ikea hacks

So, they are called Ikea Hacks. When a talented individual sees potential with a low-priced item from Ikea, they purchase, customize with a fabulous embellishment or full transformation with their DIY ideas – and that’s an Ikea Hack. Yes, there is even a site dedicated to Ikea Hacks – Ikea Hackers. Definitely check it out.

When I see some transformations – and I mean these are some transformations – from Ikea furniture, I am amazed, and blown away by people’s talent and creativity. I’m beyond impressed with the projects below that make the price tag for their furniture look high-end and unique.

The Ikea Malm Dresser {there are many variations and sizes} makes for a perfect blank slate and with O’verlays, the creativity is endless. Check out all the O’verlays here.

Ikea Lack Table
Lacquer and Linen made a beautiful transformation. For tutorial, visit here.

Little Green Notebook turned Ikea’s Vika Table into a glamorous white and gold workspace. Tutorial can be found at White and Gold Design.

Centsational Girl always amazes me with her keen eye for home style and she totally impressed me with this upgrade of the Besta, Billy and Brass Bookcases from Ikea.

Ikea Hackers featured the Expedit Bookshelf in a unique and rustic way. Directions here.

House and Home Ikea Tarva Dresser makeover is bright, colorful and we love the ombre effect.

{images via Laquer and Linen, Little Green Notebook, Ikea, Centsational Girl, Ikea Hackers, House and Home and O’verlays}

buzzworthy {continued}

Yesterday we showed you some amazing eye candy from the grand opening celebration of Eclectic Hive’s new warehouse. Today, we’re sharing the rest of the beautiful party…and some of their inventory.

Epicurean Catering catered the event, and did a fantastic job creating a ‘hive’ look. The tubes in the wire netting below had delicious soup in them. And I was told the honey bacon brittle was yummy.

For those of you LOVING the aspen tree bar like me, it is a white bar frame that they can slide different panels in such as the aspen trees you see here, corrugated metal and hedge wood grass to name a few.

And now, here’s just a glimpse of some treasures in their warehouse that may just be perfect for your next event.

VENDOR LOVE

Eclectic Hive (warehouse/decor)
The Workshop
 (event planning/coordination)
Jensen Sutta Photography (photography)
Peak Beverage (drinks)
LMD Productions (lighting)
Jacob Sanchez of DanceTrax Productions (music)

{images via Jensen Sutta}

buzzworthy

When I met Jillian at this year’s ICON Awards, I knew I wanted to learn more about her business. She was wearing a fashionable peplum top and she was so friendly. Both of us ran out of business cards when we met at the end of the evening, but with a unique company name, I didn’t forget it, and once I looked it up, I was ‘stung’ by ‘the hive.’ Let me introduce you to a fabulous, talented, fun and amazing group of women who are going to {already do} rock the event world with their decor company.

Eclectic Hive.

It’s a Colorado decor house and furniture rental company with unique decor for corporate functions, weddings, non-profit and social events.

Honestly, I took one look at their inventory and wanted to move in…or take some pieces home with me. I could live in a different ‘room’ in their warehouse each day of the week. From vintage couches, modern chairs and antique tables to eclectic accessories and unique lighting – their inventory will blow your mind.

The ladies at The Hive are constantly searching the streets of New York City, the markets in LA, vintage shops and small businesses across the country to find unique pieces. And, with years of experience in event design and event planning, Heidi, Jillian and Danielle have the expertise and ‘good eye’ for making events one-of-a-kind.

Jillian lived in LA and managed some of the hotspots in hollywood which led her to work in the special events industry.  She worked her way up to event manager, which she did for about 2 years in LA before moving to Denver, where she planned events for about 6 years. “I wanted to be more on the creative side and was ready to leave the planning part of the business, which is when I found my business partners (ironically, they were my competitors),” Jillian commented. “We found each other at the right time. They had always wanted to be a part of a décor company and I needed the support of strong women with a successful background in running a business and alas, here we are!!!!”

I {it’s me talking again} really believe that decor sets the stage for an event, and it tells the story of what the party if about, or if it’s a wedding, what the couple enjoys/appreciates/their style. I know the setting around me, and the unique details are what I remember most about events. And, whether the budget is large or small, unique pieces on any scale make a lasting impact.

The ladies at The Hive feel the same way. Jillian said, “Creating intimate and inviting places for the guests to nestle with a good friend and a cocktail or two is what we hope to provide.  We love pieces that are conversation starters and know that offering quaint, clever, seating and accents is the difference between a room without love and attention, and a room with the intention of creating memories.  Close.  Intimate.  Comfortable.  Clever.”

With all the versatile, gorgeous inventory {that’s constantly growing}, what’s Jillian’s favorite? “Right now, we have this insane crystal sphere floor lamp that blows my mind every time I see it.  This may be a favorite for a while.”

I have to say, I L.O.V.E that piece too.

We’re thrilled they are located in Denver, but for those of you outside of Colorado, they venture outside the state on occasion too…lucky you!

Today and tomorrow we have photos from their Open House. Insanely beautiful!


VENDOR LOVE

Eclectic Hive (decor)
The Workshop
(event planning/coordination)
Jensen Sutta Photography (photography)
Peak Beverage (drinks)
LMD Productions (lighting)
Jacob Sanchez of DanceTrax Productions (music)

{images via Jensen Sutta}

Valentine’s Day Gifts for Women

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, and if you’re looking for that perfect gift for your lovely lady, we have some fantastic ideas. {Tommy, I’m eyeing the White Poppy Vase and of course the Tory Burch shoes. A ‘kid-free’ dinner out would work too} 🙂

1. Love Letter Napkins, Uncommon Goods {$48}

2. Classic Coffee and Tea Inside Out Heart Cups & Saucers, Set of 6, Amazon {$50}

3. Ceramic Bowl with Black and White Hearts, Ross Lab on Etsy {$26}

4. White Poppy Vase, Anthropologie {$20}

5. Tory Burch Eddie Bow Flat, Nordstrom {$250}

6. Bird Cage Lovers, Salt and Pepper Shakers, Pottery Barn {$34.50}

7. You are Loved, a whispered hand stamped soul mantra locket, Liz Lamoreux via Etsy {$40}

8. 3-D Song Hearts, Suzy Shoppe via Etsy {$75}

9. Mine Design Home Chalkboard Candles, sold and available at Fleur de Lis, a paperie, 303.996.6885 {$14-$24}

{images via AmazonRoss Lab, Uncommon Goods, Anthropologie, Pottery Barn, Liz Lamoreux, Mine Design, Suzy ShoppeNordstrom}

meet…saddle shoe signs

You were first introduced to Saddle Shoe Signs with our latest Peppermint Wonderland photo shoot, and today we are going to introduce the company to you, and the fabulously talented Meredith Moran – the woman behind Saddle Shoe Signs. Yes, this is the same Meredith of Meredith Moran Photography. Not only is she a fantastic photographer, but she also makes the signs with her own two hands. We’ve  seen her work up close and personal…and they are beautifully handmade. In fact, we want some of our own!
Saddle Shoe Signs are vintage-inspired marquee lights.  Our signs are rented by the letter so customers can spell whatever they’d like, creating a custom sign perfect for their event,” Meredith said. “There are so many people out there buying “Eat, Drink & Be Married”, or ” I Do”  signs for their weddings, only to be stuck with the sign after the wedding (& we all hope there isn’t going to be another wedding!), or stuck with the hassle of giving it away, selling it, or just throwing it away.  How about the grand opening for your store or restaurant?  No need to be stuck with a “Grand Opening” sign after the “grand opening”.”
Rental prices are $35/letter for the first 2 letters, $25/letter after that. Outside of Denver, there is a minimum 3 letter rental, in addition to a mileage fee for traveling outside Denver. They deliver and install signs. All rental letters are red, but Meredith can make a letter in a different color for an additional fee.
For all you blissful brides out there, Meredith sweetened the deal. If you book her for your wedding, you can get a sign for free. Click here to see her portfolio.
Letters are also available for sale on Etsy {how cute would these letters be in a home…I can just see JOY on my mantle next Christmas}, and are made with heavier/high quality material. You have the option to choose from 20+ colors. Visit Saddle Shoe Designs on Etsy here.