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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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The first weekend in December seems like a good ti The first weekend in December seems like a good time for my annual gentle reminder about this month. I don’t know about you but, for me, December is a month of mixed emotions, ranging from joy-filled moments to ones that have me wanting to pull my hair out.

There are so many expectations and we put so much pressure on ourselves to create magical memories. And for years I have felt the added weight of wanting to make sure my family had opportunities throughout the month to grow in their relationship with Christ.

We celebrate advent and read all of the appropriate Baby Jesus books and encourage a spirit of generosity and heavily emphasize the real reason for the season.

But sweet friends, I want to remind you today that one month out of the year does not a strong relationship with the Lord make. December doesn’t define our faith in Christ.

For our families or for us.

There are 11 other months in the year. 11 other months to live out our faith in front of our children. 11 other months to pray with them. 11 other months to help them wrestle through their questions and add depth to their walk with the Lord. 11 other months to encourage them to have generous spirits.

Let’s stop putting so much pressure on this one month out of the year. Let’s be surprised at the ways we might be able to celebrate the baby in the manger without a dozen countdown calendars. Let’s give our kids some grace when they are focused more on gifts because…well…they’re kids after all.

And while we’re at it, let’s give ourselves some grace too.

Grace when we think we should feel all the warm fuzzy feelings about Christmas but we really just want to take a nap. Or have a good cry. 

Grace that reminds us that this month will soon be over and we will have a brand new year ahead of us.

A new year filled with big moments and little moments and everything in between.

A new year to draw even closer to our Savior.

My hope for you is that, as you head into this season, you will be given fresh perspective and that you will give yourself (and your family) permission to just ‘be’. ✨
✨ The first Sunday of Advent is upon us and this ✨ The first Sunday of Advent is upon us and this year I created a super simple centerpiece for my dining room that incorporates the candles we will use each of the four weeks leading up to Christmas. While we will only light one candle each week, I used more than four so that the centerpiece would look a bit more filled in. In keeping with my goal to embrace a softer approach to my decorating, this arrangement works perfectly and helps to keep our focus on the beauty and the meaning  of the Advent season. For more ideas like this, check out my previous Advent post! ✨

#advent #adventcandles #simplechristmas #wearethehomemakers
In this season of motherhood, my soul is feeling a In this season of motherhood, my soul is feeling a bit more tender. When Christmas rolls around and I no longer have wish lists that include Lego sets or dollhouses, I find that I want my home to reflect this craving for all things gentle.

So our hot cocoa station this year is much more simple and done in a neutral color palette that just subtly blends in with the rest of the decor. It still feels festive and is definitely still “user friendly” but it’s just a bit less…well…less.

And, that’s ok. It’s not that this area won’t ever again have bright colors (maybe even pops of red!) but, right now I’m happy to have things this way.

With all that is going on in the world right outside our door, my desire is for our home to truly feel like a respite. I want it to be where we come and let our guard down, our heart rates slow and to be flooded with a sense of peace in knowing that here is where we can just simply be. I want it to be a place of rest. Rest from the constant onslaught of news and information. Rest from the seemingly small struggles of school and jobs that can so often feel like big struggles.

And, most importantly, we rest in the comfort of knowing the One who is Sovereign over all and is the reason this month is so very special and sacred.

Many blessings to you dear friends as we kick off this wonderful season! ✨
Next week is first Sunday of Advent. And contrary Next week is first Sunday of Advent. And contrary to popular belief, the celebration of Advent is VERY different from just simply doing a ‘countdown to Christmas’. It’s not about having little drawers filled with candy or doors to open with prizes inside. Those things are so much fun and definitely help to build anticipation as you head closer and closer to the big day.

But Advent, from the latin word ‘adventus’ meaning ‘arrival’ or ‘appearance’ keeps the focus completely on celebrating the arrival of the King who came in the form of an infant.

This is one of our favorite family traditions and over the years I’ve figured out how to incorporate the Advent candles into my decor without using the traditional wreath. I hope this gives you some ideas and inspiration as we head into this sacred season. 🌲

#advent #adventdecoration #wearethehomemakers
Why do I start decorating before Thanksgiving? Bec Why do I start decorating before Thanksgiving? Because it’s the Saturday after and my house is almost completely ready to start the season! So I’m sitting with my coffee and just soaking it all up knowing that now I can focus on shopping, hosting and preparing our hearts for the start of Advent. The only thing left to do is get our fresh tree for the front room and then the decorating is done. 

Starting early is a gift I give to myself and I’m always grateful for it! 🌲

#simplechristmas #traditionalchristmas
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest fo “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” ~ G.K. Chesterton

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours dear friends! 🍂
Christmas has arrived in the family room where I k Christmas has arrived in the family room where I keep things simple but festive! We’ll get a fresh tree after Thanksgiving which will go in our front room bay window but this slim faux tree with its colorful ornaments tides us over for now. Which room in your home gets the Christmas treatment first? Or do you just start doing a little at a time in each room? 🎄

*pillow covers are from @jshhomeessentials
I share this recipe every year because it’s JUST I share this recipe every year because it’s JUST.THAT.GOOD! 

And I have a confession ...I’d rather have cranberry sauce smothering the turkey on my plate than gravy any day!! And this, this right here? Well it’s the best (and easiest!) cranberry sauce ever!! I eat on crackers and sandwiches and sometimes just by the spoonful. It’s so yummy! And I’m just so very thankful for all of you that I’m going to leave the recipe right here instead of making you go to the blog to get it. I promise you won’t regret having this on your Thanksgiving menu but be warned...you may find yourself up in the middle of the night sneaking some helpings of this deliciousness. Or maybe that’s just me!

Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh or frozen cranberries
2 oranges
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup white wine.

Instructions:
Wash and pick over berries, removing any that are soft. Peel and dice oranges removing any seeds. Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a full boil. Reduce heat and continue cooking until cranberries pop open and mixture is thickening.
For best flavor, prepare and let stand for several days before using.

Gobble, gobble!! 🦃
How do I want people to feel when they walk throug How do I want people to feel when they walk through my front door? That’s always at the top of my mind when I’m decorating my entry for each season, particularly at Christmastime. 

✨I want them to feel like my home is greeting them with a smile.

✨I want them to feel like this is a place where care has been given to details (but not to the point of being too stuffy or too busy or too overwhelming). 

✨I want them to feel like there is peace here.

✨I want them to feel like they are welcome…because they are. 

My home is a reflection of my heart and my heart is a reflection of the ONE for whom I live and try to honor and praise all of my days, but especially at Christmas.

How do you want people to feel when they come into your home? 

#christmasentry #simplechristmas #simplicity #wearethehomemakers
This is not a criticism of those who are sharing t This is not a criticism of those who are sharing their great new Christmas finds but rather an encouragement to those of you who are feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all and trying to resist the temptation to purchase more items than you really need.

Several years ago I felt a conviction in my heart about how much time and money I was spending on trying to create a new look every Christmas. I was not being a good steward of my resources and I was far too easily swayed by the peer pressure in this area. And a funny thing happened when I smashed this idol that had taken up residence in my heart. I suddenly found renewed joy in decorating for the season. By keeping things simple and maybe only buying something like a new spool of velvet ribbon, I actually realized that I could be far more creative reusing and repurposing what I already had.

In the coming weeks your news feeds will be filled with temptations for MORE. Maybe, this year, you too can find the joy in LESS. 🌲

#simplechristmas #simplicity #wearethehomemakers
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