Decor · Home decor

Look What a Little Paint Can Do!

I have always been a fan of transforming a room by adding some color, but it’s also amazing what a little paint can do to a piece of furniture!

This week while visiting my folks in Kentucky, I did a project – I painted their outdoor bench. Two colors of paint, a little time, and a LOT of sweat (it was Hot!), and this bench was truly given new life. It went from this…

to this…

Often it’s easy to think we need to buy new furniture because we change the colors in our home, but we fail to realize that a coat of paint might do the trick instead.

At one time I used a lot of red accents in my home, but have gone to mostly blue and white. As you can see in this old picture, the black and red bar stools just weren’t adding the right appeal to the kitchen space. So, this spring I decided to paint them an off white, the color of my cabinets.

Here are the results….

I LOVE painted furniture because it keeps you from having to buy another new piece and it helps you make the most of what you already have.

I encourage you to take a look around your house and see if there’s a piece of furniture you own that is either needing a face lift, or needs paint to add either a pop of color for accent, or a neutral shade to help blend in with your decor.

A few tips I would give before you start…

  • Clean the piece well before you start
  • Remove any hardware
  • Invest in a good brush – it doesn’t have to be expensive
  • Tape off areas where the paint should not go
  • Take your time
  • Rough up wooden furniture with sandpaper before painting
  • Take a before and after picture!
  • Don’t be afraid…it’s just paint!

A can of paint is a low cost investment in updating your home! Why not refresh your home by adding new life to an old piece of furniture you already own?!

Have you painted furniture? If not, what’s keeping you from taking the plunge?

Fourth of July · Home decor · seasonal decor

Red, White and Blue Decor

I’ve always been a fan of seasonal decor. I have scaled back in how much I use, but I still love to add a touch of the upcoming holiday around my home. This week it was time to pull out my patriotic things and add a few touches. Here’s what I added…

My entryway bench got a banner with my chalkboard design overhead.
My chalkboard is vinyl and I love it. It’s easy to write on and it also erases easily.
I put all red, white and blue in my cute tiered stand. I just went through my cupboards looking for anything with those colors. You don’t have to decorate with only purchased patriotic items!
The living room mantle was the other spot I added some patriotic decor.
I love vintage books with pictures like this one!

This year with all the things going on in our country, I feel especially patriotic and longing for our nation to be
One nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

How about hanging up your flag, and then pulling out some red, white and blue decor pieces to add a patriotic touch to your home and your heart?!

Refresh your patriotism,

Home decor · refreshment at home

Refreshing Little Projects

Since I’ve had a little more time at home recently I got to do a couple of small projects that refreshed items that were a bit sorry looking!

I’ve had this ugly plain little wooden tray for several years.

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It has been used in the guest bedroom for a cup of coffee.  I recently looked at it and wondered why I had never tried to make it look nicer! I wanted to keep the wood stain, but just do something to freshen up the tray bottom.  So, I ran into Hobby Lobby and found this…

Continue reading “Refreshing Little Projects”

home accessories · Home decor · refreshment at home

My Cozy Living Room Makeover

This past fall I read, The Cozy Minimalist and was so inspired to clear out my living room according to her plan and get it into a more serene atmosphere.  Her approach is so easy to apply and doesn’t necessitate you getting rid of all extra’s, but of making wise use of what you have to create a space that is restful and inviting.  Let me show you where the room started… Continue reading “My Cozy Living Room Makeover”

Home decor · refreshment at home

Just Do One Thing

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We all probably have a decorator that we love watching transform a space.  Whether it’s Joanna Gaines, another HGTV star, or a favorite blogger, we can be awe struck seeing them smash out walls, replace flooring, tear out all the cabinetry and then replace it with the perfect substitution.  Then we look around at our own home and feel

  • overwhelmed by the process it would take to change it.
  • under-prepared financially to afford it.
  • inner despair at the desire to improve it.

But I’m coming to encourage you today about how you CAN make a difference in your home! Continue reading “Just Do One Thing”