Well, here we are on the last day of December 2012- happy New Year’s Eve!
We’ve made a few more updates in our sunroom (a.k.a- my office) over the past month, so I thought I’d share some more before-and-after photos here today. This first one isn’t really an “after” yet, but we’re having some friends over tonight, so I’m determined to get a bunch of our new (old) shutters up today:
The story behind them is a pretty neat one, and it started on Facebook, of all places.
Kev and I had been having a heck of a time trying to figure out how in the world we were going to cover all the windows in there with something other than temporary paper shades. We loved the shutters that Mary Kay Andrews used at Breeze Inn…
…but we couldn’t find any that fit our (extra-tall) windows for less than a million dollars each. #Kidding #KindOf
One night, I decided to throw our dilemma out there on Facebook to see if anyone had any they were looking to get rid of. Why not, right? Here’s what I posted:
We were stoked to hear back from a whole bunch of folks, and in the end, a woman named Toney was the one who shipped us the shutters. She sent them (from South Carolina) for the price of shipping, which was so, so kind of her to do. (Thanks again, Toney! We are so grateful for what you did!)
We’ve got 12 sets total, so first we’re going to see what it looks like with shutters on both the bottom and top half of one of the windows (like Mary Kay did), and we’ll decide what we want to do from there. I do love the idea of using some cordless roman shades like these on the upper half of each window…
(Pottery Barn- Riviera Stripe Cordless Roman Shade)
…but those suckers are so pricey, and I can’t seem to find any that look (and function) exactly like them anywhere else on the web. #ToBeContinued
For Christmas, Kevin got me a big ol’ jute rug to use in there under our piano:
(Pottery Barn- Round Jute Rug)
He was able to take advantage of a 40% off sale when he bought it (yay!), and I love the contrast of color and texture it adds to the floor in there.
We also took advantage of a sale on my desk chair this month. It’s the Hayden dining chair (in Linen) from World Market:
Here’s a close up of the fabric:
Luh. Shuss. Ness!
If the chair had come with a spoon, I swear, I totally would’ve understood why. YUM.
When we have company, I’m going to slide my chair back into the corner, and close up my desk, like this:
I attached thick felt squares to the bottom of each leg, so it slides over there easy breezy, without scratching the floor.
Oh, and you can see in one of the other secretary photos above that I finally got around to painting the inside of it this month. I used Grain Sack-colored milk paint from Miss Mustard Seed, and lemme just tell ya- the winner of the Most Un-Fun Thing In The World To Paint With A Paint Brush is definitely the cubby and drawer section of a secretary. #WristWrecker
This is what it started out like…
…and here it is all coated in Grain Sack, with a new little drawer knob from Hobby Lobby:
I just took all our Christmas decor down, so it looks a little bare-ish inside the glass doors right now. I’m going to play around with some things in there today. I’m feeling most inspired by this little pot I got from my friend Shannan (Flowerpatch Farmgirl) a couple of weeks ago:
We were able to meet up with her (and her daughter Ruby) on the way back from Michigan, and our lunch together at Cracker Barrel was definitely a highlight of the trip!
(I’m such a Flowerhead- I get so excited when I see that’s she’s published a new post!)
My FAVORITE “before and after” photo of the year doesn’t have anything to do with our sunroom though…
2012 has been a truly Transformative year for me, and I feel incredibly blessed to be able to share these kinds of “makeover” photos here with you, too! #ThankYouForBeingSuchBrightLightsInMyLife #Happy2013!
PS- The winner of the True Value gift card giveaway is:
Congrats, Anjanette! I’ll be in touch with you shortly!
What a precious post. That last before/after is the most important of your life. Love you.
C
I so enjoy seeing the changes you are making in your new home. And I just love that you ended this post with pics of your baptism. Awesome! Sending my love y’all’s way for a blessed new year in 2013!
The most awesome “makeover” post ever!!
YEEEEE!!! I totally got chills when I saw your baptism picture!! What an amazing moment and such a blessing that Kevin got to assist. Love it!! 🙂
Love the shutters and other decor photos but the bestest one is the baptism one! Yay! ;0)
Love the before and after pictures, but the last set brought tears to my eyes!
Like the makeovers. I am thinking about painting the secretary bookcase but I am currently using it as china buffet. Thank you for inspiration.
One more thing. Saw the photo of you all the way bottom. It was touching. Happy New Year
That was an amazing photo at the end of the post-you saved the best for last. I love the colors you are using in the sun room!
Love the blue secretary and the chair is a dream!
And I am such a lover of shutters, not the plantation kind-but the vintage looking ones. My neighbor is a decorator and she put those same shutters in her living room-white, top and bottom.
She opens the top even at night since her house is higher than the street. You have to go up 4 steps to her front porch. They left all the natural trees and foilage in their front yard-looks amazing! Like Florida scrub.
Congrats on your baptism- they always make me tear up, apparently even when I’m not actually there! 🙂 Love the shutters- I brought some used ones home, but couldn’t make them work, ended up re-donating them. What a blessing that you found the right size!
Love seeing all of your progress. The shutters are going to look so good! I was thinking you might be able to knock off those shades. I’ll have to look at the skematics of the real deals on PB but first thought was affixing a fabric panel to the front of those cheap roll down shades. If you attached it across the shade every 12 inches or so when it was fully extended then you could close the shade and the parts that aren’t attached (I was thinking sewn on) would fold and layer up…..possibly…it works in my head but might not be as awesome as I’m picturing in real life!
p.s. I mistyped my website name so here’s the fix 🙂
these don’t work the same way as the PB ones but here’s a tutorial to make cordless roman shades:
http://www.ehow.com/how_5750431_make-cordless-roman-shades.html
I realize now that your secretary is *shutter gray* and I said it was blue. On my computer is looks pale blue!
I love what you are doing with your darling house. I’m stoked about your baptism! PTL!!
Congrats on putting on the uniform! (baptism). Over the past year, I’ve noticed your be more open (and always winsome) about your faith. It’s as beautiful as you are.
My daughter and I were rooting for the corbell-supported desk, though we knew whatever you chose it would be delightful and just right.
Happy new year 🙂
My wish for you Layla and Kevin is a year filled with joy, love, laughter, great health and for God to keep you safe in his arms at all times.
I know you will be the best mommy and pop ever when the time comes,( maybe with spring flowers). You show and share your alive spirit and your gentle soul with us all. One lucky little person will be part of all the warmth and caring and love you have to offer.
Cheers! Geri.
Ok, I never leave comments. But your last pic gave me gooseumps and brought tears to my eyes. Such an unexpected surprise! AWESOME! Welcome to the family, girl. You are well loved! Thanks for the encouragement and beauty of that moment. You go girl. God bless!
Your baptism pics made me tear up too…love it!! I was baptized along with my 3 children, so I have happy baptism memories too….we were sprinkled and not dunked, but it’s all the same in the eyes of God. Love ya!
Dear Layla,
I could tell in so many of your posts this year the Jesus has been doing an amazing work in you life. I am thrilled for you and love seeing how God changes us from the inside out. Both you and Kevin do amazing work transforming these lovely little cottages you get your hands on. I am reminded of this verse…Isaiah 64:8 Yet, Oh Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter, we are all the work of your hand. I am so excited to see what God has in store for you this year..praying that He brings you a precious little one to love!
Congratulations on your baptism!
That picture of your pretty wet head made me CRY! Wish I could have been there.
I’m LOVING your secretary. Love. Ing. The display on top is perfection and that light on the wall???! HELLO.
ps – Total Letterhead right here. 🙂
Congratulations on your baptism Layla! May God Bless you and Kevin and the big plans he has for you in 2013!
Love it all. Congradulations on the baptism.
I was enjoying your room photos with your beautiful secretary, gorgeous new rug and lovely chair. Then, came the pictures of your baptism – wonderful beyond compare. I’m still wiping the tears from my eyes.
Thanks so much for sharing that incredible moment with us.
God Bless!
(re: last pic) AWE. SOME. SISTA! Isn’t that the best construction project … EVER! <3 <3
I have an idea for your Roman shades. I did a project not too long ago using fabric medium. It turned out exactly how I had imagined it and have since used it for many more projects. Here’s the link.
http://granddesignco.blogspot.com/2011/01/painting-fabric.html
You could use an inexpensive Roman shade like this one from Ikea
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30219016/
and just paint the stripes on it. That way you could even get the exact color you want by mixing your own paint.
Just an idea…
Congratulations on your baptism!! God bless you!
The whole post is just wonderful to read. Thanks for sharing…
Oh and can I tell you… I just fell in love with that light blue secretary. How gorgeous!! LOVE LOVE LOVE!
Have a wonderful, new, exciting and sparkling 2013!
Inge x
Oh Crimany!
I am reading along….seeing all the lovely sunroom pictures…..doing just fine…..smiling…happy, happy, happy.
Then, out of the blue, I see your baptism picture. Oh honey, I lost it again. What an absolute blessing to see our Kev at your side. Sniff. I am so proud of you! Congratulations!
Oh yes, I love your new chair and shutters. Way cool. The baptism photo wins, hands down tho!
I am in love with the green piece of pottery that you friend gave you!
I love your blog and am happy when you AND Flowerpatch Farmgirl have new posts. Love the sunroom, secretary and shutters but I really love your baptism photos. If you hadn’t accomplished anything but this all this past year, it still would have been the best. Many many blessings to you. But, I have a question about shutters. I too wanted to put some on all the windows on the upper floor of this old house, (got 5 sets brand new plantation shutters for my living room for $45!!!!) and so some kind person sold me many many sets on Craigslist for very cheap- and now I find they are an inch!! too narrow. Any bright ideas on how I can still put them in window?? I thought of nailing extra narrow strip of wood on either side of window frame and then attaching them to that?? Any ideas?
Ours are 1″ too narrow, too! 😀 We’re still thinking about what we’re going to do about it- but I’ll be sure to blog about our solution when we come up with one! 😀
I LOVE your baptism pic! That is a great makeover and I am loving your sunroom as well!
Happy New Year!
Girl, 2012 WAS your “UP” year! What a blessing! Can’t wait to watch “June” unfold for you!! ~Kim
Of all the things you’ve shared on your blog, your baptism is the most exciting! Welcome to the family!
A makeover that will last for eternity…the best!!!! Loved seeing the baptism photos! The look on your face is such a testimony to others! Sending you a big hug sister!!
Love you new updates and the fabric on that chair is wonderful! Thanks for sharing your baptism photos – an unexpected happy to the end of a makeover post : )
congratulations and may God bless you abundantly!
Beautiful photos of your baptism. Thank you for sharing…you have such a beautiful spirit….His 🙂
I am so happy for you congrats on the baptism. Best ever before and after picture.
The last picture is the best before and after on your blog! Yay!
Congrats on your baptism! The best transformation of all!
Super cute desk!!!
#yourrewardforwreckingyourwrist
Happy New Year!!
Leah: )
P.S. – That jute rug is my kind of Christmas present too! haha!!
Layla, everything in this post is so beautiful. I love the secretary. I think the shutters are the perfect window covering (I’m not a fan of drapes… love me some woodwork). But that last photo has me choking back tears! I am overjoyed to greet you as my sister in Christ! 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
All your hard work at home looks great! But what a Special blessing to be baptized – and begin the best kind of hard work as God changes you and challenges you through His sanctifying grace.
Grace and Peace!
Kelly
Oh my! Precious photo of your baptism! I love the look on Kevin’s face and how he puts his hand on your arm. Sweet! God blessings on you.
Love, love, love the shutters…they are timeless !! Great before & after pic… Happy Baptism
Hi Layla! I have a question about your cat and the jute rug and linen chair. We have a wonderful 1 year old at, Kitty Purry, but she picks at everything! I have a linen headboard that I am constantly pulling her off of, and I’m afraid she’d destroy a jute rug – do you have to deal with that with your cat, and if so, what do you do?? Thanks!
I absolutely love this post, Layla!
Layla,
I for years have loved your blog and inspiration. But, SO much more than that love seeing the JOY written all over your face in the last picture. Baptisms get me every time- such a beautiful sight!
Layla, your shutters look fabulous, as do all the changes you’re making to your home. So fun to watch you put your personality into another house! I just made a few roman shades with mini blinds….it’s super cheap and easy, once you get the hang of it! You can even line them. I followed a few different tutorials….here’s one I have bookmarked!
http://simplymrsedwards.wordpress.com/2012/02/27/diy-roman-shades-from-mini-blinds/
So excited for you and I’m not talking about your painted furniture! 🙂 You and Kev transform room/homes. GOD transforms lives! So inspired by your sharing Jesus through your baptism picture. CANNOT wait to see what great plan He has for your life! Love, love, just LOVE THIS TESTIMONY! 🙂
OMG, I love the shot of you guys getting baptised. I can’t wait for you to experience all that God has for you and growing your family, i love that your hearts are so open to His plan. I got baptised as an adult with my husband and that is truly the best transformation of all. I hope you have an amazing 2013, and thank you in advance for sharing your heart and home with us!
Your desk looks lovely!!!!!!!!!!! You have such a nice “flare” for decor Layla…looks just awesome!!! Happy New Year!