Wednesday, July 27, 2011

A New Feature at Common Ground: How about a Design Challenge?

A few weeks ago I spur-of-the-moment threw out a design
challenge for all of you when I was at a brick wall
trying to come up with ideas for my Living Room.
I had lots of thoughts,
 but I was needing some fresh eyes and creative direction
to kick start some room changes.

You all really rose to the challenge
 to help me sort through some possibilities.
You were encouraging and thoughtful and motivating.

So that got me thinking...
why not come up with a way we can constructively offer
 the same help for others out here in blogland.

...this is my idea.
Anyone who is in need of some advice, help,
or just a fresh new idea,
can submit a few photos to me for a feature post.

You can do it anonymously, or not,
 whatever you're comfortable with.
Then I'll post them,
 and you all get to leave constructive comments
to help the blogger in need.

It could be a whole room, a wall, a vignette, a mantle...
suggestions for paint colors,
furniture placement,
anything about decor...

What do you think?
sound like fun?




 I put together this graphic and button.
Please spread the word,
and then take the big step to come forward with some
issues you may be having,
or some design help.

No need to be a professional,
 although I received some really great ideas from a few.
Just comment on how you see it.

We'll all be sweet and nice and constructive...
no matter what you're dealing with.
...I promise!

How often I do this depends on how you all respond...
#1 with project photos
#2 with the desire to help others.

Let me know what you're thinking,
because this depends on you!

I'm super excited about this,
hope you all will spread the word!

Let me know if you've grabbed the button
or did a quick blog post.
I'll have a thankyou gift for a random winner!

let's have some fun!




64 comments:

  1. I'd be glad to join in Debra! From the suggestion front.

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  2. This is a fantastic idea Debra, I love it! I'm already in need of advice, just started painting my bathroom, is outdated and I want to make some changes without breaking the bank, I will e-mail you the pictures these evening. I grabbed the button!
    Thank you!
    XXX Ido

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  3. Great idea Debra. I'd love to chime in. When I finally find my new house, I'll probably need lots of advice.

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  4. I could use some help and would be willing to give help... it's always a great idea to have some fresh eyes look over a stale room. Grabbing the button, you are a sweetheart to be doing this!

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  5. This is a great idea!
    I'll be thinking on what pics I want to submit, cause lawd knows I need help!!!

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  6. I am grabbing the button and putting it on my sidebar. I can't wait to see what all everyone is working on and hear all the advice. I too have a bathroom that needs tons of help, so I may throw that in the hat when I get some pics. Hugs, Marty

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  7. I love your idea Debra, go for it. I'll be participating. There are so many wonderful designers in our blog world, like Amy and Kathy and many others. Can't wait to get started.

    hugs
    Sissie

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  8. Debra, I love it..great idea! I am adding your button to my sidebar.
    xo,
    Sherry

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  9. What a great idea, Deb! I look forward to learning much from all the creative decorators who will be chiming in with their two cents! By the way - I found the sweetest over-sized teacup in a french white distressed look and thought of you. Keeping it in my office/studio to remind me to think outside the box since my decor talents don't often venture into the french white thing - even though I love the look - I'm not so formal in style - colonial and primitive with a splash of country Victorian. Early Hodge-Podge, I think it's called.
    Joy!
    Miss Kathy

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  10. Nice concept...would love to have been the one to have thought of this! I may need advice on some furniture placement as my living room is 11 x 21 and leaves few options...I would be interested to know what dilemmas others have and be willing to help as well! I will grab a button!

    Stacey of Embracing Change

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  11. How fun! We have a couple of reno's coming up so I will keep this in mind if I find we need any advice. Great idea, blogland is full of such creativity, wonderful to help everyone work together.

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  12. I love your idea, Debra. It sounds like so much fun, and I added your graphic and button to my sidebar. I'm really looking forward to seeing all the challenges and ideas.
    Babs

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  13. Good thinkin'! Kinda like 'Rate My Space", but this will be much better to get help and advise from 'like-minded' people. Sometimes the comments on RMS can be kinda mean!

    Looking forward to this new adventure!

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  14. I'm an HGTV addict, count me in! Not planning any renos at present but would love to follow along and participate in the discussion from time to time. Grabbing a button.

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  15. I love the idea. I have plenty of challenge areas that I'd love some ideas for. Grabbing a button.

    Hugs,
    Mary @ Redo 101

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  16. Debra you always have the best ideas! I think its great and I love the graphic you designed!
    tot

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  17. I'm taking your button, Debra. I'd love to get some help on just about every room in my house!! Great idea!!

    XO,
    Jane

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  18. Debra,
    This is a great idea. I am grabbing your button and putting it in my sidebar. I have several problem areas that could use lots of help!
    Sherry

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  19. Hi Debra,
    I absolutely LOVE this idea!!! I will definitely be asking for lots of advice for my home. I am in a design rut!
    Can't wait and I'll put your button on my blog!
    Have a beautiful day.
    Sincerely,
    Melinda

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  20. What a GREAT idea, Debra. First time here, but I will be back!!! I saw your blog featured on Kim's. This is really fun!

    Suzanne

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  21. What a wonderful idea!! I am sure I can come up with several help areas!:)

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  22. What a great idea! I'll help spread the word also.

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  23. What a great idea. I think all of us can use help from time to time (me included) and I'd certainly be willing to offer my 2cents worth to another blogger for a fresh take on her design problem. I'm posting your button on my sidebar.

    Judy

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  24. I've already got one!! Count me in!

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  25. This is such a good idea. I am having issues right now with my living room. I'm relocating the TV among other things. As soon as I can get some photos together I'd like to submit them. Thanks for doing this...I'll spread the word.

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  26. Yes Debra, this sounds like a great idea. I will love to participate. I'm searching for inspiration right now for an office/guest room.
    I'd also be willing to chime in with suggestions for helping others. I love the concept. Count me in.
    Eileen @ CottageBeachHouse

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  27. I grabbed your button! I hope to gather some photos tomorrow and also help out where I can! thanks so much!

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  28. I think the design challenge would be a great help to many of us. You may get over-run with applications but I want to send in a dilemma I have too.

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  29. Hi debra,

    fantastic blog...i lack words to express this...i blogged about this challenge on my blog too.Please check here....
    http://www.cherishingspaces.blogspot.com/

    following you!!!

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  30. I am new to your blog but I think the idea is great and I will look forward to participating.

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  31. I like this idea.. grabbing your button for my sidebar.

    Sonny

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  32. Fantastic idea. I am redecorating two more rooms in our home this year and can really use some ideas.

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  33. In my years of remodeling houses, and now we are renovating and restoring a historic house, most of what we do is problem solving. I would love to chime in and help fellow bloggers who are stuck with THEIR problem areas.

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  34. Debra, this is AWESOME!! Can't wait!
    Stacy

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  35. PS -- love your blog! New follower :)

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  36. Sounds like fun Debra! I put your button in my sidebar - I have a feeling this is going to be very popular!

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  37. I'm new follower!..LAWD!I always need help!We have new home my decor(or the lack of it)is all neutrals,we've been in over a year now, and it seems lacking in color & personality!I'll be asking for some help for sure.
    ~Jo
    LazyonLoblolly

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  38. I absolutely LOVE this idea! My husband and I have been married for just over a year and in an attempt to make things more "ours" we decided to started with a clean slate. Plus, he had no decor and he didn't love my pink and green apartment decor! He claims that he wants the house decorated, but he thinks that $250 is enough to furnish and decorate a formal living/dining room. Quite obviously, I need the help of a blogland full of creative and chic ladies! If I could, I would send you pictures of my entire house!!!

    Melissa

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  39. What a great idea! There have been many times when working on a project that I wanted/needed a different perspective.

    I am a new follower and I placed the Design Challenge button on my sidebar.

    ~ Tracy

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  40. Great idea, I grabbed the button for this one!

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  41. Great idea, that is the reason I started blogging is to get ideas on what to do in my home. You all have such great ideas.

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  42. Oh this is fabulous Debra! I need help arranging my den....I will take pictures and get them to you...

    Putting the button on my sidebar!

    Lou Cinda :)

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  43. I think this is a great idea! I'm not a blogger but I keep up with a ton of them and I often have questions and could use suggestions and new ideas. Sounds fun!!

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  44. I could use the help in my bedroom and kitchen, although I have the basics I just need suggestions on color and things for the walls in my bedroom. MY kitchen, I'll be painting the cabinets white but need suggestions on how to decorate it! I'll put your button on my sidebar and do a post about, I think this is a wonderful idea!

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  45. I posted about it and have the button on my sidebar!

    Thanks, Rondell

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  46. Fantastic idea! I'll be following this! I'm a new follower too. :)

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  47. U R a GENIUS... soooo glad to see you doing this kind of blog for us!!!! Wonderful idea... cannot wait

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  48. Love it love the idea and I have one of those ugly corners just driving me nuts.
    COUNT ME IT!!

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  49. Great idea and I grabbed your button to post on my blog! Thanks for the wonderful idea!

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  50. Debbie,
    This is going to be an amazing tool for the ladies of Blog Land! Thank you for your insight!I've added your button to my sidebar!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  51. This is a great idea! I've been stuck on a window treatment for my living room corner windows for 22 years...we built this house 22 years ago!!!! I'd give anything to finally figure out what to do with my stark, cold and uninviting windows. I had given up. I'll do my best to take part in this event.
    Faye

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  52. P.S. I added your link to my blog too!

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  53. yay! I am already excited about the help! I need LOTS of help!

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  54. GREAT idea! I think this is what blogland is all about! Can't wait to see what comes up! XO, Pinky

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  55. What a great idea....it's always fun to get input from these amazingly talented women out in blogland. I've grabbed your button to post on my blog!
    Marianne :)

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  56. I am excited for help! :) Sometimes a fresh take on an old space is all one needs. I will post on my blog today and I have your button. :)

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  57. Oh Debra

    That shop Lula Mae's is so cute setting in the woods. That old tin building is all the rage now

    Country living

    I must get to southern Missouri this fall

    Janice

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  58. Sounds like fun!

    Hugs,
    Susan and Bentley

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  59. Great idea Debra! I just did a post yesterday-looking for help with my creative space. Love hearing from all the creative bloggers!
    -Lynn

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  60. Debra I think this is a great idea. I am going to make a path in the basement so I can take my pictures. I just posted about your Design Challenge.

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  61. Debra ~ This is going to be awesome ! I added it to my blog sidebar ~ I read it a few times and probably read right over it but when is it starting ?

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  62. This sounds like a lot of fun, Debra! I've put the button on my sidebar!

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  63. You shared very great idea. There have been many times when working on a project that I wanted/needed a different perspective. Thanks for sharing it with us.
    usb

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