Category Archives: Mood Board

Design Portfolio Project 1 – Suite Thyme

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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.

Meditation Room Makeover

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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

Guest Room + Nursery Makeover Reveal

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Nursery Guest Room Reveal @diyshowoff

You guys! There is a new little grand child arriving in just a couple of weeks! #EXCITING! So of course, this first time grandma needs to convert the guest room to allow space for baby sleep overs. The before is pretty enough…

blue orange and gold guest room bed at diyshowoff.com

It needed a good freshening up. And I’m sure that I’ll still be playing ‘doll house’ in this room, moving things around, adding a little something here and there but for now…it’s guest AND baby ready! 

Nursery Guest Room Reveal @diyshowoff

I started with a mood/design board to get a feel of how things would look, things I liked and things I already currently had on hand.

nursery design

And here it is…

Nursery Reveal-41 Guest Room/Nursery reveal @diyshowoff Guest Room/Nursery reveal @diyshowoff Guest Room/Nursery reveal @diyshowoff Guest Room/Nursery reveal @diyshowoff Guest Room/Nursery reveal @diyshowoff Guest Room/Nursery reveal @diyshowoffGuest Room/Nursery reveal @diyshowoff Guest Room/Nursery reveal @diyshowoff Guest Room/Nursery reveal @diyshowoff

and just in case you haven’t seen enough, here’s more…Guest Room/Nursery reveal @diyshowoff Guest Room/Nursery reveal @diyshowoff Guest Room/Nursery reveal @diyshowoff Guest Room/Nursery reveal @diyshowoff Guest Room/Nursery reveal @diyshowoff Guest Room/Nursery reveal @diyshowoff  Guest Room/Nursery reveal @diyshowoff Guest Room/Nursery reveal @diyshowoffGuest Room/Nursery reveal @diyshowoffGuest Room/Nursery reveal @diyshowoffGuest Room/Nursery reveal @diyshowoffGuest Room/Nursery reveal @diyshowoff

and more because I just love this room…Guest Room/Nursery reveal @diyshowoffGuest Room/Nursery reveal @diyshowoffGuest Room/Nursery reveal @diyshowoffGuest Room/Nursery reveal @diyshowoffGuest Room/Nursery reveal @diyshowoffGuest Room/Nursery reveal @diyshowoffGuest Room/Nursery reveal @diyshowoffGuest Room/Nursery reveal @diyshowoffGuest Room/Nursery reveal @diyshowoffGuest Room/Nursery reveal @diyshowoffGuest Room/Nursery reveal @diyshowoffGuest Room/Nursery reveal @diyshowoffGuest Room/Nursery reveal @diyshowoffGuest Room/Nursery reveal @diyshowoff

There’s still a bit of a to-do list:

  1. A new (used) dresser…of course I plan on giving it a DIY makeover (just have to find one first).
  2. Light fixture: I’d love to swap the existing for something gold.
  3. DIY wall art for above the headboard.
  4. Replacement casters for the portable crib.
  5. I’m thinking that the weathered green oar would be adorable mounted horizontally with some coat hooks.
  6. Of course you know me, there will probably be TONS of baby related DIY coming in the future too. 

There are fairy lights strung between the curtains above the crib. The arrow near the rocker has a battery operated lights and a switch. There are fairy lights hanging around the top of the bed frame. So plenty of soft “night light” after sunset. 

Do you spy the Young Living Aria Ultrasonic diffuser? Definitely a splurge but oh my goodness…this diffuser combines the latest in ultrasonic technology with a variety of useful features. The included remote lets you choose from a selection of soothing, built-in sounds or enjoy the multicolored LED lights. With the built-in speakers, you can plug in your own personal music player and enjoy the music of your choice. Diffuse some peace-inducing calming essential oils and it’s like a spa. I’m moving into the guest room! 

Sources:

  • Wallpaint color: Blue is a mix of paints (sorry), “white” is actually Valspar Sandstone Gray. Tutorial coming soon!
  • We already owned the bed.
  • Light fixture…installed 7 years or so ago so I don’t remember where we got it. It was originally black but I used some Rub-n-Buff to give it a patina’d look.
  • DIY A to Z book ends
  • Painted storage box
  • Framed felted deer head wall art tutorial
  • sheer curtains
  • DIY banner
  • Molded plastic Eames-inspired rocker
  • Vintage photographic print canvas set of 9
  • Safavieh Carla Rug (Joss & Main but sold out. I do have to say that the rug shown did not arrive in good/brand new condition however Joss & Main/Wayfair customer service was excellent. I paid for a beautiful rug (this was not a review/free item) and so a few days later, a new replacement rug arrived. I haven’t had the chance to empty the room, roll the original back up and unroll/install or see the condition of the replacement but fingers crossed that it’s “new and stain-free”~ I’m optimistic and pleased with the service I received despite my original disappointment.
  • Carousel Designs mini crib sheets (birch forest, grey raindrops, patchwork plaid). Birch forest shown.
  • Pinch pleated comforter from Target in gray
  • Megan Romo ‘Fair V’ Canvas Art

So what do you think? Quite a mismatched collection of styles, right? You know I love “eclectic” best. Now all we need is the baby. 😉 

combined nursery/guest room @diyshowoff

DIY nursery wall decor at diyshowoff.comcolor block door makeover @diyshowoffeasy diagonal wall paint design tutorial @diyshowoffpainted craft box DIY at diyshowoffDIYShowOff Michaels Makers back to school book ends feature

*This post is sponsored by Happy Crafters. Tutorial, experience and opinion is my own.  Check out all the supplies at Happy Crafters for inspiration for your next project.