Dana Farrell
Sunroom Bliss

Sunroom Bliss~ from an empty room to a fully-furnished space in just 5 weeks!

 

Sunroom Bliss
Dana Farrell
One Year Down

I CAN NOT believe it has been one year since I took the leap and launched the Bundle It Home blog.

One Year Down
Dana Farrell
Are you 4th ready? Tips + Tricks for your ...

Who doesn't love Independence Day!

It's the perfect excuse to go to as many parties as you want....

Dana Farrell
Troy Architectural Series #2

Troy Savings Bank Music Hall

I've decided to do Troy Architectural series about my favorite buildings in the city. We live in such a historical area filled with such great architectural history and like many we don't really know much about them or where they are located. So I figured I'd share a brief history about the building, show you some pictures and talk about how you should totally go visit it! 

Dana Farrell
Summer POP

The forecast says sunshine and blue skies in just a few short days. Get inspired by these POPSICLE colors!

Summer POP

feck perfection

As I waited for my oil change I stared at my computer screen reviewing a set of structural drawings. My mind was completely going in circles. I see my future business and where I want it to be but it is like a thousand swirly lines that make my mind race, heart beat faster and feelings of panic. I get distracted looking at the magazines on the table, blank staring at them. Did you know they have the best magazines! Perfect for a 30 something women waiting for the mechanic to say “All set $21.99 please”. I picked up this entrepreneur magazine. I had never seen it before. I flipped and flipped, most of the articles were over my head, some interesting facts but nothing was sinking in. I skipped to the last page. If you haven’t figured it out the last page of a magazine is usually the best page! Maybe that’s just me. I start to read this quote. Holy Crap! I swear it’s written just for me. Seriously… what perfect timing! Every word from this quote resonated with me. “Perfection is the death of creativity. It lacks spontaneity and assumed certainty closed tight in its search for one “right” answer. Your timing will never be right and you will always be a little wrong. Feck Perfection you know what’s better than perfect? DONE. Done is better than perfect.” James Victore

Thanks James Victore that sure put a mark on my future endeavors!

Recapping Atlanta

After my world-wind spontaneous weekend in Atlanta a few weekends back, I thought I’d recap on why I have a soft spot for the ATL. I’ve been removed from the city for about 8 years but I’ve managed to go back a few times. It has been a long time since I’ve explored, tasted the food and stayed out till 2am.

Post college 2008, I decided to book a 1-way ticket and look for a job in Atlanta. I ended up getting a job at an Architectural- Engineering company. I stayed for about a year then headed back north. Sometimes I think what if I stayed? What would my life be like now? The location I worked at is now a construction site. High-rise apartments opening in 2017, so that was a surprise. The construction in this area has grown so much and doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. I’m good with directions but I kept getting turned around because of the high-rise construction, urban layout and more cars than before.

I made my home for about a year at my aunt and uncle’s house. I reconnected with a few girlfriends after not seeing them for 12 years. I explored all the time, finding my way without turning the GPS on, as I stumbled upon some amazing homes and southern architecture. I think back now knowing how I’ve always loved residential homes, front doors and I would dream what people put inside them. I keep thinking about how growing up around residential construction has impacted my life professionally. As I grow in my career it seems to be taking me back full circle. Where it all began.

Back to my spontaneous trip, on Friday I landed early after taking a flight out after work. Thank you tailwind, flight time was just 157 mins, perfect timing to have tapas and drinks at Barcelona. It’s located off of Howell Mill, a revamped area with striking architecture, seamless exterior façade and beautiful landscaping. As we looked up from the valet line we could see elevated patios and high-rise apartments.

Barcelona Menu   Barcelona Wine Bar Website

Barcelona was an experience. The staff, the food and the drinks where fantastic. The details did not go unnoticed on my end. We decided to head to Little Trouble and as I walked into the bar it was like hello NYC. I’ve missed your nightlife. Mind you I haven’t lived in the city, but I’ve had my fair share of fun there. But this was Atlanta with the coolest NYC vibe. I walked into a futuristic scene with neon lights.

little-trouble-bar-1.jpg

Check Little Trouble Out

Calm, not crowded, clean, and fancy cocktails drinks. It was 12am! I was impressed after I got comfortable at the bar. The bar wasn’t your typical high bar, it was low all around. It was a bit awkward as you felt like a tiny human surrounded by tall people. I’m tall; with some wedges I’m 5’11. You can guess my height! I didn’t entirely understand the reasoning for the height but it did help a lot when you think of sitting in a chair, reaching for the bartender’s attention and scoping out the scene. I decided to venture into the dark side and have myself a gin and tonic with some red peppers. The cocktail list didn’t say anything about the peppers as I about spit my drink out and the bartender had a laugh. I took the peppers out and continued to sip away. The flavor was so good.

On Saturday we took our adventure to Ponce Market, which I wrote about on the last blog post. We wandered around and explored the hand designed shops. West elm, Anthropologie and Lululemon. The outside market had tables perfectly placed so you knew what restaurant they belonged too. Some even had a series of red ropes, crates and their own separation to give it some creative design.

[ such an amazing before photo of the 2nd level at Ponce]

[The most delicious coffee spillerpark.com] [West Elm had the most adorable card stock pop up...couldn't resist buying a few cards Check Reyn Paper Out ]

The tables and chairs were nestled in between large steel cross-bracing showing the incredible structural system. Unfortunately we didn’t get the chance to explore the roof deck garden that recently opened. We headed home for our own siesta, coffee and then a perfect manicure. In the evening we headed to Bartaco in west midtown. My first thought was a fast-food joint. Unbeknownst to me it was this Atlanta-meets-beach vibe-sunny-California bar.

The bar had bright white paint with white overhead glass doors that opened up into an outdoor patio. It had lots of low picnic tables, benches with fabric seats. Wicker lanterns hanging from the ceiling, crisp modern lighting and cork style bar stools. And the sangria was the best I’ve had.

My last day was spent with my family in the morning but decided to enjoy one last adventure to the Krog Market. Located along the beltline trail in Inman Park. I thoroughly enjoyed this market. It felt small, more intimate. A few pop-up food vendors and delicious  ice cream to order. The home and gift store was amazing and I just kept snapping photos, reading books and getting completely inspired for the day I can have my own store. Along the perimeter of the market there where restaurants and the Krog Bridge to nowhere.

As I finish re-capping my world-wind weekend in Atlanta. I realized how much has changed not just building up but how we have started to incorporate the “one stop shop” attitude everywhere. Being able to explore, eat, drink, shop and relax all in one area within in your own time is awesome. As these areas keep growing I look forward to seeing how they grow even more. Until the next time ATL.

[main photo credit from restaurant website, additional photos are from internet and personal photos]

[This post was not sponsored. If you have interest in doing so please contact bundle@bundleithome.com]

 

 

 

HGTV vs. DIY

Have you ever watched HGTV? If you have found your way to this blog and continue to read it firstly thank you and secondly of course you’ve watched HGTV.

I’m sure you get tired seeing how much the total cost is at the end of every show. As much as you get excited about watching the show your thoughts and ideas start to spin thinking about tearing down your own walls, re-doing your kitchen or starting your house hunt with the perfect house in mind. I don’t know if it’s just me or it’s everyone watching these shows but I get excited about it. The potential of what’s to come and how everyone takes their design to a new level that’s perfect for them but it can be overwhelming.

A few examples of high-end designed interiors

(photo credit www.decoist.com & www.decofurnish.com)

I start to development some anxiety of can I afford this type of renovation or the purchasing of my dream home? I keep thinking I’m not the only one that feels this way at times. It’s then I start to backtrack and I look between the walls and not just taking a hammer to it. Let's take HGTV and make it DIY. What can we do if our budget doesn’t afford us to re-do our kitchen or start looking for our dream home right now. Start small and find those little things that not only change the existing conditions but also adds value, not just any value but a happiness value!

You should love your home and all the individual spaces and rooms it has. I mean it does keep you safe and warm! I wanted to show a few DIY options that everyone can do.

 

 

Change up our existing paint color with something bright, different and fresh ( color name appears when image is selected) don't forget the ceiling. A fresh coat or change of color will surely make it feel new!

 

 

Wanting new kitchen cabinets can be expensive so taking the time to re-paint and adding new knobs can make a huge change to your home. Even adding some new wallpaper or backsplash between the counter  and cabinets can completely change the look!

 

Flee markets, garage sales, and estate sales can be a great way of finding home items that can be affordable. Do you need a new set of chairs, a bedroom chest or some artwork to fill your blank walls? Why don't you pair different pieces of artwork to tell a story, before you know it your blank wall is all filled up. ( photo credit internet)