June 12
Sprucing Up For Spring – After (Final)
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Back in April, I was in a slump. I decided to do a little “Sprucing Up For Spring.” I posted about my progress in May and now, since the first day of summer is June 21st; I figure I’d better wrap this up. I didn’t get everything done that I wanted, but some “sprucing up” happened.
As a guide, I used an article I clipped years ago from Family Circle magazine called, “Rules of Arrangement: 12 Decorating Strategies.” I took on 6 of the 12 ideas. Here are the results:
1. Count on color to dramatize a small area.
Before
After
What I did: My living room is green, but this small wall is purple. I replaced the velvet throw with a lavender knit throw. I replaced the pillows TWICE (see below for the ones I had in May). I like the scale of these better. I also added a plant to the coffee table and cleaned out the bookcases.
What I still want to do: I’d like to re-upholster the couch; and as soon as I win the lottery, I’m going to jump right on that.
2. Set up your living room for conversation and comfort.
Before
After
What I did: The “after” picture is the same one I used for May’s update. I’m getting rid of the two mismatched chairs and replacing them with ottomans. I purchased the ottoman above, but I think the legs are too modern for the other furniture I have in the room. I do like the animal print. I found two ottomans online, but didn’t get them ordered fast enough and they sold out. I found two more, but they’re double the price. As soon as I quit buying sofa pillows for the sofa we never use, I’ll have enough money and can order the ottomans.
What I still want to do: I think an area rug would look nice and further define the area.
3. Hang favorite art in harmonious multiples.
Before
After
What I did: The first picture is what I see when I walk out of my bedroom…plain hallway wall. I had a Simply Said party and this is one of the designs I received for being a hostess. I like it and my husband said he likes it…GASP! Usually he doesn’t notice things like this. What if he notices the multiple couch pillow changes?! I’ll be toast!
What I still want to do: I have a narrow hallway, so I think this is lovely and all I need.
4. Choose an anchor for a mantel and all else will fall into place.
Before
After
What I did: This area suffered from 7 years of adding more and more and more. I cleared the mantel and replaced all the miscellaneous stuff with two simple plants. I cleaned up the hearth and added some color with the ceramic pieces.
What I still want to do: I would love to add a bamboo mat to the hearth for summer. Replacing the fireplace glass would be nice too.
5. Mix and match pillows galore for easy add-in warmth.
Before
After
What I did: I call my “before” picture, “a study in brown.” I made four new pillows, added a new throw and replaced the side table lamp and shade.
What I still want to do: I want to replace the floor lamp.
6. Turn a bookcase into an attractive all-around hold-all.
Before (Living Room)
After (Living Room)
What I did: On my husband’s bookcase, we removed a lot of books and added a display case of his military awards and medals. On my bookcase, I removed a lot of books and added a family photo and vase of flowers.
What I still want to do: I’m pretty pleased with this redo.
Before (Family Room)
After (Family Room)
What I did: You’ll notice that there is no “after” of my husband’s bookcase because it looks exactly the same as it did two months ago. On my bookcase, I removed a lot of books and knickknacks.
What I still want to do: Get my husband to clean his bookcase…patience, patience.
Here are the other 6 ideas I didn’t tackle:
7. Think outside the bedroom box.
8. Show off cherished photos in a cohesive grouping.
9. Create impact with big, bold accessories in the same mood or color.
10-12. Three no-fail ways to make a room bloom (flower arrangement ideas).
I think it looks beautiful! I love how the colors tie together and how everything is so nicely arranged. I need to win the lottery, too!
i really like the simplified mantel – so bright and fresh for summer!