…Christmas, that is!
You didn’t think I had some big ol’ DIY project done already did ya?
‘Cause this girl has had a hard enough time just getting the last of the Christmas stuff put away and the house cleaned up!
You didn’t think I had some big ol’ DIY project done already did ya?
‘Cause this girl has had a hard enough time just getting the last of the Christmas stuff put away and the house cleaned up!
Now I know that some of you entered into the New Year with hot glue guns and paint brushes flying, but I seem to be a bit slower at getting myself motivated.
Anyone else out there with me?
Come out, come out wherever you are and tell me I’m not the only one!
So, while these are really not Before and After’s in the true DIY sense, I thought it would still be fun to see how I transitioned my Christmas decor into more a more simplified Winter-y look.
I’d like to tell you that my master plan all along was to decorate my mantels for Christmas with pieces that I would then reuse for the rest of winter, but you know what? I’m just not that organized!
And frankly, I never really changed up my mantel all that often B.B. (Before Blogging).
But all of you talented and creative folks keep me on my toes so for the first time ever, I attempted to make that shift from “Christmas” to “Winter”.
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For my living room mantel, I just removed the extra “stuff” and kept the mercury glass candlesticks and pinecone candles as well as my “faux” paperwhites.
For my living room mantel, I just removed the extra “stuff” and kept the mercury glass candlesticks and pinecone candles as well as my “faux” paperwhites.
I added back in some simple greenery.
And for a pop of white, this wooden box filled with pinecones and sprigs of greenery.
In the family room, my Advent Mantel went through a simple transition as well.
Keeping the tall berry trees on either end, I added these chunky candlesticks (on clearance at Target!) and some more faux greenery.
My favorite little Frenchy clock adds some lightness to this mantel as well.
I know I may be the only person left in blogland who hasn’t painted their fireplace white, but I do love how the brighter colors pop against the dark wood.
My next change was a bit less seasonal, but I really love it!
I wasn’t planning on adding something new to my foyer but…
…this sweet mirror just hopped into my cart at Marshalls.
Why does that keep happening?
In the photo above you can see that I had 2 smaller pictures hanging on one of the walls.
I really liked the prints, but I really LOVE how much lighter and brighter the space feels with this new mirror.
And, it came pre-chippified and distressed. Bonus!
See that room at the end of the hall reflected in the mirror?
I’m thinking that is going to be my first big project of 2012.
I’m thinking that is going to be my first big project of 2012.
The laundry/mudroom.
Why have I been putting it off?
Because it is just so much easier to fill a chicken wire dome with pine cones and set them all on top of a pretty little pedestal, of course!
Thanks so much for joining me today at the Fence,
The laundry room is one of my big projects this year too. Can’t wait to see what you do with yours.
Love your decor, and I must go find that mirror!
Nice transformation. Can’t wait to see what you do…if only I had a laundry room….
LOVE your pinecones, Vanessa! 😉 I hope you’re having a great week playing catch-up.
My problem is that my projects are big and can’t be done in a couple of days. That pretty much leaves me with nothing to talk about unless anyone wants to see play by play of wallpaper stripping!
Maureen
No worries, my ornaments or down but I need help to get the lights off and the tree in the box! With my broken foot, we are lucky the tree even went up! I did do a couple projects that are very small. Happy New Year!
It’s taken me forever to get back in the swing of things. little by little. The chippy mirror is wonderful!! xoxo
I love the transition. I have just removed all my decorations and they are waiting to be put away in the attic. My mantle is empty (too Christmasy to keep for the rest of the winter) and I am contemplating the next decorative step. I like how yours is a gradual transition.
I had to laugh…before blogging I rarely changed out my mantle. Now I change it 4-5 times a year! I love your changes and look forward to checking out what you have planned for 2012. I’m still working on my winter mantle. Something doesn’t look right on it…I hope to figure it out soon. Also…don’t paint your mantle…the dark wood is gorgeous.
Both mantels look very nice, and you totally scored on that mirror in your foyer. Perfect!
CAS
Love the look of your wintery mantle V. And the mirror is so pretty against the walls. Great job girlie!
xoxo,
Kim
I like all of your changes! That mirror is so pretty. I love painted mirrors like that. They’re so versatile. If you ever want to move it to another spot….you can!
Pretty mantels and yes, jump on that laundry room. I did mine a few months ago and it feels so much better after putting it off forever.
Love the changes you made to your mantel. I really like the new mirror, especially its chippiness! Great job.
Oh, I’m with you, I’m a slow starter as well. But you have done a gorgeous job so far. Love that little mirror, they seem to follow me everywhere, too!
Thanks for stopping by, I can’t wait to see your makeover (no pressure!)
Hugs,
Patti
Love all your winter touches Vanessa and I LOVE your new mirror, it was made for that wall!! Love the wire cloche filled with pine cones too!
Vanessa, I love all of your Christmas to Winter changes! Like you, it takes me awhile to get into project mode; so, I start with simple decorative changes and work my way up. LOL!
You’re not alone, Vanessa! The only things I’ve done so far have been sewing ~ and nothing major either! I do want to get a move on the painting projects I have planned just because I’d like to get them done.
Your changes look really nice. I soo need to paint and spruce up my laundry room this winter.
I love your new mirror and it looks great there- xo Diana
Love looking at all your pics and reading your blog. I used a lot of pine cones this year to decorate with for Christmas. A shame not to as my yard is full of them! Happy New Year.
It all looks so nice! I’m doing the same thing at my house – taking down all the Christmas decor, but still keeping up some “wintery” decor. Thanks for all the inspiration!
Love the changes, and that mirror! I thought my out house was going to be my biggest project this year, but it maybe my laundry room too! Have a great day!
Debbie
Gorgeous mirror! And I have that same problem with stuff just falling into my cart at Marshall’s. Go figure! 😉
Sharon
I LOVE getting glimpses of your lovely home, Vanessa – especially your hall, which I have always been completely jealous about!! SO tall, so glamorous!!
Sarahx
I love the transitions! How did you come up with the chicken wire dome? Did you make that yourself! Awesome!
Melody
ChattyChics.com
PS Thanks for joining me today! You girls are awesome. 🙂
I did the same thing with my mantel. I just took off the poinsettias, the stockings and the garland. Even though we’ve pretty much had a warm winter so far(a few really cold days thrown in), I’m looking forward to Spring already!
I always love your mantels my dear and these are gorgeous. Love the mirror!!
xoxoxo
The little pots with the berries and greens are my favorite!
Anyone else ready for spring? Gorgeous primp 🙂
Looks so beautiful! I love your shots and the mirror is perfect in the foyer.
This is a beautiful post, showing your mantel and foyer! Both are beautiful and your transition is lovely!
Thank you for linking to Potpourri Friday!
Beautiful, beautiful! I love your decorating. Your family room mantel is my fav! Love those little pots with greenery and candles!
Its quite dangerous all those things jumping into our shopping carts, I sometimes have the same problem. I really do like your new mirror and where you hung it.
I especially love the chicken wire filled with pinecones.
Ann
Love the chicken wire “lid”! How did you make that?
Stopping by from toddlindsey.com
I love your before and after Vanessa! Your home is just beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing!
Love the chicken wire dome!