Decorating Tip For Grouping Small Elements

BEFORE PICTURE

Here is a little trick that I love to do at work, when I am merchandising.  

As you can see above, the rooster and small artwork look cute on the kitchen table, but a little lost, on such a large space.

AFTER PICTURE

Adding a tray underneath them, groups them together and visually gives them a bigger bang for your buck.  And in this case, adds another pop of color.  

BEFORE

Wanna see it again?  Here these three pieces are cute on their on and look OK on my small dresser in my entryway...

AFTER

...but add the tray and they take on a little bit more "umph".  The eye sees them as a whole, not a grouping of three small pieces.  The tray gives them a little more importance.

And, while I love this particular tray, it does not have to be a tray.  A large platter or low box or low edged basket works well too.  

Great tray from The Dove's Nest in Waxahachie, Texas

We just got these trays in at work, and I adore the color and the shape.  I could see use this several places in my home and will be great for the holidays.  But for now, it will live in the kitchen.

Above is the finished look.

Plates:  Dollar Tree and Marshall's, Frame and Rooster Hobby Lobby, Pillows hand sewn from old tablecloths

I'm still in the process of tweaking and editing my little home.  Trying to only put out the things that I truly love.  Trying to add more color.  Above are two of my favorite pieces in the house, my pine hutch and my thrifted dining table and chairs.

I got the hutch wholesale years and years ago from a friend that had a shop here in town.  I still love it.  The table I found at an antique mall, a booth that was closing out.  Don't be a hater when I tell ya I practically stole it at $49.00.  The chairs....Estate Sale, a mere $15.00 each.

But this was not an overnight thing...the table sat in the garage for ages, until I found the chairs.  Patience is the key.  I love the pink and it adds a funky touch.  Or weirdness.  However you want to call it.  But I love those shabby pink shutters, another antique mall find.

Here is my disclaimer...I don't profess to be a great decorater, but I learned allot of things from my Mom and my Aunt (both of whom have had great eye for decor).  I can do some things easily (arranging books shelves and table top), but arranging furniture and layout I always find difficult.  But I'm always trying to learn.  

Thanks for taking a peep.

Freshening up My Home Decor

I ran across the above pic on Pinterest several weeks ago.  Since I seem to be returning to my "cottage roots" in my home decor, I loved the overall look of it.

AFTER

AFTER

BEFORE

BEFORE:  This was the corner of my room that I wanted to add a little "pop" to.

Based on the components that were in Back Porch's pic, I gathered the home decor goods that I had that were similiar to the ones she had.  I only wanted to use what I had on hand.

The shutters came from the guest bedroom and while I liked the dark green, the neutral side seemed a little "fresher" and lighter and went along with the brighter colors in the throw and picture.

So here is my finished look!  I'm happy with the transformation.  Now this cozy corner beckons for someone to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee or to sit and read a bit.

Thanks Back Porch Musings for the "Pinspiration".

Cotton Candy Colored Cottage Re-Style

Several months ago, I had to opportunity to work with my co-worker on a "room re-style" for her office. I say re-style, but it was actually more a less a rearranging.  I thought you might enjoy seeing the results.

She has such lovely fun things to work with, that I enjoyed playing and arranging the day away.  I really loved the details on her cabinet.  Loved the carved birdies.

All of her candy colored pretties filled this cubby fast!

She has a wonderful collection of vintage things.  

Loved this sweet rug.

As well as this cozy, sun-dappled corner.  The lace lets in just the right amount of light,  perfect for curling up with a cup of tea and a good read.

No matter where your gaze in the room, always a lovely detail to look at.

Sweet basket of vintage linens.

Lots of wonderful artwork by local artists, myself included.

See that card on the left?  I created that watercolor to be used as a gift certificate for her tea room ages ago.

I loved this vintage rose oil painting.

Her home is on our city house tour this summer and we are spending the next several weeks getting her home ready.  I'm going to be re-styling some rooms and my fearless friend Sandra is adding her artist details in paint.  I'll snap some pics as we go along and show you all the wonderful details.

Till then,

PS All of this has inspired me to re work my own living room and I'll share those pics as well, later on.