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Archives for January 2015

Brilliant Mirrored Bookcases!

January 31, 2015 by Patti 35 Comments

Have you ever had one of those amazing moments of sheer brilliance?   You know the kind.  When you’ve been searching for an answer to a decorating dilemma for months on end and suddenly come across an idea SO brilliant that you can barely restrain yourself from jumping up and down with joy?  It may be so exciting that you run upstairs to tell your husband he needs to wake up  right now and take a look at what you’ve found on the Internet.  It may even be so exciting that you grab his glasses and iPad from the bedside table and place them on top of his slumbering body, then run down the stairs and back up again with a cup of coffee strong enough to help him focus at the crack of dawn.

Of course he will be amazed by your genius and he’ll agree to drop everything he has planned for the day to go thrifting with you . . . because he desires nothing more than that your dream of having the perfect bookcases be realized!

– OR –

He may say something like, “If you help me in the garage this morning, I’ll go thrifting with you this afternoon.”

The negotiations begin.

Bookcase Styling From Old Things New Blog

This is the way my bookcases looked when I first styled them, as seen in my post, Welcome to Our Den.

Bookcase Styling From Old Things New Blog

In that post you may recall my saying that I was enthralled by the word DEN . . .

Bookcase Styling From OldThingsNewBlog

. . . that it brought to mind thoughts of curling up with a good book or hunkering down for a marathon movie run.

Bookcase Styling From OldThingsNewBlog

I styled my bookcases with the sorts of things you’d find in the den of my imagining . . .  and the mix of old books and treasures collected through the years added to the cozy factor of the space.

Comfy Den from OldThingsNewBlog

I also mentioned that the Screened Porch (my favorite room) sits directly behind the den, making this the darkest room in our home.

Bookcase Styling From OldThingsNewBlog

So while I’ve been itching to add a little something to the backs of the bookcases . . . wallpaper, a stenciled design, or a different color of paint . . . I didn’t really want to lose the light that’s reflected from the white background of the bookshelves.

Brilliant Mirrored Bookcases

Enter THE solution for creating BRILLIANT Bookcases!

Brilliant Mirrored Bookcases

Mirrors!

Brilliant Mirrored Bookcases

Brilliant Mirrored Bookcases

Lots and lots of mirrors.

Mirror in the Bookshelf 009

Brilliant Mirrored Bookcases

Mirrors of different design, size, shape, and color.

Brilliant Mirrored Bookcases

Brilliant Mirrored Bookcases

Newer mirrors . . .

Brilliant Mirrored Bookcases

. . . mixed with antique mirrors.

Brilliant Mirrored Bookcases

Hand painted icon created through the Farragoz online painting course

Even simple pieces of unframed mirror.

Brilliant Mirrored Bookcases

Mirror in the Bookshelf 030

After shopping my own house and lifting mirrors from dressers, bathrooms and side tables, the thrift stores and local antique shops became my hunting grounds.

Brilliant Mirrored Bookcases

Brilliant Mirrored Bookcases

I became obsessed by the hunt and . . .

Brilliant Mirrored Bookcases

. . . though I wanted to find everything all in one day . . .

Brilliant Mirrored Bookcases

. . . the hunt was spread over several weeks.

Brilliant Mirrored Bookcases

One by one, my bookcase cubbies filled with mirrors . . .

Brilliant Mirrored Bookcases

. . . to reflect my collected treasures . . .

Brilliant Mirrored Bookcases

Brilliant Mirrored Bookcases

. . . and pull in light from the windows across the room.

Brilliant Mirrored Bookcases

Brilliant Mirrored Bookcases!

Brilliant Mirrored Bookcases

The garage is coming together.  Another decorating project has been knocked out.  I’m happy.  Mr. OTN is happy . . . or at least neutral.  That’s just as good as happy for a hubby, right?

Brilliant Mirrored Bookcases

For more bee-U-tee-ful bookcase ideas, link to my Bookshelves board on Pinterest and don’t forget to Pin!

As a reminder, Farragoz, the Art of Patina painting course (where I learned to make the lovely icon you saw nestled in my bookcase) is offering one of my readers a FREE online painting course!  The course is valued at $150 and consists of six modules (course content pictured on my sidebar) where you will learn Old World painting techniques using homemade paints.  You can sign up below.  The more boxes you check the more chances you have of winning!  By entering this giveaway you are confirming that you are 18 years or over. Void where prohibited.  The contest will run through February 20th and the winner will be announced when all of the numbers are tallied!

To Enter: Simply follow the directions on the Rafflecopter form below and . . . please . . .  don’t forget to tell your friends about this fantastic giveaway!

This is not a paid post.

Next up?  My ALMOST Finished Living Room Reveal. I do hope you’ll join me here again.

Blessings,

My Signature

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I’ve been known to link up to the following great parties!!!

Sunday:
 UnderTheTableAndDreaming, TheDIYShowoff, LifeOnLakeshoreDrive,
ThreeMangoSeeds,  NiftyThriftyThings,
SundaySoiree
Monday:
 IShouldBeMoppingTheFloor,  ModVintageLife,  TheDedicatedHouse,UncommonDesigns, WestFurnitureRevival, BoogieboardCottage, HuckleberryLove,CarrieThisHome, Dwellings, AnExtraordinaryDay,
InspireMeMonday, BetweenNapsOnThePorch, RedheadCanDecorate
Tuesday:
HomeStoriesAtoZ, AStrollThruLife, Elizabeth&Co, CoastalCharm, CozyLittleHouse, NaptimeCreations, CedarHillFarmhouse, KatheWithAnE,NotJustAHousewife, 
VMG206, TuesdaysAtOurHome,
TwirlAndTakeABow, TheWinthropChronicles, 7Alive,  Maison de Pax
Wednesday:
SavvySouthernStyle, IvyAndElephants,  DIYByDesign, TheStyleSisters,AdornedFromAbove,
SomedayCrafts, GreenWillowPond, Fishtail Cottage,  TheCityFarmhouse,
BeyondThePicketFence, TheBlissfulBee, Posed Perfection
Thursday:
NoMinimalistHere, ImpartingGrace, EmbracingChange, HaveADailyCupOfMrsOlson,AllThingsWithPurpose, MyRepurposedLife, FromMyFrontPorchToYours,ADelightsomeLife, AKAWeekendRetreat,
KatherinesCorner, PrettyPreppyParty
Friday:
FrenchCountryCottage, MissMustardSeed, ThirtyHandmadeDays, CommonGround,TheShabbyNest, LizMarie, Redoux, JenniferRizzo, TheCharmOfHome,RootedInThyme,  TheDedicatedHouseAnythingBlueFriday,
 DIYVintageChic,
ShabbyliciousFriday
Saturday:
FunkyJunkInteriors, SixSistersStuff, It’sOverflowing, BeDifferentActNormal,
OneMoreTimeEvents,  SayG’DaySaturday

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Filed Under: Antiques and Collectibles, Home decorating, Junking, My Home, Re-purposing, shopping, Southern Living, Thrift Store Re-purposing, Thrifting Tagged With: Antiques and Collectibles, Home Decorating, Shopping, Styling Bookcases, thrifting

Freedom Friday – on Hospitality – Part Two!

January 23, 2015 by Patti 8 Comments

I was kind of excited last Sunday.  The NFL divisional playoffs were going to be on television and “our” team, THE Seattle Seahawks, were playing for the NFC championship, the game that would determine whether or not they were headed to the Superbowl.

“Hold on now,” you say, “Isn’t this supposed to be an inspirational post?”  Stick with me here and I’ll get to that!

I was excited about the game but I was also excited because my husband had invited our next-door neighbors over to watch with us and this was another chance to practice hospitality, that thing I’ve been learning more about since moving to the South (for Part 1 on Hospitality you can link back HERE).

“You know that Mark and Kathleen are Packer’s fans,” my husband slipped into the conversation as we were bustling around in preparation.

“What? Oh NOOOOOOOOOO!”

Yeah, you guessed it, THAT was the team we were playing against that day.

If you are a football fan you know that some people can be really hard-core about their teams.  I’m pretty hard-core about my team . . . but  a nice hard-core,

Seahawks 010

Our Seahawk Room with our awesome Seahawk tree. Notice the blue and green Hawk feather tree topper.

. . . like having a whole room of my house dedicated to the Hawks. Don’t judge!

I was beginning to wonder how this was all going to pan out . . .

Welcome to FREEDOM FRIDAY – A new devotional, emotional, spiritual and sometimes hysterical series that I will be sharing on occasional Fridays, in addition to my regular Old Things New posts. Why?  Because though once bound in chains Christ has set me free –  FREE to live, to love, to dance, to sing, to be who God created me to be!

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A little DIY Hawk decor

It is easy (or at least easy-er) to practice hospitality toward people who think like we do, act like we do or kinda look like we do. Therefore, we tend to invite people into our lives who are a lot like us.  By the way, if you aren’t in the habit of practicing hospitality already that is a very good place to start.

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Another view of our Seahawk room. Yes, even the couches are blue!

But what about those who are very different from us, those who have different values or belief systems, those who seem to have nothing in common with us, or who just don’t appeal to our “sensibilities”?!  There may even be those we’ve looked down on because of their lifestyle or their circumstances.  Oops, sorry, I know none of my readers have done that.  But the fact is that I have, and I’m not very proud of it.  It was when we found ourselves an integral part of the “recovery community” some 15 years ago, something I didn’t plan on being a part of, or really want to be a part of, that God began to change my heart.

Seahawks 003

My DIY gittered Seahawk tray

As Christ followers we are called to LOVE.  As our Pastor Roy said in a recent sermon, “Love shouldn’t be something we TRY, it is [supposed to be] who we are.”

Seahawks 002

Love the Seahawk flying over the city of Seattle.

 

In my last FF post I gave you a list of things I’ve learned and things I’m learning about hospitality.  This is a continuation of that list but geared toward being hospitable toward those who don’t believe the way we do.  This can be a fellow Christ follower or someone who has a totally different belief system. You can link back HERE if you’d like to take a look at part 1 of the list.

The following are suggestions for you, and for me, to think about:

  • First of all, when offering hospitality to someone who believes differently it is good to ask ourselves the question, “How is my heart toward this person?” Matthew 9:36 says, “”When he saw the crowds, he [Jesus] had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
  • Ask God to give you a new perspective toward those who are different. Ask Him to show you the way He sees them.
  • Next, find out where the other person is “coming from”. What is their belief system, upbringing, and experience?  Ask, then listen.  Connect and be present.
  • Don’t have contempt for people who are acting according to their nature.  If they don’t know who they are in Christ how can they act like Christians?  In other words, don’t judge those who don’t know the truth.
  • Realize that people’s circumstances (i.e., homeless, drug addicted, divorced, etc.) are not who they are.
  • Realize that no matter where a person is in life, most people just want to be loved.
  • Imagine how you would want to be treated and then practice grace toward others.  Many people have never experienced grace, dignity and love.
  • When differences arise, and they will if you are sharing your faith, choose your battles carefully.
  • We can’t push people into thinking the way we do but we can be salt and light to them in other ways – Matthew 5:13-16.  Get creative!
  • Honor people by being gentle and respectful. Titus 3:1-2
  • Be calm, not emotional in any “discussion”.
  • Speak only if a difference can be made.
  • Think carefully about the words you use.
  • Slow down and don’t try to take people from zero to 100!
  • Remember how God redeemed your story. Titus 3:3-5
  • Finally, how do we present ourselves?  Are we authentic about who we are?
  • Be real with your mess-ups!  When people find out that you aren’t as “perfect” as you look on the outside they will begin to open up more about the messes in their own lives!
  • And . . . as shared in part 1 . . . be vulnerable, be goofy, and laugh.  We could all benefit from more laughter!
Seahawks 001

Awesome graphics!

 

Some questions to think about: 

Am I using my corner of the world to practice hospitality toward others (whether that be in my home, the workplace, or the marketplace)?

Do I intentionally try to make others feel better about themselves (not in a phony way but honestly, because there is something good to be found in nearly everyone)?

Am I asking God to help me find the treasure in others?

Do I ask God to give me words of blessing for those I come across on a day-to-day basis?

Am I loving first and asking questions later?

Seahawks 004

A close-up of my glittery Hawk tray.

The NFC Divisional playoffs were tense here at our house.  The Packers dominated our Hawks for the first three quarters and it looked bad for us.  I was amazed at how quiet my husband was in spite of the killing we were taking (GOOD MAN).  I was SO sad, thinking that our team didn’t have a chance, but impressed by our neighbor Mark who was kind enough to throw in a cheer or two for the Hawks when they made a good play . . . just because he knew how bad we were feeling.  In the end, the Hawks came from behind for a wild and crazy win and we did our best to restrain ourselves from becoming obnoxiously ecstatic!

My hubby and our young friend Holly.

My hubby and our young friend Holly, also from Seattle, in awe of a seemingly miraculous win!

We felt badly for our neighbors and their loss.  We are still friends though (I think) and look forward to getting together again soon to see if we can relate on more common ground.

Seahawks 029

Our gracious neighbors, still smiling after the game.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, please help us to learn how to practice hospitality to those who are different from us.  Show us your heart toward others and give us insight into the treasure within each and every person.  Teach us to be compassionate and how to love like You do.  Please remind us of the place we came from and break our hearts for those who still live in darkness.  Teach us when to use words to speak and when to remain silent. Holy Spirit guide us in all that we say and do.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Seahawks 020Seahawks 019

Blessings to you my dear friends,

My Signature

P.S. We’re goin’ to The Superbowl!!!

I have been know to link to the following Inspirational Parties:

SUNDAY

Spiritual Sundays

Beauty in His Grip Button

MONDAY

Project Inspire{d}

TUESDAY
TuesdaysButton

Holly Barrett

WEDNESDAY

Joy Dare Blog


Photobucket

THURSDAY

Thriving-Thursdays1

FRIDAY
Barbie Swihart

 SATURDAY

countingmyblessingsAmanda’s Books and MoreSandra Heska King - Still SaturdayFaith Along the WayRenewed Daily - Recommendation Saturday

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Filed Under: 2013, Freedom Friday, Freedom Session, Hospitality, Uncategorized Tagged With: Freedom Friday, Hospitality

DIY Clock Face & One Fantastic Giveaway!

January 21, 2015 by Patti 31 Comments

Farragoz clock 009

I gave you a peek at my clock face in my last post and promised to come back and share the full reveal.  I also promised a giveaway and I can hardly wait to tell you all about it!

Farragoz clock 027

Before I give away what the giveaway is though, take a look at what I created with Farragoz, the online painting course I’ve been taking this past year.

Farragoz clock 025

I’ve always wanted a large clock face for my home and what fun it was to create my own.

Farragoz clock 022

This amazing course teaches old world painting techniques with paints that you make yourself.

Farragoz clock 010

There are six modules to the course and in each one you learn to create a different project.

Farragoz Module 1 020

You may remember my first project which was this icon.  Now listen . . . I am a painter of walls . . . and furniture . . . and various other knick knacks around the house.  I am not a painter of “real” artwork.  So I must say that I amazed even myself, especially myself, with how well this turned out.  I was also surprised at how easy it was to do with the step-by-step support of the Farragoz team.

Farragoz clock 032

Each piece of art is done at your own pace, one step at a time, reporting your progress in pictures along the way.  If you have any questions a personal instructor is right there to help you and to cheer you on!

Farragoz clock 008

When I started this course I thought I might be getting myself in over my head and worried that my work wouldn’t look as good as the examples given to follow,

Farragoz clock 004

but I was assured that this is a course easy enough for a beginner, and it really is!  I also soon realized that the idea is to create something of your own making, unique to you, and not a copy of someone else’s work.

Farragoz clock 001

The paints are made of inexpensive and safe natural products and they are applied in multiple layers, then sealed, also with natural products. Once the painting was complete I was instructed in new ways of distressing my piece to give it the aged look that I love.

Farragoz Module 2 002

In this picture you can see the depth and texture the clock face has after distressing.

Farragoz Module 2 008

This picture shows texture and also the brightness of the homemade gold paint. I love a little glitz you know!

Farragoz Module 2 016

And here is one more picture taken before I added the winter touches to my clock, so you can see the distressing around the edges of the piece.

Farragoz clock 007

I think the greatest thing about the new techniques I’ve learned is that I will be able to use them on my future furniture projects.  I’ve already used some of the leftover paint from my clock face on a once hideous mirror from Goodwill.  Now I’m just trying to figure out which room I’ll hang it in so I can decide what the final color will be.  The before and after photos are going to be incredible!

Farragoz clock 026

So what about the giveaway?

I am absolutely . . . over-the-top . . . DELIGHTED to announce that Farragoz has generously offered to give away an online course to ONE of my lucky readers!   You can sign up below.  The more boxes you check the more chances you have of winning!  By entering this giveaway you are confirming that you are 18 years or over. Void where prohibited.  The contest will run through February 20th (I don’t know how I’m going to stand waiting that long to see who wins) and the winner will be announced when all of the numbers are tallied!

To Enter: Simply follow the directions on the rafflecopter form below and . . . please . . .  don’t forget to tell your friends about this fantastic giveaway!

This is not a paid post.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck and Blessings to you,

My Signature

I’ve been known to link up to the following great parties!!!
Sunday:
 UnderTheTableAndDreaming, TheDIYShowoff, LifeOnLakeshoreDrive,
ThreeMangoSeeds,  NiftyThriftyThings,
SundaySoiree
Monday:
 IShouldBeMoppingTheFloor,  ModVintageLife,  TheDedicatedHouse, UncommonDesigns, WestFurnitureRevival, BoogieboardCottage, HuckleberryLove, CarrieThisHome, Dwellings, AnExtraordinaryDay,
InspireMeMonday, BetweenNapsOnThePorch, RedheadCanDecorate
Tuesday:
HomeStoriesAtoZ, AStrollThruLife, Elizabeth&Co, CoastalCharm, CozyLittleHouse,  NaptimeCreations, CedarHillFarmhouse, KatheWithAnE,NotJustAHousewife, 
VMG206, TuesdaysAtOurHome,
TwirlAndTakeABow, TheWinthropChronicles, 7Alive,  Maison de Pax
Wednesday:
SavvySouthernStyle, IvyAndElephants,  DIYByDesign, TheStyleSisters, AdornedFromAbove,
SomedayCrafts, GreenWillowPond, Fishtail Cottage,  TheCityFarmhouse,
BeyondThePicketFence, TheBlissfulBee, Posed Perfection
Thursday:
NoMinimalistHere, ImpartingGrace, EmbracingChange, HaveADailyCupOfMrsOlson, AllThingsWithPurpose, MyRepurposedLife, FromMyFrontPorchToYours, ADelightsomeLife, AKAWeekendRetreat,
KatherinesCorner, PrettyPreppyParty
Friday:
FrenchCountryCottage, MissMustardSeed, ThirtyHandmadeDays, CommonGround, TheShabbyNest, LizMarie, Redoux, JenniferRizzo, TheCharmOfHome, RootedInThyme,  TheDedicatedHouseAnythingBlueFriday,
 DIYVintageChic,
ShabbyliciousFriday
Saturday:
FunkyJunkInteriors, SixSistersStuff, It’sOverflowing, BeDifferentActNormal,
OneMoreTimeEvents,  SayG’DaySaturday

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Filed Under: Farragoz, Furniture Painting, Giveaway, Home decorating, Painting Technique, Patina Tagged With: Farragoz, Furniture Painting, Giveaway, Home Decorating, Painting Technique, Patina

For the Love of January!

January 18, 2015 by Patti 14 Comments

Some winter decor and our living room 010

If there is any month of the year that is underappreciated it is the month of January.  The holidays have passed, the festive decorations put away, the nights are long and the days short, the temperatures can be frigid, and for some, cabin fever has set in.

Some winter decor and our living room 009

I adore the month of January, especially here in SC, knowing that Spring comes early and I have plenty of warmer weather to look forward to.  For me, this is the month to enjoy slowing down and taking some time to hibernate in the cozyness of my own home.

Some winter decor and our living room 002

We’ve been spending a lot of time next to the fireplace in our den.  The caramel wall color surrounds us with warmth (about now I’m rethinking my idea of painting it a lighter shade) as we enjoy evenings of reading, watching television or just “being”.

Some winter decor and our living room 003

For winter decor throughout my house I’ve used mainly mercury glass and greenery.

Some winter decor and our living room 007

Garage Organizing and Winter Decor 028

I also jumped on the current pom pom bandwagon and made a small pom pom wreath for my mantle,

Garage Organizing and Winter Decor 027

and miniature pom poms for a miniature tree.

Garage Organizing and Winter Decor 025

Garage Organizing and Winter Decor 019

Some winter decor and our living room 018

Winter Decor 005

Winter Decor 006

Kitchen Swag 026

Kitchen Swag 016

Garage Organizing and Winter Decor 029

Garage Organizing and Winter Decor 030

inter decor 002a

I really am hoping for a little snow before the busy days of Spring burst forth.

Farragoz clock 009

Up next, I’ll be sharing this large clock face I created through the Farragoz online painting course.  In this course (the link is on my sidebar) I’ve learned old world painting techniques using inexpensive homemade paints.  Be sure to come back for that post because I’ll be having a very special GIVEAWAY! 

Learning new painting techniques is so much fun and the perfect way to relax on a long wintery evening!

Blessings,

My Signature

I’ve been known to link up to the following great parties!!!
Sunday:
 UnderTheTableAndDreaming, TheDIYShowoff, LifeOnLakeshoreDrive,
ThreeMangoSeeds,  NiftyThriftyThings,
SundaySoiree
Monday:
 IShouldBeMoppingTheFloor,  ModVintageLife,  TheDedicatedHouse, UncommonDesigns, WestFurnitureRevival, BoogieboardCottage, HuckleberryLove, CarrieThisHome, Dwellings, AnExtraordinaryDay,
InspireMeMonday, BetweenNapsOnThePorch, RedheadCanDecorate
Tuesday:
HomeStoriesAtoZ, AStrollThruLife, Elizabeth&Co, CoastalCharm, CozyLittleHouse,  NaptimeCreations, CedarHillFarmhouse, KatheWithAnE,NotJustAHousewife, 
VMG206, TuesdaysAtOurHome,
TwirlAndTakeABow, TheWinthropChronicles, 7Alive,  Maison de Pax
Wednesday:
SavvySouthernStyle, IvyAndElephants,  DIYByDesign, TheStyleSisters, AdornedFromAbove,
SomedayCrafts, GreenWillowPond, Fishtail Cottage,  TheCityFarmhouse,
BeyondThePicketFence, TheBlissfulBee, Posed Perfection
Thursday:
NoMinimalistHere, ImpartingGrace, EmbracingChange, HaveADailyCupOfMrsOlson, AllThingsWithPurpose, MyRepurposedLife, FromMyFrontPorchToYours, ADelightsomeLife, AKAWeekendRetreat,
KatherinesCorner, PrettyPreppyParty
Friday:
FrenchCountryCottage, MissMustardSeed, ThirtyHandmadeDays, CommonGround, TheShabbyNest, LizMarie, Redoux, JenniferRizzo, TheCharmOfHome, RootedInThyme,  TheDedicatedHouseAnythingBlueFriday,
 DIYVintageChic,
ShabbyliciousFriday
Saturday:
FunkyJunkInteriors, SixSistersStuff, It’sOverflowing, BeDifferentActNormal,
OneMoreTimeEvents,  SayG’DaySaturday
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Filed Under: Home decorating, My Home Tagged With: Decorating, My Home, southern living

The Answer to: To Curtain or Not to Curtain

January 11, 2015 by Patti 24 Comments

I have a great big confession to make.  I am not an organized blogger.  Right now I can almost hear you saying, “I KNOW!”, . . . in big letters, . . .  just like that! I’ve read and pinned articles on how to organize your blogging time and how to plan your posts. I’ve even seen free printable blog organizers that plan out your entire year!  But have I taken advantage of those freebies?  Of course not!

SIGH . . . I love the creative part of blogging and I’ll make any excuse to move onto another project rather than taking the time to sit down and plan things out in an organized manner. But that can leave questions unanswered and leave you, my readers, befuddled.

For example, in October I asked for your opinion on what to do with the window in my kitchen in the post, To Curtain or Not to Curtain.  Then I went on to other things, November was filled with Fall decor, December was Christmas and now I’ve started working on my dining room decor. As a result, I never filled you in on what I chose to do with my kitchen window!

The truth is, when I couldn’t come to a decision I left it alone for awhile and moved on to something else.  So today I’ll tie up that loose end and reveal to you the answer to my window dilemma.

Kitchen Drapes 004

In that previous post I showed this picture of the curtains that were in our new home when we bought it. Pretty enough but not my style.

Kitchen Window Drapes 003

I also showed this picture of the window uncurtained, letting in more light, opening up the view to the outdoors, and exposing the pretty window panes.  I received so many different responses about what I should do with this window, the majority of which said NOT to curtain it.  I was still torn though because it felt a bit bare and I do like the finished look of a curtained window.

The opinion that swayed me the most came from a comment on my Facebook page.  A local Greenville friend suggested the possibility of using branches over the top of the window.   This idea really appealed to me!  I thought about using beautiful birch branches in wintery white.  I also thought about going out into my backyard and collecting smaller branches and bundling them together for a twisted look, sort of like I did on my front porch for Christmas.

2014 Christmas Lights 041

However, both of these ideas seemed a little more rustic than the look I have going on in my kitchen, and I didn’t think that either would carry over into the Spring and Summer months too well.  Still, I really liked the idea of branches of some sort.  So I left things as they were for awhile, until my sister and her husband came from California for Thanksgiving week.  I mentioned to her how much I like the beautiful magnolia trees of the south and the idea of using some magnolia boughs across the top of my sink.  She agreed it would be a great idea and then blessed me by buying two beautiful magnolia boughs as a housewarming gift for our new home.

Kitchen Swag 035

They were pretty just as they were with shiny green leaves and knarly brown branches but she also bought some gorgeous magnolia flowers to add to the swags.

Kitchen Swag 014

Kitchen Swag 009

The flowers can be removed any time if I want only the greenery and I can customize the swag for the seasons . . .

Kitchen Swag 011

. . . like I’ve done here, by adding fresh greens and silver pinecones for Christmas and on into winter.

Kitchen Swag 012

I like the almost black branches against my creamy white cabinetry.

Kitchen Swag 010

Kitchen Swag 016

Kitchen Swag 017

The boughs also add great texture to the area above my sink and keep it from looking so bare.

Kitchen Swag 018

Even though these boughs aren’t live magnolia branches I like the idea of bringing “the look” of nature inside.

Kitchen Swag 019

Magnolia trees weren’t native to my home state of Washington.

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but they are prolific here in South Carolina.

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I am smitten!

Kitchen Swag 004

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I am really enjoying the more open feeling of this window as I work in my kitchen.

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So, what do you think?

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I think that the paper towel holder looks bad in my picture and I need to move it to a different location (Haha!)

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I’m so happy with the addition of this swag across the top of my window and it makes me think of my big sis’ every time I look at it!

Kitchen Swag 006

Now, will I become more organized with this blog? I think I might need a blog planning retreat to some exotic location. That would surely put me in organizing mode! Wanna come?

Thank you so much for all your input.  I appreciate you.

Blessings to you,

My Signature

I’ve been known to link up to the following great parties!!!
Sunday:
 UnderTheTableAndDreaming, TheDIYShowoff, LifeOnLakeshoreDrive,
ThreeMangoSeeds,  NiftyThriftyThings,
SundaySoiree,
Monday:
 IShouldBeMoppingTheFloor,  ModVintageLife,  TheDedicatedHouse, UncommonDesigns, WestFurnitureRevival, BoogieboardCottage, HuckleberryLove, CarrieThisHome, Dwellings, AnExtraordinaryDay,
InspireMeMonday,
BetweenNapsOnThePorch
Tuesday:
HomeStoriesAtoZ, AStrollThruLife, Elizabeth&Co, CoastalCharm, CozyLittleHouse,  NaptimeCreations, CedarHillFarmhouse, KatheWithAnE,NotJustAHousewife, 
VMG206, TuesdaysAtOurHome,
TwirlAndTakeABow, TheWinthropChronicles, WeCallItJunkin’
Wednesday:
SavvySouthernStyle, IvyAndElephants,  DIYByDesign, TheStyleSisters, AdornedFromAbove,
SomedayCrafts, GreenWillowPond, Fishtail Cottage,  TheCityFarmhouse
Thursday:
NoMinimalistHere, ImpartingGrace, EmbracingChange, HaveADailyCupOfMrsOlson, BeyondThePicketFence, AllThingsWithPurpose, MyRepurposedLife, FromMyFrontPorchToYours, ADelightsomeLife, AKAWeekendRetreat
Friday:
FrenchCountryCottage, MissMustardSeed, ThirtyHandmadeDays, CommonGround, TheShabbyNest, LizMarie, Redoux, JenniferRizzo, TheCharmOfHome, RootedInThyme,  TheDedicatedHouseAnythingBlueFriday,
 DIYVintageChic,
ShabbyliciousFriday
Saturday:
FunkyJunkInteriors, SixSistersStuff, It’sOverflowing, BeDifferentActNormal,
OneMoreTimeEvents,  SayG’DaySaturday
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Filed Under: Home decorating, My Home, Southern Living Tagged With: Home Decorating, My Home, southern living

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OldThingsNew

I am Perfectly Imperfect Patti, daughter of the King, wife to the amazing Mr. OTN, mom to two grown daughters, a great son-in-law, and companion to two spoiled dogs. At Old Things New I share DIY’s, budget friendly home transformations, as well as posts about how God transforms our souls. I myself have been made new and I love to share what I’ve learned through WRITING and SPEAKING. To view a short Vimeo of “Our Story” (Mr. OTN and I) please follow the link at the top of the page.

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