Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Before ~ n ~ Afters

Hello sweet friends! Grab a slice of pie and come for a tour of my cottage before and afters... I haven't posted in about 2 weeks, yikes, but I'm been busy trying to grab a slice of Spring and incorporate it into the Cottage :) I hope the long winter is treating you well, I am constantly blogging about being sick of the snow, lol, so I decided it was about time to make my own seasonal change, even while we just got another 4" of the pretty( ? ) white stuff....My inspiration for the changes came from what else but my kitchen wallpaper. That's always my starting point here. A few years ago I had the family room off the kitchen painted a deep Merlot/Red, it was in the center of the roses on my wallpaper, but now I decided to take the Sage green and pull that into the family room instead. With that, I also decided to give my deep green kitchen island a burst of Robins Egg blue too! If you've been following my blog for awhile now, you know that the kitchen island was once my childhood desk, and we just added a base and some wheels and wah-la, kitchen island :) If you're a new follower, this was such a simple project but gave me exactly what I wanted. If you can't find the perfect island, just invent your own :) ....The pic below shows the colors I used in the make-overs. My camera doesn't do the colors justice, they are so soft and yet rich in person. The Mountain Haze is now in the family room, and the Creamy white is the trim color. The blue island is Cottage Blue Bell...

Below is the Before ( Kitchen Island )...

~ Now the After ~


I love how the creamy yellow ware bowl looks so Vintage and simple on the bottom shelf...


This was the before of the Family Room looking into the Kitchen, I liked it, but wanted one color through out the hall way and family room for more simplicity and cohesion ...( below is Before )

~ After ~ ( It looks more of a soft blue here, but in person it's a soft Sage ) ...

I moved the faux fireplace that the TV used to be over, to this wall in the Family Room, it gives it a bit more architectural detail here and richens up the space here a bit too ...The good thing about using a faux fireplace is, you can move it around a room at whim :) It doesn't have to be exactly where it would be if it was real :) Honestly if this was real, I'd probably still want it on this wall now. I'd also want one inside my kitchen, but I don't think my love of hutches would allow me to fit anything else in the kitchen lol..


Ok this might be shockingly dark, ( below ) , it wasn't this dark in person, but it was definitely becoming too dark for me this year... I had the sofa across from the TV in the room, but the TV just became way too much of a focal point. I know it's supposed to be a major point in the room, but I missed having my mantel to decorate and look at without having this big black thing jumping out at me :) Now the TV is back on a stand in the opposite corner and still viewable everywhere, but just not the first thing you see anymore, yippee! :) I had always meant to get a stereo cabinet but now I'm glad I waited because I'll be looking for a "corner" piece now instead. It's good to wait a bit and live in a room before you start to look at permanent pieces...The next thing to do is the carpet, I always loved it, but now I'm re-doing the wood floors under it and finding that perfect rug instead :)

~ Before ~

~ After ~ ( so much calmer, don't you think? )



Instead of the black TV jumping out at me, I now have soft colors and accessories to admire while I sit here :)


It's not completely finished yet, I still have to re-cover the ottoman( below ) to a cottage print and take up the carpet and get those pretty wood floors re-done too! I cannot wait to find the perfect area rug!! fun fun :)

Well I hope you enjoyed my little tour... I'm off to clean the kitchen , the cabinets need a fresh coat of Creamy White. When the kitchen was done a few years ago, Ralph Lauren had a color called "Sugar Cookie" and that's what the cabinets are now, but I think they changed the name, so Creamy White was as close to it as I could get. I loved the "name" of that one, but it's all about the color, lol, not the name :) I kept telling myself that when I was obsessing about trying to find it again :)

Do you see that pretty Apron? Omg, I was so happy when Karen of Little Pieces of my Life sent me this sweet gift! Thank You Karen!! I adore it and love your attention to detail and the scrumptious colors are beautiful too!! You are sweet as pie! Stop by and give Karen a visit, she is one talented lady!

This picture below was such an inspiration when I re-did my kitchen, love the bead board and the pretty colors!

So off to clean and paint again I go :)


( source unknown )

Thank You so so much for stoppin in!

Your comments and friendship mean so much to me! I'm taking some time this week to visit you all between the paint brush! I cannot wait to see what you've all been up to!

I hope you enjoy a wonderful week my Friends!

Blessings and appreciation,

~ Cynthia ~

69 comments:

Kim @ Twice Remembered said...

Oh, I love it! I loved the other color palette as well, but the softer look is very refreshing! I'm wanting to go softer as well. Thanks for the inspiration!

GwendolynKay said...

Thank you so much for your before and afters. Wonderful pictures and you did a great job. the mantel looks great on that wall. the blue you used throughout is one of my fave colors. I have one very similar to it in my kitchen and dining area.
I am in the middle of a makeover on a room. Please come by and give me some pointers.
Blessings!
Gwen

Bird said...

Gorgeous make-over!! Very cottage-chic! :)

Jeannie B. said...

This is all beautiful! I love your island. And I admire your energy. I dream more than I ever do!

Julie Harward said...

I love what you have done...Love the island, such a good idea and so cute too. Love how you moved the fireplace, looks so much better there, now it is the star! I also love the shelf up high that goes around the room...very cute! Well, I hope you will come say hi, that would be nice :D

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

You have been very busy! Everything looks so nice and light and fresh! Right now I keep thinking of ways to change things up in my home too. Gets my mind off of all the white stuff outside! Have a great day!~Patti

Beedeebabee said...

What a gorgeous makeover!!! My house is practically all done in the before red!!! I love all you little decorating touches and your kitchen island is beautiful...what a clever idea! Thanks for sharing, I loved it all! xo Paulette ;)

Susan Freeman said...

I like the sage on your family room walls. Sage is such a timeless and restful color. I also think of it as a neutral since it works so well with so many other colors. Your touches of red along with the sage work very well. I also like your island in the soft blue, it works quite well with your wallpaper. I have loved your island since the first time I saw it. How creative and unique! It's also comforting to have a bit of your childhood past with you when you get creative in your kitchen. Great post!

Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo

Anonymous said...

Cynthia, it all looks "gorgeous!" I cannot wait to see the rest of the kitchen transformations, will you be giving any tutorials or tips on how to paint the kitchen cabinets? I want to paint my cabinets, but am too afraid because I simply do not know how to get started.

Pamela

Happy@Home said...

It looks like you have been one busy lady. No wonder there was no time for blogging. :-)
I thought your home was lovely before, but now it is stunning. The colors you chose are all so pretty. It all looks so fresh and pretty. I especially love the makeover you did on your island. The picture with the pie and roses in the milk bottle looks like it jumped off the pages of Country Living.
I thoroughly enjoyed your post today.

Mrs. Cherry Heart said...

Cynthia the pie looks yummy as does everything else!
Love all the lil changes you have made! Its looks and feels summery!
Right now I think we all want a taste of summer!
I would love to know where you got the drapes in the frontroom?
That fabric would go great in my frontroom!
I have a darker sage and merlot and cream in there.
More victorian then cottagey!

Thanks a bunch
hugz,
Dolly

Sandy aka Doris the Great said...

I love the new colors. And yes, I like the fireplace in it's new location much better. Great job! (Now come do my house!)

Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings... said...

Every improvement is wonderful.
Love painting...it always leaves you with such a sense of satisfaction.
Love all the lighter walls and moving around the fireplace...perfect.
I do that too!
Well your all ready for spring girl...
xoxo~Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings...

Pauline said...

I like all your 'afters'. So tranquil the colours are. Good job well done :o)

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

Lots of hard work there. It looks wonderful!

Heartfelt living said...

Hi Cyn,
OMG...everything is just beautiful! You did a wonderful job. Amazing before and after shots. Your home was lovely before the make-over but I just adore the fresh, crisp look now!
Isn't it fun to be able to transform a room? I almost feels like you moved! ; )
I certainly can see alot of thought and hard work went into everything. I have say that the fireplace by far is my favorite. It looks like it was made just for that wall.
Perfect...Perfect!
Hugs,
Karen

Mary Ann said...

I just love the new look!! You have done a beautiful job. Very inspirational to look at. Thanks for sharing your pictures.

ROSE VINE COTTAGE said...

Hi Cyn, just wanted to tell you everything looks so pretty, I love where you put the fireplace, I have my tv on mine and I just don't like it on the fireplace, if I ever get some time, I want to paint my armoire and put it back in there! Love the island color and I can't wait to see what you do in the kitchen(; What a difference you made in the living rm it must feel like spring in there with your new color!!
Hugs~Kelly

Cathy~Mille Fleur said...

Oh Cynthia...I simply adore all of your changes! The colors ar so lovely and perfect for spring! It's so much fun getting our homes ready for spring...the warm weather, the sunshine, the flowers...all the sites and smells of the upcoming season!

Can't wait to see what you do next:)!

Enjoy!
XOXO
Cathy

Erin said...

BEAUTIFUL!. Love the colors. So calm and serene.

Elizabeth and Gary said...

Hi Cynthia,
I love the Blue so much, its a wonderful color and it looks so pretty with your wallpaper. Who is the paint by? I would like to check the color out (maybe I'll borrow your idea). LOL.
All your changes are really fresh and have the feeling of spring!.
Very well done.
Take care and enjoy your day,
Elizabeth

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Just love your changes...it does look calmer. We would love one of those fireplaces, but absolutely have no place to put one....so sad...anyways...enjoyed the tour...you can show me more of your lovely home anytime!!

Kathleen Grace said...

I am in love with your new colors, especially the blue! What brand of paint is it?

corners of my life said...

Before I start look for "permanent pieces" to purchase I do the same as you, moving pieces from room to room and I call it "shop at home". Thanks for the inspirational tour.

Tracy said...

I love the new, Cynthia! It looks really pretty! :)

Heidi Mitzelfeldt said...

I am learning so much from your blogs!! Thank you for sharing your talent with us less fortunate!!

The Decorating Diaries said...

All the colors are so soft and pretty. I have a faux finish on the walls in my kitchen and family room that I have been considering repainting. Your pictures have pushed me a little closer to my decision. Thanks.

Janet

Anonymous said...

Loving the new look Cynthia!! I do love the colors you chose and am looking at that gorgeous green as a possibility for my room.

I wish I was in the paint brush in hand stage but am still trying to tear the stubborn wallpaper from my dining room walls!! Only 1/2 way there!

blessings
mary

Ribbonwood Cottage said...

Hi Cynthia, love this new clean look. So soft yet warm. I've never used lighter blue in my house but I'm tempted to paint my sage green kitchen island this shade. I really really like it. It just looks so pretty. I have a great size kitchen and love my island...but have thought about painting it recently. I will probably go this color! Love it!
Blessings,
Debbie

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

Hi Cynthia- just discovered your charming blog and I love it! It's always amazing how different a room looks just changing paint colors- I'm inspired! Looking forward to exploring your archives!

Tales From My Empty Nest said...

Everything looks so pretty!! It makes me think of spring. All your beautiful new colors. So fresh and light! Love & blessings from NC!

Sue said...

Cynthia, I LOVE all the changes! Those are two of my favorite colors too. You've been such an inspiration since I've been following your blog. Just lifts my spirits to visit you. (My dear hubby doesn't like it though, since it usually means more work for him, or either me pointing out this & that on your blog!) I've been thinking of packing up the few snowmen I unpacked this year and getting my Spring started too! I'm sick of the white stuff too, and no where near as much as you've had. Thanks for sharing with us!

Tracy said...

Oh Cynthia, It is so bright and cheerful. I love the new colors.
I'm like you...I can't wait for Spring! It will be here soon.
Tracy

Sandy, Sisters of Season said...

What a difference going to a light palette . . looks great. Love all your cute decor.

Simple Home said...

Very pretty redo's Cynthia. Thanks for sharing.
Blessings,
Marcia

Linda said...

I love the blue walls. It look clean and fresh, thanks for sharing.

cherry said...

JUST what I needed....fresh and cheery!

Reneé's Reproductions said...

Cyn, love all your before and afters! The desk looks great! and the new color on the walls makes the room look so much bigger! nice work! xo

Little Pieces of My Life said...

Oh Cynthia, what lovely changes you made. I love the soft colors. Such a clean and springy feel. Brings real hope that warm weather will be here before we know it. I'm getting a little cabin fever myself and want to redo my bath.
Your apron looks like it fits right in with your colors. I'm glad you like it.
Quilty Hugs, Karen

Lacy said...

I think you've done great! The both with the island and your living room. They just look so fresh and calm. Lovely!

Shari @ My Cottage of Bliss said...

OMGosh, you picked such a great color! Mountain Haze a huge favorite of mine! I have used it in my living room, dining room, kitchen and hallway (open floorplan concept). I use one shade darker, "Restful" in my family room. It's funny how different environments change the way paint colors look. It does look bluish in your photos but in my house it has more of a yellowish cast.

Love the new look of the kitchen island too. Pretty! :)

Unknown said...

Oh! You did do the shuffle! I love the fireplace where you put it. I also love the soft spring pallet.
Very Pretty! Your island turned out perfect. You have sure been busy!

~Liz

Mahek said...

hi
Cynthia
Everything looks soo sooo pretty.
You have done a wonderful job...
Congrats

Amy said...

Really lovely....the colors are so calming and working on your project I'm sure has helped pass the sometimes dreary winter days.

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

Wow, wonderful changes Cynthia! Love where you put your fireplace and choices of wall colors! You are such an inspiration dear!

Hugs,
Maryjane

Anonymous said...

Just when I thought you couldn't improve your home whata ya do!!!Hi Cynthia! I just love these colors and your island just looks perfect with your wallpaper behind it!!! Love the fireplace there too it looks perfect like it was built for that spot! Really fun post and really pretty too! Have a fun weekend - Sincerely, Jeannette

Kim @ Home Is Where The Heart Is said...

Cynthia, what wonderful transformations! Love the blue...so calming and peaceful.

Anonymous said...

I love your makeover!!!It looks so cheerful and cozy....Kathy

Betty Jo said...

Sweetie everything is just gorgeous! You have the best taste and style. ♥

aware said...

I love before and afters! Your new colors are very nice. I have been wanting to paint a room in my house a soft blue or green for a long time now. Right now they are a goldish yellow. They're nice, but in desperate need of a paint job!

Sharon said...

Just beautiful Cynthia! Very soothing and cozy too :) I love the transformation on the island, wow, so sweet and vintage looking now :)
Thanks for sharing and giving us such wonderful inspiration :)

Have a blessed weekend!
Sharon

SummerwindNC said...

Hi Cynthia! I love your new colors! I love where you moved your faux fireplace & your island looks wonderful! I LOVE that color! I have 2 faux fireplaces. Last year I added a metal insert that burns Sungel ( several companies make this kind of gel fuel) behind some faux logs. It crackles & pops just like a real fire & does heat up a small room. Just thought I would pass that along, I'm trying to figure out how to fit one in my kitchen!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Your changes are just fabulous!! Miss seeing you...stop by for a visit when you have time...
Hugs,
Penny

aimee said...

you have done a perfect job. love the new colors. you have inspired me to get my behind in gear and get to painting:) great job!
blessings,
aimee

Picket said...

Ohhhhhh I love love love it!!!!! I couldn't open my eyeballs wide enought to take it all in fasr enough!!! lol Oh it looks so fresh and relaxing and Spring like...fantastic! That apron is just too cute...Karen made me one with chickens...ohhhh what a sweetie she is for sure!!! Great post girl and great inspiration...have a fantastic week! ~Picket~

Pansy Cottage Girl said...

You had me with the pie! Everything else looks lovely too!

Jenny said...

Dear Cynthia -

It's been some time since my last visit - and I'm charmed as if it were my first! The tour of your lovely home was heartwarming and inspiring. I just love your style and find it enchanting .... from the color pallete to your textiles - - simply loveliness.

Thank you so much for sharing.

Blessings,
Jenny

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

Hi Cynthia,
Love your style. It is very much like mine. I have a cape cod style home, so I love the old vintage fabric look. I am new to blogging, but please feel free to stop by my blog at decoratingtennisgirl.blogspot.com
Thanks and I will be back to see more pretty deocorating ideas on your blog :)
Robin

Eileen @ Star's Fault said...

Amazing, beautiful changes to your rooms. The new colors are so lovely, and calming, and it makes oyur decor items really shine now. Great photos too, by the way!

Blessings ~ Eileen @ Star's Fault

Unknown said...

Preciosos los colores, tan suaves muy apropiados para el lugar, congrats for your re-done!!!

Hugs
Charo

Unknown said...

Beautiful Color Pallette....that's what I have in mind to do to my dark gold, red and green walls this Spring. I've been looking for a pretty Robin's Egg blue...you have inspired me. I LOVE to paint....and it can be such a change to the whole house! Looking good at YOUR cottage!

Anonymous said...

bonjour,
c'est un très beau résultat.
Bonne continuation.

Diane Fay (littlealma) said...

Oh man, such pretty, pretty rooms!!! I was also wondering what brand of paint you use, that has such pretty names? I wish I was better at decorating - I put up old family pictures with the help of high school friends who were visiting twenty years ago, and haven't changed a thing since then! I am terrible at making decisions, so I just never do! Wish I could tho! But you do have a lovely, lovely home!

Hugs from Michigan - Diane

Cathy~Mille Fleur said...

Thank you so much for stopping by earlier! I love hearing from you! Your beautiful blog is one of my favorite places to visit!

Happy Friday!
XOXO
Cathy

Cathy~Mille Fleur said...

Thank you so much for stopping by earlier! I love hearing from you! Your beautiful blog is one of my favorite places to visit!

Happy Friday!
XOXO
Cathy

Allison said...

Just found you thru Michelle's blog. Really cute! I enjoyed the tour and getting to know you! Hmm . . that apron is lovely. I just made a pretty bag, I am sure I could try my hand at the apron! Oh, and the cups hanging from the sconces? GENIUS!

FrenchGardenHouse said...

It's such a gorgeous color, Cynthia! Love it. It's amazing really, how a new color just changes our whole home. Your home is so warrm and cozy, and lovey too. Thanks for the tour, I always leave here inspired. xoxo Lidy

Carrie said...

Your kitchen looks beautiful!! I love the colors and the desk turned island is brilliant!!!! So dreamy :)

Rue said...

Wow! What a difference paint makes Cynthia! I love the new look :)

I can't wait to see your beautiful floors!

xo,
rue