats as well I will have to look into getting a mat cutter. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Tammy @ the colored door

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