The Process

This is an old feed sack that will be turned into some artwork.  A friend of my dads brought it to him at his office and he sent me a picture of it asking what to do with it. He needed help visualizing how to use it in his space, or really any space for that matter. He wasnt sure it was even usable. I think it is perfect! It is old, has a great story that I cant want to learn more about and is certainly not something everyone will have in their house.  Eventually it will be in a large frame with no glass displayed on a wall. I will clean it up and place chicken wire between it and the frame to allow the texture and wear to show through.

Many people think decorating is about the end result. I am a firm believer that it is just as much about the process as the final product. I want a home that tells a story, that has pieces that have meaning to me. This is something that cant be rushed and cant be bought all at one time. 

Enjoy the process of making your house a home, dont expect it to be perfect right away and know that most make overs dont take place in an hour like they do on tv.  I hope you will be inspired to continue working towards what makes you feel at home in your space. 

Going Gray in the Kitchen

Here is my inspiration picture. It is from a bathroom but the color scheme will work just as beautifully in a kitchen.

Thank goodness my husband is understanding! Almost five years ago when we were remodeling our house I broke the news to him that we needed black kitchen cabinets. He went along with it and loved them as much as any husband could. Thankfully when I informed him recently we needed to paint the kitchen cabinets gray he was just as obliged to humor me again.

I love the black we had, it was great while it lasted and worked really well in our space. That being said it just wasn't wearing as well as I had hoped. It was either time to repaint the cabinets black again or choose another color. I know cream is everyone's go to and they look lovely I just wasn't sure they were for me. I decided to try a soft gray.

I just love how the cabinets turned out. I am looking forward to installing new lighting, adding a back splash and updating the counter tops as well.Thank goodness school will be out for the summer in a few months and I will have more time to work on these projects.

What do you think about gray? I hope you stop back by next Wednesday.

Functional Centerpieces

 

I have been searching for a functional centerpiece for awhile now. I started out looking for a vintage tool box that I could re purpose. Apparently me and everyone else in the county thought that was a good idea so based on supply and demand they run between $75-$100 for a decent sized one. Other than not being able to find a sturdy one I also couldn't find one that I just loved. So, I designed a simple one that meets my needs and is two sided.

I have always been bothered by table decorations that make it difficult for conversation. Keeping things low profile is a big priority for me. I wanted to have something that I could use throughout the year and did not limit me to certain seasons. Something that couldn't be destroyed by my 5 year old or my 35 year old was another must have for me.

After some drawing my husband built me two different versions. One is approximately 24" long and one is approximately 12" long. 

These are photos of them just built before sanding and staining. One side is deeper so it allows for mason jars. The reverse side is very shallow and works better for tea light sized glass.

 

I sanded both boxes and stained one a deep mahogany and I loved how it turned out. The other box I kept more natural with an almost nude stain.

Besides holding candles I think they will look lovely with with a bright green grass or flowering plant in the larger glasses. They both hold standard sized Mason jars nicely for cutlery as well.

Spoiler Alert: The grandmothers are both going to receive nice herb gardens in the smaller boxes for mothers day. My in-laws are building a house so this will travel with them perfectly. My parents have a blue healer that likes to eat Moms' herbs so this indoor option will be great for her mint as well.

What are your go to centerpieces? 

Stop back by next Wednesday and I will share how we are going gray in the kitchen! 

Interior Paint

Selecting a paint color can be overwhelming. One of the services I provide is assistance with color choice. I prefer Sherwin Williams but there are many paint brands and color selections available. Their Morning Fog is in one of my favorite gray families. That being said, most paint stores will offer color match technology so if you find a color made by one company do not feel that you have to purchase that paint.

Please keep in mind all screens and devices can alter how the color appears. The best way to view color is to take the actual sample into the space you would like to paint so you can see it in your lighting.  

If you are looking to do an accent wall I recommend choosing a color in the same family at least two shades darker or lighter to provide enough contrast to the human eye.

If you are looking for a specific color to match a professional team or a college Alma-mater, Home Depot is the place to go. Click here for their selection of teams and colors by Glidden.  We are very happy with how the Texas A&M maroon turned out in our house.