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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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November 2, 2011

Rattan Lamps and French Script Shades

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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!



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

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

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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.
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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.
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3rd time was the charm, wouldn’t you agree?
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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

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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

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I hope that the predictable feels special and that the typical feels anything but. I hope that I ohhh and ahhh over the simple things I've realized I've taken for granted. And, most of all, I hope that feeling doesn't go away for a very, very long time! 💗
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