best colors for kitchens

New Studio/Workshop Before and After

<div style="text-align: center;">Hey everybody!  I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas spent with family and friends.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I spent lots of time working on my new "studio" which is in the back of <a href="http://ourvintagehomelove.blogspot.com/2011/12/special-announcement.html">our new shop</a> that we are currently designing.  It's so nice to have a warm place to make my bread boards now instead of using the gravel carport behind our house.  I know this is nothing that exciting but I wanted to show you how it looked before I worked on it.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nURXP0Ncb3g/TvqiGD_95II/AAAAAAAAB2Q/ZqBrAFgSfAo/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nURXP0Ncb3g/TvqiGD_95II/AAAAAAAAB2Q/ZqBrAFgSfAo/s640/003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">In a word, gross.  This place use to be a taxidermy business so there was all kinds of this and that splattered on the walls and floor.  I'm not sure what it was and I really don't want to know either, I'm just happy it's gone now.  First thing I did was pull up the floor. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BmxX5Ob0KfU/Tvqj6gi3zRI/AAAAAAAAB2c/lVSArJOXZ_Y/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BmxX5Ob0KfU/Tvqj6gi3zRI/AAAAAAAAB2c/lVSArJOXZ_Y/s640/001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Then I replaced it with parquet wood floor tiles.  Next, the ick splattered cabinets had to go.  I gave them a good cleaning and coat or two of Kilz, then, another three coats of Valspar Ultra White paint in semi gloss.  I'm thinking about adding knobs, just not sure what kind yet.  Then I sanded down the wood countertop and put a coat of Minwax Special Walnut stain.  The doors also received a coat of ultra white and the walls are painted with<br />Elmira White by Benjamin Moore. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I still need to add a few more things and install baseboards at some point.  </div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's what it looks like now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b_7n_Dj2Uo8/Tvqff7IRSdI/AAAAAAAAB1U/riWJ1w4rdDk/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b_7n_Dj2Uo8/Tvqff7IRSdI/AAAAAAAAB1U/riWJ1w4rdDk/s640/001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZmOWA1gYpo/Tvqf_GYS34I/AAAAAAAAB1g/7c95DdgJcl8/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZmOWA1gYpo/Tvqf_GYS34I/AAAAAAAAB1g/7c95DdgJcl8/s640/007.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sAosE3iHqsk/TvqhNXUqeJI/AAAAAAAAB2E/7N6jUiJVlmA/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sAosE3iHqsk/TvqhNXUqeJI/AAAAAAAAB2E/7N6jUiJVlmA/s640/005.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also brought in some personal things to make it feel homey.  I know it's just a workshop but I really believe in surrounding yourself with things that make you happy, especially when working.  I also brought in this stainless steel table which is so perfect for working on.  The stool was left behind so I cleaned it and recovered it with an old coffee bean sack.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am so happy with the entire room and it really inspired hubby to get to work in the other rooms.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One really special thing I wanted to share about this place is that it's right across the street from my dad's old office before he passed away.  I just think that's pretty cool since this all happened because of my bread boards, which were inspired by my dad.  That makes me smile and I know he's smiling, too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Can't wait to share the rest of the place with you soon!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have a great day!</div>

New Studio/Workshop Before and After

Hey everybody! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas spent with family and friends. I spent lots of time working on my new "studio...

9:25 PM

IN PROCESS: CURRENT PROJECTS

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />This year sped by at record pace.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />I'm way behind in posting pictures of some of the projects I've been working on for clients.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowYcuU-TH3q1KQOyIlLCdGjUcWxi1TBk1a_jE3BWebeAGPvw5hjF-l-UVB3UXZvY0yE6O5hHoM9wAqMlDiDeswMAD5NU6ksQ6UV0WivKJVARlJnrklZjBBNDouFqyvfjdYa6KHE3JWlUE/s1600/decorpadbedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowYcuU-TH3q1KQOyIlLCdGjUcWxi1TBk1a_jE3BWebeAGPvw5hjF-l-UVB3UXZvY0yE6O5hHoM9wAqMlDiDeswMAD5NU6ksQ6UV0WivKJVARlJnrklZjBBNDouFqyvfjdYa6KHE3JWlUE/s640/decorpadbedroom.jpg" width="640"></a></div><br /><br></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>MASTER BEDROOM/BATH REMODEL</b></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />Before:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSyyvnh4Ih-7alNJw1725wJkQYFS2KWS9pihlF1FnsRMonXX2TpaNXubAxnkf1iazQC1xmkmEPGgOgnuA4Rtz_ya9u9I8c3Xrn0lwQYFXlM1DBIn6CR-cT2Nss7d6ZoeX3gZUIvbwf2-M/s1600/IMG_2141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSyyvnh4Ih-7alNJw1725wJkQYFS2KWS9pihlF1FnsRMonXX2TpaNXubAxnkf1iazQC1xmkmEPGgOgnuA4Rtz_ya9u9I8c3Xrn0lwQYFXlM1DBIn6CR-cT2Nss7d6ZoeX3gZUIvbwf2-M/s320/IMG_2141.JPG" width="240"></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2011/12/in-process-current-projects.html#more">Read more »</a>

IN PROCESS: CURRENT PROJECTS

This year sped by at record pace. I'm way behind in posting pictures of some of the projects I've been working on for clients. MASTE...

11:25 AM

ANSWERS TO COLOR QUESTIONS: CRAFTSMAN HOME AND OTHER COLOR QUESTIONS

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>QUESTION #1</b></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br><br /></b></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>CRAFTSMAN COLOR HELP</b></span></div><br /><div><br /><br></div><br /><div><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; line-height: 17px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /><div style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></div><br /><div class="relativeWrapper" style="position: relative; zoom: 1;"><br /><i><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Claudine, I would love to send you a photo of our recently purchased 1916 Craftsman home. It is painted yellow, with Green trim and red accents. </span></i><i style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many people love the colors, </span></i><i style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">which are historically accurate but we find it a bit much. We need help. </span></i><i style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Would you share your ideas with us please? If so, where can we send the image?</span></i><br><br /><div class="commentFooter" style="color: #666666;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><i><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By <span class="author" style="color: black;">Anonymous</span></span></i><br><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXLSOI00HX2dl4gxvV7k3aN1PdXcnYkDSPCbW3Jv3hOAfMZtEa65oHvpW1GMkb015XuXpb4GvxPPkgy8zuhdjrjipZgvhmQEgmDkmLnDQgmcySKWgCvNU9yipCCmxyhSML7EKhdcVFAc/s1600/RS_6016201112223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXLSOI00HX2dl4gxvV7k3aN1PdXcnYkDSPCbW3Jv3hOAfMZtEa65oHvpW1GMkb015XuXpb4GvxPPkgy8zuhdjrjipZgvhmQEgmDkmLnDQgmcySKWgCvNU9yipCCmxyhSML7EKhdcVFAc/s640/RS_6016201112223.jpg" width="640"></a></div><br /><div style="font-size: 12px;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"></span></div><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2011/12/answers-to-color-questions-craftsman.html#more">Read more »</a>

ANSWERS TO COLOR QUESTIONS: CRAFTSMAN HOME AND OTHER COLOR QUESTIONS

QUESTION #1 CRAFTSMAN COLOR HELP Claudine, I would love to send you a photo of our recently purchased 1916 Craftsman home. It is painted yel...

7:52 PM

Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays

Wishing all of you a wonderful holiday season! I'll be taking a short break from blogging to spend Christmas with my family. Love to ...

8:03 AM

CHRISTMAS DECORATING: MAKE A STATEMENT

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><strong>HOW DO YOU DECORATE FOR THE HOLIDAYS?</strong></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />Don't be timid</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />Don't be shy</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />Don't be afraid to go BIG</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />because you want your holiday spirit to shine</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />not be barely noticeable!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQp-ESjwzqCw0dE4TLPCOziNe6XkhtU2iVk272JHvkHpnqdIs0d2qG7mq-4IPvnoBlGnv4c-d0k5qU_EehqDAx6ugJBXSO2iOeC6SkdRDosOT1By0VvH4onkxoVzCMG5vBhFL2Z9sn-BI/s1600/470864112_06ixVknf_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQp-ESjwzqCw0dE4TLPCOziNe6XkhtU2iVk272JHvkHpnqdIs0d2qG7mq-4IPvnoBlGnv4c-d0k5qU_EehqDAx6ugJBXSO2iOeC6SkdRDosOT1By0VvH4onkxoVzCMG5vBhFL2Z9sn-BI/s640/470864112_06ixVknf_c.jpg" width="480px"></a></div><br /><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><strong>MAKE A STATEMENT</strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />by doing something out of the ordinary<br><br /></div></div><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-decorating-make-statement.html#more">Read more »</a>

CHRISTMAS DECORATING: MAKE A STATEMENT

HOW DO YOU DECORATE FOR THE HOLIDAYS? Don't be timid Don't be shy Don't be afraid to go BIG because you want your holiday spirit...

12:59 PM

Vintage Industrial Railroad Cart

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hey there everybody!  Is anyone else slightly overwhelmed by the fact that it's almost Christmas?  I'm sure hoping that some of you are as behind as I am?  I always have such great plans to make everyone's gifts, bake cookies with my kiddos, spend time planning teacher appreciation gifts, buy presents, etc., but by this time every December, I've done none of that and I rush to get it all done at the last minute, forgetting what Christmas is about in the first place.  Shame on me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Somehow I found the time to work on the vintage industrial railroad cart that hubby brought home.  We were so blessed to receive 3 of them as a gift from one of my biggest <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/vintagehomedesigns">bread board</a> suppporters.  He gave us three of them and I just couldn't wait to get to work on one of them.  Luckily, it didn't really need much work.  I just cleaned it, sanded it, coated it with Minwax special walnut stain and polyurethaned the top and hardware.  Then we brought it inside to use as a coffee table in our living room.  I have always wanted one of these ever since seeing the ridiculously high priced one at Restoration Hardware.  Here's how it looks in it's new home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8oZPu3m9uuWNpbCdjGgiXJ8sbUohw92ATsSjv190V767M1ZCYEMcRJCfpY1kF5RqrY854lzx_z_Na-0-lYAeaCSkrC83udhxQPyyjBbNiJhmIZ-tPbHuNL4mB-j0pdIGYyt55_839Ug/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8oZPu3m9uuWNpbCdjGgiXJ8sbUohw92ATsSjv190V767M1ZCYEMcRJCfpY1kF5RqrY854lzx_z_Na-0-lYAeaCSkrC83udhxQPyyjBbNiJhmIZ-tPbHuNL4mB-j0pdIGYyt55_839Ug/s640/001.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vjWdZYNW_qSrrWsyirmEctUKgGC7v3OfSnl8IP_MiWLLTPBCkcWABaEAKJMY2iO1En9SNjWtCXAaI-Gm3v9En_BDjpcJUzwx34Af2i9ZxWOBtqYyPPKrNx0CLK5gc7DOcuNEhsUqUlo/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vjWdZYNW_qSrrWsyirmEctUKgGC7v3OfSnl8IP_MiWLLTPBCkcWABaEAKJMY2iO1En9SNjWtCXAaI-Gm3v9En_BDjpcJUzwx34Af2i9ZxWOBtqYyPPKrNx0CLK5gc7DOcuNEhsUqUlo/s640/002.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">We are so excited about this piece and will cherish it forever because it was given to us.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYE_6Ds4YwPMmpxekY1CM_0LhWENtZWLbmoaENEivveWr0_9OkJVXzA43r1vwPttwe9_8bEzia-Cgs-uibr873FqKiyIVm8JMQYfO44_BLJxBa5Ved-Vp_o2WnVni3Qmb4hwqzj2eTQmo/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYE_6Ds4YwPMmpxekY1CM_0LhWENtZWLbmoaENEivveWr0_9OkJVXzA43r1vwPttwe9_8bEzia-Cgs-uibr873FqKiyIVm8JMQYfO44_BLJxBa5Ved-Vp_o2WnVni3Qmb4hwqzj2eTQmo/s640/006.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXomaJ5FREZwsOhoOQgVvk8iVu1UDkEvqTshOXdz1L3px0S46ZbZH93CReVlkYGjkRlMttK0b_FBWdEQKO6UfWGQ9yAB3mQweb0QnvwAv6zJZoa4B_9Ew6EP0k8cLnOwwnSSNYD9m9izc/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXomaJ5FREZwsOhoOQgVvk8iVu1UDkEvqTshOXdz1L3px0S46ZbZH93CReVlkYGjkRlMttK0b_FBWdEQKO6UfWGQ9yAB3mQweb0QnvwAv6zJZoa4B_9Ew6EP0k8cLnOwwnSSNYD9m9izc/s640/010.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm off to catch up with Christmas!  Have a great day everyone!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMTgtQslL7uzsLX7bdxr7OQXMA7qZYrSL3HHTG0pXRzj_hKIjkvxOxI0TbPlD22ofrWCz1jtUB9eIZWu_gSTiDqXL2eM4TW4o71zFIhPMYxYTNsiAu3AyICcwOoYkp4zB2kCsbta9VmA/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMTgtQslL7uzsLX7bdxr7OQXMA7qZYrSL3HHTG0pXRzj_hKIjkvxOxI0TbPlD22ofrWCz1jtUB9eIZWu_gSTiDqXL2eM4TW4o71zFIhPMYxYTNsiAu3AyICcwOoYkp4zB2kCsbta9VmA/s640/011.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>

Vintage Industrial Railroad Cart

Hey there everybody! Is anyone else slightly overwhelmed by the fact that it's almost Christmas? I'm sure hoping that some of you ...

9:06 AM

Amazing Find

<div style="text-align: center;">My hubby surprised me today with something we've always wanted. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm so overwhelmed that I'm just going to show you the photos.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCK5yHiA2EK2_oI2UWLjV466MNu7EPi8ZqPKDIENUQRE15zEJeHZXx_vnJYW-douFZypH56a15eLgNx1cySDqpZgFisk2xTH5Bg_diT9fta6biJebyQzgmxvPpQrPEVWbIjw1r_t7_V-g/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCK5yHiA2EK2_oI2UWLjV466MNu7EPi8ZqPKDIENUQRE15zEJeHZXx_vnJYW-douFZypH56a15eLgNx1cySDqpZgFisk2xTH5Bg_diT9fta6biJebyQzgmxvPpQrPEVWbIjw1r_t7_V-g/s640/001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Vintage railroad carts.  3 of them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHeZCtmeBQR0NKzpDQJnOTiy6GWYNCc9eauQTLc4SdQcWvYNUw-B6xS56o0FM7EtMQmpogtOjF5T1JXICYqM2tlICUO2HxApaoRwF2aHuLQb1aQQvj6AjvLmJbznPfqDsj6251MKMq4M/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHeZCtmeBQR0NKzpDQJnOTiy6GWYNCc9eauQTLc4SdQcWvYNUw-B6xS56o0FM7EtMQmpogtOjF5T1JXICYqM2tlICUO2HxApaoRwF2aHuLQb1aQQvj6AjvLmJbznPfqDsj6251MKMq4M/s640/002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGLUE9n9NhsCivL3sdoMNKa0xUQWvbxgYDPZt0JPw64J9fICr9wlLbxbM-ofzdvgdE5aUH-USnTYtfVOJ90paXbTZfdmYqeEu_BImEKqaYxDH9bwAkRov88ohnyw6NWmWQiSJiVj2Ve4/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGLUE9n9NhsCivL3sdoMNKa0xUQWvbxgYDPZt0JPw64J9fICr9wlLbxbM-ofzdvgdE5aUH-USnTYtfVOJ90paXbTZfdmYqeEu_BImEKqaYxDH9bwAkRov88ohnyw6NWmWQiSJiVj2Ve4/s640/004.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I can't wait to get to work on these bringing them back to their original beauty.  </div>

Amazing Find

My hubby surprised me today with something we've always wanted. I'm so overwhelmed that I'm just going to show you the photos. V...

9:48 AM

Christmas Mantel/Ledge Ideas

<div style="text-align: center;">Hi everybody!  It's the middle of the week, I've got tons of work to do working on our new shop and bread boards so this will be short and sweet.  I hope everyone is having a great week so far.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We don't have a fireplace, though I sure wish we did, so I use this ledge that I built for our mantel.  I always try to keep it simple when decorating it for the holidays.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPp9UZQxziEWWAqx40CkePdbo8b-ZhsefwDDPBDiPDvh0pQpG8_BdpO2CaqihSDq4s7HdbG9jG8OSaQpHM3KR3VvMo3KRGPRtBEPJGi-Fl1B5vk6Vl-e3GOnPtKfCCZmOQcS0bgKpkdJI/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPp9UZQxziEWWAqx40CkePdbo8b-ZhsefwDDPBDiPDvh0pQpG8_BdpO2CaqihSDq4s7HdbG9jG8OSaQpHM3KR3VvMo3KRGPRtBEPJGi-Fl1B5vk6Vl-e3GOnPtKfCCZmOQcS0bgKpkdJI/s640/007.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Just some simple greenery that I clipped from some trees in the woods, bright white candles, some silver candle holders for a little sparkle and I added these vintage spools for some warmth and because they look a little like candle holders.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvNZbEBzzNlCOP8lNKrRJSynz69vj6xWMZgXGSm2rMjOc6uTOy8DfYNmn9frgOaZJc7teIy1zaqSnzNauKZR7DU_mxpbpuWBI3KGZKabCrd6w4pZGINQCWhFJketuiL48S8m13BLbuHew/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvNZbEBzzNlCOP8lNKrRJSynz69vj6xWMZgXGSm2rMjOc6uTOy8DfYNmn9frgOaZJc7teIy1zaqSnzNauKZR7DU_mxpbpuWBI3KGZKabCrd6w4pZGINQCWhFJketuiL48S8m13BLbuHew/s640/004.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZKIb8YdcqFkY7UCNPdw3uxMn5ISmCOx_jXkl8orgPdxIKkQnAI-Nn0kc0my8BJ27LkyI7rIMYo_VKfh86kBr_COnFLuw_FICUWPIP_pTFbhp-ZmU6KGf0G_vVNLnfoAXAjhidefhXno/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZKIb8YdcqFkY7UCNPdw3uxMn5ISmCOx_jXkl8orgPdxIKkQnAI-Nn0kc0my8BJ27LkyI7rIMYo_VKfh86kBr_COnFLuw_FICUWPIP_pTFbhp-ZmU6KGf0G_vVNLnfoAXAjhidefhXno/s640/005.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I think it all goes perfectly with the <a href="http://ourvintagehomelove.blogspot.com/2011/10/rustic-pallet-bench.html">rustic pallet bench</a> hubby and I built. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaE0UIq3XTyBkSa_f_bsVOmY8RJOOVmEven4UKgdboMkXt6pg67aEZ8eig3jzxWyUgF0FwyBNVBgIrxJxZQfccgT-XMncAVf-2DaxtyKBqHaCvTJUncfFdsV_os2aXU6rZ0hW3XOy-rGw/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaE0UIq3XTyBkSa_f_bsVOmY8RJOOVmEven4UKgdboMkXt6pg67aEZ8eig3jzxWyUgF0FwyBNVBgIrxJxZQfccgT-XMncAVf-2DaxtyKBqHaCvTJUncfFdsV_os2aXU6rZ0hW3XOy-rGw/s640/006.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I made the stockings from leftover pieces of canvas painters dropcloth and then wrapped the tops with jute webbing for a little texture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKhSR8fd6PJqa1yaeOBRh8SLVmboNtBs97sH1ZC96KdEn8GGzIBVkeg2_yQRIW79E-ZjNTd3sZJgXhdWTj-ppyjFrksgZEGNHrmxrBy4rxucOqo5k4WfvsvSjQxKmldpKlB_jPVA9vf8/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKhSR8fd6PJqa1yaeOBRh8SLVmboNtBs97sH1ZC96KdEn8GGzIBVkeg2_yQRIW79E-ZjNTd3sZJgXhdWTj-ppyjFrksgZEGNHrmxrBy4rxucOqo5k4WfvsvSjQxKmldpKlB_jPVA9vf8/s640/001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And some nights, we remove the stalkings, add a bunch of candles to the top of the bench, light them and pretend it's a fireplace.  Hey, you do what you gotta do, right?!  I'm off to work!  </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a wonderful day everyone!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Be sure to link up to the <a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/">Mantel Link Party at Rhoda's</a>!  Lots of fantastic ideas!</div>

Christmas Mantel/Ledge Ideas

Hi everybody! It's the middle of the week, I've got tons of work to do working on our new shop and bread boards so this will be sho...

6:39 AM

Christmas Table Decor Ideas

<div style="text-align: center;">Hey there!  I worked on our table decor this morning and as usual, I kept it pretty simple.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-YGhAuOIqWJx2BogGIbTwrLQ9N_xABFT02ckuF6jRPAcbn31AgwdS3QtvTW53Dku0Hd1PAx5x_tsPVXxtTBSTyzD1SDs5M36tttwDb4MFddybM_pg-iaejfX4p8h2igucgwi1dj9Zbs/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-YGhAuOIqWJx2BogGIbTwrLQ9N_xABFT02ckuF6jRPAcbn31AgwdS3QtvTW53Dku0Hd1PAx5x_tsPVXxtTBSTyzD1SDs5M36tttwDb4MFddybM_pg-iaejfX4p8h2igucgwi1dj9Zbs/s640/017.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">For the table, I used vintage Christmas sheet music for placemats.  Then placed my favorite white plates on top, along with my newest set of mini bread boards.  On top of those, I added the gorgeous <a href="http://ourvintagehomelove.blogspot.com/2011/11/vintage-flatware.html">vintage silver</a> that my hubby brought home to me.  And simple white napkins complete the look.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pGupOgp0SifQe49gIhmapGVLaJOVO3nx-z0STNS0Gpt1elg_yd9RXTXVfO65YO45QB4cPL2D1rmOCKijt7XvruTxiKKgt5V79Orm2M9oIbgkpQjgQkWdAmwK0qU2GOoaVmoxxUPPkYs/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pGupOgp0SifQe49gIhmapGVLaJOVO3nx-z0STNS0Gpt1elg_yd9RXTXVfO65YO45QB4cPL2D1rmOCKijt7XvruTxiKKgt5V79Orm2M9oIbgkpQjgQkWdAmwK0qU2GOoaVmoxxUPPkYs/s640/005.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I added some greenery into the hurricanes that were already on the table to add a little "festiveness",<br />is that a word? </div><div style="text-align: center;">I found this wonderful vintage dough trencher on Etsy last week and snatched it up to add to my collection.  I filled it with gorgeous pomegranates.  Simple, natural and pretty.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8gtC1Oci0ANh26M92d_stKL2_-3PdxpZUuscrIfGMO7_rPGPbGUY2h9Xf2k4c2ZpudI0rDmUtxhzgS6rtNRg0EaEKxQevOfv6qymGOdB3MkT9bb6oprzMovWdQv3-_7ZdIk71SojJqqw/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8gtC1Oci0ANh26M92d_stKL2_-3PdxpZUuscrIfGMO7_rPGPbGUY2h9Xf2k4c2ZpudI0rDmUtxhzgS6rtNRg0EaEKxQevOfv6qymGOdB3MkT9bb6oprzMovWdQv3-_7ZdIk71SojJqqw/s640/016.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">For above the pocket door, I simply went into the woods and clipped some greenery off some cypress and cedar trees and stapled it to the wall.  Free.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrb9j0kdsQhK40mO_XEqxz5qxmhQ9AsB_xGILZCGz94FZl70fcM_oQsKdkiyh6N3LHQ8fFQRIbzkj79LvRXTQEKaqW24VYN6kmvbfibLp6n9CwqhmlJ87k_e5BgmGer61cy9XyzlJ6SNo/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrb9j0kdsQhK40mO_XEqxz5qxmhQ9AsB_xGILZCGz94FZl70fcM_oQsKdkiyh6N3LHQ8fFQRIbzkj79LvRXTQEKaqW24VYN6kmvbfibLp6n9CwqhmlJ87k_e5BgmGer61cy9XyzlJ6SNo/s640/014.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I bought one of those inexpensive faux green wreaths and added burlap strips to it that I cut from some of our coffee sacks, then hung it from our built in corner cabinet that holds my collection of transferware.  I also hung a glass berry garland from our light above the table.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOqzLKRrA-maLp9xF5iZG-HaVuCAQ7lvrDU6SvFls9sVw6o3tVuWp42jpZPh9FRy-q1td6kdUHgQ7JMp6-8GdwzgNbGhoDB2fGnF63_Itv1b7TxArZHSdbDMy95973RVquntxVpwVSolg/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOqzLKRrA-maLp9xF5iZG-HaVuCAQ7lvrDU6SvFls9sVw6o3tVuWp42jpZPh9FRy-q1td6kdUHgQ7JMp6-8GdwzgNbGhoDB2fGnF63_Itv1b7TxArZHSdbDMy95973RVquntxVpwVSolg/s640/013.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">For our buffet, I bought a mini Christmas tree and put it into a bushel basket wrapped with burlap and rope.  Then brought out my special vintage wine decanter with etched glass wine goblets that my hubby bought for me for our anniversary one year.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsDAip8x2CavwbTQX6XnlDy5SGYCHL9V4uxKCR6S_YowelukQdvfG3HoZD7_5HBPEwU1YzYs4gtVk2vd7kZ7AjCmcdEOxpgvh1KBQCNqmOd4Cl9s7bFeo_TSn0ya0KZMJs51PA43w1m0/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsDAip8x2CavwbTQX6XnlDy5SGYCHL9V4uxKCR6S_YowelukQdvfG3HoZD7_5HBPEwU1YzYs4gtVk2vd7kZ7AjCmcdEOxpgvh1KBQCNqmOd4Cl9s7bFeo_TSn0ya0KZMJs51PA43w1m0/s640/004.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">To add some festiveness to the dining chairs, I tied strips of canvas to little berry wreaths that I made from glass berry garland, and hung them on the backs of the chairs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuglyhJ0G7ZVBInZk0T7m5SLjHhjbv3YVqWujxs70zV9khMNQpjyNdG1dQFekVkBFcfiv1LaHJNVd0T0GtymSsLYz_nMB3d_mjAoABqwSwvovZnaAeOmyejfNenRlFJbEpsnR41dvZTZw/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuglyhJ0G7ZVBInZk0T7m5SLjHhjbv3YVqWujxs70zV9khMNQpjyNdG1dQFekVkBFcfiv1LaHJNVd0T0GtymSsLYz_nMB3d_mjAoABqwSwvovZnaAeOmyejfNenRlFJbEpsnR41dvZTZw/s640/019.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And that's pretty much it.  Nothing fancy, just simple and inexpensive, but still pretty, cozy and warm for the holidays.  That in itself is beautiful to me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-K7q_W0wJ-t6HinJvX0ajnS-OiCgCIQYuWizUZ-ArCNFoneZUAXRHtc9P4s0gFTOlqdYiVQp7wAcjVsQeVdqWHZGVJLvxKFuZXSluKQ1OWemv9ecAAbMx2bIzi40uASAYS_OCVKpUakM/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-K7q_W0wJ-t6HinJvX0ajnS-OiCgCIQYuWizUZ-ArCNFoneZUAXRHtc9P4s0gFTOlqdYiVQp7wAcjVsQeVdqWHZGVJLvxKFuZXSluKQ1OWemv9ecAAbMx2bIzi40uASAYS_OCVKpUakM/s640/015.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Decorating!<br /><br />Come join us for a week of Holiday Decor link parties!</div><div align="center"><a href="http://theletteredcottage.net/tablescapes-for-christmas" title="The Lettered Cottage"><img alt="The Lettered Cottage" src="http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj29/LaylaPalmer/Linky%20Buttons/Holiday_Home_Button_2011_Layla.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>

Christmas Table Decor Ideas

Hey there! I worked on our table decor this morning and as usual, I kept it pretty simple. For the table, I used vintage Christmas sheet ...

9:18 AM

CHRISTMAS DECOR: A WARM WELCOME

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />Just had to share a few pictures of the latest holiday decor - this one for a community Christmas event at a church. (see <a href="http://www.thelivingnativity.org/">http://www.thelivingnativity.org/</a>).   My task was to make a large empty hall feel warm and inviting and to provide areas where guests could be served hot chocolate and home baked cookies.<br><br /><br><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHtFPRU_sYkwpQgDCQ7vJ3GwrwrssCx12VwizvfurTypyUVxp7biIGCpqwwdUacUVI0LBiEK-AlZb8NW-RZ2p5xivcTSvHOtUO48H7taIVL3IeEBfU3ploOZ7TjTfHrTHtGff9L0RiZSc/s1600/door+wreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="640px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHtFPRU_sYkwpQgDCQ7vJ3GwrwrssCx12VwizvfurTypyUVxp7biIGCpqwwdUacUVI0LBiEK-AlZb8NW-RZ2p5xivcTSvHOtUO48H7taIVL3IeEBfU3ploOZ7TjTfHrTHtGff9L0RiZSc/s640/door+wreath.jpg" width="401px"></a></div><br />I was inspired by the decorations at Rogers Gardens this year (<a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2011/11/christmas-is-coming-and-its-red.html">see post here</a>).  I loved the red that was <br><br /></div><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-decor-warm-welcome.html#more">Read more »</a>

CHRISTMAS DECOR: A WARM WELCOME

Just had to share a few pictures of the latest holiday decor - this one for a community Christmas event at a church. (see http://www.thelivi...

3:55 AM

A Special Announcement

<div style="text-align: center;">Hey everyone!  We wanted to share some exciting news with you as this probably wouldn't have seemed possible without all of you wonderful readers.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">If you read our blog regularly, you all know what an amazing "picker" my hubby is.  In fact, he has a storage building bursting at the seams full of his finds from over time.  And you also know my love for transforming his finds into something unique and special, as well as my love for designing and building furniture along with my bread boards.  </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Because of the unbelievable success of those bread boards and his amazing picking skills, we have decided to go for our dreams and open a new business right here on Main Street.  And all of his finds and my creations, will be available there!  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_g4uTqOBUnPjunL7NzTrrQWGrqPmKxxt6OZOZHgJ3fuF-N_J_-tsNt8ULvAy2lS-hS2qyF3XHZ20AI2kMMws7Oy4aNo9cbGnNsYxB0qM4io5vNIRSG-3gi6MYQZsnhqFUtZDuGqUl3I/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_g4uTqOBUnPjunL7NzTrrQWGrqPmKxxt6OZOZHgJ3fuF-N_J_-tsNt8ULvAy2lS-hS2qyF3XHZ20AI2kMMws7Oy4aNo9cbGnNsYxB0qM4io5vNIRSG-3gi6MYQZsnhqFUtZDuGqUl3I/s640/002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We signed the papers yesterday and get to start fixing up this cute little shop today!  We can't wait to get started.  We're hoping that in the next few months, we'll have everything ready.  It has so much potential and of course, I'll be blogging about it along the way.  We're doing everything ourselves so hopefully, we won't run into too many road blocks.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My hubby will be able to do something he has always dreamed about and I will finally have a place in the back, indoors, to work on my bread boards and furniture pieces.  With it beginning to get cold, our gravel carport "studio" just wasn't cutting it.  And I won't be annoying our neighbors anymore with noisy power tools.  :)  Actually, we have the most supportive neighbors EVER.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">So, that's the big news, and we are pretty darn excited.  This would not even have been something we would have dared consider if it wasn't for all of YOU and your encouragement along the way.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support!  We are so grateful. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll blog about the inside soon so stay tuned!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great day!</div>

A Special Announcement

Hey everyone! We wanted to share some exciting news with you as this probably wouldn't have seemed possible without all of you wonderfu...

3:00 AM