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August 18, 2014

my 4 youngest kids started school today.
it feels like we JUST got out for summer break.
i didn’t even get a tan line!
how is summer over?
scott was already at school for an early morning football practice.
i made waffles and we shoved out the door.

photo-72
i picked up the house (a bit) today and painted things.
the internet was out ALL day and i realized i get much more done with no internet…
who knew?!

i am feeling anxious to decorate but the ideas haven’t all hit me yet.

but a couple of ideas….like my sign letters… are making me so happy!

i found several of the letters at Finding Great on Etsy.
i loved all their choices!
29 pages of sign letters??!!
it is sooooo awesome!
i may still hang them on the wall but i love them leaning here too.

Finding Great was really easy to work with… they combined shipping for me…sent them right away.
just think of all the words you could spell!
or just an initial?

i love typography.

back in june i found furniture on craigslist.
a dining room table, 6 chairs, a buffet and a buffet with a hutch on top.
the buffets were identical.
so we painted them gray (Anonymous by Behr) and put them in the inset part of the living room.
it was a perfect fit!
i had exactly 6 pulls left over from the kitchen remodel.
done.
and we had another dresser that i thrifted that the hutch will sit on.

i know what you are thinking…. “it’s very white”.
but this is just the beginning.
the layer before all the color comes in.

the walls are Sea Shell Gray by Valspar.

there needs to be some height back behind the smile and the cow.
but i don’t know with what just yet.
the cow may not stay here forever… but she was lonely in the closet so she’s hanging out with us now.

it’s certainly not done in here… there are lots of things i want to hang on the walls, pillows i want to make, etc.
but we are getting there don’t ya think?
these are the couches and chairs we ordered from Ikea.
there were lots of questions about them before.
basically… YES i love them. the reasons i think it works:
1. this is not our MAIN kid sitting area.
2. it gets used but the boys camp out in the basement not here.
3. and we have forbid food or drink in the living room.
(mom gets to do what she wants because “mom” does the washing of the slipcovers if she spills)

also i found pet alarms to keep the dogs off the furniture when we aren’t home.
they really work!
it sounds like a smoke alarm when you touch it… CRAZY loud.
it beeps only when you are touching it, as soon as you stop touching it the sound stops.
they don’t go anywhere near the couches now.
amazing.

this room needs curtains.
picking fabric for curtains… ughhhhhh.
i don’t want to do it.
but someday i will be out shopping and i will find “IT”.
and i will know that fabric is the one and the decision will be easy.

and i don’t know what to put in this corner.
but i do know that it is not this.
those cabinets got put there when we moved in… and haven’t moved yet.

i may hang family pics all over that corner wall.

and these walls…
and i might even put that shirt away that is on the railing. (HA!)

remember when i said i cleaned up (a bit)?
this was behind me…
i just cleaned one side of the house.
🙂

the hutch is almost done!
the green is bright but i am digging it.

i need some way to conceal all those electronics….what could i do?
everything needs to be accessed at least by a remote.
i haven’t come up with a plan there yet.

and suddenly i am distracted….

zinnias and black eyed susans are pretty dreamy.

i kind of want to blow up these pictures into gigantic wallpaper!
these colors…..these are ME!

so the state of our living room? i think i’d say…she’s coming along!

🙂

do you know what i should do with those electronics on the right buffet?
would you ever get white furniture?

go check out Finding Great and tell me which letters you get for your house!
because i know you will find some great ones!

the Giant G… the hi…. the transparent O…. i want them all.

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Jaime ♥ Raising up Rubies - i might sneaky sneak in and steal that lamp with the flower shade when i’m there. also. where is the leg canvas … still waiting.

Kelly - I love how the cow looks like he’s about to eat you flower bouquet 🙂

Jana Harvey - I love the new space. I hope you don’t mind my saying that I think the space could benefit from some unpainted wood…. maybe the coffee table. I love the “smile!!”

Jenna B - You need plants! I think a nice plant shelf would be great in that corner where the old cabinets are!

Michelle Whitlow - Wow, it’s looking great!!! I have an old buffet that I refinished to use as our entertainment center. It has our DVD player, Xbox, games, etc in it. We cut a hole in the back for the cords to run out the back. It has a door on each side like yours & we keep it open when we’re using the electronics. Otherwise it stays shut. Works for us!

http://michellewhitlow.typepad.com/24-olive-street/2014/03/new-entertainment-center-buffet-redo.html

Jenna - I love what raising up rubies made to conceal electronics in her bedroom.
http://raisinguprubies.blogspot.com/2012/05/once-upon-time-master-bedroom-remodel.html

Stefanie - I have 3 kids and I have a white PB sectional, people think I’m crazy…it stays cleaner than any dark couch I’ve ever owned, because we don’t eat or drink on the couch and the kids bath before sitting on it! 🙂

Kristin - Hi Meg,

Your new house is looking great! Thanks for sharing the decorating process, those are some of my favorite posts (next to your inspiring Mom posts!)

I think I might try hanging the Smile letters up, top of letters level with the top of the television. Then under that I would put a simple shelf centered under the Smile letters to hold your electronics. I would make that shelf level with the fireplace (not the top of the mantel, but rather, the main horizontal moulding line below the mantel top-the one that connects the tops of the columns) That will give you a good amount of space on top of the buffet to display things like framed pictures or whatever.

Then for the other buffet, on the right, I would look for a beautiful painting or photograph framed to the same size that the smile letters and electronics shelf on the other wall. That way both sides of the mantel would be balanced. I don’t think your electronics would stand out so much, and I think they blend nicely with the typography. For the artwork, I would stick to these colors: Black, grey, green like the letter M, and white. Something airy and ethereal or abstract, perhaps. I wouldn’t want it to be too bright, to dominate that side. Your photograph 3 down below in your Wyoming post of the mountains, lake, pines and stones would look amazing, I think.

I would trade out the lamp on the buffet for a floor lamp, if you need light in that corner.

Thanks for inviting me to play decorator at your house! I’m sure whatever you do will be absolutely perfect!

Kristin

Rach - You shop for curtain fabric like I shop for slip cover fabric. My kitchen chairs took forever to cover because I just didn’t want to find the “right” fabric. Then one day I did. Granted I only have 2 of them done, but that’s progress!

Lori - That hutch is going to be amazing! Cannot wait to see it all together. My husband has hidden all of our electronics in our coat closet (receiver, dvd/blu ray player and surround sound gadgets)and uses some type of “eye” on the front of the tv that makes each remote “see” the components. I am so not techie, but I could ask him the specifics if you’d like.

Lisa - I have one of those same white ikea slipcovered chairs in white (the ottoman too), and I LOVE it…it washes really well too. Considering the price difference between that furniture and the large slipcovered sectional in my living room that I spent over $4,000. on, I wish I had just bought the Ikea couches. My kids at on it, and it now has stains and cat scratches and the covers are not machine washable like the Ikea slipcovers 🙁 I have lots of white furniture, in fact, all my vintage/antique stuff is painted white..I love being able to change the look of my rooms for the different holidays and the decos don’t clash because of all my white and bits of green. Yours is coming along nicely! Can’t wait to see more…..

Jenn - Just noticed Talby’s hair! She likes color like her mama?! Is really cute!

Laurel - All looks fab! I love the Ektorp sofas-especially the washable slipcovers. For the electronics, you can buy a little speaker looking thing that is like a walkie talkie to all of your electronics in the cupboard. It’s the only thing that has to be out:) and they are small.

the chubby dove - we have those same ikea couches and chairs. we also have two boys and two yorkies. people are amazed that we have white furniture, but washable slipcovers are AWESOME!

Kirsten - I have the same white couch and love seat. I have a love-hate relationship with them. I LOVE that they have brightened up my living room SO much. And I LOVE that they are bleachable (even tho they say they aren’t) – especially when my son throws up all over them. What I don’t love is when I spend all day washing them and then my 2-year-old daughter decides to climb on them after covering herself with bright blue marker. Sigh….

Your house is looking marvelous! I love that you aren’t afraid to try something new. I over think my decorating, which means it NEVER gets done!!

Teri - Love the gray furniture! I have a long dresser with the same scroll – painted the piece red and popped the scrolls off prior – they were plastic. Love you pics!!

Lisa - Your girls are getting so tall – is Talby taller than you now? And Annie is looking older, too. They have such great smiles. Glad that Sean still doesn’t mind having his picture taken with a big smile. My teenage boy has hit the “I don’t want my picture taken so I won’t smile” stage. Happy kids! And BEAUTIFUL flowers!

Andrea - Meg….I love it. would you mind to share your source for the couch alarms……I have a shedder….and won’t buy new family room furniture because she is use to getting on it!!! this might be the answer

thanks

Jill - It is looking good, Meg! I love where you are headed with everything. I’ve been eyeing the ikea couch for our home. Love the white with pops of color.

Kristen - Meg, maybe you can put the large black box (that’s as technical as I get!) behind the cabinet door – the one below where it’s sitting now. You can keep the door open while you watch tv if needed and then close it when you’re done. The top drawer can be put on hinges so the front flips open and you can put the other things in there. And like the door, the drawer can just be used when you’re not using the tv. I haven’t read the other comments to if 20 other people already mentioned this, sorry for the repeat! Love your house 🙂

tracy - Miss Meg,
I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your blog- it is always like a breath of fresh air. you are a true original. It made my day today when you shared the photo of what was behind where you cleaned 🙂 I love the honesty and it helps to know that things aren’t always spotless perfection on blogland.

Laura Oyler - oh my word i’m in love with the buffets!!

Karyn - Meg, we have our electronics hidden behind a cabinet. My hubby bought an infrared extender. It is a little device that allows us to turn on the electronics with a remote even though they are hidden! It works great! Love all the colors!

Jennifer - So I’ve watched your awesomeness for a long time now, but the Finding Great site was my push over the edge to comment. You’re always so inspiring, and I’m so glad you’ve shared that site with us. Beautiful!

jenn - I would look through your photos for all the amazing flower shots in fun bright colors. Then do a whole wall in the corner with canvases of fun flowers. Do you have a piano? That would be a good spot for it if you do! Or a fun little bench/settee/love seat with a lamp for a reading nook? Then I would do a gallery wall of family photos in another spot…down the hallway or the stairs?

Tracy - Well if you don’t make those pics into wallpaper, you should at least add them to your shop!! My kitchen wall looks so great with the collage of photos I purchased from the shop. THANK YOU!!!!! 🙂

Kim - Everything looks great, can’t wait to see how you continue to add your touch and color to the room! I could see some wide floating shelves above the hutches for all sorts of fun color and punch.

I just solved my electronics issue. I had my TV off center for years just for the electronics to sit next to it on our hutch. Then I read about a remove extender and upon researching that I found out about RF remotes…. you can use it thru a wall. Guess what I also found out my Direct TV console had an RF remote the whole time! I promptly drilled holes into the back of our hutch for cords and centered the TV! Best free project ever! Now, if your remotes and devices are not RF already, they have fancy things on amazon that will do that along with extenders (but the RF attachments can be hidden away with the rest of the electronics where the extenders can’t).

Have fun decorating!

Martha - Your home is like a canvas, how exciting right? How about painting the two sides of fireplace you favorite zinnia color or green like your Buffett, or Black-eyed Susan yellow. Or just tell me to shut up and paint my own canvas!

tasha roe - love how it’s coming together!!
What about floating shelves above the flanking buffets? the color looks so good on them and they are just too perfect for that space!
i wish i had an idea for the wires. i have the same problem. rats.

Jenny B. - For the electronics, there’s some sort of radio frequency controller thingy that lets you put them behind closed doors but still be able to operate them. I don’t know much about it, but maybe google RF controller? I’ve been thinking about white slipcovered furniture lately. I’ve read several blog posts about the IKEA sofas, and every person has said they are perfect for families with kids because you can wash them and even bleach them if needed (and full replacement covers are cheap). For your corner, maybe a small round dining table with a couple of wooden chairs and a board game or two? 🙂

Molly - I think wallpaper with your flower photos would actually be fabulous! You can create your own wallpaper on spoonflower.com and it would be so fun in the nooks flanking the fireplace 🙂

Jess Noble - I have been itching to buy those couches for years! I finally just convinced my husband that white couches weren’t insane after reading some reviews about how easy it is to wash those slipcovers. They look awesome! And those gray buffets are just lovely. 🙂

Kerri - Our daughter and SIL just bought their first home and she chose a great sofa from IKEA (but in a dark color because she has a 3-yr-old 🙂 ). I am VERY excited for the IKEA in Merriam, KS to open next month. That’s only an 1-1/2 hours from me. Woo hoo!

Janet - Your home is great, and the zinnias are beautiful. My favorite. Hope your kids have a great year!

Mel - L-o-v-e what you got going on there…and you are a lot better at this decorating thing than me, but I can tell you a couple things we have done to hide electronics. We took off the solid wood panel of our cabinet and replaced it with mesh. This allows for the remote to work and for the components to keep cool. Also, we put my husbands big sub-woofer speaker in an old picnic basket (with a lid) in the corner on the floor. And it still shakes the room! Works just fine. 🙂 I really like your smile!!

Gina - Meg, when I read your blog I come away so inspired!! I just want to go paint something or do something new!! And I live in a mostly white house but you make me want color. 😉 Maybe. 🙂 I am definitely going to look at the letters because I have been wanting a “B” forever but I love the thrill of the hunt so may wait to find it at a flea market or wherever. 🙂 I thought of a crate turned longways also for the electronic stuff. Thanks for sharing your home with us. 🙂

LInda - Hi Meg,

I love watching your progress with your new home; it’s looking beautiful!

We too have our TV over our fireplace and have our electronics concealed inside a cabinet. Right now we have to open the cabinet to use the remotes, but, my husband bought an eye to install outside the cabinet so that the remote will work with the cabinets closed. I’m very excited about this! So…it is possible to conceal all those electronics and still access them by remote. Maybe this could also be an option for you.

FLWendy - You are so creative, Meg! I had that IKEA sofa and the chairs. They are awesome. I washed those slipcovers constantly and they always came out clean and bright. About the electronics, are the areas behind the scroll-work on your cabinets removable? Maybe you could replace them with some sort of screen to make it accessible by remote?

Lori - Can you hinge the drawer fronts a la House*Tweaking for your electronics?!?

http://www.housetweaking.com/2013/09/04/diy-hinged-drawer/

Julie - Wow – you room is looking great – love the white with pops of colour. Especially love those flowers, think I will have to plant zinnias this summer too.

Rebecca W - Put them into an old crate (standing on it’s side) that has slats on its bottom so that the wires can go through. When you don’t feel like looking at it all, turn the crate so it’s bottom faces the wall…if that makes sense :p

Johanna - House is looking great! Your blog is always a decorating inspiration! What color paint is on your walls? It looks like a light grey? Really nice color to add all those color-pops you always have…

Beth - Oh, the electronics! Such a pain when making decorating decisions… Something like this would allow you to hide almost everything inside those cabinets I think!

http://www.amazon.com/Next-Generation-Remote-Control-Extender/dp/B000C1Z0HA/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1408426479&sr=8-4&keywords=infrared+remote+sensor

kristen - It looks great! You inspire me!

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my milk paint experience

July 15, 2014

awhile back i found this buffet on pinterest.
i think i entered “green buffet” to see what came up.

and that was that.
i was in love!
i tracked down the artist and asked her HOW did you make this look like this?
she told me she used milk paint and a dark cream and wax.
(she has lots of beautiful pieces that she has created!)

so i started looking around online for these things… i know… you probably know all about this but i didn’t.

i ended up on amazon and i came across Jodi from Back40Life and thought “hey… i know that girl!”
because i did!
i have worked with Jodi in the past over the internet so i emailed her and said “tell me the real scoop on what i need to make my buffet look like this”
photo-25-1000x750(pp_w775_h581)
She sent me all the supplies i would need to complete the project that i was dying to work on.

i had NEVER used milk paint before.
honestly i didn’t even know that milk paint was a “thing” let alone how big of a following it has.
did you know that people go to milk paint classes?!
huh?
where have i been?!

this is the buffet i wanted to paint.
i got it from an antiques shop 9 years ago and haven’t done a thing to it in those 9 years.
it was finally time!
(disclaimer…our bedroom has really funky lighting and it is HARD to get a great photo)

very first…i rubbed all the edges of this piece with the wax puck for sanding later.

did you know milk paint comes as a powder?!
i used my blender to mix it up (because the package told me i could).
i thought “this is crazy that i am using my ninja for paint!”
but i did.
and it worked.
and the ninja survived.
BUT you can buy a little hand mixer that would be way better… i recommend that.

i decided to not use the bonding agent since i wanted the paint to be super chippy.
that was me just guessing and hoping it worked.
i figured if the paint didn’t stick then i would just start over… it’s only paint!
nothing that can’t be fixed. 🙂

this color is called Boxwood.
i painted a few coats.
and let it dry.
it is very flat paint. i was nervous. this is not my style at all.

and then came back and saw it was CHIPPING RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME!
my mood changed immediately!
i was giddy.

i used this scraper and the paint just fell off.
i wasn’t putting pressure on the scraper… just moving it over the green paint.

before and after the scraping.
after i scraped the chippy stuff off… i lightly sanded everything to get it even chippier!

i LOVED this stage!

i wiped it all down with a rag to remove the dust and extra dry paint.
THEN i used the hemp oil over the entire piece… put it on a clean rag and applied it.

when it was completely dry i finished the piece by sealing it with Antiquing Wax using that great big brush.
i was nervous about this part but really it just made it look finished and not flat anymore!
i like it!
of course i can’t decide on the drawer pulls so those are still missing.

i was so pleased with using Milk Paint!
there are so many different styles and variations you can do depending on color or the piece you painting… if you use the bonding agent or not…SO MUCH FUN!

You can get all the supplies for any milk paint project you have from Back40Life in their etsy shop.
They sell Miss Mustard Seed Paints and supplies.
they were great to work with…helpful and knowledgable!

and look at all these great colors there are to choose from?!
il_fullxfull.565770309_g6sa
have you ever used milk paint?
what do you want to paint next – or for your first project?
Which color would you pick?

i am crushing on that mustard seed yellow…. or the tricycle… or typewriter….

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Anne - You did an awesome job, congratulations! I just love the color and texture.
Anne.

Flower Patch Farmgirl - This is SO dreamy, lady.

Karen - You should just email and then call Marian (Miss Mustard Seed). Im sure she’d love to talk to you…

Beth - So cute! I am now itching to milk paint something, anything. Think my neighbors will notice if I sand and paint their cat?

Megan - I love it! This is what I’ve been waiting for 😉
I wanted to see how yours turned out because I was scared to do my own. But, I did it anyway. I chose chalk paint because I need instant gratification and didn’t want to wait for shipping on the milk paint. Now I want to buy all kinds of furniture to repaint. And I’ll probably be ordering some milk paint too. I’m hooked. I need Luckett’s Green and Kitchen Scale in my life.

Here’s mine: http://thingsthatfloatmyboat.blogspot.com/2014/07/eat-my-chalk-dust.html

Southern Gal - I haven’t used milk paint yet, but my son and his fiancée painted my dining room table and chair for me in a jade. It’s chippy without meaning to be. I love it! My husband hates it. Sigh.

Jenny B. - It looks great!! I have a lone dining chair I’ve been wanting to paint Mustard Seed Yellow. We have a local shop that carries it, so I just need to go get it and get started! 🙂

Mindy - Waaay back in the ’80’s, like when Country Living was just getting their magazine feet wet, I read about milk paint but wow has it ever taken off! Your piece looks so great. I am definitely keeping the process in mind for a future project.

Lisa - OMG! I love this! I went to the Etsy shop and then to the Miss Mustard Seed’s website and watched the tutorials on how to do this. I have to chairs I got for free that I need to repaint and upholster, I am so excited to milk paint them now!!

Laurel - Looks FAB! I always wanted to try milk paint since I first heard about it years ago but never got around to it… Recently I found Annie Sloan’s milk paint and OH My Goodness. What I love about it is the lack of prep work-a plus for me!!!! I have painted two brown wood pieces so far. A table that I painted with Paris Grey milk paint and then and then a white coat over and then some sandpaper to distress and then the wax with the fancy brush just like yours. Next I painted a bookcase-from Ikea and it turned out fab. One more bookcase to go and then my new loft area will look very beachy! My husband is afraid that I found this paint as what will I paint nex….:)

Tanya H - I love this! Thank you for answering my questions on how to make furniture look like that! I sooo want to redo my old dresser in Linen for my daughter!

Amy Woods - I’m trying to get brave enough to do this. I bought a vintage sewing machine in it’s original cabinet. That’s what I want to try it out on. I think I might go for it in tricycle. Only I wouldn’t do chippy since it is a sewing machine cabinet…at least not on top. Love how your buffet turned out!

Aimee - I have a piece in my garage that my hubby and I were talking about ….. SO happy to see this! Tricycle is going to be perfect!! And then we have the kitchen table to do and then the hutch in the dining room, oh, and the table in the office….

Kimberlee Jost - You know that built in that’s in my living room.
That needs this paint.
And I’m happy to have you on speed dial for when I get stuck!

Emily - Thank you so much for sharing this! I LOVE this! 🙂 Beautiful!

Meredith - Looks amazebeans Meg!! Milk paint for the win:)

Jeri - Typewriter is my fav. Been wanting to paint something gray…

Michelle Whitlow - One of these days I’m going to try the milk paint. I’ve only used chalk paint & distressed it by sanding. Looks awesome!!!

Katie - Ohhhh I love it! I’ve been itching to try out milk paint. I have a coffee table that desperately needs to be repainted, and that Mustard Seed Yellow would be perfect. I love the striped curtains paired with the buffet, too. Can’t wait to see more progress of how you’re making your new house a home.

Terri - I love how your buffet turned out. I knew you would love Miss Mustard Seed Paints! They are great. You should check out the Miss Mustard seed website. Every Friday she has a linky party and people send in pictures of projects they have done using the Miss Mustard Seed milk paint. You should put your buffet on there. It turned out really nice. Miss Mustard Seed’s dining room is featured on the cover of the new Romantic Country Homes magazine. You can see her dining room furniture that she painted. Also, she has a great picture of a cow above her buffet.

erin - Meg!!! GREAT post. And I love how it turned out *without* the bonding agent. The chippier, the better, in my book.
For the record, I do believe Kitchen Scale is my favorite.
xo

Denise Sandberg - I painted my first piece with chalk paint about a year ago – it was super fun – I skipped the hemp oil step and went straight to the wax – but it turned out great. Now I have an antique piece that has been sanded down to it’s bare wood and I’m fearful to paint it with chalk paint – I think I probably should use the bonding agent or it will just soak into the wood…..I can’t wait to get it done – now I need TIME! 🙂 Your piece looks amazing! can’t wait to see the finished project!

Wendy - love this! Where did you get your striped drapes? I love those! So pretty and just the right amount of chippy. Also, looks so authentic not sanded to look old!!
-Wendy

Mandy - …I have a very similar buffet that I nabbed for free with the matching table and I’ve been wanting to re-do them with milk paint. I’m loving that mustard seed yellow!

Gina - Apparently you haven’t been reading Marian’s blog. 😉 I love the look of milk paint but over the past five years I have painted several pieces in my house but don’t really have anything left. :/ I’m still thinking about painting some of my beroom pieces though!! Your piece is gorgeous!! 🙂

Jennifer - Wow! That looks amazing, Meg! Great job…I’ve never heard of milk paint–thanks for sharing your “how-to” on this…I’m going to have to give this a try.

Lorri - Love this! I just used chalk paint for the first time on living room end tables and now you’ve convinced me to broaden my reach with milk paint as well. So glad to see “the classics” like this get a new life – it looks terrific.

Barbie - Love your buffet!! I am really liking the Flow Blue color!!!

Jenn - Um….LOVE IT! Its turned out fabulous!

heidi e. - These would be cute in white:

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/home-hardware-knobs/073183.jsp#/

Or any anthro knobs.. especially the on sale ones! 😉

Alex - Thanks for sharing your heart.

I have been inspired to share my journey with Huntingtons Disease.
http://Www.livingwithpassion90.blogspot.com

Heather S. - Love the result! I struggle to do these projects. I’ve completed an end table and a decorative garden gate (for over the mantle), but I wish I’d have been more chippy with my paint. Still looks too “freshly painted.” KWIM?

Anyway, lovely work here, Meg! I really like the tricycle, the mustard seed yellow, and the kitchen scale! What fun colors!

ALicia @ Investing Love - I have never used it, but you just convinced me…first chance I get I’m doing it!!!

Carol S. - Where’ve ya been Meg? Ha ha, can’t believe you haven’t seen this around for awhile. Probably busy in your chicken coop. 🙂 Yes, been wanting to do same thing to a couple of pieces in my guest room…dresser and desk…each time I host guests, I think “I must do that before the next guest.” Maybe this time I will. A consignment store near me has a big display of these type products and offers classes. Loved the pics and descriptions and your buffet looks fab.

jamie - just went to the {miss mustard seed} website. my questions can be answered there. i think i’m in love.

jamie - silly question: why is it called milk paint? would this look good on bathroom or kitchen cupboards?

Angela - Looks great! I love the idea of using it for your tv too! I’ve never used it but I love the colors it comes in!

Lizelle - Wow – it looks great! I need to find something to paint in the “typewriter” colour!! 😉

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the rainbow surprise

July 7, 2014

the week that Annie got to go to her first longer version of camp we decided was a great time to paint and decorate her bedroom!

she had picked her bedspread out a few weeks before at Target.
so i based everything around that.
i made a plan and we stuck with it.
i had all the supplies ready before i dropped her off at camp.
as soon i got back from taking her i emptied her room!
there was no time to waste.

getting it done without a lot of changing ideas… questions… able to work late into the night was GREAT!
kids change their minds a lot it seems.
i had talked with annie about the rainbow stripes so i knew she would like it.
we just hadn’t told her we were going to do it when she was gone.

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we painted the whole room white to start.

when the paint was dry, using a 48″ level and a pencil i measured down from the ceiling across the wall in three places so i could connect those lines.
and repeated that all the way to the floor.
then we used blue painters tape JUST under the line so our pencil line wouldn’t show.
the white stripe is the width of the painters tape.

if you were planning to do this project you would have to figure out your measurements based on your ceiling height, number of colors & stripes and your moldings.

we worked HARD for several days straight.
it was so great to finish a big project so quickly.
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talby helped me pick the fabric for annie’s curtains at Hobby Lobby.
i sewed them quickly while craig painted the stripes.

i spray painted many coats on the bed & bedside table over the few days we had.
i can only find that bright pink color at hobby lobby? that’s kinda weird don’t ya think?
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i also revamped the chandelier i found a few months back with spray paint, brighter colors & a glossy finish.
chady
the night before she was coming home we put another coat on the stripes, cleaned up, craig hung the curtain rod, moved the furniture back in, made the bed and it was after 1 AM.
we were zombies!
But it was totally worth it.

she was excited about this chair because it had been a big debate over who got the old living room furniture when the new furniture came.
and she got the chair!
the alphabet wall hanging is from SpunkyFluff.
i had been saving it for the new house!
it fit so great in that space on the white wall!

Annie’s pillow is from Chrissie Grace.
the blanket was at the thrift shop. 🙂

Stanley approves and really wants to get on the bed!
after she was home and settled in… and we were rested up a bit from the previous week,
i went back in and fixed the little lines that were left from the painters tape.
it didn’t bother craig and it might not bother you… but it drove me CRAZY.
so i fixed it with a little paint brush.

THIS was so much fun to surprise her with.
she has kept it clean… she loves everything about it… it was the best.

along the same lines as getting the old chair… she was so excited to get a lamp with a pull chain.
she said “you remembered i wanted one!”

kids are rad.

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Renee - love it!! did you go WOF for the curtains or piece together?? 🙂

annette - When you spray paint furniture, does it chip easily? How do you prep it? Do you cover it with anything to seal it from chipping? The room is adorable! You have an amazing way of making all the colors work. If I tried that, I think it would like a circus clown gone wrong!

Shellie - Absolutely LOVE it!!! ❤️

chasity - it all looks soooooo good.
that crocheted blanket is the bomb!

Tonya Brown - LOVE the room. can i ask where you got the material for her window curtain? I think all of it is my favorite.

Mindy - What a fun room – no wonder she loves it!

Janae - Oh my! I love it!! Striped walls are my favorite and even more so with those bright fun colors! What an awesome room and super awesome surprise!! You are fun parents!!

Lindsey - How awesome! Love it!

Heather - Looks cute!! I think you should put the headboard on the rainbow wall. It would add a huge impact!!

Emilie - Awesome room. What a cute raspy voice she has.

beth larson - You two are the best parents God ever created!!!! What a laborious project- I love how you made it sound like “not biggie”- (I’d love to have your energy). haha xo

Bree - Beautiful room!! When you wrote that Annie was excited about the chair and the lamp, it hit me how much our children learn from us and how excited they can get when we share or do something for them that we love too. It’s special to them because it’s special to us. I’ve seen this with our boys too and I often forget. Thank you for the reminder 🙂 Have a blessed week!

Nana - I don’t think I’ve ever seen Annie as excited as she was when she got to show me her “new” room! She absolutely loved it! I have to contradict something I told her. I didn’t think the cabins at Camp Mennoscah had changed since I used to go there back in the 50’s, but after seeing the picture I realize I was wrong….there was no cute graffiti on the walls then 🙂

Elizabeth - I love the container at the end of the bed holding her dolls. What is that? (I need to start googling to see what I can find for my daughter).

Kathi Mahoney - I love everything about her new room and, especially, how you surprised her! Gah. Can you be my mom too? 🙂

Kathi - It’s beautiful!

Jill - Meg…It is a DREAM! Just a dream!

Now, I am curious where the rainbow fabric for the rainbow pillow on the bed came from? Hobby Lobby too?

Kristen Bangs - Thank you for the great shout-out, Meg! Was not expecting it and what a coup! So much traffic from your amazing readers! xoxoxo!

Elz - We are converting the study into a bedroom for my older daughter while they are away at camp. I can NOT wait to see her expression when they come home!

Jeannine - I’m going to have dreams about that accent wall.

Elizabeth - Well done! The room is a true reflection of her vibrant and fun personality! She will always remember her mom and dad staying up late to redecorate and paint her room. That is an awesome feelingg for a little one to have. You guys are just amazing parents!!

Karen - What a fabulous room for a young girl! I know as a mom, we love surprising our kids with things we know they’ll love!

Sami - That comforter is beautiful. It looks amazing with those colors! I love the way you decorate with such bright, cheery colors. It is so inspiring!

Sami

Crystal - Wow that looks stunning! On the nightstand and headboard, can you post about refinishing them? Did you sand first or just paint them. Too many pinterest tutorials are on the shabby chic look and not a regular bold paint job!

Lora - Wonderful! What a great gift to give.

marcie - Love the room – fun colors and just “looks” like Annie – spunky and bright!! I’ve done the “room surprise” thing twice for my daughter. Once when she went on a week long mission trip and we went from deep turquoise walls to white – talk about late nights – it took so many coats and threw me off schedule but it worked out. I did a bathroom makeover like that once, too. It seems that I only finish completely if I have a project deadline!!
There is a trick to painting those lines and not having to touch up…. has amyone shared it?? If not, let me know before you stripe again!! I’ve painted a zillion stripes with no edge bleed using the technique. It’s on my blog, too.
Can’t wait to see more progress in your new home!
Marcie

Nicole Franks - I WANT your taste and talent! and I want this room 🙂

Julie - LOVE the room! What a wonderful surprise to come home to. I remember painting my sister’s room when she was gone on vacation once. I told her that we had painted it to look like a candy cane when really Mom and Dad painted it mint green, which was her favorite color at the time.
Did Annie go to Camp Mennoscah? If so, she was about 5 miles away from where I live. That is the camp I went to when I was her age and for several years I took my students there for an end of the year camp out.

KirstenP - I would totally go back and touch up the white stripes in Annie’s room. Love her room!!

Jackie - Awesome!

Julie - What a fabulous room – love all the colours, especially that duvet cover and chandelier.

Janna - I LOOOOVE!!!!! LOVE!

Andrea - This room is adorable!!!! Just like Annie! So glad she loves it!

Jane - What an awesome room! I love the bright colors!

Shelby Beck - Meg, this is gorgeous and a great surprise for your daughter.

missy - If you paint over the tape with your base coat first, it will eliminate the need to go back & fix choppy lines.

Adrienne - Darling! The stripes remind me of rainbow sherbet!

Tammy @Through the Milk Glass - Wow, beautiful room! I would love to have it myself!

What a wonderful surprise to come home to!

Jesse - Love the stripes! If you want to avoid those paint line touchup next time you tackle a stripe try painting over the edge of the painters tape with the original wall color then paint on the colors once that’s dry. Since something will always bleed under the tape you seal it with the original wall color and end up with a clean line, no touchup needed. (Yes I saw is on Pinterest but I’ve actually done it and it works!)

Michelle Whitlow - Such a cute room!!!

katie Skiff - I loved watching this on Instagram – what a lucky girl! I want it for my room, but hubby might flip out!! HA!!

Jane - I wish you had been around when I was raising my kids. I did my best but could have used inspiration from you. You are an amazing mom and have so many incredible ideas!

Tiffany - Beautiful room! I love the stripes. I did that once in my youngest son’s room when we first moved into a house we remodeled. It was so much work, but adorable. Everyone loved it. Maybe one day I’ll do something like that again, but not right now. Good job mama!

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LG Studio & Nate Berkus

June 24, 2014

i think you know already how i love designing kitchens.
i love thinking about them & changing them in big and small ways.
I was asked to take part in a promotion with LG Studio called “Designing Your Signature Kitchen.”
well… yes please!
i just go to do this in our new home we moved into almost two months ago.
but what if that is not the plan for you?
what if you have a kitchen that you aren’t wanting or able to gut and start over?
i started thinking about ways to change your existing kitchen to make it “Your Signature Kitchen”.
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1. paint – this is the least expensive option and makes a HUGE impact. you could paint your walls or your existing cabinets.

2. replace backsplash – this is not necessarily an easy fix but changing your backsplash would change the whole room.

3. flooring – either getting all new flooring, painting or altering the existing flooring or even just a new rug or two.

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4. lighting – changing out the old ceiling lighting and/or adding under counter lights

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5. faucet/sink – freshening up this area makes it feel clean & new.

6. altering existing cabinets – changing the look by removing some completely off the wall to open up space, removing doors for an open shelf look or painting the outside or inside of cabinets.

7. appliances – new appliances change the look of a kitchen A LOT.

LG Studio appliances would look amazing in just about any kitchen!

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The LG Studio line provides design and function, delivering a lovely cooking experience for you. The full kitchen suite has clean lines & makes a beautiful statement in any kitchen! LGSTUDIO

8. replacing counter tops – you could change to stone, butcher block or even concrete!

9. cabinetry hardware – switching your drawer pulls or door handles is an instant face lift.

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10. the details – freshen up your space by changing out artwork, dishes, towels, baskets, small appliances, clocks, shelves, wallpaper, curtains or pillows 5b650307d97785b9689beb2e23c61f9c

You can follow my Pinterest Board that is filled with kitchen design inspiration. i tried to find all different ideas that matched these suggestions.

Now… how about a little contest… with NATE BERKUS!?!

what?
YES it is real!!
You need to enter your kitchen in the “My Kitchen Needs Nate” Contest!

(everyone’s kitchen needs at least a little Nate… even Oprah does for goodness sake!)

LG Studio appliances have amazing features and Nate Berkus understands this. That’s why he recommends LG Studio as a key ingredient in designing a signature kitchen that reflects homeowners taste as well as lifestyle through the years. read the instructions below to enter the contest.

————————————————————————————————————

LG Studio & Nate Berkus LG Studio announced its partnership with renowned decorator and product designer Nate Berkus for its high-end LG Studio kitchen line earlier this year. LG Studio chose to partner with Nate as a result of their shared commitment to living with what is well thought out and well designed, without sacrificing personality. His unique skill set complements LG Studio’s plans to continue delivering premium appliances built with sophistication and functional elegance in mind.

Timeless sophistication is the signature of the LG Studio Collection, a beautiful complement to the advanced technology that elevates the entire series. As the artistic advisor to the LG Studio Collection, Nate brings his celebrated style to LG’s premium appliances. His sophisticated yet accessible style resonates strongly with homeowners, and he is recognized amongst them as an inspirational expert on kitchen remodeling and design.

LG Studio Signature Kitchen with Nate Berkus Nate and LG Studio have teamed up to help homeowners create their signature kitchen. The kitchen is the heart of the home, but for many, it’s one of the most difficult rooms to design. His expertise and insight will provide consumers with useful feedback to help them create their most beautiful kitchens. The LG Studio Signature Kitchen with Nate Berkus focuses on a kitchen web series in which Nate responds to kitchen remodeling and design-based questions from his and LG’s social communities in the form of personalized videos, some of which were shot during a live event at the LG Studio Kitchen in Manhattan last week. Nate also filmed five exclusive videos offering insight and expertise on various design trends, including achieving a well-appointed kitchen, summer in the kitchen, layered design, entertaining in the kitchen, and technology in the kitchen. Visit LGStudioKitchen.com to watch Nate in the kitchen sharing his expert design tips and insights!

“My Kitchen Needs Nate” Contest

Beginning June 19 and extending to July 31, consumers are encouraged to enter the “My Kitchen Needs Nate” contest in which the winner will receive a Nate Berkus designed and remodeled kitchen that incorporates LG Studio appliances. Contestants are asked to shoot a video of themselves in their kitchen, noting the personal inspiration point they want Nate to incorporate in his design and why they’re excited about LG Studio’s line of appliances. LG Studio and Nate will choose the winner based on the following criteria: compelling design opportunity, quality of LG Studio appliance-based answer and visibility of kitchen space. Once the renovation is complete, renovation episodes, tip videos and images capturing the renovation will be posted to LGStudioKitchen.com and shared across LG and Nate’s social properties.

Readers may submit video entries at LGStudioKitchen.com for a chance to win a new kitchen renovation, designed by celebrity designer Nate Berkus and furnished with LG Studio appliances.

Does your kitchen need Nate and the LG Studio line of appliances? Send LG Studio a video and tell them all about it. Make sure to include the following:

You are the star. Make sure you’re in your kitchen and that LG Studio can see a 360° view of it.
Tell LG Studio your story. Describe for them the design elements that matter most to you. NOTE: They’re going to see a lot of videos, so make it great!
Tell LG Studio what you love so much about LG Studio appliances
Enter the My Kitchen Needs Nate contest for a chance to win a new kitchen renovation, designed by celebrity designer Nate Berkus and furnished with LG Studio appliances

www.LGstudiokitchen.com

Learn more about the LG Studio Collection here.

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Gina - I love the bold green, red and black. 🙂 Does this mean you are going to share your Pinterest with us? 😉 Please!! 😀

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craigslist is rad.

June 3, 2014

on memorial day i got my husband to go with me to pick up a dining room set i found on craigslist.
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i am super pumped about it.
i was searching for a round table and found a whole set that is grandma chic.
i have sanded it all down already.
i know for sure the chairs and table will be white.
it’s just what i do… paint everything white.
but the hutch is MADE for a color!
it needs it!

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the problem is WHICH COLOR???
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the possibilities are so great!
what do you think?
do you like any of those options?
obviously they are all in the green palette in some form… but which green would you pick?

or would you choose a complimenting color TO the green?

would you paint it all one color or the inside different than the outside?

so many choices!!

AND then choosing fabric on the chairs will be really difficult too.
but i love thinking about this kind of thing.
color is happy in all it’s forms.

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Heather - I vote any aqua!! I heart aqua!!

Alicia @ Investing Love - Gahhhhh! I have NO IDEA! But its gonna be so great!!! It seems you have a lot of blues and greens in mind. I would paint the outside and line the inside with book pages or pretty wallpaper or something.

Julia - Hi there…I am not sure if you read all 400 comments on here, but check out our blog, http://www.itsbetterthannew.blogspot.ca and scroll down to check out our hutch we painted last week. We added bead board to the back and gave it white shelves. It really brightened it up! Do a fun colour, in chalk paint and add the white to the back! It will tie in your white kitchen!

april r - my 2 cents? paint the inside a lighter shade. love all those greens, I’m partial to a sea glass or grey green. I’m doing a chifferobe in a light green this weekend so seeing your color palettes is exciting 🙂

jenn - I’d lean towards a complimentary shade of green to your green stools. Maybe a shade lighter (since it is a big piece of furniture)…like a complimentary mint/jade green. That is a hot color right now. If you want a pop in the back….use some cool paper or something removable so you can change it down the road if you change your mind! Or grass cloth in the back? That would be fun and textural without fighting against the fun pop of color. Or paint the hutch white like the chairs and table and just paint the inside a pop of color. We did that with the built ins in our dining room (corner hutches). The walls are a pale robin’s egg blue and the built-ins are white so we used a burnt orange and it is fun and unexpected!

Jen - I am partial to the Punch Buggy palette because those shades of green are good neutrals that look good with pops of BRIGHT colors like reds, pinks, blues, etc., which we all know you LOVE! FUN!!

deb meyers - center color on the “door hues” palette: the periwinkle-y grey will support green and coral tones and look amazing.

Tobi - You’re doing green stools right? Then I’d go with a red or pink. Then you can get chair fabric with both colors to tie them together. I can’t wait to see it!

Jolene @ Homespun Heritage - Kiwi! Anything close to kiwi! Its my latest obsession among the obnoxiously bright colors….my other fave is mango but your not leaning that way. Go big or go home…oh wait, you are home!

Marilyn M> - I think it needs a red tone like the color of the poppy one. If everything else is white and the seats are patterned the color pop will pull it all together.

tracy fisher - some kind of turquoise… it goes with everything! and it’s happy.

Chris - What a great set! I would paint the hutch a light rasberry color – to complement the green in your kitchen. You could pick fabric that brings the two colors together to link the two rooms. But you really don’t need my advice at all. I’ve been to the craft house:)

Ruthanne - I agree with others who have said that it is best to pick the fabric first, then find a color in it to paint the hutch. Good luck! Happy hunting!

pam - so fun! you can’t go wrong, whatever you do. for some reason i’m seeing it a really pretty grey and a bold color inside via wallpaper or bright white inside if the dishes/ items you put inside will be colorful…can’t wait to see what you do! xo

laura oyler - when you said “grandma chic” I started cracking up. I would paint the inside and outside the same color, but probably put fabric or wallpaper or stencil the back on the inside.

Lisa - I like the far left green on the paint-brushed canvas for the outside, and then paint the inside the beautiful coral that is on the far right paint colors of the poppy picture. Happy colors!

Linda G - I love green, but something about that furniture says “deep eggplant purple” to me.

emily - You go the opposite order of me. I find fabric I can’t live without, and then pick my color from there!

Kristen K. - My vote: I’m loving that middle green, for the “jenilysilva.com” pic (with the big ol’ succulent)…that deep green is a bit retro, a bit modern…and can act as a neutral base color for all seasons / styles! Thank you for sharing your home & your projects with us – colors and decor aside, your house became a home as soon as YOUR FAMILY moved in! You are a blessing to all of us in the bloggysphere…Many blessings back at ya!!!

Robin C - You’re going to need more than one hutch. Obvs!

Joanie - I used to work with your Aunt Jan and she introduced me to your blog over 5 years ago. What a great surprise when I saw that MSN Living referenced you for their article on “50 Things to Do this Summer in 50 States”! Love the blog and have shared it with others.

Kori - um…I just tripped out a little bit because I saw another commenter with the same name as mine (I don’t see the same spelling very often!) and I didn’t want you to think I was a weirdo who commented all over your post…although now I guess I just did! 😉

I have to say, though, that I agree with her color opinions, especially the part about the gray, that could be super cool!!

Kori - My favorite color combo of late is a form of green with some type of watermelony color or maybe a mangoish hue with aqua accents. Or really any combination of those four.

I definitely think the hutch needs two colors! I love love love a hutch with a fun inside color!!

andrea - This one’s easy….I’ve got your back on this one…..boxwood green Miss Mustard Seed!!!! (ps….I have ordered some….I have a dresser that sits in our entry (holds kids hats, gloves, flags…..)…it will soon be boxwood green!!!!

Laura H - Oooo lala……at first I thought I was only going to have to choose from those first 5 colors on that little tab thingie at the top, but then I scrolled all the way down, and my head is a spinnin! So much crazy color! I love green I wanted to scream!
But, but…..I love that blue under the Popsicles! It speaks to me…..it tells me “it’s only paint” You can always, always repaint it if you don’t like it! HA!
Can’t wait to see it! Love your blog so so much!

eva - Great find, and good ideas on painting!

My pick for you is in the first colour palette, opposite the succulents, the last swatch.

karen - I like the last green…. and pair it up with some orange in the seat cushions or somewhere – it will look great!

Kimberly - Miss mustard seed boxwood green– so pretty!

Shellie - I really like the pinky, peach, coral tones. You could paint the inside white like the table and chairs and put green dishes and display pieces inside. Your bar stools are green, so I would mix it up a bit. You always make great decisions though!

Kerry - The white Popsicles on ice – swoons !! Have fun painting your awesome score!

Jess - Ohh GOODNESS… this blog post is one of the most visually pleasing things I’ve seen in a long time!! I love those soft pinks, mossy greens, and vibrant turquoises–but no matter what you pick, it’ll look fantastic against the future white of the tables and chairs!

kimberly oyler - i’m so glad you aren’t someone who is afraid to paint wood. my mother, bless her heart, never lets me paint anything like this cause i’ll “ruin the beautiful wood.”

whatever. paint that sucker white.

Becky Kindel - I love the color on the stucco house with the flowers in the window. Can’t wait to see how it all turns out!

Tracy - I can’t wait to see what you do!!!!!! I have an old hutch that is screaming for color too. I also have a round table with windsor chairs that are going to be painted as well. Mine are for our basement family room, so I plan to go pretty BOLD 🙂

lara sheriff - love the colors in the iced summer picture!!!!!!!!!!

Gina - Good luck picking a color out of all those. 😉 I like the green #ABBD63)from the first picture. Can’t wait to see it all painted!! 🙂

jaimie - Great set! I’d probably go w/ some shade of green to tie into your green kitchen stools….then maybe do some fun patterned wallpaper w/ some complimentary colors for the inside of the hutch? not sure if it’d be too much if you have a fun pattern for your chair fabric. I’m sure you’ll turn it into something fantastic no matter which way you go. Good luck!

Jenn - So exciting! I would go with a pear or minty green. I would definitely paint the inside something different, orange or yellow. Please share once you finish it! By the way, doing the crazy owls this friday….looking forward to it.

Laurel - LOVE it! I’m all about Annie Sloan Chalk paint these days. you can paint ANYTHING! and no sanding or prep!!!! My hubby is very very afraid that I will paint every wood surface we own-and I might:) giggle. They mean it about everything-the girl from AS was sitting on a silk sofa she painted. I am not that brave but wow!

Still dreaming and waiting for my time at craft weekend-I know it’s coming when I will really need it!!

Jer - Pick the chair fabric first then pick your paint by pulling out a color in the fabric.

tasha roe - i forgot to mention that anthro has a bunch of those latte bowls in various greens and aquas, & teals right now. I bought some for my kitchen and some from world market. they would look darling in your new place!!

Lora - WAY too many choices. All beautiful! Good luck 🙂

Karina - It will look amazing whatever you choose, but this one makes me think of you and your style…you could do the inside a pale blue or yellow or just white:
http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/4d/b2/c6/4db2c69dfca1fb1ff55f6f951af9bf7f.jpg

Gabby - That patinaed teal with the distressed look is really neat!

SoCalLynn - I love it! I’m getting ready to paint a small cabinet “New Avocado” which is a new green color from Valspar. All of the color palettes you’ve shown are gorgeous!

Darcie - You are speaking my language with all those greens. I can’t get enough of that color! And maybe with a white or yellow inside? So fun! My husband looks at me like I’m crazy when I try to do stuff like you do. Maybe someday I’ll convert him! Way to go, Craig!

Kori - From the very first picture I was envisioning it in a green like in the ‘punch buggy’ (the bug palette) with an inside that compliments the fabric you put on the chairs…I like the idea of a grey, but that might be too neutral for you? Do you need more punch? Either way – that set was a GREAT find! 🙂 Have fun!

colleen - Okay here is the link to my favorite color combination for a hutch
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417920040392799666/
love your style and your spirit meg!

heather e. - Oh, I am thinking it would really pop if it was an apple green-y color. Maybe the inside back you could wallpaper with something that compliments the chair fabric? Love that set, major craigslist score!!

Alex - I have always loved the look of painting the interior with an accent color, like the secretary in Kiki’s guest room. http://kikis-list.com/2013/08/07/our-guest-bedroom/
They gray could also work with a nice blue-green interior as well.

Dana - oh man, a pale blue-green goes so well with white. (I love the palettes with the weathered wood, the popsicles, and the patinaed wall!) it’s my absolute favorite. and you can paint the inside a light gray. different but not too in-your-face, ya know?

Hannah - I like a minty green or a pale grey – do you know where you’re going to put your unit? For example in our living room we have green walls and white radiators – so white bookcases kind of work (Although we have a black one that we used to have in our old flat)

Sami - That hutch is A-MAZING! I’ve been to your craft house so I know you are good at picking colors! I love that your first reaction is to paint everything white. It’s part of what I love so much about the craft house. Well, that and all the awesome colors you decorated it with. 🙂

martha - the colors in the first photo are beautiful! bright, but not too bright. the kind of color that you don’t become sick of looking at. the hutch is so cool….I would definitely paint the inside a different color….I think it would reflect your personality if it was more than one color! 🙂

Stephanie - What a luscious post.
Indigo and deep jade green are my favorites lately. But boy, do I love that poppy red too!

tasha roe - wow! Wow! WOW!!!! That is the find of the century!
I’m pretty sure that hutch needs to be aqua or a teal.

Here are some of my faves
Mayo Teal, BM
http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/mayoteal

Mermaid Green
http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/mermaidgreen

Green Coral
http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/greencoral

Caribbean Cool
http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/caribbeancool

I’m so excited for you!! Blue and green are my favorite colors and favorite colors together! It’s going to be so awesome!!

amy jupin - this is trippy–before i even scrolled down i thought to myself “that hutch needs to be kelly green.”

i’m officially weirded out.
by myself.
{insert twilight zone music here.}

Sheena - I love to use chalk paint for furniture. So many great colours too. I would do the inside white so whatever you end up displaying in there will really pop.

Jennifer Andrews - Maybe you could find the chair fabric first and pick your green from the fabric. Just a thought.

Jori - I’d say pick out the fabric first and then find a green in it to paint the hutch. It’s much harder to do it the opposite way–I speak from experience!

Carol S. - Great set, love the chair backs and hutch bottom door detail. The fish and lily pad color palate is my favorite…has your cream. Hutch in either a green or yellow, maybe the darker water color in curtains or placemats … Tho do you ever do dark lol. Fun project, hope you use it for a bit and don’t have to wait until its all done to enjoy its great function, it’s really pretty as is, too. Seats could be a little awkward without bottoms…but…

Kathryn - If you like that, you should make a trip to the Henderson (Nebraska!) garage sales next Saturday. The trash to treasure possibilities will be ENDLESS!! (Bring a trailer)

kathi - Oh Meg – what a score! That hutch screams out ombre to me! You can use several shades of green and that last photo with different hues is perfect. With that you can even leave the inside as is. Can’t wait to see the finished set.

Jenny - I like the subtle mint green tones of PUNCH BUGGY – don’t forget that buffet is big piece. I also like the sage green tones of the second last palette.
I am really enjoying watching your new house come together from the other side of the world.

karen - I love the green #ABBD83 on the first color swatch. We had our kitchen cabinets painted and this green is kind of like the green we used on the bottom cabinets. We had the top cabinets and pantry painted white. We love the combination!
So excited to see everything come together for you!

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the new house – month one

May 22, 2014

so people keep saying “when are you going to show us your house?”
and i have been like “it’s not even close to done?!”
but then today i rethought that.
i decided how will you know what is different if i don’t show the stages?
so here is our house after living here one month.

when you first walk in the door this is what you see.
complete with swimsuits on the dining room table.

the door by waffle goes out to the patio area and back yard.
we have ikea couches on their way to live with us.
there are still boxes in the corners of art supplies… i am not sure where to put them yet.

the dining room.
i have fabric (hobby lobby) to make some simple curtains… love straight stitching projects!

i have an old chandelier covered in old crystals to hang here.
but i have to paint it first.
i think it is safe to say there is a lot left to add in this space.
ha!

the entire main floor is Seashell Gray by Valspar.

front door is now on the right.
remember before when it had carpet?
for as many accidents that stanley has had since we moved in… hardwood was a smart move.
and it’s pretty.

when you are in the kitchen you can see the whole first floor.
i like that!

down the hall is a bathroom & 3 bedrooms.
we have only worked on our bedroom so far.
we put hardwood in here and painted.
i don’t feel like you can acurately tell the color of gray because of the light from the windows.
we chose Foggy Mirror by Valspar.

i am so excited (and nervous) to attempt to make this buffet look like this one.
i found an expert to walk me through it and she had all the supplies in her shop too!

THANKS jodi!
i will take pictures as i go!
this will be my first ever milk paint project… i am a little scared!

i was planning on painting our bed but then i changed my mind.
it’s staying dark wood.
it’s manly and looks good with the gray walls too.

i have curtains to hang that i got from West Elm.
i picked up the curtains rods and hardware this week.
ready for a little more privacy and not so much light in the mornings!

we have his and her closets in this house.
it rocks.
we had that ikea shelf for over ten years and four houses!
it’s perfect to hold my jewelry now.
and the necklaces are hanging from 3 key hangers from target.

we started painting the cabinets in the master bathroom.
we will continue the Foggy Mirror on the wall in the bathroom as well.
and paint all the cabinetry and molding white too.

back out to the kitchen…

the island is going to have legs on the corners but they are back ordered.
the door by the fridge had to be replaced so that is why it’s missing.

i went with green stools for the island seating.
i ordered two from walmart.com
i bought two at an antique store (and we need to cut them down 5 inches).
one i already had in my old craft room.
and one i found on craigslist and spray painted it.
my mom & dad grabbed two at a flea market last weekend that will fit right in.
the white chair is just visiting from the craft house.

i chose to leave the area around the window very open.
it took a lot of deciding and made lots of people give their opinions.
🙂
i am sure i will fill it with art work or something cool over time.

the light fixtures are from Menards.

the island turned out just the way i drew it.
so many lovely drawers.
and we use the mixer and ninja everyday so i like having easy access but LOVE having it off the counter.
we need to paint the outside of the front door!
we painted the back but forgot the front.
this is the designated computer area.
i have no idea what i want to do with this space.
it’s a wreck.
and everyday there are MORE papers!
many kids means many reminders and schedules.

the laundry room and pantry is the dark room on the left of that picture.
my favorite part of the laundry room is there is a SINK!!!
for the first time in my whole life i have utility sink.
i love it.

there are more bedrooms, a bathroom, a family room and a game room in the basement.
i go down there to say goodnight to kids and once to watch a movie.
otherwise i don’t do basements.
i need windows.
i am so glad we have that space though!
the kids LOVE it! they love that is has carpet and it’s so cold and dark.
funny how differently we think.

so…there it is.
not done.
not even CLOSE to done.
but no reason not to share it with you.

actually we are getting to the fun part… the decorating!
we are REALLY loving it here.

———————————————————————————————————

annie is picking a dessert from pinterest to make with me for our dinner guest tonight.
OY!
i am strong.
i can do this.

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teagan - Hi there… i am painting my house (like tomorrow -eeek) and I love the shade that’s on your walls…could you email me the color and brand? Thanks so much:)

Janelle - You need to do another Q&A blog post! I’m curious – do you think you’ll ever move back into the craft house? Like if you ever decide to stop craft weekend? Do you miss living in older homes or are you enjoying the newness of a new home? I have to say, I love how when you move into a place, you OWN it and make it YOURS! I love your sense of style.

Lori - I love that your blog is real and that you would share your space with us before it is picture perfect. That large chair in your bedroom – love! Oh and your jewelry makes me happy just looking at it. 🙂 Great space. I’m sure you will do amazing things with it. Btw, great color choice on the stools.

Amber - It’s wonderful! Thank you for sharing! I am loving on your Kitchen island with that space for the micro and useful things that you want to keep close but not out! I think that’s my fav! Looking forward to seeing how it shapes up and changes! Have fun!

tara - i’m so glad i came over to play catch up…
my blogging break during lent turned a little more permanent.
the time and brain space that i got back during the break has been amazing, but i sure do miss all of my favorite blogs!!!

your home looks beautiful..so glad you showed it to us before you’re all finished.
i’m foreseeing lots of amazing color added…that computer space is perfect..can’t wait to see what you do there!

Janna - LOVE your house Meg!!! Lookin so awesome! Love the white/grey and all your bright colored accents. LOVE!! I love that happy girls are the prettiest tote…my 2nd daughter turns 10 on June 12 and she so needs that in her life right now…friend trouble at school and all..how come kids be so mean to each other:( Do you remember where you got it? I’d love to find one for her bday. Thanks:)

Ayca - Meg you’re my idol! Love love the kitchen island and everything you’ve done so far! I really want to paint old furniture but I have no idea how to do it. I would love to see a picture tutorial. Please share with us! Thank you 🙂

Jenny - Love, love, love your house!! Looks so light and bright!

Mindy - You are off to such an amazing start! Thank you for sharing the before photos. Sometimes it feels like people move into ready-made homes and we don’t see all the work that went into them. Can’t wait for more updates : )

Keri - Your jewelry collection is awe-inspiring! So many beautiful, colorful necklaces 🙂

Lisa - PS- your jewelry collection is awesome!

Lora - So happy you showed us the new house! Can’t wait to watch the progress. Some day I’m going to do a milk paint project, so it will be fun to watch yours.

Alice H - I would add a cork board area and maybe chalk board in the designated computer area. Not that you asked my opinion, but that is what I would do. LOL! Love the new place.

Lauren @ Focused To Be Fit - Beautiful home! I feel like a huge island is a MUST for me!

Kerri - Thank you so much for sharing photos of your wonderful home. We live in a church parsonage that is small & dark & depressing and I just love the open floor plan and all the light in your home! The kitchen cabinets and island are awesome – and really like those light fixtures. Please don’t ever paint that bed frame and side tables!!!

Kori - I absolutely adore how open everything feels! All that natural light and white and grey just waiting for bright, inviting colors to be added. Such a great blank canvas to start with! And someday I’m going to steal your island design with the cutout for the appliances – Genius!

Elizabeth - Thank you for sharing! I think you would love a large family calendar next to your computer space next to the kitchen area. It would be open so everyone could write their activities on the wall and you could easily see it. Any hoooo, thanks for sharing. I love how open and honest you are and don’t feel like the house has to be perfect. No one has a perfect home and we ALL HAVE TONS OF PAPERS FROM SCHOOL!! You are not alone! Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!

Lynette - Love the way its coming together.

Sarah - Great progress and so cute!! How did you go about updating the banister? Straight paint or did you have to use specific products?

Kayla - Thanks for do “during” shots! It makes it all the more enjoyable for us to see the progress and how your family really lives and that, you don’t, in fact, live in a magazine! 😀

Sarah M - We moved into the second floor of an old downtown building in Marion last fall. We are renovating and things just take time. It is an adventure, though. That said, whenever I can I use MMS milk paint to add color and character. I love it. There’s a lady who sells it in Kechi. She has a shop and does workshops occasionally.

Jenny B. - It’s coming along! I’m sure you’ll think of something amazing for your computer station / family command center. 🙂 What color are you thinking for the front door? I want to paint ours turquoise, but I don’t know if I have the guts. Our house is red-orange brick. We’re thinking about buying land and building (so exciting AND scary!), and it is really, really good for me to see your house like it is right now. Reality is that you don’t move into a new home all perfectly decorated and organized. It takes time.

Leah - You should put up a cork-board wall behind the computer. That way all the little reminders can be neatly pinned on the wall.

Holly - So glad u shared! Before and afters are the best!!! Haven’t been to ur blog for a while but follow u on Instagram. Scrolled through a few older posts and now I want to know…y do ur (& my) babies hafta grow up so fast???!!!

Lisa - You’ve helped me step out and use more color in my house. Just finished my living room/eating area and am so happy with it! It’s now so bright and cheerful. Excited to see all the progress you guys make.

Mary Anne - For the computer area, could you do a long desk for room for a few people and hanging cubbies on top for each person or kid for their papers, etc to stay organized? Love your house!!!

Tiffany - Have you ever checked out iheartorganizing? Jen has an amazing blog with organizational ideas. I could see so many amazing things in that computer space to organize all your kids’ work!

Julie - Thanks for sharing pictures of your house, I think it is always nice to see it lived in too, not just posed for photos. Can’t wait to see what else you do to it. Have a fabulous weekend.

Wendy - I have a naked hoosier cabinet that has been waiting for milk paint for 3 years … but I’m too chicken. You go first. Then I’ll follow … maybe.

Lisa - yay!! I’ve been waiting to see more pics! I want to see outside too…and hear more about where and why you picked this house, area, etc. Thanks for sharing! Love all the white too!

Andrea - Loved the tour and the new house. So glad you are getting settled…..I absolutely LOVE the kitchen…… you have great kitchens!

Michelle Deckert Richmond - Thanks Meg….it’s nice to see the blank canvas before you put your special touch to it. Take your time….Half the fun and enjoyment is in the doing. Michelle from Canada.

Denise@victory rd. - Love this.

Love seeing it mostly naked.

We have lived in our house for 2.5 years, and when we moved in blogville was hard for me because I was comparing my undone home with everything I saw online (which I know was stupid). I think a place needs to just be for a while… needs time to evolve into what it’s going to be. Our home looks nothing like I thought it would, but it looks like us, and I love it.

have a fun dinner!

Angela - Oh Megan you made my day! I have been dying to see more of your new house! You have already made a lot of progress and the fact you know some of the things you want to do is a huge step! I’m so glad you all are loving it.

Jenn - Forgot to ask….what is your process for painting cabinets? We need to repaint our already white cabinets white again. They are looking pretty shabby. A step by step would be great or even products you use would be helpful. Yours look so neat and clean!

Jenn - Already loving it! Can’t wait to see the stages.

Melissa - Can’t wait to watch you work your magic and pull this place together. It’s already gorgeous and I love the fun colors on the dinning room table and the kitchen.

jenny - oh meg! it looks amazing – so ” you ” …that kitchen island is FAB!

Brenna - What fun to create a new space – well lots of work, overwhelming at times kind of fun! Now tell me, where did you get that fabulous chair in your bedroom? Loving the material! You are awesome and strong – you got this.

Gina - Oh my gosh, your dogs crack me up photo bombing all your pictures!! I thought Waffle was on the couch in the upper picture. Love your new home and thanks for sharing!! I can’t wait to see the buffet once you paint it and all the decorating!! 😀

Jenni - Love how open your main level is! Thanks for sharing the ‘in process’ version of your home. I’m surprised that you haven’t connect with Abbe Doll in Kechi {http://www.alldolledupwichita.com}. She is a MISS Mustard seed primary educator and has a teaching studio. She is THE BEST and could do a fewer job showing you the in’s and outs of milk paint. It is tricky stuff, but the final product is awesome.

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choosing.

April 17, 2014

so… when you redecorate or remodel there about a hundred decisions to be made per room.
and those decisions are fun at first and then sometimes you hit a wall of being overwhelmed and might say out loud accidentally “OH MY GOSH WHO CARES ANYMORE!!” and then you remember that you do love this and YOU care and that is the whole reason you remodeled in the first place. {{{SIGH}}}

so one of my decisions is choosing chairs to sit at the island.
i didn’t think it would be a tough choice.
but i am having a very hard time choosing design and color.
colorkit17
13328395 vapor-barstools f0053c32fcbd1274d9824d28aa266bee 4e91025e1b83229ecde98c2cbb1d6893
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36a956e89efce2ca27c2febea6a4ab7b b59ca39cc39e911fbbf54270d3e843fb
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14831280_201310211158-1
f895f9ea6f73f7f4699e403427785db5
b40c06b7064e379535b19d75dd80ba04 ballarddesigns
dcf528f60069e8611a52926102b7a1c6
9868f680e65e1e9d3e0fa39f5867841d
d406c4f5fcc14eeb72a7dc147a8acb53 6796a2d16fb7fe6fae560565dfc47e9e
324ed64860b3c29dbc8cd31cc66f2e05

8035ac1f7732694cb738d1028a51f738

which one do YOU like?
why do you like it?

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Cindy McAllister - I love all the photos that you have posted showing the many choices. I think it would be tuff for me to choose but I know for me personally I would choose comfortable and with a back to them. Looking forward to seeing what you choose.

lindsaywillman - I have the green Target stools and my family loves them! I sorta wish they were a different color (pink! coral! NAVY!) but still they’re great.

Out of all those pictures though, I’d choose those flower-upholstered barseats for you…me too, if had older kids! They’re gorgeous and fun!

Katherine @ Grass Stains - If you’d only shown the first picture and said that’s what you’d bought, I would’ve believed you in a heartbeat. But maybe that’s not what you’re going with in the new house … perhaps the Craft House is taking on most of your Rainbow Purchases now. I don’t know … I thought that for a second, but then last week you showed a picture of the palettes for the girls’ rooms, and they looked very “you,” so I do expect to see a lot of color in the new house, too! I love all of the choices you showed us; the first ones (and the other metal choices) seem so practical to me because they’re wipable. (My four kids are younger than yours, though, so that’s of prime importance to me.) Also, the stools look like they’d be SO easy to pull out of the way for sweeping and mopping, and I HATE dragging our heavy wooden bar chairs out of the way to sweep under them. Just a couple of things to consider!

Erin - I love the “look” of bar stools, but sitting in a bar chair is way more comfortable. If you spend any amount of time sitting at your island, I would vote for a chair or something with back support. Can’t wait to see what you pick!!

Tiffany - We are doing some redecorating around our house, and it feels SO good! Amazing how a new rug, wall hangings, and farmhouse table (made by my husband!) can make such a difference! We are looking at purchasing a few barstools for around our peninsula. We have our eye on those utility stools from Target too… In yellow. They were on the Cartwheel app recently and we missed taking advantage of it. Rats. I’m sure whatever you pick will look fabulous!

SoCalLynn - I *love* the chairs with the grey bases and the floral fabric coverings. LOVE them. I probably wouldn’t get them because I am a chicken when it comes to color and pattern but I love them.

Patti Kuttner - Whatever you choose, they need to be colorful! That’s what we love about how you decorate…happy, cheerful. I’ve sprinkled color into my very beige home because of your inspiration.

Cassandra - Just looking thru it seems the majority of what you’ve picked are metal & no back. I love the metal ones, but would probably go with a low back. And color ones!!!

Marilyn - I have two different types of bar stools in our house. Kitchen ones swivel and have backs. Basement stools don’t swivel, but do have backs also. For a kitchen I would choose swivel with backs and not with upholstery. Constant cleaning. Color is great. I liked the turquoise wood stools with the backs and look like they are all wood.

Carol S - Regarding back or backless, which I think is first decision…I love tucking in my Target rush seat backless stools so I can use counter as a buffet. Friends or family pull up a stool and its not uncomfortable. If we’re going to hang out for awhile we move to sofas. I vote backless, unless its your main dining space. So many great pics, use your gut and you won’t go wrong.

Meredith - Two words.
Rainbow. Tolix.

You can’t go wrong:) Happy and classic….also stain-resistant – booyah!

M xo

Penny - Those metal chairs are cute and colorful, but they are oh, so, frosty in the winter. I like the tall wooden chairs with the back.

laura oyler - My favorite are the turquoise ones with the X backs! i love the color. I was also pro-back until I saw jenny b’s comment. I do like backs for comfort, but I always throw jackets, etc. over the back of the chair so that is something to consider. I also like the wooden stools that have the seat made out of the 3 blanks of wood. They would be better in turquoise though! Can’t wait to see the house when it is finished!

Kelly - The first photo is my fave. It looks very you but I get all the other comments about the barstools having backs for comfort too. Our (single) barstool that lives in the kitchen (not at a bar) doesn’t have a back and I never mind it but maybe it would be nice? I don’t like the acrylic for your house because they don’t seem very “you” – not that “you” has to stay the same from house to house either but I also would think they wouldn’t wear very well. If the colorful ones ended up with a scratched up section or something, think how you could modpodge or paint a flower or something over that section and how fun they would get over time! Kelly

Gretchen - When we built our farmhouse 18 months ago, I had to purchase six barstools for our island. I chose the metal Tabouret style and have not regretted the decision. We eat dinner at the island almost every night and no one has complained about not having a back. My kids are older, like yours, so we don’t have to worry about the safety thing. I like the no-back version because it doesn’t block the view. Overstock has a great deal and many color choices, which is where I bought mine.
SOOO excited to watch your new home get your fun touches!

shannon - You posted a couple of the photos we pinned for inspiration for our new kitchen. Ours ended up being close to the white kitchen with black granite… I went with the colored stools in red. Love them! They are comfy and have held up well with our kids.

Su - from one momma of 5 who has barstools and lots of kids in my home: barstools with backs are more comfortable. . and you want your kids to sit there at the counter and tell you about your day while you serve them snack or get dinner ready or unload the dishwasher. The more comfortable they are, the longer they will sit. Plus little ones fall off barstools without backs (my youngest is 7). Also I would recommend wood or metal or something that can be cleaned. . .the fabric barstools are pretty but are gonna get dirty.

tasha roe - forgot to add that the cloth chairs are darling, but a mess to keep clean. we have the dining chairs from ikea with the linen slip covers. they look like a crime scene after dinner and i don’t even have toddlers. grrrr

tasha roe - we have had a few different sets of bar stools at our previous home and i’ll share what i like and done like –

we had the first ones you pictured, but in a walnut finish. LOVED these chairs! super comfy, sturdy & stable. We even put the portable high chair in it for my daughter when she was little. cons – the finish wore off a bit on the rungs, and they were heavy to move when cleaning.

We’ve had the backless stools as well. They are super cute and i loved how they looked they were just UNCOMFORTABLE!!! ugh! I wish I could type that in bold and underlined font too. lol

We are starting our kitchen remodel soon and I’m leaning towards similar chairs that we had the first time, but in color this time – like a teal blue or chartreuse

good luck!

shelly davis - when i saw the aqua wooden, “x” back chairs, i thought those were “you”. i love them!! the multi-colored metal ones are adorable too – but i like the ones with backs best. way more comfortable 🙂 whatever you choose will be gorgeous!!

Kathi - I know where you’re coming from, the choices, ugh. Stools with backs that are affordable is there such a thing? I also follow Young House Love they found a very resonalbe option and painted them. We are going to order some in the next few weeks. Check it out. http://www.younghouselove.com/2011/12/stool-boom/
https://www.schooloutfitters.com/catalog/product_family_info/pfam_id/PFAM4033
I love how everything is coming together.

Lisa - Although I practically love all of those choices, I really do think that having a back on counter-height stools. It is soooo uncomfy otherwise, and people tend to “sit an relax” on them less. I love the look of the industrial backless stool, but my rear end sure doesn’t love that choice at all. lol.

No matter what you choose, it’ll look amazing, I’m sure.

Jenn N - We were faced with the same challenge last summer when we renovated. There are so many choices and price points…but looking at the pictures you had here, I have to say the first one with the colourful metal stools has you written all over it.

Melinda George - Pick the metal stools that are brightly colored. You want backless stools so you can use all sides of the counter to easily stand and work without having to move the stools out of the way. They will last forever and you can repaint anytime. Stools with backs are comfy and beautiful, but for me not as practical. If you want super comfy you are probably not sitting at the counter anyway, you’d go to the table or porch. Go for the simple and pretty.

Linda - WOW you have such amazing choices. No wonder you are having a hard time deciding! you have a lot of metal stools in lots of different color!! I love the green and the turquoise. Totally my fav. But you love rainbow and the 11th picture down ( i counted) looks like you’d love it just a random assortment of color!!! Best of luck I know whatever you pick we be amazing and we will all love it!

Lauren - I vote for stools like YHL had in their old house! I love that they looked like they came right out of a high school science class (but in a fun color of course).

http://www.younghouselove.com/2012/06/operation-stool-spruce-complete/

Sheila - I like the orange wooden stools. They look great with the all-white kitchen and I would love pairing them with aqua and yellow accents. I do like stools that swivel though and have some padding so a close second choice would be the brown cushioned stools. I do not care for the metal stools, but that is just my opinion. If I did use the metal ones, I would choose one color and not an assortment of colors – it just feels (in my opinion) more chic and less like a playroom. Happy choosing!

Lisa - My preference would be the turquoise wooden stools with the X backs. Stools with backs are much more comfortable, especially when you spend quite a lot of time sitting in them, as I imagine your family will do. I also think the style is more casual which seems to fit your family well. The turquoise is pretty, although any bright colors would be lovely in your always-colorful home.

Lizelle - Oh gosh – I hear you! We recently had to choose chairs for our island too – I ended up getting smaller ones for the kids on the one side, bigger (more comfy – ssssshhh dont tell the kids) ones for grownups on the shorter side of the island 🙂 The rainbow ones look like you 🙂

kara - oh the rainbow! How could anyone be cranky waking up to a kitchen like that?? Although I’m pretty certain one of my kiddos would manage to fall or tip so maybe the turquoise metal stools with the backs?!!!!

Tanya H - It doesn’t look like this is a hard choice for you… I think you really like the colored square stools with the slot down the middle- for easily rinsing clean. 🙂

rebecca - All such lovely choices! I say picture 17…the wooden ones with backs painted aqua (or any fun color(s)!! Here’s why…stools with back are waaay more comfy and non fabric chairs are much easier to clean. If you want to add fabric to the chairs, find cute lumbar pillows to jazz them up! Good luck! Can’t wait to see which ones you choose!

Robyn B - They are all so pretty. I have just 2 pieces of advice…I have a large island and we sit there ALL THE TIME. You definitely want chairs that have backs….those colored metal ones are so cute, but believe me, sitting in a chair with no back is not comfortable. Also, don’t get chairs with fabric…you will need/want to wipe them down a lot (kids.) The fabric ones are cute, but no practical 🙂 And there is my 2 cents on stools!

Julie Wearmouth - I love the multi-colored metal stools in the very 1st picture! When I think of you, I think of color, color, color!! I know whatever you choose will be perfect!!! Can’t wait to see what you choose.

Karie Waters - I love the metal stools in the different colors. I can see you doing the first picture! I have the green metal ones from Target and love them.

Jennifer - Yeah…that’s hard. If I had to pick one…the second from the last, but in yellow or turquoise or maybe red or maybe all three 🙂

kris gilbert - I love the tolix style (with or without back) ~ fun colors, sturdy pieces that can do double duty in other rooms if needed.
Easier to find a home for them after their island duty is done (or if you just want a change at the island in the future) ~

You can have them in just the stainless too & they will serve the same purpose beautifully. I just don’t see the other styles being repurposed as easily.

colleen from alabama - I think the rainbow metal stools are the ones that make me think of you 🙂 That said, I have metal chairs and I love them but be prepare for cold fannies! That metal is definitely not a warm welcome in the dead of winter 🙂 you may want to have a slip cover or something for cold months. Just a thought. I do love them though.

heidi e. - Love LOVE those floral comfy ones! 11th photo… and also the ever cute metal stools with a hole in the top. I notice you have about a million pictures of them in various colors, so deep down I think you secretly love those ones. 🙂 SO fun!!

TamiV - I live the yellow stools, I think a splash of yellow in every room makes things happy! With that said, those rainbow stools in the very first pic are so totally you! I wonder about not having a back on the stools though. If you want people to sit and stay, the back is more comfortable. I also love that blue wooden spindly chair. If you can find those in bar height and paint them in rainbow colors, I think that’s it! 🙂 can wait to see what you choose!

Kyra - I like the first picture of stools with backs on them. Was that #2? My friend swears by them as being the most comfortable since this is where her kids eat many meals. Her kitchen opens up to the family room so the stools look more like they belong with the rest of the area. She has 4 kids and they still look good after 10 years. You can always paint the stools with backs to add color.

The plastic stools make you sweat in the summer-my aunt had plastic chairs and I didn’t like them as a kid.

Katy - I vote for something simple and timeless. Something with a back and is easy to clean.

Lisa - Hi Meg,
You have shown the Tolix style, colorful metal stools in many of your photos. You have also repeated the “ghost” style stool. I have followed your blog for many years…when I think of you, I think of color! Follow your colorful heart!

Michele - The choices you show are outstanding. I really like the colored metal stools but my fear is that stools will not make you happy n the long run. Backless is really not comfortable. I love the image that has the floral fabric with the black and gray island. I wish I would be brave enough to do that but I worry that I would tire of it too fast. Whatever you choose I know it will be great.

ktg - The bright fabric- floral, pick a pattern that wouldn’t show mess or oil cloth, would be comfy!

Angela - I love the colorful metal ones and I noticed those are the ones that you have the most pictures of in this post. 🙂

Trisha - I love the very first one. It is bright and happy! Easy to wipe off and clean.
Very rainbow perfect!

Jenny B. - Had to come back and add more… 🙂 After reading so many comments about wanting a back on the stools, I have to add my 2 cents (or more like 10 cents now?). Anyway, I have had wooden stools with backs in my kitchen, and got so sick of them I took them out to the garage, and we’ve been without stools completely for months while I figure out what to replace them with. I definitely want something with NO back. The ones with a back were a bit unwieldy to move around when sweeping and mopping, and they always ended up covered in stuff. Jackets, purses, etc. I like the idea that the backless ones can tuck under the bar and (hopefully) not be a magnet for hanging things on. Also, those metal ones from Target (or elsewhere?) are really lightweight and easy to move around. And like I said above, they are actually very comfortable to sit on. Now, if you’re going to be eating every family meal at your bar, then I would probably go for a seat with a back. BUT, if it’s just for extra seating, or for your kids to hang out and talk to you while you cook or something, then I say go backless. 🙂

Jenny B. - Well, I’m no help! I like them all!! Ha. 🙂 I will say that I have been considering either the yellow or green metal ones from Target for several months. A friend has the stainless colored versions, and they are surprisingly comfortable to sit on and very stable (they don’t rock around like a lot of wooden barstools do, if you know what I mean). So… I guess I’m leaning toward those. Love the mulitcolored collection, but you always have lots of color, so not sure if that’s where you want your “pop” to be, or if you want to go more neutral there?? I have also sat on some at Target that look similar to your #3 choice, and they were comfortable too, though not quite as much as the metal ones (again, surprising). Hope that helps! I am sure whatever you decide on will look fabulous! 😉

Meredith - I originally had stools with high backs at my island. I didn’t care for them at all. It made the kitchen feel smaller and prevented us from having a buffet area. I replaced them with the stools you have in picture #13 and I love them. They stack too which is a nice option plus they were a steal on overstock.com too!

Kathryn - I would recommend something with a ‘back’. For comfort reasons. Other than that?? No idea. Rainbow colors seems very Meg-like. The white is pretty. Not a fan of the Lucite/clear though. No help. I know.

elma - Oh I love the bright colored metal ones!! So nice in a white kitchen and easy to clean:) Do you know who makes the pastel ones?? Have fun!!

Robyn - Love all the colorful metal ones! Look so fun in a white kitchen!

Christy - Floral patterned ones are great! Definitely get stools with backs, anyone who has to sit in them for any length of time will thank you!

Gina - I like the aqua wood ones with a seat back. We have a similar set up in our kitchen and it is a big hang out and the seat backs make it more comfortable

Jenni - Definitely the multicolored stools in first picture. Seems like your style. But…If you are wanting your house to be a bit different than the craft house, maybe something with fabric, and a back?

Holly - The first ones are SO you. But I have to say that having a back is so much more comfortable and encourages people to linger. So that being said, go for the clear ones with a back!

Sarah - I’ve been reading your blog for a couple years now, and I could not imagine you having a set of stools that all look the same. I look to your blog for difference. For this beautiful mishmash of colors and textures and thoughts. In my brain, your stools would match that.

So, answering your question: I would choose the something like the set that are sitting in the grass. Different colors, interesting shape, fun to look at.

Good luck caring about all of those choices, they are important! 🙂

janine - Picture #1 seems like your style from what I have seen on your blog. My favorite is the kitchen with the brown leather stools. I love the whole thing. I do think that backs on the stools is important for comfort though. So if you can find colorful ones (metal or wood) with backs I think it will look great. Rainbow stools would look awesome 🙂 And if you ever got tired of the rainbow look some paint could bring them all back to one color.

AshevilleGirl - I love them all! So much color 🙂 But the painted wood turquoise stools with the low backs would be my pick – it’s so nice having a back for support, and a low back doesn’t interfere with sight lines. You can punch up the color quotient even more with fun slip covered cushions that can go in the washer and dryer as needed, and be changed with the seasons – or with your mood! Loving your new house and am so excited to see how it all turns out. Happy decorating!!!

Jenna - I would choose fabric upholstered chairs with a back on them for sure! Swivel would be ideal so that the kids can move around and they would be perfect for entertaining!

Penny - Love your blog. Can’t wait to see the finished remodel. Home tour, please. Now about the stools … definitely the brown with leather seats and bronze foot rests. They would look outstanding with your wood floors and not distract from all the fun, colorful accessories you most likely will be using in the kitchen. Also, you have some men in your family and they can only stand too much color for so long. As my Montecito interior designer told me, “Get yourself calm!”. You have a real good-looking family. Happy Easter!

Susie - Backs and cushion for comfort as well as minimal crevices and wipe clean-ability : ). were paramount for us.

Christy - I love the rainbow color stools, they are so happy!

My best advice is something that the kids are less likely to rock on. 🙂 If yours are anything like mine, they will rock the stool, which cracked my tile & wore out my stools. I went with the metal base/wood seat stools from World Market & they are awesome. We use our bar a lot & backless stools don’t bother us. My son is there from the time school lets out until about bed time. Just get something comfy to sit on & a sturdy base.

Colleen - I”m loving these kitchen island stools in this pinterest kitchen with slips – the tv over the fireplace also reminds me a little of your set up. World Market hayden barstools are on sale for 89.99 (out of stock online right now) but may be in your store and could come back in on line? Cut down the legs cover w/ slips and wash as needed!
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/417920040393749857/
I , of course, Love the four brightly colored upholstered stools w/ backs in the white kitchen the most.. do you know where to get them? They are gorgeous!

stephany - Meg-
I absolutely LOVE the metal stools, but EVERYBODY has them. Not to say they are a bad choice, or don’t do it because everybody else is, but…
I say go with the metal stools…WITH A BACK. Spray paint them different colors if you want…or leave them silver or white.
AND, get a cute oilcloth fabric to make seat cushions so they are a little bit more comfortable.
Just my humble little opinion.
I am living vicariously through your new kitchen…
Stephany

Shelly - You definitely like the metal ones best and you like color. I say the second to the last picture. Blue metal with the back!

Dana - Stools are oh-so-cute but…ones with a back are WAY more comfy!

Maria - Ahhhh! Too many wonderful, fun choices. Sorry I’m no help.

Jennifer Nanninga - Definitely with a back rest for comfort. I am digging the upholstered ones!

janet @ ordinary mom - We have small backless wood stools I picked up when we first moved and thought I would switch them up for those ikea ones with the backs.

I purchased the Ikea ones but after 3 days they were started to wiggle and fall apart. The stools I purchased as a temporary solution have lasted 3+ years and are going strong. They are used daily!

If your kids will be on them a lot, I may suggest skipping the wood and going with those awesome metal ones. 🙂

Amber - It’s pretty clear you love the metal stools, so I say go for those. You can always spray paint later if you get bored. Also, I’m guessing that it’ll be mostly kid/teen rear ends on those stools, so let the young deal with them not having a back, they’ll be fine. Ahhh, youth. : )

Aimee W. - I like the stools in the first photo! They seem the most like you!

Juli - You do show the metal stools in rainbow colors more than anything else. Perhaps that’s your choice already, and you just need to acknowledge it? They certainly look like your sunny, rainbow-y style!

Michelle Whitlow - As much as I love the look of those fun colored metal ones I personally don’t like sitting on stools that don’t have a back. I’d probably go with the wood ones with the back & paint them. But if you’re thinking it’d just be for your kids then go for it!

Adrienne - First one = SWOON! I think I would be so in love with them that I wouldn’t even care that they aren’t super comfy because the color is so happy!

That being said, I also liked the frenchy upholstered ones, which would be more comfortable. Maybe you could upholster them in brightly colored wipe-able fabric?

Also I liked the multicolored floral fabric ones.

I think it definitely depends on how messy your people are, and what exactly they are being used for. 🙂 I can’t wait to see what you choose!

Adrienne - Metal stools because they are easy to care for and scoot around. And, oh the rainbow colors are so you! For solids, turquoise or that bright orangey-red. NO to any fabric around food. Hope that helps 🙂

Jaimie - They all look great!

We have the yellow metal ones from Target and love them! At the time we ordered them, there was some kind of deal if you spent a certain amount on furniture, you got a good % off and we used the Red card for another 5% off and free shipping. They already seemed at a good price compared to searching for a while online and in stores.

We’re really happy with them! They’re very sturdy and are a great height for our counter. We had to steer clear of stools w/ backs as the counter leads to the basement stairs and we didn’t want to limit the walk way. With these stools, they tuck nicely under the counter. We were restricted with our color choices as we have a very bright backsplash of bright red, green, and yellow alternating tiles…so that’s why we went with the yellow. It’s a great color! I do love the turquoise ones, mint, and green ones that you’ve shown, but we couldn’t get away w/ anything other than those three bolder colors.

I think any of those stools you have listed would look nice, but I think I would recommend going with a metal, grayish or neutral type stool, like you listed http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/moe-39-s-home-collection-sturdy-bar-stool/3251644?categoryId=12635

This way, if you change things up down the line w/ color schemes, you’re not tied down to incorporating a specific color from the stools. Maybe go w/ one that could work with any palette, so you’re not limited down the line.

Love them all, though 🙂

Amber M. - I like those minty green ones, second to the last pictured, because they are industrial looking but pretty and can be kept clean easily. Also because they have a back!! So much more comfortable!

KirstenP - I really like the idea of stools in different colors of the rainbow – especially with your white kitchen and because it’s you! I also agree with others that whatever you pick should have backs. And cushiony seats.

Debbie - We have the bright yellow metal stools from Target for our bar and I LOVE them! Very sturdy, wide, and comfortable to sit on. Price was great too!

Makila - We recently remodeled, finishing a little over a year ago. It was a hard decision for so many reasons! First off barstools can be so expensive! Our main criteria was ease of cleaning, sturdy but not too heavy our four kids couldn’t pull them in and out, and no swivel!! Swivel with four young kids (11 and under) was not happening at my house. We also wanted something comfortable. We now sit here for most meals as our island seats six. We chose metal backed counter top stools from Restoration Hardware. When we ordered they were on sale. You have similar ones pictured in the picture with a side view and wood counter tops. Good luck!

Carrie - We have stools also, and I’ve learned that something with a back is essential, along with something that can be wiped down from spills.

Ruth Umney - i LOVE the bright metal stools, would look great in contrast to white units and really bring the kitchen to life!!! loving seeing the re-do come together, must be so exciting, if not totally exhausting!!! xxx

Sara - Oh Meg, I was so excited to scroll through these. Then it kept going and even I felt overwhelmed by your choices! Holy cats! That is a lot of options! I think the first picture was my favorite! Those colorful metal stools and those basket lights. Oh my texture… 🙂

emily hope - We just moved into a new house last year, and I searched high and low for the perfect stools. Was going to go with ones like you have in the first pic, but knew my kids would complain about the non-comfort factor … so then … I found these on Amazon. Super sturdy. And comfy. Not to mention bright & cheery. Also easy to clean. Got one each in red, yellow, blue, green. Perfection. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BLQXI8I/ref=oh_details_o07_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

alex - i am smitten with the distressed one!
they are all beautfiul, which ever one you chose
will be great

Amy Huff - I always like to have a chair with a back and love some color.

cheryl - I would pick something upholstered and with a back. I spend a ton of time in the kitchen and wouldn’t want to be sitting on a backless barstool. Just my opinion!

Aimee Di Croce - I love those cloth flower ones! I like the first pic with the many colored metal stools but I personally like comfortable stools for my counter. I often sit there with my laptop so I like something soft for my bum. I love any of the ones with. I am a color loving fool like you are.

Melissa Poling - I love them all, but noticed a trend in your pics….you seem to like the metal multi-color…FUN ones! ME too…I really love the 2nd pic from the bottom, the metal one with a back!!! LOVE! Good Luck choosing!

Molly - The ones with bright color are fabulous, but I agree with some other comments that ones with a back may be more comfortable in the long run. What about upholstering some with fun oil cloth fabrics? They would be easy to keep clean and you could even do the backs (facing out) of the chairs with chalk cloth- write everyone’s names on them or change things up for holidays/special events!

Kirsten - I don’t remember how I stumbled onto your blog, but I love it! It’s obvious you love color – all of the bright colors. If the rest of your kitchen is one color, I would suggest getting wooden stools with backs that you paint all those wonderful colors! I agree with comments above, you will want stools with backs – and ones that are easy to clean since you still have kids at home.

molly - i like the bright multi-colored ones. because they are fun and not so serious. and they are just chairs so when you become more serious…..you can get new ones:) ps i would pick them for my house too.

Amber Campbell Hibbs - You want brightly colored industrial ones or maybe brightly colored wood ones. I’m not sure which color you should go with, but based on what you provided and reading your blog I think the idea of a rainbow of them is what will make you the happiest and I’m glad to see that everyone else who commented thinks to too. Plus you need something to rainbow up all the white cabinets. 😛

Amy M - Definitely something with backs…I had a high top table with bar stools for years, and it got frustrating to not be able to sit back and relax…never really ended up using the table much. My faves of the ones you picked are the metal ones with backs or the turquoise ones with backs. I’m sure that whatever you pick, it will be perfect. 🙂

Sarah - It’s been a while since I’ve been to target, but they had colorful metal stools with a wood seat that were very cute. I can’t find them online right now. I like the look of the metal tolix style, but my tush would rather sit upon wood.

For function, ikea has an adjustable stool that can be table height and counter height. I’ve thought that might be an efficient choice if one ever needs to pull up extra table seating very often. I think they’re only around $40 but they only come in black.

Erin Ussery - I love the brightly colored metal ones. They go with your style so well. Our friend owns a company called Industry West that carries these types of stools, as well as a lot of other fun chairs! http://www.industrywest.com
Happy Shopping! I’m sure whatever you choose will look amazing.

Sarah - My fave was the first picture. It just screams you. I love the floral fabric option, but honestly metal seems easiest to keep clean. I’m sure that no matter what it’ll look great!

Karen Gerstenberger - All gorgeous choices – of course, the brighter the color, the better I like it! I vote for something with a back (not plain stools), because we committed to bench (backless) kitchen seating and have regretted it. I love the French style upholstered ones, and the turquoise chairs with the X backs.

Sara - Two pieces of advice from someone who had stools and uses them daily with their family 1) get stools that have backs if space allows -SO much more comfortable and 2) get something that can be wiped clean as they will definitely get spilled on!

Meredith - I think you like the colorful metal stools the most because they’re pictured over and over in different colors. 🙂 They’re very fun! I like them!

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