Its still cold, I'm still stuck indoors staring at these same walls, and sick of them! So, I kept going with my Zero Dollar Decorating. (plus it gave me something to do so I could avoid starting on taxes!)
In the kitchen, I repainted the interior of my glass door cabinets, and covered the backs in vintage silk wallpaper, then rearranged the things inside, to have a more neutral look.
On the edges of the shelves, I glued some of the pretty hand made trim that I got from my Late Great Aunt Caroline. The wallpaper is some of my stash, and the paint is the wall color from the adjoining dining room.
After painting and moving around the plates and glasses and mugs, I decided that I needed a more neutral curtain for below the sink. When I rummaged around in my studio, I came across some burlap and decided that was just what I needed. But when it was done, it was a little too un-Karla-like, so I took it down and sewed some of my aunt's old lace to the bottom.
I'm pretty happy with it now. I also covered the lamp shades with brown paper to warm them up a bit too, and to match the new curtain. Hmm, looks like I need a light bulb… And too bad that the coffee maker is such a dominant feature on the counter. It looks like a big, black robot! But, heck, I LIVE here and I do need my coffee every morning!
For the dining room, I turned the table to a different angle and gave the room a whole new look. Then, I brought in a side table from the studio to fill the space that I'd snitched the cabinet from to take to the bathroom the day before. Its not permanent, I'd rather have something with a door or drawers to store table linens in. I've got a piece in mind, but it is TOO COLD to go out to the garage to get it and fix it up!
To feel warmer, I hung some heavier curtains over the lace panels that I had up. These are from Target, about 7 years ago, a nice, heavy velvet that really traps the cold air coming in around the windows. They looked a bit blah, so I took some ribbon and safety pins to tie up a lace panel that I sometimes use as a table runner.
Since it was too cold outside to hop in the car and go shopping, (plus, I am broke from Christmas) I was forced to shop around the house and studio to find things for my redo. None of the changes are very big, or dramatic, but they've helped me cope with some winter blues!
Okay, Karla you are making me look bad.lol My decorations are still up, still eating the leftover Christmas cookies,and just thinking about what I need to do to get it in gear.
You have inspired me once again. I love the awning support/ shelf above your windows. And the neutral look in your kitchen. And I do believe I need to be on the look out for some burlap. It looks perfect under your sink.
Have a wonderful day. I’m going to get out of these PJ’s and get busy.
Karla, everything looks just fantastic…and so pretty…your cupboards are really gorgeous…i like the backs with their new natural look, it doesn’t compete with the pretty things you have on display…maybe you could whip up a little cover for your coffeepot that matches with your sink skirt…you could pop it on there when you are finished with your coffee for the morning…or switch to instant coffee…that’s what i drink all day…my coffeepot only comes out when i have company…
Oh its so pretty! When can you come do my house? Of course you will have to bring some stuff with you because I dont have such pretty things to “shop” from…hee! hee!
I love it! karen….
Oh Karla! It looks fabulous!! I LOVE that wallpaper! So gorgeous! You are so amazing! You should right a decorating book!
I have to have my coffee too, lol! My coffee pot broke a couple days ago and I almost cried, lol! Luckily Chad went right out and bought another. He doesnt like me without my coffee, lol!
Hugs,
Amy
I forgot to say how much I love that table in the bottom picture! And I love what you did with the curtains, I adore lace everywhere 🙂
Karla, it’s all so beautiful! I am so glad that you get inspired in the middle of winter to freshen up what already was so beautiful….you give new hope to my heart 🙂 I especially love the table top you have apparently decoupaged with music and beautiful painted roses….pretty, pretty, pretty 🙂
Wow, you have got some energy, girl! I love the way the tone-on-tone paper in the china cupboard sets off the dishes!
So many pretty details! I was wondering where the heck that dining room was – how come I’ve never seen it? Then I read that you moved the table. Duh! Makes sense now!
My I do love your home! What a great idea to soften up those drapes with the lace swag!
My whole house needs the Karla Treatment! It looks lovely!
Oh I love zero dollars decorating…. very pretty…
Carla,
I love your blog and your home is gorgeous. I am with the girls above. I love, love, love that table. If you ever sell it…me first!!
Since it is too cold to shop outside…come by my blog…I am having a giveaway…I would love to hear from you.
Leslie @ Orphaned Decor
Your house is so beautiful! Would love to see it in person! I’ve been rearranging too after the Christmas stuff is done. Stuck in my kitchen…I have a hutch that’s hard to decorate. I have company coming tomorrow…so it needs to get done!
Hey Karla!
Happy New Year!
Before I get started I must say “SHAME ON YOU!”
How could you? You made me start crying when you
said the “T” word. Tears are still flowing as I type.
LOL! We don’t use that word at our house unless we
are looking for a fight. ha…ha..just kidding!
Anyway, I really like your kitchen re-decorating.
You have done a beautiful job on it. I agree with Lori. You should whip up a coffee pot hider. But if the extra few seconds it would take to remove in the mornings would cause you to get over anxious and cranky then just leave it like it is.
As always thanks for sharing.
Lois
But every single thing you did brought out more personality in your sweet home! And it cost nothing to boot. I’ve vowed this year to stop jumping in the car and running around town to find new things. I’m going to “shop the house and garage and attic” and maybe do some neighbor trades. They’ve become very popular.
Brenda
I love all the changes you did! I’m surprised you haven’t taken a can of that spray paint that you can use on plastic to the coffee maker! Or maybe make a fabric cover for it? Love all of your changes. Wish I had some of your energy!!
Love,love,LOVE everything you’ve done! I just popped in from a break from my own re-decorating, and once again, you’ve inspired me! Great job!
I love your zero dollar decorating you’ve been showing us. As for the coffee pot…paint the darn thing white and add some roses. It’d be gorgeous! (wink, wink) Stay warm. You guys have really been belted with weather this year! – Kathy
More fun with redecorating. It is as warming as a mug of sweet orange cider to hear all the fun you are having.
Hope when it warms up enough to go out to the garage, the piece you have in mind will tie together your dining room like you are planning.
My vow, also, is to shop the house, particulariy for beads and craft supplies. I swear I own more than Michaels. Now to do this, I must organize and I got passed over for that gene long, long ago.
You are an inspiration and are doing a fantastic job. I sure love the white china above the window in the dining room.
I ordered a small chandelier on Etsy which I think I am going to paint to match the walls. Then…i really should cover the bolsters with the funky Indian patchwork…
You also blog more than anyone I follow…I love it, Karla!
Karla, Maybe make a cover for the coffee maker?
Each and everything is so beautiful Karla!!!! I think the changes make a huge difference ~ Seems very calming and restful in your home too…Thanks so much for showing us what you’ve been up to, now I want to get busy on my house!!! xoxo, Dawn
I love it all karla! I like the cupboards alot better than the before. I wanted to invite you over for my giveaway! xo andrea
Love that burlap curtain under your sink! I have been seeing one in my head with black trim…..
And, oh! That dining room! My first thought was burlap drapes, too! But velvet! Cool. Love the shape of those chairs and love the fabric! Very nice!
What’s next???
A rest???
Everything is so beautiful! Like I said yesterday, I would love to live in a home like yours!
Blessings,
Christine
Your zero $$ decorating is fun. I like the neutral color scheme. I especially love the Target curtains in the DR. What are you using for the shelf above the window? The creme vases look fabulous!
~elaine~
I love your zero-dollar decorating Karla. Such a wonderful idea for right after Christmas 🙂
love the neutral color in the cabinets! I also love all the white creamware pitchers above your sink. I’ve been collecting them here and there and will have to gather them all up for display once I get my house decluttered after the Christmas decor is put away.
If you decide to hide the coffee pot you could use an old feed sack or flour sack (cut down) or you could even find a burlap one on etsy that once held coffee beans!
I love all of your changes. Love the lace trim on the edge of your shelves and the wallpaper in the background. Also, love the velvet curtains with the little swag of lace on top. It all looks wonderful. Do you do housecalls?!
It’s so nice to be back! Loving this look — it’s beautiful, and I especially am fond of the zero-cost concept! You motivate me!
Karla, I wish you could come to my house and do your magic. It NEEDS it lol love your decorating and your site. I have been a lurker but decided to start a blog and come out of the woodwork! Your blog is fascinating to read, esp. on cold snowly midwest winter mornings. Stop by my site if you have a chance. Love your look.
see, told you i was a novice lol here is real site
Hey Karla..love it ..love it..zero dollar decorating…(new book??)…you go girl !!..you are inspiring us all..I`m starting to miss my really home …Lorraine
Beautiful!
Hi Karla,
Ohhhhh…pretty! pretty! pretty! I love the cabinets and
your sweet table. Is that trim on your cabinets wood?
Love it!!!
Hugs,
Janis
Wow, it looks Great !! Funny, I was toning down my dining room the other day in creams 🙂
I WON !!! Yippee !!!! I cant believe it ! I am writing you now, Thank YOU !!!!!
Hugs,
Rhea 🙂
Everything looks gorgeous, Karla! Love your re-dos! Have you ever thought of adding a few decals/wallpaper cutouts to the coffee maker sides? I have a girlfriend who did that with a black tv and it turned out great.
BTW, if I ever come to KS, you better hide those lacey curtains!!LOL
Big TX Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents
WOW! I can’t explain seeing this photos that you have shared. Each photo was so beautiful in a wonderful and unique way.This was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed looking.
Deirdre G
Karla, there are so many great things in your home, I don’t know where to begin!!! Take the kitchen, for example. I was just thinking the other day that so many kitchens look alike, including mine. Yours has originality and flair! I think your pictures will inspire people to take a fresh look at their surroundings. Maybe we can improve on the mundane Home Depot/builder grade installations we have with paint, embellishments, and some elbow grease. Thanks for the inspiration your blog provides!
ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS! I like that you put the lace trim on the bottom of the burlap, and I LOVE the white pottery above the drapes. I hope you had a nice Christmas. My outside temp said -27 today, but we still had school…..we’re crazy in ND! I’m sure Beth can vouch for that!
What a beautiful home! Looks so amazing. Thank you for letting us visit. Grace