Tag Archives: Home Improvement

My Mantle

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Decorating the the new house is taking longer than I would prefer.  So, I am taking baby steps, and pinning.

This is my mantle in the living room.  I like the recessed wall and the arch.

Mr. Kell and I have come to an agreement that there should be an animal head hanging above the fireplace.  Not one that has been shot and stuffed, one more my style.

I am thinking something like this.

via cardboardsafari.com

After that, I have no idea what I want to do.

I am so fickle when it comes to decorating.  I will start out with an idea, and change it fifty times before I finally buy something.  This is the number one reason why nothing ever gets done in my life.

Now, thanks to Pinterest, and looking through some blogs, I have a few ideas.

1.  Is there a right or wrong way?  How should I decorate my mantle so it is pleasing to the eye?

image via

There is some really good info here.

2.  I am the kind of person who just likes to look at pictures and take a little bit from here an there.

http://rusticweddingchic.com

I have this thing for candle sticks.  I love the different heights and textures.  I love the idea of mix matched candle holders of different heights lining the mantle.  Funky, yet clean and light.

3.  I love art.

via bhg.com

Having a large piece of art as a focal point is a great idea.  It takes up most of the space, so all I would have to do is had a few odds and ends.  Not to mention it draws you eye up the wall making the seem higher.  Too bad the one piece of art I have is too large for the space.

3.  I love a funky mirror.

via apartmenttherapy.com

A large mirror and a few pieces make this mantle pop.  It is absolutely gorgeous along with the whole space.

There are so many options.

What are your ideas?

My Blank Canvas

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We started moving into our new home yesterday, and there is still so much to do.  I highly recommend making lists, one for the new house, and one for the old house when you are moving.  I am guaranteed to forget something.  We have two weeks to move from the old house to the new one, so I am taking the day off today to clean, pack, and paint.

Moving is very stressful.  Paying three mortgages in a matter of 4 weeks is even more stressful.  I know deep down inside it is all going to work out.  A few years ago I would never have believed it.  I would have been screaming, yelling, crying, and driving my children and husband crazy.  I am doing my best to control myself.  I am not someone who internalizes her feelings.  I am the person who expresses her feelings so she does not end up with an ulcer.  There are good and bad to both.

Anywho, as I was moving boxes into the house, the ideas starting pouring in.  Since we rent, I am unable to go all crazy on the house, but I most certainly can decorate.  I am a very lucky woman who has a husband who really does not care what I do with our living spaces.  He just wants a comfy chair and a nice pillow.  I so heart him.

I took a few pictures of the rooms I wanted to start with.

This is the guest/girls bathroom.  You can see it right when you walk into the house, and because of this, I will probably not make it look too girly.

This is the entry way.  I swear it takes up the whole house.  Boy do I have plans for this space.  Opposite of the wall you see here, is a wall with two arched recessed areas for artwork.  There are so many possibilities, that my mind is reeling.

This is the dining room.  The tile in the house is not what I would have chosen, but it is better than linoleum.  If we end up buying this house, it will be wood.  Anywho, I am not a formal dining room kind of gal, but I would like this room to look put together.  The only time it will be used is for birthdays, holidays, and when the friends come over to eat, and get their butt kicked in croquet.

This is the kitchen.  I am standing in the living room.  My favorite part is how none of the appliances match!  See that fridge?  It is a super fancy samsung that is all digital.  You can program the temperature of the freezer and fridge.  I do not even know what the temperature is supposed to be.  I am used to just turning a dial to normal.  It has a wine rack inside, so I guess I will have to buy a few bottles, you know, so the rack does not feel like it is useless.

As you can see, it is a simple builder grade home with a ton of possibilities.  My plan is to introduce tons of color.  I want our house to scream HAPPY when you walk inside.  I want it to be inviting and comfy.  I want guests to know they can sit back and relax, as long as they take their shoes off at the door, because the carpet is brand new.

I hope you will tune in to see what I have planned.

Gotta go, it is time to blow up Pinterest.

Happy Tuesday!