After working on my spring mantel, it was time to lighten up the entire living room.
For me, that meant cleaning off LOTS of surfaces, and letting go of some of the heavy accessories.
I added some pops of blue and green into by pulling throw pillows from other rooms.
Fewer accessories stand out, calling attention to each piece and what it says about the style in the room.
In addition to the mantel, I MADE myself pair down the stuff inside the entertainment center Matt built. Over the winter, it was filled with books and doo dads (yep, that’s a word), causing it to feel too weighed down for springtime.
My plan was simple: a pitcher on each side up top, a planter with flowers or greenery on bottom, with a couple of my favorite design books and a little starfish thrown in.
I got this cute planter at Troy Antiques (some news coming soon on that adorable place!!) for $2! It’s such a cute shape, and when I saw these beautiful hydrangeas, I had to plop them in it.
And speaking of starfish, I love placing them here and there, especially in the warmer months. They’re just a 5 point ray of sunshine in my book. I made the green plaque to use as a coaster/sit-about. I painted a larger wooden square from the craft section, and two smaller ones. The dates are special to our family…March 5 is my brother’s birthday and May 24 is mine and Matt’s anniversary.
Shifting things around the house is always a free and easy way to freshen up your home…this basket was tucked away somewhere else, but for now, it’s holding magazines and pretty blue urn. It’s visible to me everyday now, and because of that, it feels brand new.
Speaking of new, love this little guy I got with Layla at the flea market a couple of weeks ago. He keeps floating around; I’m sure I’ll leave him in one place sooner or later.
Now, all I need is a group of volunteer college students to come help me paint these walls.
Before you all combust, it’s time to announce the winner of the Chalk Paint Giveaway. Man, you all wanted that stuff! And rightly so; it’s amazing. I only wish I had way more to give away!
Without any more delay, the random.org winner is………………….
#525, Julie from My Less than Perfect Life of Bliss!!!!!
Send me an email, Julie, at shaunna@harristire.com and I’ll put you in touch with Patty so you can choose your paint color!
Hope you guys have a great weekend…going to try to catch an auction tomorrow. Follow me on Twitter if you want to come along for the ride.
Come back tomorrow for some news on getting yourself featured at this old blog!
🙂
I’m not a college student, but I would totally volunteer to help you paint your walls if I could pick your brain on furniture painting in exchange! 🙂 I’m just up the road in Birmingham.
I didn’t realize that, Alima! Well, don’t offer your services too seriously. I’ll have you painting in no time.
🙂
shaunna
It looks all dressed up for spring!
Thanks Holly!
🙂
shaunna
Looks great! I need to add some spring to our house as well. It still feels so dark from winter. I’ve spent so much time on the nursery I’ve neglected the rest of the house. Thanks for the inspiration! And I just ordered some chalk paint…. Super excited to work on some pieces that need some TLC!
Thanks, girl!! Good luck with the chalk paint!
🙂
shaunna
Your room looks beautiful, I love those white pitchers. I am on the lookout for a white pitcher, they are so pretty!
I would come and paint your room, if you came and helped me decorate mine! 🙂
Jodi
Thank you, Jodi! I’ll happily help anytime.
🙂
shaunna
Yeehaa! I’m so excited to be the winner! I have just the project for this! And #525 IS my lucky # because it just happens to be my birthday! So cool!
Congrats to you, Julie!! How fun that that is also your birthday!! 🙂 Now, can I send my furniture to you to try out the chalk paint on. 🙂 Just kidding; hope your weekend is just as nice!! 🙂
Love the white pitchers and the hydrangeas! Gorg! Also, the blue and green pillows! I am so fickle with my design, I have to buy neutral furniture and add color with pillows, lol. Much cheaper. ha. xoxo Shelli
Thanks so much Shelli!! And I know what you mean about the pillows.
😀
shaunna
Your room looks amazing. I am way jealous. I just posted today about how my whole house is blah and needs a makeover. DESPERATELY! I amexcited about the chalk paint. I won some and I bought an additional quart of old white. I can’t wait to get some wax too. Any tips for painting with it? I want to paint my dresser.
Thanks, Jennifer! Just start painting something and it’ll already feel brighter. Good luck with the chalk paint!
🙂
shaunna
Looks so light, bright, and beautiful! Isn’t amazing how Springtime evokes de-cluttering? There’s nothing like finally being able to open up the windows and tackle some freshening up jobs around the house. And starfish always make me smile too. Thank you for sharing such lovely inspiration!
Thanks so much! I know what ya mean about the starfish. 😉
shaunna
Oh, and Shaunna, what a refreshing and beautiful room you have!! So crisp and pretty!! Love it!!
Thanks so much!!
🙂
shaunna