Fireplace Update

When my husband and I moved into our house, we had a very simple traditional design for our gas fireplace. White mantle, cream tiles---So not me! But it took me several months to figure out what I really wanted there, but once I knew, I knew! (see inspiration & before pic) And my hubby made it happen! So take a look for yourself! I think it's pretty rad. :)

...And then last week, while I was away, the man of the house surprised me with paint! :) I think I'm in love with my handy man!!!

Gold to Bold!

BEFORE: My door handles inside my house were brass. But I longed for rich dark oil rubbed bronze...

So I sanded and sanded, and with the help of a can of metallic oil rubbed bronze spray paint, I painted that hardware!

Because of cold weather, my husband moved everything in doors to dry better. We could handle them an hour later but let them sit 24 hrs to fully dry.

AFTER: Ta da!!!! :) I'm so happy that in just a couple hrs and around a $10 investment, I could change the color of all the hardware on my main floor!

the loft gets some elbow grease

This summer, with the help of my wonderful hard-working hubby Ian & my dad, aunt, & cousin, who came 800 miles to help me, the loft area finally got the attention it deserved. It took several trips to Home Depot, Ace, and the like, along with a lot of brainstorming, but in a matter of days, I ended up with dark wood floors and a new wash cabinet. In time, I got new paint as well!

When I first began to use the space, I set up the room as above, but it evolved as the weeks went on

Eventually the carpet went up

And bamboo flooring went down