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Those two talented sisses are asking us to show our mantels. Well, that is right up my alley right now, and I am so happy with my bedroom do over that I’d love to show my mantel again.
I usually don’t keep anything on it, just the mirror above it, and sometimes a stack of books or magazines.
I promised to show some other corners of my room, here is the doorway. Well, I guess that is pretty self explanatory, sorry.
See the pretty alarm clock? A gift from Beth, that was so pretty, I just had to paint the room to match. Even though the clock is merely ornamental, isn’t a cute little ornament?
The table it is on is from a whole set I bought an auction, 2 twin beds, dresser, mirror,
and two tables. I repainted them all and sold them, but had to keep this one table for myself.
This recliner, which is a concession to my husband, is the inspiration for the bronze/sepia vines on the ceiling. I wanted a soft blue room, but had to tie in this chair that sits smack dab in front of the TV.
In the alcove above it, I have my screen from the Birds and Bonnets Swap. I’ve used little birdies around the room, I thought they went with the garden feel of the space.
Beyond the chair is my sink area. I painted it a slightly darker shade of the same blue, and used a warm carmel-ly brown on the ceili
ng.
The carmel brown color matches the Shabby Chic (from Target) shower curtain in the connecting bathroom. I always try to give my rooms a flow from one to another.
By redoing the bedroom, I ended up redoing the rest of the house too! Not repainted, but switched around and knick knacks traded back and forth.
These metal salvage pieces were in 3 different areas, but I really like the affect of having all four of them lined up together.
After an evening of "use what you have decorating", I had given three rooms a new look just by shuffling my junk around. The drawing of the goddess now in the living room, used to be in the bedroom, and it was replaced by a picture that was previously in the dining room.
All the things on top of the entertainment center (except the goddess statue I just repainted a couple of posts back) used to be in the bedroom. Now the little birdies are in their place there.
The large print on the wall in the dining room used to be in the guest room.
So, for simply repainting one room and getting a new (vintage) bedspread, one goddess statue and an alarm clock, I feel like I have a whole new look! 
But then today, I went to some garage sales, and look what I found to replace the too small, too old lady looking, too brown little chair that was there before!
A THRONE! A Leopard print covered throne!
In garage sailing dollars it was kind of pricey, but in antiquing money, it was a bargain. I paid $60 for it, and it is solid as a rock, and very old, with brand new fabric.
I do think it could use some paint. Something like the way I painted the banister, but not exactly, I don’t want it too matchy matchy. A little darker and with some glimmer, maybe?
yes, yes, yes, I know it is solid oak and the wood is in perfect condition!
It was a quick garage sailing morning, that one stop used up my cash supplies. I did get a couple of trinkets here and there, and added some treats to the June Garage Sailing Giveaway Prize Pack.
Can you spot the new additions? green lace ribbon, a bag of old buttons, and an old green plastic cup.
I’m going with a green and white theme for garden season, it looks like!
Remember, all comments are entered, every one, every month counts towards my drawings.
As usual, I have run on long enough, (too long, actually) but I wanted to mention that I listed a couple of my fairy dolls on Etsy and also have reduced some prices, so please check out the sales!
I did finish my article for the fall issue of Romantic Country, thank you to those who were asking how I was doing.
Here is the first paragraph if you’d like a sneak peak:
When the air starts to develop a slight nip and rich reds and golds begin to tint the leaves, it is a perfect time to savor the outdoors by dining al fresco. While summer is known for picnics, fall is much more suited to the venue. The heat has eased up, and most of the summertime bugs have flown away. In this Mid-Western town of Kansas City, artist and antique dealer, Carol Spinski took advantage of autumn’s agreeable afternoon weather and created a garden party under the trees to welcome the season.
Karla, your cottage is beautiful!!! Not just the mantle but everything ~ I love the tones that you’ve used, too. It looks like a peaceful place to me. Love the sweet pup too! xxoo, Dawn
Just love your beautiful house! Thanks for sharing such beautiful pictures… gives me inspiration to do a little “using what I have decorating”.
Karla
What a great, comfy home you have, I could just walk around happily looking at all the details!
I love your entire home, but I especially LOVE the roses on the stairs!!
I love how you rearranged everything! We do that too. Except sometimes Corey forgets and runs into it in the dark 🙂 Love the sneak peek paragraph can’t wait for that issue to come out. Have a great weekend!
wow you have such a beautiful cottage.. looks so comfy and of course very cottagey and your stairs are to die for!..
Fitty
Love the pics of your bedroom. The mantel headboard is such a great idea. Can’t wait to see your article in Romantic Country.
Irma 🙂
Oh how I am drooling over those pictures. Your home is beautiful. The way you changed every thing is just wonderful, and they fit in any room you put them in, now that is cleaver and smart decorating. Great job!!
huga;
alaura
Wow, love the new room and all of the rearranging! Also, the start of your article sounds wonderful, can’t wait to read about it in the Fall issue of the magazine!
Hi Karla!
Your home is sooo gorgeous! I love the mantel as your headboard and the new old chair with the leopard fabric is awesome! Your details in decorating are beautiful Karla!
Hugs, Sherry
Karla, wow, beautiful bedroom! I loved the effect antique on the furniture, and the metal pieces: wonderful.
Karla, loved the tour. Your bedroom is lovely and I like how your have given other rooms a whole new look with just switching things around and some touch ups. Fantastic job.
Karen
Karla, your sprucing and swapping yielded beautiful results.
Those iron pieces hanging together look great.
And, I guess we do have to let our hubbies have a bit of space in our bedrooms. Just a little bit.
Thanks for sharing more pictures of your gorgeous home! I love the gray-blue walls of your bedroom. We just painted our guest room Behr’s Cool Sky. I was inspired by the colors of the Inside Out article in Romantic Homes’ March issue.
Karla, can I move in?? Just kidding! Your home is so beautiful, I could stare at these pictures all say! Just so inviting!
I LOVE the fairy doll!!!
Hugs,
Amy
It’s all so beautiful! Your blog photos are as wonderful as any magazine I’ve seen. Can’t wait to see your article!
Karla, just found you today I have been looking at your pictures on fickr but to visit your blog is pure joy. Beautiful stuff. Thanks for sharing your bedroom.
Hugs, Diane
Oh, I just LOVE everything, and especially the beautiful fairy doll! You are very talented!
I love the idea of “using what you have” to decorate. And your look from so many views is really terrific.
Jody
Your home is an absolute delight to view! Love the idea of a mantle for a head board! I must keep my eyes open for one! I have fairies in my secret garden! shhh..:)NG
Hi Karla~ Your house is fabulous!!! Can I come over??? I did see your article and it was great, you paint so pretttyyy!!!!
I LOVE those metal salvage pieces. ITA about painting the leopard chair. I can’t wait to see what you decide to do. I love the glazing you did on the banister.
~elaine~
Everything is gorgeous Karla. I especially love the wall underneath the stairs – that turned out so great and every time I see it, it looks better and better! And the throne – what a find! I spotted it right away and said to myself “Hey! That’s a new find!” …lol
Joy
I LOVE the color scheme in your bedroom. You totally amaze me Karla!!!
I love how everything turned out in the redecorate. I am in the process of a redo as well, but having to take my time, due to not enough time.
The throne is great! Go ahead, paint it. Wood is not sacred, and in 50 years it will give someone something to do when it just HAS to be stripped. HA HA!
Have a great trip to FL.!
Golly Miss Molly! I so love your decorating style! You do the most fabulous job with every project you touch. You are quite an inspiration!
🙂 Rosie
Wow! Your home is beautiful!
Love that gorgeous bedroom. I have a mantel headboard, too, and get so many compliments on it.
Lovely…just lovely!
Kimberly 🙂
I so enjoyed looking at your incredibly beautiful cottage!!! Your style is so fun to look at that I savor every single photo you post! Thank you for sharing the special haven you’ve created for yourself and your family. It was a real treat!!
I also LOVED reading the first paragraph of your article!! When I was younger, it was my dream to be a magazine writer. Actually, I really wanted to have my OWN magazine, but I decided to go with my other dream of teaching. I’m pretty sure that I’ve mentioned here before that I am no longer able to work, and haven’t worked for the last seven and a half years. Reading your article made my heart beat a little faster and brought a smile to my face. Your writing style is SO similar to mine that it felt like my old passion for writing was reignighted!! All of that from reading one paragraph! You have a special something, my friend!!!
Anyway,thanks again for opening up your home for a tour and for a sneak peek at your article.
Hugs,
Michele
luvkittysmeowmail@gmail.com
Hello-
I stumbled upon your cottage while surfing for inspiration that will motivate me to finally finish painting my kitchen ceiling. I tore out the old plaster and am painting the (thirsty for paint) exposed beams white and I am losing steam!! Thank you for sharing your creativity and beautiful home– I will certainly visit again!
KARLA–WOW I HAVE BEEN READING ALL THE THINGS THAT YOU DO. AMAZING…. YOU HAVE SUCH ENERGY.. AND DECORATING AND PAINTING SKILLS…. EVERYTHING I’VE SEEN IS WONDERFUL…
THANKS FOR SHARING WITH ME…
JEANNE
Karla, I am going to steal your idea for a headboard. I have an old mantle that I am not using at the present time. My son has moved out, so I will be doing his room just like yours. I love it!!! Love your site.