{ makeover monday }

I love before-and-after makeover features--especially if they include a budget friendly twist. I recently spotted this kitchen makeover while perusing the Cottage Living site and saved it for my inspiration file.  I thought you might like to take a peek as well...

"Before"

Rather than completely demolishing her kitchen and starting from scratch, this homeowner simply gave her existing kitchen a new and improved facelift--an option that's both budget and environmentally friendly--so right there I was hooked. It also doesn't hurt that I love this homeowner's aesthetic and the finish choices she made with her upgrade. 

The existing upper cabinets were raised to the ceiling allowing room for a single open shelf to be installed below them. Simple details like V groove and crown molding were added to give the room some architectural interest.

Black honed granite replaced the older laminate

The existing upper and lower cabinets were given a fresh look with a painted finish

A new backsplash of white subway tiles...*sigh*

The new display shelf underneath the upper cabinets is such a brilliant idea-I love how it turned out.

The new view from the dining room...gorgeous!

What's also nice about this approach is that one could budget it in stages if necessary. For example, start by refinishing the cabinets and then updating countertops and appliances down the road...or floors, etc. Though not as seamless of a process, it does offer budgetary options.

More details and a complete slide-show of the remodel process, including additional before and after photos are available on the Cottage Living site. I recently read that the November/December issue of Cottage Living will be its last. I'm so disappointed...it's one of my favorite mags.

Feedback please:  I'm considering adding Makeover Monday as a new feature, offering a variety of makeover ideas and inspiration--from repurposing a piece of furniture to complete room makeovers. What do you think...is this something you would enjoy?

{ makeover monday: diy love }

I'm all about DIY makeovers these days. Frankly, it's the only type of makeover that currently fits the budget and I find it oh-so rewarding to tackle and complete a project on my own, which is why I was instantly smitten with Kasey's recent DIY project. Her approach to this piece was so fun & clever, I couldn't resist sharing it with you on Makeover Monday.

The original piece was given to her by a friend. It was not painted and the two side doors were in poor condition. Kasey started by repainting the piece in a swedish gray. 

 

She then replaced the knobs with some from her shop and found two colorful kitchen towels from Anthropologie, which she used to create no-sew curtains that replaced the two worn doors--such a clever and creative girl!

The result? Wow!

Full details and more photos of the makeover are available on Kasey's lovely blog, Lola B's.

Did you all have a lovely first weekend of Spring? Hope so! 

P.S. Last week's giveaway winner will be announced later this afternoon.

{ makeover monday }

Happy Monday everyone! I hope you had a restful and rejuvenating weekend. I spent much of it catching up on post vacation chores...unpacking, laundry, and sorting through piles of unopened mail. Our holiday away exceeded all expectations--the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure--I hope to share some photos with you all later in the week.  

I am beyond grateful for the thought and care that went into each of the guest posts last week. I consider myself lucky to have *met* such an amazing and inspiring group of imaginary friends {a favorite phrase coined by clever Karey} and appreciate my regular readers stopping by and making our guests feel so welcome. From the bottom of my heart...thank you!

It's a holiday here in the U.S. and a rainy one at that--a perfect project kind of day. For this week's Makeover Monday I thought I'd share some quick and easy ideas that can instantly freshen your space  Ready? Let's go...

Coral your Collections

images via country home magazine

Make your collectibles display worthy--gather your favorites, find a fresh spot, and show them off en masse.

Deck your walls

Use your digital camera to create your own artwork. This idea, found via Country Home magazine, uses a close-up photo taken of a lace doily which was then enlarged and printed on to a canvas via a service like simplycanvas.com. Mrs. French did something similar in her dining room with stunning results.

Scatter joy

image via debi treloar

Small groupings of posies scattered throughout your home provide an instant pick-me-up. Choose interesting, unexpected vessels for added impact.

Embrace the power of paint

images via country living magazine

At the risk of repeating myself again and again...making over one piece of furniture can transform the look and feel of your whole room. Visit Barb's space for some inspired ideas and tips.

That's it for today my friends...the to-do list is growing by the minute. I'm looking forward to getting back into the swing of things and discovering what's been going on in your corners of the world. Thank you again for your kind thoughts and well wishes last week. xo ~Suzanne

{ makeover monday with GUEST BLOGGER: BARB BLAIR }

Hello everyone! Happy Monday to you! I just want to start out by saying how excited I am to be posting on this fantastic blog!! Thank you so much Suzanne for the honor!

I am the proud owner of my little knack studio in downtown Greenville , SC where I create custom pieces of furniture and home accessories . I totally love the creative process that happens from the moment I lay eyes on a piece. I immediately start visualizing colors, patterns, papers and hardware. I know ... big nerd! Anyway, once I have decided on a palette I'm off and running!




These two lovely ladies...buttercup and turquish delight ( get it ..turquish for turquoise .. man I'm so clever!!) ... are a couple of my favorites that I have finished in the past few weeks! You can see many more of my before and afters on my blog and if you have a hankering for giving one of your own beloved pieces a makeover, I've created a mini tutorial here. I hope you all enjoy!

{ makeover monday: kitchen storage envy }

I inherited our kitchen design from the previous home owners. Aesthetically, it's decent. The storage options, however, are deplorable. Each time I retrieve a pot or bowl, I have to pull everything out of the cabinet, pull the one I need,  and then rearrange the stacks and put it all back in. It drives me crazy...I need a kitchen storage makeover! In my quest for some creative options, I've come across these favorites...

I've been dying to try peg board. Don't you love this clever usage of it? via country home magazine

simple storage cubbies are fresh and funtional with a monochromatic approach and glass accents. via sunset magazine

open shelf storage with stainless steel shelves. Similar shelves and accessories are available at Ikea. via flickr fave splatgirl.

More options with Ikea's afforable grundtal shelves. via doorsixteen

I love this command center and storage area for cookbooks and cooking oils. I purchased similar metal wall panels from Ikea and use magnetic clips to keep important reminders/papers tidy--love the magnetic spice container idea too.

This is me dreaming about a walk-in {and organized} pantry. via domino magazine's deco files

Happy Monday all. It's a rainy one here. How about you...are any of you snowed in?

{ dreaming of a makeover monday }

Last night, while visiting Shannon's lovely site, I clicked on the Modern Country link in her side bar and soon found myself immersed in a sea of white.  There's something about the clean simplicity of white that I find quite soothing and relaxing. It also doesn't hurt that these talented ladies know how to do white right...

These charming wreaths popped up frequently in my virtual travels. Does anyone know the story behind these?

What a dreamy hint of blue

images above via biskopsgarden

There's that blue again--

natural elements, touches of greenery, & weathered metals add texture and interest

{3 images above via min lilla veranda}

image above via biskopsgarden

Is it any wonder why I want to snag a few buckets of white paint and makeover my entire house this morning? *sigh*

Happy Monday everyone. It's great to be back here starting a fresh week with all of you. I hope you had a relaxing and rejuvenating weekend. I look forward to sharing the week ahead with you, which will include S.HOPtalk's first ever reader giveaway. Stay tuned...

{ makeover monday with designer eddie ross }

I've been glued to Eddie Ross' design site since discovering it recently over on Simply Seleta.  I love his practical, DIY design advice. Over the weekend, I came across Eddie's fabulous before and after butler's pantry and just had to share it with you all as it combines two of the ideas we talked about in last week's Monday Makeover post--the magic of paint and using your collectibles to create drool worthy displays.

He recently moved into a farmhouse in the country and has already started in with some projects. I can't wait to watch the transformation of his new {old} place. This photo shows the before of this little room just off of his kitchen.

Yikes, right? Nothing a little paint and some sweat equity can't solve...

The back of the closet and new full length shelves were painted in Benjamin Moore's Convington Blue, giving the room a built-in look at a fraction of the cost.

Then Eddie went to work on displaying his amazing collection of finds. If you look closely, you'll see storage drawers purchased at the Container Store and Ikea, which were then painted in the same blue--creating an added custom touch.

I love the idea of showing off silverware in vintage glasses. 

For step by step instructions and the inspiration behind that gorgeous blue paint selection, skip on over to the Eddie Ross site. Pssst...don't miss the new Eddie Ross etsy shop which features a collection of antique tabletop finds priced at $100 and under. It's updated every Wednesday.

{ makeover monday... }

I'm bursting with daughterly pride today and just have to share it with you all. My mom has been dying to remodel her master bath ever since moving into their house a few years ago. The original 1980s, "model home" vibe just wasn't doing it for her. I haven't been able to see it in person yet, so she sent some sneak peek pics to me last night.

To keep the project budget friendly, my mom decided against completely gutting the space. The existing tile floors stayed and instead of replacing the vanity, she had the cabinets painted and refinished. This freed up her budget for new tile, a granite countertop, light fixtures, and mirrors.

AFTER...I love the magic of paint.

Doesn't it look great?

Mom...you've always inspired me and you continue to do so. I love you and your new green bathroom. xxoo

P.S. Steve...I know you're the unsung hero who tied up all the loose ends while dealing with our beloved perfectionist--props to you too. :)

{ my place or yours: welcome diana from please sir }

Goodness you don't know how happy I am to {finally} be here with you all today. I'm on travel and have been trying to log on and post since yesterday, but have had a heck of a time finding reliable online access. After some trial and error and a little tech support...I am here. Whew!

I am especially excited on this gorgeous Friday morning because today marks the first 2009 "My Place or Yours" feature-- and joining us is the ever-so-savvy Diana of Please Sir fame. She graciously agreed to share her home town, Raleigh, North Carolina with us. 

Please Sir has become part of my daily ritual--I know I'll always find a huge dose of design inspiration or a thought provoking, lively discussion when visiting. Her drool worthy vintage finds always leave me swooning and lucky for us, Diana lets us in on a few of her secret vintage sources. So without further delay...let's welcome Diana and see what she has to share with us today.

I would like to give a big thanks to Suzanne for giving me the opportunity to re-discover Raleigh, North Carolina and to share it with all of you. I'm originally from New York, but when I was young my family and I moved to North Carolina. I like being a little bit Yankee and a little bit Southern (hopefully the best of both!). I consider Raleigh my home, even though I currently live outside the city. I moved to Raleigh several years ago to attend North Carolina State University for degrees in textile and design. I currently work as a textile designer and write for my eclectic design site, Please Sir. Raleigh is a great city for inspiration from the growing art scene to the natural landscape. Fond memories, good friends and fun times will always give Raleigh a special place in my heart.

2. Three words that best describe Raleigh, North Carolina
Evolving, Welcoming and Intellectual

downtown Raleigh

3. Your favorite time of day and why:
My favorite time of day is early evening especially during spring when the weather is gorgeous. It's the perfect time to eat and people watch outside Lilly's Pizza or grab a drink at Hibernian Irish Pub. Hibernian is also the spot where my boyfriend, Dave, and I had our first date. I still tease him about the unfashionable leather jacket he wore!

4. Currently on your radar?
I've been obsessing over Dos Taquitos, a Mexican restaurant in downtown Raleigh. The food is amazing and I love the crazy atmosphere. If you go, check out the bathrooms…you'll see.

5. Favorite discovery
It's a tie between The Cupcake Shoppe and La Farm Bakery. Both are sinfully good. Cupcakes and croissants …what more do you need?

la farm bakery

6. Where do you go to escape?
When I'm stressed and looking for a place to relax I get a cup of Chai tea at Third Place and head to the JC Raulston Arboretum  or Lake Johnson Park.

lake Johnson

The arboretum continuously rotates plants so it's always interesting to explore. 

The lake is also a nice, quiet place to hike and paddle boat. Luckily North Carolina weather is great for lake activities. I cherish the spring and fall weather here…it is truly amazing.

7. What are your favorite local shops?
Father & Son Antiques – The best local store to furnish your place. You never know what to expect from retro and modern furnishings to vintage fashions.



Askew-Taylor Paints & Art Supplies  – When I was in college I practically lived in this store as I searched for art supplies. Reactive dyes? Pigment paints? Colored pencils? Check!

Peace Camera – During a photography class this was the place I went for all my photo needs. When it comes to photography, they are extremely knowledgeable and helpful. I still love to wander in there and pretend to know what I'm looking at!

NOFO – Located in an old Piggly Wiggly Grocery store in the Five Points section of Raleigh, this store offers a little bit of everything. They have a delightful café, a quirky gift shop and a food market. The bar was even created from Piggly Wiggly food cans!

Fab'rik  – Found in Cameron Village, one of the oldest shopping centers in Raleigh, this fashion boutique delivers high style without the attitude or sticker shock. I believe everything in the store is under $150 and they have a selection of beers and drinks for your shopping pleasure.

8. Best kept local secret
The best kept local secret is the Roast Grill a.k.a. Hot Wieners, a small eatery with limited options and no menu. You get a drink, a hot dog with your degree of burn and choice of toppings from homemade chili, yellow mustard, onions and hand chopped slaw. No ketchup, no chips and no credit cards. They are serious about hot dogs, but they are seriously worth it.

9. An ideal spot to linger over lunch
I have two spots that I enjoy for lingering lunches:

Seaboard Café inside the Logan Trading Co. – After you get done eating the tuna, swiss and cranberries sandwich (my fav!) you can browse the garden center filled with plant necessities and garden décor.

Rockford – You can easily miss Rockford due to the hidden location and 320 ½ address. Nonetheless you shouldn't pass it by. An eclectic atmosphere with a great view of Raleigh and I highly recommend to order the ABC sandwich (apple, bacon, cheddar).

10. When visiting Raleigh, don't miss
Fairground Fleamarket and State Fair – The fairground always has an event going on whether it's the wonderful fleamarket every Saturday and Sunday or the annual State Fair in October. A must visit if you are in search of vintage finds.

Artspace – Every first Friday of the month downtown Raleigh art galleries buzz with art patrons and free wine. A great place to start is Artspace, a visual art center with quality exhibitions and educational programs within an open studio environment.

North Carolina Museum of Art – Another inspiring spot to visit with permanent art collections and intriguing exhibits. The outdoor sculptures and collections are also worth a look.

North Carolina Museum of Natural Science – Two words: butterfly garden. You stand in a sealed room while butterflies fly around you. How neat is that?! Plus, it's fun to look at the crazy taxidermy animals and real insects.

Marbles Kids Museum– A great place to visit if you bring along kids or you're just a big kid at heart! Be sure to get tickets to the IMAX theatre– talk about surround sound and picture.

Big Boss Brew Tour – Beer tours are becoming a popular activity to taste new beers and meet people. If you happen to be in Raleigh on the second Saturday of the month then go to the Big Boss Brew Tour. Extremely fun and only a buck a beer!

11. If you had an opportunity to live anywhere else in the world, where would we find you?
Ideally I would be most content to travel the world and have a fabulous place in Raleigh to come home to and store all my vintage finds. But, I would also love a quaint house with a sheep farm in Ireland or a sunny villa in Cinque Terre, Italy. As long as I can bring along friends, family and my laptop!

12. What's your motto?
"Please Sir" of course! I kid...although my friends and I do say "please sir" quite often. "Everything happens for a reason" is a phrase I tend to repeat in my head. It may be a cliché type of motto, but I believe things happen in our lives to make us stronger and smarter. Plus, it's a little reminder to get through the hard times and to remember to celebrate the good times.

Thank you so much Diana... for the few of you who haven't yet discovered Diana's blog, please sir, be sure to stop by--it's delightful.

Note: I will be on travel and offline for most of next week. However, I have invited some lovely and uber talented blogging friends to stop by and share a bit of their week with you all--including a very special guest for the official launch of Makeover Monday--don't miss it!  Have a wonderful weekend everyone...thanks so much for your visits and thoughtful comments-they mean so much to me!