Make Over

Here is a piece I have had for 6 years.  Another one of those where my mom said "you will have this forever."  And I know I will, the ottoman opens for storage and the sofa pulls out into a twin bed.  It has come in very handy over the years. You know it's just like clothes.  You have to have the basics!
I just gave it a little face lift last year.  I found a great upholsterer here in Atl.  Changed the whole look of my room and I was able to get a bright colored rug and different lamps.  It really made a difference in the feel of the room.   It went from dark and "I have been around a while" to bright, new, fresh, cozy.
Tip: we cannot always run out and re-cover things at the drop of a hat, so other ways to change the feel of the room are to add pillows (as you can see here), add a throw, change up your accessories.  You will be surprised how a little switching up can make a big difference.

So I thought I would share a pic of the love seat and ottoman I grew up with.  My mom still has it! 15 years and counting! Can't beat a basic! 

 Before pic of my love seat.  Dark olive green stripes. This was on moving day :-)

Ta-Da!

Now it is kelly green Nairobi (small leaopard print).

Cool Place- White Sale!

Local Furniture store- Pieces. Very Fun!
http://mailer.harkeydesign.net/T/ViewEmail/r/EC70DA252A19E460/200F624D7DFE06439A8E73400EDACAB4

Pillows

So I saw "Refresh your sofa (with pillows)!" on the cover of one of my mags this morning.  I am a true believer in this, only not just for a sofa.  A few months ago, at Scott's Market, my friend and I came across a booth owned by the cutest woman from Turkey.  She had stacks and stacks of hand made needlepoint pillows. (I am a sucker for all needle point, I even know how to needlepoint!) Anyway I have started a "mini" friendship with her and stop by when I am there bc I think she is the cutest thing on this planet- and I love her pillows!
Needless to say I bought 3 (inexpensive, unique, handmade) pillows to change the whole look of my bed.  LOVE IT!

Above: Before- Pinecone hill bedding, my fav!

Above: My new pillows!!

Above: close up. Mixed my two "special" pillows in.  One says "p.s I love you" and the other says "bonne nuit."

  Got to love the mx and match!  I also like having a lot of pillows and a fluffy, cozy duvet folded at the end of my bed.  It just makes it so comfy looking.

Tips

The easiest way to brighten up your home is to add fresh flowers or yummy candles.  You can get flowers at the grocery store for under $10.  Pop them in anything from a coffee mug, jar, pitcher or vase.  Get creative, I am telling you, there is not a wrong way!  Ask the florist for tips on how to keep them fresh and alive for a longer period of time.  Right now my candle of choice is what I like to call "man in a can."  If you could smell it you would know why I say that!

Scott's Market find

One of my favorite things about Atlanta- Scott's Antique Market!
My latest find: an Andy Warhol inspired charcoal by a man in Al.
This is going in my kitchen (After photos to be later revealed).  Thank you Emily for staging the picture so well!

Now what?

One might be wondering what I am going to use as my dining room table now! Well yes, it is a big empty space at the moment.  But only for a few more days! My new table and benches (seats 8+) will be getting here shortly!  All the more room, for all the more people! Sunday brunch here we come!

Good morning everyone!

Here is my latest project.  I moved my oval dining table (seats 4), folded the leaves down, and have moved it to my entry hall.  I love this because everything in the table has a meaning and is something that makes me smile :-)  What a great way to leave and come home everyday!  

-The green peace sign ("teach your children well"), painted by my sister.

-Black and white photos below; my sister took these photos of children in Italy.

-Flowers are from a sweet friend in return for making brunch on Sunday :-)

-Mexican angel from Dad and Step mom from Christmas

-Julisca friendship tray from my best friend for 10 years!

-My mom bought the table for me when I was a sophomore in collage and it has been with me ever since!

So these are the touches that make your house cozy and happy! Make it personal!