Hamilton Mill Project

A Great Space!

From time to time we like to share with you some of the work we've been doing. We've been doing some design work at the Hamilton Mill in Hamilton, OH. The Mill is located in one of downtown Hamilton's most beautiful, historic buildings formerly Hamilton's Municipal Building. The building has stunning art deco work The first room that we have designed carries that theme through it.

We added art deco chairs that reside in the corners of the room for extra meeting space.

A few more views: A view of the High Street Bridge, Art-Deco grates found in this room and throughout the building, and a new tray ceiling replaces the old metal ceiling.

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Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree?

Unique Ideas for Alternative Christmas Trees

Are you looking for a different way to display your Christmas tree this year? Perhaps you have a traditional Christmas tree, but you also have a space for something unique. Here are a few fun ideas we have found that are both easy and inexpensive!

Memory Tree

Credit To the Moon and Back

Decorate your tree with photos of Christmas past! Use white lights as a base and add sparkle. Use photo paper or textured paper to print pictures. If they are really old photographs, you can take them to a local store to be scanned in if you don't have that capability yourself. Once printed use twine or colored ribbon to hang on your tree. You could also save your heirloom ornaments for this tree. A unique tree full of meaning, and one that everyone will enjoy gazing at!

Credit Thyme-is-Honey

Washi Tape Card Tree

A tree and a fun place to hang Christmas cards as they come in! Simply find a blank wall and make a pattern of a Christmas tree using washi tape (a paper tape that's easy to use and can be found in any craft store for $5 & up). Start by placing the tape on the wall, then add tacks and alternate string/tinsel on each layer. I also made little ornaments by putting washi tape on paper and cutting them out in circles. Lastly, add a simple clip to each layer and wait for the cards to arrive in the mail!

The Money Tree

Credit Then She Made...

For that very special someone or someones in your life, here is a tree that you can give and it keeps on giving! This one is a little more involved but totally worth seeing. For complete instructions visit thenshemade.com. 

There you have it - three unique trees that everyone is sure to enjoy! Let us know what FUN ideas you come up with for your Christmas Trees! We could feature your idea next Christmas!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

5 Things to do this Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving means a lot of things to a lot different people. We hope yours is filled with family & friends, peace, fun and good food! A little different kind of post from us, here are five suggestions for a fun-filled day!

Even though it sounds a little corny, take a few moments before or after dinner to share and hear thankful thoughts from 2014. It give us a fresh perspective and teaches children about having an attitude of gratefulness!

Play at least one puzzle or game that the kids can join in on! It's important that they feel included and they can learn a lot!

Share Christmas lists and begin Black Friday shopping prep! You might not want to brave the shopping, but it can be fun to see what's on sale and find out what others around the table like!

If you have young children, plan a craft, even ornament making! It will be fun and memorable for the kids and you!

ENJOY! Enjoy friends, family & food - cherish the moments your share surrounded by loved ones!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING from AIVA Decor & Remodeling!

DIY Pull Out Shelves! Really, You Can Do It!

You can do this!

Deep cabinets are a common occurrence in many older homes; sometimes in not-so-old homes. These monstrosities are often wasted space; the black hole of cabinetry, if you will. We have found a couple of DIY solutions that are cost-effective and easily done! Well, not easy-peasy, but you won't have to have a degree in architecture either! 

Photo courtesy Creatively Living Blog

AIVA Says... Measure, measure, measure! There's nothing like getting in the middle of the project and having the wrong dimensions!

Remove existing shelves. If you have a wide cabinet with no dividers, you will first need to build a “middle wall” in the cupboard - plywood would work. Purchase slides at your local hardware store. Depending on the length you need, they can be purchased for as low as $8. Make sure they will hold the weight of what you’re planning to put on the shelves. Next, build out supports for slides on the inside of the cabinets. You could use scrap wood for this. Make sure the slides line up with the opening of the cabinet. Attach the slides to your supports.

Photo courtesy of Runner Duck Resources

Almost there! All that's left is to build your frame or shelf! You could use 1x4s or 1x2s -  whatever you've measured out! Put the sides together and nail on the bottom. Once you've got your frame built, attach the sliders and voila! Sliding drawers in your cabinets!

Photo courtesy of Do or DIY

As always, please carefully plan before diving right in! With a little planning, you can have sturdy, pull out shelves in your kitchen.

Decorating preparations for Thanksgiving!

You might have a houseful or only a few, but here are few quick ideas to help your Thanksgiving be a day full of fun, food and ease this year! Easy on the wallet as well - let us know if these ideas work for you!

One of those fun ideas is fancying up the kid's table! Use an old coffee table or purchase an

Fun at the "kid's table!"

inexpensive kids table (with 2 chairs) at IKEA for $19.99. Chalk paint can be purchased for as low as $7 at a paint or hardware store... and voila! Create a fun place for kids of all ages to sit and doodle before or after they eat!

The Thankful Tree
Credit Simply Vintage Girl

How about creating a thankful tree? Collect sticks or twigs a few days before and put it all in a jar or vase. Then begin by writing small notes or even the names of family and friends on little pieces of paper a few days before Thanksgiving. Or better yet, allow guests to write their thankful thoughts and tie them to the tree. An easy & thrifty way to decorate and bring joy!

Just a few Thanksgiving ideas as we look ahead. We hope you enjoy the planning!

Simple Details can bring Sweet Delight!

Joy in the Details!

Details matter... details create the big picture... the devil is in the details... God is in the details... I'm sure you've heard them all! We think small details can bring a house to life!

Take for instance this knob we recently used in a home we are working on. We could have opted for plain handles, but for not much more money, we brought a sophistication and style to these cabinets.

 The tile & backsplash we added in this kitchen brought a pop of color that coordinates with colors throughout the house. Tile can be added and used as a highlight without investing a small fortune!

The light sconce adds to the color scheme as well as the warm feel.

AIVA says, If you want to bring a feeling of flow from room to room, pull the same colors throughout the house. We used white and a soft, grey-blue in this house. You can feel the warmth and connectedness as you walk through the home. Paint is an inexpensive investment and when done properly, brings the whole house together.

Coming soon: Your opportunity to Ask AIVA! Everything you always wanted to ask about home design but didn't know where to turn! AIVA will share her years of knowledge and experience with you - all you have to do is ASK!

A New Project...

A New Project... 

We found a house that needs some AIVA tender-loving care! 

Below are a few before images at the house, which is a rehab job. There are many great characteristics in the house that can be updated or kept as is. Remodeling can be fun, creative & cost-effective!

Stay tuned to Aiva's Great Ideas Blog for updates and in a few weeks, the big reveal!