Design Portfolio Project 1 – Suite Thyme

Featured

Helloooo, DIYShowOff friends! It’s been a minute. Or longer! Long overdue for an update! I’ve missed you. What’s been going on with you? All good? Around here? Continuing to embark on my whimsical journey of DIY, decorating and domestic wonders along with hosting amazing guests at Suite Thyme and continuing a passion for well-being at Wellness Inspired Living. I recently drafted a design portfolio. And since it documents my decorating and DIY journey to date, thought you’d like a glimpse and update too.

Design Projects

Here’s a showcase of my flair for creating a snug and charming space, paired with my love for crafting a peaceful environment in our short term rental, AirBnb.com/h/SuiteThyme. This design project was absolutely a labor of love. From empty rooms to luxury lodging, Suite Thyme has over 100 five star reviews! Guests include wedding couples, business travelers, family reunion guests, festival go-ers, self care retreats, weekend getaways with friends or for romantic escapes. I enjoy hosting and making guest stays special.

Before and After Transformation

Most of the before and after design for Suite Thyme has been shared in the #helloredreno series but there’s also new windows and a brand new look to the property’s exterior. It doesn’t show in photos, but the red (not original) was very weathered and peeling. And if you’re like me, when the expense is large…I want to be “wow-ed” so changing the color was important to me. Finding a color was a challenge but I am over the moon thrilled with my decision to go with Benjamin Moore’s Black Forest Green. It is stunning! Don’t you think?

This late 1800 property has a lot of history. We purchased it in 2017 from a lawyer who made it his long standing office for over 45 years. I’ve heard there was an antique shop there at one time and a previous deed found on the property shows a purchase back in 1912. I’d love to find out more information. It’s so charming and prominent on a corner city lot.

The transformation has been a lot of work but so worth it!

Design Update

What’s next for Suite Thyme? This year there’s a plan to purchase (judicial sale) an adjoining property to expand the backyard and parking. You may have seen the demo of the abandoned house next door. Fingers crossed it happens! Also on the list is a new metal roof, a concrete patio, some landscaping TLC. And for inside, there’s a few things I’d like to update including a kitchen backsplash and bedroom refresh. It’s hard to believe it’s been providing special lodging for travelers.

Stay tuned for detailed Design Project #2.

DIY Signature Scents Gift Idea

Featured

DIY Holiday Gift idea

It’s that time of year…time to start considering holiday gift lists. If you’re a DIY’er and love giving homemade/handmade gifts, bookmark the page and save these signature scent recipes!

DIY Signature Scents How To:

DIY perfume tutorial

Choose your scent and essential oils. Decide on a spray or roll on. Follow the DIY recipe. Let it settle. And don’t forget to write down your recipe (because if you love it, you’ll want to remember it). Shake gently and spritz or roll on and enjoy!

Supplies:

DIY perfume supplies

Notes:

DIY perfume tutorial scent note examples

Scent Categories:

  • Fruity
  • Floral
  • Woodsy
  • Herbal
  • Spicy
DIY scent categories

Scent Notes Explained:

DIY scent notes explained: Ideally you’ll want 20% base notes (woodsy/balsam), 50% middle notes (floral, fruity, green, spicy) and 30% top notes (herbal, aromatic).

DIY Favorite Recipes:

Not sure where to start? Try these DIY perfume/signature scents:

DIY signature scents perfume holiday gift idea
DIY signature scents perfume holiday gift idea

Get Started:

If you’re not a Young Living member yet, I’m passionate about all things wellness and would love to connect. By using this referral link (50 PV minimum required for 10% off) https://www.youngliving.com/us/en/referral/1836762. Reach out on DIYShowOff Facebook messenger or email with any questions. Our family has been using these amazing products for nearly 10 years, use them every single day and we highly recommend them to everyone!

Young Living signature scent DIY tutorial

Bottle Ideas: (referral links)

More DIY perfume:

Comfort & Joy roll on

comfort and joy rollon tutorial

Happy Unicorn Blend

unicorn essential oils make and take
magic unicorn essential oil blend

Follow on Facebook and Instagram!

DIYShowOff is back on Facebook! Follow along here:

DIYShowOff Facebook

DIYShowOff Instagram

DIYShowOff Pinterest too!

DIY Perfume

Meditation Room Makeover

Featured

Happy Winter Solstice!

Thyme & Mint Meditation Room Makeover

Oh you guys, I enjoy hosting at our short term rental, Suite Thyme, here in my small hometown so much! It’s such a joy to make someone’s visit to Butler a memorable experience and to share what I love about where I grew up. The apartment is tiny but big on character and guests love the trendy luxury design and comfortable atmosphere. I really love pampering guests and making them feel so welcomed and special, much as a guest in our own home. I enjoy developing friendships with many of our guests – even if we’ve never met face to face. Although sometimes I’m available for a quick meet and greet, especially if they’ve added services to to their stay. More on that below.

Butler Suite Thyme airbnb

 

The apartment is located upstairs. There is a wellness studio on the main floor for my office and a place where we hold essential oil classes. We also collaborate with several small business owners and wellness practitioners to offer a “create your own personal wellness retreat” with a la carte menu services in a self care package we refer to as “Thyme & Mint”. Services include yoga from Ambur Waves (Yoga.Movement.Sound), Evangeline (reiki master) from The Lunar Fae Shop and Becca from The Wandering Bramble, Dorothy’s Herb Shop and Herbal Apothecary. We also offer essential oils education, Aroma Freedom and iTovi scans from Wellness Inspired Living. Guests can purchase herbal bath soaks, crystals and essential oils (packaged with their choice of intention collection) in advance and have them ready upon arrival.

The update:

 

 

As a member of Butler County Tourism, Suite Thyme recently had the opportunity to put together a proposal for a grant that would enhance Butler visitors’ experiences. I love a creative challenge! The room that is utilized for reiki, sound baths and guided meditation was a bit of a mish mash and in need of some TLC. I designed a medication room with purpose. I submitted by design and plan  and was awarded a small grant to make it happen!

meditation room mood board

Ready for some meditation room eye candy? Let’s go!

The space went from looking like a living room with a sofa and chairs with a small crystal retail area and shelves filled with essential oils and accessories (a DIY essential oil bar) to a tranquil space dedicated to reiki, sound baths, crystal healing, private yoga and meditation There’s even a cute spot at the window with a desk for journaling. Shelves are lined with crystals, plants and self care books. There’s a small library nook with comfy floor cushions, an area for yoga with a basket of yoga mats. I added a daybed for relaxation, a tv for meditation/yoga videos or relaxing music with a bluetooth speaker, a white noise machine with northern lights projector. There are crystal singing bowls for sound healing, a mini waterfall for blocking out small city traffic noise, black out blinds for closing out the busy street. It wasn’t part of the grant, but we invested in new windows for the property as well this year.

meditation room ruggable meditation space sun moon fireplacesound healing space diyshowoff meditation room meditation space meditation decorblack door and trim shungite sphereboho rattan daybed meditation spot room decorself care library meditation decor reiki room indoor water fall

Additional purpose and function of the space:

The apartment is small and at times a bride books the apartment for her special day. Things are tight to say the least as the space is a better fit for 2-4 people! Now, this extra room can be added on for an extra fee to act as overflow space and more square footage for bridal party prep. Or if a guest is staying with family but requires a quiet separate area for work, they have the option to add on a separate private ‘office’ and quiet workspace.

meditation decor

The room is now so magical and peaceful…an experience of a calming energy the minute you step through the doorway.

Butler PA Suite Thyme lodging airbnb

Suite Thyme

The second story of this updated 1880s home boasts a trendy newly renovated efficiency apartment loaded with charm. It’s located just steps from the main thoroughfare of downtown Butler’s best eateries, antique shops, breweries and more. Perfect for festival-goers and travelers looking to enjoy a small town vibe. 

This 2nd floor eclectic space located above a quiet by appointment only wellness studio is loaded with personality and beautiful style. Sleeping arrangements include 2 queen beds in the bedroom + a queen sleeper sofa in the living room for peaceful night’s rest and sweet dreams. There is a beautiful fully equipped modern kitchen area tucked into a combined living room/kitchen/dining area. Bathroom includes a clawfoot tub for soaking away tension. Plus, it’s just a short stroll to Butler’s historic Main Street district.

Traveling to the western PA area? Looking to book a self care getaway? I love showing off my hometown pride! Book Suite Thyme HERE. Now booking!

Wishing you a year filled with wellness, peace and happiness!

Gratitude:

A HUGE thank you to Butler County Tourism for the generous funds to create a special space as well as all they offer to promote Butler County and small business owners. So much appreciation for all you do! See more at VisitButlerCounty.com.

Butler County Tourism

A special thank you to my Mr. DIY for his assistance and support. Thank you to my dear friend Shelby for encouragement and brainstorming with this project. To contractor Troy Douthett for his help, thank you! Thank you to Evangeline at The Lunar Fae for her knowledge and input too! So much appreciation for all of the attention and assistance in making this magical transformation a reality! xo