Final Kitchen Island Plans

October, home tour and projects

Hello and happy Halloween! I hope your forecast is better than ours! We’ll be heading out after school to get the kiddo some new long underwear for this evening. It may be a quick trip around the neighborhood tonight! :) Thank you SO much for the love on our family room, not only here but on Instagram and Facebook as well. I truly, truly appreciate when you take the time to comment – it doesn’t go unnoticed! At the end of of each month I like to recap some of my favorite posts – it’s a nice way to see what I’ve accomplished and catch you up if you missed a post. I’m definitely planning to slow my roll a bit for the rest of the year -- November and December are going to be unusually busy for us. So I’m looking forward slowing down the projects…cleaning and decluttering my house and decorating for the holidays sounds amazing! I can’t not do DIY, I love it, so I’ll still be working on things here and there of course. Before I go into the recap I wanted to share that I’ve updated the “<a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/1998/10/our-home-click-pictures-to-get-to-post.html">Our Home</a>” page – some of the photos were a bit dated and I rearranged some things too. I’ve also added a <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/p/consultations.html">Projects tab</a> at the top of the site that includes some of my favorite decor, projects, tips and recipes over the years. I try to update that at least every couple of weeks so there’s always new sections and links popping up. OK – to start the month I addressed the naked windows in the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/10/dining-room-updates.html">dining room/library</a>. They had shades but no drapes so I took care of that: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEW0mzi9APiqLtr1zBOiuVTeCApiLY1Fr2_70ECVOy43PVronqKDyPdoVJ1e0Rk4cnJEM4ZYCW5Rqjwm-oRPHJevojQIZLCBDXPBX9QlySUHNg5PGY_eBPQNcr9BUtk1BH09m7vFfoYpo/s1600-h/IMG_0014%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="wall of built ins" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0y9dRTVYlOoarPEjkD1ygpYMTe41Ygi82kmtqSqJy5mPkL3GllnzCrQ2oEqHG33da4Aq7kKuqIPPEC2NcHioHsxYo3SmjPc9CW3YX8XIrlLrDeqFmzBsOLZMoxtmY2IqeX5UaCzB-1Ys/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="wall of built ins" width="500" /></a> The drapes were from our living room windows and they look SO much better in here. I still can’t believe how much warmer it feels in there – it’s a little thing but it made a big difference. I have some more updates of that room to share soon! Next up I shared the ways I decorate our walls/fill them <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/10/other-than-art.html">without using art</a>: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4X-pB5ij_USCAAFsYSEeV8Bn26wGe5q7XHPADTMXMxOBHbgJzozG1N_Mu2HE0-ysY1h858-okBdFFyNW6BAD5BPYLyIuEj-ZCUiz1wmY5gEYEHYmKd6RWLRMX0CQXMoT6YcJ5idSCb4/s1600-h/IMG_7160%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="wood planked wall stained" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12M6tvZlHKTptNVofkpiLR_sOryA8IBnTy4J7y32FFAPlvgx-fT7vdO4IWR4EQ8ilre7TURGrEAPeeaae5p-lmw8qxuLSqse82KDGuW_GeKYOtlBnROZ_J7AqFmn7yTv6sFrlPFHqaS8/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="wood planked wall stained" width="500" /></a> That planked wall cost me less than $50 and it’s one of my favorite projects ever! I’m all about easy ways to add character to our home and this does it. I’m so excited about the potential for our kitchen and thrilled with the table and it’s new spot. I had fun decorating it for a <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/10/a-natural-fall-table.html">fall table setting</a>: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvK95RtH2pwOQT9S0GHd90DGIPdL-qmReLiJSFlj76MRLD8W-hbhDvvGh26HjjUtudB4snDMho-0Q2CpZLjvZk7_X9QZd3je8lj726XWFJpNVk3JwRZVYrTUz3Ni9NpMUBPkWyYHbdBgA/s1600-h/IMG_0064%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="simple fall table setting" border="0" height="778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIzXh7D4mDezQSgo-QB3Is4iV7k0qkRyvXhpQuzqMyII5JFdmQI54WrGSZw7yVPYSUZw9HUkRoKKZH4wMW9Qzh6EcObtSviPsuype9H_sTmVnZnyWGFPv9WNrBj5lcU_BMPpKK2_ttbQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="simple fall table setting" width="500" /></a> Can’t wait to show you that same space with the new doors and board and batten on the walls! I think it’s going to look so good! I did a little <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/10/fall-nesting.html">fall nesting</a> throughout the rest of the house as well and warmed up the bedroom fireplace a bit: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0mjM7Z93lmLDuOAeC_RFC6qWd7G59lxnJ_Wrdn2TJUjpemtSA0MxmqxslOF7QV4_U8FwfIhsXMicZwxdVggCDw9WLre_NDXrlpoXReSwygA5Ptvk5cQv803kKv5ByT9vG41w7iS_Qd4/s1600-h/IMG_0118%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="green walls fireplace " border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHA3eLxnwZu_pKkLP91Xt8KMir5UBA7ETytv6zFm7Up1ahWKHmLtY9_yNyx0nY39rVtm9WSrCyMbQIgMsa1MK4Qprt9WUVg31EGnrEvc3NLQidsmvi4dFg14IEzc5-C5Y6h29wEyZbeeE/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="green walls fireplace " width="500" /></a> That fireplace is one of the many things I fought my husband on hard when we built this house – and it’s now one of the many things that I now thank him for. ;) The Bub and I took a trip to Cincinnati for a fun day and my part of the fun was IKEA. I shared a few of my <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/10/ikea-finds.html">favorites from the trip</a> (including some Christmas decor): <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0qG0-j8mEDXGN2rzTfrb80sIFgtBPu3ntnRa_tuHgw4k2ES0SZzAA8KTJY7jvEcpRDkFXmFJBuUgEqEYstppx1ldc8LOy3UppEkPQuQilzbNMYemf1MhyphenhyphenSHClrTWCPP60yKiV3DRBQcE/s1600-h/8%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="ikea kitchen" border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAZKW_85yE8_PT3VQVQP-cqyAJjcchmFrDixYps7g3jt3E1kYbL1wa6irhkfELbV806rlTwtSSiGS8C7U9yF7YSCTIi9Q__8pqDdvHsQRKTpoE7pmajdTjmepvuDLRnUDDT7FWrl84L0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="ikea kitchen" width="500" /></a> This is my favorite kitchen at that IKEA. I walk through it every single time. :) I finished up the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/10/black-and-white-and-awesome-all-over.html">new trim and paint</a> on four doors in and near the family room and I LOVE it, as always: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7oksx7DC5HFL5GxBucPPQl-62R_5MUBrihnPMF4V5d4QlEApUzS1L_LzJHjFlO-HTRhz_JDGvSKLqWkzqIqsG1VHTYCLqGqee5Owyiu1QcZWvvwgUaWS7EuusTLxPdmUsshZWubRVHs/s1600-h/IMG_0196%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="thick door trim" border="0" height="780" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfbzg3F7UbA7TDF0Vzkon2adRWkq9EO4fX3XFlBU5ayWUfazGW565UNQBHa7Qfdgk5S20S6jgW8oNzqh01RrfDkpbfyiI8pQXf_oED_M50jqy6t3e1YSQVhgbnWnf8s_Oa07AcUdRIGA/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="thick door trim" width="475" /></a> Many of you asked about the signs on our bathroom door (I love them!!) and I link to where I got those in the comments of that post: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhigZMijK8wkgG_CNRGRwgDNhl9Tiek-Fy6GRrezRm6QPyX8k9jB5aOlsXmSsvYIzSc_FllgUDP6oKYEtmdUKY3DGu7pboMJ7NCC-Mu5-_GR6FE-1Tj8EIRUSFim0AzvckF53dpA5SscJQ/s1600-h/IMG_0200%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="thick craftsman door trim" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLzOsEbv0Hx5jC5DHSEpdjcvFex_6BlxDg3CZhGsXt8yPkwSAKdHnNLv3T8zseRyIAHKUeqGHc3jGtYqYP5Pt1kCJaydm-MCa1uQTWQEZUQE1dnvQiDgEXDmVyqPYzISZyfLK6PQjHR8/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="thick craftsman door trim" width="500" /></a>Black and white will always be a classic! It has been an absolutely glorious fall this year – I shared our day trip to beautiful <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/10/fall-in-indiana.html">Brown County Indiana</a>: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFhyY6d2kIZPf2apRd-RSi-Bh5vGnXKSPGqJW5Vz8baBf_x29d5KzvYBKpN15rTm5yIiuyIEnue_6fgp7X5nxUtT0r9bT6wIBQ7taHbwVuYDsapcjKmp4b8zfTsfKYqrnDq3cEfWdph0/s1600-h/23%25255B2%25255D.png"><img alt="fall in Indiana" border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14PksVB2fNwC-B398KsQv8rl_xCp4b_oPnCXLFHKVQam3ca5zve1WCauBI2Wjq_27EL5EAgU1mlp5dG7QOpp2lhT9FYBO-LAU2cKi6ae813_jw3idg-u2xZpmopoF2WK7af3AfhhCbZM/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="fall in Indiana" width="500" /></a> There’s still a few leaves hanging on – but the potential snow predicted this evening (!!) make take most of them. One of my dream projects for our house has always been a window seat – and I’m finally going to get one. :) :) So excited. I shared my inspiration for what I’d like to do in <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/10/a-window-seat-in-kitchen.html">this post</a>: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_o5MxdCIq5_uIgEQ0kdyGVIVcPqzccOooCo_hItUc64dj8PD7dIcgIxTY9U-mOJbbu4khzdt_ua8mRU_cKaaS5_8jG5V-pv_1lX_1EUhYld16-y3lMitkQlr6L4S00HCxiTDb4-ORdDc/s1600-h/IMG_2754%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="bay window window seat" border="0" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7Ftq733d7itb1CPeKTXKv84NcNZSGVmiOOV8WX1WJohxzZ_5xCPbo5LKzk12qK9RVyzXdHOB0crYarW2DYRBRQyNQzTnLiG9j2B0z2ZF52mhcZVcJNe2lfHLlgtl1FFDQd96lqjgx8U/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="bay window window seat" width="500" /></a> (source) If you follow along on Instagram or FB I’ve shared/will be sharing some more pics along the way. I’m really tired of painting but I may tackle the new window trim in that spot this weekend. We only put Halloween decor out for a week or so inside the house and I shared how we do it <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/10/10-and-under-halloween.html">quick and cheap here</a>: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBC0SmmmjpLGhqjdQYAMFAWR9ZCuyaVhWDml_x7ERYA6lRnZznkKl3sBLGhdIOVuABcYlb-lHG9pokgrPBX93zgRgQjQEMLpOs5lKwQMofI7okZGPbt5xUGm8-GrlvRlHmPNeiy3548E/s1600-h/IMG_0212%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="cheap Halloween decor" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhanJMj1o_1qzKl9eqaRn9UYWYD1K6WYD2p9PPb9tUrpG6avguDBqTQmYkh2jtWJS6iFKPCH7ddYNsgoidGlEFO823tSi2mvMY9JnuN1RkEhDrf-ZPQApgGdY3guTqvy8Qtouz6T-7fq_k/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="cheap Halloween decor" width="500" /></a> You’ll have to go to that post to see the surprise under the crows. ;) One of the last projects I finished up in the family room was an <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/10/black-and-brass.html">old Craigslist dresser</a> I painted: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMvazT1Hmttu88gdeQkLl2N9JfDpX6MAcg0KjoVtKUWAnCgYRgw0_0CXU-oYM8B3QpRTl4DXt11T8uMmF5W2L9ZjsI4n95mP7RTuZel6k-GWsG4ysV-y2fwzbuVRbGOofYglU988r1_wU/s1600-h/IMG_0273%25255B2%25255D.png"><img alt="black dresser brass hardware" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv7LZhsdhP2jAs1zjkal35f3sKtKmAk191or2FOdfd5j3e6A1zfpqGWAHIuZSGTtvggGwNzhTii7H9vo7gRxUnLRW5c9mleD0Iu0AZVaB_GrXH_VS8P5hJgp42DIliB8RrDKK9PrbePG0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="black dresser brass hardware" width="500" /></a> I absolutely LOVE it in this deep gray color. By the way, I’ve been saying that paint color (Graphite) is Sherwin Williams and it’s not – duh! It’s Benjamin Moore but I had it mixed at SW. Sorry about that. :) And of course, the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/10/family-room-reveal.html">full family room reveal</a> happened earlier this week – finally. Goodness, we are SO happy with it!: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnWq6uQLLhuXU1xBFjH4vD42HP6enWMP2yZStsgXKxtNPmH0QjtY0SUEmpgvwLyQ9hZxeJ283JRnOSR-Ii_6wmTUz5SRo0Pk6CROH9UUHTQHrsv_5527aJJFG6ZJX2N9d2H1OdnDa9LVM/s1600-h/IMG_03312%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="family room with board and batten" border="0" height="747" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJ_410tz6WHWotV7TDbR-Zf_zFSwq5W4FoLJwAKGtQN2PgCK80Kp-rD3faP3qELK-zRgf21wjUQ6JGNmNaJFKaef478YN_dPWLPpiYP7eulrwWCp6TCMneFZYpCt-1K0vNNoHOMUi6pY/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="family room with board and batten" width="500" /></a>I’ll be sharing more details about the space next week! Have a safe Halloween and a lovely weekend!! See you Monday!

October, home tour and projects

Hello and happy Halloween! I hope your forecast is better than ours! We’ll be heading out after school to get the kiddo some new long underw...

9:14 AM

Accessories: A decorator's perspective

<h4></h4>Part 2 of 5 <h4>Accessorizing a client's home</h4>I'm often asked what is the most difficult job I do as a decorator.  Truthfully it is to accessorize a home.  Not because I can't create beautiful vignettes or select interesting objects, it's because I have a belief in individual expression in a home, and it is so difficult to feel this, and then try to create a look for someone else. The one thing I have as a decorator is an unbiased eye for someone else's space. That is helpful, and I often see new life in their discarded items. <h4>How I do it </h4>With clients I spend a lot of time chatting and gathering information.  I ask them to pull out all kinds of objects they already have, even ones they think they don't want anymore, and look for things to integrate with newly purchased objects.  Check out this <a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.ca/2013/11/accessories-making-it-all-work.html">post</a> to see one client's vignette.  I find out about their interests, travels, background etc.  I consider if they have children and what their interests are.  It is also worthwhile to look at children's art work for inspiration.  Another telling activity is to look at what is currently in a home and ask questions about its origins, etc.  When I ask how they want people to  feel/think when they come into their home, I usually get guidance for the overall look clients are going for.   Then I  put all the information together to come up with meaningful accessories that work for a particular  family. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-h5CogARq8WD2WLJCmiHQkrMR3SdM5msMKmQsjwNSAwKlsEkFrFp-eAP3hzxfTxkL2_O6OlWmVV19quk7ccM9sKmB25QxWMXL9UYdZLft41fG5Mw4th3QHivW2K20KZqmKNCePw3r7vg/s1600/OB-organic+accessories.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="inspiration board, organic, geometric, spring green" border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-h5CogARq8WD2WLJCmiHQkrMR3SdM5msMKmQsjwNSAwKlsEkFrFp-eAP3hzxfTxkL2_O6OlWmVV19quk7ccM9sKmB25QxWMXL9UYdZLft41fG5Mw4th3QHivW2K20KZqmKNCePw3r7vg/s1600/OB-organic+accessories.jpg" title="Accessories: A decorator's perspective" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Client inspiration board - organic references </td></tr></tbody></table> This inspiration board was created for clients who were interested in finishing their space with additional accessories to add to objects they purchased during their travels.  When I looked at what they already had, I could see strong contrasts,  elongated textural sculptures, and several vibrant colours.  I chose an earthy green, nature references and rounder shapes to work with the more elongated ones they already had.  I wanted to warm up the predominant " blackness" of their space and play into their obvious interest in geometric motifs and texture.  With the inspiration board in hand the clients chose to shop themselves over time to complete their space.  The flowers of course never happened!  Twigs were more their style. <h4></h4><h4>A long term activity</h4>Adding the final touches to your home can take a long time.  You many have certain things in mind and can't find them; you many have budget restraints after purchasing big ticket items; you may be just plain exhausted doing everything else, and have no energy left to deal with little things. Or you can be bored with what you have and want to start over.   No matter where you are on the accessorizing continuum, you need to have a plan in place to create an interesting, personal space. <div> </div><h4>Two ways to do it</h4>Of course the easiest way is to hire a decorator!  An inspiration board like the one above is a very affordable solution, and you can purchase all the objects referenced online, or you can use it to shop your area.  When people want to purchase locally, the inspiration board would contain objects/furniture available in the city.  Most decorators also have rates for personal shopping for clients. If you want to do it all yourself, I suggest the following: <ul><li>Look online (Pinterest, Houzz) and collect inspiration images looking for patterns,  objects, colours, textures that  resonate with you; look at how they are displayed/arranged;</li></ul> <div>I keep way too many files on <a href="http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/margaretryall">Houzz</a> and <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/mryall/">Pinterest </a>to use as inspiration and reference when talking to clients about concepts. </div><div> </div><ul><li>Make a list of possible items for accessorizing from your inspiration images; have headings (e.g. art, table top vignette, pillow arrangements and styles etc. )</li><li>Remove all the accessories in the space you are working on and put them in another room; </li><li>Check your storage areas  and other rooms to see  if you have things that might have a new life in a different space;</li><li>Look at your collection and choose anything  that you love and think could work in the space;</li><li>Bring them to the room you want to accessorize and place any that work; </li></ul> <div>I went to my own storage area to see what extras I didn't have in use. Then I integrated some of them with arrangements I already had in my dining room to show you how many things can work and be changed around.  Obviously I care about these objects or they would have made their way to charity. </div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKXNr5onMbswbofJL_Z0Nbuxw0bZpXBqGxkop8LtWvs1uZC6jsTiubewOXdgkjNuMaoVNnMckZe2FuSuYHz6YZdhMjpXnRbvXNIL6hdSooKKaHeWJb9uZ7bo_2TPhSPJ0B4ebegrGOd5Xs/s1600/dining+vignette+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="dining room vignette, Boblen vase, accessories, " border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKXNr5onMbswbofJL_Z0Nbuxw0bZpXBqGxkop8LtWvs1uZC6jsTiubewOXdgkjNuMaoVNnMckZe2FuSuYHz6YZdhMjpXnRbvXNIL6hdSooKKaHeWJb9uZ7bo_2TPhSPJ0B4ebegrGOd5Xs/s1600/dining+vignette+1.jpg" title="Accessories: A decorator's perspective" width="320" /></a></div>  These two items on the right get used for all sorts of things.  The top is image shows a Boblen  vase that I wrote about <a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.ca/2012/11/a-must-have-vase.html">here</a>, and the plate is part of a set of 8 that I use for entertaining.  It also works as a candle holder or propped up on a small plate holder it becomes a graphic piece of art. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCkxoj_b2s7CgjMLlbocPyi3qe8-QBecNINdG2kfTkrzccQwnmbviD0LIdQg0juXfpjiaP_6lPm-BxuoOPcrEPSzKojb_tNpSd5glS5h8ibRrIjCkBtUJMpMpgRo1TXQ8cVRMM2nM2Abm/s1600/buffet+vignette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="wooden vase, black candle holders, fall decorating" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCkxoj_b2s7CgjMLlbocPyi3qe8-QBecNINdG2kfTkrzccQwnmbviD0LIdQg0juXfpjiaP_6lPm-BxuoOPcrEPSzKojb_tNpSd5glS5h8ibRrIjCkBtUJMpMpgRo1TXQ8cVRMM2nM2Abm/s1600/buffet+vignette.jpg" title="Accessories: A decorator's perspective" width="320" /></a></div>  The black mesh square tray was the base for a gift  I received last Christmas.  Black and square are two of my loves, when you add texture how could I let it go?  Anything hand made is alway a keeper especially when it has the beautiful form this vase does.  A few colourful berry branches the colour of the season can change the look completely.  Use your imagination about what additional seasonal objects you place in the basket/tray. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9SRH3tM4XzK98-F0gVnRquqWzRTzRdC0ltfemyG6Ta86OekRo1GhGOypngAHmQYrluTHXdslYCOZ2oZXHm26D163g5qwYlEIpCq4PeIAc7sIXuK3qaGNPkvfQXsCkMU4_TZ8IhV-bLMM/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="stone eggs, accessories, black candle holders, vignette " border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9SRH3tM4XzK98-F0gVnRquqWzRTzRdC0ltfemyG6Ta86OekRo1GhGOypngAHmQYrluTHXdslYCOZ2oZXHm26D163g5qwYlEIpCq4PeIAc7sIXuK3qaGNPkvfQXsCkMU4_TZ8IhV-bLMM/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" title="Accessories: A decorator's perspective" width="320" /></a></div><div> </div><div>And on to the stone eggs my sister gave me years ago.  This hand crafted white  bowl has a beautiful irregular form and can be filled with all sorts of goodies. </div><div> </div><div>You get the idea.  Once you've found homes for the objects you love,  you can...</div><div> </div><ul><li>Make a list of what else you will need;</li><li>Record needs and the size/height/colour of objects; </li><li>Take pictures of the areas you want to accessorize;</li><li>Go shopping (with your phone)! Don't forget to look in second hand stores, antique stores, dollar stores, craft studios, and on line second hand sales sites.  </li></ul> <div>Oh yes, trade with your friends and/or siblings!</div> Check back for Part 3 of my accessories posts where I visit a local home to explore how the owners went about adding the final touches to their new home.

Accessories: A decorator's perspective

Part 2 of 5 Accessorizing a client's home I'm often asked what is the most difficult job I do as a decorator. Truthfully it is to a...

6:56 AM

Family room reveal!

OK. I’m done. I can’t even believe it!! The family room expansion/renovation is DONE. GoodNESS, I worked my butt off on this room! I will go into a bigger background recap later, but long story short is that we wanted to add on to the back of our house, decided against it when we got the quotes (choke) and then decided to knock down a wall instead. That wall was the one between the family room and my office, the one with the corner fireplace and the wall to the left: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0HzfZe_76L7baAeOsXkKdfWkut26vp_dehTgQ4-cFFAZGLX75XYsZLJ3olzRJaFx469otSA04506Gdo_cGEiAIVC309gaY3yQY2wVK6opaBEYLmQQPR9FVY-GFA8uOHZ8SYLNx6Aubg/s1600-h/IMG_7183%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="corner fireplace" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3W3e3s-nq-9TRo4-p4GAX_DP-Su7ngR8F1B-h8kGI8fNg8jbOTCrqxkEIHflKPLRgoXDmndXld5dG4YhvmUP20-18XoPDy9LqIO_gzpFS6qExTIodsdAYbwZ9GVgoY-bidOFI4N6mCvU/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="corner fireplace" width="500" /></a> Our original expansion plans were just to move out from that window wall and make the back part of the house more of a sunroom to extend the family room. We were never going to touch that office wall because I really wanted to keep my office. Turns out I don’t even miss, not at all. Isn’t that funny? It was a BEAUTIFUL room but no one ever saw it anyway! Except you guys, ha! When my mind started working and the thought that taking down this wall might work, I sent this “real life” shot from my phone to two realtor friends to see what they thought. This really shows you a better angle: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGWj_SbMJUrLrIjSxd-VPmOEfS3kW1dB7-pujN-4wDYLk6mQwe33YVBLBKU3Iv04oFh43S3jx7uPNjQ1p64oajR5VrVOipj48lrh2GEEXIn1Ca1VO8ylRLMLxTpfs9CuyXro4jh0c6ZiU/s1600-h/10419617_10203988773219597_557312787_n%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn39ksB-aD-JhWwyxG8ugTs2Lm_D79fuoptUuKOprLDZHIujiq6d8ips6YtX4dmZPXZVz9ggZvgslnnDwH1k4EB8UEpIYo3QG-qBxU82ZvbR86WUJJUtkIDj-lEyf4ZOnff_OGhGRUzu0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="500" /></a> The area to the left is our walk way from the mud room and garage and is where we had the TV. We reconfigured the space like this years back and it did help – but I didn’t like the corner fireplace and didn’t like that the room had different focal points. It’s funny because I look at that photo and we had a much wider space when it was like that. But now, it’s SO MUCH BETTER because the family room is bigger and the kitchen doubled in size as well. The space is long and skinny – we didn’t get any additional width to the room at all. In fact it’s skinnier now because everything is situated towards the back of the house. But we absolutely positively love it: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9hUzNt9OUOU27QHmoWArNw7dAZHbM4yzlab5ulhSSzrbCQ0X-9O9QZAOiRLKOTVKdOi62-AQkZB22KsaenCdddVx6tWQsAs0dNCc8Z0N6Pq5cdaFWveuAx2ebNqo1b6ZvdTkY4WtuXM/s1600-h/IMG_0310%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="dark gray fireplace" border="0" height="737" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgezBYFDz7C2NlAtafdPXcrYdE1rzq0MA1XpvcFJflNq92MJyCwnNtg8YIeR_JdO07YcsmaFgdKWO1ymvTIqmCA9edxIB1YoxS_nrkCZyUIs9B1EcYFYhH6DAX8YKIFu9RI6wlKvNQWKnM/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="dark gray fireplace" width="500" /></a> From the day we took down the wall we both said – it was supposed to be like this from the start. Actually every single change we’ve made in this whole great room (moving the kitchen table, switching out the doors, all of it) we’ve said the same every time. It should have been like this all along. Taking down that wall brought in an insane amount of natural light – we gained two windows from the office. We also added six new overhead lights to the space: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqqMJUjXsl4oRLXDarlgyxuh_pKHCkfpV6aDLppSAQ2Sx7zlRxpQWdsHVD0-y8ya2iZVZ-W_z7Re04vwBc3oXy8hn7kAJT5HIrnATf2T4slrsHBBqfLMz8367g5ClMlgKdDZU2thR40SI/s1600-h/IMG_0331%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="family room renovation @thriftydecorchick" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9F-iZXtE9doVK4ztUfjAqTAGTp9PsPvKhLQE2XCgRznBdgKJi9Yxz66qsAxUAJqoyCy_MjwD4nvhtO2IzB_oiG7H32aTa6zPBnwaZI4KiTl6aabUhByw_zUrw7DMVRHqJcXWY6gna1Ks/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="family room renovation @thriftydecorchick" width="500" /></a> The focal point of the room is now the grand fireplace and built ins: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYwv18wDDWm08d-ywaEjn7A1VFq1OCBVRwdcAo7GdLLVH6JAdevdx7qdD7sRHx1fGyZLFOjQ78F3DIjLbiJ38982xAt2kLea8s2u01_xQtjeDgj1A110SgdGoKIRKfkiFDrV__YIvir4/s1600-h/IMG_0351%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="gray fireplace herringbone tile @thriftydecorchick" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9H8KS2dqYLZGIMpvQGFmYaamNCwCec7EZ2EsrtGBYPSx_1WU-J-bX_OWGBb1bDLYR2uAMNvKXxrLEipu-lujqHD11fCJ_mEu2MrqsO7IevsRl86X8ZYceVHq-RzzNQxdnT6Jn4bEnm90/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="gray fireplace herringbone tile @thriftydecorchick" width="500" /></a> We had to built it into the room to accommodate the size of the gas insert – we dealt with that by building out the entire thing and adding storage for electronics and all kinds of other stuff. I went dramatic and gray with the whole thing and I adore it: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRCZ_TnCZ_RphO6gxMDiXWFcXUyw1my19xG5slz71-CJg98feg05bjea-BzGKD6VgVgU9FFDlvFCPY1aPOIWsKPDlaUBFfSmWdeVLPljyd6W9AqKbfk76xJIH6VZ2wMbPhAdy0b7Np9zk/s1600-h/IMG_0361%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="fireplace with built ins " border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHpJ2O60FC3ksm294Q-BEhfCaIUZbtnL44Dbc670K5pzkkk54vgBHK5j_yEWYa34aJ3o9kKzx3SMK_z4PiXw9fMCaUKjsqfkh2wA9bVDmpIJ_kD4HFBpUw5wkkr5dgdvvP6Ix8-o2_Fs/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="fireplace with built ins " width="500" /></a>I am debating moving the rug down so it’s centered on the fireplace. I like how the sectional sits on it now though – if I move it the sectional will sit half on and half off. To get an idea of how this renovation opened up the space – the old wall went right down the middle of the new fireplace. Because of the angle of the old fireplace we had about two feet, then windows. There was nowhere else to put furniture but right in front of that double window. I can’t believe that our family room used to go that far into the kitchen! It actually went almost to the right side of that étagère:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTF-KDOLkNN6rmZqzxgs1JvRanusqtEWIJ_rGrxunBfW0EDuh5fQ-DsH_-WFEY_7iSfq-126cV-MJXvkcCQot4ie6WaLUK6NRqVLDrM7evN-lf0Ym3tfRjEvRo-J00Ykybx46iH_YJnA/s1600-h/IMG_0446%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjafCP0382ubod__ISillKd59iHiwVoeYMTIEmFEsmRmTTaL8CtaA6H1RtqQ-hSrQVZgYxkIwhOCotY9yMzQEEdelORqhK0iIU_5ugMotEXtAa6YT_ojs4etvOCdtReljSV4zDQ-t70LK4/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="500" /></a> Crazy! The final frontier in this renovation is the double doors that will take the place of that window – it was supposed to happen last week but we had a hiccup. :) More on that soon! (And those drapes will be replaced with some that match the other side of the room soon. These are up for privacy now.) There are little things we noticed right away when we started this process. First, the animals LOVE IT. They are in this space way more than before. It’s weird. Secondly, we love that there’s one focal point in the space. I used to hate TVs over fireplaces but I’m actually falling in love with the look (and I really disliked it!). There’s no competition for your attention, it’s clean and makes the space feel even bigger. Finally, our view in here is SO much better. I love love LOVE to sit down on this sofa during the day: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHxjwcCwsZPbtL4I-O2E3aHpnAfTwYeOgdQjsA5CKtQIeVmFgUgbkSIVDhQRVJK9nBy2Q4GElAwgcsfwLCHXb07nyexOqoWVbDmmNIoKYhAmqSwO9fcgvxIvIu67GvzIcRg5XmT_kzlmA/s1600-h/IMG_0339%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="new family room @thriftydecorchick" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8U13VWwHRO837EmoDncE0HCWgrq1sBYna2uA-ng9-JGjvUDjyfAd53koLW82CpOUIrmNzqrOX5MvcFTDkTxa5yNLaRfMCx0qlDtecP_TZ_G-qS69muZdJZgYXWyTxoewRdufv8QEY7Qw/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="new family room @thriftydecorchick" width="500" /></a> Everything is oriented to the outside. Before our view from the sofa was the front door and the TV. Now’s all the light and the trees and our pretty deck and patio. I absolutely LOVE that. It’s completely changed how this room feels. We have more seating in the room now too – the chair to the right is <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/08/my-new-office.html">my new “office.”</a> It’s a super cozy spot! The <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/10/black-and-brass.html">newly painted dresser</a> and the built in to the left of the TV hold my office supplies: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXupcfhIr2hNl3Z9SsfU-Opj3k3ruuNwwlU0FKtXMMs2ViLOsK74VIf_To81dRf1N1_K8VhEQ1mdSvaHQ-HAlmvzH4EDgdGP2xBdE1YMWi24RVcW7KBvR1crOLTCroH18WvxELG7UHX4/s1600-h/IMG_0381%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="analytical gray sherwin williams" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJZHkLqO6oKZp3HDL7H6nsnpopSislC9POwAQs1QgcnVGQjXXPkklw4LU8uSe0lBJSRiwrGlnv7G9_Q16QhjJKr7NeH88Zm8vJU0rWsCGRbea6QuED5XXr9hX1MlQ7kA18jI6CvCe6pA/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="analytical gray sherwin williams" width="500" /></a> We get so much light in here now it’s hard to get good shots! I’ll take that problem any day. The natural light is why I knew the space could take the darker pieces. I love how they add some drama. I have a lot of favorite spots in this space and this is one of them. That spool chair was the only furniture purchase for this room and I ADORE it: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZ1vYIIvhC1rjVNdRhtNe98DK1x5LlDoxedvlrpVKE6J7OGQt2vFbFlD_cENp4vPoxN1YP99MHmwZTbVXPIZvY7z0TBCbkzHONGcSLw1L_LkBg1Zt4lNfD32WGk6bJyxzvyKbi5_sE8o/s1600-h/IMG_0375%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="board and batten walls" border="0" height="738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuR0Jk6FKgSF3523b8hkhrxNzCkTWtS4IS55RbmoFrF6zIxO6WbHd56gjIxU-2s9-dVmDgKBAkYh_FDrpNPgEPehjbRbuk2xvNMZnf0vhdePnsigS8PKgsaIOdpQ6evWs2-7Yi_RkH5A8/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="board and batten walls" width="500" /></a> I looked for months for the perfect chair and found it a few weeks ago at HomeGoods. It is spectacular. :) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-ZmOBLltoEmqlZ6oSTNVZucLvkfvQy5WKRye1TiMju9RNX_A-Fu15pL8pn_m1dBAFEfQfNUL06-rpN6ccSI08HbskwGiiGRXFV93Oh6aVD7mUnNFFnX8vivbkl_WETHJOIiPXhI6EN4/s1600-h/IMG_0413%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="spool chair" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2is96q00450bbjaVOJcx7kRslmfvEzoI6_ETjA242PGlun6ZtwcacJ7mT46uqOAB75Ix6JOmyRXInsJLKAWO318FPnoPoNDB2iwWxv36zFqMCrYlTlX5Xtita8HKbHUUFO6KeuynLX5Q/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="spool chair" width="500" /></a> See? Spectacular. And incredibly comfy too! I moved what used to be used as a sofa table to the wall where the TV was before: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcK8t6WaXLO8z36jTVh_MTEwUEim3JgOkEbvsnTINhHj7an7i7qHWyHuIj9Y453482gguCWKCQxRwAys6uoQJw7xReAu_y4ZpygR1iLZuQvRzF-hknOFCdn8vb_bpoFTTkvTfUlOU6Vc/s1600-h/IMG_0345%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="world market everett table" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHhOnCAWTe8PuzHDdUZ_Bkz_VjA36YViSG8bQEzxJbBagNzuBqkulEUwv7gW17-wY3omDg3JzwMiYMAALBV31Qvm6cGeY39niDgmxRkSDsrdqcl6P2hNOUHk7Gm8g-WaslhOPD-M_zEh0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="world market everett table" width="500" /></a> Since the sectional is floating in the middle of the room the dresser I had on this wall felt too deep. This table is perfect since it’s nice and skinny. The big mirror was a happy accident – I leaned it up there to see how it felt and it makes the room feel even brighter – when I’ve taken it down to paint behind it there’s a noticeable difference in the room: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHbC-lWZ6qsAVuzzq44p9fBFwbvRdjXjHH3OPtbbdWjpYDOu4JAvAjZGiq7F7pExeolwYgiRx4Nz5HBWD_Lfh5IDm0_g6JKgs2zj4kCLpzVoZJuNCg2LWLc-HQm4Jawekyg19wmNVv2U/s1600-h/IMG_0436%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="decorating a sofa table" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguEqZJmJryp4e-RijuEpq3tLVZY8z5W42mDketOh1DFARB25DYS2OoD-5a8lYf2J2L3E1XTOXk74dbWpDDU6Rjl4fhQTIeBI5cBO4fsVPfDNL3c3KDj9lnDFEhorqIj8NIdrY-t9VyM8g/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="decorating a sofa table" width="500" /></a> I thought this walkway would feel tight but it’s actually perfect: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHrZHoLEuvp_t8pHuwCC12hxp4Vy7p9bHcBJ1LD5cAUMTPfAt_EFFrTa7TUR2sbO1m7MdBHblvunsRrd62Hum7T-GScCbyQ2ZhWtoowSP1VJXwc1TCt_IhB4NqLYHl_Og9ep_ea_ZZQU/s1600-h/IMG_0333%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="walkway behind sofa" border="0" height="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBm20vaNgvf0KIaFlkVLNFBeGQWsY7MlSmoIx9LqgC6wQG3csSI6YFfuqy3HJL_CfQAVKuCUmZXUIv7EH1EHkQo4IKpsluOWABf5pDYmJsC97-eE4cyCiJtycZo8vRDSI3JQjIcGpg56Y/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="walkway behind sofa" width="500" /></a> Before the walkway was right in front of the TV and again – this just feels “right.” I told you we keep saying that! It’s how it always should have been. :) And finally, this is my view as I sit and write: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQxwtHQL-teJjng4HMDrDgFOCs73Di-fJqh26I_lBQW5aWt0JPueyGLV0S9VzkPjri9zZQpXdE-gcJUmMnyMSJrHU7KqF8RbSUM4eTVYTwm8RJ-KXLBJ0K_z0ksZXu-ISzhAvCVs_Vdo/s1600-h/IMG_0443%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="709" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBpi4MCw-WwXc1j664KRerY-5VZ37-G8LLkMqu24OMzxZQp9_himXhlvWszRf2pg8wZ0KUEjQR2AITn99obDw9-Kbi2ZvaSi66JH2Gyb1ZFJhctZX2SqMUlKZhd6JEnaxrSWuNPyjHsEo/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="500" /></a> That view will look even better when the kitchen renovation starts…next year…a long time from now…cause Mama needs a break. :) I still want to share more details and photos of the space, some before and afters and all of the sources as well – I will share those very, very soon! For now I think I’ll join him: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEKtlmBi3fXnqmwIwbExnq0jj-IQELf-CI_XdsP0fB3-EvYor7Ghrpd2ARbexrSIfVz2L-bsRNS8JC6cqL1nGS5H_9U5sNyrYTvFAnSWyaFxq0l-3rA32mmqOBQPybr8LvC8-7djodFM/s1600-h/IMG_0439%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="butter dog" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw34gFIzhvdkyYu6Do-PAxRvDqF4ZIhO0lxm0LoY0pCoUSjJS1xMSDdGWE2V3vQk0Nud7uUee76q0DtLohBfo0JA-jx8ecMT_3FuLB7AL9zRblXPMuP9IzzH0uqsG1gvVAXhIsfgdto9o/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="butter dog" width="500" /></a> If you have any questions about anything let me know and I’ll be sure to address it! THANK YOU for coming along for the ride! I don’t think I’ve ever worked harder on a space but not sure I’ve ever been prouder of a space either. :)

Family room reveal!

OK. I’m done. I can’t even believe it!! The family room expansion/renovation is DONE. GoodNESS, I worked my butt off on this room! I will go...

9:20 AM

Black and brass

Welcome to a new week my friends! Hope you had a lovely weekend! Yesterday I finished up the last DIY project for the family room – I think I keep saying everything is the “last” project and then I realize I have another one. For for real – this is it. We’ve been able to rework most of what was in the room before in the new set up and I’m pretty excited about that. I’ve only made one purchase for the “new” space – a gorgeous chair I found a HomeGoods a few weeks back. I’m in lurrrve with it. In our old set up we used a dresser as the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/11/new-family-room-rug.html">entertainment center</a>: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU5gLhFn_67O9xSYgLgk8FfaedPKWWBUZ1APFJn3OavmsxX7w3kPCjnd7dy6blFZ3C20t0rhagfP8t8Qmy9ulvWa79EEbLbZGt9MGFbpAYeVI27W35JS1dWu3o7m7j9kzrpwZzL-SaIz0/s1600-h/IMG_7186%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_7186" border="0" height="742" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoTFg59COIFsd1pfVMmGG5Ifo29U55Q3Vj8ITkGsjWu5sgHnUuOLtP9eLpuSfovN9jI9JqsF9MxqHrkCcY2MYGiFQRSYW0tJkR2cvitPgZauxCkURoLv_LtheT5_1Z4OqQWza8ixXSJuE/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_7186" width="500" /></a> I use dressers all over our house for storage – they’re pretty and functional. Most of them are Craigslist finds – well, pretty much all of them actually. The one above is one of my favorites but it was too long for the new spot in the family room set up. So I switched that out for one that’s been in our bedroom for years. I’ve always had a plan to paint it but I bought it because I LOVED the lines: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWABTthPY6yAlTHmV5Uz0eCkWpwlESQFjZVaWSWsm_eKHiTeon7b5QyYqizqdUzgdpLro6nlAT_kGxz9LLSUkXRulqcXjCWbAJ99pX20IOkijhyphenhyphen0xu4VydkV8GYJ0okRXlbRUP3c8_PU/s1600-h/IMG_0246%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="paiting a dresser" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7uNpyuMjvcybLDxCW0ZCKp2rPjTKvTNu7YtcFhJmpRwjq8_-u5Wl4Oizx_dKpi7wuSouTI4-bTd6julxGfNSc9MWeWDdVABrn38a0FYc9JBRBSie83dwctgmENI56K5tZzDmdydcS78/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="paiting a dresser" width="500" /></a> Most of my dressers I would never paint – even with some damage I love the warm feel of the wood. This one though, I’ve never loved. The finish was a “fake” look – it’s an odd look that I didn’t care for. It had almost a spattered finish on the wood, I’m not sure how else to describe it. Let’s just say it wasn’t a pretty wood finish. And I’ve always really disliked the hardware on it as well – it’s felt too frilly for me. So I didn’t feel bad painting this one. I considered just sanding it down to a more natural state – I’m loving that trend lately. But the new chair that sits in front of it already has a lighter look and I knew it wouldn’t be enough contrast. AND sanding it down would require a ton of work – taking it outside and trying to get into all the little detailed areas of the piece. I prefer sitting on my butt and painting inside. ;) I started by wiping it down well – I’ve used tsp cleaner in the past but over the past few years I’ve realized just regular cleaning wipes work just as well. You just want to get any residue or dust off of whatever you’re painting. I primed it with my favorite primer: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWP9VPBtCb4-3cA5a6Ze7uB-K4hpkHzQwtE0r9LfSOtFY82yS6krLuX-wODLiYxjo80ziQa3s9Y0zP6g7Mtud_vcAFosqoTl9EsosYKzP7UvDm5fd5angOiyvsKwYJUVVX79mGADJJKCc/s1600-h/IMG_0258%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="bin primer painting furniture" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOECtoHkLqc-BTbtC6vALDeX9Z5_xdHcSZdDIOt7zYOsDGHHoPXoEaO61bokO8csNjqPyrL_uJ3scrVyccPhWhH_2pfiaYl2KCMOLEQIQ_o4jkHMxQd2n2lQDVjIwiscBeqxjsKm2Fa2w/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="bin primer painting furniture" width="500" /></a> I have this tinted gray because I use it on all of our <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/10/black-and-white-and-awesome-all-over.html">interior black doors</a>. It’s a super thin primer and SO easy to apply. It always goes on incredibly well and dries really fast. Because I wanted to replace the hardware I filled the holes on the top drawers (they were a different type of hardware than the rest of the drawers): <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jPq3i8eBmpKBk3-sLJxqsu_V4e_L0cU-PLGHX7c38JZvzsrtpVacUMvUEgq4bmMJy4yvFjpE-I3oXSqjToONA7jgItzdK3YZvCH-8jf7yTkD8ORz5CTmgZdFOYmAQNszJ6mnZVHO8PA/s1600-h/IMG_0252%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="how to paint furniture" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MMDacVPXBqdkgrPN26cRu39IRqH8geg0qJ1VvBM5A2mA3NiqHy-CPrdr-urbpPUx7jZreW_937EEYaVFx1Tf9fRePmjXe6njcbj8W-mlO-OLlZ3NnTSq1bv2Hs3qo3KMNtHhq4P9vEs/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="how to paint furniture" width="500" /></a> After the coat of primer I made sure to give the flat surfaces a really quick sanding: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-8vsJH0Of4hTAIasg9yDzeJKktTkDsWGaE4Rxy0bvoY80Rv4mkIgYObhIp3SO5Z2WEiKi6c1TLyE2_Yhda-RSmYoi5Pf7iLKfMiBX9G0l14yAmNcPwPPq2_H116mWxghelMKna3isjk/s1600-h/IMG_0259%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="sanding furniture" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSjWQMStCwLeMxNmYdr_RiDb9JPi2uxC-ls-IfCjjpqNlsa4NTwEwzmu5cr9bY3_h7hLOdQ3Zi-1lVHWMcAq028jwwCtSqeiDatm37ul0-B9oGkWzHEJDSfCSVABVqIbO3v7zRhPpUTGQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="sanding furniture" width="500" /></a> I kind of loathe sanding but this is just a light, fast sanding to knock it down just a bit. You’ll want to do that between each coat of color too – if you don’t (I skipped it once or twice this time) your surfaces won’t be super smooth. Not a big deal but it feels better with a smoother finish. I knew I was going to like it when it was all primed and ready for paint: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwjAbe2At__nm_CMnAFlgdAre73OI5ULhOspNAJGWarIKrlUlMjt5TvVGsSW0LTsZ73FLLwcx8wYUbaRrEPch9FbPjaf5t_wuRdW3leW0tKSws8WGzsuNNQnH0b3SE_CbdKL_t4swLlk/s1600-h/IMG_0261%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="how to paint furniture" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNhxaIbgOco1mTodN3nriOyGfFZGPyO-jDf0Mk-riawGyvQxr1hBw-T8aJngk28N9tUAmK29fKSotmUcFGbKjAr-DnV_HltcjShSMf_s6y_N-P6dNi0T0iLuSGzOFpTuDtk6QWK26A2k/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="how to paint furniture" width="500" /></a> I swear sometimes painting a piece really helps the pretty details and lines shine. I found this AWESOME brush at Lowe’s that I used for most of the painting: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLtbLNI-XkIMKpA_BUs5Ii5MNGs34ddo96SNc47Qigrw12bHeFj8zV1dnsoaiyGseg5ulfbYUS8ESljCBMrMvKFnPTLh9Gv9aVTcVq5h9kJnFVT91vIyknQ0RYIBFkGRfttkPJgQOYB4/s1600-h/IMG_0265%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="square paint brush" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglie-GmOsZ48mI1ZErPlx3sj0x54NUl8Sbh_GTGD_AahaIIK7oLX_cUdd-qKePNQlbsDowuGMNUspCIK2Bmj1fOtLDoPUBEdnfyPwXgn0hm_52ZwbIJkGy3aWd0vBJFKczn5GJZHx22E0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="square paint brush" width="500" /></a> It’s a square brush and I’ve never seen one like it. It’s made for painting window panels but it was perfect for getting into all the grooves in the dresser. Loved it! I’ve said many times over the years that I believe every room should have a touch of black. It’s grounding and gives some great contrast. I used to paint ever.y.thing. black but I’ve stopped that. ;) But I knew this one would look striking in a darker color so I went for it. I used the Graphite color by Sherwin Williams that I’ve used for our interior doors. I found hardware that matched the wide (five inch) span of the old hardware but it was a brushed nickel and kind of basic. I didn’t love it. So I held up the old hardware against the new dark color and feel head over heels with it: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBkFzUCcC2-ySOyz6Ct1sS7jE07kN90E0FbGGTo_MYs2dZoCu1dWTz5mcSydstG9cRJS5xtatiBIdG-xDAza2CdWtDEusX-MFrd3d0J_cmXChELOy-CCE6IuKXa2rAETzU9FwDyvx_EwM/s1600-h/IMG_0275%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="vintage brass hardware" border="0" height="747" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1O0wkTp_J8coIJIcoYLn1-8mCJ08Sl_uJMOluSUdfMoPOFT4ACTxwn3jaRkh1AQMIyBbOcFpQ9ap5XGNTpHXJMZ7G4Pe7333uy_M2pDTwssj2hG-Xjp-W8BdubiItin17aHp0vdL-X4/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="vintage brass hardware" width="500" /></a> Well huh! I’m not kidding when I say I really didn’t care for these handles before – and now I absolutely positively LOVE them. I gave them a good cleaning with my brass cleaner and they are looking so much better than before. (Yes I had to knock out that filler I had put in the top drawers.) You can see all the pretty lines of the dresser here: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxcymskBNOeKCBYqFxAAsJ2JuBOVmfyEVOehZnxXJ7iyv9QJc7eixMkVU-5_AgE8UGhqMPpdAKoJleVdV5zga78UE73IZgrbpgqL4xOqMsWDiyJkA9zxWYcedACw5NCoVXqT-x8Fpu84/s1600-h/IMG_0277%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="black dresser" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzuuw8yxFUyVMM1Zl4bTvfe6zJV3NLrfZBdfRZgX1i0sx4iHiVw3iESdKqpCIe90QhiDP74W4b8RuvTeUiyGHILiTNSc_q-1GSW6j2rfAOqvj2qRC4ospURgmjoNwmjckMXl6b_CpWYA/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="black dresser" width="500" /></a> I am obsessed with it now. Obsessed: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2nsjAnvKAc_yo38dN-N9-y36IgcgUSCtgDjXJbio4yEBmOJ9MlfTbPRqnj1i5R_R28yLPeqn4aPmTUvT5cyUmjWIvdORyXbXhLKm17wefhjVFmOWZf-HEsFPfTVUqt11ewSe6T6pTMc/s1600-h/IMG_0273%25255B2%25255D.png"><img alt="black dresser brass hardware" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-Fm-ZzhzraBenU6hbQXDhf7HGWe2nrjJH6S0u6u1pjJjEmE1FxBl_2n9sCIHbANqaeV5ifiYdHbp5MzP9PeScM9P2O4g9y_pcHBTTKr-RGyCqcn8Uv7RJhKvEL6b9XssRXdMIHlI_Zg/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="black dresser brass hardware" width="500" /></a> It’s so beautiful, I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out!  On our doors that Graphite color looks more black but you can see it’s true color better here – a dark, dark gray: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip2F6SqRrJ3dihgIey-kOTW8O4f7Q2boXF7YV_cg_EhGW86PnC0MFxCxOvsEPi-7aVwsSWK9F2E-TWby2vxdQYdztiVwa6Nxv8SToLEQ8fN75MAfQJWaOUIaKIKyXHbVEprhkRPIG4cag/s1600-h/IMG_0278%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="painted black dresser" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPtPNacBW1LRH8LW69oX7LDgrch2ZV9BrfX3bfq3zxCGwugNVvTsWDJMYbaLyM451VCZZLYkpLhssLWip_GcncPeH_9ajRV6IEGsLZ9k2Ioow2xC02lppJUVekwmRYffwt5E8MbApXLs/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="painted black dresser" width="500" /></a> I haven’t dressed it up yet – I just threw stuff on it for the pictures. This dresser serves as my “office” storage. Or at least it will soon – I have some items in it but need to switch out my supplies from the dresser that <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/01/well-finally-office-reveal.html">used to sit in my office</a>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpe3nKzI3caC_O-YrxnHrpOSkSgBBIKUgm5mlIdBu8dYoQlP-loU0lBp4BynCQMTrvRYdapTFA0L9t0Z8n-4HwL19oCf5C1YfoU0NQ-u084oJ1vnoEmremMf_vYZAEr1jXHGroX2gfATs/s1600-h/IMG_0269%25255B2%25255D.png"><img alt="dresser for office storage" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaaA7vhYXunh6qACAfob_qQ0WPFIepyKWir2nIVp8tS_r4bnIo4hTFFiftYPQW1LbULCmmVppe3KrMALd1SWCqYY-yzOKusqu3vIo2zOJ8qAYoIPVK7-ONUr3ai_j9mOezSSZQJWu_jB8/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="dresser for office storage" width="500" /></a> The best part – I spent $7 on a new brush and that’s all this redo cost me. WHOOT! I had the primer and paint so that’s always a bonus. I haven’t distressed it at all yet – I’ve said before that distressing stresses me. :) After all that work I hate to mess it up on purpose. So I’ll probably just let that happen on it’s own. And soon I’ll put a couple coats of satin poly on the top to protect it against scuff marks. I am still laughing about that hardware too – I can’t believe how much I love it against the darker color. I think this may be my favorite painted piece ever and it’s the handles that put it over the top for me. Have you painted furniture? Do you have a go-to color? I’ll be back on Wednesday with the whole space! I’m going to work hard over the next two days to get all the smaller details finished up.

Black and brass

Welcome to a new week my friends! Hope you had a lovely weekend! Yesterday I finished up the last DIY project for the family room – I thi...

8:16 AM

$10 and under Halloween

Happy Friday to you! Only a week till the end of the month and Halloween, can you believe it? I can’t. We’ve had our Halloween decor up outside for a while but because I’ve been focused so much on DIY projects lately we haven’t gotten to much on the inside. I think the Halloween decor is fun but for the past few years we’ve just had it out for a week or so – any more than that and I start to feel overwhelmed by all the extra stuff. Last night we grabbed all the bins and I just let the Bub have at it. I let him put stuff wherever he wanted and we decided on a few things together. He had a blast decorating the main floor! Since we don’t have the decor out long I always go cheap for Halloween – and I like doing things in numbers. The dollar store crows are now perched in the bathroom: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_mFAW3PGqjj5Y9eLODrlvJmK2QKAxfpQB-Ban0KgHBlihoUrqoLnjY_VxDuF1VOPeCkN3-HuLcPvMYICXB1XUhonh5qwT6ZDsNSj4TpaajkgyVvvnOg_JG5HO83UZ34ro2Fnq7eiMKs/s1600-h/IMG_0212%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="easy halloween decor" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijR8voRmHiQg8o3PgSJuOFRZbW2pAK9KyNEVpQByBvp5EWeNUVoF055q4xhGjPKtEb1mW-rpPrjhrjkgMi4IDAj_ppsCF0rZ9YVxdqM_44NabsX0ULXJRY8kmXgF3CyjdE8oZk0zMqspU/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="easy halloween decor" width="500" /></a> And the big dollar store googly eyes watch from the toilet: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tutRaScYdQOOrH_ZKr0EFF3rFEGUapelsbVD0aPPcJal842lfshc-3xHZhhSIVtQiS0SWgFSgIOLZ3CbtPSctRpiYudaxLIErm9WpBWTAa66eTQ1rizvUwIBfRHqikmeRq67yzp_BW0/s1600-h/IMG_0215%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="googly eyes Halloween" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHKnS-547MnD9caG-r6A9uHmIESHIznFlbyUINnkOOK4CdxG9_OeACvQx9juGuhW8EtlLeIm8eAiIEjSoFFAw4DcIbKDQUmGkobs6vvCOCqRtWg39dYNfbkwSd1lOzITZhfXNUUlcAQrw/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="googly eyes Halloween" width="500" /></a> We giggled like little kids when we finished putting those up. Well, he is a little kid, but I giggled like him. I made these letters years ago – they’re just mdf craft letters and I covered them in Halloween paper: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_N0KMo_eiyqO1ieEHgNhVXy6sJejluYygGTNWMEquH_KZzmZZQzc6-bi2AlE8xOq0KjIIjPCn2nxCBACtwJ0qjSEdLog5hFU74mTpSlnM0mE1UoORudRBqolh4-pG8IxyDCQRTFstHQM/s1600-h/IMG_0219%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="BOO letters " border="0" height="780" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCm2dSVvyQXDdctMmqyahaHuAjdMRnbOA4LxJHHC4sTSyVLTphtP3XDY58W84oitS7Ly2S8geDI3UAAW4qiCNZRN4XQB02nu8h818Hq_WWGGdapKosCmx74RHuS1r_i8rZfBvA2cBljnM/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="BOO letters " width="492" /></a> So easy, so simple, so cheap!! These little <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2009/10/stinkin-cute-halloween.html">spooky votives</a> are still one of my favorite Halloween projects: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNWRd95F0MPXiNgKUCcdr6unAWZhGW__gf1LqVhBl2muPmMRUEj222noJg4KyULZCQU31xzwrKYoytU6x75YwY8t1buaKaNQboAWZxKCofZYCLqoHPv6jNkiM78GMIU9XaXD4H8YdZir4/s1600-h/IMG_0227%25255B2%25255D.png"><img alt="Halloween votive craft" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwzmpIiEgpH7P72aCEMUFvbVZp-Kow6QUw-RUchsffCvuBb2A-LsFPYn7J4e7PfXzHVGgCKWxYtiB6ULvJflMM6yqTEHxEZA_Obw6OHg4XJ0CbGtAbkwtCU4bplNLdT-lgdxXMKO_uSY8/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Halloween votive craft" width="500" /></a> You can see how I did them here. Again, less than $10 for all of them easy. We have a bunch of creepy sparkly spiders (sparkly spiders are the scariest, of course) so I stuck them on the wall in the foyer: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7qzXdtSkOuk/VEptJ0YGa1I/AAAAAAAAsSI/heNLqixB6iw/s1600-h/IMG_0231%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="spiders Halloween decor" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QQUoxjo4VUA/VEptKnMKiCI/AAAAAAAAsSQ/d2lITPNU8hY/IMG_0231_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="spiders Halloween decor" width="500" /></a> Gotta admit, they freak me out. I added them to the leaves of our <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/10/ikea-finds.html">new fiddle leaf</a> and I think I’m going to have to take them off. I can only handle so much. We have a lot of skeletons. I think they look pretty funny resting up against everyday stuff: <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-s920VEYorL4/VEptLdlj0fI/AAAAAAAAsSY/MZn4wzFAfTw/s1600-h/IMG_0233%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="sparkly skeletons" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ywkZBjg8pe0/VEptMEPaPoI/AAAAAAAAsSg/_E_GsLP--wk/IMG_0233_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="sparkly skeletons" width="500" /></a> Like, oh hello…just a skeleton hanging out. Chillin. This one finds something really funny or he’s terrified. I’m going with funny. His friend outside is a funny guy too: <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_rIo0Tq2i_8/VEptM9yg5gI/AAAAAAAAsSo/kpiXYLVpCJg/s1600-h/IMG_0244%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="sparkly skeleton" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KIAil6kuhec/VEptNnV-j0I/AAAAAAAAsSw/ydlypfdCcj8/IMG_0244_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="sparkly skeleton" width="500" /></a> I can’t remember where I got him but I know it was another clearance sale – I think maybe at Joann’s? I especially love <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/10/paper-halloween.html">paper decor</a> at this time of year. It’s inexpensive and hardly takes up any storage space – bonus! I picked up these creepy paper hands on clearance last year: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzveuPfWK0W8wJRwEeo8iArqjcAh59lXGkqcD-FLStu5O9Wlpg0XyzuSD6kdUA_I0vfL8bV1_g2xvEdAWmk6b_BYiZboAn1vzh5pEsH_6VwETp9CBvgYaqx2gsiMpn_tyAl5APlyxjyHY/s1600-h/IMG_0221%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="black interior door" border="0" height="780" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMwHmcuSLR4zsK54kM-1QFXJt99ths8Ij3SCkTNH78TzklSsMC3rtuR0QL_vHMGJrQwCYLGvx_0g2ss8TehDdH264_N_YYtD7JLiTBGKuTOlv7GBytrGGeOr_qoD2K942Z2L61p8prmAU/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="black interior door" width="497" /></a> They look smashing on the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/10/black-and-white-and-awesome-all-over.html">new black door</a>. ;) We use paper bats everywhere and I usually like to put them in one spot for more impact: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfxIUYrD4GTxCF189ZAnThTMwShKXUpy4KdHqoltXe8Da7pzqABETXIxtlHzDN1aLgKBE9fxftqvK80EDrycWlk3ISN1SuDSQB0dwKSSNfxObLwS4LyKbmwLCsJXjXZ7MO1rV9RFqzWo/s1600-h/IMG_7854%25255B3%25255D%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="paper bats on wall" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCsf8-Wb8ZloPlyYoVNQiFtca97ZZ8gRlHlXHpUps53N-dkn7WYCpI3Nl_8WQKINbMGa2GEn3KBODHHXZXQU-UZq4k2vRV5WvNW5gZkyAPU69ohBt_uKXwkGUk-X3ZV70G64jst7CBOcc/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="paper bats on wall" width="320" /></a> But the kiddo wanted to put them up all over so that’s what he did. I must admit it’s pretty cute to see them randomly flying around the house. There’s a few of them on the stairway, along with the infamous mice: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQ46dOjCiLYUZ70u988VeTGzKvzhSHqNAOzANidSgr3JSu25Ftnmh1AmtI_GelsSMB2Mi-1_UYEC6lnzyk2oJtR8WAm_xF1wHKva9HdQmGdgkARtbZb2G2vjg_cRtgPHV40sXtneV-BQ/s1600-h/IMG_0238%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="mice on stairs Halloween" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2AW_q8eI332UG6nCoNxfKCQMTL4QetL2RA7BMhSf4hDoOTH_d4MOjF2UEk9K2WC2fZD4Zn4iQGkFyoVhBIMeRRD2WQAV6goK6oXfGAnMrLZJ7wm-BETVEYWE7FnOFCdT3iI1rdfE0t8/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="mice on stairs Halloween" width="500" /></a> After <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-mouse-story.html">Mousegate</a> I wasn’t sure I’d ever be able to put them up again, for real. But time heals all memories of mice in your house, right? They are pretty cute and they’ve become a tradition for us. :) I’ve seen the idea of attaching googly eyes to photos and started it on the pictures on the stairs but our son HATED it. Like, hated. I stopped at two pictures – he’s right, it is pretty creepy looking. But pretty hilarious too. Do you decorate your home for Halloween? How long do you have your decor up? I just love that my boy is still into it and wants to do it – it will be a sad day for me when he doesn’t. You can see all of my easy and inexpensive Halloween decor through the years <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/search/label/Fall%2FHalloween">here</a>. Have a GREAT weekend!

$10 and under Halloween

Happy Friday to you! Only a week till the end of the month and Halloween, can you believe it? I can’t. We’ve had our Halloween decor up outs...