Copy Cat Chic

I've taken a little time (ok...a LOT of time) over the break and have been trying to update/clean/organize Brainy Smurfs room. The twin beds that were bunked at one time, then separated, are now bunked again. I have been searching for two swing arm lights to mount on the wall beside his top bunk and lower bunk to give him a little more lighting when he reads. Here's the inspiration picture...

Restoration Hardware

I love the sconces in this picture from Restoration Hardware. Unfortunately, I don't love the price. Long story short, I found them for a good bit cheaper and let my friend Reichel over at Copy Cat Chic know. Today, she featured this Chic Find...so stop by her place to see what I found!

Rachel :)

The Details of the Back Deck

When Jules and I first started talking about this project, the number one thing she wanted from her back deck was for it to become another dining area. As much as I would have loved to used the table and chairs they had, it wasn't working in the area. Big, round, and bulky, the table only sat four people with no room for more. I have a love for farmhouse tables and picnic tables, so out with the old and in with the new...

Before

After

After

The new picnic table fits in the area perfectly. You can sit eight kids or six adults with plenty of room on all sides to move around. I purchased the traditional picnic table from Lowes. After a good sanding, I stained it using Cabot Dark Walnut Wood Stain and used Cabot Spar Varnish in Satin for the nice sheen and to protect it from the elements. A two inch hole was drilled in the center of the table, and was I excited to use the umbrella she already had.

She also wanted a buffet that would act as storage and could double as another eating area. I found this great piece of furniture in her basement. Yes...the basement...

I took it home and cleaned it with the original plan to paint it. After much thought I decided it would be a lot easier to paint it later than to strip it...so I left it as is...

before

After

The vignette is complete with two topiaries in galvanized buckets. I was super happy she wanted me to remove the original light fixture and even happier when she liked the nautical one I found at Lowes. The counter stools from Overstock.com are a metal replica of a tolix stool, and she LOVES them. They fit perfectly and are super functional giving more seating there or at the ends of the picnic table. Above the buffet is an antique (yay) glass window that I turned into an outdoor chalkboard. I definitely have an obsession with chalkboards. An upside down drawer pull was screwed into the bottom corner of the frame so they never have to hunt for chalk. And...how adorable is that message!?!...I love this family!!

Remember the mismatched back doors?...

They now stand out and match after getting a fresh coat of a black satin oil based paint. I love a good black door!





In the corner was another fabulous find...When Jules and I met for the first time, the kids were having a great time pushing this vintage metal cart with caster wheels around the backyard...

Yes, it was a little sad that day, but it loving it's new home with with an old metal red cooler. How awesome is that!?! Another find from my favorite thrift store in town!

And this is the area where the grill used to sit. A few weeks ago it looked liked this...

A few pallets, cushions, and pillows later they now have a comfortable place to curl up with a good book!

Jules also had a few planters that she wasn't using. Isn't great when you can use things that you already have? I put them to good use...

They are now on the railing of the stairs to the deck complete with pansies...

And that's the entire tour! Last post about the deck...I promise!

Rachel :)

Back Deck Reveal!!!

Two weeks ago, I met with Jules about decorating her deck. I was beyond thrilled...it marked the first time someone actually trusted me to spend their money. I was stressed, excited, nervous...everything! In the end, with a mix of traditional and contemporary, it all came together...

This is what it looked like before...

And again...after...







I'll be back Thursday with a break down of how this project happened...including what she had, what I bought...and from where!! (plus a few more before and after pictures)

Rachel :)

 

Deck Inspiration

As soon as Jules told me she wanted help in decorating her back deck, my mind started racing. Seriously. I haven't slept since, and while I've had so much fun working on this, I will be happy when I'm done. I might have withdrawals though...whenever I'm at home and I've put my blood, sweat, and tears into a project, I've been known to sit in that room. For hours. Not this time...I've got to finish it and get over it. Boo. I wanted to share some inspiration today and show a few of the pictures that I've found inspiring while working on this project...

farmhouse table. nautical wall lights. tolix chairs.



dark farmhouse table...picnic style



contrasting colors. metal cart. lantern.

serving buffet. caster wheels.

potted boxwoods. simple. beautiful.

I want to have ALL of these fabulous things on her back deck. I think I'm well on my way...I hope I'm well on my way...we'll see...

Rachel :)

more pictures and all sources can be found here

Friday's Find and More!

Our local Habitat ReStore is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. I try to go once a week, but sometimes we get so busy the days fly by and its Sunday before I realize I never made it. Last week I took a girlfriend for her very first ReStore experience. $10 later, I walked out with these...

My goal is to make them look like this:

Pottery Barn

I know they are not beautiful yet, but I love their size and shape. Mr. T said we needed more lamps (can't you hear the sarcasm?!?) So, for now, they are hanging out in the attic but I have a feeling they will make an appearance sooner rather than later.

On another note, I was able to get a bunch accomplished yesterday, including whipping up these two cuties for my very favorite BFF. A little bright for me (I am still scared of color) I think they will be just what she's looking for.

And last...the Photography Challenge. Day 2. What You Wore Today. Hear you go...

Seriously. I can't take pictures of myself forever. I managed to figure out the self timer. And I managed to cut my head off. Maybe I'll find it before Monday. Have a GREAT weekend!

Rachel :)