βLaura felt a warmth inside her. It was very small, but it was strong.
It was steady, like a tiny light in the dark, and it burned very low
but no winds could make it flicker because it would not give up.β
βLaura Ingalls Wilder, The Long Winter
Well, I’m not *quite* finished decorating it yet, but the entry table area is coming right along, and the window frames are now filled with mirrored glass thanks to the folks at Best Glass.
I asked aboutΒ getting the glass cutΒ with a beveled edge, but it was waaaay more expensive that way. The plain edge mirrors were $33 each and they were done in one day. The beveled edge mirrors would’ve been $108 each and it would’ve taken 4 weeks to get them back.
As for the tabletop “stuff”, I think I’m going to have a lot of fun with this spot throughout the year. For this vignette, I started with some things I had around the house: the pumpkin (Farmers Market – 2014), the blue blanket (Atchinson Home– 2014), the square tray (TJ Maxx? 2010?), the white pitcher (? 20??), and the flour canister (TJ Maxx- 2004?). I like the blanket as a runner because the pattern and tassels remind me of a winter scarf, and I like the white glossy pieces because they create textural balance. Fresh & smoothΒ + chippy & distressedΒ = Get. In. My. Eyeballs. π
The picture frames (which I haven’t filled with our own photos yet) came from Target (large one) and World Market (small one). The rolling hampers also came from World Market (they’re 25% off right now!), and I may see if my friend Jana can help me add some darker fabric to the insides of the liners. I’m thinking that’ll help hide the stains that are sure to make their way in there when we start using them to our store shoes and other outside stuff. The little evergreen came from Home Depot and the big one (which is artificial) came from TJ Maxx (2014). The lamp also came from TJ Maxx (2014) and I love how the black base ties together with the word “FLOUR” on the canister on the opposite side of the table.
That’s my favorite kind of symmetry- the kind that doesn’t look like a pair, it justΒ feels like one. Don’t get me wrong- I love identical pairs of things too, I have just found that I’m most drawn to a more casual kind of symmetry. Take the tall evergreen and the lamp, for example. They match height-wise, but they’re not identical elements, so there’s a looseness about the display. Whimsy + Symmetry = Whimmetry? I feel a new hashtag coming onβ¦ π
The mirrors are just propped up against the wall right now, but we’re going to hang them up soon. I had mentioned the idea of moving the light switches that are currently behind them, but a super smart reader named Kim left a comment on my last post about using some kind of “spacers” behind the mirrors instead. That way, the mirrors would hang away from the wall far enough to be able to slide our hand behind them to turn on the lights. I think we’re going to give that Β try! (Thank you, Kim!)
In adoption news, our paperwork was submitted with our son’s paperwork exactly one year ago today, and we’ve been on stand-by ever since. Many months have passed since theΒ Haitian government started working together with the Hague Convention to create a new, better, and more efficient system. New positions have been created, important people have been appointed, new steps are now being implemented, and things are finally starting to move.
All the while, our hope burns strong and steady- like a tiny light in the dark. No winds can make it flicker because it will not give up.
Katherine
Hi
The basket liners are probably 100% cotton and would be easy to dye.
Maureen
You never cease to amaze me Miss Layla! So simple, yet so darn pretty π I love the blanket used as a “runner” across the table. Perfect touch. I would be tempted to leave the mirrors leaning as they are. The seem to just work like that!
Laura Ingalls Gunn
It took over three years for us to have our son. Good things truly do come to those who wait. He is now 13 and that time of waiting seems so far behind us now. May the new year find your son in your arms.
Cindy Brown
Oh Layla, your new entryway really came out wonderfully!! Love the rolling baskets and I think I need at least one of them!
Angela Boone
We tried for over a year to have our daughter. She is a healthy, happy three and a half year old now. You and your family are in my prayers, and I can’t wait to see pictures of your sweet boy soon. Thank you so much for your positive, inspiring posts. You truly are a gift.
Christy Keyton
This is so pretty – I love that kind of symmetry too! I also love that you left the table unpainted. I have been on a painting “binge” lately and love to paint, but some things just need to be left stained. I have an oak chest in my office that I bought to paint, but then decided I loved the look of the wood after I put it in my office. Happy Thanksgiving – praying that you will get “moving ahead with baby boy” news soon!
Lisa W.
YOU ALWAYS just get it right!!!!!!!!!! I love your decorating style, I do the same:) Praying for your little boy to come home soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Those baskets with liners….swoooon
Julia G.
I like the table and mirrors in those frames – so pretty! I like the idea of hanging the mirrors on the wall – just leaning against the wall would be scary for me…I’d be the one bumping into them and, well you can guess what would happen once they fell π
Prayers for your sweet little one to be home soon!
Mary Feagley
The pitcher is Martha Stewart. I think it originally came from K-Mart. I have one just like it!
Gayla
I love this! Those old windows are amazing. I agree with your idea of symmetry too. I have a small old dresser as an entry table that I enjoy decorating throughout the year.
Alison
Beveled glass may have made them look too modern and fancy anyway. Plain glass is perfect. I wish I had that large fake tree of yours, it looks great. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Beth
Gorgeous. You are such an inspiration. I really enjoy your posts.
Jody
“Get. In. My. Eyeballs.” made me laugh out loud π I am keeping my fingers crossed that you and Kevin are on your way to Haiti and your son soon!
Tacy
Brilliant!
Rachel Huggins
Where did you find the New Orleans window frames? I love them!
shannon kinna
oh my gosh!! i love this! its perfect…and i love the mirrors leaning π praying you have your sweet p soon!
Carol
So beautiful – I love your ideas and and that you share you reasons behind your inspirations!
Tracie
Hi Layla, “long time listener, first time caller” – haha – love your blog, it is one of the 1st ones I started following many moons ago and still follow. Love the new entry table and accessories – I love the mirrors just leaning against the wall they way they are; gives a totally different feel than hanging them on the wall; just a thought – I am sure you already thought of it π –
Ter'e Crow Lindsay
Happy Thanksgiving to one of my favorite families!!!!
The second I opened your blog and read that first sentence, I recognized L.I.W. My favorite author as a child. (good memory, huh?)
Love love love those mirrored windows. So dang cute!!!!! I love your whole table idea.
I am thinking “Happy Birthday Sweet Lil P. Let’s hope, this time next year, he will be home with y’all.
xoxoxo
Funky Junk Interiors
Oh I agree 1000000% on your symmetry theory. I always feel like I’m seeing double if I have two of one thing… is that weird? haha
LOVE your little table area! And I love that you kept the woods completely as is too. Beautifully natural!
Sally
Well, my goodness! That didn’t take long!!! This looks great. I love all of the things you’ve chosen! Awesome. Happy Thanksgiving Layla!
Cathy R
I agree with everyone: This entry way looks great!
I have to tell you I was so excited when I was thumbing through my new Better Homes and Garden magazine this afternoon and saw YOU and Kevin!!!! It was like seeing an old friend make it to the big time. Silly, I know but that’s how I feel about the blogs I follow. You invite us into your lives and we get to know you intimately without you even knowing our names. We (I) feel like I know you personally and am so very happy for you when good things happen. Just know when your Sweet Pea arrives, we, your followers, will be doing a very happy dance!
Layla
Thank you, Cathy! And I wasn’t aware that we were mentioned in Better Homes & Gardens! I’ll have to check that out! What did the cover of the issue look like?
I know what you mean about us being “old friends”, too. After seven years of blogging and connecting with so many of the kind women who visit and comment here, I feel like I’ve got sisters all over the globe! It’s such a fun blessing! Especially this year, while we are waiting for little Mr.P! π
Jennifer
I just love it! Happy Thanksgiving π
Layla
Thank you, Jennifer! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, too! π
Danielle
It all looks so amazing! Wow. I know the adoption process has been so long but it will be so worth it once you bring your son home. I can’t wait and am so excited for you! x
bj
I love the whole look…and I think I would like the mirrors leaning best…:)
Studio Pillows
I love your entry table! Love old things mixed with new. π
MJ
Gorgeous! I bought the same frame from World Market the other day! π
Mindy
Such a sweet display! I love that quote at the start of your post – fitting for your situation but also spoke to me. I recently did a post weaving the This Little Light of Mine song through it and your quote just confirmed that we must keep our lights burning. Loves π
Barbara
The bins will hold shoes and other outside things? Oh I do believe they will hold toys and children things! : )
I always just use a cork from a wine bottle (cut in length if need be) behind anything I need to be out a bit from the wall. I glue one (or two depending on the size of the item) to the back of the picture, mirror or whatever and it holds it out nicely without marring the wall. Can’t get less expensive than that! Well, unless you drink really priced wine! : )