Walnut to White

It's no secret that around these parts, second hand is second nature. I especially like finding inexpensive mid century design furniture with straight simple lines that I can lug home. I lugged this dresser home, not recently, I've had it for years. I'll have to let you imagine, I don't have a before shot. It was a typical walnut {not heirloom quality} high boy dresser, no hardware, just these little finger grooves under each drawer and simple legs.

So far, this is what I've done to it over the years: painted it green, added hardware, and replaced the legs (keeping the originals) until I saw this picture:

(Source Unknown, but if you know please comment!)

EDITED: Image via Decorpad

I love everything about this inspiration photo, from the trellis design on the wall down to the metallic heels, and especially the squirrel! The sideboard is fantastic, the ring pulls are great and I love the nail detail (if that's what it is).

Now while my dresser is obviously a different shape, I knew I could take the elements I liked from this sideboard and apply them to my little dresser. So it got a coat of white paint, new sleeker pulls, and I changed the legs out {again} because I wanted this as a side table in the living room and needed it lower. Can you guess what I used for legs? You guessed it, fence finials, all I will say is, have you priced bun feet lately? Ouch.

She was looking better already. Continuing with white in the living room since the fireplace face lift, white has been an on going trend, and I'm really liking everything. So white was a natural choice.

Next comes the nail detail. I had some upholstery nails left from my inspiration board project, and I used every last one for this. I will tell you I was nervous about it, but if you could see it in person, it is worth the stress! At any rate, it would be easy to patch any holes.

I love the detail that it added, while still staying modern looking, and even though it's still a little taller than the sofa, it's going to make a great side table, with the bonus of storage. It was super simple, the upholstery nails went in the wood just like nails...just a combination of a little measuring and eye-balling. Bun feet would probably get it down to the right level, maybe I will invest in some.....

Time to accessorize. Fall is creeping it's way out and neutrals making their way back in. My spray painted ginger jar, painted faux antlers, and painted Wal-mart tray....I don't think I told you that I spray painted a second round tray green, so I have an orange one (for Summer) and a green one for everyday.

I hung my Mothers mirror over the dresser, I will never do anything differently to this mirror. It's from when my parents got married in 1963, and it hung over the sofa in the living room for my whole life. I did put additional hardware on it to hang vertically. I love it.

The lamp is super mod, love that mixed with the old pieces, finishes it off!

I think my little dresser has had it's final make-over, I love it.

I hope you are inspired and thanks for stopping by!!

The Fireplace Facelift

When we first moved into our house, almost 6 years ago, it didn't get much more basic than this. Builder's grade everything, beige carpet and walls everywhere...

The fireplace was not much to look at, not to mention too traditional for my taste.

A couple of years ago, Justin built what we jokingly call the "fireplace slipcover", meaning he built a box that went over the existing fireplace, just to make it look a little more modern. I wanted the fireplace to stay for resale value...I did a faux finish on it, but I still wanted to improve on the idea, and now lighten it up a lot. Now in my my proverbial 'dream house', I dream of a cut rock fireplace...but that is still a long way off.

I came up with a design that would add a little interest above the fireplace, and dress up the slipcover without too much $$$, we have a zero to nothing budget. :) Inexpensive 1X4's and trim, a gallon of primer and the cheapest white paint I could find.

We primed everything, but then I decided to add another layer to the front, so add a sheet of half inch MDF to the shopping list! Also, I didn't like how the hearth looked, so we used the rest of the sheet of MDF to clean up the look of the hearth.You can see it best in the after pictures below.

I like how it gave the face of the fireplace a little interest. I used some cove moulding to clean up the edge.

AFTER:

I love how the mirror looks, and I like the high contrast of the black on white

A simple and thrifty mantle display for the remainder of the Summer, everything is second-hand (and spray painted :), except for the shell ball and starfish. I am already contemplating the upcoming seasons, this should be fun!

I love the chandy reflecting back.
For very little money, we were able to give the fireplace a whole new look! It did take me a little over a week to finish, but I am so happy with the result! Clean and fresh and modern, just what I wanted!



Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you're inspired!







(In case you're wondering, I am still trying to decide whether I like my laurel wreaths above the windows black or white....:)











Sarah's Before and After Party

Modern Thanksgiving Finalist

Hello everyone! You might be wondering why it seems like you've seen these pictures before...well you have...and just the other day, in fact!

I have been totally blown away to be chosen as a finalist in the Dwell Studio: Modern Thanksgiving Contest and I need your help! Winners are chosen by the amount of comments and if you could please take the time to comment for me that would be great!

Thank You!

Here is the link to vote and Thanks for taking the time to comment! There is a 48 hour time limit, comments end on December 3rd at midnight.

The Studio Blog

Leafy Tablescape

Thursdays are fun aren't they? Tablescape Thursday that is!

This event is hosted by Susan at Between Naps on the Porch.

Be sure to visit her and all the other tablescapers!

This week I'm using my everyday dinnerware and featuring a couple of purchases that I made during my day trip to Nell Hill's in Kansas City.

It looked like it was going to rain all day today, so I stayed indoors, but I think this would look great outside!

Here's the Stuff...

My dinnerware might be from the Dollar Tree but I purchased it because it looked so similar to a set I liked at Pottery Barn.

The white dinnerware originally from IKEA, I found at the GW

The leaf plates are one of the purchases at Nell Hill's...I think they are so pretty...two was all I could squeeze into the budget...:)

The salt cellars are a recent purchase at Macy's

I bought these iced tea glasses at Nell Hill's too...Pretty!!

The linens I'm using are from Target.

Let's set the table!!

I'm using my sea grass chargers that are proving themselves very useful...love the texture!

The top bowl is perfect for cereal and ice cream, the next one I love for pasta

For a simple centerpiece, I'm using two bottles with orchids and kiwi vine, little modern white planters with maiden hair fern and of course candles

I used vintage paper around inexpensive votives...love the look.

I love this serving piece. It was Justin's Nana's

As you can see, I use my eat in kitchen as a dining room! It's pretty small here at my house! My time for a large house will come...when I'm rich and famous. :)

Where's my wide angle lens!?!



It's probably with my big house...






Thank you for visiting! I hope you like looking at the pictures as much as I love taking them!

Thank you Susan for hosting!