A Punch of Color

This is the what our living room built-in bookcase looked like when we first bought our house.

And here's what it looks like now.

We removed the bottom shelf to allow for taller items. Eventually I would like to have an electrical outlet installed so I can put a lamp on the bottom shelf.

We also painted the inside wall a bright burnt orange color to coordinate with the living room colors.

Here are my Pottery Barn design books and framed locket necklace that I carried on my wedding bouquet.

A few more decorative items. All found on clearance at Home Goods. The "8" jar was purchased on My Sweet Savannah's etsy shop.

A nice pop of color when you first walk into our home :)

Linking up to

Before and After Party with Thrifty Decor Chick

Metamorphosis Monday with Between Naps on the Porch

Landscaping & Outdoor Living

It's been hard to imagine outdoor living here in Chicago with the temps being so low but it looks like that might be changing this weekend. Thank goodness!

Even with the crumby weather, my husband and I have been busy preparing the outside of our house for big landscaping changes.

Here's a look at our house when we bought it and some of the changes we have in mind. The 2 long front bushes will be removed to make way for several different shrubs, trees and perennials. The large red oval on the far left shows where we would like to plant a smaller, ornamental tree such as a magnolia or Japanese maple. The three white ovals are where we will plant hydrangeas. The right side of the house will have tiered rows or evergreen bushes, spirea shrubs and some kind of perennials.

Here is the recent front of our house with the bushes removed and a nice clean slate :)

I plan to plant hostas on the side of the house, lining the driveway.

These windows lead to our basement so it will be nice to look out and see some greenery.

And this is the view of our backyard. We will plant smaller arborvitae trees along the fence leading to the garage to give a little privacy to the yard.

I am so excited to discover the peony plants on the side of the garage! My favorite flower!

A landscaper is coming by next week to remove a lot of brush and weeds and clean up the backyard a bit.

And this muddy mess is where we had the original concrete patio removed to make way for a larger paver patio. My husband has begun digging up the grass to make a more rounded-shaped patio that will also house a fire pit.

I cannot wait for it all to be finished so I can start furnishing the patio to make it cozy. We already have a black iron patio furniture set but I think I want to add a bench settee. Like this...

or this...

And a pretty cushion like this...

add some nice candle lighting will these lanterns...

and these oil lamps...

We already have many birds in the backyard so I would love to give them a cute bird house and feeder and a bird bath.

(all outdoor furniture and accessories found at Pier 1)

I am loving the variety of planters offered at Home Depot.

Stay tuned for the progress photos and the final reveal!

Welcome Beckett!

Here is my latest project:

Beckett Harold Lee

born April 12, 2011

7 lb. 8 oz.

Such a cuddle bug and has a great disposition.

Millions and zillions of photos to come :)

The Banquette...continued

Here is the empty eat-in kitchen space when we first bought our house:

This is the banquette seating my dad built.

And here is the pedastal table I found on Craigslist for $60. Just added a little white paint and now we have this...

...a little breakfast nook.

I bought 4 pillow inserts and 4 covers at Ikea for a total of $25.

I also bought a chair at Ikea for $20.

And now we have a cozy little spot to eat a snack or drink our coffee :)

Metamorphosis Monday hosted by Between Naps on the Porch

Guest Bedroom Plans

Here is our guest bedroom before we moved in. Not much has changed since then except for the addition of a bed, a pair of dressers and clutter.

We did replace the ceiling fan with something a little smaller and plan to paint the walls a dark beige and a chocolate brown accent wall.

I recently purchased this quilt coverlet from Target and love the vintage feel of it.

And once the flea markets start up again I'll be on the look out for something similar to this dresser. I love the chipped paint and the gold mirror above it.

Image by madebygirl

Nursery at 98%

Our vintage truck-themed nursery is almost done. All that's left is painting the window trim white and hanging the roman shades.

We have one more baby shower this weekend, as well, so more goodies will be added :)

Here's what we have at the moment:

Vintage truck theme

Ikea shelves were added above the armchair.

The slipcovered armchair.

A closer look at the fabric. My mom made the pillow that sits on the chocolate brown houndstooth chair.

Some truck-themed items sit amongst books on the shelves. The gas pump is a piggy bank :)

Gotta have a toy truck.

Vintage truck artwork.

A cute basket to holds some stuffed animals.

The wall decal I found on Etsy.

I love the look!

The truck-themed quilt my mom made. It even has our family dog riding in the back :)

And the picture that inspired the whole room theme: Papa in his 1950's Chevy truck.

And that's the nursery! Just one more week and we can call it DONE! And just in time...baby arrives in 4 weeks or so :)

Metamorphosis Mondays with Between Naps on the Porch