I hope you had a truly wonderful weekend. It’s hard to believe it was the last weekend in July. Where is the summer going? It was a pretty good weekend here. On Saturday my friends and I visited Tasting In the Wilds, a local wine and beer festival. We try to get there every year and always have a fabulous time. I didn’t play all weekend, though. I’m pleased to report that I made some progress in my bedroom. As with my closet, this room needed crown molding, so I cut and installed that on Friday. Also, I decided to move the ceiling light. When this home was turned into a B&B, walls were added so that closets could be repurposed as bathrooms. The result was that a couple of the ceiling light fixtures were off center. Because of the planned location of the bed in this room, it drove me bananas, so it had to be moved. Moving the fixture meant that I had to patch a rather large whole in the ceiling. I spent most of the weekend patching, sanding, waiting for the spackle to dry, and cleaning up the dust.

A dirty job, but someone has to do it. I was hoping to at least get the ceiling painted, but it just didn’t happen. So, I’m now planning on carving out some time this week to get the entire room painted. Then, I can finally move onto the fun stuff! While this isn’t too exciting, nonetheless it’s progress. Also, I’m trying to figure out what light fixture to get for this space. I’d like something a bit different that is light and airy. Right now I’m considering these two:  this Gold Capiz Chandelier from West Elm or a large (left), round capiz shell pendant from Restoration Hardware (right). Again, the color palette for this space is jewel tones.I’m obviously attracted to the gold one because you know me and gold. A friend of mine said it was too feminine, but as you can tell from my existing style, I don’t really care too much about that. I prefer blurring those lines when it comes to decor. Let me know what you think. Have you been loving any particular light fixtures lately that you think might look fab in my new space?

I love picking out lighting, so it’s killing me I don’t already have something for this space. FOLLOW MY BEDROOM TRANSFORMATION: The Before / InspirationNew Crown MoldingPaint Colors and PlanLight FixtureThe Closet is Now a Closet Bedroom Progress (You are here!)There are few things in life as fun (for us anyway), as browsing home decor stores like West Elm. They’re chock full of fab items that would look terrific in almost any home. Unfortunately, our imagination stretches a bit further than our bank accounts. chandelier becquetThat’s why we’re so excited about these awesome tutorials ranging from the simple to the sophisticated and everything in between. hubbardton forge twist basket chandelierHere are 16 wonderful West Elm hacks to get the look you love for less.marjorie skouras chandelier price

1. West Elm-Inspired Wood Tile Dresser: Simple wood tiles are all you need to give your dresser an ultra-glam upgrade. The West Elm version retails for $899, but this DIY can be yours for under $200. (via East Coast Creative) 2. Knock Out Knock Offs: West Elm Clock: A chic clock that would set you back $149 can be made with a ceramic plate, stickers and a clock kit. The total cost of this DIY? (via Bigger Than the Three of Us) 3. Metallic Pillow Covers: Our gold obsession continues with this patterned pillow (originally $40) made with gold leaf. It’s a fun and simple sewing project you can definitely pull off in an afternoon and for only half the price. (via The Gathered Home) 4. DIY Bentwood Pendant Light: Looking to break out the power tools? Why not make your own light fixture out of quilting hoops? Pull it together for $40, a huge savings from the retail price of $189. (via Designer Trapped in a Lawyer’s Body) 5. West Elm 3 Drawer Stria Dresser Knock Off: Take a basic IKEA dresser to a whole new level with some wood stain and craft wood.

This $699 dresser becomes only $55 when you DIY. (via For My Love Of) 6. Sculptural Spheres: Create your own gorgeous decorative spheres with wire hangers, duct tape and clay for under $20. No one will ever guess that you didn’t pay $70 for the pair. 7. Abstract Geo Print: Doodle your way to new piece of decor with a blank canvas and acrylic paint markers. An excellent rainy day project, the original West Elm print will set you back $149 but this DIY is only $14. (via Delineate Your Dwelling) 8. Wooden Truss Dining Table: This DIY project is not for the faint of heart. You can purchase this table in store for $1,199, but if you’ve got the right tools (or can borrow them), this gorgeous rustic wooden table can be yours for $75! 9. Herringbone Mirror: Okay, this is way too easy. Add some new life to your mirror with fabric and spray adhesive, and you can have this $299 knock off for only $7. (via Teal + Lime) 10. DIY Capiz Chandelier: Would you believe this dreamy chandelier is created with wax paper, thread and time?

If you’re feeling ambitious, you definitely need to give this tutorial a try. The West Elm Capiz Chandelier sells for $149, but this DIY version? 11. DIY Abstract Art: Why purchase abstract art when it’s way more fun to make it yourself? This DIY should only cost you about $25 for the canvas, paint and brush. (via Setting for Four) 12. Knockoff Shoulder Bag: This is a quick and easy project in a timeless black and gold combo. Sure the original bag is only $45, but this DIY is only $8. 13. West Elm Dresser Knock-Off: Yes, another dresser DIY! It’s a super easy way to update a thrift shop find with wood veneer. It will only cost you about $100 and you get to choose the exact shades of wood you want in your home. Considering the West Elm version costs $1,299, that’s nearly a whole new dresser in savings! 14. West Elm Planter Look-a-Like: If you’re looking to show off your succulents, you could purchase a $30 planter or you could try gluing a vase and candlestick holder together for only $2.