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Hi Sugarplum!

Search Results for: label/dining room

{Dining Room} Ring It In

October 30, 2012

Several room makeovers are in progress over here, but the biggest changes lately have come in the Family Room/Den. Last you saw it, we filled the large wall over the new sectional with photos from our travels.

 Gallery Wall

Which meant the knot mirror needed to be relocated. This certainly isn’t the first time this mirror has gotten the boot…after snatching her up for a cra-zee deal, she lived over the Living Room mantel.

100_3114a
Wowza, this was before painting the brick and enclosing the pass-thru!

But she was too bold and graphic for the space, so she moved to the Family Room. But once the sectional came home, she just didn’t fill the space the way we wanted there either.

hi sugarplum den (5)

At this point, we were running out of walls to try! Since we stole six of the travel photos from this corner of the Dining Room….

Ring Pulls

The next likely spot was over the hutch, where it was a black and gold match made in Heaven! The Dining Room has tall ceilings and big furniture, so this mirror holds it’s own without being overly dominant. It also makes this corner a real focal point….which meant it was time to finally do something about the hutch.

Ring Pulls

It’s well over 100 years old, and has passed through several generations of our family, so I definitely wanted to keep it. And although I’m not afraid to paint “fancypants heirloom pieces,” I just didn’t think it would benefit from it. You can see I’d tried out different looks by placing bright paper behind the glass, and experimenting with blue glass knobs. Neither was working for me. But the existing knobs weren’t contributing to the overall beauty of the hutch.

Ring Pulls

Once we pried each of them off, we realized any replacements would need some sort of base plate to cover the mark left behind.

Ring Pulls

Ring pulls from Horton Brasses to the rescue!! The base plate covers the hole, and the antique finish jives with the time period, while still updating the piece. 

Ring Pulls

I can’t get over how such a small change has completely transformed the hutch! Removing the paper and organizing the cabinet really helped too. I just love how the pulls look with the DIY Metallic Lampshades!

Ring Pulls

There’s no question this spot, with those lamps, is where the knot mirror belongs. I’d say forever home, but let’s not get carried away.

Ring Pulls

Look at the difference, would ya?!

ring pulls
Ring Pulls

I’m absolutely crazy about this corner…and can’t wait to see it once the new wall color and drapes go up next year.

Ring Pulls

I’ll save your scrolling finger and leave you with a final Before & After.

Ring Pulls
 
Dining Room List
Moodboard Plans
Attempt to Makeover Existing Chandelier
Replace the Chairs
Replace Chandelier
First Round of Sideboard Lamps
DIY Gold-Lined Lampshades
New Drapes
New Wall Color
Brighter Rug
Address Knob Situation on Sideboard
What to do with the Piano?
Repair Piano Leg
Piano Bench Makeover
Replace Lampshade on Piano
Wall Art?

And another one bites the dust!! Have you made any small changes for a big impact? Do you think the knot mirror has finally found her home?!


by Cassie 
57 Comments
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Dining Room

 

 

{Living Room} The Finished Bookcases

August 2, 2011

Once the bookcases left HomelyTown behind, it was time to put stuff back in them! I think that’s the main reason they had previously gone to hell in a handbasket downhill, because I know what’s involved in getting them styled. Over the course of a week, I slowly started putting things on the shelves. It went like this:

Arrange one shelf, walk to the other side of the room and look at it.
Style the adjoining shelf, walk to the other side of the room and look at it.
Remove one item from first shelf, walk to the other side of the room and look at it.
Do steps 1-3 approximately 1,752 times.
Eventually get all shelves styled, walk to the other side of the room to look at it.
Realize it’s out of whack, remove half the items and reposition the shelves.
Go back to steps 1-3 another 689 times.

100_4894

But the path I wore in the rug was worth it, as I’m head over heels with these shelves! Just to remind you of the negative impact the shelves previously had on the room, here’s a Before & After, or an After & Before in this case.

Picnik collage

And before you decide I’ve got too much stuff, look at what I started with! Once I took everything out, I realized at least half of it I no longer liked, or it belonged somewhere else in the house. So Goodwill received several large bags, courtesy of this bookcase makeover!

Picnik collage

I thought the pink and white combination of the shelves and fabric was a tad sweet. How to solve that? Add black, of course! So I hung the black-framed botanicals to tone it down. (Stole my own trick from giving Babygirl’s Room more sophistication!) I love the look of a mirror hanging on the front of shelves, but my house is bordering on vain with the number of mirrors, so I stuck with prints. These are held snugly in place with Command strips, baby!

100_4894

Let’s take a close-up tour, shall we? No judgement from you literary snobs!

Every single item I already had, but I did alter a few things to make them better suited for the room. These bottles got a paint treatment, which I’ll show you a tutorial on soon.

shelf 1

I used a mix of natural elements, books and accessories, and tried to balance height and visual weight on each shelf, as well as, all the shelves as a whole. Some books are turned around for interest, but also to hide my shameful vampiric addiction.

shelf 2

I made this glass box, and am crazy about the reflection and bit of glam it brings.

glass box2

We received a pair of Tiffany glass votives as a wedding gift, but they’ve always gotten lost in our decor. Now, with a simple (faux) flower bud perched inside, it’s one of my favorite things on the shelves!

100_4909

Remember the cut-out Mr. Sugarplum made for the air-intake vent? I just covered it with the fabric. It may require some special attention over time as the fabric will probably act as an air filter. Ick. I also brought in the hurricanes I typically use for seasonal decor (here and here). They are filled with black sand we brought back from our Santorini trip, and a black candle. The wooden bowl is a travel memento from Belize.

shelf 3

Here’s a tip for you, did you know you can run your coral through the dishwasher? Yep! Cleans off all the dust and returns it to it’s bright white. The Hawaiian print is a set I inherited from my grandparents, I just altered the frame a bit so the art became the focus. (Guess I have a few tutorial posts to get to!)

shelf 4

Our family room is covered with wall-to-wall photos (literally), so it was overkill to have them here too. Only our very favorites stayed.

shelf 5

I stuck planted a succulent in the other Tiffany votive. How cute is it?! He’s so cute he needs a name!

100_4904

And finally, some people probably don’t display their Travel books, but since traveling is such a passion of ours, they get to stay. You can read details of my wedding dress here.

shelf 6

I still can’t get over the difference a quart of paint made for these bookcases! And in case you’re wondering, the botanical prints don’t protrude or cause a hindrance when walking by.

Picnik collage

Picnik collage

Here’s a wide-angle view for better room reference. You get a peek of my Son’s Room and Guest Bathroom on the right (Babygirl’s Room is also in that ‘wing’, to the left of the bathroom), and the Master Bedroom is through the door on the left. And on the right, out of the picture, is the Entrance Hall and Dining Room.

100_4893
You notice there’s no lamps behind the couch? I didn’t want to distract you, but choosing those is coming up. My latest Lamp-A-Looza may have produced a winner!
So what do you think? Does styling shelves and vignettes bring out your OCD side, too?
THE LIVING ROOM LIST
Paint Armoire
Paint Brick
Paint/Fabric Bookcases
Re-Style Bookcases
Paint Table Tiles
Paint Hall Chest
Paint/Wallpaper Nook Walls
Paint Backdoor?
Add Nailhead to Wingchair
New Covers for Barrel Chair Cushions
Change Out Lamps
Clean Secretary
Gold Leaf Back of Secretary
More Coordinated Sofa Pillows
Determine Fate of Side Table

***And since I’ve pinned countless bookcases for styling inspiration, including several with art mounted to the front, I’m including this in the Pinterest Challenge! John & Sherry of Young House Love challenged us to stop pinning and start doing! If you aren’t on Pinterest yet, hesitate before joining….it’s beyond addicting!!
I’m also linking to the parties in my side bar, including Home Stories A to Z.

by Cassie 
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Living Room

 

 

A Charming & Natural Easter Table

March 17, 2016

Today is just bursting with good things…it’s St. Patrick’s Day and practically the weekend, Spring is around the corner, and Easter is next weekend! Maybe it’s all the warm sunshine, but I’ve got full-blown Spring Fever! I’m ready for wedges, cute dresses, and egg hunts.

Easter, for us, is more about the sentiment than decor, but I still love creating a special table for our family to celebrate the day. They never expect it, and would be just as happy without the bells and whistles bunnies and tulips, but it’s my way of expressing my love for them, and the meaning of the day.

Hi Sugarplum | Easter Table

First up, I pulled out the special pieces that have been in our family for generations…china, goblets, and linens. Easter, more than any other holiday, I love to infuse as much sentimentality into our table as possible. Next I shopped the house to mix in some modern accents, like more linens, tapers, and candle sticks.
The last step is adding a few themed pieces, and fresh flowers. My rule of table setting is there are no rules! As long as everyone has a plate, utensil, and some form of drinking glass, you’ve done your job! The rest is just creativity. 
Hi Sugarplum | Easter Table
Napkins | Egg Cups | Candle Holder | Ombre Tapers

Hi Sugarplum | Easter Table
Gold Flatware | Moss Tablerunner
Hi Sugarplum | Easter Table

Hi Sugarplum | Easter Table

I love how the centerpiece turned out kind of wild and unruly…it’s a nice balance to the more formal place settings.

Hi Sugarplum | Easter Table

Hi Sugarplum | Easter Table
Napkins | Egg Cups | Candle Holder | Ombre Tapers | Gold Flatware | Moss Tablerunner

Hi Sugarplum | Easter Table

Hi Sugarplum | Easter Table

Style Tip: Don’t overlook the floral and produce department of your local grocery! I found the flowers, wheatgrass, and ribbon at mine…for the fraction of the price at specialty shops.

Hi Sugarplum | Easter Table

Hi Sugarplum | Easter Table

I always call dibs on the seat with a view of the Living Room…it just never gets old! See the full Dining Room here, and if you’re looking for more Easter and Tablescape ideas, go here and here.

What have you got planned for Easter weekend? Do you set a table? I hope your Thursday is a fabulous one, friends!



by Cassie 
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Holidays, Tablescapes

 

 

Home Goals 2013: How’d We Do?

January 13, 2014

This time last year, in hopes of being more focused and organized with the home projects, I created a list of Home Goals. I am constantly thinking of new projects I want to tackle, and sometimes get so overwhelmed with where to start that I just give up. I’m not alone in that, am I? Today I’m revisiting that list, and grading our progress.

The Kids Bath (which also doubles as the main Powder Room), received a makeover a few years ago, but there was always one place it was lacking.

after 7

The white ceiling clashes with the stripes, and just feels unfinished…so I planned to finally paint it.

Status: The ceiling is still white.
Grade: F But no one looks up at it but me, so we’ll change that to a C. (It’s my grade book, my rules!)

 IMG_9875

The small Entrance Hall has slowly evolved, and while I love the black doors, they’ve always felt a little flat and cold to me. I planned to paint them a warmer shade, and add a shot of color somewhere, too.

100_6244

Status: We put in a new, bright rug, and a larger plant, but the doors remain the same black.
Grade: C

Hi Sugarplum | Rug Updates

In 2012, I started four room makeovers. There’s never a real rush or deadline since it’s my own home, but it drives me nuts to have rooms half done. I know crossing projects off their To-Do Lists won’t mean the rooms are ‘complete,’ but it makes me feel better!

Starting with the Dining Room…here’s how it looked at the beginning of 2013…

Dining Room greek key rug

And by the end of the year…

Hi Sugarplum | Pink Walls & Red Ceiling Dining Room

Status: Not just done, but well done! I’ve still got to show you my How To on the drapes, and tweak a few things…which I’d better do quickly before I start itching to change it up again!
Grade: A-

Dining Room List

(click on each link to see the project)
Moodboard Plans
Attempt to Makeover Existing Chandelier
Replace the Chairs
Replace Chandelier
First Round of Sideboard Lamps
DIY Gold-Lined Lampshades
New Drapes
New Wall Color
Brighter Rug
Address Knob Situation on Sideboard
What to do with the Piano?
Repair Piano Leg
Piano Bench Makeover
Replace Lampshade on Piano
Wall Art?

Next is the Family Room….here she is in 2012

Target Gold Magazine Rack

And now…

Hi Sugarplum | Matchstick Blinds

Status: Yeah, about that…it seems all we did was add matchsticks and finish out the desk nook. But in my defense, we’d already come so far! The good news is I have two seriously big projects almost done!
Grade: C+ The plus is for my good intentions. (My rules, remember?)

FAMILY ROOM TO-DO LIST

Before Shots
Cover Up the Orange!

Create a Floorplan
Place a Larger TV Over the Fireplace

Enclose the Pass-Thru & Take Out the Wet Bar
Build Distressed Shelves for TV Components
Build Desktop
Create work area & Hide the cords
Buy a Sectional
Mount TV & Hide Cords 
Paint Mantle
Find Desk Chair
Hang Art Over Sofa
Paint/Stain/Replace Sofa Legs
Re-Hang Art Over Chair
Decide Fate of Rugs
New Light Fixture
Window Coverings
Decide Fate of Matching Tables

I need a confidence boost after that, so let’s look at the Breakfast Room…in 2012..

may2 042

And now…..BAM!

Hi Sugarplum | Breakfast Room West Elm drapes

Status: I’ve decided to add some colorful art, but that will just happen when I find something. Other than that…oh yeah, and showing how we made the drum pendant…this room is D.O.N.E!
Grade: A to the +, baby!

BREAKFAST ROOM TO-DO LIST

The Befores & Evolution

* Paint the room
* Add drapes
* Add better drapes
* DIY longer curtain rod
* Hang matchstick blinds 

* Add rug to define the space and bring more color
* Finish painting the chairs
* Create Family Command Center

* Do something to the Fig basket so it’s not so matchy with the bar chairs
(moved it to a new room)

* Consider amping up the drum shade
(oops, did this, forgot to blog about it)

The Living Room has come a loooooong way, but all I see when I sit in the room are the things left unfinished.

PB Teen Monogrammed Pillows

Especially this secretary, which was given to my grandparents as a wedding gift, and I’m fortunate to now own. It’s not in terrible condition, but I know she can shine after a good sanding and new stain. I’ve never tackled anything like this, so that uncertainty kept me from it last year.

secretary

Status: Only a few projects remain, and I really think once the room is painted, it will feel practically done to me. Who wants to help me make a paint color decision?!
Grade: B I didn’t do much, but that re-vamped Nook is enough to keep me from getting a C!

LIVING ROOM TO-DO LIST
Paint room
Paint Armoire
Paint Brick
New Mirror & Mantel Styling
Paint/Fabric Bookcases
Re-Style Bookcases
Paint (Replace) Table Tiles
Paint Hall Chest
Paint/Wallpaper Nook Walls 
Style Nook Area 
Paint Nook Chest
Paint Backdoor?
Add Nailhead to Wingchair
New Covers for Barrel Chair Cushions
Change Out Lamps
Customize Lamps 
These are the Real and Final Lamps
Sand & Stain Secretary
Gold Leaf Back of Secretary
Sofa Pillows Round 1
Sofa Pillows Round 2
Add Some Coordinated Accessories
Determine Fate of Side Table
Close the Hole, Baby!

The final thing on my 2013 Home Goals list was to ‘take back our home.’ And by that, I meant our busy life had led to a jumbled mess in almost every cabinet and closet. In order for us to live more productively, I need to create some order. Our storage space is fairly limited, but there’s no question I wasn’t using what we have to the fullest.

bathroom cabinets

Obviously there are still more unorganized spaces than organized spaces in our home, but we definitely took a big bite out of the clutter.

Status: Check out this post for a round-up of all our organizing from last year.
Grade: A, for Aaaaaaaah, much better!

This post was mostly in jest…I’m not beating myself up over the items undone…but it was both humbling and rewarding to revisit those goals. Looks like our 2014 Home Goals list will look familiar.

Do you make goal lists? I think I need to put, ‘Enjoy the Ride!’ at the top of mine!


by Cassie 
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Lifestyle

 

 

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