Only 3 days into the New Year and I am already making good on my resolutions. I've been touching up, cleaning up, and foofing up.
Years ago, we had a leaky skylight. It was repaired badly, you could always see a lump in the ceiling. So, I'd covered it with textured paint.
The lump was still there.
Then, I put this old ceiling tin over it, that did the trick, but the tin panel didn't hit the studs and wasn't secure on one side. It kind of dangled a bit, but not a lot. Still, it bugged me, but I ignored it.
But today, I reattached it with anchor screws! I still need to glaze over it in pink, so the lavender isn't so strong and it matches my faux finished ceiling better.
All of this snow and cold has made me feel like a prisoner in my home and I'm starting to get sick of the view. So, I decided to do a little Zero Dollar Decorating by moving stuff around in the house. This cabinet was in the dining room before, I moved it into the bathroom and brought some vintage tins in from the studio to store Q-tips, band-aids, etc. in. There is an old tin trash can lined with a doily in the bottom, that now holds TP.
After moving the cabinet in to the bathroom, I had to rearrange the wall grouping. And I even filled all the old nail holes after moving the pictures around!
Then, I went around the house and filled other neglected nail holes. And squirted lots and lots of calk (always use the paintable kind!) into any crevice that felt drafty. I went through 4 tubes of the stuff. We have an old and drafty house.
The right length screw was found for the knobs on the cabinet in the bedroom.
And I found a screw to fit a knob to go onto this corner cabinet door in the kitchen. For some reason, My home has been a Bermuda Triangle for knobs this year. They have fallen off in my hand, the screws have rusted and broken, or just plain cracked in half.
The corner cabinet used to have two matching door knobs like this, now it is this one and the glass one in the previous photo. I don't mind a mis-match, actually, I think I prefer it.
Here is a before and after of more Zero Dollar Decorating. (The left side is the before, and still has my Christmas garland of berries up) With the new, (old) French netting curtains, I thought my pink iron corner bits were a bit too much. I took some old iron fence posts (that were used elsewhere) and hung them up as curtain rods.
Isn't that an improvement? I'd like to change the chairs too. These will go in my studio, and I'll bring in some garden chairs to rustic it up a bit. I love pretty, and always will, but too much pretty all together gets to be a bit overly sweet. So a few rougher elements will tone it all down.
(The pink urn holds gloves and hats, and this table is near the front door)
But with this ice and cold, I'm going to take my time on getting those chairs inside! Bbbrrrrrhhh! I've got some other shuffled decor going on too, that will keep me busy. Since I took a cabinet out of the dining room, I need to look around the house for something to replace it with. I think there is a broken table in the garage I could fix up. And I am thinking about de-rose-ing my kitchen a bit. Not completely, but enough to take away that overly sweet look that I mentioned.
I've also repainted Ryan's bathroom and bought the paint to redo a door in Sugarwing's room. I'm going at this resolution with gusto and determination. All the Christmas decorations are put away and I'm ready for a new look. But on a budget. So far, I've only bought a couple of screws and a quart of paint.
Before I forget, the winner of my December Giveaway and the gift certificate from Vintage Workshop is
Since I'm in a tizzy of home repair, (Handyman Don comes tomorrow!!) I don't have time to list new things in the Boutique. So far the 50% off sale has been wonderful, thanks to all of you who have shopped there. I'm extending the sale until I can get caught up and have new goodies to share with you.
Details are: Go ahead and make your purchase and pay by paypal. I will refund 50% of the total plus any excess postage (the site over charges on multiple purchases sometimes, its hard to judge).
If you are paying by check, please email me for a total and I will mark things sold.
As of tonight, I've "cleaned up" the site and have all the sold items deleted so it is easier to shop in.
Thanks again!
There is a fun Before and After party at
http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/01/before-and-after-party.html
Check it out for some great ideas for your next redo!
I love the rose painting on the tiny whie knob and on the back of the chair at the table. I bet you did those of course. It’s wonderful the way you personalize your home and surroundings with your talent. I love your style!
Karla, I just love the way you repaired the bathroom ceiling with the pink ceiling tile. And your zero dollar decorating has inspired me to make a list of fix-ups around my own house. Happy New Year to you!
xo
jeanne
I love your idea for zero dollar decorating. I think I need to apply that for a while.
Gusto is an understatement!!!
I still don’t know how you get all this stuff done!
Maybe it is the eight pound weights?!?
Ooooh! You’ve gotten me inspired to ‘shop from my home’ and decorate!!
SO Pretty! Absolutely LOVE those lace curtains!
i so love the snow. it is sooo cold here but no snow. Happy new year…m
I love, love your zero dollar decorating and your “gusto” is amazing…can I have some?? I think with your gusto and Debra from Common Ground blogs Nikes, I could really get some crap uhmmm great stuff done in my house 🙂 I am still sooo loving those french net curtains, I have something similar to that but no where near as beautiful or special, that I use as curtains on my dome shaped iron canopy bed, believe it or not I got mine at Target a few years back on Clearance…goodness I love that word 🙂 They are actually window scarves but look amazing on my bed…Can’t wait to see what new beauties you redo in your home, they give me the inspiration to get started on my own list of to do’s 🙂 Besos, Rose
I love your decorating photos. I think the lavender tin ceiling is a nice contrast to the pink. I love collecting those tins, but haven’t found any new ones recently. I love those French net curtains. They are so beautiful! I, agree with you about not letting things get too sweet. I always like a balance of masculine and feminine or pretty with rustic.
~elaine~
Great that you are putting your New Years’ resolutions into good end already. I’m almost feeling sorry that I didn’t make any!
Karla, everything looks gorgeous…i just love your lace curtains…it has been snowing here since friday morning…and it is supposed to continue through to next weekend…so i know what you mean about being stuck in the house…
Wow, you are off to a great start with your zero-dollar decorating! My husband successfully replaced all burned out light bulbs around our house, including our pesky under-cabinet lights in the kitchen, and it’s a real joy to have that task completed. I would have waited until I was working by candle light if it was up to me!
I didn’t know it was called zero dollar decorating but what a great thing to do for the new year.
Cold weather paralyzes me and we are in for a long week of it with possible snow/ice towards the end of the week. I’ll be going to Home Depot to get some caulk. I’ve got tons of cracks needing to be caulked and a “shut in” day would be the perfect time to do it.
I loved looking at some of the nooks & crannies of your beautiful home. Thanks for the tour. I love the tiles on your bathroom ceiling. Brilliant!
Nerissa
Oh my you have been a busy bee! I still have every Christmas decoration in the house still up and caught a cold yesterday so it is too hard to pack and blow my nose at the same time- at least I think it would be so that’s my excuse for not starting!!
I love what you have done in you bathroom- that shelf is just perfect for the spot! It reminds me of a shell from an old clock –
Your curtains are absolutely gorgeous! I would love to find some french netting curtains like this- problem with me is I only have garage sale money in which to buy them!!
Thank you for sharing all your redos- you inspire me- now it’s back to bed!
blessings
mary
I don’t know what to comment on first…the gorgeous lace curtains or how much I’m lovin’ the mismatched knobs and ceiling tin boo-boo cover up! Everything looks amazing! You’ve inspired me to do a little basement & closet shopping today too. Fun!
Hi Karla,
Your bathrooom and bedroom looks so beautiful and peaceful! Love the ceiling tile as a “patch”. We have certainly had our share of snow haven’t we? Between the snow and the stomach flu, we have yet to have Christmas with our kids. Maybe this weekend if the weather cooperates. Bravo on all your energy for fixing those little irritations that we all have in our homes. You are inspiring!! Linda
Wow, everything looks great. I really love your new curtains, too! And if you want to get rid of any of your rosey..”too sweet” stuff, you just hollar at me!!
oh karla, your home is so beautifuL!
xoxo, Tiffany
Everything is so beautiful and I love the old tin idea. I have a few spots on the ceiling that I had no idea what to do with and now you have given me some wonderful inspiration. I too am sick of the view – TOO MUCH SNOW. Got my car stuck in the snow last week and since my husband is gone for a few weeks of military training I am not driving his 4 wheel drive truck! Gotta love all wheel drive! And it will be handy for the snow that we are getting in a couple of days. 😀
I like all your improvements – and your zero money decorating standard! I esp. like the stained glass covered cabinet – such a great, tall shape!
Hi Karla..love the zero dollar decorating…you make me want to go back to B.C. and have a go at my own place..I always bring tons of goodies back with me & have a blast redooing my home..by the way I`d throw rocks at my grandmother for those lace curtains…Lorraine
inspiring me to get off my butt and do some foofing……might even push the house sale along!! Rachaelxo
I so love your home! I’m starting with my creative space, then moving to my bedroom/bathroom to get the beautiful cottage style. You give so much inspiration as well as wonderful techniques to remake things on the cheap and easy. I love coming to your blog!!!
Blessings,
Christine
Karla, even your bathroom is fabulous!! I just love your home, I wish I could see it in person! I love what you did in the dining area! I think those chairs will be PERFECT in there!! I have always loved garden chairs indoors 🙂 Beautiful! I feel like a prisoner here too, it has been forever since I left the house, lol! Oh how I hate winter, lol!
Hugs,
Amy
Karla, it’s always a joy to tour your home. I’m most impressed that you were able to find screws the right length to attach the knobs. I never seem to be able to find the right size!! Zero dollar decorating — you are the greatest.
Lucky Rhea! That book looks like so much fun…must buy for friend, Donna!
Your decorating is wonderful, Karla. Just love your zero dollar decorating. The ceiling tiles really work well in there are I love whatever you have done with the painting…very mystical!
I can see you live in a house about the same age as mine…don’t you love old houses?@#$#) I really do but we are dealing with an an aging roof and a flooded basement at the moment. Don’t even ask why but I am so glad I have a kind and understanding husband!
Hugs and cozy warm thoughts,
Suz
this is foofing up at its best! your house looks like a beautiful bed & breakfast!
Wow it looks fabulous!!! I love how you’ve turned cold winter duldrums & cabin fever into a time of utter productivity. I’m actually checking in before heading off to bed but I am going to peek in again tomorrow and re-read your post … I’ll need some motivation after I go help Grandma for a while {Grandpa has alzheimers and I try to visit every week to assist if needed or to just give her a break as I almost always show up with her favorite warm beverage in hand!}
I never noticed your tiles on the ceiling lopsided but I do love how you pulled it all together to make it different!! I used to do this with some friends and it was quite fun we would all get together and bring “stuff” housey stuff and trade it amongst ourselves for a new decor in our homes. It was so fun getting new pictures, doiles, plates etc. Maybe we should do that next craft day? More snow tomorrow can you believe it!!! I’ve got more clothes for you too. 🙂
As soon as I get my tree down this weekend I’m toning everything down a tad too. I’m going to go for the bald is beautiful look. I’m so tired of looking at all my “things” I think I just need to start with a clean fresh slate!
Love that bathroom! that new (old) cabinet fits perfectly there!
Oh, I soooo love the phrase “zero dollar decorating”! So appropriate for these times. And, as I’m on a fixing binge, I totally understand your caulking frenzy….. I’ll keep ya posted on how that’s going…. XOX
Karla,
I just love seeing pictures of your home.. I love all the zero dollar decorating you’ve done.. I love the cupboard you added to your bathroom.. Of course, I love it all.. I love seeing you hand painted touches throughout your post.. You know I’m a big fan of your beautiful hand painting.. You do such amazing work..
Hope you had a wonderful holiday..
STephenie
Great way to start the new year Karla.
All the best for a wonderful 2010.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne
Happy New Year Karla!! You have such a lovely romantic cottage!!
Love the glass knobs!!!
Good for you! Great ideas on sprucing things up with the only spending some time and creativity. Thanks for sharing.
Did you paint the flowers on the white round knob?
Hope the rest of your house fix-up spree steamrolls forward as well!
Bravo! With every “read” I get more geeked up! I’m in need of window-something! Can’t do that on zero-dollar, but I think it’s time for a change!
Wow! Your house looks fantastic. You definitely have a knack for touching up, cleaning up, and foofing up. I love it and the best part is the low budget. My New Year’s resolution is to do some budget decorating to make our house into a home. I picked up a book called “At Home With Laurie Ann”. It has really helped me to get started and organized. The best parts are the great pictures and pointers for each room as well as seasonal decor. I’m inspired now! http://www.laurieann.com/book/
Just like my comment on your other post. Each photo was so beautiful in a wonderful and unique way.This was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed looking.
Deirdre G