Hi Friends!

Oh my, this week has literally blazed right by and I cannot believe that it's already Thursday.

How has your week been? With Veteran's Day this past Monday, we have had non-stop LIFE over here! Ha!

 

I've got projects out the wazoo that I need to complete, some for myself and some for friends and my list of wants just seems to keep growing and growing.

 

One thing I did have time for was adding a little something to our entry. Now, the foyer of our rental home is pretty small and can sometimes feel a bit cluttered and overwhelming at times but what better way to make it feel fresh and new than to add a little texture and greenery?

 

 

 

 

I picked up these two hanging baskets from Williams-Sonoma a little over a month ago and originally they were on our mantel just because I wasn't really sure about their placement. I knew that I would use them in some way though.

 

 

 

 

After the original ferns I'd placed inside eh, hm...died. I purchased some single stem greenery from a local grocer for $3.99 and the hanging baskets only cost me $10.00. So, with tax, this little refresh was less than $15.00.

 

I am thinking of just about any way I can to add a little personality to this rental of ours and who doesn't love fresh greenery especially when it has berries.

 

Um, yes please.

 

 

 

You will have to forgive me for so many pics. My hubby traveled to China for business last week and brought a sweet little gift back for me in the form of a new lens. This is my chance to play around with it a little bit. I have SO much to learn!

 

I thought I would also share a few inspirational photos and a few tips for all of you out there with small entryways like ours. I didn't share the entire view {mostly cause ours is a mess right now} but trust me when I say it's teeny tiny. I will share more photos of this space along with an update of how things are going with the living space in the next Rental Redo post.

 



 

TIP #1 | PAINT A WALL...OR TWO.

In this case, a chalkboard one. Isn't this just too cute and at an entry, it would be a great space to leave notes for the kids or for a spouse or even to make lists and special guest messages. I LOVE this!  

 



 

 

TIP #2 | ADD A MIRROR.

And not just any old mirror, make it a good one and be sure it's just the right size for the space. We all know that mirrors can make a small space look much larger by reflecting parts a room. Another great idea is to not just add one mirror but a collection of vintage ones, some of all shapes and sizes, etc. can add just the right touch to a small entry.

 

 

 

TIP #3 | STRIPES, STRIPES and MORE STRIPES.

Of course these are oh so trendy right now but they aren't just trendy, they are functional. Adding simple lines to a short wall can give the illusion of length hence tricking the eye into thinking that the given space is much larger and longer than it actually is.

 

 

TIP #4 | ORGANIZE  IT.

THIS is my next step in ours. If it's not organized but the rest of your home is put together, it can definitely give the wrong vibes to guests entering the home. Free the space of clutter and create a space that is not only pretty but functional.

 

 

 

 TIP #5 | WHEN IN DOUBT, PUT A FRAME ON IT.

This one is surely my opinion but you just can't go wrong with a gallery wall. The one below is more symmetrical but you could add just about any type of frame or wall décor to fit your home's style or your own personality.

All images can be found here.

 

 

I also just wanted to take a sec to say thanks to you guys for following along and for commenting, giving advice, opinions and thoughts along the way on this rental refresh. It's been so much fun to add a little bit of me to this place we are temporarily calling home all while sticking to a pretty tight budget.

 

I absolutely love sharing this adventure with all of you!

 

Linking up with:

Savvy Southern Style

DIY Showoff

City Farmhouse

Rain on a Tin Roof

 

 

  XO,

During this rental redo, I've had lots of grand ideas. To which most my loving husband has assitsted me in putting on hold for our permanent home. One of those ideas was a plank wall behind this sofa with 3/4 board and baten.

 

Really? Yes. Really.

 

In a rental. Yep. In a rental.

 

So, instead of covering this whole wall with reclaimed boards and wainscoting, I have decided to cover THIS wall instead. It's a tad bit smaller and less of a project than the other.

 

 Don't you agree?

 

 

Again, many of you (and lots of friends frankly) have asked why I would even bother making this place all nice and cozy or even worry about projects like this if we are only going to be in this place another year. To be honest, I don't think I have a really good answer for that. I just know that I need to create and I can't stop the process in my brain...it has to come out!

 

I am thinking we should have this project completed in the next two weeks or so. I would love to have it done tomorrow but I have a few more things on my to-do list before this so, it must wait!

 

In the meantime, this weekend I picked up a few things to add to our living room and I am beginning to put the room together bit by bit.

 

This lamp was one item that I picked up...are you ready...from Target! Don't you just love it? I love the chunky base and the black lampshade with gold lining screams sophistication. I plan on putting a pair behind the sofa on a console to "flank" the framed photos above. That wall won't escape my wrath, planked or not. I still have to finish filling it with accessories and whatnot to even everything out.

 

 

 

This isn't the most impressive picture of the lamp but it's really a stunner. Gold lining inside the shade and all. I will place a pair behind the sofa atop a console table and plan on adding some more eye candy to the wall behind.

 

 

This is staging at it's finest people...let me just tell ya. Ha! Really though...never mind all the pillows on the sofa and the barren table...it will all come together. I promise.

 

 

 

I picked up this awesome piece of chippy goodness at Haystack Antiques: HOME {eh hmmm, love that place BTW and if you are a local, you must visit} this past weekend as well. I went back and forth about the type of coffee table I wanted in the space and settled on this style. It's a far cry from my original thought of an industrial style table but so much more warm and cozy than wood and metal. I figure that since our home is temporary, and since this was such a good deal, if I got tired of it or changed my mind, I could always change it out for something else and use this as an event or photography prop. I fell in love with it though and had to have it!

 

 

I also picked up some ironstone and vintage botanical prints that I'll be putting up on the walls right after my {drum roll, please}...plank wall installation. Yah!

 

So, as I mentioned I've been dreaming of them no doubt. They stalk me. Seem to be everywhere I go. Okay, maybe not everywhere I go but kinda since they are in my thoughts everywhere I go!

 

Since covering the entire wall behind the sofa may be too much of a task given the situration here, I will be using one of our smaller accent walls to show off my DIY prowess. I am SO excited to bring in a little more character into the living area. And even more excited to share how we do it with you guys!

 

Anyhow, all for now...what do you think of my finds for the week? Thanks for letting me share my rental redo ups and downs with you! Hope you're having an amazing week!

 

XO, 



Sharing Over At...
The Feathered Nest
Jennifer Rizzo
Blissfully Ever After
Liz Marie Blog
What Meegan Makes

NOTE: This is kind of a long post and the first few paragraphs are dedicated to why I decided to write about re-doing our rental in the first place. If you feel like it'd be beneficial for you to know...start right here. If not, just scroll on down to get some cool tips on how to shop smart for your temporary home. I promise...I won't be offended!

 

 

Okay, guys...here we go. You've heard me talk over and over again about our rental and how...well...I am not so in love with it and have wanted to change it and make it OURS since we've been here. The truth is...it's not ours. It will never be...and I am learning to be okay with that.

 

We moved to Seattle two years ago this past August after my husband and I decided that, for our family, it was time to establish some stability and leave the military life. He served faithfully in the US Air Force for 10 years which meant that we moved from state-to-state every three years or so.

 

If any of you out there reading this are military or live in a temporary residence, you will surely relate to what I am about to share.

 

Because of our nomadic-like patterns, it became very clear to me that whenever we did finally land somewhere, I had to plant my feet quickly and get to the business of making our house a home wherever we were no matter how big, small or old the space was.

 

To be candid and super honest, by our last duty station, I was done. I didn't want to decorate or stage a thing and we lived on base which didn't make for much of inspiration in the way of home design.

 

After praying about it and agreeing that it was time to go I began to hold on to the promise of a brighter future in a permanent space that we could truly call our own and that I could put my personal stamp on! Yippee!

 

Well fast forward almost three years and we are here...living in a rental space that is quite a bit older and could use some maintenance in key areas. Our family has since grown from our original five to six and we have truly outgrown the house. BUT, we make the most of the space, our kids love it here and have made some wonderful memories.

 

Now, don't get me wrong, I know we are blessed to have a home that is more than cozy for us...we lack for nothing. Not a thing. For that, I am eternally grateful. But, you see, I am holding on to a promise...God is faithful, I just need a little cheering on every now and then...to remember that promise.

 

Insert the day that the hubs came home with grave news {grave, I tell ya}...we would have to stay in the rental for a year more than we had planned to ensure we have just the right amount of funding necessary to get the home that we really want to have. Sooooo...{insert tears here}..yup, I cried. Not really sure why and to be honest, I really felt like a whiny baby...an ungrateful one. So, what did I do? I pulled my "big girl panties" up and decided to make the most of it...I thought...we are going to fix up this place as much as we are allowed until we leave.

 

Most people wouldn't even care to take the time to do this for a home that didn't even belong to them...but all of you creatives out there will understand exactly why I went straight into this mode. I. Just. Can't. Help. It.

 

I really didn't mean to be SO longwinded with the backstory here but I felt like you all needed to know {especially all of my new friends} why I was sharing this in the first place.

 

So, on to my plans for this place for the next few months:

 

 

See all of those goodies up there? These are my picks for our living and dining spaces.

 

There are lots of patterns, textures, colors...well, not really colors but since, at the current time, we are SUPER neutral...those yellow curtains up there...for me, are a TON of color! I am totally a neutral girl! You can see that here. Honestly, with all the patterns there's just really more personality than color so it adds a bit of a fun element to the space. I like that. Layered rugs, modern pillow mixed with Southern charm. Yes, please. Again...I digress...forgive me.

 

The home we live in is a late 1950's Rambler style home. Which, lends greatly to a more modern, industrial, contemporary feel. Those styles, while amazing, are typically not something I have ever been interested in. I am Southern. Not that that means I can't like contemporary things but the heart of our home will always have to be cozy...not cluttered. Cozy.

 

I do, however, love industrial and modern elements so in this redo, I will attempt to bring that in with the help of accents, trims and décor.

 

So how do you save money while you learn to love the space you're in yet still add YOUR touch to the space? Here are a few tips:

 

TIP #1

Don't spend a lot of money on doo-dads and whatnots.

If you're like me, you love all the decorative accessories. And if you're even more like me, your taste and style preferences change often as well. These days, there are too many outlets on the web to score the perfect accent for that nook or cranny in your space.

Just a few places to sign up for and find great deals:

Antique Farmhouse

Décor Steals

Last Call

HomeGoods 

{online shopping not currently available}

and so many more!

 

 

Like these lovelies from West Elm. They are actually more on the high end of what I would normally pay, but I am in love with them. And since this post is REALLY about shopping smart, these won't break the bank at $29.00-39.00.

 

 

As you know, I've been SO into gold lately and these add just the right touch of character and personality. I think I will place them on this little sidetable/etergere from  Overstock.com.

 

Which leads me to...

 

TIP #2

Shop online closeout and discount websites. Frequently.

Now, I know some of you may be turned off by this one but tune back in. You'll be happy you did. Did you know that sites like Overstock.com, Wayfair, Joss and Main and so many others offer high quality, brand name furniture, décor and so much more at a fraction of the cost? This is not because the items are damaged but because so many companies out there over promise and under deliver. Who wins on that one? Well, you do, of course!

 

And I am loving everything about this simple, monogrammed pillow. Southern girls like Southern things...and what's more Southern than a monogrammed pillow? I am in love. This one was easy. And even better, a seamstress friend will be making this one for me! Yes!

 

TIP #3

Support handmade, local artisans whenever you can.

 

via Etsy

 

If you take a look at the inspirational mood board image above, most of the pillows I plan to purchase are from Etsy. Once again, do not misjudge...Etsy has a bazillion wonderfully talented designers who make high quality goods for the home. Whenever I can, I like to support them. Can I make pillows? Yes. Realistically, will I have the time? No. One tip for Etsy though...shop around. Since there are so many people offering their goods, there is a lot of competition for pricing. Be sure to take your time to find the best deal for what you need for your space.

 

 

TIP #4

DIY.

Do it yourself. And if you can't, I bet you have a friend who can!

Can you paint a piece of furniture, sew a straight line, use a hammer and nail? Then, chances are that in your decorating process, you can make a few things to not only add a personal touch to your home but save money at the same time. As you know, DIY is all the rage right now and if you don't know how to do it I am pretty sure you can find an online video or blog tutorial on how to make it happen. Let your fingers do the walking and make Google {or Bing} your best friend.

 

 

 

TIP #5

Be Patient.

Rome wasn't built in day and neither will your home.

{Ha, if I'm not preaching to MYSELF on this one}

I am SURELY preaching to myself on this one. As a matter of fact, I couldn't even believe I typed it. It's like someone was controlling my fingers and I was totally out of control. Imagine that. Seriously, even though you're in a rental, take the time to think through what projects are most important to you.

What spaces does your family spend the most time in? What room is the most used?This is probably where you want to begin your planning.

 

Are you ready to go on this rental redo journey with me? Sure hope so! And I would love for you to share your redo stories with me!

 

Okay, so today I promised a tutorial of sorts for a DIY Gallery Art Wall project. Well, it turns out that one of the most important tools needed to complete or better yet, start the project, was missing as my kids LOVE to play with my "tools". Am I the only one that happens to?

 

So, it's off to the art store for me tomorrow to get EVERYTHING I need to complete the fun project. I am determined to have it posted here by Friday. Determined.

 

In the meantime, I wanted to share something SUPER DUPER exciting with you!

 

I've been talking a lot lately about our rental and how hard it's been for me to get in the mood to decorate it, decide what style I wanted to go with, textures, colors, placement of furniture, etc. It's honestly been truly frustrating for me as it's MY house. I can walk into someone else's home and tell them what to do...easy. I can tell them what colors will work and which ones won't. I can tell them which patterns complement the others and which ones don't but when it comes to our living space lately I've had a bit of a styling block. Tell me it happens to the best of us.

 

Anyhow, if you guys haven't met Kirsten from Simply Grove do not wait any longer to experience this chica's blog and all of her amazing gifts in design. She is truly amazing.

Image via Simply Grove

 



She is now offering an e-course through Skillshare. {There's another new site for you to check out} And, get this...not only is it only $19.00 but it's 25% off through Thursday. Yes, that is right. Only $14.00. The class begins in November. But, I wouldn't wait that long to sign up.
 

 

 

This is just a taste of some of her work. Pretty awesome, huh?

 

I've had the privilege of meeting Kirsten and she is one of the sweetest people I have met. I'm pretty sure you will feel the same during this course! I cannot wait to spend some virtual time with her and glean some wisdom that will hopefully pull me right out of this "dead place" I have been in for so long now!

 

So, head on over to Simply Grove and sign up for the class and hang out there for a while for a bit of inspiration.

 

If you've got something to share, I heard Skillshare is a pretty amazing place to do it!

 

The two cool things? Well, Simply Grove and Skillshare, of course! Now...go forth and register!

 

Looking forward to being your classmate!

 

Happy Wednesday!



This past weekend I had the opportunity once again to visit the Fall Ruffles and Rust  Vintage Market. You can read more about the show and what it offers here.

A girlfriend of mine and I drove up to Monroe, WA to the Evergreen State Fairgrounds to check out all of the vendors and their unique finds. There's always something to be found at R and R!

This year, admittedly, I didn't find as much as I did last year but there were plenty of great junkers and rusty offerings galore. I just think I am in a bit of a transition in style so while I admired plenty of the creative talents and visual merchandising, I was still quite purposeful in my buying.

I did manage to bring home a couple of grain sack pillows that I tossed onto the sofa. I just cannot seem to shake the farmhouse style...while I also love the contemporary.
So, I am learning to mix the two and make them meld into one complete look. Still working on that as you can see below.

 

 

Can you also see that I am REALLY into neutrals? Help me, Jesus. We live in Seattle. Lord knows I need some color in this room so I figure I will do that with just one more small bolster on the sofa 'cause I don't have enough pillows on the sofa right now.

Eh hmm.

 

And when I add my new side and coffee tables, I will add color there as well. It will all come together. Just such a slow process!

 

Anyhow, moving right along...

 

I bought this cool antique baby doll crib for only $20 from JohnBob Cool Junk. They have some COOL junk and they are pretty cool as well! If you're a local, you'll want to keep up with where they are! Always fun conversations and finds with those two.

 

I just love all the little, fun details and even the chippy dirty parts...just adds character.

 

I thought it would be fun for styling a baby shower or for infant, newborn photography. What do you think?

 

I think it's splendid!

 

 

I picked these little cuties up while antiquing for a bit on Sunday afternoon. Aren't they fun? I'll be adding them to the mantle or to the gallery wall. Can't really decide just yet but I do know I want t a few more.

Maybe my new collection?

 I think the kids and hubby would get quite a kick outta that!

And on to a new gallery wall project. This one is inspired by Life:Beautiful Magazine. I don't think I have blogged about that magazine in a long time.

I posted it on Instagram a few weeks back. It truly is one of the most inspiring, encouraging, empowering magazines I have EVER read. No joke. And they're not even paying me to say that! 

 

 

This is, of course, is a little sneak peak of a DIY project I'll be blogging about at the end of the week.  Any guesses as to what this will be?

You'll have to return on Friday to find out!

Wish me luck...hoping it turns out perfectly!

 

 



Happy Tuesday!



Well, at least ONE of them! For those of you waiting, I am still working on the dresser and a few other furniture projects around the house. 

I've also decided that I am done with our dining area and how absolutely boring it is so I want to start the process of putting the "RHI stamp" on it.

With so many things on my to do list, I have GOT to start prioritizing things around here so that I can actually get some projects around our own home completed. 

I want to keep my word with you all so I'm working hard to get the faux finish tutorial up for you. I promise it'll be worth the wait! But, in the meantime, I kinda need your help.

Most of you know after reading this, that we are in a rental home. It took almost an entire year for me to settle with that and decide to begin making this house of ours, no matter how temporary, a home.

The next couple of months or so I would like to focus my energy on this space...

That would be our cute little sweet pea doing her homework as I snapped away!

It's our dining area. And, well, it's a little sad. I want it to be "happy" and to really express who we are as a family. The challenge, of course, is that it's technically not our home. I've thought of so many amazing ideas to make this a better place for all of us none of which exclude moving a wall or knocking something out of the way.

I also have issues when it comes to decorating my own home. Seems I can never commit. Ask me to help someone else design or decorate a space, I'm on it. Ideas flow freely. My space? Cricket, cricket.

So, as you can see, it's pretty much a blank canvas and the wall colors are neutral which I feel is a good thing but I'd love to make that wall (that one right there) a focal wall and perhaps even do a decorative paint technique, stencil or just paint it a different color altogether.

Our living space, which is directly behind this area is quite neutral with brown, tans, hues of blues and grays. (I know, exciting) Honestly, I love that space. You can see it here. But, in our dining area I want it to be cohesive with the living space but I'd love to pull in a different color.

I love this print from fabric.com. I thought I could use this for new panels on the windows and start there. 

But, I also love this one...

But I know that this one blends in with the wall color way too much. 

Then, there's this one...

I kinda actually REALLY love this one. It's ALMOST perfect. 

Can you see my problem now? Commitment. I just can't seem to commit to any one idea for this space. Ultimately, within the next couple of weeks I will decide on a fabric for the panels, choose to paint or not and decide on what will go on that focal wall. 

All of those decisions would be easier if you could help me! Pretty, please? With a cherry on top? 

Which fabric choice do you think would look best in the space and what are your ideas for THAT wall? That big, blank wall. 

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!