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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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May 11, 2016

Bi-fold Shutter Doors Turned Entry Decor

I’m so excited to be kicking off a fun new series today with some of my favorite thrifty blogging friends and sharing with you how I transformed an old pair of bi-fold shutter doors into a fresh new look for my entry.

But first, let’s just get real here for a minute. Do you ever stress decorate? Do you ever feel so overwhelmed by the craziness of life that you just have to step away and do something that seems kind of mindless but in reality provides your mind with a lovely little escape even if just for a few moments?

French country entry decor with shutter doors atthepicketfence.com

Well that’s how I felt a couple of weeks ago when I was up to my eyeballs in book edits and deadlines and didn’t think I could handle writing ONE.MORE.WORD.

So, I closed the lid of my laptop, opened the windows to let the cool breeze come into the stuffy house and went upstairs to grab the bi-fold shutter doors I had recently picked up at a second-hand store. My original intention was to use them in a lonely corner of our bedroom but they just weren’t the right fit.

old shutter doors

I quickly gave them a fresh coat of paint and set about giving my entry a little bit of a softer, brighter look as we head into these warmer months.

Simple French country inspired entry table decor with shutter doors

While I was at Home Depot last week I had every intention of only purchasing a metal bucket but these lavender topiaries just begged to come home with me and I couldn’t say ‘no’. Honestly, I’m kind of obsessed with them and have moved them around to many different spots in my home but I know that soon I will need to properly pot them and put them outside.

lavender topiary in clay pot

After such a long stretch of feeling like I had totally lost my creative mojo, it was just so nice to do something that seemed to fill back up my empty creativity tank.

And it was such a reminder to me of how important it is that I maintain that balance. While writing is definitely creative, sometimes it can leave me feeling like I’ve been in a dark tunnel.

It amazes me that something as simple as sprucing up a second-hand find and rearranging decorative items can make me feel as though I’ve come out of that tunnel and into the light.

Shutter doors as a backdrop for simple french country decor

 

And now that our book is FINALLY going to press at the end of this month, look out!!

Who knows how much more creativity might be coming your way! 😉

Now, don’t miss seeing all of the other thrifty ideas coming your way from the Thrifty Style Team.

Thrifty Style Team Faces

An InLinkz Link-up


Thank you for meeting me at the Fence today,

Vanessa signature

14 Comments Filed Under: Crafts, Decorating, Good Ideas

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Comments

  1. Design Chic says

    May 11, 2016 at 4:25 AM

    i love it,Vanessa! What a perfect idea for your entrance! Happy Wednesday!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      May 11, 2016 at 7:12 AM

      Thank you!

      Reply
  2. Nancie says

    May 11, 2016 at 4:42 AM

    I’m obsessed with shutters! They just make me happy. Your entryway is gorgeous, Vanessa! I too love lavender. I’ve planted three outside this year and they are thriving! Have a great day!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      May 11, 2016 at 7:12 AM

      Thank you so much Nancie!

      Reply
  3. Meg | Hello Farmhouse says

    May 11, 2016 at 6:42 AM

    I love these shutters, Vanessa! They look amazing behind that beautiful wood dresser. And great call on those topiaries!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      May 11, 2016 at 7:12 AM

      Thank you so much Meg!! I’m kind of obsessed with those topiaries. LOL!!

      Reply
  4. Linda says

    May 11, 2016 at 8:23 AM

    I get the exact same feeling you do when I have taken a break and been creative. There’s no feeling like it! Keep it up! BTW, LOVE that entry hall.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      May 11, 2016 at 9:10 AM

      Thank you so much Linda! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Julie says

    May 11, 2016 at 8:29 AM

    Beautiful vignette, Vanessa! I’m obsessed with shutters. Shutters and gates get me every time. Thanks so much for joining our amazing team! XO

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      May 11, 2016 at 9:10 AM

      Thanks girl!

      Reply
  6. kristi@ishouldbemoppingthefloor says

    May 11, 2016 at 9:45 AM

    Oh my heck, Vanessa! This is sooooo pretty!! Love all of the texture this brings to this area. Such a perfect anchor. And I bet the lavender topiaries smell incredible!! xoxo

    Reply
  7. Debbie @ Refresh Restyle says

    May 16, 2016 at 4:18 AM

    Love the bi-folds, just wish I had some!! I need to put them on my thrifting list 🙂
    Debbie

    Reply
  8. Amy says

    September 2, 2016 at 11:00 AM

    Hi. Where did you get the wreath?

    Reply
  9. Debbie Stem says

    August 16, 2017 at 4:02 PM

    can you please email me with the name of the yellow paint on the walls above. I carry the picture around with me of that same wall when you had plates on it. I can’t seem to match the yellow

    Reply

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