My Three Rugs: One Space, Three Different Looks

My Three Rugs: One Space, Three Different Looks

Alright, alright, so I have a problem with swapping out things in my home and Retro Den only enables me. Don't look at me like that. I could have worse habits like popping my knuckles.

So naturally, I have had three different rugs in my living room over the past year and a half. And now, for your entertainment and mine, I'd like you to join me for a review of my rug swapping journey. 

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Three Ashleys, Two Kitchens: Meet Ashley Whiteside

Three Ashleys, Two Kitchens: Meet Ashley Whiteside

We do home styling for people. We come into spaces that aren't quite done and leave them beautifully finished. We move, we shift, we work with your style, we shop your home and give you resources. That's what we do. What we don't do, however, is completely reconfigure kitchens. 

Ashley Palmer and I both have kitchens needing help, but we were struggling with the logistical side of the redesign–what materials would work best in this situation? Who do I hire to make cabinets? Can I knock that wall out? Palmer checked out various contractors who couldn't relate to her design sense, and I have had a year of troubling, sticky small home renovations with craftsmen who didn't quite work out. It wasn't fun.

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Small Shifts Can Make Your Home Feel Better

Small Shifts Can Make Your Home Feel Better

The other week I invited Daly over to help me prep for a photo session we had scheduled at my house. I've spent a lot of time and energy over the past year and a half decorating our home, but one room I had somewhat neglected was the den.

The den serves many purposes for our family. It's a TV lounge, an office for my husband and a play area for our daughter. In other words, it gets lived in a lot. The den was actually an addition to our 1950s ranch house that was built in the 60s. Luckily, they matched the stone to the main part of the house, so it doesn't look like an extra room tacked on from the outside. However, on the inside, there are a couple of interesting things going on.

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Macrame Headboard by House Sparrow Fine Nesting

Macrame Headboard by House Sparrow Fine Nesting

Last year when I dreamed of sleeping under a giant macrame headboard, I knew who to call. Natasha Ball of House Sparrow Fine Nesting (HSFN) is not only a friend of ours, but one talented woman when it comes to all things textile. 

Well, needless to say, Natasha made my dream a reality. Not only is this giant gal a beautiful piece that adds warmth and interest to our room, but I love knowing how much passion and care went into her creation.

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The Search for the Perfect Sofa

The Search for the Perfect Sofa

When we quit our jobs and bought a vintage furniture shop, we knew our lives were going to get weird. As in, a lot less stability and money, but a lot more fun and flexibility. Plus, we soon realized there were strange perks that came with this small business life. One of the perks is getting to wear workout clothes as often as we want. Another (more relevant) one is getting to swap out the furniture in our homes on a whim. This perk is perfect for me as I am a self-admitted chronic re-arranger. 

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