Room with a view

My personal budget for new decor around my house is small.

Especially if we are talking about something that is not functional but just real pretty.

This makes me sad yet resourceful...which I am so glad of. I am finding more and more ways to beautify on a budget, which is a fun challenge.

This is my space before:

I am ashamed to say that this has looked like this for about 2 years...sad little swatch on the window and all, but usually the bench has a lot more stuff on it.

But after a little bit of shopping my house and my mom's (thanks Mom).

We have this:

I had these plates from Wisteria for the longest time and they were always suppossed to hang on either side of the window. But when we went to hang them they just looked pitiful.

They needed some friends.

I had one silver platter that I had bought and intended it for a client, but it did not work out...and I found the other one at my mom and dad's house.

And it is almost identical, so it works out great.

Close up of one of the plates:

And I made this pillow - I got the idea from a wonderful blogger (can't claim it as my own).

I will try to give credit when I remember which blog it came from.

I got lost in blog world one day and you know how it can be...kind of like etsy because there is just so much good stuff out there.

If you're in a recession, there is always burlap...cost effective and stylish!

And here they are side by side the before and after...

I had great intentions of attempting a valance before this post, but did not live up to it...

maybe in March!

Linking up to the before and after party @ Thrifty Decor Chick

Pantry - Before and After

Awhile back when my husband was out of town, I decided to tackle a home improvement project solo. I did this because I knew it would take some convincing to get him excited about taking a weekend to "spruce up the pantry".

It turned out great. This gave me confidence in a few areas; hanging wall paper, using power tools and not asking his opinion before I take on a project - which could be a bad thing...but what's done is done.

Our Pantry/ Landry room is a long and narrow space - like a hallway. I am currently working on organizing the laundry part of it, but the pantry part is done and I am so pleased.

Before - MDF shelving in a wood finish

After - Look what a little bit of paint, fabric and wall paper can do!

I need to give credit where credit is due - this post from Jenny Steffens was my inspiration.

And she was inspired by Eddie Ross.

This little part is a more recent accomplishment - I am so embarrassed of the before picture!

trash can, recycling bin, and dog food...

I bought this utility shelf from Target right after Christmas with high hopes for this space.

And a few supplies in the mean time...

And look what happened in one Friday night - I know, I am quite the socialite...

I bought a pre-made frame at Hobby Lobby and put the chalkboard paint directly on the wall. I had a hard time finding a cute chalk board that was reasonably priced and the right size. This worked out perfectly. - Total Cost for the chalkboard - about $23

I put the chalk and eraser in this cigar box we already had and I found this adorable lamp at an antique store for $18 -It was missing a shade. I knew it had potential, I love the shape of it and it was a steal because it is made out of china.
My only regret with this entire project is not doing it sooner.

I linked upi to Thrifty Decor Chick to share this project.

Before & After LOVE~

I think we all have to agree how much we love to see before and after pictures of anything...people, makeovers, homes, yards, furniture...I think it is just so inspiring how much something can change with a little bit of vision and hard work.

There is even a blog I follow that is dedicated to posting to Before & Afters, called Better After. Lindsey does a great job of posting instant inspiration for those who love this sort of thing.

That is the same reason I think we are all so drawn to see what something was and what it can become. I came across a project in the Lowe's - Creative Ideas magazine that really got my attention - mainly because I have a bathroom in my house that is the exact same floor plan and needs a little overhaul itself.






I love the white river rock and the white grout...but I would be mortified what it would look like after a week in my house. I also love how they did two panels for a shower curtain. This would work in my house because Libby is the only one who uses the bathtub and it is for a bath - not a shower so water would not be a problem.

I have spruced up our bathroom with little changes like paint and a shower curtain but I have not put this much effort in.
I am definitely inspired to do a little project in this space now but I just need to go one step at a time....

Today bead board is being installed in our master bedroom ceiling and I am so excited...it is going to be great!