By Caroline Inge

Being new to the DIY-world, I only take on modest projects that can't cause too much damage if I screw up, and I always, always print off step-by-step instructions which I've probably been googling for about a week. You could say I like to be thorough. Well, I think I've found my next project, and even though it's much more ambitious than say, painting a bookshelf, I definitely think it looks do-able -- at least the step-by-step video looks easy enough!

Having brand new countertops installed in your kitchen or bathroom can cost thousands of dollars, and in many homes, they are the main offender in a tired kitchen. The grey, marbleized laminate in my kitchen makes me sad, and paired with dull, cream cabinets, this space is a total bore. Until recently, there was no way to update your kitchen countertops without completely replacing them. This month, Modern Masters®, a decorative paint and faux finishing brand, came out with a clever way to makeover your outdated, laminate countertops using a three-step painting system. Countertop Transformations™ allows you to change the aesthetic in your kitchen without sacrificing your durable work surface. Check out the website for an easy step-by-step instructional video, or upload a picture of your kitchen and try out each of the five colors!

I definitely think this paint kit would help me achieve my dream kitchen, which looks something like this: 

I love color, and for my kitchen, I want something energetic but still classic enough that we could grow old together. I think this kitchen from Sunset has a nice balance with its soft, minty green cabinets and sleek, black granite countertops. I think the Charcoal paint kit from Countertop Transformations would look fantastic paired with Benjamin Moore's Salisbury Green. What do you think?

I may have solved (one or two of) your gift giving woes early this year (and for under $5 a pop). I know it is a little early, but I can't resist getting excited for the holidays especially when I saw these adorable paper Christmas Creatures.

You can purchase this print and make-at-home kit online at Mibo(for about $5), and they'll email you a PDF to just print on your color printer. like this:

Not only are these cute and festive, but they can be used as ornaments, name holders at place settings, or craft projects for you and the kids (or just you!).

The potter turned designer who mixes equal and opposite parts irreverence, WASP, humor, and glamor to shape his designs is now allowing you to ride the coattails of his well-tested, trademark style. Jonathan Adler has launched a "Design Your Own" section of his website.

He provides six basic products (pillows, rugs, etc), some signature patterns, an assortment of colors; and a few sizes to choose from and then -- Wham! Your designs come to life in the hands of Peruvian artisans and then arrive at your door fresh from the hands of the UPS man. 

Do you remember any of your childhood birthday parties? If so, do you have a favorite? I honestly don't remember much about mine, but I do have a new favorite. A friend passed along this blog post from BirdDogPress and what Allison did for her son's 3rd birthday party puts those little paper hats from the drug store to shame. With the theme of yellow (his favorite color), she created an entire backyard party with classics and kid favorites like pin-the-tail-on -the-donkey, bubbles, and cupcakes.

For some time now I have been completely drawn to the color gray in both fashion and decorating. I've dreamed about a gray velvet sofa, I wear gray heels to work at least 3 out of 5 days, I even worked it into my wedding colors this year. My latest gray obsession is finding the perfect gray paint.

I recently inherited a great table (on casters) and set of chairs from my mother-in-law (thanks, Vicki!) which I would like to repaint (along with another table and a mirror I have) to go in my dining room. Basically, I want to take these random items and give them a cohesive and stylish look. I am loving the combination of darker gray combined with antiqued ivory and light gray. I am hoping to find the right combination that can pull these three odd pieces of furniture together. Here are some of the fruits from my gray garden (or grey, if you prefer):

By: Kristen Shelton

 

This nursery -- by Rhoney Design -- is a great mix of high and low that's inspirational even though I won't be decorating a nursery anytime soon (sorry, Mom). I love that the crib is from Wal-Mart (Baby Mod "Park Lane"), while the window shades are custom made with high-end designer fabric!

The details really make a room special, and this one is full of them. I'm kind of obsessed with the ball-fringe on the crib skirt -- it's a perfect, playful touch. And how clever is a wallpapered ceiling (Daydream Yellow, by Julia Rothman) in a bedroom? Love that.

Repurposing a small chest or dresser as a changing table is a great idea, as what exactly does one do with a changing table in a post-diaper world? I'm sure this piece will always have a place and a use in this home. The giraffe scones by Jonathan Adler are darling! And again, these are sophistocated enough to follow baby Mallory for years.

And don't even get me started on the scalloped edge on those shades! I love the circus tent-like effect of the stripes (Pindler & Pindler “Tamaron” in Raffia). Rug is by Martha Stewart, and the wall color behind the changing table is Glass Slipper by Benjamin Moore.

I'm always a sucker for a kids' room with vintage toys, books and globes. The chandelier is a fun touch, too. A yard sale or thrift store find could give you a similar look after a few coats of white spraypaint -- it doesn't get easier than that!

How fantastic are these stairs? I've loved them since first sight last year (this is the 2008 Cottage Living Idea House in LA designed by Jackie Terrell). Jackie used actual tile to create the black-and-white pattern, but you could achieve a similar effect by hand painting. This is such a dramatic (and cheap) way to add to color and style to boring stairs.

If you are up for the challenge, but want to keep it fairly easy, try just painting a staircase "runner" like this:

by Kristen Shelton

  

As you moms out there know, it's hard...almost impossible...to practice shopping self-control when expecting. Around every corner, there's a piece of art, a onesie, or other item that you must have. For our nursery, I did finally focus and find some ways to save without sacrificing style. Here's what I've learned:

Get crafty! It's not your momma's crafts store anymore! Find ways to create simple, unique details in the nursery with ribbon, original art, or paint (as I did here). I took the little guy's gorgeous monogram by Allison R. Banks Designs, had it blown up at Kinko's, traced it on the wall with transfer paper, and filled it in with acrylic paint.