Hidden Magnolias

One of my favorite rooms is my office. It is bright with lots of natural sunlight. It is upstairs and tucked away from the main part of the house, so it is quiet. This what is looked like when we first moved in. As you can see, it has some strange angles. Once we moved in, it became a typical "junk" room with boxes of books, genealogy files and information. I am almost embarrassed to show you what is has become. Since one the main items stored in this room are books--boxes of books crammed into the window area. By the closet is a wall that really served no useful purpose. The perfect place for a built-in bookcase. So I searched the net and came up with some inspiration. I just love this full wall built in. I even like the simple desk and a small sofa in the room. So after many months of nagging reminding, my super talented husband got to work. Deciding on the trim was not really too hard. We have t...

A co-worker of mine is getting married in California on the beach and wanted some ideas for centerpieces for her outdoor tables. As things go during most work discussions, I mentioned that several years ago, I saw the cutest centerpieces made out of daisys in Mason jars with simple raffia tied around the neck. She loved the idea, so, as most of us do, we started the Internet hunt. Ah, Pinterest, how I love you...... Pinterest Perfect daisies in jars with lime slices...looks cool and inviting. Pinterest This is a perfect fall centerpiece. Love the additon of the smaller jars with candles. Pinterest Just love this one. Grab some wild flowers and sticks from the woods and you are good to go. Pinterest Pinterest Pinterest Pinterest And this one I will do for my fall table. Pinterest For more inspiration, visit Jenifer at her blog,  http://beautyandbedlam.com/ideas-for-mason-jars/ . 

One of my husband’s favorite sayings that “paint is cheap.” And for decorating updates and changes, I have to agree. I thought I would share with you our guest bath update. We live in a turn of the century Edwardian and the guest bathroom is located at the end of the hall on the second floor.  This is what you see when you get to the top of the steps and turn around. Ugly, isn’t it? Just plain white, with a nasty old shower door, a shelf over the counter that really didn't add anything. Something had to be done. Something bright and fun. My husband suggested red. Red? For this miniscule bath? Won’t it close it up and make it smaller? I chose Benjamin Moore’s Caliente. I wanted a bluish red instead of an orangey red.  After the first coat, I was almost giddy with the results. Once all the paint had dried and the mirror installed, the room was really coming together.  Clean and fresh. The result, a...