“Think about making do, and doing what you can with what you have. Think about finding value in what already is.”
–Carmella Rayone
I found some value in what already was this weekend. 🙂
That secretary that used to be in our kitchen? I dragged it into the dining room. It was just the right height, depth and width for that spot next to the front door, so over it went.
It used to be painted “Layla’s Mint“- which was so pretty in the kitchen, but I wanted it to be a little deeper (and grayer) in the dining room, so now it’s Sherwin-Williams “Coastal Plain”.
I filled it back up with things from around the house. I never did show you the hay bale painting I got from Donna Tucker, did I?
Oh- and Coolwhip the Cow! She’s a new-ish addition, too:
Found her in a shop called Apples & Oats on Etsy.
Hope you have a great Monday…don’t forget to invent some imaginary letters this week!
PS- The Compendium giveaway winner is Mary Feagley! 😀
Congrats, Mary! I’ll send you an email today!
I love the new addition to your dining room. Green is my favorite color. Girl, I love your style!
Thank you for the inspiration. We have a solid oak dining room set (which I hate) that we dragged from our house in the country to our much smaller ranch in the city. It is totally too large for the room and all that oak makes me cringe. I think a coat of paint on some of it might improve. Hubby is balking at getting rid of this set and buying another. 🙁
I love moving furniture from room to room. So many people say, oh you have a new piece. Um, Nope, just moved it from this room to the next. Happy Monday
Hi, Layla! I love the wire basket on the side of your secretary and your beautiful styling. Where did you find the basket?
I, too, would love to know where you found the great basket on the side of the secretary!
Layla, Thank you for sharing my art with your fans. I just love the white frame on the Hay Field painting. You elevate my art, now it is picture-perfect. I would have never thought of placing it in a light frame. Thank you for opening my eyes to other possibilities.
Yay! Layla, you’re the best!
Love your style! Was antiquing yesterday and saw lots of paint by numbers – thought of you each time!
Thank you for sharing where you found the cow art! I have looked so many times at Etsy and never saw this artist! We used to live on the top of a mountain, on 64 acres, surrounded by open fields, trees, and farms. I now have many beautiful choices for my gallery wall–thank you!
So beautifully done!
I love what you have done with this secretary! The magazine rack on the side is a wonderful idea. I’ve been looking for a way to store my cook books!
Chris
Beautiful piece (both times) I adore both colors! ~mla
I’m in love with Coolwhip the Cow!
Just beautiful Layla!
Love it and especially love how you used what you had ?
Layla, that’s one of the things I admire most about your decorating style! You find new spots for things in your home, use simple updates, handmade meaningful pieces……all while keeping it SO clean, never cluttered looking! Love the new place (and color!) for your secretary!
I love how clean and fresh this space feels! That’s the sort of space a creative, too-many-thoughts-at-once girl like me needs. Thanks for sharing!
Beautiful, Layla. x
Was the SW Coastal Plain paint flat or semi gloss? Did you apply a finish over the paint?
Were you able to paint right over the MMSMP? Your piece looks great!! Please tell us more.
Yep- just slapped on a coat from a little sample pot we had. I think it’s a satin finish?
Thank you for continuing to inspire “amateur designers” with fresh ideas and affordable remakes. You don’t constantly “remind” us that you are “partnering” with companies or “representing” companies that supplied you with donated items in order for you to mention them in your posts. So many of us respect you and Kevin for keeping “The Lettered Cottage” a solid source of inspiration and refusing to seek followers for the sake of analytics.
My mom always used a quote very similar to Carmella’s when I was young so when you couple this great quote with one of my favorite furniture pieces and add to that my favorite color…you’ve got one very close to my heart post. Thanks as always Layla!! 🙂
just charming Layla..and thanks for the reminder to look at what we have and make something wonderful..
Hi Layla, I love reading your blog. Love your decorating and painting talent. And I love pictures of your kitties and pup. I have a question about your dining room post today. Where did you get the wire basket hanging from the side of the secretary? I could really use something similar at my home. Thanks so much!
P.S. You and Kevin are in my prayers regarding your soon-to-be-adopted son. Think of you guys often.
I love the secretary!!! I also want to know where you got the wire basket that’s hanging on the side.
I saw the “3” and then the “SP” and thought they were both reminiscent of little Sweet Pea coming home soon….. Then the closer shot revealed salt and pepper shakers – ha! But, “Sweet Pea” – why not??? 🙂