Happy Monday, friend!
I’m celebrating 10 years of blogging tomorrow and I can hardly believe that much time has passed since the first time I ever clicked ‘publish’ on a post! I don’t have a photo of my very first blog header (it was a free template that I picked when I was on Blogger.com), but here’s a look back at my second header:
I had so much fun designing that one and, as you can see, I carried the cute little tabs over to my current header:
Someone recently asked me if I ever get bored with sharing online, and if so, “how do I keep the fun in blogging?”. I told her I’ve never felt “bored” with sharing online (there’s too many ways to share to ever feel bored!) and that (I think) the way to keep the fun keep in blogging is to keep the fun in blogging! 😀 Meaning, if you blog about things that feel fun to you, it won’t ever feel like a bore or a chore.
Don’t get me wrong, unkind (and unnecessary) or critical comments (that aren’t constructive) have the ability to temporarily suck the fun out of this “jobby”, but comments (nice or not) can’t be what propels a person to blog. It has to be because sharing pictures and posts feels fun. Almost automatic. Like a natural, creative expression that just bubbles up and out of you and onto the pages of your online place.
The welcome message in my sidebar has always said, “Hi! I’m Layla. I enjoy writing and taking pictures and adding pages to this place whenever inspiration strikes. My blog is my playground and passion pushes my swing!“. I may have written that nearly a decade ago, but it’s still the perfect description of how I love to use this space today. Whether it’s your first visit or your five hundredth, thank you for swinging by! 🙂
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And since we’re on the subject of looking back, I thought it might be fun to share a post about how much our current living room has changed in the past 5 years. It’s been a slow transition because a) we were pinching pennies for four years (adoption process), b) I am much less spontaneous when it comes to making design decisions these days (40-something) and c) I have a precious, new priority named Steevenson that will always come before decorating and design projects. 😉
Anywho, here’s our living/dining room space (from the kitchen) back in October of 2012…
That was just two months before we started our adoption adventure…which most folks think took a long time, but when I look back at that photo, I see even more proof that time really does just whizz right on by.
And speaking of our adoption adventure, here’s a photo (featuring my “precious priority”!) from the same vantage point today:
And just in case someone wants to see it, here’s another shot that doesn’t feature the very best thing we’ve added to our home in the past five years:
Here’s a closer look at the fireplace, too:
Which used to look like this until we covered it up with a little wood, brick and limestone:
Here’s a link to our posts about the makeover in case you’re curious: The Lettered Cottage Fireplace
This year, we’re planning to finish the custom cabinetry on the left side of the fireplace (that will be identical to the cabinetry on the right, give us more storage, and hide the TV when it’s not in use) and I can hardly wait to get that project rolling. Like I said, the doors will look identical to the ones on the right (pictured below), but they’ll function differently because they’ll need to open differently so that we can pull the TV out and view it. The TV itself will be mounted to a wall that is very close to the front of the cabinet. It’s a little hard to explain, but I’ll be sure to share a detailed post with photos when we get to that point in the process.
That area around the doors (on the cabinet) is clad in Stikwood. It’s super thin, adhesive-backed, reclaimed wood that we painted to match the rest of the fireplace….which is painted Light French Gray by Sherwin-Williams. I wanted to add that to give the cabinets more character and we’ll do the same thing to the cabinet on the left side when it’s finished. Kevin picked the handles up at Home Depot and I like the way they pop off the light gray.
The fireplace wall has been so much fun to (slowly) transform, but the gallery wall is still my favorite:
I know what you’re thinking. Gallery wall? What gallery wall? 😉
‘Til next time,
Layla
Love the changes you made! And love your blog! I looked at the previous post about redoing your fireplace, but didn’t see the name of the brick surround. I love it and might be building a new home in a few years and want to include it! Thanks!
I looked back at a post titled “Fireplace Brick” and found that she used Spanish Fort from brick.com
Here’s a link: http://www.brick.com/search/content/spanish%20fort
Yep! That’s it! Thank you, Millie! 😀
Thank you, Dee Ann! We used a (full-size) brick called Spanish Fort on the fireplace. We got locally at a place called Acme Brick, which I believe is a national chain. I did have to faux finish it a bit after it was installed because the men who put it in and mortar-washed it left too much mortar on it. It looked like a heavily frosted cake and wasn’t quite the look I was after. The finished look is more like what it looked like before they mortar-washed it, but you’ll definitely want to get a sample to make sure it’s the look you’re after! 😀
Wow! First congrats on blogging anniversary!
The living room is an amazing transformation, it is so light and calming now! Every time you post a pic of Steevenson, I’m always thinking, “ how do you not look at the boy and just smile!” I love him just hanging out in those shots! Your gallery wall has so much dimension, it’s been my favorite one out of all the ones I’ve seen! Glad to hear you still enjoy the blogging, I sure enjoy seeing a new post in my inbox!!! Hope you continue to enjoy the process for many years to come!
Thank you, Karlene! And I agree, it’s hard not to stare at our little guy. What a ray of sunshine he is in our life!
And thank you for the kind words about the gallery wall. It was a blast to put together and other than little seasonal tweaks, I still don’t have the urge to change it. I’m probably “supposed to” as a lifestyle blogger, but I’ve never been much of a rule follower. 😉
Your home has come a long way, Layla. It seems like
Yesterday since I’ve been following your blog. Now you’ve got the icing in the cake, that cute Stevenson! Hugs to you and the family
Thank you, Susan! Hugs back atcha! 😀
Love the gallery wall and the egret artwork. Would you please speak to where you purchased this or suggestions for an alternate source. You have such a welcoming look!
Best to you and your precious family.
Hi Debbie!
Our friend, Ruthie Carlson, painted it. You can find her here: Ruthie Carlson Fine Art
Wow, I totally forgot how this space looked when you bought the house. Sooo much better now! I stole your brick for our new house! Tried to get hubs behind making the rolling doors for the basement windows too, but he made so many more things for the space that I couldn’t get him to do one more. I have a secretary waiting for me to paint, after seeing yours. Just can’t settle on a color! You have given me so much inspiration over the years, and I thank you for being here! Happy Blogiversary! 😉
Thank you for the kind comment, Marianne! And I know what you mean about not wanting to ask for that “one more thing” after your hubs completed so many other things. My new motto with home projects is, “maybe next year…and if not, that’s okay too”! It’s the people, not the projects, that make our house a home! 😀
Layla
Love your lamp and chair. Can I find them somewhere?
Love your room.
Dra
Hi, Dra!
Which lamp and which chair?
Blue chair and table lamp beside it.
Thanks
Oh! That chair is gray…here’s a link:
The lamp is part of a Lettered Cottage collection coming out very soon! 😀
Just love what you have done in your living area!
I love your “precious priority!” He’s so much fun to watch grow!❤️
Thank you, Dirose! And I agree…he’s such a blast to be with!
Been a fan, reader, friend of yours ( lol) since the beginning! Congratulations on 10 years! Keep on putting out all you do!
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Aw, thanks Lisa! So fun knowing you’re still here after all these years! 😀
Love the transformation. Of the fireplace, the home, the family. I have always loved the space you’ve carved out here in the online world. Keep sharing your passions. xo
Goodness, I wish I could remember how I found your blog…I think i’ve been following along for 7 or 8 years. I’ve loved every post. Keep doing what you are doing.
Enjoy your blog! I think it’s the love coming through what you do and how your write. Your welcome statement is terrific.
What a transformation.. Just gorgeous and you know, if asked, what we are all going to say is the best addition to this beautiful Palmer household transformation. Yep, that gorgeous little son of yours’. But I love it all really. I actually think I remember what brought my attention to your blog many years ago. I think it was the Ikea floral pillow on the build in seating!! It was before Stevensons time and I still love that pillow and that little guest room. At least I think I was a guest room! I could be wrong? Anyhow here’s to another ten years bringing us into your little guys teenage years… Much fun ahead… Love and Always best wishes to you and your Fab family… Marie 🙂
Congrats on your special anniversary! I have followed your blog for many years and have enjoyed every bit of your blog!
Thank you so much, Denise! So neat to know you’ve been with us for a while! 😀
Five years in your current house???? I think you miscounted. I can’t have aged that much. 😉 Love the changes … and oh my, but Steevenson’s legs are getting long!
Ha! 😀 But yes, it’ll be six years this October. Hard to believe, huh?
And Kevin and I were just looking at Steevenson’s legs today as he was stretched out on the floor playing with his trains. It’s wild how fast kids grow!
I love your home but the best thing in your post: that little photo-bomb! He is adorable and I hope he gets a brother or sister soon!
Susan
Aw, thank you sweet Susan! What a fun comment to log on and find! 😀
Layla, my sister, Kary Ross ([email protected]), has followed you since you began blogging. She is always sending your ideas to me. Now I am starting remodel projects and am more excited to read your blogs. I’ll be doing kitchenamd baths. My dear is the balance between getting a look I’m happy with without thinking I have to spend a lot to make it happen. We aren’t carpenters so have to hire others. How do I get a nice look without designer prices? I don’t even know what a reasonable budget would be for the kitchen and each bath. I look forward to gleaning from your work and joys😊.
Bobbie Mohler
Happy Blogiversary! I’ve followed you almost since the beginning and love your light and airy style. We just bought a house that has dark granite and backsplash tile with cherry-ish looking cabinets. It’s so dark. I think I have the hubs convinced to paint the cabinets. Don’t know if I can get him to rip out good granite though. I love the transformation you guys did. Your home looks completely different! Thanks for all your ideas!
Thank you, Angie!
And regarding the granite- we ripped ours out because it just wasn’t our style. Kevin always says, “If we’re going to work hard to pay a mortgage on this place every month, we’re also going to have fun making it feel like *our* home…not the builders.” Maybe that will help convince your hubby? 😉
Hi, Layla,
I’ve been following TLC since the very beginning – way back when you were wistful about living in the French countryside. I even bought (and still have) a whole bunch of things from your blog sale (wall lamps, green curtain, beaded pillow)! Your blog is great! I love your eye for design, your resourcefulness, and most of all, your wonderful sense of humor.
Hi Layla!
I’ve tried to search your past posts but I’m coming up short. Where are those adorable sconces in your living room from? They look like Pottery Barn, but I fear they may be a past design…
Hi Sara!
You’re right! Those are Pottery Barn sconces I purchased from a seller on eBay several years ago. I forget what they’re called, but I’ve never been able to find them on there since. :-/
Layla, can you recommend a good white paint for walls? Also I want to paint my upper kitchen cabinets white. Do I match to the wall? Or what? Thanks!
Hi, Megan!
My favorite is Simply White by Benjamin Moore and I always use their Muralo brand paint on cabinets. It’s incredible! It’s up to you whether you match the walls. Whatever makes your heart sing is what you should do! 🙂
Where did you get those beautiful blue pillows on the couch?
HomeGoods!
My goodness Layla, Stunning! And I’m with ya…your son is definitely the most precious addition to that space;).
Thank you so much, Erika!
Layla,
So hard to even imagine that someone would say anything unkind or critical !
I am thanking you for all the sharing, caring and inspiration.
You have broadened our horizons, shared faith and fears, and we so look forward to your blog.
Steevenson is the icing on the anniversary cake 😉 so nice to see him looking so relaxed and happy.
May God continue to bless the work of your hands and heart
Looks beautiful can I ask how you did your window wooden sliders ?