November before and after!

<p>Hello all! Have I got some pretty spaces for you today! It’s time to link up your before and afters, but first I have to share these beautiful spaces. </p> <p>Oh by the way, the overwhelming majority of you wanted to keep this party as a monthly thing, so I will keep it as such, at least for now. I just know there’s SO many of these going any more and I didn’t know if they were still something you wanted to see every month here at TDC. You said yes so it will stay. :) </p> <p>As I was looking through the links this month I was taken with how much COLOR is being used again and it makes me so happy. I love a beautiful neutral space, believe me, but I’m a color girl at heart for sure. Love these rooms!</p> <p>First up, <a href="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/guest-room/guest-room-reveal.html">Beth used touches of coral</a> in her guest room and it turned out so pretty and fresh: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZUzy4OAAbGQEShe8lpLOrM09L9AoliFF3y_6gB9LseghmMPxlRuiMsdVGPFjKdMvqNREzMUVXHgk5sfstaIuXJxzP6_QqjyjIFgMSZCwWBg3_zLcWsSQrjaaXdR4oAkf1CxyxmPSFBuo/s1600-h/guest-room-gray-and-coral%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Gray and coral room" border="0" height="629" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJynms32lFczoGtLF1eiin5B6KwFjh-5jzZKndq3DZaE5HF5iUnDsbTen-AsY1rq1czCO7iAsA7pD2C-_RbyZ5kIValPuPURyDZ2iXZzqhnGGAimQfWaWob_xAb3Oc69hHirjQWdFPLUo/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Gray and coral room" width="417" /></a></p> <p>I loved it paired with the light gray walls. I also love that she carved an office space out of this room too – and you’ll have to check out the bed! It makes me want to go stay for a week or so. :) </p> <p>Amy used a pretty green color on the walls and then decorated with neutrals <a href="http://www.11magnolialane.com/2013/10/04/new-home-office-reveal/">in her office</a>: </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fwVjGbI_MA0/Une2Wjx5rEI/AAAAAAAAidw/BYMemgimD5w/s1600-h/office-desk-chair-black-white%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Green walls black accessories" border="0" height="629" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oaEh8EJRfs8/Une2XXaR2LI/AAAAAAAAid4/C6RAeCh1zyI/office-desk-chair-black-white_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Green walls black accessories" width="420" /></a></p> <p>LOVE the kitchen table as a desk! </p> <p>OK, <a href="http://buhayatbahay.blogspot.com/2013/09/our-kitchen-before-after-showdown.html">Vel’s kitchen</a> isn’t super colorful, but I had to include it because I’m drooling over it: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfz-iE-R0Q86hqarzYrdGXFfh9bBPe36UH97cJnevfWd1PB_vwGBTz8i-3YqBbAO3xilua2UCAw5PTb6JaC618oerlPCVtQpgkIMygBgX8tDNI99zSA-Q8IYLgndHpAbWZe81yLgIAEo/s1600-h/DSC_0189%25255B15%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Black island white cabinets" border="0" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHAPLDKVzl_5Zeqw0lJD35IHlervAxR9MKQ0GxviOrOzRATkv2icX3G0pRCEQffVsHiKs-r6jGOTwwCw7qp4oL8f1mjyEHJKX5X2b54xBTeUcfAX-bSHQyGsRQ2E1-unE6BNrLeju9ohM/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Black island white cabinets" width="550" /></a> You MUST to go see the before to truly appreciate it! Love it all. </p> <p>We’ve talked about the power of a neutral wall before – I loved the color Sarah was able to add to this room <a href="http://www.lifeonvirginiastreet.com/2013/09/guest-bedroom-updated-reveal.html">with just pillows</a>: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXCi40cNQOWsi7MhB8ameuMfKGE6Dz5ngnEkyi4DdyjC_tFQcaZ7OpkhWrgqmYRvCE7JxL5UwCKFpH28EsGrQrP5KWjHK9gOrkVXM0J3Hn3oonP7Y-vw2B_a_VszKhQYRXcJeTcMtRE8/s1600-h/guest%252520room%252520chandelier%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Navy headboard" border="0" height="629" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtrPnnsTlsubBu-tXHuUvRoolAcCmOSQeyZElf3VDVI_DhyVpkKUzm2rIg-GDzwpp48tDjxJn8Q-w2BcYt3FceM6fGAFRCrebx_bWAO4XLqfFXIBVS_yEFY0x3bt0caW3uxbxfj3EoSEo/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Navy headboard" width="419" /></a>A neutral wall sure does make it so easy to change up a room down the line. I’m trying to do this more and more in our house. </p> <p>I thought <a href="http://www.thistlewoodfarms.com/how-to-remodel-a-kitchen-on-a-budget">Karianne’s kitchen redo</a> was SO fun!:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwjqZdi9rT4uoHVcIMSv9G3Y1DJYcjDPGVoRJyWflNhzP3-SwT6RfjekKlfHsQq10dticnyzuuxIjs0JePQ4do2S7ImEJox_KL3pgJVyCwthz2ZRGR2ryv_BrftTgI0RE4bBmBsQ2AT6o/s1600-h/kitchenremodelideas3.jpg"><img alt="Fun gray and red kitchen" border="0" height="610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinvdY7lzUxrC8dMFcChct-jxLUfGZIO6_YmdEKXx4Wc5RUxvIyLDRvUdTdDemNuDZxPhS5aS5IRDksaAcXUKXJh2ugjPzW4w14OvUmDlfcopc6KLoEjz99t0vDrZFfm7Bqck3TNaPkQr4/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Fun gray and red kitchen" width="450" /></a></p> <p>AND it was done on a budget. Such a fun space! </p> <p><a href="http://www.itallstartedwithpaint.com/navy-white-living-room-reveal/">Linda’s living room</a> is painted in a deep navy blue and white, but still looks bright and pretty with tons of color: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCKePxELCYDxrvryY9i-BULWCMlOopvQqHyRqukkStd3ifT5OPIt-qqP0HKSl6qQIn2SbQv8qQDdmrD0l29ariQ3tNBlbP4_mAMcPEoo69qR4GI20J3VNNKhhHMd72dBq_K21-cTDyXJ0/s1600-h/navy-white-living-room-13%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Navy and white room" border="0" height="629" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkRiB6pbBri5KWJTThV8doBqra1UjP_d9-jNVNayOXxW5gQcAmuuob4JV6S2EYkFNA3w_PwU_CxIV26fGszR1wITCM2UCZjs9YKZKr8nO484LZh7D1hqSjPrxVAQRjsQmHkFjmqKO-21Q/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Navy and white room" width="424" /></a></p> <p>I think blue is the new neutral – there’s very few colors that don’t look good with it, don’t you think? </p> <p>And finally, at first glance <a href="http://acreativemomma.blogspot.com/2013/07/pantry-makeover.html">Chelsea’s cute pantry</a> may look like just another organizing project: </p> <p></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qAj2XfddOfU55bLK_hBUZJPBBFP60XOiItl_EUKX1G167wfXkGCbaIWgzi2CkeueqGURaLazvF6IJTOuK0q4aV82KEisJ3PKQ6Npz8-M4BbIKCn0wY83o0CR6_cCJlC33BP6HrZ2og8/s1600-h/organized%252520pantry%2525202%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="organized pantry with barn door" border="0" height="629" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWyrJsdbY-70UsDX6RoMn-Mn8sl6VnzZy7WdEc4dTMk_YgTGoPDkVmzT694X-nE0XNeMUUuOmeQTii32pD6KA2zhBc5_mCci3gVbHTT_NVOfzSY2NnvfuUjOKG2r6aXlLO6UbtaK9UsY/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="organized pantry with barn door" width="419" /></a></p> <p>But you HAVE to go see the beautiful door they made for the pantry too. It is awesome! </p> <p>Now it’s time for you to link up again! If you’d like to be considered for the recap next month I would love a link back or you can use my cute button:</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px" align="center"><a href="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/beforeAndAfterButton_thumb1.gif"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7326" height="225" src="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/beforeAndAfterButton_thumb1.gif" title="beforeAndAfterButton_thumb[1]" width="146" /></a></div> <pre style="border-bottom: #cccccc 1px solid; text-align: left; border-left: #cccccc 1px solid; padding-bottom: 10px; margin: auto; padding-left: 10px; width: 90%; padding-right: 10px; display: block; white-space: pre-wrap; background: #f0f0f0; height: 45px; color: #777777; font-size: 90%; overflow: auto; border-top: #cccccc 1px solid; border-right: #cccccc 1px solid; padding-top: 10px"><div align="center"><a href="http://www.thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/" title="TDC Before and After" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/beforeAndAfterButton_thumb1.gif" alt="TDC Before and After" style="border:none;" /></a></div></pre><br /><br /><p>Have fun – I can’t wait to see what you’ve been up to! </p><br /><!-- start InLinkz script --><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=336903"></script><!-- end InLinkz script -->

November before and after!

Hello all! Have I got some pretty spaces for you today! It’s time to link up your before and afters, but first I have to share these beautif...

Read more »

Thoughts on decorating coffee tables

Now you may be surprised  to discover that some people  (especially decorators) put a lot of thought into turning a coffee table into a work of art!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvyAor-lZAjCFg5yROIxGmYsb6gEzzZhLd0IN0P8KPGMaAlWYh22JhlCRrmIidNfbHAVoQk8u0kK5Jw0gRbx2KYxxyceZJ3MsxbsFtG1ZCTkmPDbv91RT7jeLtTP5wTi0ZRDQjKlhAVp9/s1600/e42b50223c6fe96350ac8a29109b9a24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvyAor-lZAjCFg5yROIxGmYsb6gEzzZhLd0IN0P8KPGMaAlWYh22JhlCRrmIidNfbHAVoQk8u0kK5Jw0gRbx2KYxxyceZJ3MsxbsFtG1ZCTkmPDbv91RT7jeLtTP5wTi0ZRDQjKlhAVp9/s400/e42b50223c6fe96350ac8a29109b9a24.jpg" width="315" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.ca/2013/10/how-to-style-coffee-tables-1-table-6.html"> source</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWxeDrHg5oXvqZ2G1AJFfWkGhgPKrEnq4Qct_-iW9vbB9ZsWbRWkoFDmABq436kLvRHv4bW7QtnxtsiwohIXWnUlH_8Z8lTOxyA70pP3crfJDzh8IqXIsN9shr8OTkutt4h7Qwy87CBUd4/s1600/ccef8c13451b78edc8570363e9a732a3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWxeDrHg5oXvqZ2G1AJFfWkGhgPKrEnq4Qct_-iW9vbB9ZsWbRWkoFDmABq436kLvRHv4bW7QtnxtsiwohIXWnUlH_8Z8lTOxyA70pP3crfJDzh8IqXIsN9shr8OTkutt4h7Qwy87CBUd4/s400/ccef8c13451b78edc8570363e9a732a3.jpg" width="323" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://stinemos.blogspot.no/">source </a></div><br />   I frequently admire the sometimes over the top arrangements (vignettes or tablescapes to decorators) found in many decorating magazines and online portfolios, but they rarely seem practical to me.  First and foremost, a coffee table is a functional item that provides a place to lay  drinks, nibbles etc., but  I do agree that it is a flat expansive surface that calls out for some adornment.   How far you want to go with this adornment is up to you.  <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Thoughts on decorating coffee tables Designing Home " border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx3YBqZuhyRN1UJb-kqIlDGTmm4f1f04-1nurf25jqjPW5Z5BpNamL0EqGI2lQJesaLI6tcfjmgQ_rmIZqxrfpf7GFOQEMDcS6TJ9xPaiWvThAR7AaBMskc9tMFh5qyLUMAh2YakhwnaZy/s400/DSCN8265.JPG" title="Thoughts on decorating coffee tables " width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Margaret Ryall</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is the most I have ever had on a coffee table and there was still lots of room for drinks and cheese. My ceramic  bird finds various homes around the house. You never know where he  might pop up.  Books are always great props if you don't go overboard. They provide  height, colour and text as design elements.  </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Everyone should have one great bowl .  Mine is from IKEA and it can always be found on my coffee table. Sometimes it has a vase of flowers added,  </div><div style="text-align: center;">  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMAnb6r8k5S0v8FVbH1xkPQf16MGksH9FlXXa005u309zItPx0siNiAaKnGhyphenhyphen4fOr2BQLD7EvGxuCWXTHwY0lyD3xTPmZdYs0I4hHMSi7G6oSBzom2r3I8ldCystSoyDYTP3xV0NAJ87B/s1600/DSCN7845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMAnb6r8k5S0v8FVbH1xkPQf16MGksH9FlXXa005u309zItPx0siNiAaKnGhyphenhyphen4fOr2BQLD7EvGxuCWXTHwY0lyD3xTPmZdYs0I4hHMSi7G6oSBzom2r3I8ldCystSoyDYTP3xV0NAJ87B/s400/DSCN7845.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> or Christmas ornaments  or gourds,  ... you get the idea.  So a great looking bowl of some sort is a very practical solution that you can keep changing.  I like silver  and low because everything looks great with it. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are some other great bowls....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIuZObEY-QreyDAE9yGMYHD_WV5C_TsB3rmq_v2DOL06P2q6ZwCv8xBCdvvh2lnp0dE1-AzQUOY-7IzRH1fdwypFQIDlUfyGly55wy5aJo21QV5m04kee8hOigyKAfZ8j0wwymrVl0KPf5/s1600/40120d400b0d5199d6b2dcb6183f2d3c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIuZObEY-QreyDAE9yGMYHD_WV5C_TsB3rmq_v2DOL06P2q6ZwCv8xBCdvvh2lnp0dE1-AzQUOY-7IzRH1fdwypFQIDlUfyGly55wy5aJo21QV5m04kee8hOigyKAfZ8j0wwymrVl0KPf5/s400/40120d400b0d5199d6b2dcb6183f2d3c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/83313/Family-Room-contemporary-family-room-houston">source </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ceramic vases especially white ones are also great additions for every decor.  I particularly like small ginger jars or fret work jars. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRj8gAikPDAjO0Kk1kCLbBGzqBucOptVwDQyQkUqabcfWobIp4zvspMrOTZRqNAx3GLV6KL8_NIJmMkhG8nRwGV2XoYa5XCZDF6E2wAA_or9xcn2BU-BQcBVYhEWdQJ7sKcUgnp3J5jYH/s1600/25095a8de9ffa2f6434988c77ad61d91.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRj8gAikPDAjO0Kk1kCLbBGzqBucOptVwDQyQkUqabcfWobIp4zvspMrOTZRqNAx3GLV6KL8_NIJmMkhG8nRwGV2XoYa5XCZDF6E2wAA_or9xcn2BU-BQcBVYhEWdQJ7sKcUgnp3J5jYH/s640/25095a8de9ffa2f6434988c77ad61d91.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://darrenpalmer.com/portfolio.php">source</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mixing metals is very in right now and having a gold or copper bowl really warms up a space.  When you have a large coffee table you need an equally large bowl to keep the scale working. This is a very  "masculine" look.  Consider small globes, gears, wooden sculpture, carved boxes, magnifying glass, etc. for masculine additions. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1quRdcG8DYsr_9QDRcApxqGTsBCMKdJCimT2dHEizdxpp791JnYWl_Mq4ybEs1M6olPicLZAxTBAgLitONr9hIok-j8g-le125pbsgacNJmTTISAcMcMRrbisLtkvXd17g1UCShTi4fXt/s1600/99a67589bb43af69893f63cb13d10bea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1quRdcG8DYsr_9QDRcApxqGTsBCMKdJCimT2dHEizdxpp791JnYWl_Mq4ybEs1M6olPicLZAxTBAgLitONr9hIok-j8g-le125pbsgacNJmTTISAcMcMRrbisLtkvXd17g1UCShTi4fXt/s640/99a67589bb43af69893f63cb13d10bea.jpg" width="496" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.phillipscollection.com/detail.php?id=2852&bc=Coffee+Tables#.U">source</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The ultimate bowl coffee table combination :) from Phillips Collection.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Next.... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY3CsiNn7emhV44kqbKn93wGF0Oy6mu4sxVh7jeYcCpK9vHnNMMeBRWaLvWBLntrPsVGJ1RFCEc3jtVLA21abP7NXYAUpK6scm6UQPMrrldQvY6EcD8i2pPLh1DNs5odJkk0CG0cKiSpv1/s1600/fall+vignette.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY3CsiNn7emhV44kqbKn93wGF0Oy6mu4sxVh7jeYcCpK9vHnNMMeBRWaLvWBLntrPsVGJ1RFCEc3jtVLA21abP7NXYAUpK6scm6UQPMrrldQvY6EcD8i2pPLh1DNs5odJkk0CG0cKiSpv1/s640/fall+vignette.JPG" width="472" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Margaret Ryall </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">is the versatile tray.   When you arrange objects in a tray and you want more space you simply lift it off the table.  This is a very simple fall arrangement on my coffee table/bench in  my family room.  Note Mr. Bird has moved rooms. The paper bag ceramic vase in grayish white is another of my staples.  It gets filled with all kinds of things from twigs to candles. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFXlzF_BrD6ESI69WfOIm-Uc2v3YTXdtVObuYtYRgpmcHEBAH6dyUBcZmhXiNTuUzEYQSN82jCqVJkyI8W25WG1sURp1jqJo8EYWR5J67CLbs0n1ybUO7PaCWCiUnKrXn-2zTuSiddapl/s1600/e2835d4ecc2afca5a291cb849b67640b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFXlzF_BrD6ESI69WfOIm-Uc2v3YTXdtVObuYtYRgpmcHEBAH6dyUBcZmhXiNTuUzEYQSN82jCqVJkyI8W25WG1sURp1jqJo8EYWR5J67CLbs0n1ybUO7PaCWCiUnKrXn-2zTuSiddapl/s640/e2835d4ecc2afca5a291cb849b67640b.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tammymitchell/3092894423/in/photostream">source </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Three candle holders of varying heights are very versatile for  your decorating needs. You can change the colour of the candles for seasonal events. Natural elements like coral and flowers always add texture and a little of the outside world.  Think about starfish, shells, ferns, twigs, grasses, etc.as natural complements to glass and ceramic. Heights and textures add interest and move the eye around. <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgC9-Ksi-A6YHFt9c392yzBgnsmhecuic2ZpKjJ9Hg5bXrq_dg9fezy2kgE5hN2H-GxsRynqnAyN0BpjUzpJY41S6_jkJNS_QQv_wwgGjGOU1A-JC3rzBfG7H8h7zvyHh_PUfikU8dKRec/s1600/fcdef3141c4fedbd02027090b7e99346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgC9-Ksi-A6YHFt9c392yzBgnsmhecuic2ZpKjJ9Hg5bXrq_dg9fezy2kgE5hN2H-GxsRynqnAyN0BpjUzpJY41S6_jkJNS_QQv_wwgGjGOU1A-JC3rzBfG7H8h7zvyHh_PUfikU8dKRec/s640/fcdef3141c4fedbd02027090b7e99346.jpg" width="495" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thelennoxx.com/tag/masculine-living-room/">source </a></div><br />Very simple and effective selection of objects in white and black. I like the fact the tray is wood which instantly warms up the collection.  A sphere of some sort is also a versatile object to own.  One with texture is even better. <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And don't forget plants... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjogs9ReJbEyiLGvvxjxj4xgBBcuVj1-aLFjh7R8JZgHc9oAQe3Wb3NZpsxt7kYrnOXln6nCv30fK-nh5PLcRanCQzEjdMYIINBwOK8xVLTSletFlv8ctm7vGQPtskqh0z7-1lRE6jVkna6/s1600/e908d5f2316f0cc2be7dc1511a36fdf6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjogs9ReJbEyiLGvvxjxj4xgBBcuVj1-aLFjh7R8JZgHc9oAQe3Wb3NZpsxt7kYrnOXln6nCv30fK-nh5PLcRanCQzEjdMYIINBwOK8xVLTSletFlv8ctm7vGQPtskqh0z7-1lRE6jVkna6/s400/e908d5f2316f0cc2be7dc1511a36fdf6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pamplemoussedesign.com/loft-west-village.html">source </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">...with a little sculpture thrown in.  I have been looking for something sculptural to add to my small collection, but nothing has appeared yet. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hope you found some ideas for your space..... </div>

Thoughts on decorating coffee tables

Now you may be surprised  to discover that some people  (especially decorators) put a lot of thought into turning a coffee table into a work...

Read more »

Showing off Amy

<p>Hello all! It’s a good day cause it’s Friday! We have trick or treating tonight because we got so much rain last night so that will be fun. The Bub will be a Ghostbuster. He has requested that I play the theme song on my phone as we walk around. :) </p> <p>I’ve been thinking lately that I want to start up my “show off” posts that I was doing for awhile. I don’t know why I stopped…but it’s time to get them going again! So to do just that today I’m highlighting a blog called <a href="http://www.amyscasablanca.com">Amy’s Casablanca</a>. </p> <p>She has a beautiful home and I know you’ll find something you’ll love. Her blog is one of those that you find and just. keep. reading. So settle down and enjoy!</p> <p>She just posted her <a href="http://www.amyscasablanca.com/2013/10/mudroom-reveal.html">new mudroom</a> last week and all the storage has me drooling: </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bB6L1Q8CfOM/UnPK_GbQD3I/AAAAAAAAiZU/d2vSKlBjnKY/s1600-h/amy%252520mudroom%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Gray mudroom built ins" border="0" height="629" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1feNL9-QrYQ/UnPK_lcDJmI/AAAAAAAAiZc/riz2vP0kGtQ/amy%252520mudroom_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Gray mudroom built ins" width="419" /></a></p> <p>Love the brass hooks (that say “boys” – she has four of them!) and the warm wood bench. </p> <p>She found sheet music artwork that she loved (for $2000, gah!) and decided to DIY it instead: </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DcdtmwltB4o/UnPLAhywuyI/AAAAAAAAiZk/_sPDRduKY_E/s1600-h/amy%252520sheet%252520music%252520artwork%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY sheet music artwork" border="0" height="629" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-v4Hw0GUU3tw/UnPLBQ6mxxI/AAAAAAAAiZo/5HSLkR0KK50/amy%252520sheet%252520music%252520artwork_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DIY sheet music artwork" width="420" /></a></p> <p>It turned out beautifully and was so inexpensive! My husband would love this! Go <a href="http://www.amyscasablanca.com/2012/09/diy-sheet-music-artwork.html ">here</a> to see the how-to. </p> <p>Amy found a chair for a great price and recovered it…but didn’t <em>sew</em> a new cover. She just <a href="http://www.amyscasablanca.com/2013/07/musical-chairs.html">stapled the new fabric right over the old</a>: </p> <p></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6GE06jjrcg8/UnPLCBiPf6I/AAAAAAAAiZs/RV8_0ApaM9A/s1600-h/IMG_7724%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="394" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-THpo6wgRNjo/UnPLDEcvPNI/AAAAAAAAiZ8/g5Mw1Z3K-Rg/IMG_7724_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="" width="290" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-U1GLkIBFDuo/UnPLDzliqrI/AAAAAAAAiaE/fiA-egt44aA/s1600-h/IMG_7933%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Recovering a chair, no sew" border="0" height="435" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1K1Qstx9CUQ/UnPLE8zSozI/AAAAAAAAiaM/rgG1n3-qGoE/IMG_7933_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Recovering a chair, no sew" width="290" /></a> </p> <p>Whuuut! Yes. It looks awesome and NO ripping all the old fabric off! </p> <p>I love her powder room – instead of painting in a stencil she used a <a href="http://www.amyscasablanca.com/2013/03/whats-behind-door-2.html">few paint pens</a> that ended up costing less than $20: </p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iwOPJpC5THI/UnPLFVPgPLI/AAAAAAAAiaU/TdtrXDGPmkM/s1600-h/IMG_7574%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="Stencil with paint pen" border="0" height="629" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ysud8Pmt4vQ/UnPLGcomBDI/AAAAAAAAiac/IeZPGgaBK1k/IMG_7574_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Stencil with paint pen" width="420" /></a></p> <p>And you know how much <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/07/ikea-vanity-and-more-powder-room.html">I love</a> the two sconces on the sides of the mirror. :) </p> <p></p> <p>She also made over this <a href="http://www.amyscasablanca.com/2013/02/guest-room-bench.html">Goodwill bench</a> for her guest room: </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rs5mgILdyJA/UnPLG0ABYsI/AAAAAAAAiak/D4ZpFDh0QLo/s1600-h/IMG_7438%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY upholstered bench " border="0" height="333" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TihD6B1LGDc/UnPLHf6gF0I/AAAAAAAAias/eo8fLnX2BEE/IMG_7438_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DIY upholstered bench " width="500" /></a></p> <p>It was just a wood bench before, but she upholstered it to add some cush. Love the nailheads too! </p> <p>Amy’s kitchen is absolutely gorgeous and I LOVE what she did to <a href="http://www.amyscasablanca.com/2012/06/barstools-round-2.html">her bar stools</a>: <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5ts9MZtj4DI/UnPLICqqkSI/AAAAAAAAia0/zYJRi-22b8A/s1600-h/IMG_5185%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Gray and white kitchen" border="0" height="333" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZnxsH0uOMvo/UnPLI5BRo-I/AAAAAAAAia8/odi8S-j0wRk/IMG_5185_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Gray and white kitchen" width="500" /></a></p> <p>Hint – it’s not fabric. :) </p> <p>You’ll notice that she is a lover of beautiful white trim and that’s what first drew me to her site, but there’s plenty of other eye candy as well! Check her out and say hello! </p> <p>Hope you have a great weekend and don’t eat too much candy! I’ll be sure to <strike>not </strike>do the same. </p>

Showing off Amy

Hello all! It’s a good day cause it’s Friday! We have trick or treating tonight because we got so much rain last night so that will be fun. ...

Read more »