Master Bedroom & Bathroom Mini-Makeover~

 

As with the other rooms in my home, I wanted to add more Light and Bright elements to my bedroom. I know I probably sound like a parrot!

I think with all of the stresses of everyday life, I wanted to make things less cluttered and lighten them up. I am so used to “Knick-Knacks”, it has been hard to pair things down. Not to mention, I love having family mementos around the house.  Needless to say, choosing what to display and not display has been difficult. But, I’m getting there.

~My house is always in various forms of change. But, life is ever changing and therefore somehow it seems fitting~

SO… here is the Master Bedroom…. I really only changed the bedding & table lamps. This old picture is from over 3 years ago, hence the different bed.

I bought an off-white comforter, 80% off, WOOHOOO! at Kohl’s and the rest I had. Without changing drapes, furniture, etc. I think this helped a lot! My sister gave me her chocolate drapes when she changed out hers. I really like them, even though they are dark. I’m still not sure if those should go now too…still thinking.

 

 

We like it so far. It feels cozy, yet brighter just with the comforter change. Time will tell if I add, take away or completely change anything else.

This rug is actually off white background and for some reason shows reddish here. I also added a tray to the ottoman, much better for late night t.v. watching with a popcorn rest.

 

In the Master Bath I added my old drapes from the Master Bedroom to this space. It really feels inviting now especially when I dim the lights.

The tub I found at my great secret in Ft. Worth Old Home Supply. I could spend so much money in there! So many reclaimed architectural pieces and GREAT prices. I had the painters paint it the same color as my ceiling, when we built the house. I still love it.

The tray table, I got from my next door neighbor’s garage sale for $5.00 for a set of 3, I use it for extra towels. I love the vine and bird coat hanger I found a few years back at Ross for robes & towels. Have I said how much I LOVE Ross & Marshall’s?, They have furnished SO MUCH in my home. It just felt better than the typical robe hook I had in there before.

I hope you all Had or are Having a GREAT Spring Break! I had fun with my boys and also got some great cleaning accomplished, inside & out. I can’t believe Spring is already here…

To all of you a Happy Spring & as always Happy Decorating!

Dining Spaces & Kitchen Update~

 

In repurposing and re-doing my living spaces, I had to make some decisions on what would stay and what would go. I decided to bring out all the silver and white ceramic items I had. Then, try to spread them out to bring more light to all the spaces. I decided to put away as much of the dark items and if I still liked them, maybe paint them white or off-white.  In this post I am showing you my Kitchen & Dining Spaces.

BEFORE Dinette~

AFTER Dinette~

I changed the position of the table, bench and chairs. I added the white table cloth too.  I do have my Spring Décor out as well; but even after the Easter Bunnies are gone, the white table cloth will stay. I think it softens the space. I also added thick, off-white, Matelassé covered pillows, to the moss green bench.

My boys are using the bench to read on now. Funny how just repositioning it…one turn,  makes it more welcoming to sit on. maybe it’s the view of the backyard and bird feeder? Whatever it is, it’s nice they enjoy it. You may have noticed I moved the painting that used to be above the fireplace and now the mirror is above the fireplace. I love the painting here, it filled the space and I think it made the dinette feel more French & cozier.

Kitchen~

I think the white ceramic , rattan and silver pieces above the cabinet really helped lighten it up and reflect the light.

 

I feel like you notice the white crown molding more…

 

BEFORE Dining Room~

AFTER Dining Room~

I brought in a lamp and a burlap runner I had used in the dinette over the Holiday’s. I really felt that it made it more relaxed and softened all the dark colors.  Are you feeling a theme here? “SOFTEN”. I just felt that after almost 9 years here, it was time to lighten and soften the dark “Old World” style, that is still really popular here in Texas, and give a more casual feel to the home.  I love French Country and I think by bringing the ceramics & natural fabrics, it makes it more relaxed… maybe? I sure hope so. Most of my friends & family feel like they can always kick off their shoes and kick back anyway; but, hopefully even more so now.

*Bridgette couldn’t help it, there was a squirrel…

 

 

 

 

Next, look for my upcoming Post on my Master Bedroom & Master Bathroom update.

I did a tad bit in the office and I am still trying a few things in the game room. I’m not satisfied yet. The boys still like their rooms so nothing new there. The guest room? Well, I’m still waiting for the community garage sale in April. Then, when I let go of those décor items, I will have extra cash to redesign..LOVE THAT!!! It feels free that way.

I hope all of you feel, maybe a little less intimidated in updating your space and realize, it doesn’t always mean you have to spend money.  I have had fun, I hope you like the pictures. Tell me what you think!

Happy Decorating!

~ GBF Living Room Update~

                                                                                                             

                    

               

I hope all of you are having a great weekend! last week I mentioned I would post my changes to the home.  I decided to update my home to a bit more neutral beige palette as much as possible without COMPLETELY starting over!

I wanted to share with you some Before and After photos of my week project. I still want to do a few more things, but it will take a garage sale and more planning, HA!

BEFORE Book Shelf~

            

            

AFTER Book Shelf~

Since this is next door to my kitchen I thought I would add some white china and try and add some white elements to the bookcase to brighten it. The tapestry used to hang in my nursery whe I was a baby. Someday I will get it reframed to something maybe a tad ornate. What do you think?

                

I had to add the framed copy of the Marriage Certificate of my Great-Great Grandparents from June 12, 1889. I love having those things around me.

                 

           

         BEFORE Built-in Book Shelf (part of the entertainment center)~

                      

AFTER Book Shelf~

I added drop cloth canvas to line the back of the shelves. I thought this might lighten them up since there is not a lot of light in this room.

I also added all the letters I saved growing up that both sets of Grandparents, Great Aunt’s & Great Grandmother’s sent me. It really is nice to be able to read back through them. It makes me miss them even more; but, yet they seem closer somehow.

              

   BEFORE Living Room (Christmas 2010)~

Sorry I did not have a better before picture.

          

                 

AFTER Living Room~    

Notice I replaced the velvet curtains and topper. It was about time! It has been up for almost 10 years. It was refreshing to let in more light! These are canvas drop cloth from Home Depot as well as an unfinished rod I had cut and rings and brackets all purchased unfinished. I was able to do a combination of painting and staining to get just the right color. I was able to re-use the tie backs and sheers.

It cost me $120.00 for both windows. I was pleased this was the only money I spent in the whole house. So was my husband, HA!

 

I added the mirror from a dresser I am actually using in my office. I thought the color was so similar to the fireplace, that it might just work. The painting that used to be there, is now in the kitchen dinette. I think the mirror reflects more light in here now. 

The chair by the fireplace has already had a lot of use. My son Landen loves it to read in & Miss Scarlett our cat loves the antique foot stool of my Great-Great Grandmothers to sleep in, by the fire.                        

                           

                           

                           

               

I had previously above the cabinets ornate black shelves I had turned upside down, they really looked neat. But, they were too dark and ornate.

I swapped them out for these matching trays from Horchow that my neighbor sold me at her garage sale for $5.00 for both! I think it gives it a more relaxed look.

                           

The desk is a VERY well used spot. I have the lap-top in the desk and all my contact binders and desk supplies. This is where I blog, write e-mails and the boys even do their homework here in the afternoon. I love having my Grandpa’s baby picture & Robert Frost’s book of poetry here too.

                          

Here I flipped the matting that was a dark green to the white side and added some old books and the Frog Prince plate I adore.

                    

                         

Miss Bridgette loves her bed in front of the fire. I used to have it under the window to the right of the fireplace and she uses it much more here. Much warmer I assume.

       

This was a storage closet under the stairs. I added an old garden gate I found at an antique shop. Then, we had a trim carpenter put trim around the gate to make it look like it was always there. Now it is our wine cellar.

                  

This is across from the wine cellar on the way to the front door. I hope one day I will get better at taking photos…but until then, I hope you can still get the idea…

                            

I am glad I changed the things I did. I wish I could change more; but, rather than spending too much, I was able to paint a few things off-white, bring out the white china pieces and took a lot of accessories down. Funny how just those few things made us all feel like it was much brighter and a cleaner look to the room.

I will post Before and After photos of the Kitchen, Master Bedroom and Formal Dining Room soon. I look forward to hearing what you all think of the change.

Happy Decorating~

Laundry Rooms That Inspire~

                                  

courtesy of http://theoldentimes.com

laun·dry/ˌlôndrē/

Noun:

1. Clothes and linens that need to be washed or that have been washed.
2. The action or process of washing such items.

 

Laundry…I often say I wish my bank account was like my laundry basket, never empty and more often than not, overflowing. But, as they say, “If wishes were horse, beggars would ride”.

So if it has to be done, we might as well make the space we do laundry, a pleasant one.

The key is to optimize every bit of space, make it clean and fresh, like your laundry and organized. I think often times the laundry room is neglected. so in order to figure out where to start you have to have inspiration.

Here Are A Few Ideas…

Courtesy of Saucy Dragonfly on Flickr

Courtesy of superizon.com

visbeen-associates-architects.blogspot.com

Courtesy of granitegurus.com

Courtesy of meridameridian.com

shoredreamsandbeautifulthings.blogspot.com

interiorstyledesign.tumblr.com

cotedetexas.blogspot.com

I love the idea of a Dutch-Door for a laundry room. This allows Mom/Dad to do laundry and still keep an eye/ear on little ones, & yet, keeping those little people out of the laundry room.

Easy Fixes for LITTLE MONEY~

This is a little room in a HUGE red-design Whole House job I did in Massachusetts. (This is in another post from Summer 2010).

The room was untouched, neglected, had an awkward shape and was NOT functioning.  I wanted to give her a laundry room she would WANT to do laundry in.  I really had no budget for this room and was trying to use what items she already had to make the space more functional and enticing. 

BEFORE~

                             

 

AFTER~

           

 

            

*I used a cabinet she had from a Pottery Barn entertainment shelving in lieu of the open shelves. Turns out it was a perfect fit!

*Then, she had a shelving from that same entertainment system that I used a portion of, to store extras and placed her laundry sorter on top of that.

*Added a floor lamp she had for a softer light to do laundry late at night with. This room was right between her children’s rooms and the traditional light was a tad too bright at night.

*Then, a triple basket with flip top lids for lint, extra socks-(with no mates) and fabric softener sheets on top of the washer & dryer. (This was a perfect fit, notice the slanted ceiling).

*She was adding a fabric skirt to dress up the sink and hide other items under the sink.

*Then a little “Laundry” picture I found at Marshall's for under $10.00.

*She loved her laundry room and the kids liked it enough, to help with sorting clothes the next day. I call that Successful!

My Laundry/Pet Room~

                      

{My cat Miss Scarlett. She has her own perch away from Miss Bridgette our Westie.}

I am all about form and function; but for a laundry room, this can be tricky. Especially when there are so many things that need to function in a small space.

For me, this was my list:                                                                 *Laundry                                                                                            *Storage                                                                                                    *Pets                                                                                           *Refrigerator                                                                                                    *Family Communication Board(s)

Not a lot of room, but I think I made it work.

                

{Yes, I have a cat & 2 guinea pigs in this room and believe it or not, the cat actually likes them and was found sitting in their cage resting by them, when it was left open..THANK GOODNESS!..Oh, and I have Miss “B” (Bridgette) our Westie too… I know, I’m NUTS! }

I used an old office metal desk as the Guinea Pig table and covered it to make these girls feel comfortable. Underneath the table houses the unsightly litter box and cleaning accessories and container with Guinea Pig food. My laundry room is adjacent to the garage which also makes it handy for cleaning the cage & litter box OFTEN! Also the broom and dust pan are close by for quick cleanup.

{This is the ad I have framed above the cage. Just a bit to make me smile at how far we have come!}

http://www.barricksinsurance.com/GoodHousekeeping.html

I have organizing bins under the sink and in the cabinets that help with little items, extension cords, picture hanging kits, sewing notions box, etc.).

{The knobs I have on my cabinets.}

 

The rest is all form…and that’s my favorite part! I get to put my personal touches and add some whimsy!

Have Fun & Happy Decorating!