Sweet Ava Kate: March 2012

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Spring Mantel

Yesterday I shared a very impromptu project with you... my non-inspiring mantel. Well, not anymore!
After deciding once and for all to paint it white, I can tell you I have had more fun dressing it up!

So, without further ado, here is the new and very much improved mantel, dawning its Spring colors!

Sorry for all the pics... can you tell I'm excited?

I was very much inspired by Angie's mantel @ Beneath the Magnolias. When I saw the pitchers, old books and fresh boxwood (my favorite), I knew I could create my own version of this with things I had on hand.

Fresh boxwood from the front yard adds to the Springy-ness!

I had to spray paint the other candle holder to match, it was a dark bronze color,

both were found at a local resale store a few months ago for under $5.

I've been dying to do something with the old windows I purchased at a local antique mall!

When I look at them, I can't help but think about where they came from, I'm fascinated with their history.

So, one more time... the before (last years mantel)...

and after:

I'll be linking up to:

Home Stories A to Z
The Girl Creative
Creatively Living
Savvy Southern Style
Uncommon Designs
Between Naps on the Porch
Spring Fling Link Party @ Thrifty Decor Chick

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Impromptu Mantel Makeover

As I was looking through all the Spring linky parties for inspiration, I realized I couldn't really achieve the look I was going for with a wood stained mantel. Here's my attempt at our mantel last year.
See what I mean? It's just not doing it for me.

Everything I gravitate towards has a white mantel and mine was holding me back. So guess what I did? Yes!
I painted it white. I was tired of thinking about it and just did it! I used an interior alkyd semi-gloss enamel; it will take a good 24 hours to dry, but when it does, I can't wait to play! I don't have the color of the paint because it is a custom manual match, but for those of you interested, here is the code:

Here's the before:

Here's a close up of the different types of trim they used and let me tell ya, this was REAL fun to paint!

I used a sponge brush to get into all the crevices and a sponge roller for the top. Both worked really well to minimize brush strokes. After about two hours of painting, here she is in all her white glory.

YAY! I'm so excited! I'll be back tomorrow to show you my new Spring mantel.

Are there projects in your home that you keep putting off and one day you finally decide, "today is the day, I'm tired of talking about it." Today was that day for me and I couldn't be happier with the results.

Linking up to:

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Home Office Reveal

After much organization and accessorizing, I am so happy to show you my completed home office.

This is where I'll blog, craft and stamp. Here are pictures of the before, during,

and after!

Grab some coffee, take a seat and enjoy... there are LOTS of pictures!

Every box, basket, jar and ceramic bowl holds my supplies. I wanted it to be both functional and eye appealing.
When accessorizing the Expedit, I applied Beth's tips on how to decorate shelves, creating visual triangles.

The drapes were made by me, using Bedazzle Silver Lining by Waverly.

This super soft rug came from Home Goods. My feet are in love!

The gallery wall was created using frames I had on hand and others I found at thrift stores and Home Goods.

The lamp came from Home Goods and the dresser is a Craigslist find for $55!

My dear friend, Autumn (from my college years) sent me this card after our Pampered Chef weekend together.

I love the message and the colors are perfect for the new space.

The mat will be framed with black and white pictures of the kids and will be hung above the light blue cabinet. The cork boards came from Ava's room. I will be covering them with this fabric, for my memo and inspiration boards.

Waverly Cross Section in Charcoal

Special thanks to Mimi @ Blue Roof Cabin for having a giveaway to celebrate her one year blogiversary.

Sweet Ava Kate was chosen and this Pottery Barn globe came home with me.

My inspiration for this room comes from Megan @ Honey We're Home.

I fell in love with her home office, especially the drapery fabric and then it evolved from there.

Thanks for stopping by and hope you have a great week!

I'm linking up to these great parties:

Tutorials and Tips Link Party @ Home Stories A2Z

Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch

Paint Color Party @ Involving Color

Tuesdays Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Updated Bathroom Mirrors

I've had my eye out for some beveled oval mirrors for our bathrooms.

My hunt finally came to an end when I read (then drooled over) Katie's post on her new office bathroom.

She shared that she purchased her bathroom hardware on clearance from Lowe's. I didn't so much need towel bars and light fixtures, but when I saw the beautiful beveled mirror, I hightailed it to Lowe's to see if I could find the same bargains. To my surprise, I found three for $44.98 each, originally $74.98! Score!

The mirrors came with a polished nickel finish. Most of the hardware is ORB in the downstairs and master bathrooms, so I purchased some self etching primer and dark bronze spray paint.

Since the hardware is a polished nickel, the self etching primer will help the top coat adhere better.

A light sanding before spraying the top coat helped to give it a smooth finish.

After 24 hours of drying, hubby installed the first of three mirrors.

I love my damask rug from Target!

We'll be hanging the other two this weekend. This is what it looks like now...

I'll be back soon to show you the updated look.

Thank you to Katie @ Bower Power for sharing her beautiful new office bathroom
and for letting us in on the great bargains! :)

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Six Things I Love In Our Home Right Now...

1. Sunburst Mirror

I've admired so many sunbursts mirrors, but when I saw this one at Home Goods,

I knew it had to come home with me. It's perfect for our front entry.

2. Cloth Napkin Wall Art

The laundry room needed some color, it also makes doing laundry a little more enjoyable.

3. Two-Paned Window Turned Message Board

I found this window at a local antique store. The top is magnetic with a chalk board below.

4. Damask Rug

I just love the added color and design it brings to our guest bathroom. Thanks Target!

5. Sunroom Pillows

I've slowly been adding throw pillows to the settee and chair. I purchased these striped ones at Home Goods the other day, they flow nicely with the window treatments, which are getting a facelift this week!

6. Kids Bathroom Art