Since I don’t have time to both BLOG and REDECORATE (at least the big projects) I announced I was taking a blogging break for a couple weeks. And I am…count on a post here or there and that’s it. I’ve been working hard during baby’s nap time and running errands quickly in the morning.
I’m making massive headway, but still my list on my fridge is an entire sheet, small print.
I dream of being completely done, in a sparkly fresh house, right in time to put up my Christmas decorations.
Here’s some things I’ve been working on:
DINING ROOM
No curtains before:
Curtains:
While were on this subject, can you help me? I want to attach a black grosgrain ribbon as a border around each curtain. How would you do this? I’m really afraid to sew it…sewing grosgrain on sheers?….I can just anticipate bumpy uneven ickiness with my poor sewing skills. Do you think I should use that double sided iron on tape? Or just a glue gun? That scares me too. Let me know if you have any advice.
MASTER BATH
Old color:
New color. I LOVE it…I’ll show better pics later.
Here’s what happens to my kitchen when I work on projects:
Here’s what happens to my living room when I work on projects:
Here’s what happens to my baby when I work on projects. I was setting up to paint the ceiling, and it was almost time for nap. Apparently it’s really boring watching someone tape molding.
Living Room
New color. I LOVE it…I’ll show better pics later. Here’s what happens to my kitchen when I work on projects:
Here’s what happens to my living room when I work on projects:
Here’s what happens to my baby when I work on projects. I was setting up to paint the ceiling, and it was almost time for nap. Apparently it’s really boring watching someone tape molding.
Living Room
With no curtains:
Curtains I made from cheapies I found at my grocery superstore. They were too short…I bought a contrasting color to make up the height difference and LOVE the result.
KITCHEN
Curtains I made from cheapies I found at my grocery superstore. They were too short…I bought a contrasting color to make up the height difference and LOVE the result.
KITCHEN
Old kitchen wall. (Far wall). Pictures didn’t include Patrick, and Isaac hated his photo and begged me to change it….I decided to go with something altogether different.
Not done yet….huge magnetic chalkboard wall.
I’m going to frame that chalkboard off with molding painted this color.
And my favorite project so far. This cozy den ceiling needed painting because of a stain. My neighbor (who happens to be an incredibly talented decorator) gave me the idea to use a color. 
I was BRAVE and picked a deep chocolate brown. I LOVE it. (This pic doesn’t really do it justice.) It’s my favorite room in the house now.
I don’t have a Before of my Foyer/Hallway…but is was a very very pale yellow that I HATED since I painted it 5 years ago. I did a warm goldy tan this time, and finally the beautiful wainscotting shows.
Sorry for the quick post…I’ll post better pics, paint colors, how to’s for the framed chalkboard wall when I’m all done.
On FRIDAY, I am posting about a special Christmas project I am working on with a few fellow bloggers. It brings tears to my eyes just to write about it….stay tuned.Not done yet….huge magnetic chalkboard wall.
I’m going to frame that chalkboard off with molding painted this color.And my favorite project so far. This cozy den ceiling needed painting because of a stain. My neighbor (who happens to be an incredibly talented decorator) gave me the idea to use a color. I was BRAVE and picked a deep chocolate brown. I LOVE it. (This pic doesn’t really do it justice.) It’s my favorite room in the house now.
I don’t have a Before of my Foyer/Hallway…but is was a very very pale yellow that I HATED since I painted it 5 years ago. I did a warm goldy tan this time, and finally the beautiful wainscotting shows.
Sorry for the quick post…I’ll post better pics, paint colors, how to’s for the framed chalkboard wall when I’m all done.And THANKS to Kim from the extremely popular Today's Creative Blog! I am thrilled!
PS. Since a few desperate ready-to-paint-now bloggers asked...the color on the den ceiling...the dark brown....is Lowe's American Tradition "Cabin Plank" 2011-10.
Posts
73 comments:
I wouldn't glue the ribbon to the sheers. Maybe some double sided iron on tape! If you sew it would could pucker. I have sewn ribbon onto my curtains using black thread on top and white thread on the inside.
Check out my post:
http://hodgepodge-babselou.blogspot.com/2009/10/honey-i-shrunk-curtains.html
Incredible! I especially love your master bath color - looks SO good with white and silver. Sewing on the sheers would scare me too - I'm sure you'll get some good advice there.
Beautiful, I love your style! I used hem tape on some valances and the best part is if you screw up you can peel it off and start over. I like how you added length to the curtains.
WOWSER!! You totally deserve to be featured on Today's Creative Blog. Such a talented, but real, wife and mom. So nice to meet you, and I'm adding you to my Follow list. Thanks!
I found you on TCB. I am so glad, I am loving your blog. Your home is beautiful! Can't wait to do some more exploring!
Holy cow... you are on a roll. But, I do love the turned over chair and banana stickers on your cabinet doors. That is so real life, i love the no staging effects you do. Don't get sick either from working so hard or from paint fumes.... I need to hire you! :)
Impressive, m'dear. Simply impressive.
Wow you are amazing! I'm so impressed by you.
Blair
LOVE it! I have wanted to update my house for sometime now too...and you may have just lit a spark under me. LOL! I was wondering what paint color you used for the Chocolate ceiling? I LOVE IT!
You are amazing! Thank you for showing pictures of what happens to your kitchen and living room while you are at work. So glad I'm not alone. Also glad I'm not the only one who can live in a house for 4+ years without hanging curtains. Now, can you come play at my house?
BTW, I can totally vouch for the hemming tape. I just made gorgeous silk curtains (like Pottery Barn!) for my piano room, and used the tape with great results. Used it again to hem some pants last week. Just make sure you put something between your iron and the grosgrain, just in case.
This sounds like my life back in July! I had the inspiration to change the master bath and I ended up doing EVERY room in the house EXCEPT the master bath! lol It is still not done!! It is an exhausting job but it feels so good to have a "new" house! I love everything you have done! I have always wanted to try a dark ceiling! I painted all of my trim a chocolate color which was a major change! Come visit my blog sometime and check in the archives in June/July 2009 and you will see a few of my transformations! Good luck with everything! Can't wait to see more pics!
http://housequeen.blogspot.com
Your home is beautiful and I love the brown ceiling!!
We added ribbon to white sheers in Maddie's room and I did sew it on and it was a major pain. I agree that the hemming tape seems like the best choice.
Tomorrow night we are having your recipe for chicken fettuccine in the crock pot!! Thanks for sharing!!
WOW!!! You've inspired me to get my butt in gear and get some of that to do list of my own done!!!! WAY TO GO!!!!!! LOVE that chocolate ceiling!!! Can't wait to hear about the project on Friday!!!!
Hey there, it all looks fantastic! Especially the chocolate brown ceiling!
Use stitch witchery on your curtains for the grosgrain ribbon. Super easy stuff!
I would agree with the hem tape. Another option would be to use heat and bond. Same type of thing, but you would have to cut it into strips to fit. Good luck! Your dinning room has always been my favorite inspiration, but the den is a pretty big contender now. My husband would NEVER let me paint the ceiling chocolate!
When I worked at Hancock Fabrics many years ago, my favorite item to recommend to non-sewer's looking to make curtains was Stitch Witchery. It's double sided iron on tape and it's very easy to use. I would recommend that for the curtains with the black ribbon if you don't want to sew. The danger with sheers is that you can punch really huge holes in the fabric with your sewing needle since you'd need a larger size sharp to go through the ribbon properly.
Your rooms look great and I ADORE the color block/sheers you have in your living room! I must try that sometime!
I'm in a cold sweat right now. Can't.Even.Comprehend. how you can do all this stuff!
Amazing.
Sheesh, I need a nap just reading about all you've done! I've never even painted my nails, let alone my walls. (BTW, I don't get them painted, either.) I agree with the idea of fusing the ribbon. Just be careful not to melt your sheers. I'd test it on some scraps if you have any. If not, just start low - be careful of steam. Everything looks fantastic - so classic, creative, and wonderful, rich colors. I love the chocolate ceiling. After 20 years of beige in my house it was so much fun to add colors. Love the drapes on the clip rings - I have them, too and it's such an easy way to update the look.
Definitely try hemming tape for the grosgrain on the curtains. I use it for that kind of thing all the time. Everything looks fabulous!
I love it ALL. LOVE the bathroom color. Fantastic/ballsy idea on the chalkboard thing and how on earth did you paint a ceiling such a beautiful dark color without having a nervous breakdown?
'steam-a-seam' lite for the sheers. you'll have to put ribbon on both sides, but that stuff is phenomenal. watch out! you'll be 'steam-a-seam'-ing everything!
Hmmmm...the practical side of me says the steam a seam lite, but the what-Melissa-would-do-in-real-life would be to whip out the hot glue and be done in 10 minutes. When you get in this mood, you've just got to go with it because you'll get a ton done (you already are!) and you'll be so glad you did :) I love the real life scenes of what happens in the rooms you aren't working in~it's all too familiar! It all looks fantastic so far...can't wait to see more! Oh, and congrats on being featured on TCB!!
What is the name of the paint in your foyer/hallway? Love it!
Okay.....so I hated our bathroom cabinets until I saw yours! Yours are just like mine, except yours has KNOBS!!! Something so simple makes such a different! That's it. I am getting knobs tomorrow!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for showing me how to love our bathroom cabinets! :)
WOW, you have been a busy girl!!! Way to go...I need to do the same to my house...the living/dining room...don't love the color, but they are so big, i don't know if i can paint them myself!!! how are you getting this all done...please share!
Your house is looking amazing! I can't wait to have all the details. Keep up the good work! God's blessings, Sarah :D
What a beautiful house. I really want to do the chalkboard finish somewhere in my kitchen. That would be so cool.
The family room looks great with the brown ceiling. I never would have thought!
Loved seeing the pictures... especially the love sleeping in the chair.. I have a similar picture taken thirty seven years ago. It's a favorite. I want to paint our dining room ceiling a dark color, but I have been nervous to do it. Love how it turned out for you.
I always use my kids as an excuse for not updating my decor. However, you have kids...look what you've done! Looks great! Thanks for sharing. No excuses for me now (big sigh!).
Your makeovers look great. It's funny how one project always leads to another.
Since you asked, I would use Heat n Bond to attach the ribbon to your sheers. Get a width that is slightly thinner than your ribbon, so nothing oozes out and use super low heat. If there's a pattern/design on your ribbon (like polka dots or something), they'll smear if it's too hot. Not that I would know or anything...
What about using Fabri-Tac to glue the ribbon to the sheers? I'd be a little nervous using an iron on grosgrain and on sheers - for fear of melting them. Heat-n-bond tape may work as long as you put a pressing cloth or something in between your iron and ribbon/sheers. Can't wait to see how it all turns out! :) Will you be sharing paint brands/names at some point?? :)
Wow! You have done some wonderful work -- very inspiring! On the curtains I'd go with the iron on fabric tape -- Stichery Witchery- I love that stuff and it holds amazingly strong.
I love all the changes! My favorite is the color in the bathroom, you'll have to share that one.
And, miles to go before I sleep. One of my favorites.
Love the ceiling......such a difference!
Hi Miss Sarah-
Your projects look wonderful.
For whatever it is worth I would leave the curtains just like they are- you have several things in the room with black borders (frames), so I think the clean look is refreshing and modern.
Whatever you decide will be wonderful!
Laura
WoW! You really have been busy! I am in awe at all that you have accomplished and it all looks amazing. My favorite: the chocolate ceiling! That is so stunning, yet so, so cozy. I never would have thought to do that. I also loved that you posted what your house looks like during projects....this is mine to the "T" Usually complete mahem....thanks for being so real.
PS -I love your chandelier in your formal dining room. I have been looking everywhere for one similar, where did you find yours?
I am also trying to get my house in shape but for Thanksgiving not Christmas! I am really hoping you will take a minute and post your paint colors! I have been looking for a brown for my kitchen and have swatches hanging everywhere! I also painted my Family Room a pale yellow that I hate and have been looking for a warm gold! Please post if you can!
Also try taking your curtains to your dry cleaners and have them sew the ribbon on for you - they are usually very reasonable and do a great job. If you have them sewn, you won't have to worry about puckering and it's one thing you can cross off your list!
Have fun!
What a fabulous blog, so glad I found you. Your house is stunning and your family is beautiful :)
You have been busy! I love all the changes you have done.
I've used the iron on hem tape for attaching ribbon to shears before and it worked great! Just be sure to get the heavy duty stuff!
Such great inspiration! I need to shovel out the baby clutter around here, and get decorating.
Sarah, you are amazing. Wow, have you been busy! I love the color choices you are making. It all looks great. I love that we see real life going on in your photos.
I would just whip out the glue gun and have at those curtains. You'll be so glad it you did, and you'll keep your momentum going.
I am not exactly sure how you would get the ribbon on the curtains. I agree that sewing would be a challenge. I think a glue gun you would see exactly where the glue is and if you use the iron on stuff the actual ribbon might melt (unless you are sure it is cotton and not a synthetic).
My goodness, this is impressive, YOU are impressive! What I want to know the MOST is, how on earth do you PAINT with little ones around?? I have two little ones, 1.5 and 5, and I cant imagine painting anything without them getting into the paint or the baby eating some/putting some into his hair! Or when do you even find time to go to the paint shop to pick out some colours in peace with the little ones?? My 1.5 wont even let me pick out a dozen items in the supermarket on some days! Please share more details on how you cope with home-improvement projects with kids around, when you are free of course! :)
Steph
Your blog is so great! I am not a huge blog reader (yet) but yours is really fun to read. It is very inspiring! I've already looked at my furniture to see what I could do. I would test the hot glue gun idea. I agree with Sarah that it could show. The iron on stuff worked with some similar material to the curtains that was on my daughter's dress-up clothes, but I don't know about the ribbon. Anyway, I would test it.
Thank you , thank you, thank you for giving us the name and number of that chocolate brown! I totally want to do that on the ceiling of my "library" to give it a cozy feeling. Now could you just come on over and convince my husband that it will be alright?????? He is so wary of these bold colors that I love! arggh. stay tuned....
Nice post - Sarah Miles ..Keep Posting
Ron
Sarah Miles - 1024×768
FreeWallpapers
follower fo TCB but now a follower to you to.. i love your blog and love your house.. seriously looks amazing.. for the grosgrain.. they have this really cool like insta bond stuff for fabric.. it comes in a glue bottle and i know you can get it at wwal-mart.. so you should be able to get it at any craft store..but it doesn't burn you and it actually sticks firm.. and the best part..no sewing.. good luck!!! keep blogging!
That's very close to the color we have on our walls in the kitchen-it's a little dark, but we like it. Not sure how long it will last; it's been up over a year already.
LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! the bathroom color! Is it a blue grey or a blue green? We're about to paint our last remodeled bathroom and I was going for a blue green if you wouldn't mind sharing.
Beautiful gorgeous house! Thanks for letting us peek in!
everything looks great!!! I have a long list of projects for our house too! A question for you ... how do you like having a rug under your kitchen table? Does it drive you crazy with clean up and spills? I think our table would look great with a rug but I want something "easy" for our family. advice?
Hi Sarah.
As usual, your home is so beautiful, and real. The state of the kitchen and Family room made me genuinely laugh out loud. Good to know that I am not alone!! ;)
XO*Tricia
P.S. I would use the iron on tape for the ribbon, but don't buy the cheap stuff. I've used it and it's one of those "you get what you pay for" items.
Your home is so beautiful! I love what you've done!
WOW! It all looks great! I love the chalkboard wall, but I did this in my kids room and I finally painted over it because the chalkboard dust was in every crack and crevice, what a mess! Would love to know how it works out for you. As far as the curtains go, I would use iron on tape. This is what I use since I dont sew! Good luck and I can't wait to see the finished product!
Love the bathroom color! What color is that?? We have mostly yellow in our house & have been wanting to do the master bath in a light blue or green!
Also, have created a new blog header based on your instructions and plan to do the wax leaves soon! Thanks for posting! Lisa
All of your projects turned out fantastic! I'm a bit afraid of painting myself, but you may have inspired me just enough...
And I love the curtains too! I've been itching for some curtains for a few years now but have held off because with three little ones I'm worried that someone is bound to pull them down, but then again maybe not...
I suppose its time for a bit less talk and a some action around our house!
Thanks for the inspiration!
Libby
Lovely!!! Like many other commenters, I'd LOVE to know the name of the color and brand which you used in your bathr and hallway. Thanks so much for sharing. *found your blog via TCB and am now a follower of your gorgeous blog!
Tammy
I love love your blog and glad I found you through Todays Creative Blog. I will be checking back for your ideas. Love the pic of your son sleeping on the chair, tooo cute :)
Gorgeous! The brown ceiling is stunning and adds insta-cozy.
What is it like to paint a ceiling?
AGGHHHHH, The brown ceiling is Fab.U.Lous!
I love your blog! I'm so glad Kim at Today's Creative Blog featured you! I will be coming back often.
Love that I found your blog! Thanks for the inpiration. I'm attempting a do-over in my dining room also and instead of just wishing for a new table...i'm painting mine black. yea! can't wait.
Hey Sarah. I'm new here. I saw you on Today's Creative blog and thought I drop by to say hello. Your home is BEE-U-TEE-FULL!!!! And so is your blog! You're so creative and so worthy of being featured on TCB. Congrats!!! Can't wait to see your Christmas project.
Wow!! EVERYTHING is awesome! so inspiring! I'm totally adding you to my google reader! Thanks to TCB for featuring you!!
Everything looks amazing!
sarah,
your home is gorgeous!!!!! i agree with another reader and think you should leave the sheers alone. sometimes simple is better (in this case)..you want the focus on your beautiful table and credenza. i would like to know how you dressed up your store bought curtains that you added fabric too. maybe you should do a tutorial when you have time. you have inspired me!!!!!!!! i love your blog, advice, and think you kiddies are all adorable. i must say that after reading your views on spankings...my husband and i had an ah ha moment and agreed with everything you said. could you please follow up with how you get your children's attention and have them obey. just curious. thanks so much!!!!!!
Why not put a weight at the bottom of the grosgrain and let it hang next to the sheers. you could attached it at the top and then just let it hang. That would make it appear as if it were the edge without sewing, bonding, anything. Best of all, it would make it uber flexible if you get a hankering for a different color. Love your projects!
Just staple the grosgrain to the curtain. What is grosgrain anyway? And how is it possible that we are from the same parents?
Katie.
Hey Sarah,
I just had to take a moment to tell you I love you - I love you for the honest writer, loving mother and unbelievable decorator that you are. If you ever feel the need to fly to San Antonio and decorate my home, I will welcome you with open arms!
GORGEOUS home you have there!! I just hafta ask, what color is the paint in your dining room??? I want something JUST like that in ours!!
BTW -to attach the grossgrain ribbon to your curtains, I'd use the no stitch glue. I've used it a dozen times when I got too lazy and it works GREAT! It's permanent and I've washed things I've used it on and it did not fall apart in the wash. LURVE my no stitch glue!
I would love, love, love the colors of your entry, bathroom and living room. Especially the bathroom! :)
Where in the heck have I been? I leave for a couple of days, and you go crazy decorator on me! I'm loving everything! I need some paint colors. Can't wait for you to come back with the details.
ahah! If that is really Sarah's sister in the above post- that is really funny.
What an inspiring post! Makes me want to get in gear around my own house.
Jennifer
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE post your bathroom color as well, I've been checking in daily for this much NEEDED info. You've inspired me to tackle my bathroom this weekend. I LOOOOVE it! :)
THank you!!!
Marcie
i love the gigantic magnetic chalkboard wall. please show it in action all written on and decorated soon. i'm thinking of doing one of those. what are your dimensions? thanks for the inspiration :)
Post a Comment