Does your house feel a little…well, stale? I am there.

My husband and I have lived in our home for almost nine years. (I can’t believe it!) After moving five times in 11 years, I think we have finally put down some roots. (Although we have learned that anything can happen…) We are now to the point of replacing things and wanting to re-do some things. The problem is that the big stuff (like a roof) usually takes precedence over the fun stuff (like furniture and fabric). Money usually gets in the way and ruins my fun.

What’s a girl to do? Why, re-arrange, of course!

For a while, I worked with a wonderfully talented woman named Tracey DeFine who taught me a lot about making do and making it feel new. (She felt the need to re-locate to Atlanta to be with her husband…Can’t imagine why!) Anyway, we spent a few months building a small business, redesigning and rearranging homes to create fresh, new spaces. It was lots of fun (and hard work), but I learned that most people can decorate with what they already have. Check out Breathless Expectation and Home Sanctuary. These ladies have some amazing decorating ideas, as well as other interesting reads. They are two of my absolute favorites!

This weekend, I focused on the walls in my family room. The picture above is the “before”…Here is the “after”.

I was really excited to have a whole new mantle. Confession:  The two small lamps are new. I cheated. But–they only cost $10 each! So, I say that’s fair. I made a trip to Old Time Pottery, knowing my mantle needed some light. I’d love to have either canned lights overhead or sconces wired in, but that can add some $$$ to the project. With cheap affordable lamps, discreet extension cords, and some patience hiding the cords with clear push pins (PLEASE be careful not to pierce the electrical cords!) as guides, my mission of adding warm light to the area is accomplished! It was so nice being in our family room with the cozy light and fresh mantle.

And yes, there are some new holes in the wall. But it’s nothing a little spackle and touch-up paint can’t cure! Later, I’ll show the other walls in my family room…Still looking for some plates (cheap) to hang with my daughter’s amazing art.

Now, on to the dining room, where I THINK I will hang my mirror…