Sometimes Repurposing Can Really Look Good!

   

First I have to say I am not a DIYer, nor will you find me doing a lot of repurposing of old furniture into something new and useful. However if I see something done well and I think YOU, my readers might be interested, I will write a post.

Today is one of those days!

Did you all own one of these in the 90s and the 2000's? 

The TV armoire!

This is actually a picture of my family room in my previous home. A home I loved and lived in for 37 years. I think we had the armoire for a good 20 some odd years so we definitely got our use out of it.

We had a smaller tv in the armoire at one time, and then when we got a larger tv  so my hubby put piano hinges on the doors so the larger tv would have room.

It was a fairly expensive piece, and well made when we purchased it. Over the years the patina of the wood got a beautiful satin finish.

However this piece ran it's course and has been retired to the garage for storage. Sad but true, it just does not work in our new home....

I figured if I had an outdated armoire there must be more of you out there in the same position.

I saw a picture of a repurposed armoire that changed my mind about repurposed armoires. I have seen many ideas for repurposing an armoire, but to be honest I was not that impressed with any of them until I saw this one....

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Let me tell you what I like about this one.

1. First they took the doors off, and that immediately made it look less armoire-like.

2. It is treated like part of the kitchen cabinets by painting it the same color as the kitchen cabinets.

3. Shelves were added, and backed with paneling in a lighter color which gives this piece depth and interest.

4. A marble counter top was added so it can be used as a work surface. The top part was cut so it could be set back,again giving the piece some interest and dimension.

5. Look at the top it has an interesting piece of architecture that was added, and kept in a natural wood instead of trying to make it integral to the piece. (Ballard designs carries a piece that looks just like this, you can find it here...http://www.ballarddesigns.com/wooden-pruvost-plaque/260761..

Personally I think this is a great looking repurposed armoire. It no longer looks like an armoire and I think that is key when you are trying to update a piece.

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I can't use a piece like this in my own home, but I bet someone out there could do this!

Let me know if you do this, would love to see the results!!

 

 

18 Elements To Add To Your Home For Fall

    

 Today when I was driving home from an appointment I started noticing that some of the trees are already starting to turn. Just the other night for dinner I made a soup that I was craving, even though I am still in shorts and flip flops.

Without realizing it our internal clock realizes that Fall is on it's way so naturally my mind started wandering towards the new season and it's offerings.

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Every year when Fall comes around I find it hard to get motivated to change out my Summer décor to Fall décor. 

I love Fall weather, crisp air, beautiful colors in nature, but inside my home I have a hard time accepting Fall.

Fall decorating can be hard for a Springtime gal like myself. Especially when I don’t decorate with the typical Autumnal colors,( NO orange in my life!)

To help me get motivated I had to write down the elements, and colors that I DO enjoy.

I thought about what represents Fall to me and made a list.

Wooden bowls

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Wooden turned candlesticks

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Wooden cutting boards

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Pomegranates 

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Such a beautiful pinky/red color.

Soft Green Eucalyptus Leaves

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Cream or basil colored candles

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Crisp red and green apples

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Brass candlesticks that glow

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Pale Green/Gray Pumpkins

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Golden Pears

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Mums

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 I love to use purples, white, and yellows for Fall.

Ornamental Kale

Loi from Tone on Tone’s Fall Kitchen

BASKETS

Adding texture with baskets adds warmth to any space.

Bakelite or Horn handled silverware

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Bring in the warmth of Bakelite silverware. 

Lanterns

 

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Nuts and acorns

 

Fall Branches in a vase

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By having this list on hand it makes it easier for me to change my décor to a more Fall-like look.

You will notice that in my list there are no russets, or oranges! 

So you see it is possible to decorate for Fall without using any of the colors in the orange family!! 

This year I chose to add a touch of gold to my black, white and blue color scheme in our great room.....

 The gold added to the blue brings in a nice warm glow.

 This Chinoiserie fabric was my combiner fabric in the room. It pulled together my color scheme for me.

As the weather gets cooler I will add some simple touches, nothing too thematic. It's nice to use natural elements so I will be referring to my tried and true list of 18 items!

For more ideas that I like for Fall go to my Pinterest board.......

 "FALLISH!"
(just click on the word Fallish!)

 

 

Fall Design Elements Can Inspire Your Fall Wardrobe

   

 

I am starting to notice just a few changes in the air, the light, and even some of the trees are starting to change a bit, so this means one thing.

 

 

FALL IS ON IT'S WAY!

 Beth Djalali of Style at a Certain Age blog.

 Each year around this time I start craving hardy meals, candlelight, fall planting, and dressing for a bit cooler weather. 

 

Even though none of those things seem to be happening naturally, I might just force the issue.

 

 

It is still too early to wear Fall clothing, but never to early to start getting inspiration. 

I look all around me for inspiration, and one image will spur on an idea for something completely different.

 

For instance Fall images, and colors can inspire outfits.

Beth Djalali from Style At A Certain Age blog.

Throughout this post you will see outfits I would wear in the Fall as well as some Fall décor I would use in my home.

The camel coat is suppose to be a Fall staple this year. As far as I am concerned it has ALWAYS been a staple, it is classic and timeless. Camel pairs so nicely with so many other colors as well.

Bright mustard yellows, or sunflower gold is a color I love using in my Fall wardrobe. It is just the right pop of happy color  that certain outfits need to make a happy statement.

Gray is another classic color that works well for Fall and a basic turtle neck is a great way to wear gray.

 

Speaking of classics you can’t get anymore classic than a black and white tweed. Pair it with white jeans for a fresh take on Fall dressing.

So next time you see any combinations of Fall colors in attire, or décor see if you can make some Fall pairings like I did. Use your imagination and have fun with it!!

“ENJOY THE PROCESS!” OF:

Letting Fall Inspire You!!

All of the above images can be found individually on my Pinterest boards………

Fall/Winter looks

AND

Fallish