• Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
    • Collaborate
  • Blog
  • Parties
    • Children’s Parties Ideas
    • Holiday Parties
    • Adult Party Ideas
  • Holiday Ideas
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Fourth of July
    • Spring
    • Thanksgiving
    • Valentine’s Day
  • Seasons
    • Winter
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Autumn
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beverages
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
  • Project Gallery
    • Crafts
    • Decorating
    • DIY
    • Good Ideas
    • Tutorials
  • Shop My Home
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

November 2, 2011

Rattan Lamps and French Script Shades

017-1
It was time for some changing and rearranging in our breakfast area, no 2 ways about it!
When we first moved in I plunked this tapestry from our old house on the wall and called it a day.
The black buffet I purchased soon after and although I love it there I felt like what was above it wasn’t doing it justice. So I set out to spruce it up!



001
I think the Capri Sun and other miscellaneous items really help with the
 “Before”-ness of this picture don’t you?
I fell in love with these canvas botanical paintings which I discovered hanging high up on the wall at my favorite local Farmer’s Market. I waited and waited until they went on sale and then snatched them up.
But, as much as I love them, they still weren’t quite right on this wall.
So, they found the perfect new home in another room.
You will just have to wait to see where they ended up though!
005
When I saw these rattan lamps in the Clearance aisle at Wal-Mart, I knew they would be the catalyst to creating a fresh new look for the buffet.
I have always loved rattan lamps but they are usually super expensive.
These were only $13 each!!
 I wasn’t too crazy about the orange-y tone they had though!
And is it just me, or do they look like they are actually 2 different colors?

094
I saw their potential though and after a quick coat of paint in a dark espresso color
they began to take on a new life.
Their crowning touch are these gorgeous French Script shades that I found, once again on Clearance, at Hancock Fabrics for $13!!!
$13! Can you believe that? There are some similar to them at Ballards that run up to $80 each.

047-1
Not bad for a total of $26 each, don’t you think?
Of course, I couldn’t stop there, now could I?
I moved this mirror in from another room and with the addition of some blue and white transferware plates, this entire wall took on a much brighter and more cheerful look.
044-1
                             Before                                                                               After 
034-1

001

    

 So much better now!      
I added my favorite cupbard-door-turned-tray and a grouping of glass decanters for some sparkle.

006-1

And do you notice something new over the door to the right?

040-1

I found this piece at a consignment store and knew instantly that it would be the perfect addition over the door. I love how it gives the effect of a transom window.
061
I have big plans for this door as well but that will have to wait for another day!
This is how it looked the other evening as the sun began to set.
062-1
3rd time was the charm, wouldn’t you agree?
060-1
Thanks so much for joining me today at the Fence,
1553F4F30A9801A6AFB3E9C624118E7B

This post is partying here:
Savvy Southern Style: Wow Us Wednesday
DIY By Design: Fall Into Fall
No Minimalist Here: Open House Party
French Country Cottage: Feathered Nest Friday
Stuff and Nonsense: Friday’s Unfolded
2805: Potpourri Friday
Common Ground: Vintage Inspiration Friday
Charm of Home: Home Sweet Home Party
Redoux: Friday Link Up Party

50 Comments Filed Under: Decorating, Good Ideas

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « DIY Framed Chalkboard Art
Next Post: Welcome to Inspiration Friday No. 39! »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. It's All Connected says

    November 2, 2011 at 7:45 PM

    I’d say you got that one perfect! ~ Maureen

    Reply
  2. Debbiedoo's blogging and blabbing says

    November 2, 2011 at 7:47 PM

    Just gorgeous my friend…I absolutely love the new look! Great deal on the shades too, WOWZA!

    Reply
  3. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    November 2, 2011 at 7:52 PM

    Absolutely beautiful Vanessa!! I love the shape of that mirror and you know your blue plates are a favorite of mine! That pic with the sun coming in, stunning! Martina

    Reply
  4. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    November 2, 2011 at 7:53 PM

    PS- I was so excited seeing the new look the wall got I forgot to say great lamps too:) Martina

    Reply
  5. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    November 2, 2011 at 7:54 PM

    Vanessa, I love the transformation of your wall…beautiful! The lamps and shades are gorgeous and the blue and white transferware really lightens everything up. Thanks for linking to the Open House party this week.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

    Reply
  6. Myric says

    November 2, 2011 at 8:05 PM

    Beautiful pictures! I especially love those lamp shades and those botanical paintings. I am curious to know where they ended up in.

    xoxo
    Myric

    Reply
  7. Kelly says

    November 2, 2011 at 8:27 PM

    That’s a very nice “after”! I love those new shades. Wish I had a Hancocks Fabrics near me.

    Reply
  8. Becca says

    November 2, 2011 at 8:36 PM

    Your new lamps are GORGEOUS, Vanessa !! You chose the perfect shades, too. They truly complete the new look for your table … beautiful vignette and LOVE the plates and new mirror, too. You are on a roll, friend !!

    Reply
  9. Lina - Fancy Frugal Life says

    November 2, 2011 at 8:44 PM

    Great find on those lamp shades…they are gorgeous!

    Lina
    Fancy Frugal Life

    Reply
  10. Anne says

    November 2, 2011 at 8:47 PM

    Love your transformed space! Those lamps are to die for!!!

    Reply
  11. NanaDiana says

    November 2, 2011 at 9:08 PM

    WOW! That is a really great transformation. It looks so much brighter and it has a “richer” look to it, don’t you think?

    Love your transom above your door, too. Nice job all the way around…okay…and so what did you do with the tapestry?

    xo Diana

    Reply
  12. Betty Sneeringer says

    November 2, 2011 at 9:14 PM

    What a nice change you made – very nice! A suggestion: place one small blue item on the tray or somewhere there.

    Reply
  13. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    November 2, 2011 at 9:18 PM

    The mirror was a great way to go, Vanessa! It really does bring more light in and I like the reflection in that last picture. I just picked up a script lampshade myself this morning! : ) Walmart ~ $7.67. Nice size, too. I’m so glad these can be found at an affordable price! I also like how you followed the curve of the mirror with the plates.

    Reply
  14. Debra @ Common Ground says

    November 2, 2011 at 9:20 PM

    What a cool difference. really updated and “spiffy”! Those lamps are amazing!! xoxo

    Reply
  15. Kristin says

    November 2, 2011 at 9:36 PM

    Love the lamps!!!

    Reply
  16. Judy says

    November 2, 2011 at 10:09 PM

    Where do I begin? I just love the lamps…especially in their new espresso color. Those lampshades absolutely look like something from Ballard. I love the “transom window”. I have something just like that, but it’s a mirror. It’s in a closet just waiting for some inspiration on where to use it…and I think I just found my inspiration. Love the new look. It’s really gorgeous and amazing how a few changes can make such a huge difference.

    Reply
  17. sissie says

    November 2, 2011 at 10:18 PM

    Very pretty Vanessa. I really love the lamps and shades and the entire vingette that you’ve created.

    hugs
    Sissie

    Reply
  18. Jan@southernjunkin' says

    November 2, 2011 at 10:36 PM

    Super deals! You’ve made the ordinary now extraordinary!! Love what you’ve done!!

    Reply
  19. White Whimsy says

    November 2, 2011 at 10:38 PM

    Love the new look and what beautiful lamps. It all looks gorgeous.

    Reply
  20. Renewed Upon a Dream says

    November 2, 2011 at 11:04 PM

    I love the new look! Especially those plates on the wall (so pretty!) and the lamp shades! Such lucky finds!

    Reply
  21. Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia says

    November 2, 2011 at 11:15 PM

    You are lucky I don’t have your address or I would take those shades right out of your house 🙂 Not really but really, wow, what a deal!!! Looks fab!
    XO
    Kristin

    Reply
  22. Olive Cooper says

    November 2, 2011 at 11:26 PM

    You made every detail count and it all works. The shades are special.

    Reply
  23. Debbie~refreshrestyle says

    November 2, 2011 at 11:30 PM

    I’m going to my WalMart and complain…I’ve never seen those lamps! The shades are perfect, it’s all perfect!
    Debbie

    Reply
  24. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    November 3, 2011 at 1:21 AM

    Great change, Vanessa. The lamps, mirror and plates work perfectly together. Thanks for sharing at wow.

    Reply
  25. Ramblings of a Southern Girl ~ Rhonda G says

    November 3, 2011 at 1:35 AM

    It was pretty before, but the space is really striking now! Love the brightness of the plates in contrast to the rattan lamps …perfect combination! And I am just crazy about the script shades!!! 🙂

    Reply
  26. Whitney Cosgrave says

    November 3, 2011 at 2:17 AM

    Looks amazing! Love the before and after contrast pics.

    whitney
    seeshopeatdo.com

    Reply
  27. Brayton Homestead Interiors says

    November 3, 2011 at 2:44 AM

    wow- how lovely- love what you have done- the lamps and shades are perfect in your beautiful room…

    Karen

    Reply
  28. chel wakley says

    November 3, 2011 at 4:10 AM

    Hi, I’m with an online vintage dress boutique called Shabby Apple (www.shabbyapple.com) and I adore your blog. Shabby Apple offers affordable, stylish attire perfect for a day at work or play, or a night on the town. We would love to partner with you and offer your readers a 10% off coupon as well as the opportunity to giveaway one of our dresses on your blog. Please check us out at http://www.shabbyapple.com and let me know if you are interested.

    I look forward to hearing back from you soon!

    Thanks,

    Chelsea Wakley

    cwakely@shabbyapple.com
    (this is only open to US residents, if this is not a possibility please let me know)

    Reply
  29. marieDee says

    November 3, 2011 at 4:49 AM

    Everything looks just fantastic! Perfect amount of the dark brown on the lamps, by the way.

    Reply
  30. Haniela says

    November 3, 2011 at 11:50 AM

    Everything looks fantastic, i love those French inspired lamp shades.
    What a beautiful set up.

    Reply
  31. Dawn @ Redbird Cottage Art says

    November 3, 2011 at 12:44 PM

    Beautiful! I love what you did with the lamps and the piece above the door!

    Reply
  32. michelle says

    November 3, 2011 at 5:44 PM

    What great finds and I love the transformation my friend. You are a decorating/transforming queen! I love the lamps at Walmart, I almost picked up some the other day. 🙂
    Can’t wait to see what you have planned for the door. 🙂
    xoxo

    Reply
  33. ♥ Sonny ♥ says

    November 3, 2011 at 6:42 PM

    score 2 times~! lamps and shades.

    Love how they turned out and yep they look super expensive now that you’ve worked your magic on them..

    Reply
  34. Ange says

    November 3, 2011 at 9:57 PM

    Wow, love those lamps! They look beautiful! Great finds and it looks so nice with the mirror and the plates! Can’t wait to see what you do with the door!

    Reply
  35. Honey at 2805 says

    November 3, 2011 at 10:36 PM

    Ooh La La! Your vignette looks terrific! The lamps and the shades are just terrific!

    Thanks for linking your creativity to Potpourri Friday!

    Reply
  36. Inspired by you says

    November 3, 2011 at 10:43 PM

    Love it! I’ve got to go to Hancock’s and see if they have any in my area.

    Reply
  37. Cozy Little House says

    November 3, 2011 at 11:12 PM

    Love, LOVE, love it!
    Brenda

    Reply
  38. Heaven's Walk says

    November 4, 2011 at 12:34 AM

    You’ve got talent, girl! That turned out so sweet! 🙂

    xoxo laurie

    Reply
  39. Cottage and Broome says

    November 4, 2011 at 1:39 AM

    Love it, it is amazing how a few changes can transform a spot! Your redo looks wonderful, thanks for sharing, Laura – Cottage and Broome

    Reply
  40. Stuff and Nonsense says

    November 4, 2011 at 12:10 PM

    what a simple and lovely transformation
    in your nook

    (isn’t ‘nook’ a delicious word?)

    love the rattan lamps
    and that gorgeous fabric

    thanks for linking up to fridays unfolded!

    alison

    Reply
  41. Kelli @ The Turquoise Piano says

    November 4, 2011 at 4:30 PM

    Wow! I love those shades. And I LOVE the after picture!

    Reply
  42. Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas says

    November 4, 2011 at 6:05 PM

    Wow! This is a great transformation! I love it! The lamps are perfect! The mirror and the transom? AWESOME!

    Lou Cinda 😉

    Reply
  43. Butterbean Row says

    November 4, 2011 at 6:31 PM

    Fabulous job at a beautiful transformation. I love the lamps and shades and all, but think that the pretty blue plates take away from it. Like it is too much. Just my 2 cents. :o)

    All the best,

    ♥charlotte

    Reply
  44. Kahli says

    November 4, 2011 at 7:16 PM

    It’s amazing what some decorative accessories can do to change up a space! So much better!

    Reply
  45. Revi says

    November 4, 2011 at 7:33 PM

    Charm, indeed! Nice makeover. 🙂
    -Revi

    Reply
  46. Sherry says

    November 6, 2011 at 4:39 AM

    Wonderful changes! I love the mirror and the lamps. You have a nice decanter collection too. Thank you for linking it up with Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

    Reply
  47. miss flibbertigibbet says

    November 7, 2011 at 1:00 PM

    Love the changes! The plates are great (from a plate lover) and the touch of blue adds a lot. The mirror will look great at Christmas draped with garland…hint, hint! Love your blog and love the new Sally List idea. Blessings…..

    Reply
  48. Stuff and Nonsense says

    November 10, 2011 at 7:30 PM

    just wanted to let you know
    that i’m featuring your darling lamps
    at fridays unfolded this week!

    alison

    Reply
  49. Good Time Charlie says

    November 11, 2011 at 12:53 AM

    Just gorgeous little vignette you created! Thank you so much for sharing.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. fridays unfolded #41 and a Shabby Apple giveaway | nancherrs WordPress says:
    October 3, 2013 at 9:25 AM

    […] vanessa At The Picket Fencesome refashioned rattan lamps with frenchy shadesto change up her […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Search This Blog

Get the book!

Invite Vanessa to speak at your event!

Stay updated!

  • A New Look for the Family Room

    A New Look for the Family Room
  • Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

    Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze
  • The Slow Exit

    The Slow Exit
  • Honed Quartzite Kitchen Counters Reveal

    Honed Quartzite Kitchen Counters Reveal

Sign Up and Never Miss A Post!

Must Reads

Latest Recipes

Strawberry Muffins with Lemon Glaze

Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

Apple Bread Pudding

view more recent recipes

Recent Posts

  • Decorating a Sofa Table May 31, 2023
  • Strawberry Muffins with Lemon Glaze April 19, 2023
  • Console Table Refresh March 24, 2023
  • Laundry Room Makeover February 23, 2023
  • Winter Decorating Ideas January 27, 2023

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consumin I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consuming seasonal decorating. When I think back on the years where I would feel all of the pressure to come up with something fresh and creative I’m seriously embarrassed. Truly. Because it was such a waste. A waste of my time, my energy, my resources. Something clicked with me a few years ago. I was just done. I needed to simplify. I needed to not spend an obscene amount of time looking at fireplace mantels on Pinterest and trying to figure out how to make mine look amazing. I needed to put it all in the proper place in my heart and my mind. Which meant, it had to go waaaaayyyy down on the priority list. So far down it almost wasn’t on it. And I needed to confess to the Lord that I had allowed it to become an idol. 

Yes, I want to have a home that I enjoy. Yes, I love pretty things. But something really amazing happened when I finally released it all. When I decided to not give into the pressure and panic I would feel when I would scroll through my Instagram feed. When I just laid it all down and said…enough. There was this incredible irony in it. Because, the less time I took to decorate my home for each season, the more I found myself loving the results. I think that all along I had just been getting in my own way. It’s really taken a lot of time and prayer for me to finally be at a place where even though I still struggle with insecurities and I still have doubts from time to time, I’m becoming increasingly more confident in who God created me to be. And, just like my home, I’m finding that as I relax into myself, letting go of the comparisons and the pressure, the more I can actually lean into the calling He has placed on my life. 🍂

Leave a comment if you can relate! 

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking
“As the alluring song of September begins to whi “As the alluring song of September begins to whisper in my ear, my passionate spirit yearns for the splendor of its promise.” (Peggy Toney Horton)

Happy September dear friends! While I’m not quite ready to let go of summer and I plan to make the most out of the lingering, warm days, I’ll admit to starting to think about my fall decor this year. And one way to get inspired is to take a look back at previous years. Here’s just a glimpse at some of the ways I’ve welcomed Autumn to my home! 🍂

#september #falldecorating #falldecor #falldecoratingideas #wearethehomemakers
Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning the corner and getting closer to fall but I’m not quite ready to let summer go. So I’ll just be over here continuing to whip up some super simple summer meals for my family that frankly can be enjoyed in any season. These shrimp rolls I made the other night were definitely a hit and would be great for any of your upcoming holiday weekend gatherings!

Shrimp Rolls 🍤

Ingredients
1-2 lbs of shrimp that is peeled, deveined and tail off (If using frozen make sure it’s thawed completely)
1/3 cup mayonnaise 
1/2 of a lemon
2 Tbsps chopped scallions
1 Tbsp chopped dill
1 Tbsp chopped Italian parsley
1 Tsp of Old Bay seasoning (more if you like!)
pinch of sea salt and pinch of black pepper
Hoagie Rolls
Softened butter

Directions: Gently pat the shrimp with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Roughly chop the shrimp and place in a bowl. Add mayonnaise, squeeze half of lemon and stir to combine before adding in the scallions, dill and parsley. Stir to combine and then add the additional seasonings. Spread butter on hoagie rolls and toast in the oven until lightly browned. Pile on the shrimp mixture and enjoy! 

#shrimproll #foodie #weeknightdinner #easydinner #seafoodlover
Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. W Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. We woke up to the sound of chainsaws and rushed downstairs to find that our backyard neighbors were having two of the huge trees that line our shared fence removed. These trees have been here longer than the neighborhood and no, they weren't dead or causing damage to roofs, foundations, etc. They were beautiful and gave us wonderful privacy. We had no notice of this happening so this came as quite a shock. Because we were given no notice, we didn't have the chance to cover our outdoor furniture or plants and everything is now coated in a thick layer of sawdust including the fresh bark we recently put in the garden beds. And now our lovely privacy is gone, replaced by a direct view of an above ground pool and RV. I know, I know, it's totally a first world, privileged kind of problem to have. But, now we have to spend thousands of dollars on plants to try and recapture some semblance of privacy. Now we have days worth of clean up to do after we had JUST done a massive freshening up of our backyard. My overarching feeling has just been weariness at the way our world is today.

I think about how often we try to do right by people, to be respectful and courteous. To be thoughtful and considerate. And it’s not reciprocated. How its starting to seem more and more like people have just given up on those seemingly small niceties. And my soul just feels heavy. Because I feel like so much of what used to be common courtesy is not so common anymore. Drivers on the roads are angrier and more reckless than ever before. Red lights being run are an everyday occurrence around town. On our recent family vacation, I heard more people using the F word out in public than ever before even while around children. Where are manners? Where is kindness? I'm finding myself being surprised when someone is thoughtful because it seems like a rarity. And that's just all on a micro, local level. Don't even get me started on the insanity in our world/culture. After I returned from grocery shopping (which can also be soul crushing), I found myself desperate for a reminder of the truth. 

*Part 2 continued in the comments.*
How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully grasp our strengths or our weaknesses until we are put to the test? Little did I know how much I would love my role as a wife, mother and homemaker until I became one. And that in my endeavor to do those roles to the best of my ability, it would bring to the forefront gifts and talents and blessings that I use outside of these walls.

As I water others, I’m watered too because it brings such joy to care for those around me. But it can also make me see more clearly the areas in which I’m lacking and be a very humbling reminder of how much I still need to grow and learn.

Proverbs 11:25 says, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched and one who waters will himself be watered.”

Have you done any ‘watering’ of others this week? How has it blessed and ‘watered’ you in return?
“Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you “Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you make.” Statements like this from my kids fill me with so much joy and such a sense of assurance that my role as the maker of this home is one that makes an impact on them in both big and small ways. It’s not just sheet pan shrimp boil. 

It’s nourishment
It’s time together around the table
It’s laughing as we try to get the butter sauce out of the pan
It’s a memory
It’s an imprint on their lives 

The ordinary act of making a meal becomes EXTRAordinary. And I try to keep that in mind as I do this task day in and day out, year after year. 

***

Ingredients: 
1 pound baby red or yellow potatoes
Green beans or corn (4 ears cut in half) whichever you prefer
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 tsp coarse sea salt and pinch of black pepper 
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 (12.8-ounce) package smoked andouille sausage, thinly sliced
Crusty bread for dipping 

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook potatoes until just tender, about 10 minutes. Put potatoes, shrimp, sausage and green beans or corn on baking sheet. Pour butter over top. Sprinkle with old bay seasoning and salt and pepper. Mix well to combine. Bake for about 12 minutes or until shrimp is pink. 

#shrimpboil #sheetpandinner #sheetpanmeals #homemaking
Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and lig Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and light cocktails! My husband is my own built in bartender and he put this together the other night. 

2 jiggers of gin (you could also use vodka) 
*you should do a jig when using a jigger 😉*
Crushed ice 
Grapefruit tonic 
Squirt of lime 
Sprig of mint 

Easy and so refreshing!! ☀️

#cocktails #summercocktails
There is something magical about the late summer e There is something magical about the late summer evenings. Maybe it’s because we have a greater sense of the fact that these long days are slowly shortening and we want to savor them as much as we can. I know I intend to do just that. 

I hope you’re having a wonderful August so far dear friends!
Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our hou Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our house all summer long. We’re big on the ‘build your own’ method of making dinner especially on very hot days. Simplicity for the win! 
#recipes #easydinner #easydinnerideas #homemaking
In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grou In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grouping of beats. No matter what else a piece of music has in terms of its pitch or tone, the rhythm never changes. Its the stabilizing force and brings order to a composition that would be completely chaotic without it.

The same can be said of rhythms in our lives and in our homes. When everything else feels out of control, rhythms and patterns provide us with stability and something that we can rely upon to give us a sense of security in a very insecure world. But, too often, we associate the rhythmic things we do in our lives as merely tasks to be gotten through rather than gifts which provide much-needed balance.

Whether it’s making the coffee every night before we go to bed or doing my devotional in the morning before the rest of the house wakes up or watering my garden, these simple tasks provide a rhythm to my day that is truly grounding. 

What’s something that you do that you would classify as a rhythm or pattern in your week?
Load More... Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2023 At The Picket Fence