It has truly been a busy and amazing six short weeks. To tackle not one, not two but THREE areas in such a short time borders on cuckoo. Add in three accelerated university classes taken at the same time and well, it’s official… I am completely crazy!
First the good news: I earned straight A’s.
Now the not so good news:
As you may have heard the weather here in Texas has been extremely wet and windy. This meant that getting the chairs painted was slow going so this led to a delay in getting them to the upholsterer. So, they will not be ready until Friday. Sigh.
Also, having just moved here six short months ago I am still in the process of finding quality people to work with. I interviewed several contractors to build the enclosed fireplace bookcase. The first two never showed up. It was a case of the third time is the charm. However, the bookcase also did not get finished in time. But these two small things are just another reason for you to come back and visit. (Glass half full always! 🙂
I have to say though the room is still looking SO much better than what it did.
First, let’s take a look at the “BEFORE” space.
Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5
The Previous Owner
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Empty and ready to be painted “Cottage White” by Behr.
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If you remember, this was my second inspiration board and I came very close to the inspired vision.
What is pretty amazing to me is that 80% of this room was created with secondhand/thrifted pieces.
We will begin with the entry. After all, it is the first space you see when you enter Storybook Cottage.
I found the large mirror at an estate sale, the chest was found by Mr. Décor in England over 20 years ago and the lamp was once a lantern we electrified and I painted to look like an antique copper light fixture. The ugly tile was covered with a jute rug found at Ross for $25.
I kept the tabletop vignette very simple. It was topped with an orchid I found at HomeGoods for $16. The chevron tray was a steal for just $12 at Ross. Nestled inside are two favorite books, a sculpture my mother, Karen, created and a thrifted Limoges dish filled with antique French keys.
Good thing those keys are so close by since they open the antique Belgian sideboard in the dining area.
The space feels a bit more modern with the addition of the artwork our son created. He recently received the good news that this piece was selected to represent his middle school for the town art exhibition. (Proud mom! 🙂
The table is dressed very simply with some chargers from Pier 1. The napkins and placemats were found during an after Christmas clearance. I love how the gold edge on the napkins links to the gold touches in the living room.
Here’s a closer look at the brass coffee table I found on Craigslist for $200. It is setting on top of a sea grass rug from Home Depot.
Keeping the decoration simple I used a few more books, a turtle magnifying glass, another floral HomeGoods find, thrifted shell coasters and an estate sale dish filled with sea salt chocolate. #slapmyhand
An area next to a staircase can be a bit of a challenge. There was also the added consideration that we needed to keep a clear walkway open. The solution was to dress up the area with a few thrifted paintings and a small chair from HomeGoods.
The rattan table was a great find from Ross a few years ago. It has hidden storage. I simply topped it with a capiz tray I had on hand, added a few books, thrifted bird container and a glass from Anthro filled with springtime tulips.
One of the bold choices in the room was the thrifted hutch. Many of you were hesitant when I said I was going to paint it green. But the color really balances out the massive brick hearth that is directly opposite of it.
I will switch out the dishware seasonally. It is currently filled with vintage “The Friendly Village” pieces by Johnson Brothers. The set was a recent lovely and VERY generous gift from cousin Sweet T and E.
Standing next to the hutch I captured a large view of some of the space. The sofa is an Ikea favorite.
It’s topped with a few HomeGoods pillows. I added a bit of “Florence” paint , which was used on the hutch, to the floral fabric.
On another wall is our bar cart which makes the space always feel like a happy hour. I just repainted an existing buffet and topped it with another estate sale mirror. While it may seem a bit “Palace of Versailles, Hall of Mirrors” this dark space really needs the reflection of the natural light coming in from the dining room window.
The bowl, which holds the pink roses, was a Christmas gift, along with the Palace Trellis stemware from the Fashionista, who works for the company. The gold chevron tumbler was a recent clearance find at Pier 1. It is actually part of a bathroom collection.
The lucite tray was also a recent clearance find from HomeGoods. I just topped the silver sparkly bottom with a bit of wrapping paper to work with the current color palette.
Of course I saved the biggest challenge in the space for last. The massive hearth. Keep in mind that the shelves to the left will soon be dismantled and new shelves and glass doors will be added. But still, an overwhelming improvement.
The mantle may change once the shelves are built. But for now a coat of paint did much to improve the 80’s oak situation. The art came from a great sale. I added in a bit of “Florence” paint to it as well as the two wood boxes. It really just ties the space together. The art hides a good portion of the brick that I was struggling with. In terms of decoration, everything except the turtle was a thrift store or long ago find.
Whew! I hope your eyes haven’t crossed from all the photos. I’ve actually already moved on to the next space in our home….the laundry room. I do hope you have enjoyed the reveal. Many thanks to Linda for organizing the challenge. 
For all the mothers, an early Happy Mother’s Day!
I’ll see you on Monday with the chair reveal.
Laura
Linking to:
Between Naps On The Porch, Remodelaholic, Classy Clutter, Stonegable, A Stroll Thru Life, Not Just A Housewife, Common Ground, Someday Crafts, The 36th Avenue, Ivy and Elephants, Savvy Southern Style, Katherine’s Corner, The Blissful Bee, Posed Perfection,My Fabuless Life,The Style Sisters, Sew A Fine Seam, Craftberry Bush, French Country Cottage, The Shabby Nest, Imparting Grace,My Romantic Home,The Charm of Home, AKA Design + Life, Tatertots and Jello, Funky Junk Interiors, My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia,The Dedicated House
Beautiful, Laura! I especially like the painted hutch. You've given me an inspiration for an old hutch we have. Everything ties together beautifully.
And congratulations to Sweet Guy on his art success! A new family treasure. Ann
i LOVE that artwork your son created, and how fabulous that he received such accolades on it from his school, too. love the pillows as well. enjoy your new space!
b
Wow, you certainly put a lot of great news into that post. Congratulations on your straight 'A's! That is awesome. And another congrats to Sweet Guy on having his art work chosen. Well done! It looks great in your dining room.
In fact the whole space looks so light and fresh and welcoming. The colours are beautiful and the hutch looks great with its new coat. I will definitely be back to see the rest of the details but it looks wonderful as is even.
Thank you for sharing a peek at your lovely home. 🙂
It all looks lovely Laura. You've done a great job on all of the details. And straight A's too! I hope my contractor wasn't a no show as he is really a great guy. Can't wait to see the chairs and built ins.
Laura, your room is beautiful! The painted hutch, your son's artwork, the Ikea couch…it's all wonderful. Great job!
An overwhelming improvement – you said it best yourself. So much lighter, brighter and pulled together. Fantastic job, Laura.
Things are shaping up nicely! I could be announcing a move to Texas in the future. Time will tell…
http://happywonderer.com/
Oh Laura, this is so beautiful, I absolutely love how this space turned out. Sweet Guy's art is so perfect in the dining room and congrats to him for such an honor. He gets his talent from his mom for sure. This is such a beautiful, welcoming and inviting space. I am totally impressed.
Laura, you have truly made the space cohesive and beautiful! You have done a great job of taking attention away from the massive brick fireplace. Wish I lived near you so you could help me make my space more beautiful! Congrats on Sweet Guy's painting.
I love it! Congratulations to your son on his painting. It is fabulous. What a lightened and brightened space.
Despite all the delays, you still managed to pull off a totally finished-looking and beautiful space!!!! Love the pops of turquoise all around and my, that massive fireplace has become quite the nice focal point, thanks to your styling!!! Great job Laura!
What a great transformation! I love your colors and you were so creative to incorporate it with the same paint. No offense to the previous owners but it looks soooo much better! I'm glad you didn't alter your beautiful dining room furniture! And, keep those “A's” rolling in! Congratulations!
You definitely have The Touch!
The colors are light and cheery, without being overwhelming.
I like how even the candy wrappers match the decor.
Well done!
You've done an amazing job! It's fun to see the things you've come up with. The picture over the fireplace is a wonderful choice- perfect size too! The new shelving that's being built sounds wonderful and I'm sure it will balance the space out nicely! I like the mirrors and I agree they offer benefits like reflecting more light into a room. The picture your son created is awesome- congratulations on his piece being chosen for the art exhibition! You must be so happy to look around your home and enjoy these accomplishments!
Wow! Your room turned out lovely!
Hi Laura, You have REALLY accomplished a lot here with these changes!
The colors that you bring our from the gorgeous hutch ties everything in and you have the most interesting trays. I am on the lookout for a couple! The art is amazing especially the piece by your son!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Bunnies by Hunt Slonem!
CONGRATULATIONS on your outstanding grades!!!!
Your renovation looks beautiful of course, though I have to share that the original look of the space is similar to what we have in our living room and we love it. We have a dark brown leather couch : ) I do really love the look of the blue/green pieces though and have been incorporating similar colors into our space which I've slowly been remaking over to a beach house decor, even though the closest ocean beach is 13 hours south of where we live!! I don't care – I love the look. : )
Holy, moley. You accomplished SO MUCH in just 6 weeks. I love the feel and colors. It seems like such a beautiful, yet liveable, space. Great job!
I love what you did with the fireplace! Incredible transformation. Your details are amazing!!
You're in Texas!! I'm from Denton 🙂 What a beautiful home, and a you did such a great job in this Challenge!! I absolutely love your bar cart 😉
Beautiful job with all this space. You really tackled a lot in such a short time. It really does look lovely!
Oh my goodness Laura! You've got SUCH a beautiful home and so many lovely pieces to fill it with!!! It all turned out beautifully! I cannot wait to see those chairs!
The green hutch is absolutely gorgeous – great job on that. I also love how you incorporated the green paint around the room in different places. What a great idea! Hope you enjoy the changes for a very long time.
So lovely and classically beautiful! Amazing transformation…well done!!
I'm impressed that you decided to transform all three spaces at once! The rooms all turned out beautifully–well done!
The fireplace wall looks so much better already! Hope the chairs and the new bookcase/cabinets turn out as well as the rest. Love SG's painting!
Gorgeous! Love the blue/green everywhere.
All so pretty but the fireplace is spectacular! The white has lightened it up beautifully- the art work, the white mantle, the plant inside the wood box. You had great vision and nailed it. Congrats!
Everything looks beautiful! Love the hutch ~ color is so pretty. The touches of the same color around the room really add to the effect. I have no idea how you did all this along with finals and life! Can't wait to see the chairs and I know you'll be happy to have them back.
Have a wonderful Mother's Day!
xo
Pat
So lovely and inviting Laura! Well done!
Very elegant and classic:) Well done!
What a gorgeous transformation! Sophisticated but still fresh & inviting! Your son is truly talented as well!
Oh my…….that is BEAUTIFUL!!! You did a wonderful job, and I love the hutch!
More importantly YAAAAAAYYY for you and the straight AAAA's!! I am so awed by all that you accomplish!
Be blessed,
J
You did an amazing job, Laura! Love the new paint color!! And I think the hutch gives it such a awesome pop of color! It all came together soo nicely! Enjoy some relaxing now that the ORC is done…. and Happy Mother's Day!
Kendra @ http://www.joyinourhome.com
I love what you've done, the room looks amazing. I really think paiting the china hutch green was a brilliant idea, it adds a pop of happy colour in the room and draws the attention.
Oh my gosh, what a huge and gorgeous space you have accomplished! This looks great! I am totally stealing the copper lantern idea…it looks so real! And I love your in-house artist and the way you tied together the room with ideas like painting the flowers on the pillow! Brilliant! I love the hutch and think the green just brightens the space! Well done!
Laura, it is so beautiful. So different from what you had here. Congrats to sweet boy on the artwork!
So lovely. The whole space is so cohesive. I love that your son's artwork has a prominent place. The white mantle does wonders, and I'm in love with that hutch! Happy Mother's Day, Laura!
Great transformation! At first, I thought you were showing the “before” as your “after”- I was so confused and so happy to see the real “after”! Such beautiful color choices. I have been enjoying my mother's Johnson Bros. Old Mill Stream as my every day china for about 5 years now- I have a few pieces of the Friendly Village that people mistakenly gave her when she married and she never returned! I don't mind- they play so nicely together. Also, I'm pretty sure that your estate sale vintage candy dish is the same one that my grandma kept on her coffee table filled with Brach's butterscotch disks- sweet memory. Congratulations to your talented son- his artwork is stunning! Really beautiful spaces!
Beautiful
Laura you outdid yourself…it all looks so beautiful! The three spaces flow together beautifully…so many pretty things! Love it all!
Wow Laura! I love your space…totally me. It is so pretty, uncluttered, and airy, just the way I like a space to be. Nothing confuses the eye, but every little detail is so balanced and warm. Great job:-).
I love the bluish green on the the china cabinet. Great choice. xoox Su
Whew–you accomplished so much, Laura! I hope you crashed on that beautiful couch immediately after the photos were taken. 🙂 I love all the style mixing you did here. The space looks very put together AND inviting. Your house is SO lovely–I adore the french doors and transom window. Your fireplace transformation is really genius, too–the white mantle makes it so much lighter! Hope you are enjoying your new space!
Wow! Your new spaces look amazing!! You did an awesome job and I love the way you have styled everything — way to go! The challenge was fun and a good way to stay on track, don't you think? Good luck with getting the rest of your things finished. It is so hard finding good contractors and, yes, this weather here in TX has been soggy to say the least so it's even hard to take good pictures on such dark and dreary days! Stay dry and safe! 🙂
Fabulous looking space! I especially adore your china hutch!
Awesome! Well done 🙂
Hi Laura, congratulations on straight A's!! Your spaces deserve an A, too. Great job with all of this. I love how much brighter all of this feels. You even found a spot for beverages. Nicely done.
my favorite is the painted china cabinet – I just found one on craigslist and I can't decide if I should paint it or not – either way yours looks amazing and I love your idea of “changing out the dishes seasonally” so fun! congrats on amazing work!
Looks amazing, I love the china cabinet so much!
Wow, such a huge undertaking! Congrats on pulling it all together beautifully – and while managing to get straight A's. LOVE the bold paint colour on the hutch. Well done!
Holy smokes…..you made huge improvements! Bringing in the color was key and of course turquoise is my fav! Did you really use paint on the pillows? Amazing. It is a beautiful room!!
It looks great! I've never had good luck at Ross and so I haven't been there in awhile, but after seeing some of your finds, I think I need to take a trip soon! I love the painted hutch too!
So pretty Laura!~ Thanks for sharing at HSH!
This is so beautiful! I can't believe you did so much in 6 weeks, along with classes too! Well done!
You are so good at tying all your pops of color together for a cohesive vision! I always lose my focus and meander into a different direction midway into a room redo, and it never looks finished. Thanks for your inspiration!
Great work! The place is so much lighter and brighter with your changes. I love that hutch!
Everything is beautiful, Laura! You have done an amazing job decorating your new home.
Hugs,
Sherry
Laura, everything looks wonderful … so much brighter and I LOVE the green hutch!! I know you are happy to have it all done!
Laura, I really enjoyed seeing your reveal!! You took on a big space all at once, and I think it turned out beautifully! I love your “new to you mirrors” (especially the one in the entrance area) and your green hutch looks lovely in green. The painting over your fireplace mantle is beautiful and looks just right with the colors in the room. I'm very impressed with all your work. 🙂
Congratulations on getting all A's in your class and have a good week!
Hugs,
Denise at Forest Manor