Kara's Kottage

Lauren Liess Designs

2011-11-08T11:21:00.003-06:00

Lauren has introduced her new line of fabrics and is giving away 2 yards to a lucky reader(me, please). She does beautiful interiors as you can see. I love the mix and the Happikat Black drapes are taunting me...I truly need them!.
Go here to join in the fun but be aware that I am going to win.hehe

OT Groceries

2011-11-08T11:09:00.002-06:00

I know this is off topic but...saving money on groceries means more money for decorating!
So here is a list of grocery sales cycles.

Burlap Update and Drapes

2011-11-02T10:54:00.005-06:00

As you can see the sun has darkened the burlap.

I like how some areas are dark and some light.
More contrast.

I added drapes custom made by ME ;).

The pattern is Waverly Charlotte in Smoke

You can tell by the Nerf ammo stuck to the window I have many boys.

I cannot sew, so these are basically glued and taped together.

This picture shows the change the sunshine has made to the burlap.
I love it.

I trimmed the edge in a large brown Ric-Rac.
Covers a multitude of sins.

Curated Eclectic Style

2011-11-01T11:21:00.003-06:00

See the back of the sofa...is that Schumacher's Chiang Mai Dragon? Seriously I have to have some. I know its probably old to some but I just can't seem to get over it. I also can't really afford it, does anyone have a good CHEAP substitute. And, would I be happy with a substitute?

Happy Orange

2011-10-31T07:49:00.002-06:00

Dana Gibson

2011-10-30T19:04:00.003-06:00

Of course I can't afford any but a girl can dream right.
Oh, how long can I continue to call myself a girl?
If you want to see more visit Dana Gibson's website

I want some DRAGON!

2011-10-27T14:07:00.003-05:00

Have you seen this image from Country Living. I am swooning over the red door, brown walls and of course the Chiang Mai Dragon.
Please Santa bring me some Dragons.
Go here for more images of this lovely home.

Counting down with Flylady

2011-10-27T13:50:00.003-05:00

Today I am working on my Christmas Control Journal. Flylady is a very good way for procrastinators like ME to set up routines and maybe bring a little calm to my chaos.

59 Days & Counting

2011-10-26T14:04:00.002-05:00

I wrapped my first Christmas gift...what did you do?

60 Days & Counting!!

2011-10-25T11:21:00.002-05:00

Join with me for a Christmas to NOT Procrastinate...Starting today I pledge to accomplish one Christmas goal. Please help keep me on the straight and narrow.

My name is Kara and I am a serial procrastinator. I would love to hear what you are doing to bring you to a simple and stress free Christmas.

Christmas is for Jesus and spreading his love. What can I do to make that happen?

Bonanza

2011-09-05T10:44:00.001-05:00

Have you ever shopped at Bonanza? I just heard about it but I now have my ebay items listed. Please check me out---I have some great treasures.

Memories of Mother's Day

2011-08-25T12:30:00.004-05:00

I know it has been several months since Mother's Day but I wanted to show y'all what I have done to keep the sweet
memories close.

It makes me happy to see the letters and pictures my children have made for me. I love to see beautiful houses in magazines but for my house this is what makes it a home.

Dallas Dreams

2011-08-04T16:16:00.009-05:00

Black Grasscloth...

2011-02-18T08:59:00.002-06:00

....I'm dying!!!

spaces design by san francisco interior designer Kerrie L. Kelly

Dancing on the Ceiling

2011-02-17T16:54:00.004-06:00

modern bedroom design by san francisco architect SB Architects

eclectic living room design by los angeles interior designer Elizabeth Gordon

eclectic dining room design by los angeles interior designer Elizabeth Gordon

eclectic bathroom design by other metros media and blogs Michelle Hinckley

traditional powder room design by media and blogs From House to Home

How do you feel about wallpaper or stencils on the ceiling? I am loving it and thinking of using this application for my small downstairs bathroom.

My Entry...

2011-02-15T13:34:00.006-06:00

Here is my Entryway....

Sad...I know...but...

Here is my entry on drugs!!!

so I only have a few THOUSAND dollars to spend. No problem.

I Can't Sew...Can I learn??

2011-02-11T13:34:00.003-06:00

How cute is this Bolero from Positively Splendid. I really want to learn to sew...I can't even thread the needle.

I am in LOVE...

2011-02-01T13:41:00.003-06:00

and I hope my husband finds out! Have y'all seen this jewelry....Julie LoRusso makes the most fabulous pieces. I hope the secret gets out and hubby gets the memo....VALENTINES DAY!

I AM FAMOUS!

2010-11-12T09:24:00.002-06:00

I have been featured on Apartment Therapy!!!

Ok...not me but my walls...still I am doing the happy dance.

In Remembrance

2010-09-11T08:42:00.001-05:00

IS THAT A.....

2010-07-06T19:41:00.005-05:00

why yes that is a GARGANTUAN dish scrubber hanging from my ceiling....why do you ask?

Brass Is BAAACK!!

2010-06-25T16:52:00.003-05:00

I have seen this coming for a few months now but I still don't know what to think. I saw this on Velvet & Linen just minutes ago and I couldn't wait I need some in put....am I the only one afraid? Don't get me wrong I am loving the new antiqued natural gold brass look but this seems really shiny.....1980. What are you thinking? I like the look in lighting and side tables but I am unsure about faucets. Give my your opinion....will we fall for anything that "they" say is the new "IN".

Home & Harmony

2010-04-10T09:00:00.000-05:00

GIVEAWAY!!

I have got to try THIS!!

2010-03-30T08:38:00.003-06:00

She took this....

and made this!

Are you freaking out?

This girl is amazing...seriously....I am in awe.

Sketch42-I-LOVE-YOU!

2010-03-10T16:39:00.004-06:00

Palmer Weiss

2010-02-20T20:54:00.002-06:00

Powder Bath Inspiration

2010-02-14T11:32:00.005-06:00

Lonny Issue 2

Lonny!

2010-02-11T14:47:00.004-06:00

Do you love it as much as I....and it's free!

Megan Winters

2010-02-11T11:33:00.002-06:00

gold,white,black,love

aaaahhh!

Dream Home

2010-01-31T13:17:00.003-06:00

I want this house.

I WANT...

2010-01-12T14:30:00.002-06:00

a zebra rug....I know I am always 2 steps behind.

Charlotte Moss

2009-11-10T16:24:00.001-06:00

Sorry I have been absent but to make it up you can go here to win a book!

I've.....I mean my walls....

2009-10-22T21:36:00.003-05:00

have been FEATURED at Someday Crafts. Go on over there and check it out. And then hop over to Rate My Space.

Loving this Light

2009-09-10T12:52:00.005-05:00

See the black ceiling light in the dining area. Love how it arches to reach the center of the table.

Have you ever seen such a light fixture? I think it would work perfectly in my breakfast area where the light is centered in the room but not centered over the table. To see more pictures visit Willow Decor

Bedroom

2009-09-03T14:26:00.002-05:00

This is not my bedroom....yet! The painter is here now and has put on a thick rich coat of SW Umber, a luscious chocolate brown.

Tuesday Tour

2009-08-25T00:31:00.003-05:00

Phoebe Howard Make Over

2009-08-22T19:37:00.001-05:00

Mrs. Howard has some lovely make-overs this blog.

Sweet Bedroom Dreams

2009-08-21T22:23:00.002-05:00

Barclay Butera----Bedroom

2009-08-21T20:29:00.001-05:00

More Bedroom Inspiration

2009-08-21T19:16:00.003-05:00

Compliments of Phoebe Howard

That Lamp!

2009-08-20T15:45:00.003-05:00

I was wasting my life cruising Windsor Smith's website and drooling over the images I found. Then it happened I opened this one and was drawn to the wonderful zebra ottoman followed by the lovely nail head lines of the chair and then much to my horror my eyes landed on that lamp. Now, I realize I can be overly dramatic (DH reminds me often) but seriously I do wonder.....how someone could actually stand gazing on this lamp and think this would go great in the sun room?

My Green Again

2009-08-19T00:20:00.001-05:00

Sorry but here I go again :0)

This is one of my favorite blogs. This husband and wife pair do some amazing designs. Once again would this much color be a turn off in a few years? Right now it really makes my heart sing...but how long will that song go on??? I am looking for ideas for my downstairs guest bath....give me your thoughts....please.

Tueday Tour----Sarah Richardson

2009-08-18T08:29:00.006-05:00

Love the Yellow, it works so wonderfully with the creamy white.

Is that Silver Travertine tile?

I am falling for this bed....maybe I should use a pattern on my headboard? I can change my mind everyday....oh the choices.

I am almost certain I want mirrored night tables....will it be an OUT by the time I get them?

Love the colors....black and white always a winner...not in love with the wallpaper. How do you feel about it?

How about this wallpaper? I don't think it's my style but the overall feel of the room is good.

Oh course the kitchen is to die for....white is the only way to go in a kitchen....boy how narrow minded am I?

Check out the back splash? How about the open corner shelf?

Notice the sweet little pendant it almost disappears.

How cute is the mirror?

This is a beautiful cabinet, the dark wood against the white of the tile is fabulous.

I regret not using a stand alone tub in my bath renovation. Oh, you haven't seen the bath you say....well it maybe because the tub is still in the garage??

The tile in the shower oh it makes my head spin with delight....my pocket book would toss its cookies though!

Here is my green again and I LOVE IT...would I love the tile in 20yrs? That is the question.

What a luxurious floor the mix is wonderful and something I would never have thought of.

Don't you just want to run out and get yellow galoshes?

Fresh Green

2009-08-18T08:26:00.003-05:00

I am so in love with this room....for several years now this fresh lime green has been my favorite. How do you feel about this green? Is it IN or OUT? What color do you crave?

AMAZING Bath Makeover!

2009-08-17T20:06:00.002-05:00

This was done for $75 and a lot of elbow grease. This is not my home, I found this very talented and creative idea on GardenWeb . The counter is painted, nothing was replaced.

Beautiful Mix of Materials

2009-08-14T09:44:00.001-05:00

Hurry! Hurry!

2009-08-07T17:08:00.002-05:00

Amazon has Country Living Magazine for $5.00 for a 1yrs subscription. Use drop down box to choose 1yr and add to cart it will take off $5. I just ordered mine...don't wait....gone August 8.

Bedroom Inspiration

2009-07-25T14:46:00.002-05:00

One of these days I will get to work on my bedroom, crossing fingers and hoping, so I thought I would start my inspiration file. Tell me your favorite.

Makes Me Smile

2009-07-25T10:05:00.003-05:00

A Joyous Occasion....this is what a wedding should be!

Green Kitchen......

2009-07-20T21:43:00.004-05:00

wadya think?? like it or not??

this house is listed at $2,100,000 in Fort Worth Tx that's a ton of money.....

Tour de Tuesday

2009-07-14T00:01:00.003-05:00

From the inside it is hard to believe this house was built in 1981. I love the scroll iron front doors and the soft colors through out the house. Also notice charming light fixtures and beautiful furnishings.

The uncovered windows make the house so open but I would have a hard time living without something for privacy.

I may copy the urn table and I love the chairs.

This mirror is fabulous and the legs on that table are amazing.

I am thinking about a soothing color like this for my bedroom.

Great Floor

Front Page News!!!

2009-07-11T19:42:00.006-05:00

Yes, I know I know....I have the phone in hand waiting for Angelo to call and ask my design advice!

Seriously my MY kitchen is on the front page...can you tell I am pumped!

Kitchen Reveal

2009-07-10T12:53:00.015-05:00

Well it is probably as done as its going to get....so without further adieu...

Please visit me on RMS

Hooked on RED BOX

2009-07-09T21:58:00.003-05:00

Yes I know this has nothing to do with Decorating.....well you could get some great inspiration.....but I am really in love with getting FREE or even $1 movies.

Did you know you can go here or here and get codes to get your movies for free. I mean really why spend your decorating dollars when you can watch for nothing, nada, zip, zilch!

Lamp Transformation

2009-07-09T15:21:00.004-05:00

$3 Garage Sale Find

paint +burlap+ ribbon

Equals.....Adorable!

Velvet & Linen

2009-07-07T15:58:00.004-05:00

Hi All, I'm back from a vacation at Disney and Sanibel Island. Wow I love the Beach! Anyway I found the most amazing designer and blogger at Velvet & Linen. Now be for warned after viewing these amazing images you will desire to to contact a demolition company (or my own children) so you can completely destroy your domicile and start over from scratch.

Hurray Its a GiveAway!

2009-06-11T13:14:00.003-05:00

Head on over t Sa-Sea boutique to enter to win $100 shopping spree from Lola B boutique.

Tour de Tuesday

2009-06-09T10:34:00.009-05:00

I am thinking of starting home tours on Tuesdays. What do you think? This is a Tour I took in the fall I think Kaleidoscopes of Homes. I took these pictures with the intentions of inspiration for my Master Bath Remodel so unfortunately they are limited to Bedrooms and Baths.

Now that I see this with new eyes I am not loving the window treatment combo??

I am not usually a fan of slate but it seemed to really work in this bath.

This color looks great with the stained wood work.

LOVE this marble!

Check out the floor.

Do you think this is too feminine for a Master?

The ceiling treatments really caught me eye.

This glass tile was wonderful.

I really want a mirrored dresser.....are they out? Do I care?

Same luxurious glass tile.

Love the blue tile.

Love a padded headboard.

Do you see anything you just love?

Brown, Brown and MORE Brown

2009-06-08T00:09:00.000-05:00

I realize I am weird but I am just so done with all the brown going on here in Texas. These pictures are from a Parade of Homes in the Tyler area but are also representative of the current trends in my area also. The "supposedly"(I say that with a smirk)upscale builders are in love with heavy wood and crazy shmeared wall treatments. Oh, did I use my outside voice? Sorry I meant to say the Exclusive Building community is using rich woods and faux finishing to achieve a luxurious space.How many different browns do you count?

Ok, couldn't you have shmeared the lights and speakers to match the ceiling?

Ok, I have to admit....well it is pictured in a previous post......I have this same marble with a much darker stained wood in my new bath. I love my choices but for some reason this doesn't work for me. Duh, knocks self on head....could it be the wood, marble, sink, wall combo that's just a touch too much?

Am I the only one who finds this look off-putting?
Hey Mr. Builder come close so you can hear.....................

PAINT THE FIXTURES TO MATCH

Sunday Song

2009-06-07T00:09:00.000-05:00

The Mom Song.......I know some of you have probably seen this but it just makes me smile.

Makes Me Swoon

2009-06-06T17:16:00.002-05:00

I was just waisting my time when what to my wondering eyes should appear but a beautiful room that took my breath away.....aahhh! La Dolce Vita posted about Miami-based designer, Celia Domenech. Here is the room and you can visit the blog to see more beautiful rooms.

When a room like this that really speaks to me I become very confused as to why I seem to decorate my own home so differently. I am the only ADD confused self-styled decorator out there or do some of you suffer from the same affliction?

Keeping it Real

2009-06-03T16:39:00.002-05:00

You know what I should be doing right now??? Here are a few hints from my day-dreaming escapades......

Now......

sit down....

you may find yourself light-headed....

please deep breaths..

Mirror, Mirror......on the wall?

2009-05-30T14:24:00.005-05:00

We have been remodeling our house for the past year or soooo. The bath room is stuck....well I am stuck with a mirror I love that doesn't quite fit. When spending way too much money do I stay with what I love or keep looking? Now, I say I want your opinions but the truth is probably that I only want the ones that agree with ME! haha No really tell me quick and get the pain over.

Would you live with a mirror you love but that won't center on the wall?

Because of the height of the faucets and the depth of the mirror frame this is as low as it goes.

The wood blocks are holding the mirror as low as it can go.

From this perspective you can see it hides part of the crown.

So to keep or not to keep....that is the questions.

Tumbr

2009-05-29T09:29:00.000-05:00

Have you found this....I love it!

Beautiful Burlap!

2009-05-28T02:06:00.001-05:00

Its a party, Rhoda from Southern Hospitatliy is hosting a burlap party and I am playing in a big way. I just finished putting burlap all over my breakfast room and kitchen walls. Tell me what you think but please be gentle.

I uploaded to Rate My Space please rate me!

The Kitchen Is Coming!!

2009-04-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

Costa Smerelda

Glossy Black Island

White China

2009-04-12T00:00:00.002-05:00

Happy Easter!

Hooked on White

2009-04-11T15:13:00.009-05:00

Marble Lust

Mixing White & Wood

What my dreams are made of

Fab Pendants

Gingham makes my heart Sing

Glossy Textures

Layering Whites

Glossy Doors

I don't know what it is but lately I am in love with all things white.

Garden Party

2009-04-11T14:54:00.003-05:00

Lola B's is have a garden party and you are invited!!!

http://http//.blogspot.com/2009/04/garden-party.html

Changes

2009-04-11T07:48:00.005-05:00

What do you think of the changes in my living room? Oh, you didn't se it before....well lets find some pics.

Frugal Fun!

2008-10-20T14:11:00.002-05:00

What's more frugal than free!!! Well Frugal Mom is having a give away....go there now and sign up to win!

The Visitor

2008-08-21T08:44:00.012-05:00

Before Kitchen---Revisited

2008-08-21T07:36:00.021-05:00

I am sure all of you are on the edge of your seats wondering when the after post will come. Well join the crowd but I get to be line leader.

In April of '07 we had a leak in the master bath shower......this is what my kitchen ceiling has looked like since then.....

So in an effort to keep my "kitchen spirits" up I am posting some of my inspiration pictures so we all can dream about my beautiful future kitchen.

Kitchen Eye Candy!

Am I Too Late???

2008-08-20T09:52:00.006-05:00

Yes I am fashionably late for the party. Here are some of my mistreatments. The panels are actually sewn, well the trim is sewn around the edges but the valance is tacked and hot glued. Please remember my house is glorious in its imperfection. Forgive the paint swatches and the messy backyard!

Just Blah

2008-07-23T15:02:00.007-05:00

I need ideas for my mantle....its not doing it for me.

Great Independence Day

2008-07-05T19:46:00.006-05:00

We had a wonderful time with family and friends

2008-06-18T11:22:00.002-05:00

Kitchen-Before

Soo Now What

2008-04-15T09:48:00.002-05:00

I don't know why I am doing this, avoiding housework....maybe. I have terrible grammar and loads of laundry but here I sit thinking oh, I can be a blogging star....not!