Kitchen Envy-Life In Grace

Have you seen Edie's kitchen??  Wow- just WOW!  And what a beautiful story as well.  Their home was completely destroyed by fire in December of last year.  The rebuilding of their home has been a labor of love. 

You can see the rest of the home HERE in her 31 Days Series.  It is truly a beauty from ashes testimony.  

Bored? Spray paint something

This afternoon I was sitting here thinking about what to blog about- feeling uninspired and just downright bored.  So I started shopping the house to see what I could get my hands on.  I found this cream urn on my back porch.

Grabbed a can of this out of the garage:

And turned it into this:

And spent the rest of the afternoon taking ten million photos of it- cuz Im weird that way.

And Im proud of myself because I pulled out the tri-pod too!  
Have a great day friends!!

My Office- The Details

Im still editing some detail shots of my office, ok truth be told my husband is still editing some detail shots. (love you dear!!).  I stink at photo editing.  


Here are some of the recent ones he worked on this past weekend.  The before shots are HERE.


This chandelier had an ugly brown/black metal finish that I glammed up with some gold leafing. 

I use my sewing machine quite often for quick pillow and drapery projects, so I needed a little space for that.  The desk was an old sewing desk I found at a thrift store. I primed and painted it white, then spray painted the handles gold.

You can see the before pictures of this chair HERE  My favorite part of this chair is the back- but unfortunately you can't see it because it sits here in the corner.  But its still makes me giddy to know its there.

  

This is one of my favorite shots!  I bought this mirror at a garage sale last year for $1.

We are still trying to get a good shot of the bed and headboard- its just missing something.  I need something on the wall where the two brown pillows are-but what? Any suggestions?  It just looks awkward, but it person its not as noticeable.  

Detail shot of the diamond-like buttons.

The desk is also a little DIY- that I will post about soon.

 Another shot of my sewing table.  The framed inspiration board-you can see more about it HERE.

 And last but not least- my husband made me promise to show you this photo.  He worked very hard on it.  It is a series of photos that he "seamed" together with his cool little software.  (this ones for you dear)  He titled it "View from the pink chair".  Its a tight space and Im sure as my business grows I will have to take over a larger room, but for now it works.

Wall Color:  Sherwin Williams Colonial Revival Gray

Christmas on the brain

I know that its not even Halloween yet, but I can't get Christmas off my mind.  I am already plotting planning my decor for this year.  Every year it seems I decorate with less and less.  Now don't get me wrong- I LOVE the house to scream Merry Christmas- but just not so much that it hits you in the face at every turn.  I've learned to work "with" my home and not against it.  Bringing in colors that compliment my interiors and my style.  And especially bringing in more natural elements.  Not only is it inexpensive but it helps "ground" your decor.  


This room has some great metallics going on- but the greenery/natural elements help keep it grounded.

Source: Uploaded by user via Amanda on Pinterest

Love the boxwood wreath place setting- contrasting with the red plate.

Source: azcentral.com via Amanda on Pinterest

This is one of my all-time favorite photos.  I saved this photo in my inspiration file last year (before Pinterest was born).  The mercury glass mixed with fresh greens, white cyclamens & paper whites make such a statement.

This is another photo that took my breath away.  Boxwood wreaths oh how I love thee.  These can be quite expensive if you buy fresh every year-but I have seen some great "faux" ones from Pottery Barn and Ballards.  Or if your lucky enough to have boxwood growing in your yard- DIY some.

Source: room-galleries.myhomeideas.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Another great example of using fresh natural elements.

Source: willowhouse.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Boxwood on the front porch.

Source: houseandhome.com via Amanda on Pinterest

I think this year Im going to try this trio of wreaths instead of the traditional single wreath.

Source: marthastewart.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Love this idea for the outdoor garden.  Christmas lights under a cloche.

Source: theinspiredroom.net via Amanda on Pinterest

While out shopping this weekend I ran across these candle holders that would make a great DIY project.  They were $89.00 each!  All you would need is a candle holder, a plate or bowl, a glass candle holder and some greenery!

And it took every ounce of will power in me to NOT bring a pair of these chairs home with me.  They were a lovely chocolate-gray velvet with rustic Restoration Hardware looking legs and nail head trim.  Closeout price: $400 ea!!!  Regular price $950!  ugh!  I know- why oh why did I walk away?

The Office Reveal

Well the good news is my office looks amazing (in person), the bad news- its not too photogenic.  Both my photographer and I have tried taking pictures and we think it just comes down to the lighting.  The morning sun comes blasting in and the afternoon sun is nowhere to be found- due to the neighbors house next door.  So I figured I've been waiting long enough to show it to you.  But lets just take a look at the before shall we:

After:

         *****With the black & white vertical drapes******************

NOW:  With my DIY- horizontal stripe drapes--- MUCH better

This is the side of the room that just did NOT turn out well.  Because my office has to also function as a guest bedroom I decided to make the twin bed more sofa-like.  I made the upholstered headboard and used diamond-like buttons for the tufting.  

More detail photos: HERE

There you have it.  I hope to have more detail photos sometime next week.  Have a great weekend!!

Linking to:

Beneath My Heart- Best DIY project of October

Home Stories A to Z Link Party

 

Laduree' New York

This past weekend my husband went to New York for a friends wedding.  I made him promise me he would make a stop here: (you HAVE to check out their site- its so cute)

And bring me back some of these:  Lovely Laduree Macaroons!

While he was there he took some shots with his phone until he got busted and was told "no photography" - really?  At least they were polite in asking him with their chic French accents.

The other day he asked me if I had tried them- I was like "ummm No, because I haven't taken photos of them yet!"  (I know you all can relate-right?)
So before I busted into these little gems- I took some pictures.

And Im sure the question your all wondering is "are they good?"

OH-EMMM-GEE!  Its an experience I tell ya!  Im now hoarding the rest of them in my nightstand so the kids dont find them!