My First "Easy" DIY Project: Juliet Balcony Update

One of the things that has bothered me since we built our house two years ago is that the Juliet balcony railing does not match the stair railing. I said I was going to have it replaced because it resembled a jail cell. I just figured that it was the way the house was built until I realized much later that everyone else with our floor plan had railings that matched their stairs.

You can see that the stair railings have embellishments called knuckles. 

I found knuckles I could buy at our local home improvement store, but they were in one piece. The balcony railings are soldered to the floor. There was no way I could remove a railing piece to add the knuckle. If they just came in two pieces...

Well, a quick google search showed me that this is really a thing. I found a local company that offered them for $1.29 each. I ordered them online and two days later they were delivered to my door.  They are plastic and come in two pieces that snap together. You cannot tell the difference between the iron and plastic ones at all.

Here it is finished! It took me forever to find a pattern that would mimic the stairs. I couldn't match it exactly because of the number of railings. I found a pattern that looks the same unless you are counting the knuckles on each railing. The installation was so simple, too! You just snap the pieces together, and you can move them up and down the railing to make them level.

Here is the before again.

Finally! I know we all have things that bother us about our homes. I've learned from experience it cane all be fixed with a bit of creativity not to just fix the problem, but make it one of your favorite features in your home. 

Don't think this balcony is complete! The homebuilder in the "expensive" section of our neighborhood has almost exact floor plans as mine, but with a bit more square footage and extra features. This wood trim under the railing is one of those features. I can have that same wood trim for about $50!

I just have to talk my husband into getting his saw out again!

Early Fall Decorating

Happy first day of fall! I love to decorate for the seasons, but it's hard to get into the spirit when it's 90 degrees outside. I opted for peach, pink, gray and white instead of traditional autumn colors. The peaches and pinks I introduced are fresh florals so it will be easy to change to darker colors if I choose once the weather turns cool. Right now I am loving these pretty peach roses with my velvet pumpkins.

More peach and gray in the breakfast room.

I used fresh eucalyptus and pumpkins in the dining room. The runner helps protect the table from the greenery. Last year I had made arrangements in urns, but I realized no one sitting at the table would be able to see each other over them so I kept this year's table a little more low key.

When I think of decorating for fall the first thing that comes to mind is adding coziness. Candles, throws, and pillows are the most important elements in my living room.

All I need now is for the weather to turn cooler so I can use the fireplace!

How I Blended Styles and Open Rooms

Summer is flying by here! I can't believe it's almost July 4th. My kids have kept me so busy since I stopped working a couple of weeks ago, but it's been so much fun to watch them play sports and spend more time with them. I can't say I'm getting much accomplished around the house yet. Hopefully, that will change soon because I have a lot of decorating projects and organizing to do. 

I did start organizing the kitchen cabinets the other day and decided to re-arrange my countertop decor too. I added more wood elements to warm up the kitchen with new cutting boards and a tray from another room. That tray was just calling out for a pretty orchid and the color feels like summer to me. 

I ended up moving the vase. I've been getting a little tired of the blue and white accessories lately and it was taking up a lot of counter space. The pineapple trend is one I love and roses by the sink always makes me happy.

One of the things I'm very conscience about is making sure my kitchen decor matches the rest of my house since it's so open. It could end up very farmhouse/cottage if I'm not careful. My living room has several modern touches and my breakfast room still holds the cottage style furniture from my old house. The kitchen has to perform a balancing act to marry all three spaces together. You can see how all three spaces flow together in the next few pictures.

One day I'll work on the breakfast room. I've already decorated it a million times in my mind, but when I look at the price for six drapery panels I break out in a cold sweat. Right now I'm thinking pinch pleated black and white riad fabric would be perfect. I'm sure I will change my mind by the time I get around to it!

I have rustic, light wood in each room to keep the spaces from being too modern. As much as I love the look of an all modern space my style flip flops too much to commit to one style so this is a good compromise. 

I have to admit that sometimes I dream of a silver and gold vent hood, modern pendant lighting and backsplash for the kitchen, and a contemporary coffee table. Then, I see a beautiful traditional space on IG or Pinterest and the planning starts all over again!

Living Room Updates

My house is ever evolving as I find new decor or get inspired, but the last items I've bought make me feel like this room is more finished. The three pictures over the TV were a random find and extremely inexpensive. I really love the Spanish Santa Barbara look lately and you can definitely tell by my latest finds. My house is always a mix, but I think that's a good thing no matter your style. You can go in any direction that you're feeling at the moment and it helps keep your house from looking dated. It's much easier to change a couple of pieces instead of an entire room. Who wants their room to feel like every other one you see out there anyway?!

There are so many more new updates to see! Follow me on Instagram for the latest. I wish I had more time to update my blog, but between a full time job, part time design, and three kids I don't know if I'm coming or going lately. Don't feel sorry for me because I love every minute of this crazy life!

My Black Friday Find and More Christmas Decor

I may have finished my Christmas decorations a week ago, but as usual I pick things up between now and Christmas as I see them. These gold reindeer were just calling my name!

I've been eyeing this mirrored tray at ZGallerie the past year for my coffee table and I finally bought it once I noticed there was a 20% Black Friday discount. It's a bit hard to see since I covered it in greenery, but it's the perfect size for this table and it made an instant difference in the entire feeling of the room.

I've been putting off buying it because I've been way too overwhelmed with all of the projects going on around here. Now that I'm coming down to the final details of my living room I decided it was time to finally finish it. Well, the custom drapes and massive chandelier that will require scaffolding to hang because of the tall ceilings will be held off indefinitely because of the cost. I can't justify such minor details when an entire home office remodel will equal the same price. Other than those projects and maybe some future woodwork, I am working hard to finish this room by the New Year. I received my final major piece of furniture today, a console table for behind the sofa. It fits in perfectly and just makes the room feel so much more finished. I'll show it to you as soon as I find decor to accessorize it. 

Now, for the best seat in the house! I popped in the dining room to take a quick picture of the chandelier I decorated a couple of weeks ago. It was then I realized the seat at the head of the table has the best view of the entryway and dining room decorations. 

Like most people with formal dining rooms, we rarely use ours. As I took this picture I vowed to have more family dinners here instead of standing around the island eating with maybe one or two of us at the breakfast room table. There's just something about the holidays that makes you want to bring tradition and celebration back to every day life. I guess that means I need to start cooking again so we have something homemade to eat here!

Fall Mantel and Entry

It's finally fall! The best part is I am feeling it even in Houston. Cool mornings and evenings, warm days...ahhh! It's so nice to go outside and not melt. If we could just get rid of these mosquitos!

I pulled out my fall décor a couple of weeks ago, but it just didn't fit my style anymore or my new house. After thinking about it, I really just wanted lots of candlelight, cozy throws, pumpkins, a bit of sparkle and a fresh flowers/greenery.

 

 

 

 

I love the eucalyptus I bought at Trader Joe's for $2.99. I had so much of it I made two more arrangements from it. Crazy! I've never been into fresh flowers, but I have to have them weekly now. When I was in high school I thought the flower arranging class offered was ridiculous ( I was going to be a serious RN, which I am except the serious part), but now I'm regretting not taking it. I spent way too much time tonight arranging my hydrangeas and eucalyptus I just bought. They look good, but I keep side eyeing them and turning the vase in circles to be sure. Maybe flower arranging is not for perfectionists. FYI, if you need inspiration Carolyn Roehm is a master at flower arranging and I stalk her Instagram regularly for ideas. I'm also coveting her gardens and hope to one day have a formal garden to cut fresh flowers. Just typing that makes me feel really old. Let's move on.

 

If you've been following my chair saga, I finally decided to order a second one. I still need a small table between them and add pillows, but I just throw whatever pillow or blanket ends up in the living room. My kids are always moving them around. One day there was a plaid blanket in the living room and a couple of days later it was a faux fur throw that I found. They all seem to work fine so I just roll with it.

 

 

 



The only fall décor I added to the entry is the orange flowers and mercury glass pumpkin, which is plenty considering the front door has been piled high with mums. I'm waiting a bit to buy pumpkins since our days are still warm. Real pumpkins are nice, but not when they attract bugs. The wildlife in my new neighborhood can be a bit terrifying at times.



I'm also in full party planning mode. My younger kids are 8 and 10 so I decided if I ever want to throw a Halloween party now would be the time. I remember going to a Halloween party when I was in elementary school and it being such a blast. I hope I can re-create it for them. They are so excited, which is refreshing since things never went as planned when I tried to plan events several years ago. Sometimes they act like little adults now instead of kids with their pumpkin spice latte requests and adult observations. My 10 year old recently left feedback on Chik-fil-a's website to complain about the new zesty buffalo sauce and then decided to make it a campaign to bring back the original buffalo sauce on Youtube. I just about died laughing when he said, "The link to the feedback is in the comments." Future blogger? According to him, the money is in vlogging. Okay, Mr. 10 year old! Bloggers, take note!

My New French Chair for the Living Room

I've had this little French accent chair in mind to buy for the living room since I started designing it almost a year ago. It's been so hard to decide if it fits because it has to be angled a certain way so it doesn't block the fireplace on that odd short wall. It's from Restoration Hardware (who has been amazing by the way with delivery and any issues we've had), but since it would be a custom order I wanted to make sure it would be perfect so I've been undecided. I found a similar chair for much cheaper on Wayfair and I received it on Friday. I was thrilled with the upholstery and wood frame color, and just the overall look of it.

It looks beautiful, but once you sit on it but it's obviously not the same quality as my other furniture. I can't decide if it matters since it's an accent chair. The biggest issue is the size. It's 36" tall and that's not too short if it weren't for these really tall walls. On top of that, my husband makes it looks like a kids' chair when he sits in it. I keep thinking he looks like a Viking who stole Napoleon's chair. It's perfect for me though.

My husband's shoulders are about six inches taller than mine so there's no way he's sitting here. I'm thinking I will either return it or order a second one. Still undecided...


Before I leave you, I'm also working on finishing off the media room. There isn't much to do in here so it makes sense to finish it off. Football season is right around the corner after all...yay, I suppose. I have plans to add more artwork. You might notice I moved the living room gold plates here. I also want to add pillows, a rug and a few accessories. Not much! I can get this done and it will make me feel better that one room is officially done.

 

 

 

One thing I've realized is even when your house in chaos (in your mind at least), create one little vignette just for you. This is mine tonight. :)

 

New Kitchen Pendants

The kitchen pendant lights have been a thorn in my side since even before I moved into the new house. I had my heart set on pendants that were just too modern so I decided to wait until I found something I liked just as much. I found ones I loved even more and then realized they were way out of my budget. Ahhhh! I finally decided to take my husband's advice and to just pick something. I took the vision of French gold chandys out of my head and started from scratch. I finally found something I liked that goes with the rest of the lighting in the house and at a really good price. I'm thrilled with the way they look now that they are finally hung up!

 

It's hard to see in the picture, but there are bits of antique brass that bind the iron circles together for a bit more interest. 

 



And some closer details of the Christmas décor.

My first hot cocoa bar! The kids love it.

So does Jingle the elf.

 

 

He's hanging out here today.

 



And a picture from the living room to the kitchen. You might notice I bought a new end table and coffee table. It was just delivered before we went out of town for the weekend so I'm still working on the accessories. Once that's finished I'll show you more pictures.

I also had a china cabinet delivered for the dining room that I'm working on filling up.  It's an exciting time as everything is starting to come together!

New Living Room Furniture and Fall Mantel

I know I'm a little behind with fall decorating since most bloggers are gearing up for Christmas, but I'm behind on everything these days as you can tell by my lack of updates. Some people are very particular about not decorating for Christmas until Thanksgiving is over, but that's not the case with me. I will happily eat my turkey next to a twinkling garland any other year. The only reason I'm not dragging out the tree is that I never got to really enjoy my fall décor since I just decorated my mantel last weekend. Don't worry though, I am prepping for Christmas in a big way so I will be ready to go as soon as the pumpkin pie is finished. A new magnolia garland for the fireplace, a dried boxwood wreath for the kitchen vent hood, a huge deer statue for the entry, and other goodies are waiting for me in the hall closet. I can't wait! But, first let me show you my fall mantel!

 

 

 

Yes, that's my new mirror! I got a great deal on it from Wayfair considering how large it is. Everything I'm buying is large these days because of the tall ceilings in the new house. It's definitely a different look from my former cottage-style home. The house is French country and as easy as it would be to decorate just in that style because of its popularity these days, I want a few transitional pieces included so it doesn't look like I went completely "French chateau." It's a beautiful look, but I would get tired of it after a while since I am fickle that way. That's what happens when you truly love so many different decorating styles. I blended my traditional horse and ornate candle snuffer with the contemporary candle holder from Target I'm using as a vase. It makes my heart sing... for a little while. I did tell you I'm fickle!

Now, comes what I am so excited to show you! All of the new furniture I have ordered so far has come in. I only have a few small things to buy and then I can focus on the accessories that will really pull it all together. Will I meet my deadline to have the downstairs done by Christmas? Probably not, but it will be good enough by then.

I have to apologize in advance for the terrible pictures. This house is so difficult to photograph because of the tall ceilings and large windows. I'm sure I will eventually figure it out. These shots were my third try and they are a huge improvement from the previous ones.

One the first pieces of furniture I ordered for the house was this sofa. It took forever and a day because I changed the fabric to an indoor Sunbrella that looks like linen. I know it will be worth it in the end because real linen is like kryptonite if you have kids and pets.

I'm still working on the lamp situation. The new standing lamp is from Pottery Barn. It has a bit of dark gold in it to complement the mirror over the fireplace. The gray shade on the silver lamp is what goes with it, but I was trying to see if the gray shade would also work on the silver lamp and forgot to switch them back. Unfortunately, that silver lamp just doesn't work here and will have to be replaced. I'm hoping it will find it's way into another room.

Eventually there will be drapes above the three transoms. I'm avoiding that for a while because I know it will cost a fortune.

I wasn't quite sure if I was going to place the sofa in front of the windows or put the chairs there. I've tried it both ways and they both look good, but I think it's going to stay in front of the window after living with it a few days. There's just something more comfortable about having it this way. Now, that means I get to pick a rug and coffee table based on this arrangement. It was the main reason I was holding off on both until now. If you remember, I really bought this rug for the dining room and temporarily parked it in here.

The new cream chairs are from Pottery Barn, but also covered in a Sunbrella that looks like linen. I'm still a nervous wreck I'm going to spill wine or coffee on them despite their stain resistance so I usually drape a throw over them before I sit down. I think I might be worse than the kids when it comes to spilling my drinks.

Now, on to the other side of the room. In my previous home I always avoided taking pictures of the TV wall because it was such an eyesore. This new media cabinet makes me love this view. I'm not a fan of the artwork and mirrors, but I needed something temporarily because the TV on that huge wall by itself looked terrible. Eventually, I will surround the TV with better artwork. At least it looks finished even if it makes me cringe a little. I'm not even going to mention the fake florals. Let's just pretend not to see those. Let your eye skim around them.

I absolutely adore this media cabinet from Restoration Hardware and have eyed it for a couple of years. I never bought it because I knew there was a very good chance we would move even though I didn't want to admit we were outgrowing our house. I immediately knew this was going to be in my living room when we picked this house. The best part is that hardware! I really wanted the same hardware on my kitchen cabinets, but I couldn't find a way to make them work since the doors aren't flush with the frame. Believe me I asked the cabinet maker for these kind of cabinets, but it's not something they offered. The skeleton keys are very cool too for the doors on the ends. I have to admit I take way too much joy in opening these doors.

I still have quite a few things to do for this room-coffee and end table, rug, drapes, pillows, artwork, accessories, and a chandelier. Eek! It almost seems done until I type out the list. Honestly, I'm just hoping to get the new tables, a rug and a lamp before Christmas. If that happens I will be a happy camper.

Next, I will be showing you the new dining buffet and entry table. I promise I won't take a month this time!