Choosing The Right Furniture For A Room

July 2, 2014 by 47 Comments

When I moved into my current home around 23 years ago, I knew almost nothing about decorating or furnishing a home. When first moving into a home, it can feel overwhelming and even a little intimidating trying to decide how to decorate all those empty or half-empty rooms. The room that challenged me and perhaps taught me the most about decorating was my family room. I had never bought furniture for a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Decorating



Make a Hydrangea Wreath for Spring

May 6, 2014 by 17 Comments

Have you decorated your front door for the spring season, yet? Shhh, don't tell anyone but I haven't either. I love what Christy did with her front door, though! It's beautiful and I'm so glad she's here today to show us how to dress up our door for spring.   Hi, I'm Christy and I am so thrilled (seriously, ya'll) to be guest hosting at Between Naps on the Porch today! I have been following … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating Tagged With: , , , ,



In the BNOTP Library: Living With Dogs

April 29, 2014 by 7 Comments

I'll be back later today with a post. In the meantime, I'm sharing another one of my fave books from the BNOTP library. You guys know I'm huge animal lover so when I first saw this book, it definitely grabbed my attention. The cover was just so beautiful and included two of my favorite things in the whole world, animals and books. When I realized the book also included some gorgeous interiors, because after … [Read more...]

Filed Under: BNOTP Library, DIY Decorating



A Cure for Sagginess

April 28, 2014 by 103 Comments

Welcome to the 274th Metamorphosis Monday! How was your weekend? Hope it was grand! I spent much of my weekend pouring through One Man's Folly, a book I had pre-ordered and have been eagerly awaiting its arrival. I rarely pre-order a book but this one sounded like it was going to be amazing from the articles I had read online. Oh, my gosh...is it ever! Such a wonderful book! I have so enjoyed every … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Decorating, DIY Organization and Storage, DIY Repairs and Fixes, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: , , , , ,



Build a Cubby Organizer, Pottery Barn Inspired

April 1, 2014 by 78 Comments

If you've been reading Between Naps on the Porch for a while, you know I love organizing "stuff." It's ridiculous how excited I can get over finding cool ways to store those things we need and use each day. It's icing on the cake when storage is actually pretty and decorative in addition to being functional. One handsome storage solution I've been eyeing for a long time is Pottery Barn's Cubby … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decor Knock-offs, DIY Decorating, DIY Organization and Storage Tagged With: , , , , ,



Coolest Woodworking Video Ever: This One’s For the Book Lovers

March 28, 2014 by 36 Comments

Happy Friday! What do you do when you have too many books and not enough bookshelves?   Imagine if a woodworking shop came to life. Even if you're not into woodworking, you'll like this 7-minute video. It made me laughed out loud a couple of times. The clamps were my favorite. Eee-eek, eee-eek, eee-eek. That will make sense in a minute. :) The video below was made by Frank Howarth from … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Decorating, DIY Repairs and Fixes Tagged With: , , ,



A Workbench for the Basement

March 26, 2014 by 76 Comments

I've been hold-up in the basement for the last few days, working on a project that reminds me of the time I decided to teach myself to knit. It went something like this: Gee, I think I'd like to learn to knit. Ummm, what should I knit first? I know...gloves! Yeah, you can imagine how that turned out! Later on, an experienced knitter told me that a glove is one of the hardest things you can ever knit. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Decorating, DIY Organization and Storage, DIY Repairs and Fixes



Dimensions and Cut List for a Pottery Barn Inspired Potting Table

February 28, 2014 by 13 Comments

Recently, I shared a tutorial for building a Pottery Barn inspired potting table that can also be used as party buffet server for an outdoor party. You'll find that post containing lots of detailed photos here: Building a Potting Bench Garden Table   I've had a few folks ask for more information about where I purchased the vintage styled wheels and dragonfly hooks, as well as additional … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Decor Knock-offs, DIY Decorating, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden Tagged With: , , , ,



Build a Potting Table, Great for Parties, Too!

February 26, 2014 by 146 Comments

Love! That perfectly describes how I felt when I saw this picture of the Abbott Potting Table online. Was it the orchids that lured me in, those wonderful old windows or was it that fabulous potting table? I've always wanted a potting bench or potting table. I was doubly smitten when I realized the table could also function as a serving table for parties! Awesome!  There was just one problem, it was … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decor Knock-offs, DIY Decorating, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden Tagged With: ,



Dining in the Library: When Dining Rooms Are Libraries, Too!

February 24, 2014 by 69 Comments

Welcome to the 265th Metamorphosis Monday! Thank you so, so much for all the sweet words of congratulations yesterday! If being a grandmother is just half as amazing as you've described, I am in for a wonderful journey! :) I was a bit preoccupied this weekend. Truthfully, I had trouble focusing on anything. I know you understand.  So, I don't have a Before and After from here in my home to share. I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Decorating Tagged With: , ,



Mason Jar Craft: Make a Christmas Lantern

December 13, 2013 by 39 Comments

I love to go on home tours at Christmastime. Years ago when I attended a tour in my home town, one home we visited had pretty lanterns hanging from hooks. They were lining the walkway to the home. I loved how it looked and have always wanted to try my hand at making some for my walkway. I finally got around to doing it this year and guess what? It's easy!  I've made two so far and I love how they turned … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Crafts, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating Tagged With: , ,



Make a Lamp from a Beautiful Vase or Figurine

October 30, 2013 by 52 Comments

Recently Vikki who reads BNOTP, emailed me and shared a wonderful DIY project she had just finished. Vikki came across this blue and white porcelain vase in Goodwill for just $7. Vikki said, "When I saw the vase I knew immediately what I wanted to do with it." What Vikki decided to do was make it into a beautiful lamp! Isn't it wonderful?!  It's just perfect against the blue and white toile … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating, DIY Repairs and Fixes Tagged With: , ,



The Office Layout and A Laser Printer, Scanner, Copier for Tight Spaces

September 6, 2013 by 84 Comments

Every so often I get an e-mail from someone who is in the process of putting together an office with the Pottery Barn Bedford furniture and they ask what pieces I used to achieve the layout I have in my home office. It's always hard to answer that question in an e-mail because I had to get creative and go off the grid a bit to make it work the way I wanted. I've been meaning to write about this for ages. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Decorating, My Nest, Office/Craft/Sewing Room



A Treasured Heirloom

August 26, 2013 by 142 Comments

Welcome to the 239th Metamorphosis Monday! Recently True Value asked if I would share a story about an "heirloom" piece passed down through my family. Immediately, a special chair came to mind. It's an heirloom piece that played an important part in our everyday life for many years, starting when we moved into our first home, a yellow cottage in a small Alabama town where my husband was stationed on … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Decorating, Inspire



The Mystery Chair

August 24, 2013 by 63 Comments

Take a look at the following five bedrooms. Notice anything they all have in common?  I'll wait while you scroll down and view each one. Source The first three bedrooms were designed by Mario Buatta. The fourth is a bedroom in the home of Designer, Bunny Williams. I'm not sure who designed the last bedroom, wish I knew. Source  Did you notice anything common to all five … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Decorating



Make a Lantern for Summer Parties

August 10, 2013 by 37 Comments

Recently, I came across a photo in a poplar store catalog featuring some pretty candle lanterns.   I loved the lanterns, especially the handy rope handle, so I decided to make my own but with a few changes.   The supplies needed for this project were: a 1 1/2 pint size, wide-mouth jar and a 1/2 gallon jar (Ball canning jars work great), candles, sand, hose clamps, rope, shells, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decor Knock-offs, DIY Decorating, Seasonal Decor Tagged With: , , , ,



Erasing the Messy Parts of Life

July 29, 2013 by 125 Comments

Welcome to the 235th Metamorphosis Monday! For this MM, I have a small "Before and After," something that made me a happy girl this weekend. I'm probably the last one on earth to discover this, but I thought I'd share it today in case it's helpful for you. Do you ever get these annoying little scuff marks on your walls?  They just appear, don't they? There must be little gremlins running through the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Decorating, DIY Organization and Storage, DIY Repairs and Fixes Tagged With: ,



101 Things You Can Do With Old Jeans, No.4: Upholster a Chair!

July 15, 2013 by 64 Comments

Welcome to the 233rd Metamorphosis Monday! I love blogging! I've met so many wonderful dearhearts while blogging and each one has been a blessing in my life. Recently after posting about some crafty things I made from old jeans here, here and here, I received a delightful e-mail from Carol.  Carol wrote: Susan, I follow all of your blogs and we have talked before, you make my inbox a joy to open … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Denim Do Over, DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating Tagged With: , , , ,



Make a Party Banner: Pottery Barn Inspired

July 8, 2013 by 102 Comments

9Welcome to the 232nd Metamorphosis Monday! How was your 4th of July weekend? I hope it was fabulous! We had a rainy one here in Georgia. The sun came out for a few minutes but unfortunately, it didn't last long. If you've been reading BNOTP this past week, you know I pulled out some old, worn and out of style jeans from my closet and found another use for them.   I recycled the back … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Denim Do Over, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decor Knock-offs, DIY Decorating, Independence Day Crafts, Independence Day Decor, Independence Day Holiday Home, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,



Barbara Eberlein: Beautiful Rooms!

April 9, 2013 by 24 Comments

Recently I came across a designer with whom I was unfamiliar.  Her name is Barbara Eberlein and I love her work.  Her portfolio includes a variety of work in the areas of Preservation, Classic, Contemporary and Second Homes. Here are a few of the spaces she has designed.  You'll find many more at her website which I'll link to at the end of this post. I love this blue and white bedroom.  Notice the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Decorating, Historic Homes, Home Tours, New Old Homes



Decorating in Blue and White

February 23, 2013 by 92 Comments

I don't know when I first fell in love with decorating in blue and white,  I just know I passionately love it.   We're talking, a-big-kiss-right-on-the-mouth, love it!   I think it may have started when I found this Ralph Lauren comforter set for my guest room.  I love flow blue transferware and have collected a few pieces over the years, so I guess the bedding reminded me of beautiful flow blue porcelain. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blue & White Design & Decor, DIY, DIY Decorating Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,



Brass is Back, Baby!

January 29, 2013 by 147 Comments

I am a lover of polished brass.  There, I said it...right out loud! I'm sure you've noticed, brass has been getting a bad rap over the last few years.  Its cousins chrome, nickel and oil-rubbed bronze have squeezed it out as the metal of favor. Now granted, I have seen some not-so-great brass in my days, the kind that looks lifeless and dull, or worse, pitted.  But I never really understood why quality … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Decorating, Inspire Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,



Don’t Throw Out Those Dead Christmas Tree Lights

December 3, 2012 by 90 Comments

Welcome to the 202nd Metamorphosis Monday! Georgia is a crazy place to live, weather-wise.  If you have a convertible you're pretty much guaranteed a few days every single month, even during the wintertime, when you'll be able to throw down the top and enjoy the warm breezes. We're in one of those periods right now.  This was the scene in my kitchen yesterday.  The door to the porch was wide open and it … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Crafts, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, DIY, DIY Decorating, DIY Repairs and Fixes, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , ,



Colonial Williamsburg Apple Tree Form: Make Your Own

November 28, 2012 by 35 Comments

Back in December 2008, just 3-4 months after I began blogging, I created this Colonial Williamsburg style centerpiece for a Christmas party I had coming up.  I also used it for our Christmas table that year.  I make this centerpiece almost every Christmas.   It has to be my all time favorite Christmas table centerpiece. Sorry about the awful photography.  The camera I was using back in 2008 couldn't … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Crafts, Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes Tagged With: , , , ,



New Uses for Discarded or Recycled Windows

October 23, 2012 by 64 Comments

A few years ago I stumbled across some old windows in one of my fave antiquing haunts.  They were only $2 each so I bought several thinking one day I might make one of these.  Come a bit closer and check it out.   Isn't it adorable?  Let's peek inside.   Love!   I didn't buy it since I don't have a great place where I can display it.  Plus, it was over $300!   Probably worth it though … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating Tagged With: , , , , ,



A Fall Door Arrangement You Can Make in 5 Minutes (or less)

October 9, 2012 by 36 Comments

Earlier in the fall I made this arrangement for my front door.  It can be viewed in more detail in this post:  An Autumn Basket for the Front Door   For Halloween, there's some strange things happening on the front porch.  The earlier fall arrangement just wasn't working anymore.  It was a bit too dressy/formal for Halloween.   I decided to create  something a little more casual … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Decorating, Halloween Decor, Halloween Holiday Home, Porches, Seasonal Decor Tagged With: , , ,



Decorating with Deer Heads and Antlers, Real and Whimsical

September 1, 2012 by 36 Comments

This was the picture that really got me going on antlers, this time around.   I've always loved seeing shed antlers used in wreaths and in other decorative ways and I've always had a passion for brown transferware.  Phoebe Howard combined them for this wall and wow, I loved it the minute I saw it!   I wish I could ask Phoebe Howard what inspired her to create this--what made her think to combine them.  Do … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Decorating Tagged With: , , ,



How to Age, Antique or Distress Furniture, Signs or a Wood Flag

August 13, 2012 by 45 Comments

Welcome to the 186th Metamorphosis Monday! Recently, I was chatting via e-mail with Nancy,  a talented DIY reader of BNOTP.  Nancy was inspired by a tutorial I posted a while back detailing how I made a wooden flag for Independence Day. I had been inspired by this one in the Pottery Barn catalog.   Since I had a big cookout planned for the 4th, the flag was the finishing touch for my patriotic … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decor Knock-offs, DIY Decorating, DIY Repairs and Fixes, Independence Day Crafts, Independence Day Decor, Independence Day Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , , , ,



Buffalo Check Curtains for the Office

May 21, 2012 by 105 Comments

Welcome to the 174th Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings!  Hope your weekend was great!  I'm really excited about a change I made recently here in the office.  Did you guess what it was from the hint I left a few days ago? Not long after I moved into this house twenty+ years ago, I purchased plantation shutters for all the windows.  In hindsight, that was one of the best purchases I've ever made for my … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Decorating, My Nest, Office/Craft/Sewing Room Tagged With: , , , , , , ,



Seashell Crafts for Your Nautical Beach House Decor

May 15, 2012 by 25 Comments

I'm convinced seashells are just about the most fun, least expensive decorating accessory you'll ever find for the summer house. Recently, I was shopping in Marshalls and came across this glass container for just $5.99.  I loved the natural woven design surrounding it, especially its nice, aged "drift-wood" look. I had some inexpensive shells from Big Lots ($3) and decided to embellish it just a bit. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Beachy Tablescapes, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating Tagged With: , , , , , ,



Decorate Your Door for Easter

April 2, 2012 by 44 Comments

Welcome to the 167 Metamorphosis Monday! I have a fun, crafty metamorphosis to share for this Met Monday.   I don't have "before" pics but they would simply be the supplies you would buy to create this adorable bunny for your spring door.   I know that looks like a Christmas tree out on the porch.  It was a tree in an urn with dragonfly lights.   I had it out there for a while but eventually removed it … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating, Easter Crafts, Easter Decorating, Easter Holiday Home Tagged With: , ,



IKEA Expedit Hack: How I Made It Work

March 9, 2012 by 50 Comments

A few days ago I pulled a Houdini in the renovation of the office closet. Here's a view of the "Before" and "After" below. You can view this closet renovation project here: IKEA Expedit for Closet Storage. The Houdini part was getting an IKEA Expedit shelving unit, which measures 58 5/8 inches wide, into in a closet that is only about 1/2 to 3/4 inch wider than the Expedit itself. The closet … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY, DIY Decorating, DIY Organization and Storage, My Nest, Office/Craft/Sewing Room Tagged With: ,



Christmas Porch with Triple Wreaths

December 12, 2011 by 70 Comments

Welcome to the 151st Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Holidays!  Hope your weekend has been grand!  I've been busy finishing the last bit of Christmas decorating for the front porch.  Come a bit closer and check it out.   I usually use pine garland around the door for Christmas, but last year I had to buy enough to go around the door twice because it was sort of skimpy looking.  So this year I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, DIY, DIY Decor Knock-offs, DIY Decorating, Porches, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , , ,



A Vintage Dress Form for the Sewing Craft Room

July 25, 2011 by 78 Comments

Welcome to the 131st Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Met Monday! Hope your weekend has been a fun one!  I don't have a dramatic Before and After for this Met Monday, but I do have some fun little changes I can't wait to share.  But before I show you what I've been working on... A Few Mini-Mets for this Metamorphosis Monday: A Naked Porch: Recently,  I blogged about having the house and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating Tagged With: , ,



Make a Pottery Barn Inspired Flag

July 11, 2011 by 94 Comments

Welcome to the 129th Metamorphosis Monday!   Whenever the Pottery Barn catalog shows up in my mailbox, I know I'm going to be inspired. There's almost always something in there that grabs my attention and gets those creaky wheels in the brain turning. The challenge is always how to get "the look" without the cost. Recently, I decided to do a complete makeover of my screened-in porch for the 4 … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decor Knock-offs, DIY Decorating, Independence Day Crafts, Independence Day Decor, Independence Day Holiday Home, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , , ,



Litter Box Solutions

June 15, 2011 by 35 Comments

Recently, a reader e-mailed to ask a question no one had ever asked me before. The question was, how did I handle/cope with having a litter box in the house? What a great question! Back In The Day: When we bought this house 20 years ago, one of the things I liked most was it had a basement with an unfinished section, perfect for hiding the litter box. My last house didn't have a basement and we spent a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Decorating, DIY Organization and Storage Tagged With: , , ,



Repairing Damaged Walls from Wallpaper Removal

March 21, 2011 by 25 Comments

While we continue enjoying all the wonderful links for yesterday's Met Monday, I thought I would share some of the progress I made in the office, today. I covered everything up.   I put "you-know-who" on the screened-in porch so he wouldn't be breathing in all the sanding I'd be doing. He wasn't too thrilled about Mom staying inside while he was out, but he eventually found a big puddle of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Decorating, DIY Repairs and Fixes, My Nest, Office/Craft/Sewing Room Tagged With: , , ,



Best Wallpaper Remover

March 7, 2011 by 76 Comments

Welcome to the 111th Metamorphosis Monday! Guess what this is.   It's the last of the wallpaper!   The evil wallpaper is GONE, GONE, GONE!   Thanks to this stuff...Safe and Simple. You'll find their website HERE, and in case you're wondering, I'm not being compensated in any way for recommending this product.  I'm just sharing the good stuff, when and where I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Decorating, DIY Repairs and Fixes Tagged With: , , ,



How to Create Beautiful Table Settings on a Budget

March 3, 2011 by 55 Comments

Welcome to the 132nd Tablescape Thursday! I've always been drawn to pattern and color so when I was a young bride-to-be, I chose Lenox Temperware in the pattern, Fancy Free for my everyday china. It was and is indestructible. I think it would last through a nuclear war.     For our formal china we chose Noritake, Colburn. I don't think too many folks are choosing a "formal" pattern … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Decorating, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With:



The Best Wallpaper Remover, Ever!

February 19, 2011 by 35 Comments

Life just got better... ...because of this. Safe and Simple is the best wallpaper remover, ever. Hands down! This is the stuff professional wallpaper removers use, and they use it because it actually works! Why it isn't in every Home Depot and Lowe's in the world, I do not know. So, while Mr. Max does this... I'm doing this...   Several folks have asked for the web … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Decorating, DIY Repairs and Fixes Tagged With: , ,



Pottery Barn Inspired Garland Tutorial-Make Your Own!

November 23, 2010 by 102 Comments

For Metamorphosis Monday, I shared this wonderful photo from a Pottery Barn Catalog and a little info about how I was inspired to re-create a similar look for my front porch for less than half the price of the PB Garland. As promised, I'm back today with a tutorial on everything you need to know to make this ornament-covered garland for your home. Before we get started, let me torture you with a couple … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Crafts, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decor Knock-offs, DIY Decorating, Porches Tagged With: , , , ,



Restoring Vintage Linens

July 5, 2010 by 85 Comments

Welcome to the 77th Metamorphosis Monday! I'm excited to share an awesome metamorphosis with you this week. Susan, whose blogs at, My Place to Yours, loves finding old linens that appear ruined and ready for the trash heap...and saving them...restoring them to their original state. Have you ever wondered if and how this could be done with stained vintage linens? Susan is going to show us today, then … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Decorating, DIY Organization and Storage Tagged With: , ,



Hiding Ugly Swing Chains

April 26, 2010 by 97 Comments

Welcome to the 67th Metamorphosis Monday! Metamorphosis Monday: I don't have anything dramatic to share this week for Met Monday, but I thought I would show you some of the spring fluffing I've been doing out on the porch. A couple of weeks ago, I took the swing chain covers off the swing, tossed them into the hand wash basket of my ancient GE washing machine, poured in a smidgen of bleach and gave … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY, DIY Decorating, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With:



A New Cover for a Footstool

February 8, 2010 by 72 Comments

Welcome to the 56th Metamorphosis Monday! It's a few weeks before Christmas, a nice afternoon and you are out running a few errands...just doing a little shopping. On the way home, you decide to take a little peek in the window of a local thrift shop. Oh, what's this...a sweatshirt with a wonderful hand made, cross-stitched design. And it's only $4...way too cute to leave behind! Ummm, now what will … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY, DIY Decorating



Burlap and Organza Tableskirt

January 11, 2010 by 109 Comments

Welcome to the 52nd Metamorphosis Monday! Okay, I'm cheating a tad for this Met Monday. I have my "Before" pic to show you in my bedroom and an "After" pic from another home to show you what I'm thinking about doing.  This is a round table that's currently between two windows in my bedroom. Eventually, I hope to place chairs on either side, but that's another story for another day. Notice the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating



Build a Mantel

October 25, 2009 by 86 Comments

Welcome to the 41st Metamorphosis Monday! What would you do if you didn't like your mantel...just felt it was too plain and not large enough? Well, that's how Pinky and Joe felt about their mantel. Originally, the fireplace didn't have a mantel at all, so Joe added a very simple shelf to create a mantel that Pinky could decorate at Christmas time. Recently, they decided it was time to give it more … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY, DIY Decorating Tagged With: , ,



Create Your Own Plant Stand

October 4, 2009 by 74 Comments

Welcome to the 38th Metamorphosis Monday! I have a little query for you. What would you do if one day at your workplace, you discovered the items shown below were being tossed out...thrown into the trash? I know some of you are so creative and talented, you'd probably snag them and take them home. Me? I would have probably looked at them, thought they were interesting, but wouldn't have had a clue … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Decorating, Halloween Crafts, Halloween Holiday Home, The Holiday Home Tagged With: ,



A Decorating Quiz: What’s Your Style?

August 8, 2009 by 95 Comments

If you've been reading BNOTP for very long, you probably know I have a little decorating book addiction. A while back I ordered a book on eBay and just to be nice, the seller threw in an extra book for free. The extra book she included was Decorating Rich...subtitled...How to Achieve a Monied Look Without Spending a Fortune, by Teri Seidman and Sherry Suib Cohen. That subtitle grabs your attention, doesn't … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Decorating



Creating a Planter from a Chair

August 3, 2009 by 75 Comments

Welcome to the 29th Metamorphosis Monday! I don't have a before pic of this chair I found recently at A Classy Flea, but I was told the seat was in very bad condition and was not salvageable. So...what to do? Turn it into a lovely planter! The seller at A Classy Flea, attached a square wire planter container to the chair. I'm sorry, but I've forgotten where she said she found the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY, DIY Decorating, Garden, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, My Nest, Nature Tagged With: , , , ,



Design a Room You Love

July 20, 2009 by 86 Comments

Welcome to the 27th Metamorphosis Monday! My Metamorphosis Monday post is a little different this week. I don't have an exciting metamorphosis to share; instead, I thought I'd share some ideas or tips I've learned decorating my own home over these many years. These "lessons learned" are responsible for the changes that were made to the rooms in my home, so in some ways this post is indeed all about … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Decorating, Living Room (Downstairs) Tagged With: , , , , ,



How to Make a Lamp from a Treasured Collectible

June 29, 2009 by 65 Comments

Welcome to the 24th Metamorphosis Monday!  You may remember the Metamorphosis Monday post several months ago where I posted about a sweet doggie I found while out antiquing. When I found him, I thought he would be the perfect size for something I had in mind.   I had the idea of having him made  into a lamp. I'd been shopping for a small lamp to go on this table in my family room for some … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating Tagged With: , ,



Old Bound Newspapers Become End Table

May 11, 2009 by 84 Comments

Welcome to the 17th Metamorphosis Monday! Many, many years ago, The Macon Telegraph and News decided to dispose of all the old copies of their past publications/newspapers. Apparently, news organizations used to keep copies of their old papers by binding them into large "books." Each bound volume, shown below, had about three months worth of newspapers. I had six of these large books stored for … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY, DIY Decorating, Home Tours, Living Room/Bonus (Upstairs), My Nest Tagged With: ,



Humble Beginnings in Married Student Housing: Our First Home

May 4, 2009 by 118 Comments

Welcome to the 16th Metamorphosis Monday! For this Metamorphosis Monday, I'm sharing "Before" pics that are really, really old. These are the "before-est" pics I will EVER be able to show you for a Met Monday! It was 1978, I was 21 years old, my husband, 23, and we were newlyweds having just married a few weeks before. We were living in "married student housing" on the campus where we were attending … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY, DIY Decorating, Inspire, My Nest, Previous Nests



Make a Lamp from Something You Love

March 30, 2009 by 77 Comments

Welcome to the 11th Metamorphosis Monday! Several years ago I was out antiquing and I came across this cute doggie. Ummm, the wheels started turning, and I thought he just might be the perfect size to... ...have made into a lamp. I'd been shopping for a small lamp to go on this table in my family room for some time. The room had/has a bit of a hunt/canine theme going on, so this little guy fit … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating, Living Room (Downstairs), My Nest Tagged With: , ,



Painting Furniture: A China Hutch Transformation

January 26, 2009 by 103 Comments

When my screened-in porch was nearing completion, I happened across a little hutch for a great price: $95.  It was just what I had in mind for storing dishes for dining out on the porch. After getting it home, I got down to work. This was B.B. (Before Blogging) so taking pictures almost didn't happen. Somewhere in the midst of sanding the piece, it dawned on me that it might be nice to take a "before" … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY, DIY Decorating, DIY Organization and Storage, DIY Repairs and Fixes, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: , , , , ,



Plantation Shutters: Versatile Window Treatment

January 10, 2009 by 113 Comments

My favorite, favorite window treatment has to be the plantation shutter. Don't get me wrong, I love other types of window treatments, too. I love the way drapes soften a room and would love to one day add gorgeous silk taffeta drapes to my dining room. But I'd still want plantation shutters underneath those drapes. Why do I love shutters so much? Well, there are a lot of reasons, one being their … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Decorating, Kitchen & Breakfast Area, My Nest Tagged With: , , ,



Five Minute Wreath Spring Summer Wreath

October 27, 2008 by 86 Comments

There are two doors leading from my screened-in porch into my home. One takes you into the family room, the other into the kitchen. During the summer, I tried to find a pretty wreath to hang on the door to the kitchen, but the prices I kept seeing were way more than I wanted to spend. One day as I was bumping around inside a store we have here in the Atlanta area called Old Time Pottery, I came across … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating Tagged With: , , ,



Seashell Chest

October 24, 2008 by 64 Comments

My birding vacation got in the way of shopping at the Flea for a couple of weekends...but I made a trip this week.  You won't believe what I left behind that I really wanted! I did buy two things that I'll share at the bottom of this post. This adorable chest was probably my favorite treasure this week at A Classy Flea...but alas, it was already sold. I took six pics of it though because I thought this … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY, DIY Decorating, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods Tagged With: , ,



A Trip in my Time Machine: Here we come, 1921!

September 25, 2008 by 31 Comments

Remember these from my Bonus Room posting a few days ago? They are bound copies of old newspapers from the Macon Telegraph and News, the local newspaper in Macon, Georgia. My sister, Glenda, saved them from being destroyed when they were being discarded. I turned them into an end table for the bonus room. :-) Thought I'd share some of the advertisements and articles that were published in some of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Decorating, Living Room/Bonus (Upstairs), My Nest Tagged With: , ,