family hangout design board and the blue and white bash

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3FPUcZXXuLzW1WpRSLsJqQdU1aTbKF_8QqRl8Kr6vlyfQxlJfhI2TrA8Acd2Rw8H3NGeQj_PZAGuCDxRrNrIKeyZ0QvGawyGI32YrXwJZ84Kk8OWxPoB8eSJ_fIGIvTmnWowbK8AcanM/s1600/LBasementBoard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3FPUcZXXuLzW1WpRSLsJqQdU1aTbKF_8QqRl8Kr6vlyfQxlJfhI2TrA8Acd2Rw8H3NGeQj_PZAGuCDxRrNrIKeyZ0QvGawyGI32YrXwJZ84Kk8OWxPoB8eSJ_fIGIvTmnWowbK8AcanM/s1600/LBasementBoard.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Recently I worked with a fun and active family who is lucky enough to have a big, bright walk-out basement in their beautiful home. But with such a big space though, it was hard to decide what to do or where to begin. So we created a plan that would work for a sports loving family, but would still give the style mom was after. A warmer take on a classic blue and white color combo.<br /><br />The big blank space will be given character with the addition of paneling up three quarters of the wall and built-ins at the end of the room to house the TV, books, etc. Around the corner a bar will be added along with an area for card games and the wall of windows will be given custom roman shades. Much of the hard work will be done by the homeowners over the winter months and I can't wait to see the progress.<br /><br />I'm happy to share this board today here, and over at <a href="http://blog.thepinkpagoda.us/2014/10/october-blue-and-white-bash.html" target="_blank">The Pink Pagoda's</a> Blue and White bash. <a href="http://blog.thepinkpagoda.us/2014/10/october-blue-and-white-bash.html" target="_blank">Head over</a> to see more blue and white inspiration.<br /><br />Do you have a room that you don't know what to do with? <a href="mailto:thelittleblackdoor@gmail.com" target="_blank">Email me</a> and let's work together on creating a space your whole family will love.

family hangout design board and the blue and white bash

Recently I worked with a fun and active family who is lucky enough to have a big, bright walk-out basement in their beautiful home. But with...

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family dinners

My daughter's school has an annual trivia night/auction and this year a Little Black Door design board was up on the auction block. Better than the chopping block, right? After a few rounds a wonderful family won the prize. They are currently on the tail end of a major living room/dining room/kitchen reno and were looking for some help to tie the new open floor plan together.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4wdzquiaCpdAUTDRJyC7ZUDeTlZKtmn6k6eCnqpneOEXMJiQ7M7ZaqgxyMLN7N0RRZuvmbqtoR7YbPhfBpfqmvu4GKNVUS2987ecx4CXGaVf2Va3kJqUcOiexqwl240x1_cwcF7xRRMc/s1600/FamilyDiningRoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="451" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4wdzquiaCpdAUTDRJyC7ZUDeTlZKtmn6k6eCnqpneOEXMJiQ7M7ZaqgxyMLN7N0RRZuvmbqtoR7YbPhfBpfqmvu4GKNVUS2987ecx4CXGaVf2Va3kJqUcOiexqwl240x1_cwcF7xRRMc/s1600/FamilyDiningRoom.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Working with their beautiful paneled wainscoting, a great collection of black and white photography and their existing dining table, we worked to develop something casual, young and fun. By using upholstered pieces, the space will blend well with the living room which shares the same space and act as a great homework and project area when dinner parties aren't on the schedule. Multi-purpose with style my friends. I can't wait to see it come together.<br /><br />Do you have a new space to tackle? <a href="mailto:littleblackdoor@gmail.com" target="_blank">Email me</a> and we can turn that new room into your favorite room.<br /><br /><br />

family dinners

My daughter's school has an annual trivia night/auction and this year a Little Black Door design board was up on the auction block. Bett...

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a touch of grey: kitchen e-design

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEi1zVqRUsc4r2LUP8kCNUGOwi2epJbqVluDbiFL9lUHMbLokwdB8ZiqN9kgZRE3RjMfgQlG4AurdvpWBEcR8H0Bj7p3wX85HgDJExxDKEMmCipA9MmKTMwuQs7jDZG6_-7SgtrZiRZdsa/s1600/ATouchOfGreyKitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEi1zVqRUsc4r2LUP8kCNUGOwi2epJbqVluDbiFL9lUHMbLokwdB8ZiqN9kgZRE3RjMfgQlG4AurdvpWBEcR8H0Bj7p3wX85HgDJExxDKEMmCipA9MmKTMwuQs7jDZG6_-7SgtrZiRZdsa/s1600/ATouchOfGreyKitchen.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><br />Recently I finished an e-design for a great young couple who just bought a fun fixer upper that they're excited to tackle. They asked me to help them with their kitchen which is quite the pickle. The small square room has THREE doorways, an awkward layout and not a lot of storage.<br /><br />Luckily they are ready to tackle the reno on their own and after some discussion on closing up one of the doorways and rearranging a few appliances, we have a functional layout that will not only look better, but will work better. Clean and streamlined with a traditional bent to go with their old home. I can't wait to share the progress with y'all.<br /><br />Do you have a project that you need help with? <a href="mailto:thelittleblackdoor@gmail.com" target="_blank">Email me</a> and we can work together to change your head scratcher into a head turner.<br /><br />

a touch of grey: kitchen e-design

Recently I finished an e-design for a great young couple who just bought a fun fixer upper that they're excited to tackle. They asked me...

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farmhouse kitchen is famous thanks to kitchen + bath makeovers magazine

Today is thrilling for many reasons.<br /><br />First of all I get to finally share a secret I've been holding on to for close to a year - a big load off. Secondly, I get to share this info with all of you lovelies. And finally, I get to show pictures of my work that are more true to life than anything I am ever able to produce. Proof positive that I am NOT a photographer.<br /><br />But enough chatter, let's get to the good stuff. The <a href="http://thelittleblackdoor.blogspot.com/2013/04/before-and-after-farmhouse-kitchen.html" target="_blank">farmhouse kitchen</a> that I shared with you last year is featured in the summer edition of <a href="http://bhgspecials.zinio.com/browse/issues/index.jsp?skuId=416304136&prnt=&categoryId=cat2365809" target="_blank">Kitchen + Bath Makeovers</a> magazine!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiUBqHUtPyWh8ukHa_T0SNhJGZvKnWXIjl4qPLjiD0q_nwu-yCxDE6qE1J6tna96dlf_7fGrLMidSIGzJO5PX_vMWxKl4tJmbKLkr2FF6H0Q9OPBHOdmZ-HKipB3TVFn0Du3uKCbYfrmoT/s1600/BHGKitchenBathMakeoversSummer2014.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiUBqHUtPyWh8ukHa_T0SNhJGZvKnWXIjl4qPLjiD0q_nwu-yCxDE6qE1J6tna96dlf_7fGrLMidSIGzJO5PX_vMWxKl4tJmbKLkr2FF6H0Q9OPBHOdmZ-HKipB3TVFn0Du3uKCbYfrmoT/s1600/BHGKitchenBathMakeoversSummer2014.jpg.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDI7AsKfwXbEpKSQnLgBd5u-VzNiexQ0MvCQc4IUMEoc4HK6dRqvv3wxbH6rFzgPcEppRDhln4uXrKnXLh6YmSXhEQPQ3cd9VhRqw9obmiDYEB2Bdw5BXMiQXbJSwrXTtdgCCq5XWAy2_T/s1600/BHGFranksKitchenWide.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDI7AsKfwXbEpKSQnLgBd5u-VzNiexQ0MvCQc4IUMEoc4HK6dRqvv3wxbH6rFzgPcEppRDhln4uXrKnXLh6YmSXhEQPQ3cd9VhRqw9obmiDYEB2Bdw5BXMiQXbJSwrXTtdgCCq5XWAy2_T/s1600/BHGFranksKitchenWide.tiff" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo by Alise O'Brien for Kitchen + Bath Makeovers</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxfvH8fJmSSu8xUDhmjsFmrjUYgnJ-5wB12Fo8FK6EGBsmUgJ6zhJV1GLdKuOfNSyMGlYaimULESqyJk_ZnCcTJfi3VFZVjmby9QUu5yLOnhwKIPM2uZ5PppkrOV9fkx3Oc6gDJYyKN_Y/s1600/BHGFranksKitchen.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxfvH8fJmSSu8xUDhmjsFmrjUYgnJ-5wB12Fo8FK6EGBsmUgJ6zhJV1GLdKuOfNSyMGlYaimULESqyJk_ZnCcTJfi3VFZVjmby9QUu5yLOnhwKIPM2uZ5PppkrOV9fkx3Oc6gDJYyKN_Y/s1600/BHGFranksKitchen.tiff" width="474" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo by Alise O'Brien for Kitchen + Bath Makeovers</td></tr></tbody></table><br />What the what?! I know, right! Pretty cool. I always wonder how these shoots come to be, so I thought I would share a bit about my experience for any that are interested.<br /><br />Not long after I <a href="http://thelittleblackdoor.blogspot.com/2013/04/before-and-after-farmhouse-kitchen.html" target="_blank">posted about the kitchen</a> I got an email from Meredith Field Editor Bonnie Broten saying that she would like to submit the kitchen for publication and would I be interested. Uh, yeah I would. And with that email began weeks of back and forth phone calls and emails between Bonnie and me and my clients', the Franks. Additional pictures from every angle imaginable are requested as well as a rough before and after floor plan (which I'm sure they pinned up on the bulletin board in the break room at Meredith so that everyone could laugh at my rudimentary drawing skills), budget information, information about me and the Franks'. Everything.<br /><br />And then, we waited. And waited. Until one day it was official - we were on the editorial calendar and the shoot was a sure thing.<br /><br />A week or two before the shoot a shot list is sent which is what the field editor and photographer use on the day of the shoot to make sure they are getting just what the magazine wants. It basically will give a picture of a certain angle of the kitchen and then directions for each shot (add more color, open window, make sure to show the floor, etc.). Then Bonnie and I got on the phone and went thru the shot list together, making sure nothing in the kitchen had changed since the original shots were taken, ideas we had for accessories, photo direction etc. Bonnie has shot with so many amazing people and spaces over the years so of course she was full of great ideas, but was also so open to any suggestions or ideas I had.<br /><br />She came into town the day before the shoot and we were able to spend the day shopping for accessories that I had scouted beforehand and getting more flowers that I've ever bought at one time. Perfect day material if you ask me.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4VrE8hud4Rz4LLKdF5tU7xzk9Vqk1PA3xJXvS7mRypzbFtf7yDhIzTO4fPkmS69iQ4j8ZkUOO4u4Vv59hAJIdf70LfqOz0GhhgKTyCeLwes0Nej165IwrMJzYRuMOQv8d09_HzKSavX7/s1600/IMG_2556.JPG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4VrE8hud4Rz4LLKdF5tU7xzk9Vqk1PA3xJXvS7mRypzbFtf7yDhIzTO4fPkmS69iQ4j8ZkUOO4u4Vv59hAJIdf70LfqOz0GhhgKTyCeLwes0Nej165IwrMJzYRuMOQv8d09_HzKSavX7/s1600/IMG_2556.JPG.jpg" width="474" /></a></div><br />Then after months and months of talking and anticipating the day finally arrived and we took over the Franks' house for the day.<br /><br />Each individual shot is set up, tweaked, photographed, tweaked again and photographed again. Then, you move on to the next shot and do the process over again. I found the whole thing thrilling and soaked up every bit of knowledge I could gain from Bonnie as well as from <a href="http://aliseobrienphotography.com/" target="_blank">Alise O'Brien</a>, the amazing photographer, and her assistant TeAnne. It was a long, full day of work and by the end I was both exhilarated and exhausted. And any other words that you can think of that start with 'ex'.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGVbzSVu50Vxn7F4lD8fusMbX6rclZs_reYQdq3yWB_nKcdQItuQq7AoGWG7arghuiMRp_8poJofhoIDFpd2i8JOtl_qdyCRWnr_hVxeHyipXpdsPGQj8MQ9pVGMNlH8XmPMVF5DaAMR9/s1600/IMG_2562.JPG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGVbzSVu50Vxn7F4lD8fusMbX6rclZs_reYQdq3yWB_nKcdQItuQq7AoGWG7arghuiMRp_8poJofhoIDFpd2i8JOtl_qdyCRWnr_hVxeHyipXpdsPGQj8MQ9pVGMNlH8XmPMVF5DaAMR9/s1600/IMG_2562.JPG.jpg" width="296" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bonnie checking out a shot</td></tr></tbody></table>Then several months later the writer for the article, Mara Boo called to talk about the kitchen, the process, the pictures etc. It was just as thrilling to read the article as it was to see the pictures. It was something I will never forget. And even better, I've been able to do some additional scouting for Bonnie since then and helped with a few other shoots. I am nuts over the whole process and I could do it a million times over. What a thrill.<br /><br />So with that, I think I've reached my gush quota for the day. I'll stop, I promise but first - a million thanks to my wonderful clients who not only have been a joy to work with for the past year and a half but were brave enough to trust me on so many levels and just let me 'run with it'. Thank you also to everyone at Meredith and Better Homes and Gardens, Mara Boo, Alise O'Brien, and especially Bonnie Broten. You are one in a million Bonnie!<br /><br />Ok, now I really am done. Thanks for letting me indulge in a bit of horn tooting. And now you know, when someone says to me, "don't tell anyone yet" I lock that stuff in my iron clad vault. I'm a secret keeper like no other.<br /><br />So go out and pick up a copy of Kitchen + Bath Makeovers for more photos and information and join me tonight for a celebratory cocktail! Cheers to hard work!!<br /><br />

farmhouse kitchen is famous thanks to kitchen + bath makeovers magazine

Today is thrilling for many reasons. First of all I get to finally share a secret I've been holding on to for close to a year - a big lo...

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one room challenge - the bathroom edition week 1

Spring has sprung, flowers are blooming and the <a href="http://thelittleblackdoor.blogspot.com/p/one-room-challenge.html" target="_blank">One Room Challenge</a> is back! That's damn good news people!<br /><br />Twice a year <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/" target="_blank">Linda</a> rounds up a group of 20 bloggers to design and put together a room in six weeks. Each Wednesday we all give updates on our progress and six weeks from today (fingers crossed) we unveil some pretty cool spaces. I'm lucky enough to be participating for the third time (see the first two rooms <a href="http://thelittleblackdoor.blogspot.com/p/one-room-challenge.html" target="_blank">here</a>) and I'm blown away by this group of participants. I mean, c'mon. Just take a look...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGGjXOXVrYLDKoS8w9IGzbBjzZldd0OPi5ExjAhXZqaOZdw590In41c9urYjSHbudtYXRJUtmMDm8Ba7YajymA7kr-K7qIXROx4T1G-AhSfZLYzcWzZ-sXB2-mW2mKSK6bbcVyKQVkxgk/s1600/unnamed.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGGjXOXVrYLDKoS8w9IGzbBjzZldd0OPi5ExjAhXZqaOZdw590In41c9urYjSHbudtYXRJUtmMDm8Ba7YajymA7kr-K7qIXROx4T1G-AhSfZLYzcWzZ-sXB2-mW2mKSK6bbcVyKQVkxgk/s1600/unnamed.png" width="547" /></a></div><br /><br />Pretty amazing, right?! Needless to say I've got to bring it people. The pressure is on! And what better way to alleviate pressure than to <strike>drink</strike> take on a huge job in a short time frame? Wait, that doesn't sound right.<br /><br />No matter, I'm in the thick of it now. So what <i>am</i> I doing?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4_UCBvcIZ7Lt62Ydno9rzhEEp_UrUMudGv04rG0HBNpwF2rJKq81OZAnvz1qnyH5T9cyprF4UYljrIOYA8L1nVsF7Jf8cCe7haAiKXCbOmjpZ8GzIC7Sg8wo-axUI8oW77GzBk-MKQA-/s1600/P1316147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4_UCBvcIZ7Lt62Ydno9rzhEEp_UrUMudGv04rG0HBNpwF2rJKq81OZAnvz1qnyH5T9cyprF4UYljrIOYA8L1nVsF7Jf8cCe7haAiKXCbOmjpZ8GzIC7Sg8wo-axUI8oW77GzBk-MKQA-/s1600/P1316147.JPG" width="637" /></a></div><br />Welcome to my new home away from home for the next six weeks. Now you could be thinking - "What in the hell? She's doing a horder's bathroom?!" but let me explain.<br /><br />This is the guest bathroom in my sister's condo (needless to say she doesn't have many guests these days). The whole condo needed A LOT of work when she move in and slowly over time she's been tackling each room as she could. Since she has another bathroom this room became the catch all for supplies, leftovers and castoffs that accumulate when you are under construction.<br /><br />Well the good news is the rest of her condo has made some big headway. The bad news is that her guest bath looks like that. It is high time girlfriend has a place for guests to splash some cold water on their face after drinking a few of her tasty mojitos.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFzI_gQ996HSuXXm36-hItCeqBae0HFMOrc-JneN4Fp0-3W81JDhb9EeZi9GkV6PKVW2ANS7przlzFIclRx901HokOab4mQQF9Yn8qhV2MUW3jzrxkFKOPJFKmVORgFNxbimoSoMbi-h3/s1600/BlueandWhiteBathroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="505" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFzI_gQ996HSuXXm36-hItCeqBae0HFMOrc-JneN4Fp0-3W81JDhb9EeZi9GkV6PKVW2ANS7przlzFIclRx901HokOab4mQQF9Yn8qhV2MUW3jzrxkFKOPJFKmVORgFNxbimoSoMbi-h3/s1600/BlueandWhiteBathroom.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />When we started to think about what was going to happen in this bathroom it took about sixty seconds to come up with blue and white. If y'all think I've got some collections, you should see my sister's place. She has more Chinoiserie in her house than....well anyone else I know (and that's saying a lot).<br /><br />Realizing that particularly in a bathroom many fixed elements are just that - fixed (unique is not really a word that comes to mind when you think of toilets), we've done lots of hunting to find unique things to make this not just another bathroom. Good things are coming people. Believe it. I'm super excited for this one, it is going to be one major 'after'.<br /><br />Now that you know my hair-brained scheme, let's see what the others have cookin.<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><a href="http://www.abbyminteriorsblog.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Abby M. Interiors</a> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><a href="http://becauseitsawesome.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Because it’s Awesome</a> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><a href="http://christinedovey.com/blog/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Bijou & Boheme</a> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><a href="http://www.callingithome.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Calling It Home</a> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><a href="http://chezviviv.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Chez V</a> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><a href="http://chinoiseriechic.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Chinoiserie Chic</a> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><a href="http://www.copycatchic.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Copy Cat Chic</a> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><a href="http://thedecorista.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">The Decorista</a> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><a href="http://design-crisis.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Design Crisis</a> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><a href="http://designindulgence.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Design Indulgence</a> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><a href="http://www.designmanifest.com/blog/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Design Manifest</a> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><a href="http://www.theenglishroom.biz/blog/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">The English Room</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><a href="http://theglampad.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">The Glam Pad</a> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><a href="http://mimosalaneblog.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Mimosa Lane</a> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><a href="http://mynottinghill.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">My Notting Hill</a> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><a href="http://blog.thepinkpagoda.us/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">The Pink Pagoda</a> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><a href="http://simpledetailsblog.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Simple Details</a> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><a href="http://mysweetsavannah.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">My Sweet Savannah</a> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><a href="http://www.verandahhouse.com.au/blog/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Verandah House</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: small;">Be sure to check for progress on </span><a href="http://instagram.com/littleblackdoor/" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;" target="_blank">Instagram</a><span style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: small;">, join the linking party tomorrow over at </span><a href="http://www.callingithome.com/" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;" target="_blank">Linda's</a><span style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: small;"> and come back next week when I hope to show a few less vacuums in the bathroom. That's a good goal for the first week, right?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>

one room challenge - the bathroom edition week 1

Spring has sprung, flowers are blooming and the One Room Challenge is back! That's damn good news people! Twice a year  Linda rounds u...

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2014 goals

The time has come for me to put down my goals for the year on paper, or uh screen, so that I am held accountable come December 31. If I don't put them out there for y'all to read I won't have the fear of judgement as my motivation. And really, isn't that what gets us all out of bed in the morning? Right. So I spent the weekend shaking my magic eight ball and I've narrowed down my list to these five challenges, in no particular order. In honor of the Golden Globes...may I have the envelope please.<br /><br />1. Fix the backyard. <br />I've <strike>whined</strike> discussed my backyard as long as this blog has been around (and even before that). And each year I talk about working on some privacy, but this is the year. And here's the reason - I can't look at my neighbors any more. They really are lovely people, but I just can't. While our side yard is vast and relatively private, our backyard, the space right past our <a href="http://thelittleblackdoor.blogspot.com/p/outside.html" target="_blank">deck and patio</a> is rather close to our neighbors. And over the years our neighbors have added on to their homes, making our breathing room even smaller. And with the addition of a new neighbor and his many outdoor apparatuses, this is the year damn it.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmmfHDCVYlRM1qjPTNhocByB1C5H2jdUIfsFkuhJjcaHvq2JN4u_IAQ5Pr1X5lMpo7nKa0j_jVJrEAb-T7a6AuU1FAm6zYFBEbY49VX_b81HOEPQzdIbImnUOmMUm_wqK5ckj2XSGRg2s/s1600/48b8bb1f1a7f438fc0d03e31e8ce11df.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmmfHDCVYlRM1qjPTNhocByB1C5H2jdUIfsFkuhJjcaHvq2JN4u_IAQ5Pr1X5lMpo7nKa0j_jVJrEAb-T7a6AuU1FAm6zYFBEbY49VX_b81HOEPQzdIbImnUOmMUm_wqK5ckj2XSGRg2s/s1600/48b8bb1f1a7f438fc0d03e31e8ce11df.jpg" width="295" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/6896205653270226/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></td></tr></tbody></table> And while I'd love a tall ivy covered stone wall and boxwood hedges,<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkg3ovstx0v0lRkfB_rr3EmnSl-AKa5aTDG9at6atB5XPnrdnDKCSrXj0ZrcpVL1OIVY9Ve1GR0PRLPjCT7JeEAITNYCN688LyQycuYwe91ZePboCDpkmFjOspwFbVK1KQ-2jRaeGN9RfX/s1600/f786686f8df2712ae79b49273296fc30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkg3ovstx0v0lRkfB_rr3EmnSl-AKa5aTDG9at6atB5XPnrdnDKCSrXj0ZrcpVL1OIVY9Ve1GR0PRLPjCT7JeEAITNYCN688LyQycuYwe91ZePboCDpkmFjOspwFbVK1KQ-2jRaeGN9RfX/s1600/f786686f8df2712ae79b49273296fc30.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://almbacken.blogspot.se/2010/03/tradgard-tradgard-tradgard.html" target="_blank">Almbacken</a></td></tr></tbody></table>we are probably looking at something more economical. I know, economical and landscaping never really go together, but I'm going to try my best. We were able to redo our <a href="http://thelittleblackdoor.blogspot.com/2012/06/i-wear-my-sunglasses-at-night-deck.html" target="_blank">deck</a> on a budget, so who knows what we will come up with. Maybe we'll find more <a href="http://thelittleblackdoor.blogspot.com/2011/10/five-dollar-investment.html" target="_blank">$5 trees</a>.<br /><br />2. Organize closets<br />I have something that is a rarity in a house this age and size - two walk in closets. But I'm ashamed to say that I don't use them to their full potential. And in a house this size, that just isn't cool.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HBGr-_RN4kEJ29Ky1wS88qLyyvHDuORit20QdwRuwpzfrHhwvE8ml4XGN8A6h1YddTdBLHoEmOEQ_ahCKVcly6iw5OyyDhB7c3THbQ3w6IHNGGuorkHB3IEVFvLurgD3t_7c-TdR1uHS/s1600/485f32f7bed03fe2e858a760799b17bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HBGr-_RN4kEJ29Ky1wS88qLyyvHDuORit20QdwRuwpzfrHhwvE8ml4XGN8A6h1YddTdBLHoEmOEQ_ahCKVcly6iw5OyyDhB7c3THbQ3w6IHNGGuorkHB3IEVFvLurgD3t_7c-TdR1uHS/s1600/485f32f7bed03fe2e858a760799b17bb.jpg" width="302" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/6896205649170547/" target="_blank">Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti's amazing closet</a></td></tr></tbody></table>So I've got painting, construction, elbow grease and a lot of DIYs up my sleeve for these suckers. Note - I can not guarantee they can stay organized. (Do I hear a goal for 2015?)<br /><br />3. Find a dishwasher that doesn't suck and a vacuum that does.<br />I told you <a href="http://thelittleblackdoor.blogspot.com/2013/08/i-hate-my-maytag-dishwasher.html" target="_blank">how much my Maytag sucks</a> and this is the year I'm doing something about it. There has got to be a high performance dishwasher out there and I am on the hunt.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikOdBF3TmyrolJIFdDWy_Jd5GTAKS5O9cvoHS-PcMTDEsIBnXVicQTMrFxHs_n7Xy_Bmoqn7H1Blri05mvJXGc6FgYfrl11nVRI7iIbir6JrNQplKbd5HnMWSve6U5b06g8E0kc0RzfQeH/s1600/zoeyinthedishwasher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikOdBF3TmyrolJIFdDWy_Jd5GTAKS5O9cvoHS-PcMTDEsIBnXVicQTMrFxHs_n7Xy_Bmoqn7H1Blri05mvJXGc6FgYfrl11nVRI7iIbir6JrNQplKbd5HnMWSve6U5b06g8E0kc0RzfQeH/s1600/zoeyinthedishwasher.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zoey cleans better than my Maytag does</td></tr></tbody></table>I also have a vacuum on its last suck. Hmm, I need a new dishwasher and vacuum. Maybe it would just be cheaper to get a maid.<br /><br />4. Focus on the details.<br />I find myself looking at different things these days. Table linens, candle sticks, picture frames, vases. The cherries on top of the sundae. The things that take a room from done to complete. And a hard, and dangerous rule for me this year - only permanent pieces. I'm not getting something just because it was cheap. I have a basement full of those purchases. Quality, unique and long term are the key this year.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV2Oh9_h5Ow7_x00n8An_PHEt_VZzN2Qgh8Uakp4gbaQhbs6lgs2023tPQ3Dg49LNlwGxaICiO-ElRDrrypA1zoX2-lj_QEcShrz64V0nAVU8KSWZq0_hEOKZ5QUVdTnUCe8pO9Ybb8SI8/s1600/c6ea7820beeda8dd1a3855fc48417364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV2Oh9_h5Ow7_x00n8An_PHEt_VZzN2Qgh8Uakp4gbaQhbs6lgs2023tPQ3Dg49LNlwGxaICiO-ElRDrrypA1zoX2-lj_QEcShrz64V0nAVU8KSWZq0_hEOKZ5QUVdTnUCe8pO9Ybb8SI8/s1600/c6ea7820beeda8dd1a3855fc48417364.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/6896205653330159/" target="_blank">Lesley Glotzl</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />5. Post more.<br />I really do have the best time getting to know you all and I think we have a really good time together. And well, we've been dating for a few years now, so I think it's time to take our relationship to the next level. Do I sound like The Bachelor?<br /><br />I've got a lot to say, a whole backlog in fact, of things that I just don't get around to. So this year I'm going to make a hard effort to work four posts a week into my schedule. Gulp. And I want you all sharing more on here with me as well. You all are the best and I want to give more. 4 days a week. There I said it.<br /><br />So ta-da, there she blows. My list for the year. What do you think? Do you make yourself a guideline for the year? Did you think Tina and Amy did a good job last night? Can you believe that Jordan Catalano won an Golden Globe?!

2014 goals

The time has come for me to put down my goals for the year on paper, or uh screen, so that I am held accountable come December 31. If I don...

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family room design board

Wednesday is a good day for a show and share, don't you think? Me too. I'm working with an awesome family of five who just moved into their 'this is it' house and they asked me to help with a few rooms.<br /><br />First up - the family room. Being the smart (and realistic) people that they are they were not going to chuck a perfectly good sectional just because they moved, so we used that as our jumping off point.<br /><br />They also had the wicker chair and an upholstered arm chair, so we were off to a good start in the furniture department. The armchair is a bit...dated shall we say and the wicker chair could use a spruce, but no sense in throwing out perfectly good furniture if all it needs is a little pick me up. I chose a great faded ikat pattern that will up the fun factor on the old girl and she is already on her way to the upholster for a little nip and tuck. The wicker chair will get a paint job and be as good as new.<br /><br />The lucite coffee table will keep things airy and open and finding a great old buffet to go below the TV will provide tons of storage for toys, games etc. And can I just say how much I love a client who is game to rock some pink!<br /><br />Finally we added a big sisal rug that will stand up to some pretty active littles and layered a pattered rug on top to hide the inevitable stains that littles tend to leave behind.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDlw4pJPAF5mFYoJ8qlWfsYXGWYa1Uivk98yk5CPGeKYGbwFk9SAdhPehnUIgzixyZXCy_SMCz9EymZaVZ46T_-1yMZVHi4VybGliRQ6NdVJdMQ8f6FUnAAihyphenhyphenzFoD5QHQhLoEoFzUkcG/s1600/LittleBlackDoorClientFamilyRoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDlw4pJPAF5mFYoJ8qlWfsYXGWYa1Uivk98yk5CPGeKYGbwFk9SAdhPehnUIgzixyZXCy_SMCz9EymZaVZ46T_-1yMZVHi4VybGliRQ6NdVJdMQ8f6FUnAAihyphenhyphenzFoD5QHQhLoEoFzUkcG/s640/LittleBlackDoorClientFamilyRoom.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Good news is the buffet has been found, the curtains are already hung and all of the fabric is on its way. This room may just be ready in time for Santa.<br /><br />Have a room in your house you want to tackle? Getting ready to move into a new house? Contact me for information on local design services as well as e-design. <a href="mailto:thelittleblackdoor@gmail.com" target="_blank">thelittleblackdoor@gmail.com</a>

family room design board

Wednesday is a good day for a show and share, don't you think? Me too. I'm working with an awesome family of five who just moved int...

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blue and orange library - before and after

There once was a girl who wanted to switch her living room and dining room. She worked hard and made herself a swanky new dining room, but the living room needed a pick me up. So, she asked her friend for some help. Luckily this girl can DIY with the best of them, and also luckily her friend is me.<br /><br />My very great friend and her family wanted a cozy space where they could read, do homework, practice the violen and spend hours on Pinterest. And although she knew she wanted to invest in grasscloth, the goal was to work with what she already had, just adding a few things here and there to spruce up the room.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPpUWRMVC4pjxqxtmvHyrYsQ0Lv2YdMQZXrd9u1Gv6xcgrmBRgp6ZUNFVjDyJMzcCrWVwODNQX1fnsdtuZ0dujhnEBQsJcIWkOJbtTdYKRtG0FJjnuh_HBdnF2tqJIHUX5ixZV7LlOzRh/s1600/LittleBlackDoorBeccaLR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPpUWRMVC4pjxqxtmvHyrYsQ0Lv2YdMQZXrd9u1Gv6xcgrmBRgp6ZUNFVjDyJMzcCrWVwODNQX1fnsdtuZ0dujhnEBQsJcIWkOJbtTdYKRtG0FJjnuh_HBdnF2tqJIHUX5ixZV7LlOzRh/s640/LittleBlackDoorBeccaLR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You might remember this little board I did awhile back to get the juices flowing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGisYw5KegrBUpfvr2SMINVyLqp2rY-23mENfxdVEhvFv8Qpa_meC507hhMtTIw5JR7JWmLOthXuO1sTzrkyphPPymylCfmblag6jiw_heywn6nCEQJHK5y2LypPVRks59a8bOEWIH5MxU/s1600/wideshotbefore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGisYw5KegrBUpfvr2SMINVyLqp2rY-23mENfxdVEhvFv8Qpa_meC507hhMtTIw5JR7JWmLOthXuO1sTzrkyphPPymylCfmblag6jiw_heywn6nCEQJHK5y2LypPVRks59a8bOEWIH5MxU/s400/wideshotbefore.jpg" width="393" /></a></div>Here is the space before. (cute children not included)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrYL_1qo-55JcZRG103_hZJYBeYOlg6dMOwjoOw6c6VbEIZ2EjMvjTmBs-CkeFdkBgDqCWOlV4h0Eg9FX91mmaXyAGyNNvHbjO4l_-gus8FoUc8e5mV0SVNotfromIebBXgBxcB36cucr/s1600/libraryafter2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrYL_1qo-55JcZRG103_hZJYBeYOlg6dMOwjoOw6c6VbEIZ2EjMvjTmBs-CkeFdkBgDqCWOlV4h0Eg9FX91mmaXyAGyNNvHbjO4l_-gus8FoUc8e5mV0SVNotfromIebBXgBxcB36cucr/s640/libraryafter2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />And here is the after.<br /><br />My girl is hardcore. She put up the grasscloth all on her own. Right after she painted that mirror orange and before she put together those IKEA shelves. Unstoppable I tell you.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOCReR_mvshmHdc73wodZPrwottYvgaMp9ZHZvB5gQPinYNaokLnBA8y7rBzU-m9Hdm7uvMlTSRn0LCCZmgxXptPZASVzrB8bOFiQP2deoHxQz4rt8DsZAXcWfGDYNXPQpLaGvRPcXQ15/s1600/grassclothgallerywall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOCReR_mvshmHdc73wodZPrwottYvgaMp9ZHZvB5gQPinYNaokLnBA8y7rBzU-m9Hdm7uvMlTSRn0LCCZmgxXptPZASVzrB8bOFiQP2deoHxQz4rt8DsZAXcWfGDYNXPQpLaGvRPcXQ15/s640/grassclothgallerywall.jpg" width="563" /></a></div><br />I love that we talk about the gallery wall and play with some pictures one day, and the next time I talk to her she says, "oh yeah I hung the gallery wall". All I do is plant the seed and she runs with it and makes it look great.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwSq3WrWDnZTAx8L9DJ82AYmSoZM5yfRHGM2Pb23sLw9LEOjGez_aWjqJXsNh6RIOZdmwLFX_cPIAKa253KhA8V-zXzfWh4kyT461zO4c8IBAzOdcOoyGhiQg-ulPnE5_S3JgmXWEaCkP/s1600/grasscloth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwSq3WrWDnZTAx8L9DJ82AYmSoZM5yfRHGM2Pb23sLw9LEOjGez_aWjqJXsNh6RIOZdmwLFX_cPIAKa253KhA8V-zXzfWh4kyT461zO4c8IBAzOdcOoyGhiQg-ulPnE5_S3JgmXWEaCkP/s400/grasscloth.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />All of the artwork was created by her, in addition to a few pieces by her dad and her kids. They are basically the Partridge family of art.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguiz5lsD-H1ghv0c_7BJnFyUmdfStPQKoFoOI8UhfumaGz6fSQhFI_J_bsLIdmfMBAbeAGupruNxcsIo0lybJSKssjGGl2_Kvu_rCG1gFCzYVacw7LlV33nMeZzTIBIhffa7Bfmt4VXbzb/s1600/blueikatchair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguiz5lsD-H1ghv0c_7BJnFyUmdfStPQKoFoOI8UhfumaGz6fSQhFI_J_bsLIdmfMBAbeAGupruNxcsIo0lybJSKssjGGl2_Kvu_rCG1gFCzYVacw7LlV33nMeZzTIBIhffa7Bfmt4VXbzb/s640/blueikatchair.jpg" width="531" /></a></div><br />I love a new tray on an old coffee table. It's <strike>almost</strike> totally better than a pair of new shoes. That's right, I will always pick a tray over a pair of shoes.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDueOm4O3grTDgC8dZWSTerv0X5CfwojJeSpYuRdiglQ4_ZeT4dWeL0smNzXzVlB8wILDCSPz1edXcA4nD_tA0r6vlXA-WduiESLKh6Y7pBZt8gauSvbwx1KARX5fY2Od7K5S3U5T14bcE/s1600/ikeabookshelfhack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDueOm4O3grTDgC8dZWSTerv0X5CfwojJeSpYuRdiglQ4_ZeT4dWeL0smNzXzVlB8wILDCSPz1edXcA4nD_tA0r6vlXA-WduiESLKh6Y7pBZt8gauSvbwx1KARX5fY2Od7K5S3U5T14bcE/s640/ikeabookshelfhack.jpg" width="585" /></a></div><br />That grasscloth makes all the difference. It makes all of the moldings pop (which she put in during a previous project) and it makes the room so warm. It's like a big huge hug.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJGfw0_mlBjvhrxBdGh0BI96iq_CzGDXUkh8-13ITLayRzfQXHeKxdqg67p2-P4uDUL_bZg_nBlRGhWZh5kbKSaPuctmulQQesVbLNnLSNAwQub-qRk8gWP5L920eAAiddbvepJfNW7UB/s1600/blueikatchairgoldlamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJGfw0_mlBjvhrxBdGh0BI96iq_CzGDXUkh8-13ITLayRzfQXHeKxdqg67p2-P4uDUL_bZg_nBlRGhWZh5kbKSaPuctmulQQesVbLNnLSNAwQub-qRk8gWP5L920eAAiddbvepJfNW7UB/s640/blueikatchairgoldlamp.jpg" width="609" /></a></div><br />The lamp was originally orange but she gave it the gold touch with a can of spray paint.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfpZjlpXGQFikTV_nLyUmJGUTAL27tev_8RLiWNj8R5HNtEKsjI51041NZYuL8ll_6w46QemkoOUIV-Y3VvQIh8C7Ogb42geQM1vbo1m97HS1T-vzG-FTRMal9EV4xMkIwA9NfqE3rLJ2u/s1600/GoldAccents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfpZjlpXGQFikTV_nLyUmJGUTAL27tev_8RLiWNj8R5HNtEKsjI51041NZYuL8ll_6w46QemkoOUIV-Y3VvQIh8C7Ogb42geQM1vbo1m97HS1T-vzG-FTRMal9EV4xMkIwA9NfqE3rLJ2u/s640/GoldAccents.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />A collection of gold animals has begun and the gold K looks great against the wallpaper.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvN7YjhvNM-GmFpzNYyRst3jd6fxwOrq-Zp7bpa5yHiiYpD7YuLByebkU3unkvf4-4G8EgDIhG7wWDi7R3QNqcJlhayUe8aZeTHKsVKBLKD9hqjNHa1ssmpTcvZDJdJ-q48w2MbJCib6Bn/s1600/milkglasscollection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvN7YjhvNM-GmFpzNYyRst3jd6fxwOrq-Zp7bpa5yHiiYpD7YuLByebkU3unkvf4-4G8EgDIhG7wWDi7R3QNqcJlhayUe8aZeTHKsVKBLKD9hqjNHa1ssmpTcvZDJdJ-q48w2MbJCib6Bn/s400/milkglasscollection.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The milk glass acquired by the two of us at the single most uncomfortable and slightly bigoted garage sale ever. I'll have to share that story one day.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXI1KwnEdKFxRWcRHBYXnnTT0Bk_hhcUlDXXTvcj5TkJ_8ZoZsKGl5iw2Ovy87V8wgeDkeIPWxqwKXZFA3GMkOUcZlQOc6DqE8RqKKmcm05SHapnz5jucICi7EjRTUg9cbifnKER-YuN_-/s1600/orangegreekkeytray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXI1KwnEdKFxRWcRHBYXnnTT0Bk_hhcUlDXXTvcj5TkJ_8ZoZsKGl5iw2Ovy87V8wgeDkeIPWxqwKXZFA3GMkOUcZlQOc6DqE8RqKKmcm05SHapnz5jucICi7EjRTUg9cbifnKER-YuN_-/s400/orangegreekkeytray.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Yes, this book is upside down. I'm quirky.<br /><br /><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/AVvXsEhmrYL_1qo-55JcZRG103_hZJYBeYOlg6dMOwjoOw6c6VbEIZ2EjMvjTmBs-CkeFdkBgDqCWOlV4h0Eg9FX91mmaXyAGyNNvHbjO4l_-gus8FoUc8e5mV0SVNotfromIebBXgBxcB36cucr/s1600/libraryafter2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrYL_1qo-55JcZRG103_hZJYBeYOlg6dMOwjoOw6c6VbEIZ2EjMvjTmBs-CkeFdkBgDqCWOlV4h0Eg9FX91mmaXyAGyNNvHbjO4l_-gus8FoUc8e5mV0SVNotfromIebBXgBxcB36cucr/s640/libraryafter2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcU_0sbB_PpoNnDoVoG5534Ujz9cgmebuCZJKG5nvM2PJulcyRpIOuK0_K21LPM1FaidZaUpHLJ4Gk3IRxa3zs0_4D8AqUuMd7gX2eTbsnq6RU-eXE6Sjn51k1Dp7uP-SuA7sITDeK0fE/s1600/navydiningroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="617" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcU_0sbB_PpoNnDoVoG5534Ujz9cgmebuCZJKG5nvM2PJulcyRpIOuK0_K21LPM1FaidZaUpHLJ4Gk3IRxa3zs0_4D8AqUuMd7gX2eTbsnq6RU-eXE6Sjn51k1Dp7uP-SuA7sITDeK0fE/s640/navydiningroom.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />And because I hate it when magazines talk about a space and don't show a picture of it, here is her wonderful dining room. Good, right?<br /><br />So that is the story of the girl who switched her living room and dining room and ended up with a great family space.<br /><br />How about you? Have you switched rooms in your house before? Made some changes to a room that wasn't working for you?

blue and orange library - before and after

There once was a girl who wanted to switch her living room and dining room. She worked hard and made herself a swanky new dining room, but t...

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before and after: farmhouse kitchen

Are you there reader? It's me, <strike>Margaret</strike> Elizabeth.<br /><br />So of course I have to begin with an apology. I tease y'all on Friday and then leave you hanging. Uncool. I'm sorry. Life got in the way. But if it makes you feel any better, my tar and feathering is scheduled for 4 pm today. You can come watch if you like.<br /><br />Luckily I've got some good eye candy to make it up to you. Let's have a little before and after, shall we? Everyone loves a good makeover story.<br /><br />It starts like any good story does - a cute little family buys the perfect house. But the house has a dark side. Or, a dark kitchen. Oh the horror.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-153883UMUGnbQAbCtZpKn77eDNWS-sDA5EACqTP6Pl2b0k4s09qG8Pt4btes18MLBmI8MrFlofMg1h_8v5iDmU-3VA3sRbwcicqF2JEcy68ve1neNKY0seFSilSSh0A1qGi3FL7mlLS/s1600/P6117366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-153883UMUGnbQAbCtZpKn77eDNWS-sDA5EACqTP6Pl2b0k4s09qG8Pt4btes18MLBmI8MrFlofMg1h_8v5iDmU-3VA3sRbwcicqF2JEcy68ve1neNKY0seFSilSSh0A1qGi3FL7mlLS/s640/P6117366.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Metal cabinets. Bad roll on floor. Three different doorways into a small galley and one single ceiling fan. What's not to love?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWq-1AKMBGj8Uc181ihiNf_3oG1GYgHEsz8U26uC7rTiVuAWuLkX3FZ-dQ644lCtpsbUJ4dOfk4_jNG4SY76j48ZR5H7o39bsR-xgjCVrwJfiyWw2fkpt57FOHr33MyFhvVqH6X8EpT0BM/s1600/P6117370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWq-1AKMBGj8Uc181ihiNf_3oG1GYgHEsz8U26uC7rTiVuAWuLkX3FZ-dQ644lCtpsbUJ4dOfk4_jNG4SY76j48ZR5H7o39bsR-xgjCVrwJfiyWw2fkpt57FOHr33MyFhvVqH6X8EpT0BM/s640/P6117370.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />And who is the genius that forgot to line the sink up with the window? Pitiful.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8tD-SNy_lgCxRxjGhssf4B3Kb0Sbf_OXfhfQ9WUPDsKLa6JP-wcAZ2y_Jlm0DTNoaRJBKJInDb3ksKoj6fA1x0liWjukNzLczHYdj2OAmScCehXTZNzvPGQFPXr4KD0-UxksnRCkk9xW/s1600/P6117368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8tD-SNy_lgCxRxjGhssf4B3Kb0Sbf_OXfhfQ9WUPDsKLa6JP-wcAZ2y_Jlm0DTNoaRJBKJInDb3ksKoj6fA1x0liWjukNzLczHYdj2OAmScCehXTZNzvPGQFPXr4KD0-UxksnRCkk9xW/s640/P6117368.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQvjBwuh_97L4tLLty1WDHCV48_SyOIxsBNtY_EtjC-wsheaeVEoCteEQZIFYe1cdRjY4_okju50PnmAmMlcQBeFdMjLZQNqORlZ-PoiwqwAWcQ8LgDBJbqS3LjuSiur9wM1PGZW7xKTlT/s1600/P6117369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQvjBwuh_97L4tLLty1WDHCV48_SyOIxsBNtY_EtjC-wsheaeVEoCteEQZIFYe1cdRjY4_okju50PnmAmMlcQBeFdMjLZQNqORlZ-PoiwqwAWcQ8LgDBJbqS3LjuSiur9wM1PGZW7xKTlT/s640/P6117369.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />The layout was just wrong. The counter space was just wrong. Everything was just wrong.<br /><br />The family wanted to open the space into the dining room, not only to create better flow but to make this kitchen feel larger. They also wanted the kitchen to have a farmhouse feel. <br /><br />Ask, and you shall receive.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGHIuLS7uPu-qEpt0O67YSohg1s51WcycVm4erUjn4xC0L61NSYp8RBRFe6WByauXzVF5-9tVFdTpVPVdxD33hleA2NRlTPcdKn-soOCpxdba3twKwjk8n3JTi5vPFf68C9Ffw3juoPNI/s1600/FarmhouseKitchenBoard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGHIuLS7uPu-qEpt0O67YSohg1s51WcycVm4erUjn4xC0L61NSYp8RBRFe6WByauXzVF5-9tVFdTpVPVdxD33hleA2NRlTPcdKn-soOCpxdba3twKwjk8n3JTi5vPFf68C9Ffw3juoPNI/s640/FarmhouseKitchenBoard.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />With the plans in place the kitchen was gutted. Soffits were removed, an extra doorway was closed off, appliances switched positions and the wall between the kitchen and dining room was knocked out to open up the space. I love a good puzzle and this space was really fun for me to rethink and reconfigure.  Like a giant game of tetris.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJujSoyJeWIz1NMhdY7ve2-IMZvnT5jVoQN7kis8ixS0Bvy0xDo9OWvMsq7vswV8rd2JAjPNvxEPkTTNnXseagnXQDZK1sMCyJvX85eEQh-HEX2ImQZPBWakJoZ4NqZDcB2rMjMgx0by5N/s1600/IMG_0309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJujSoyJeWIz1NMhdY7ve2-IMZvnT5jVoQN7kis8ixS0Bvy0xDo9OWvMsq7vswV8rd2JAjPNvxEPkTTNnXseagnXQDZK1sMCyJvX85eEQh-HEX2ImQZPBWakJoZ4NqZDcB2rMjMgx0by5N/s640/IMG_0309.JPG" width="474" /></a></div><br />After several long months of work, my very patient clients now have one saucy kitchen.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKkIq90y9UEepOs4MpOOu14m4G2E1hkgo0NngNsXjPKfwpT5mXSAdqgKYDLxNUMhuG_pvfiucQ410XQVy39VrS1y5_-SBnDo9P3gb5MWxf0U3sorrVtJRLOnntAqQzqju3zZC7x44sYd1/s1600/Farmhousekitchenafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKkIq90y9UEepOs4MpOOu14m4G2E1hkgo0NngNsXjPKfwpT5mXSAdqgKYDLxNUMhuG_pvfiucQ410XQVy39VrS1y5_-SBnDo9P3gb5MWxf0U3sorrVtJRLOnntAqQzqju3zZC7x44sYd1/s640/Farmhousekitchenafter.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_VZRLKxGPg13pu46R8joPE82lj1ArfDrQvTvcUcWH7bzr7TC5Tn23e1m4px1lpC2-fplfCPWsLPLi662o-jRpKw5ysCBpKOQ2s2PR5mK3G5Se66tTbOjZP0DRW_owYbq5yCh_uEXy2KlV/s1600/KitchenDiningOpenAfter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_VZRLKxGPg13pu46R8joPE82lj1ArfDrQvTvcUcWH7bzr7TC5Tn23e1m4px1lpC2-fplfCPWsLPLi662o-jRpKw5ysCBpKOQ2s2PR5mK3G5Se66tTbOjZP0DRW_owYbq5yCh_uEXy2KlV/s640/KitchenDiningOpenAfter.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The space between the dining room and kitchen is much more open now, but still gives both areas their own defined space.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOWFH_8SZWYMIXwiBMo1ACfL9IGIGHSi_oc-rCWPvROKT1k_OfK7FcsQA5m_E_Q3kcXsGKu8OmCYrM3IhpDldvMvZN33Ca0Ldq1lz2wVMKnO-Vv4mQkDtBK2U-r1RGCIFBTXKPq5KhVvH/s1600/KitchenWindow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOWFH_8SZWYMIXwiBMo1ACfL9IGIGHSi_oc-rCWPvROKT1k_OfK7FcsQA5m_E_Q3kcXsGKu8OmCYrM3IhpDldvMvZN33Ca0Ldq1lz2wVMKnO-Vv4mQkDtBK2U-r1RGCIFBTXKPq5KhVvH/s640/KitchenWindow.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><br />Buffalo check on the dining room chairs is picked up again with the roman shade in the kitchen. You can read more about the dining room chairs I recovered <a href="http://thelittleblackdoor.blogspot.com/2012/10/buffalo-soldier.html">here.</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYWaUA-MQQ7fpVP4kjf42We-CP4551QIFWJdoNXgvyuzfMRXC4RrC0wBACQ30vT1NRP3CKcHdw-7ZWvGncUGNyUa054iPkJRNPEFMFjMS2iXxcleVdTAI3eh9X07Q_JCpYyuwHKWkkxVTz/s1600/CorkBoardWallAfter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="628" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYWaUA-MQQ7fpVP4kjf42We-CP4551QIFWJdoNXgvyuzfMRXC4RrC0wBACQ30vT1NRP3CKcHdw-7ZWvGncUGNyUa054iPkJRNPEFMFjMS2iXxcleVdTAI3eh9X07Q_JCpYyuwHKWkkxVTz/s640/CorkBoardWallAfter.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The cork board was a simple DIY project I previewed on Instagram (<a href="http://instagram.com/littleblackdoor/">follow me here</a>). I'll share the tutorial as soon as I can write it up.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSf8XAWf-E-QX0Xer_Si9HofaXxGd90gRxDPbcQQIuMF6dnehXB0Dm98X6HxHgxlMnuAA_btRHNA73ItOUj4SH6azIoUEuBxT3PnrBxDTBXo7rcqAiZEdqK9_ZrcnsOLe1WF8zAWdGpi2T/s1600/FarmhouseCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSf8XAWf-E-QX0Xer_Si9HofaXxGd90gRxDPbcQQIuMF6dnehXB0Dm98X6HxHgxlMnuAA_btRHNA73ItOUj4SH6azIoUEuBxT3PnrBxDTBXo7rcqAiZEdqK9_ZrcnsOLe1WF8zAWdGpi2T/s400/FarmhouseCollage.jpg" width="342" /></a></div><br />I love the side by sides. Let's have some fun shall we.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_1DFa8qhBV4Q1Y1XP9Q_9Vyd46rlADUNUJ_DCDjIJNdGQqDTeFzUnP8S_fd8UwgS5jZwpEYrTjx6Ft7gtFexG6rHnUMJIrnv48QEuAan41H8gm0LJuRHRpWGnwXQwWvkN-UHU1v90KUk/s1600/KitchenBeforeAfterFINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_1DFa8qhBV4Q1Y1XP9Q_9Vyd46rlADUNUJ_DCDjIJNdGQqDTeFzUnP8S_fd8UwgS5jZwpEYrTjx6Ft7gtFexG6rHnUMJIrnv48QEuAan41H8gm0LJuRHRpWGnwXQwWvkN-UHU1v90KUk/s640/KitchenBeforeAfterFINAL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7iY4Fove9ghJW3YnqwcvoC-PUHuZM3M4khHOd7ZkVi5USIps6VxMHT4gpfuflXgS4I0H71XcAiYMeUwVToxTbOJ4hOZbjqa0nSpjyU02yS6tGOgJJmjkt5Lq573t99kOLm_E1RYRv8_K/s1600/FridgeWallBeforeAfterFINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7iY4Fove9ghJW3YnqwcvoC-PUHuZM3M4khHOd7ZkVi5USIps6VxMHT4gpfuflXgS4I0H71XcAiYMeUwVToxTbOJ4hOZbjqa0nSpjyU02yS6tGOgJJmjkt5Lq573t99kOLm_E1RYRv8_K/s640/FridgeWallBeforeAfterFINAL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV34KcY1YnmBrBg2EODIXFbz6ixpAvR4kgUc2C2-2VFgtRc_c7u3uSt86Ttq1azPBcjlVGSRWHmAEcm9M3ncr-VaXJ-Rm3mLThJW5_rKqZB067IEHrbYZrSzxAcqGa_sr7_fgae-WsVzGZ/s1600/CorkWallBeforeAfterFINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV34KcY1YnmBrBg2EODIXFbz6ixpAvR4kgUc2C2-2VFgtRc_c7u3uSt86Ttq1azPBcjlVGSRWHmAEcm9M3ncr-VaXJ-Rm3mLThJW5_rKqZB067IEHrbYZrSzxAcqGa_sr7_fgae-WsVzGZ/s640/CorkWallBeforeAfterFINAL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0ZdNgf2U8H-zLqS9bEgf89kRiQhYgy31ic5DBAK5KtaBR7OyZbBJIiJ_QFili6o74zpaE5bo5hrvu4klNEA75E44O4Dn2-zvw_2KEFX5V8wdxvlMtu0SZjY88NNsi7x6xkuwF3h_ZT8a/s1600/BeforeAfterWindowFINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0ZdNgf2U8H-zLqS9bEgf89kRiQhYgy31ic5DBAK5KtaBR7OyZbBJIiJ_QFili6o74zpaE5bo5hrvu4klNEA75E44O4Dn2-zvw_2KEFX5V8wdxvlMtu0SZjY88NNsi7x6xkuwF3h_ZT8a/s640/BeforeAfterWindowFINAL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I love it when a story has a happy ending.<br /><br />Like what you see here? I can do the same for you. <a href="mailto:thelittleblackdoor@gmail.com" target="_blank">Let's talk</a>.

before and after: farmhouse kitchen

Are you there reader? It's me, Margaret Elizabeth. So of course I have to begin with an apology. I tease y'all on Friday and then l...

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navy and orange library

I'm working with a dear friend on a living room refresh. She recently switched her dining room and living room and wants to make the new living room a cozy spot for reading, iPad watching and the occasional violin practice. (iPad for her and violin for the kids). I need to show you her dining room by the way - so good.<br /><br />What I love best about working with her is that I just plant the seed and girlfriend runs with it.  And since she is a mucho talented graphic designer, she always adds some killer flair along the way. Flair on your Chochkies uniform might be a thumbs down, but flair in your design is always a good thing. Flair is what takes a room from just pretty to pretty awesome.<br /><br />She is also good to indulge me in my color addiction and I try to limit myself to two colors in an effort not to drive her off a cliff. Is that teamwork or what?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPpUWRMVC4pjxqxtmvHyrYsQ0Lv2YdMQZXrd9u1Gv6xcgrmBRgp6ZUNFVjDyJMzcCrWVwODNQX1fnsdtuZ0dujhnEBQsJcIWkOJbtTdYKRtG0FJjnuh_HBdnF2tqJIHUX5ixZV7LlOzRh/s1600/LittleBlackDoorBeccaLR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPpUWRMVC4pjxqxtmvHyrYsQ0Lv2YdMQZXrd9u1Gv6xcgrmBRgp6ZUNFVjDyJMzcCrWVwODNQX1fnsdtuZ0dujhnEBQsJcIWkOJbtTdYKRtG0FJjnuh_HBdnF2tqJIHUX5ixZV7LlOzRh/s640/LittleBlackDoorBeccaLR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Plan is set and in motion. Furniture has been delivered, bookshelves arrive next week and the grasscloth is in the corner ready to go up. Now all we need is some multi-day childcare so we can <strike>drink some wine</strike> get to work. Of course I'll be sure to share some pictures when it is ready for its closeup.<br /><br />Got a space that you want to refresh? I can help. Email me at thelittleblackdoor@gmail.com.<br /><br /><br />Sharing on <a href="http://designyourdwelling.blogspot.com/2013/02/mood-board-link-party-nursery-design.html" target="_blank">Design Your Dwelling</a>.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdObgKJH0s0VPVaYKUwdcxFhtK-W2cWZZ9kUdxHHiSlgSWFJmCUKQtK5LrWL9Z_QaQgudxlmlrxW572Ocrf0XyDbZhiGjs8b1YdVLHH3l-FpcycRKSqaduDYR4LaI6OzmkKRwSvLPuGuCp/s1600/-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdObgKJH0s0VPVaYKUwdcxFhtK-W2cWZZ9kUdxHHiSlgSWFJmCUKQtK5LrWL9Z_QaQgudxlmlrxW572Ocrf0XyDbZhiGjs8b1YdVLHH3l-FpcycRKSqaduDYR4LaI6OzmkKRwSvLPuGuCp/s200/-1.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://designyourdwelling.blogspot.com/2013/02/mood-board-link-party-nursery-design.html" target="_blank">Design Your Dwelling</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />

navy and orange library

I'm working with a dear friend on a living room refresh. She recently switched her dining room and living room and wants to make the new...

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buffalo soldier

Do you think Bob Marley had any buffalo check pillows? Where does 'buffalo check' come from anyway? Totally off topic. Moving on...<br /><br />Many of you were super curious about this teaser pic I shared last week.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoz7n5ALk2RGEqAhQbvHbULkiH4DEmrPYo9YmSA_8j2dRguEX84BbMn6SSg4WC2jl2Sou51-ha23YU7v_jjGJG8MOl9MqQ5abjxu4vYp01QUJupEmsldYrFoFCwScunDI6jOPUlkYu-MH1/s1600/IMG_0457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoz7n5ALk2RGEqAhQbvHbULkiH4DEmrPYo9YmSA_8j2dRguEX84BbMn6SSg4WC2jl2Sou51-ha23YU7v_jjGJG8MOl9MqQ5abjxu4vYp01QUJupEmsldYrFoFCwScunDI6jOPUlkYu-MH1/s400/IMG_0457.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Well, I would love to say that these beauties are now sitting pretty in my dining room but actually I recovered them for a client. I'm working with a cute and energetic young family on their new to them house. We'll call them Family F (for fun).<br /><br />Mrs. F inherited her mom's dining room furniture and wanted to give it a refresh for her family. Here is what we started with.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTC5aA-htW40Zo8o15mJErP4QbUidKMfok5MkqV1cec28ymbhwGtw_MK_XpsKCWMb4w_Au1yY7CvaN7RbL_NhYtAWPqZBZV7zPnM7A0Hxi_B-hf9K6pcwuoDencn5wSwt0Jz4agdLqc-1G/s1600/P7148376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTC5aA-htW40Zo8o15mJErP4QbUidKMfok5MkqV1cec28ymbhwGtw_MK_XpsKCWMb4w_Au1yY7CvaN7RbL_NhYtAWPqZBZV7zPnM7A0Hxi_B-hf9K6pcwuoDencn5wSwt0Jz4agdLqc-1G/s320/P7148376.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />The chairs are in great shape, but the fabric had seen one too many dinners.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1pI7EYS6sGtq9MYYsoxBlBa-tVNZWSziF3ZvsfuVfdL1-055yvhiIdmmB-ka-zzZDpTIwoUuTRZpSIp7QzERAEO01EKQm4S_jS71u69l_DzGqe_c_vVJxQjg-cZHr3EGvftNZuuz7Uhx/s1600/P7148378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1pI7EYS6sGtq9MYYsoxBlBa-tVNZWSziF3ZvsfuVfdL1-055yvhiIdmmB-ka-zzZDpTIwoUuTRZpSIp7QzERAEO01EKQm4S_jS71u69l_DzGqe_c_vVJxQjg-cZHr3EGvftNZuuz7Uhx/s320/P7148378.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />We are going to be working with blues thru out the kitchen, dinning room and living room so this navy and white buffalo check was a great base. Me and Mrs. F love a good buffalo check.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHAqmyzKPD26I0gYNrn8i0FxV_rkuC67upR318qUB-7oEDWYoGDlF8139GvokzX_dunBM6jKtN4OAipDu3kAUxZFpKj6073vV5PoA3yJUleYQc1iczVO24ilVcmHbzh4oCkFGoAhhMXSFQ/s1600/imgres.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHAqmyzKPD26I0gYNrn8i0FxV_rkuC67upR318qUB-7oEDWYoGDlF8139GvokzX_dunBM6jKtN4OAipDu3kAUxZFpKj6073vV5PoA3yJUleYQc1iczVO24ilVcmHbzh4oCkFGoAhhMXSFQ/s1600/imgres.jpeg" /></a></div><br />Now there are 6 of these suckers, so it took me the better part of a week to get them all done. Sadly though I didn't take pictures during the process. Bad blogger. I was just too busy concentrating.<br /><br />But no worries, I'll reenact it for you - unscrew, rip fabric, pull staples, many staples, cut fabric, attach new foam, staple fabric, staple more, re-screw. Repeat. Thank god for Bravo and DVR.<br /><br />There were many squeals and happy jigs when the chairs were delivered. And Mrs. F loved them too!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLWGcBGAM5U_rmkhDXHNyfdfAtvLsXU_FzT2gapE7bGO4aXlGiljpwwd0HzjsT9vq6aBt2tg5AsY-uEu6UuqlkpQZpf2248KVZZ09f7CGEUuWUBut6HXd029Kq1N3avh8x1fpdBcpj2Ay/s1600/IMG_0461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLWGcBGAM5U_rmkhDXHNyfdfAtvLsXU_FzT2gapE7bGO4aXlGiljpwwd0HzjsT9vq6aBt2tg5AsY-uEu6UuqlkpQZpf2248KVZZ09f7CGEUuWUBut6HXd029Kq1N3avh8x1fpdBcpj2Ay/s640/IMG_0461.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I love a good furniture refresh! This room is off to a great start and I'll be sure to share more as it progresses.<br /><br />So what about you? Any fabrics or patterns you are in to lately? C'mon now, wouldn't these look great in my dinning room?

buffalo soldier

Do you think Bob Marley had any buffalo check pillows? Where does 'buffalo check' come from anyway? Totally off topic. Moving on... ...

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