Create! I Felt Like Doing A Painting Today

It seemed to be the right day for doing a painting. You get to see it being done step by step.

And here it is in what is probably it's finished state. Pre-framed.

A French Country, Old World Makeover for the Library

We're changing our dark Victorian Library into a light, airy French Country/Old World look for very little cost in this DIY Video.
Below are a few of the new things that have changed.

First we have the Chifferobe which was stained a dark cherry, and not in the best of shatp. We gave it a cream color base coat, a few stencils, and a light stain to seal it.

Above we have, what use to be a cheap, plain black computer desk, and we have given it the same treatment as the Chifferobe. This has turned out very well, and is certainly a great improvement on what it once was.

This little side table has undergone a tremendous transformation. First it started out covered in a false wood look, then it was painted a cream color, and now it has been given an Old World look with faux painted panels, a blue wash, stenciling, and finally a light stain to seal it.
As always, let me know what you think, and keep on watching for more creative, and inexpensive decorating ideas!

A Calming, lightening Feng Shui Bedroom Re Do for very little cost

We are doing a bedroom makeover using Feng Shui as out guideline.
It will transform from dark, and red to light, and airy, and much much happier

As always, don't forget to add a comment, and let me know what you think!

The Upstairs Bathroom Make Over, from Victorian to French Country

It's not that I didn't like the bathroom upstairs, after all I was the one who made it over before, but the time had come to give it a fresh new look. I am sure that you have felt the same way with a previous make over you had done yourself.

At left you can see the "Before" Photo. There is a mural behind the sink that I had painted, along with copper back splash tiles, two tone wall color, and added stenciling for a chair rail effect. All of the wood in the bathroom had also been stained a medium brown color. It gave the bathroom a very classy look, and I was pleased with it.

At right you can see the new look. It has been brightened up a bit. I kept the mural, but replaced the copper tiles with classic white. I also added a "stone" wall to the mural to extend it down a little past the switch plates. That way I did not have to cut the ceramic tile, and there is still more than enough for a back splash. The light fixture remained, as did the faucet. If you look in the mirror's reflection you will see that the wall has changed color. Bead board, and trim have also been added to the bottom half all around the room. You will get a better look at that in the following photos.

Aged shelving, and assorted photos, and knickknacks add to that French Country feel, as does the bead board that I had spoke about. You can see that it has brightened up the area tremendously. More white ceramic tile was added to the entry around the shower area, too.

Along with "aging" the shelving, paying attention to the details, such as the small pieces of corner trim, help to give the space that old world feel. I am very happy with how the bathroom has turned out, and I will tell let you in on a little secret, the hardest part of all of the make over was getting started. That is usually the case, but once you get going all of the other things will seem much easier. Just have an idea, and go with it. Even just painting will have a tremendous change in the space, and if you don't like it, you can always paint over it. No harm done at all.
I hope this inspires you to change a little something in your own space. Go ahead...it will be fun.

That Fall Feeling on a Budget...You Can Do It!

It's getting cooler outside, and soon it will be time for all to come back into the home. Why not make it the most inviting place that you can think of. A place that makes everyone feels good, safe, and happy.

Things you can do in your house to Create that Fall Feeling on a budget.
1. Pumpkins! If you forgot to grow them from seed, you can always pick up the smaller versions in stores. Weather real, or fake, they are inexpensive, and bring you that fall feeling.
2.Materials such as cottons in fall colors, and burlap overlapped on tables with your fall table-scapes are an excellent choice, and exactly what I do.
3. Don't forget those branches from outside in those table-scape arrangements, they look wonderful, and they cost nothing.

4. Gourds in the fall are colorful, and they bring their own feeling of warmth. They come in all shapes and sizes, and can keep for a very long time. Sometimes they even dry out, and you get to keep them forever! That's my kind of gourd.
5.Candles, Candles, Candles...did I say Candles. I love to use them for many things, and in places around the house. You don't even have to light them, they look great with fall silk leaves, and flowers around them! Or you could put tiny scarecrows, and crows, whatever comes to mind, and these things rarely cost very much, and sometimes you can find them at sales!

6. Wreaths, generally these are inexpensive, but if you want to save even more money, you can create your own, and best of all, it's one of a kind. You can place them on doors, walls, and even on staircases. The possibilities are endless.
7. Time to bring out the throws! Nothing say's fall like layering pillows, and blankets on furniture. Don't forget to use those fall colors.
There you have it. Easy, and quick ideas to make your house a special, and inviting home in the Fall.