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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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April 6, 2011

Mr. Beadboard…Meet Miss Chair Rail!

They say that Kitchens and Bathrooms are what sell houses and apparently Heather and I are taking that to heart!
She has shown you a little bit of the progress they are making on their
Kitchen Remodel on a Budget

And a couple of weeks ago I shared with you some changes we made to my rascal’s bathroom.
Can you tell we are getting a little Beadboard Happy here at the Fence?
And while I proudly declared my undying love for Mr. Beadboard and his magical ways of transforming a space, I have come to realize how lonely Mr. Beadboard would be without the love of his life….
Miss Chair Rail!
She has begun to wind her way throughout our house and around our hearts.
My most recent project has been sprucing up our downstairs Bathroom.
But, first…a Caveat.
 There really is no way to get good pictures of a small, dark, windowless room which is actually inside another small, dark, windowless room. All of the colors get distorted and no amount of editing will help.
Can I get an AMEN?
But I tried…I promise you…I DID try!
This is the Bathroom that is used by guests but mostly by kids…dirty, rascally kids.
It can be entered by going through the hallway off of the Family Room
Or through the office.
And see through that other dark doorway?
That is the space that got some lovin’ from Miss Chair Rail recently.
Having a full bathroom down here really works well for us as we frequently have out-of-town guests. Otherwise they would have to take showers in the bathroom upstairs which is used by the aforementioned dirty, rascally kids. Or in our master bathroom which, well, let’s just say that it isn’t much better.
Until a few weeks ago, this is how the space looked.
Just remember that the color is off slightly because of the bad lighting. The yellow is actually quite a bit softer than this.
I know, I know….Boring City!
And here is how it looks now after we got to know Miss Chair Rail!
Don’t tell my husband, but she and I are making plans for her to do her magic in many other rooms of the house. Hee hee!
I added this yummy striped yellow wallpaper down below to help anchor the room (which actually has very high ceilings) and soften things a bit.

I also changed out the shower curtain which is actually 2 drapery panels and I spray painted the mirror with an Oil Rubbed Bronze. I think that prior to this, I was actually a bit intimidated by this small space so I kept the drama to a minimum.
But, then I realized that this was causing it to look even more drab and boring.
I think small spaces often need to have even more attention paid to them, don’t you?
And yes, I am aware that the curtain is wrinkled.
I am too lazy and tired to take it back down to iron it.
I’m sure after we get enough people to take showers in this bathroom the steam will help get those out right?
 In 2 years they will be wrinkle free!
Here is a close-up of the fabric so you can get a better idea of the colors.

This was my first time ever spray painting a mirror and I’m really happy with it!
 
I had 2 rugs stored away and I pulled them back out to see if they would work here and I don’t think it could be any better!

My older and wiser sister (you might know her!) did this next thing in her bathrooms and I, of course, had to copy her. Kind of like when we were kids and I saw her layering 2 different pairs of neon colored socks which perfectly coordinated with her oversized Guess sweatshirt and I just had to do the same thing. 
Somehow it never looked quite as cool on me as it did on her.
Maybe because mine were hand-me-downs.
I’m not bitter, though.

Heather replaced the basic silver handles on her toilets with these oiled rubbed bronze ones to instantly, and inexpensively, update them.
I did the same thing in this bathroom.

And, just for good measure, I thought I would show you what the outer part of the bathroom looks like.
We put up new wallpaper in this room which completely transformed it. We also added a new faucet, new light fixture and new cabinet knobs.
The mirror was a Ross Dress for Less find for $30!

I think that more than anything else about this space, this next thing might just be my most favorite new accessory in the bathroom…

Because you know what it means, right?
We are FINALLY having success with Potty-Training our youngest!
Hallelujah!

Thanks so much for coming by and visiting us today at the Fence,
And, don’t forget!
It’s not too late to enter our fabulous Giveaway for a $25 Gift Certificate to our
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Just scroll down to the next post to enter to win!
And when you are done with that, scroll down a little bit further to meet our
Featured Blog of the Week

Linking to these Parties:
Feathered Nest Friday
Friday’s Unfolded
Open House Party
Tuesday Treasures
Swing into Spring
Wow Us Wednesday
Whassup Wednesday

26 Comments Filed Under: Beadboard, Decorating

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Comments

  1. Martina @ Northern Nesting says

    April 5, 2011 at 8:38 PM

    Vanessa the bathroom looks fabulous!! Isn’t it amazing how a little molding changes the look of a room!! I absolutely LOVE your slate floors,I want to change the tile in our kitchen to slate I just wish there was a way to do it without making a big mess!! Have a great week, Martina

    Reply
  2. Delightblog.blog says

    April 5, 2011 at 10:03 PM

    What a great job you’ve done! I love the new handles on the sink and toilet…that really makes a difference.
    Linda

    Reply
  3. Judy says

    April 5, 2011 at 10:49 PM

    You have done such a great job. I really love the damask wallpaper. I might have to steal the idea for the flusher…great idea. You crack me up with the neon sock part…brought me right back to the 80’s. My next project is my downstairs bathroom…you are inspiring me to get my act together and get it started. Love the rugs…they work perfectly. Again, everything is gorgeous.

    Reply
  4. Debbie says

    April 5, 2011 at 10:50 PM

    I’m such a huge fan of chair rail, too. That’s ONE nice gift the former home owners left us here.

    Love everything, Vanessa. You made me laugh with tht little sister lamentation. To say that I can relate is an understatement.

    Love that shower curtain, and I think the ORB switcheroo on the toilet looks great too.

    Reply
  5. Ann from On Sutton Place says

    April 6, 2011 at 12:48 AM

    Hi Vanessa…thank you so much for visiting my blog and your kind comments. I’ll be back to your blog on Friday for your party. I think my favorite part of your bathroom is your new toilet handle! What an improvement over the basic chrome. Hope your week is going great…~Ann

    Reply
  6. Kelly says

    April 6, 2011 at 2:33 AM

    Don’t you love how the little things add up? Beautiful touches.

    Kelly

    Reply
  7. Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says

    April 6, 2011 at 2:46 AM

    I’m with you Vanessa! I love bead board. And that damask wallpaper is just gorgeous!

    Reply
  8. Becomers Community Group says

    April 6, 2011 at 3:17 AM

    Very nice, ladies!

    Reply
  9. Steve Hunt says

    April 6, 2011 at 3:20 AM

    Very fun stuff!

    Reply
  10. Cindy says

    April 5, 2011 at 8:35 PM

    Looks beautiful! Love the wallpaper and the chair rail does add such a nice touch. The mirror was a steal, so elegant at a great price! Isn’t it great when you have pieces on hand that work well with your new projects…like your rug…perfect!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

    Reply
  11. Petie@inspirednesting.com says

    April 6, 2011 at 4:12 AM

    That chair rail adds so much more interest. Looks great!

    Good luck with your dining room. Hope we both see more sunshine soon 🙂

    Reply
  12. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    April 6, 2011 at 4:55 AM

    Hi Vanessa, I love and I want this damask wallpaper. It looks fabulous. The chair rail adds so much interest to a small space. Great job!
    xo,
    Sherry

    Reply
  13. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    April 6, 2011 at 5:57 AM

    Hi Vanessa~ Your wallpaper is gorgeous and loving miss chair rail!!! Your bathroom looks beautiful! Congrats on the potty training success too!! Hugs, Courtney

    Reply
  14. Rachel says

    April 6, 2011 at 2:40 PM

    Yep, I would agree with you! My favorite accessory is that potty seat! I love how you were able to reuse your rugs there – it truly does work well. The wallpaper looks gorg with it all!

    Reply
  15. Cozy Home Scenes says

    April 6, 2011 at 9:33 AM

    Congrats on the potty training! Looks like you got the bathroom redone just in time. The decorating is very pretty!

    Reply
  16. Sarah @ Modern Country Style says

    April 6, 2011 at 7:27 PM

    Oh, Vanessa, first of all I have to say that I LOVED your post about your little boy. You always sound like DUCH a perfect mother. Even amidst your protestations that you’re not, it’s still obvious to me that you are!!

    Second of all, your toilet is looking pretty gorgeous, if I may say so!!!

    Sarahx

    Reply
  17. kara@elements-interiors.net says

    April 6, 2011 at 11:08 PM

    OK…WHERE to begin…The Damask wallpaper…DIE! The Yellow tone on tone stripe….BANANAS! Its all Magazine READY! I LOVE it! And Yellow is always a GREAT choice in color…it promotes Happiness! LOVE IT!

    xoxokara

    Reply
  18. Olive Cooper says

    April 7, 2011 at 12:08 AM

    You are right that small rooms need attention and even drama. I love the bead board and chair-rail. Do not iron that shower curtain. I ironed a queen sized duvet cover yesterday and nearly fainted doing it. hugs♥olive

    Reply
  19. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    April 7, 2011 at 3:07 AM

    Hi Vanessa, I wanted to drop by again and thank you for linking to my party. Take care.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

    Reply
  20. Michele Smith says

    April 7, 2011 at 7:00 AM

    Thank you for visiting my blog and following 🙂
    Too funny I LOL @ the layering neon socks with oversized t. I’m still LOL…I remember those days don’t forget the slap bracelets!
    Love the beadboard and cute cute cute rug.
    I’m your newest follower and I can’t wait to look around.

    Michele

    Reply
  21. Becca says

    April 7, 2011 at 12:10 PM

    Gerrrrrl, this is GORGEOUS !! I can’t tell you how much I love this. The wallpaper (both striped and the lovely pattern) are gorgeous … the chair rail adds the perfect touch, and that shower curtain is beautiful !! Your guests (or anyone who visits this “loo”) is in for a treat. So inspiring … *Becca*

    Reply
  22. Dear Sweet Home says

    April 7, 2011 at 7:08 PM

    Love it! It is all sooooo pretty. The wallpaper is perfect and Miss Chair Rail looks very happy 🙂 I like the idea of changing out the potty handle – it makes it look so dressy (and it is not easy to make a potty look dressy!)

    Reply
  23. Laura Ingalls Gunn says

    April 8, 2011 at 1:47 PM

    What great makeovers! Congrat on the potty training.

    Reply
  24. Bonnie@Creative Decorating says

    April 8, 2011 at 5:46 PM

    Oh Vanessa! I haven’t been blogging in a couple months and then I couldn’t find you!!! I figured it out, obviously. The bathroom is looking great! Love it all!

    Reply
  25. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    April 9, 2011 at 2:33 AM

    Just stopping back loving your beadboard all over again- and saying thank you for sharing at FNF! 🙂

    Reply
  26. Crystal DuBois says

    May 18, 2012 at 6:15 AM

    I have been searching for a toilet flusher exactly like that. No luck at OSH or Home Depot. Do you remember where you bought yours?

    Reply

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Front door wreath….✔️ The very last Christmas dec Front door wreath….✔️

The very last Christmas decorating to be completed and one of the most important since there’s nothing I love more than welcoming people into our home this season.

I bought the wreath for $15 from a wonderful local vendor, reused my favorite bells and added a velvet bow in the color I’m carrying throughout the house this year.

Do you buy a fresh wreath each year or do you use a faux wreath on your front door? 

#frontdoorwreath #christmaswreath #christmasporch
The first day of December and the first Sunday of The first day of December and the first Sunday of advent. As we enter into a month that can be filled with stress, anxiety, worry and even sadness, let us turn our hearts towards the ONE who came as the ultimate, undeserved gift. Because it’s all about Him. 

“Who can add to Christmas? The perfect motive is that God so loved the world. The perfect gift is that He gave His only Son. The only requirement is to believe in Him. The reward of faith is that you shall have everlasting life.” (Corrie Ten Boom)
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form “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! 🍂
Its that time of year again. I share this recipe e Its that time of year again. I share this recipe every November 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!! 🦃
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Take the base recipe up a notch by using a full stick of butter, extra tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and an extra 1/2 tablespoon of Lawry’s seasoning salt.

I guarantee you’ll never go back!

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#chexmix #chexmixupgrade
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I truly believe that so many have been lulled into thinking that the narrow gate wasn’t really all that narrow. But, it’s never been more obvious that it really is. And every day I seek to stay on that very narrow way.  More than ever before, I believe that our world needs to know that there is objective truth and a solid foundation to stand upon as we navigate our lives. My role as a homemaker is predicated on that foundation and everything else flows out of it. Talking about these things isn’t going to get me lots of views here. 

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✨ Read the full article over at @club31women ✨

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#wearethehomemakers #homemaking #homemakerschristmas #club31women
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