Living Room: Redesigned

Last fall I started up a side business helping people make their houses become their homes by taking the things they already have, adding a few new pieces and rearranging thins to create maximum functionality and aesthetic appeal. Or, I will help with the opposite; making their homes become houses ready for the real estate market by taking all of the personal stuff out to create a blank canvas that buyers can imagine their own lives in.

Since last fall I have had the opportunity to help several people out. Featured in this blog is the home of a family of 5 who were looking for a change in their living room. We flipped through pictures and ideas until I knew what colors and styles Mama Bear preferred and then she turned the project over to me. I did some shopping for a new area rug, wall art, lighting, window treatments and a few accessories. Then on the day of the redesign the family left the house and I began the transformation.

Front Window: BEFORE

Front Window: AFTER

  

Main Wall: BEFORE

Main Wall: AFTER

 

Entertainment Area: BEFORE

Entertainment Area: AFTER

The grays, blues and greens really make for a kid friendly color schemed room wherein the entire family can comfortably enjoy. By replacing the tin stars with a quiet canvas, hanging full length window treatments and adding a large area rug we added a lot of softness to the room. With a little polish and some new hardware we gave the entertainment cabinet a sleek look to match the traditional yet contemporary fell of the room. A few framed, family photos and some delicious candles completed the room and left a cozy environment that is exciting to come home to.

 

A City Garden

With a major interstate only 2 blocks away you can only imagine the gardening limitations I face. Each year I try my green thumb a little more. Last year I learned that container tomatoes work quite well as long as you keep the squirrels and rabbits away. And HAIL! We had a major storm last year that left my hard work looking as though someone had run it through the garbage disposal... Think I'm kidding? See Below:

My lovely yard was full of shredded petals and what looked like snow. Sad day!

This year, however, has been a great year for my green thumb! I have all sorts of successful plants popping all over the yard. In fact, a lady from 3 blocks away stopped to say that she always includes my street on her walking path because she loves to see all the beautiful flowers and the well kept yard. What a nice compliment for this novice gardener! So here is a little peek of what she goes out of her way to see:

I am not even sure what these blueish beauties are called, I planted them 3 years ago and this is the first summer they have bloomed!

First year for these lilies too, transplanted form my parents' beautiful yard.

The community college in town has a plant sale where you can help their horticulture program buy purchasing plants the students grew. I make sure to attend every year, their plants are so healthy and affordable. Not to mention the proceeds go to a great cause. Here are a few from them:

And a bunch more from the college I arranged into 2 colorful pots for my front step.

I love all the delicate petals and the vibrant colors that welcome me home daily, but my pride and joy this year are my edibles, and they seem to be doing quite well! In addition to container tomatoes and habenero peppers, I also have jalepeno peppers...just look at this little guy. Isn't he adorable?

This is my first year trying herbs...my Oregano didn't survive, but check out my Basil and Parsley! I think it is ready for a tasting.

Up close and personal with Miss Basil herself...

Stay tuned for Operation: Backyard Overhaul. There will be some refinished patio furniture, a new garage and a privacy fence coming soon. Hopefully real soon. :-)

Born in the USA

We threw this baby shower for a close friend who lives in Europe 9 months of the year. And, it just so happened that she will give birth to her first baby while she is back in the States for their 3 month break. So it only seemed fitting to have a "Born in the USA" theme, and to boot; he is due in July!

A patriotic shower for an All American Boy. Guests had a choice of Red, White or Blue Smoothies...

Take a look at these charming chairs!

A nice tip I took from one of the best party throwers: Use potted flower arrangements as centerpieces and then give them away as the prizes. Bonus!

Before and After: The Dressing Table

I have a small room off the master bedroom that could really only be converted into a nursery or an awesome closet. Due to the nature of my lifestyle I decided to go with: The Closet. After about a year of getting ready at a makeshift vanity (fabric draped ironing board and bar stool) I decided it was time to begin Operation: Closet Overload! So I found this little beauty at a local thrift store and after wheeling and dealing with a toothless woman I got the gem for $35!

After a little construction (disassembling the hutch) and a little sand/paint job the dressing table started to come to life. I was upside down in Mr. 2WM's (2 Wheel Motion - Bikeshop) 2nd floor garage for about a week before I had the piece looking better.

I loved the charm of the original handles, they have the same ornate look that the detail in the feet and edges of table. So I decided to keep those handles and just hit them with a couple coats of Rust-Oleum Hammered finish in a coppery-bronze color. I also found a couple mirrors and a nice dish at the thrift store that will be used for jewelry, hair products etc.. Those also got hit with the Rust-Oleum for a matchy-matchy look :-)

I loved that shimmery paint color so much I decided to give the top part of the table a glossy coat of a similar paint to give it a little snazz. And look how the little darling turned out:

 I am so excited to fill the drawers with all sorts of girlie products! Now, Little Miss Muffet just needs her tuffet, or a stool of some sort. ...And the rest of Operation Closet Overload to be completed. I still need a way to organize and display all those clothes, shoes, handbags etc...

$55 later (including paint and supplies) I have a beautiful piece of furniture I get to call my Dressing Table. Stay tuned for the next project. One day my dressing room will be exactly the closet of any girl's dreams...