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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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October 28, 2015

My Inspired Family Room Mantel

These days I seem to find it a bit hard to look at old photos. I think it has something to do with feeling like time is passing WAY too quickly and my kids are getting WAY too big and I’m getting WAY too much older. But, that being said, there’s a reason why we take photos. We’re trying to capture a moment, right? Hold onto a memory.

Fall mantel details atthepicketfence.com

 

As I look back at my family room mantel over the years, I realize how thankful I am that I’ve captured it as it’s gone through an evolution of sorts. I’m thankful that, even when I wished it was a different color, even when I had different plans for it, that I embraced it as it was and had fun with it. I didn’t wait until it was just perfect in my mind to make the most of it.

Fall 2013

picket-fence-fall-mantel from atthepicketfence.com

This philosophy, this idea of embracing the now, was so beautifully captured by Melissa Michaels of The Inspired Room in her first book aptly titled ‘Love the Home You Have‘.

 

And now, another amazing book by Melissa is being released on November 1. Another book filled with wonderful insights and tips and wisdom but this time with loads and loads of beautiful photos.

In her gorgeous new ‘coffee table’ book, “The Inspired Room: Simple Ideas to Love the Home You Have“, Melissa weaves together inspiring photos, easy DIY projects and wonderful tips for personalizing your home, room by room.

The-Inspired-Room-a-new-coffee-table-book-Simple-Ideas-to-Love-the-Home-You-Have

One of my favorite quotes from Melissa in this new book is this, “The journey of creating a home is your unique and inspiring adventure.”

And that’s exactly what I think of when I look back over the years of decorating my mantel. I see how I began to hone my style. I see what I would do differently.

Winter 2013

Christmas-mantel-with-boxwood-garland-from-atthepicketfence.com_

I see when I finally felt more confident, more sure of my tastes.

Fall 2014

Fall mantel with corn husk wreath atthepicketfence.com

I see things I would like to do again.

Winter 2014

Christmas mantel with magnolia garland bottles and candles atthepicketfence.com

And I see the moment when, after 6 years, I finally pulled the trigger and gave my mantel a facelift. You can see more of our family room makeover here.

January 2015

white french country styled fireplace makeover atthepicketfence.com

And just like Melissa said, the journey getting here was a unique and exciting adventure. Because, the truth is, the evolution of your home is reflective of the evolution of your life. The older I get, the more comfortable in my own skin I become and the more confidence I have in my choices, the more my home reflects all of that.

Spring 2015

Spring-mantel-decorating-ideas-from-atthepicketfence.com_-641x1024

And each new season, I have an opportunity to practice and challenge myself and test the style waters.

Summer 2015

easy-summer-decor-in-family-room-atthepicketfence.com_

I used to feel that my cherry fireplace was alone amongst the sea of white ones I saw everywhere online and in magazines.

But now, I look back on it and can appreciate it’s beauty. Don’t get me wrong, with cherry woodwork everywhere here in our Oregon home it felt very dark so I’m thrilled to have brightened things up.

Fall 2015

French-country-fall-mantel-decor-atthepicketfence.com_

But what I really love the most is that we’ve taken our time with our home. We’ve saved and planned and done things bit by bit. It has definitely been an adventure and has made me appreciate it so much more than if we had hurried through it all in the first year we lived here.

I have more plans for my home, but I know now how wonderful it is to do as Melissa does. To get to know the nuances of each space and work towards enhancing them.

And I’m so thankful for the simple ideas she shares in this new book that help me love the home I have even more!

The Inspired Room Tour - Celebrating the Launch of the New Coffee Table Book - The Inspired Room - by New York Times Best Selling Author of Love the Home You Have - Melissa Michaels

 

Would you like to join us in celebrating the launch of this new book AND be entered to win a $300 gift card to Anthropologie? Find out how here !

Thanks for meeting me at the Fence today sweet friends,

Vanessa signature

5 Comments Filed Under: Autumn, Decorating, Good Ideas, Mantels, Reviews

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Comments

  1. terry Funtash says

    October 28, 2015 at 6:04 AM

    love your stuff

    Reply
  2. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    October 28, 2015 at 12:53 PM

    I love the evolution of your mantel and your home….What I love about you is that you have always remained true to yourself…your journey.

    Reply
  3. Melissa Michaels says

    October 29, 2015 at 7:22 PM

    Hi Vanessa! I just loved seeing how your mantel evolved with you! I really enjoyed seeing how you decorated your mantel each step of the way. I love that you embraced the season you were in!

    I’m inspired by your post now that I’m in a new house again, I am remembering how it feels to not have everything exactly like I want it and yet I want to be grateful for each season.

    Thank you for sharing your story and photos, and for graciously sharing my book, too. I am very grateful. xo

    Reply
  4. Lisa Mothersead says

    October 31, 2015 at 4:50 AM

    It’s so obvious you love your home and family. Beautifully said.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      October 31, 2015 at 10:25 AM

      Oh thank you so much Lisa!! It warms my heart to hear you say that because I truly do love my family and my home too. <3

      Reply

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What do you do when you want to use a bunch of boo What do you do when you want to use a bunch of books in your decorating but it can cost $50 or more for just ONE brand new book? Head to the secondhand bookstore of course! I’m so excited about this new look in my family room and this easy, inexpensive decorating tip I’m bringing to you for this #tiptuesday
Today feels like one of those days that is worthy Today feels like one of those days that is worthy of a chef’s kiss. Blue sky with nary a cloud in sight, perfect mid-70’s temps, a gentle breeze blowing through my hair as I walk around my yard to see the status of my flowering plants.

This morning I was running errands and the weight of hard things that are happening in the world, the culture, my own community and even in our circle of friends just felt so heavy.

But, as I was exiting a store, I passed a couple who were in their late 60’s/early 70’s and holding hands as they walked through the parking lot. I happened to glance over just as the husband lifted his wife’s hand up and planted a kiss right on it. It was a moment that reflected such love and tenderness and it was made sweeter by the fact that they weren’t spring chickens. I felt honored that I had been the one to observe and appreciate that moment.

What an incredible thing it is that as humans we are able to hold so many emotions in our souls all at once. To feel sorrow for the pain a friend is enduring, grieve the decline of a culture drifting further from the Lord, ponder how to navigate a challenging school situation, marvel at and enjoy the beauty of creation right outside my door and feel joy at getting to see a tangible example of lasting love while walking through a parking lot.

I truly believe that as we mature in our lives and in our faith, we learn to embrace the tension that comes with the collision of different emotions and recognize that they can all coexist at the same time without one taking something away from another. Simple joys make the hard stuff a bit easier and hard stuff makes us appreciate those simple joys even more.

What’s a simple joy that you are thankful for today?
Oh what an absolutely lovely weekend we had!! Here Oh what an absolutely lovely weekend we had!! Here are some highlights…

*Friday night I joined some wonderful ladies at church for a time of fellowship and yummy desserts. I made a strawberry lemon coffee cake and it was amazing if I do say so myself. ☺️ We are new-ish to this church and have just felt so warmly welcomed and folded in which has been very healing.

*Saturday was filled with getting our outdoor spaces spiffed up and my guys got our new table put together!

*Sitting outside for lunch with a yummy salad and iced tea felt like a little slice of heaven.

*Sunday we went to the iris gardens with my in-laws and then came home for naps and the most mouth watering ribs that my sweet husband had on the smoker all day.

*This glorious weekend ended with some ferocious rounds of UNO-corn (a hilarious version of UNO) and brownies my sweet daughter made for our dessert.

How was your weekend sweet friends? 🌸
I am absolutely and completely a better version of I am absolutely and completely a better version of myself when the sun is shining! Raise your hand if this is true for you too.

And, not only do I feel myself seeming to physically rise up from a slumbered state to greet the sunshine we've been longing for, I find that it seems like my house is rising up too. Every room, every nook and cranny (even though I now see dust bunnies that I missed during my cleaning on the dreary days), every leaf and flower outside...it's all coming to life and breathing fresh hope into my spirit. What a gift it is to be able to enjoy this home in all of the seasons of the year and of our lives. Now, I'm going to head outside and clean our deck and maybe there will be some time leftover for those dust bunnies!
I’m slightly obsessed with these glass dispenser I’m slightly obsessed with these glass dispensers! They come with pre-made labels for SO many different options and would make a great Mother’s Day gift! I love how they add a bit of pizzazz to my kitchen. And they go perfectly with some of my antique accessories like the little dish my mother in law gave me for salt and pepper and the tiny toothpick holder which belonged to my great grandmother. 

If you’d like the link to order them, just leave a comment with the word ‘bottles’ and I’ll send it your way. They’re even on sale right now! 🙌🏻
The lilacs are coming! The lilacs are coming! This The lilacs are coming! The lilacs are coming! This is what I’m thinking (and sometimes saying out loud) every time I pass my dining room window and see my lilac tree bursting forth. I should probably just go full Paul Revere and ring a bell while I shout the news for all to hear. I’m sure my family would love that!

Lilac season is so bittersweet because it’s over way too soon but, fortunately, I’ve figured out how to capture the deliciousness of the fragrance by making my own lilac scented room spray. It’s SO simple!

Directions: Fill spray bottle with 50/50 ratio of water to vodka.

Add 12 drops of lilac oil. Give it a shake, spray and if the scent isn’t strong enough, simply add a few more drops of lilac oil.

This sweet little project was first featured in my book Life in Season and is definitely one of my favorites.

Have the lilacs started blooming where you live?
The cherry blossoms on the tree in our backyard ar The cherry blossoms on the tree in our backyard are at their peak and I’m here for it!
It’s time for another #tiptuesday! One of the gr It’s time for another #tiptuesday! One of the greatest joys of this stage in my parenting journey is getting to see the results of the years spent pouring into my children. The worry, the sleepless nights, praying, questioning our decisions and learning to trust in the Lord Who loves them even more than we do. We definitely didn’t do everything right, but what an an amazing experience it is to watch them become these incredible teens/young adults. My tip this week might seem simple, but I believe it can make a major difference in the lives of our children, in our homes and maybe, just maybe, in the culture too. 🌸
It was the most glorious day to celebrate my best It was the most glorious day to celebrate my best friend! Oregon came through with perfect weather for my wonderful husband’s birthday and we made the most of it by taking the convertible to our favorite winery and soaking up the sunshine, yummy food and wine. Then we had a lovely time celebrating with family at our home. Robb is truly the most amazing husband and father and all around incredible man. He loves and leads us well so it’s such a joy to get to honor him on his special day. 🎂

“The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good.” Matthew 12:35
It’s time for another #tiptuesday! Today I’m s It’s time for another #tiptuesday! Today I’m sharing with you two critical things to determine if you want to create order in your home which leads to a much more peaceful experience for everyone. As a recovering perfectionist, this has been one of my greatest lessons and I hope it encourages you today! 🍃
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