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Teen Room Design Board

Posted on January 12, 2012 by Sharon ت

One of my goals this year is to let go.   I took a pretty big step with that goal in the breakfast room when I took down the curtains I made.    Now, I’m taking another step towards that goal by letting go of my romantic notions about having a guest room.  I am in love with the idea of it, but I don’t need it.  For the last four years, we’ve had our 3rd bedroom double as a teen lounge/guest room.  The daybed functioned as both seating and a guest bed, but it took up a lot of space.

The other part of this letting go equation involved my daughter’s room.  When we first moved into this house, I thought the best room for her was the one that was furthest from the Master bedroom.  Well, she spends most of her time in the guest room/lounge.  She also has decided that her room is creepy.  Being the nurturing mother that I am, I took advantage of her frightened state of mind, and offered for her to switch rooms.  (I’d been wanting to do this for a year or two, but she never would go for it.)  I was pleasantly surprised when she agreed this time!

So, I’ve been busy taking down beds, moving furniture, and designing new spaces.   I’m very excited about this project.  Taking into account our budget, what we already have, and my “client’s” vision for her new room, I created this design board.

The girl really does have a good sense of style, design and color.  Most of the choices were hers.  The room is coming along and I hope to have it ready to show you by early next week.

Her old room will become a teen lounge, and the daybed isn’t making the cut.  I’ll share more about the plans for that room in another post.

Until next time,

Sharon

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A bookcase and the back story

Posted on January 11, 2012 by Sharon ت

One of my biggest challenges/projects that I’m taking on for 2012 is my fireplace wall. So, I’ve been trying different ways to do that. Yesterday, when my daughter got home from school, I asked her opinion on having a bookcase next to the mantel. She said no because it makes the wall look like I just stuck a bunch of furniture together. Okay, I can go along with that, but I had taken the time to paint the back wall of the bookcase to match our wall color. So where do I put the bookcase?? Oh, I know! In the empty space next to the antique chest. Then, I asked my daughter, “What am I going to put in it?” “Oh, I’m sure you will come up with something. You always do,” she encouraged. So, here is the bookcase in its new spot in the living room.

The rocking chair is a work in progress.  If you look closely at the seat, you can tell that I haven’t painted over the primer yet.  I’m still designing in my head…I want to really like it when I’m done.  Now, back to the bookcase.  I have to tell you that I just can’t stop smiling.  Sentimental touches in a home really make me happy, and this bookcase is filled with sentimental things.  I can’t wait to show you.

I love the way the picture looks leaned on top of the bookcase.  The frame used to be gold, but a while back, I used umber to warm it up a bit.

The pinecones, book and candle lend a cozy touch.  The candle is surrounded by coffee beans for the Winter season.

Now, let’s look down below on the middle shelf.  This is why I can’t stop smiling.  There’s just something so delicious about worn pages and old books.

These old books aren’t just any old books.  They are my old books.  I read every one of them when I was young-er. :)  

I remember sitting on my bed devouring the words on the pages from the Donna Parker series.

“Mind if I sit here?” asked a male voice.  Donna was almost afraid to turn around.  But before she had a chance to answer, the seat was occupied, and she found herself looking at a well-dressed boy she judged to be a year or two older than she was.  …excerpt from Donna in Hollywood.  

This was the kind of scandalous story that made my pre-teen heart pitter patter in anticipation.  I remember not wanting my Mom to know what the books were about because I didn’t want her to tell me I couldn’t read it.  So riskque, LOL!!!

These are some classics.  Have you read any of these stories?

Sitting on top of this stack of books is a leather bracelet with my name engraved on it.  I wore that thing everyday.

On the bottom shelf, sits this game of scrabble that I have owned for 23 years.  I sat a jack next to it to create a game theme.  I saw a neat interactive tic-tac-toe cube at Ross that I would like to add to the vignette.

While I was at it, I decided to get out the letter tiles and play around.

This was certainly a fun break from working on my mantel wall.  Thanks for going down memory lane with me.

Until next time,

Sharon

I will be linking up to the fun parties:

Tabletop Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life

Knick of Time Tuesday @ Knick of Time Interiors

Vintage Inspiration Friday @ Common Ground

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Carryin’ on in the Kitchen, Part 2

Posted on January 9, 2012 by Sharon ت

Well, kids, I believe it has been a week since I shared with you that I was ready to change out my breakfast room curtains. It was hard for me to make the decision to take them down because, as I mentioned, they were a labor of love.  If you remember, though, I fell out of love almost as soon as they were hung.  They look cheerier in this photo than in real life.

As you probably recall, I tried to make them work by seeing if a lighter color on the walls would help.

 Agh..looking at this makes me want to gag. 

A very good thing came out of that topless night: I realized how much I love the original color on my walls.   So, I covered over my test paint area with the original color (SW Ivoire).   This time, I managed to keep on all of my clothes.  ;)

I am just tickled to death at the new look of my breakfast room!  Now that it is all bright and cheery, the room finally lives up to its purpose, and I have a room that says “good morning”.

 I’ve kept you waiting for a week…so without further ado…

I ended up going with these cafe valances and tiers by Better Homes & Gardens.  I love everything about them; including the price!

Here’s a closer peek at the details. I kept hoping the wrinkles would just fall out.  Looks like I will need to iron, or give them a little smoothing with Downy wrinkle releaser. That stuff works.

While I was at it, I went ahead a played around with the accessories and decor in this room; taking stuff out, bringing things in from other rooms, and making a few inexpensive purchases.  Would you like to look around?

I brought this diy chalkboard in from the dining room.  I wrote the winter phrase on there while it was still in the dining room.  I plan to erase it and use the board for weekly menus.

 To the right of the chalkboard and sunflowers, I hung this magnetic memo board that I just bought at Marshall’s HomeGoods a  few weeks ago.  You might remember me showing it to you then.  Anyway, I just love it in the breakfast room.

I hung up the photos taken last Easter of my daughter and her cousins .   The pictures couldn’t be more fitting for this room, and I love that they add a personal touch.  I like to add sentimental decor whenever possible.  Here’s a closer look at the “cousins in the chicken coop.”

Precious memories!

That was the left wall of the room.  Now, panning around to the back wall, I think the weathered wood accent table fits this wall space perfectly.  It is sitting under a rooster picture I got for Christmas.  I also set my little rooster bowl on top.  I bought the table at Kirklands...hmmmmm, maybe this past summer and was using it in the living room.  I want to add a lamp here, too.  oooh, I just realized what lamp I can use!  Love lightbulb moments!!

Now, looking around to the right… I sewed the pillow four years ago to go with the old curtains.  So, after everything was hung and I realized the rooster pillow matched, he got to stay!  I was so excited about that, y’all!

 I set it in the corner of the window seat with one of my new treasures.  Do you see it?

I bought the chicken wire caddy at Ross the other day.  I really scored that day.  I got this caddy, two lamp shades and a set of 3 white pitchers all for $32 and some change.  Okay, let me get back on track.  I’m tellin’ ya, I get so easily sidetracked that I must have ADD.

This sunshine plaque sits in the other corner of the window seat.

My Mom bought it for me as a house warming gift when we first moved into this house.  She said it reminded her of me.  Awwww.  

Last on the tour is this wall art..

 My in-laws bought it for me as a wedding gift after I had admired it in a shop in Old Town Spring.  That was fourteen years ago.  Here is a closer look at the Lord’s Prayer.

So intricate.  It hangs on a small wall that divides the breakfast area from the kitchen.  I’ll be showing you the kitchen soon.

Be sure to check back in two weeks when I reveal the vignette on the sideboard.  I’m saving it for Debbiedoo’s Magazine copy cat challenge on the 23rd.  I can’t wait to show it to you.  It makes the room!

For now, I’ll leave with a side by side look at the breakfast room before and after.

Until next time,

Sharon

I will be linking at these parties:

Newbie party @ Debbiedoo’s Blogging and Blabbing

Metamorphosis Monday @ BNOTP

Market Yourself Monday @ Sumo’s Sweet Stuff

More the Merrier Monday @ DIY Home Sweet Home

Meet Me Monday @ Your Talking to Much

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Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Posted on January 4, 2012 by Sharon ت

When I saw this mirror in Ballard’s catalog,

I was inspired to transform my dining room mirror from this

 to this.

I already had the paint in the garage.  So, this project didn’t cost me a dime.  It doesn’t get better than that!

 To achieve this look, I painted the mid section of the frame with three coats of SW Tranquil Aqua, and

 left the rest of the frame to expose the “before” color.

I am very pleased with the end result.  I’d love to hear what you think.

Until next time,

Sharon

I’m linking to these parties:

Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style

Power of Paint Party @ Domestically Speaking

Rock and Share @ The Shady Porch

Winter Blues party @ DIY by Design

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Show & Tell Party

Posted on January 3, 2012 by Sharon ت

My passion, my mission, is to encourage others. That is why I started the Show & Tell party. It is an opportunity for you to show us your creativity. In turn, our creative limits are pushed and our d.i.y skills are tested. Being challenged and learning from others is encouragement in my book. I think we are each other’s biggest cheerleaders. So get out your pom poms, cause it’s party time!

Before we get to this week’s party, I’d like to show you the top viewed projects from last week.

First up, we have the Boot Scootin’ Snowmen from the talented and lovely Audrey.

I hope you will stop by her blog,  Timeless Treasures.

Next, let’s take a look at this old metal bike basket that Angie shared with us.

I don’t blame her at all for “writing her name” on this one.  It’s definitely a keeper.  You can visit Angie at Knick of Time Interiors.

If you’ve been featured, feel free to grab the featured button.  To grab the button, right click on the image to copy the image address.

Now, it’s time for Show & Tell Party #5

Please follow these party rules:

~ I would love for you to become a follower of my blog.  You can click the little gray follow tab at the bottom right or top left of your screen or see my sidebar for other ways to join.

~ Kick your shoes off and stay awhile to visit other posts.  (It’s totally worth your while).

~When linking to the party, be sure to use the permalink of your post rather than your blog homepage.

~ Add a direct link back to my blog or add the Show & Tell party button to your post/ blogroll so that others can find the party.  The more the merrier!  You can grab the Show & Tell party button above or scroll down to the bottom of my sidebar to grab the button.  


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Carryin’ On in the Kitchen

Posted on December 31, 2011 by Sharon ت

That’s carrying on as in moving forward, but also carrying on as in cuttin’ up, misbehaving, acting silly. I can explain. At least that is what I was thinking when my daughter walked in on me painting the kitchen in my bra and sweatpants in the wee hours of the morning. You know that feeling you get when someone is looking at you? Well, I was doing a little test painting in the kitchen when I had that feeling. So, I turned around to see my daughter standing there, stopped in her tracks, smiling and asking, “Why, are you painting in just your bra, Mom?”  By now, my family is very used to me doing projects at all hours of the day and night. It was the bra part that caught her off guard.

So, back to my explanation. I had splattered paint on my most comfy sweatshirt. In an effort to salvage it as wearable in public, I decided to take it off, rinse the paint out and spray it with stain remover. However, I wasn’t finished with my test painting. So, I carried on. ;)

Now, for the carrying on as in moving forward part of this story.   I was browsing through either Ballard’s or Sturbridge Yankee’s catalog when I saw the valance made out of a black, floral fabric.  I was determined to find this fabric so that I could make my very own valance for my brand new house.  I learned that it was a Waverly fabric and that JoAnn’s carried it. However, even half-price at JoAnn’s was a little steep for me considering how much fabric I needed. Eventually, I found an affordable price at online fabric store. So, as you can imagine, I took great pride in sewing not only the valances, but my very first, and only, window cushion.

The day came that they were ready to install. Instant disappointment. One, I hadn’t visualized them being so short on the windows. It left a lot of white blind showing. Two, I had fallen out of love with the fabric. Sigh.

So, four years later, I’m still living with these window treatments because I made them. The night that I was test painting, I was trying to see if a lighter paint would cheer up the look in the breakfast room.

Here’s my test paint area and the waverly valances. (Sorry, no pics of me in my bra.)

This pic was taken the next day after I had  purchased those BH&G cafe tiers from Walmart;  hoping to draw attention away from the heavy black. In the end, I took down the waverly curtains and exchanged those cafe curtains.

I’m giving myself a little time to live with the redo.  I absolutely loved it the first night.  Now, I’m starting to question if I really like it.  What’s wrong with me?  Please tell me you’ve been through this.

If all stays the same, I will reveal the breakfast room redo in a few days.

Until next time,
Sharon

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Christmas All Through the House

Posted on December 23, 2011 by Sharon ت

Good morning.  Come on in.

Mmmmm, I can smell the cookies.  Excuse me a minute while I check to see if they’re ready.

Run, run, as fast as you can.  You can’t catch me.  I’m the Gingerbread Man.

(Oh no, he didn’t!)

 He just took off through the kitchen.

Well, he’s not in there.  Where could he be?  Maybe in the dining room.  Let’s go see.

Nope, not in there.   Perhaps he’s hiding in the family room, where the stockings were hung with care.

 Whew!  I give up!  That Gingerbread man has taken us all through the house.  Yet, he’s still no where to be found.   Let’s just sit down and visit.  He’ll eventually come back around.

Merry Christmas!

Until next time,

Sharon

I’m linking to:

Potpourri Party @ 2805

Home Sweet Home @ The Charm of Home

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Marshall’s Home Goods in the Master

Posted on December 22, 2011 by Sharon ت

I ran into Marshall’s Home Goods the other day to get just one thing: a globe for my Dad’s Christmas present.  There wasn’t much time to spare.  I had about an hour to get in and get out.  I certainly got the most out of that hour!

Not only did I find the globe I was looking for, but I also got this chair.

I instantly liked it for the tufts, the fabric and the curved lines,

as well as the fact that the stain on the legs of the chair matches my bedroom furniture.

So, I snatched it up!  I know what it’s like to admire something and it be gone when I go back for it.  I wasn’t going to take that chance again.  Of course, the price was right or it would still be at Marshall’s. ;)

That’s not all!  I also really liked this magnetic memo board.  So, I got it, too.

Anything with script on it grabs my attention.  I also liked the soft color palette.  Oh, and the best part is that later that day when I was browsing the latest issue of Ballard’s catalog, I saw what looked to be the exact same memo board!  SCORE!

Both of these great finds are now gracing my master bedroom.

I paired the chair with the mirror that was above the mantel in my family room.  Now I’m looking for the perfect little side table to complete this corner.

After rearranging all of the art in my master bedroom, I was able to create a space for the memo board.  I’ve heard it said, that if you really like something, you will find a place for it.  I agree.

It feels like a new room.  Love it!  I have a few more things to do in my master bedroom.  Then, I’ll give you a full tour.

Until next time,

Sharon

I’m linking to these parties:

Open House Party @ No Minimalist Here

French Inspiration Thursday @ The French Cupboard

Strut Your Stuff Thursday @ Somewhat Simple

Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Creek Cottage

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Show & Tell #3

Posted on December 21, 2011 by Sharon ت

It’s Wednesday!  Time to Show & Tell us about the projects that you’ve been inspired to create lately.  Before we get started, let’s take a look at a couple of last weeks link ups.

First, these Holiday planters from gardentherapy.ca were a hit.

This is a beautiful planter.  Be sure to check out the tutorial at garden therapy.

Next, I really enjoyed this post from  Chickadee Home Nest

I hope you will visit Zuni’s blog to see all of her sentimental ornaments that come together to create what she termed her “crazy quilt tree.”

What have you been up to this week?  Link up to Show & Tell us how blogland has changed the way you decorate or inspired you to try something new.

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Pallet Project

Posted on December 20, 2011 by Sharon ت

I did it!  I finished my first pallet project.  I’m excited to show it to you.  So, let’s get right to it.

Y’all are quite familiar with what they look like. So, I don’t have a before photo of the pallet.  But, here it is after giving it a faux drift wood finish.

  Here are a few close-ups.

I am so, so pleased with the way it turned out!    I already had all of the paint in my garage.  So, this project was (cue Oprah’s sing- song introductions) Fuh-reeee !!

I had been wanting to do something to make my fireplace wall stand out.  I think this pallet makes a great “impact” piece.  So, the mirror that hung above my mantel was replaced. (Check back Thursday to see how beautiful the mirror looks in my bedroom.)  Now, I didn’t want to leave the pallet blank.  The original plan was to transfer a recent family photo onto canvas, and hang it on the pallet.  But when I saw this mirror in Ross, I decided on it instead.

Here are the directions on how to create a faux drift wood  finish.

1) Scrub the pallet to get it as clean as possible.  I gave it an all over wash with dish liquid and warm water.  Then, I used a general purpose cleaner on the tough spots.

2) After the wood dries, paint the pallet with the base coat color.  (I did not use a primer because I wanted to see the wood grain.) This will be the darkest color in your color palette.  I used “Charcoal Sketch” by BHG.

3) While the paint was drying, I mixed some of my base color with “Antique White” by BHG to lighten it a little.  Once you’ve created your second color, add 1 part water to 2 parts paint to create a glaze.  I painted the glaze on with a paint brush and then used a paper towel to slightly rag it off.

4)  Next, you will use the lightest color, for me that was the “Antique White” by BHG, and dry brush it onto the pallet.  Make sure your brush is dry and that you dab off most of the paint onto a paper towel before painting.  You don’t want much paint on your brush.  I also recommend brushing very lightly.  You can always add more if you need to.

5)  Once the pallet is dry, it’s finished!  You can seal it if you choose.  I did not.

This is an example of a project that I never would have tried if I hadn’t been inspired in blogland; in particular, by Debbie @ Debbiedoo’s Blogging and Blabbing.  Thanks, Debbie!

Speaking of Debbie, I will be linking up to her Newbie party ,as well as:

Trash to Treasure Tuesdays @ Kammy’s Korner

Power of Paint Party @ Domestically Speaking

Rock and Share @ The Shady Porch

Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style

More the Merrier Monday @ DIY Home Sweet Home

Just Something I Whipped Up @ The Girl Creative

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