Christmas Decorating in the Kitchen

The greenery is going up in the kitchen. I love the way it smells!

Christmas in the Dining Room

I know that I said yesterday that I don't decorate the same every year BUT some things stay the same. I love the greenery from Home Depot! $10 for 15' of mixed greenery. I just added some frosted pinecones from World Market. So much bang for the buck!

Why Not Decorate Like Last Year?

As I was roaming around the house last night with some sort of decoration in my hand, not really sure what to do with it, my husband turns to me and says, "You know, you should take pictures so you know what you did last year." PAUSE FOR REACTION...Ok, first of all, I have a blog, duh, of course I take pictures, especially of decorating! That's kind of the point. Has he met me? We have lived together for nineteen years! Besides the taking pictures part, I was surprised that he even hinted around that I might want to do it the same as last year. Again, he lives with a decorator. When have I ever done it the same as last year?

I'm trying not to take the lack of understanding of ME to heart because I really believe that there are certain types of people...those that do it the same as last year and those that don't. Sometimes I have a lack of understanding of the other half too. Those efficient folks who like to "get r done" and be done with it. I enjoy decorating every season and trying out new things. It doesn't bother me to wonder around the house for hours with a candlestick in my hand, looking for the perfect spot to place it. This is mind numbing for some I know but not me. Sorry, honey. It will be different again next year too!

So, speaking of moving things around, here is my new and improved entryway with items that I already had, just in a different place than last year...

Pantry Wreath

I have always loved these old cookie cutters from my grandmother but I don't like to use them because they make the cookies too thin and crispy. I have been trying to find a way to incorporate them in my décor and today, as I was walking around my house with this bare wreath, I figured it out. I decided first that I wanted the wreath on my pantry door and then it just clicked. Pantry ~ cookie cutters! A HA!  It just came together like: "You got your peanut butter in my chocolate and you got your chocolate in my peanut butter." kind of thing. Don't you just love it when that happens?

sharing with ~

Beyond the Picket Fence

Savvy Southern Style

The Shabby Nest

Thanksgiving Place Setting

It has been a while since I did something a little different for our Thanksgiving table. I felt like I was in a rut so when I saw that World Market was having a sale on selected table linens, I used that as an excuse to do something new.

Halloween Then and Now

  I changed up the Halloween exterior this year a little bit. It's all about pumpkins and crows. Oh, and a few skeletons are hanging around too. I don't know why but it is taking me a long time to decorate this year. I can't believe that Friday is Halloween already. I really need to get my act together.

Halloween Dining Room Table Setting

I love candles year round but I think they're especially fitting at Halloween. Nothing says Halloween to me more than a silver candelabra. I can just see someone in the 1800s walking up a creepy staircase with one. I decided to go with a little more sophisticated table setting than in the past. Last year, you might remember the head on the silver platter. I'll probably let the kids do their thing with the breakfast table.

Halloween Wreath

I try to do something a little different each Halloween on the door while still using the same items that I already have. So, this year, I decided on a black and white theme. I took my old grapevine wreath and spray painted it black. Then, I knew that I wanted to paint the skeleton because it was very plastic looking but I didn't have any white or cream spray paint. It was serendipitous that I had some silver because my door has a silver inlay anyway so it all worked out. I actually like it better than if I had painted it white! The sign was obvious for an entry door but somehow I had never thought of it before. I just took the filler from one of my picture frames and I was going to spray paint it with chalkboard paint but luckily I didn't need it as the finish was chalk friendly. Don't you love it when things just work out!

Closet Letters

I had some extra wall space in my closet and since this room is Junk Gypsy inspired, I couldn't resist some old letters.  I had one of the letters already which I stole from Gage's room (Actually, I had to trade my Hamilton world series jersey for it.) but I purchased the I and o's at Hobby Lobby. The red ones were $1.99 each, (90% off) and the black o was 60% off. I was going to just wait on this picture for the closet reveal but since the sale is going on now, I thought I would go ahead and post this part in case anyone is looking for letters for something. The s and the heart are from Forge Imports. The B is also Hobby Lobby ~ not on sale but you can always use the 40% off coupon. I did.

It was funny because when I finished hanging this yesterday, I pulled my husband into the closet to show him and his only comment was, "You need another B." I guess men do only have one thing on their mind. Hmmm.

Jewelry, Belt and Scarf Storage

I figured out this easy way to make long necklace storage. I just used basic hooks from Target and spray painted them a gold to match this old frame that I had lying around. I knew that I would use it someday for something. I just hung the hook first and then hung the frame over it. I also used the same hooks for belt and scarf storage...

Touring Through Blogland

Hi ya'll! Welcome to the Decorating Duchess. My name is Alyssa. Whether you are an old friend and follower or are just visiting for the first time, I'm so happy you're here.



With my boys Jackson and Gage

 I don't usually do tours so I'm new at this, but I couldn't say no when my friend Christine at Little Brags Blog invited me to join in. She is by far the most friendly blogger I have "met" and has been very encouraging to me. Her blog always makes me smile especially when she adds in that cute little bunny of hers. She has a very warm rustic style in her design which I, of course, appreciate. Be sure to stop by there too on your tour!

Closet Project ~ Pretty Rods

The details in a room can be very important, I think. One detail that has always bothered me in my closet is my clothes hanging / rod situation. First of all, the rods went all the way across the room on both sides of the closet. Who needs that much hanging room? I'm not Mariah Carey! Builders tend to think that a closet should consist of a couple of rods and a few shelves. Does this really work for anyone?  Where do you put folded clothes? A hamper? Hang belts and scarves? I know, there shouldn't be any complaining on the yacht, so to speak. I'm lucky to have my own closet. There is still always room for improvement.

Closet Progress ~ Sugar Skull Stencil

I knew that I wanted to do some type of stencil on the back wall of my closet but I wasn't sure at first what it would look like. You might have read previously that I was doing a Junk Gypsy inspired room and they actually had a show where they installed skeleton stickers in a closet. Then I thought, "Skeletons in a closet, how cute is that?" I have always loved the sugar skulls from The Day of the Dead and being from San Antonio, I thought these were perfect! It was a little tricky making the stencil but I'll show you how I did it.

Pretty in Pink (Closet Makeover Paint)

The winner was pink. Julia Roberts would be proud. (Steel Magnolias reference) Although pink is not MY signature color, I did want something really girlie. In case you didn't know, there is a lot of testosterone in my house.

Closet Cabinet Makeover Before and After

I was so excited today to get started on my closet after writing about it yesterday. I was going to paint the walls first but I needed a trip to Home Depot for that and I new that I already had everything here to refinish the cabinet in the closet, so I started there. I have a turquoise color that I have used before called Gulf Winds from Behr. You might have seen it on my kitchen island redo post. I thought it would be perfect so I got started.

Junk Gypsy Inspired

HGTV Magazine

I'm taking a little break from the Master Bedroom to give a shout out to two girls who totally inspire me to be more creative and fun. If you haven't heard of them or had the pleasure of watching their show, you can check out The Junk Gypsies on GAC (Great American Country channel) on Thursday nights at 9/8c. Their new season started last week. I spent the entire day last Thursday binge watching last seasons episodes and I was so impressed by their ability to take junk and transform it into treasures. Their style mixes rustic with glam as you can see from the photo above. Their look is not very practical but boy would I love to live in their world. Their look is dreamy and whimsical and as one of their customers said on the show, " I want to be a Junk Gypsy when I grow up."

7 Ideas to Freshen Up Furniture and Accessories

After painting the Master Bedroom and hanging drapes, I decided that some of the furniture in the room needed to be reinvented. I started with this ottoman, painting the base and recovering with some leftover fabric and a burlap rug that I found. (The burlap rug is from Armoires and Accents)

Pillows ,Pillows, Pillows

Another change in the bedroom...pillows. I'm obsessed with them. If I didn't love my husband, the bed would be covered with them. Not that he ever makes the bed, but he is very practical and I know he would give me a hard time if there were any more than this. I have to restrain myself because if I didn't my house would be covered with pillows....and candles...and shoes, actually. I think he might keep me from being a hoarder.

How to Make a Really Long Curtain Rod

After I painted the bedroom white, I knew that I needed to add drapes for some color. The problem was that this is a very wide expanse of windows and I was having trouble finding a rod long enough, even one that expands. I'll show you my solution...

My New White Bedroom

It was just brought to my attention that I haven't had a decorating post in a while. I didn't realize how long it had been.  How time flies when you're having fun and fun for me is painting! I recently painted my bedroom white and what a difference it makes. It is one of my missions in life to convince all doubters out there that white is not only a COLOR but a GREAT COLOR for walls.  My bedroom had previously been painted a sad beige and I'm sorry but beige does not go with everything! I love white because it does go with everything and it makes a room feel so fresh, light and bright. If you have been following my blog before this, you know that I have been slowly transitioning my house from builder beige to white. Here are some other rooms that I have painted white:

Work Out Room Project

 Below are a couple of before pictures of the so-called "work out room". It was really more of a space for the dogs to sleep at night and an occasional storage room.

"This Year was a Blast" Bulletin Board

This year the school's theme was space so it was easy to stay with that theme for the end of the year bulletin board because it was a "blast"! Here are some close ups...

"Spring into Action" Bulletin Board

This Spring we had our school walk-a-thon, bike rodeo and field day so it made since to do a "Spring" into action board. Here are some close up details...

Can't Wait for Spring

I feel like I've been hibernating the last two months. Normally, I love a few cold evenings in front of the fire but this year it has just been too much. I have decided that I only like cold weather if I don't have to actually get out in it. I know I shouldn't be complaining living in South Central Texas. The rest of the country was really hit hard but I guess that's why I live in a warm climate. It's all relative. The end of this cold weather season has me dreaming of birds chirping, fresh flowers and even farther in the future...the swimming pool.

We have had a couple of Spring-like days so I have spent them outside envisioning  a more beautiful backyard. My first priority was to find new chaise loungers for around the pool. Have you noticed how expensive patio furniture is? Besides that dilemma, I have another problem....the dogs. Well, the lab in particular. He will eat anything stuffed, which means no loose cushions of any kind! I love the look of the wooden and wicker chaises but that won't work either unless I want the legs chewed off. So, today I'm sharing my find from Home Decorator's Collection. I was thrilled to find some good looking colorful metal sling chairs and the price at $ 269.00 for 2 is amazing. I even got free shipping!

I'll be sure to show you the real thing as soon as they get here, just in time for another cold front, I'm sure!

Valentine's Day School Bulletin Board

Hi everyone! I know it has been a long time since I posted. Both of the boys have their birthdays in January and love to stretch them out as much as possible. (A trait they learned from me.) If they were younger, I would be posting about the elaborate party decorations, cake and goodie bags all in the theme of the event of course, but we are beyond all of that. Now it is bowling and laser tag, pizza and candy. Not as much fun to plan but definitely easier for me!

1st Major Change in the Closet

You guessed it. The first major change in the closet. Out with the fluorescent light and in with the chandelier. It still needs some work though. It doesn't have any bling...

Chic Closet Inspiration

In Style

I needed a little inspiration to start on my closet. What is more inspiring than this? There are so many things that I love about this closet. It is so chic! The cedar plank wall is genius. I love the mix of its rustic vibe with the elegant mirrored vanity. Who wouldn't want to stand on that rug with bare feet?! I also love the risk-taking twist of a black chandelier. Just dreamy and so original.

Cool Basket for Storage

 

 

I wanted to share with you this cool basket that I found at World Market. It was a perfect solution for my dilema and it might help you too. I have a small hallway between my laundry room and the outside side patio door. A while back I decided to add some hooks to the wall so the kids could hang up their backpacks and jackets after school instead of throwing them all over the kitchen and sofas. This has worked out great...until winter. I didn't have a place for gloves, caps and scarfs. The hallway is very narrow so I couldn't add anything to the opposite wall and if I hung anything above the hooks, the kids wouldn't be able to reach, let alone look in the basket.

 



 

This basket was the perfect solution. In the summer I can throw in sunglasses, sunscreen, etc. It not only has a handle, but on the back there are hangers so you can put it directly up against the wall. I think these would be cute hung up a wall as toy storage in a kids room or in an office to separate files. It also comes in smaller sizes ~ great for ingoing and outgoing mail. The possibilities are endless.

I love this little basket. No more lost gloves!

 

 

 

Sharing with ~

Sharing with ~
http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/
http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/

http://www.frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com

http://www.commonground-do.com/

 http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com

    http://www.bystephanielynn.com/

http://www.commona-myhouse.com/

http://www.maisondepax.com

    http://www.rainonatinroof.com/

    http://www.somuchbetterwithage.com/

    http://www.averielane.com
http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/

 

 

 

 



Getting Organized in 2014

 I don't know if everyone that likes to decorate is like me in that they thrive on being very organized. It all started when I was a child. I remember arranging and rearranging my room and closet so it was up to its maximum efficiency.  I had to know where everything was and always put "like" things together. I wasn't one of those "messy" kids. I was a parents dream. Often, it didn't stop in my room but would spread into the rest of the house as well, organizing drawers, cabinets and anything else I could find. The organizing would then lead me to notice that furniture needed to be moved and these pillows would look better in this room, etc. Do you see where I am going with this? If you're like me you do. Organizing leads to decorating and is a major component of it . Basically, I think having a functional room is where all decorating should start.

HGTV