Thursday, January 6, 2011

Livingroom whites with new junk storage

 

Remember my 6 room plan?

#3 - the livingroom

Being that the palette office stayed as is, I needed more office type storage. 
And since upstairs is all open floor plan, the livingroom got hit next.

Want list:

I wanted more whites.

I wanted more 'hidden' storage.

I wanted cleaner fresher spaces.

So I began to snoop.

And I figured I'd try out an old rustic cabinet I had buried downstairs. Did the cabinet work out?


 It's rustic...


 It's antique white...

 

 It looks lovely wearing rust...


Yup! It works!


The funny little cabinet was made long ago by a fella that used reclaimed lumber for his creations. 

And it offers TONS of hidden storage inside.


The fireplace was left wearing only it's new gate and a simple twig wreath.


The "In Dire Need of Miss Mustard Seed's Slipcover Tutorial" chair was moved in place, replacing the hazy cranberry wing chair I had during Christmas, further brightened up with some neutral accessories.

No rush, MMS. No rush. :)



Doubling up the 'table' runner with a burlap sandbag just for fun. 

Aren't all those rustic textures kinda cool?


And I moved an old friend back in. This is my once pine now painted and glazed table.  Check out what it looks like with dry fitted tiles on top HERE.

Do you know anyone else that stocks 3 actively used coffee tables?!? I AM a storage unit. 'Nuff said.


An old sewing machine drawer was the perfect storage for the remotes. 

And I'm just loving all the scrapes and digs in this table top left by the previous owners. Thanks, guys!



Over the Christmas season, I sat here and watched The Titanic. 

In this then kidless, spotless home. Pure magic. :)



Does firewood go better with coke? 

From a junker standpoint, without a doubt. (thanks for the crate, Dan!)

And... how it all works together...




blog office starts at the white chair


I love how all the different tones of distressed whites play together. No two are alike.

They really lighten up dark areas in the room.




 Even the sofa got hit with a few lights and brights, highlighted with another snoozin' cat.

I wonder if this is what a cat would classify as a work day...


Oops... bad cat joke. PEACE!

If that's a smile, I'm in BIG trouble.

Do you have a special storage piece that you love?


Furniture Feature Fridays



Creative storage ideas this weekend. Bring yours!
Fri, 7pm Pacific

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48 comments:

  1. UnknownJanuary 6, 2011 at 8:05 PM

    I love it! All of it looks so great, makes me want to re-do some spaces, But I just did!!! :) I also love seeing the pillow!

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  2. mE aNd mY tℎrIfTy IdEasJanuary 6, 2011 at 8:24 PM

    You have honestly opened a whole new world of decorating/design in my life. I absolutely adore your style and creativity. I have to admit I AM a little jealous of the kid free spotless part though :)

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  3. KoleinJanuary 6, 2011 at 8:34 PM

    Love it!

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  4. TriciaJanuary 6, 2011 at 8:53 PM

    Wowza! The whole thing looks great Donna. Everytime I see those big shutters on your windows I want to make myself a set :)

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  5. Laura at Ms. Smartie PantsJanuary 6, 2011 at 9:00 PM

    Yes but does it count if all of my favs are yours??? I am waiting on MMS too, just scored 2 very cool FREE chairs today!!!

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  6. Olde Tyme MarketplaceJanuary 6, 2011 at 9:07 PM

    HI Donna Do Alot!!
    You had me at " I wanted more whites!"
    I love seeing your transformations and this was great!
    Thanks for all the inspiration!
    Beth

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  7. Nita StacyJanuary 6, 2011 at 9:23 PM

    I love all the white added to the room. It really brightens it up. My saying is..."when in doubt, paint it white!" Every time I've thought....I love that thing...but I think I would like it more painted white - and then I paint it...I am right...I love it more! That coffee table is great!

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  8. Anji JohnstonJanuary 6, 2011 at 9:45 PM

    Oh my oh my! Fan-tas-tic!! Looks so restful, clutter free and one of a kind! What a master you are at this. So when are you opening up your own business? Soon I hope, you deserve the recognition. Hugs Anji

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  9. AnonymousJanuary 6, 2011 at 9:49 PM

    Lovin' all of your whites, Donna! Love all the crate boxes in the room... great storage, and they look great, too!
    Wonderful inspiration, my friend!
    ~ Jo :)

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  10. Anita @ GoingALittleCoastalJanuary 6, 2011 at 9:52 PM

    I love the mix of whites too. Very relaxed feeling instead of sterile. The cabinet is great. You just had it stored downstairs. So jealous.

    My favorite storage piece is my antique linen press. I has this amazingly deep drawer with 2 small drawer on top and a cabinet below.

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  11. GoldenValley50January 6, 2011 at 10:46 PM

    Absolutely LOVE that storage cabinet Donna! Wished I could find a fella around these parts who builds such fabulous timber pieces....
    My favourite storage piece is (are) my "Memory Shelves" which originally started its life as an old wardrobe. Perfect place to display all my knick knacks. I'm totally inspired with your LOOK! ;)Sharyne

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  12. DebJanuary 7, 2011 at 12:06 AM

    That cabinet is way too cute to be hidden away Donna...love it and your "new" living room! ~Deb~

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  13. BetsyJanuary 7, 2011 at 2:35 AM

    Love, love, love the lantern on top of the funky cabinet! What a creative way to give light to something old "useless." (pun intended. < grin>) Gonna have to give that one a try for myself.
    I have a funky old coffee table type piece of funrniture with two large drawers that has found it's happpy forever home with me. Got it at a yard sale and many friends have tried to talk me out of it over the years. Gotta love it when storage can be so pretty to look at!
    ~Betsy

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  14. SueannJanuary 7, 2011 at 2:56 AM

    Oh my!! I am in love with your rooms for sure. That cabinet is adorable and perfect for your living room. Lovin' the coffee table too! Everything is just puuurrfect!! Ha!
    Beautiful cats too!
    Hugs
    SueAnn
    PS. I don't have a special storage piece...I am still looking! Sigh!

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  15. Courtenay@Signal Hill InteriorsJanuary 7, 2011 at 3:23 AM

    I love that you can just whip out another coffee table or cabinet on a whim. I've always secretly kinda wanted a warehouse on my property one day for the exact purpose. So funny that you sort of actually have that!

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  16. Hi, I'm Suz!!January 7, 2011 at 4:02 AM

    I wandered through your blog last night for the first time and I just don't know how many times I said 'wow'...... I love your style and how you have the ability to make anything look like it's doing exactly what it was supposed to do all along!! I think my favorite project is your stairway! In fact, I featured a picture of it on my blog this morning!! inspiringcreativeness.blogspot.com

    Thanks for all the inspiration!!

    Hugs ~~ Suz

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  17. AnonymousJanuary 7, 2011 at 4:03 AM

    Awesome cabinet.. Love the chimes.. and the little lantern!! Oh.. and I heart that coke box.. and the remote control box... Awesome!!

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  18. FlowerLady LorraineJanuary 7, 2011 at 4:14 AM

    Girl ~ You inspire me every time I visit. I LOVE that new cupboard you brought in and it looks fantastic with the rust hanging on the outside. Great storage.

    Your home is so lovely and inviting. Thanks for opening it and your heart up to all of us here in blogland.

    Love and hugs ~ FlowerLady

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  19. Upscale DownhomeJanuary 7, 2011 at 4:32 AM

    First of all I must say that I believe that Coke/Diet Coke goes with anything. Love your stone fireplace. I love all the textures you have added with the varying shades of white, cream, beige. Country Living's issue this month is devoted to doing just that. You might want to check it out. Thanks for posting!

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  20. lucyJanuary 7, 2011 at 4:41 AM

    adding white is always a good idea! i started in my bedroom about 20 yrs. ago and now it's infiltrated my entire house:)we have someone here in Lancaster County that builds stuff out of old wood,had him make me a huge pantry/closet and a bench,and a bookcase that i have my microwave and baskets for storage on.

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  21. whimagesJanuary 7, 2011 at 4:41 AM

    I'm in love with your "new" room! How gorgeous! I have that same coffe table but in a rectangular version. Ours is in storage for the basement that I'd like to eventually finish. It's still pine colored and I had visions of painting it white. Now thanks to you, I know it will ROCK THE WHITE PAINT! THANKS!!!

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  22. Granny Lyn's GardenJanuary 7, 2011 at 5:00 AM

    Great look, you do a fantastic job decorating. I really enjoy all you posts. Thanks !!!

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  23. Karen Sabrsula January 7, 2011 at 6:08 AM

    Beeeuuttifffuullll! I love all the old wood, textures all mixed in. Makes me think maybe I could do whites... one day! Thanks for the idea on the sewing drawer remote holder. Now where have I stashed all my drawers?

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  24. ErinJanuary 7, 2011 at 6:09 AM

    Love the "saw horse/step" that you use for your end table. I love old boxes and workshop tools brought inside! (Yeah, my husband thinks I'm nuts!) Love what you do!

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  25. Pam KesslerJanuary 7, 2011 at 6:28 AM

    Loving the Coke crate as a firewood holder. Doesn't that clash with the Pepsi stairs though - lol? The new cabinet is gorgeous and looks great close to the fireplace mantel gate.

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  26. MuddaritavilleJanuary 7, 2011 at 7:01 AM

    Looks amazing Donna!

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  27. The Painted CottageJanuary 7, 2011 at 7:10 AM

    LOVE what you've done! Looks so fresh! Loving the coffee table too!

    - Lauren

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  28. bjJanuary 7, 2011 at 7:31 AM

    You have, indeed, brightened up your cute-as-can-be cottage.
    I laughed out loud when I saw all those remotes. Mr. Sweet and I have a hard enuf time making our just ONE work..ok, when we play the dvd that's another remote. So, we have two...wait a minute, what's this THIRD one for?? :)))

    I love your style of decorating..I have a lot of junk...haven't made it to the FUNKY stage yet but...I'm working on it. Is 73 too old to be funky??
    xoxo bj

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  29. Dana @ Cooking At Cafe DJanuary 7, 2011 at 7:32 AM

    Oh! You have just solved one of my living room's issues!

    We need a place for our remotes. We have a basket, but alas it's not wide enough. But, we don't want to go too big either.

    I'll use one of my vintage cheese boxes!!!!
    Thank you ever so much :)
    Truly love reading your blog each day.

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  30. GailJanuary 7, 2011 at 8:14 AM

    O.K. Sweetie,
    I just have two words for you......universal remote! My dh (the techno-geek in our little family) discovered this item a while ago and it is the Harmony remote by Logitech. It "knows" what's on and what's off and basically is so much smarter than me!
    Although, I do love your storage solution for your various remotes!:) And all the rest as well, brilliant!

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  31. Funky Junk InteriorsJanuary 7, 2011 at 8:24 AM

    Confession time about the remotes... only two have working batteries in them. LOL! I can't keep up! My son gripes lots that we have to get up and go flick a channel. Yeah, well. :)

    Universal remote? I can barely wrap my head around that one, yet I'm mildly intrigued... will look into it. Thanks!

    Donna

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  32. UnknownJanuary 7, 2011 at 8:29 AM

    I love it all. So peaceful feeling. I'm glad you brought the white coffee table back , I like that one a lot.

    Forget slipcoveing that chair right now girlie - I'm still watching for new pillows to show up. Hint, hint. :)

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  33. Funky Junk InteriorsJanuary 7, 2011 at 9:10 AM

    #32 Polly... no doubt!!!! :) You just gave me a new idea with the material you sent me.... eee! Thanks!!

    Donna

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  34. shannon i olsonJanuary 7, 2011 at 9:37 AM

    What a fantastic room, that chair is so inviting!

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  35. {northern cottage}January 7, 2011 at 11:14 AM

    love every little bit of it...the softer white (something I'm moving toward a bit more here too) Bit by bit....and firewood DEFINITELY gets better with coke...that crate for wood storage is DIVINE!

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  36. StacyJanuary 7, 2011 at 1:23 PM

    I love it Donna! It's so refreshing and clean looking/ paired with the rustic warm shades of 'wear'.

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  37. AnonymousJanuary 7, 2011 at 1:34 PM

    It's all beautiful as always. When are we coming for a visit?? Hee hee.

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  38. very merry vintage styleJanuary 7, 2011 at 4:38 PM

    The storage piece is great... but that was only one idea here. Love the jar top wreath, the lantern filled with squished Christmas lights, The pretty bench and pillows, the coffee table... so much to enjoy in this beautiful setting. Now to check out that blog office, if that's a link. Do I spy 2 computer monitors? Oh, I am having monitor envy!
    Mary

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  39. kathyJanuary 7, 2011 at 5:24 PM

    I really love the "light" look in your LR....the whites are perfect! I enjoy your blog post so much, although most of the time I am a lurker :-)
    Love the two cats the most, I am a huge cat lover...they add the finishing touchs to your cozy, warm room.
    Blessings, kathy

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  40. AmyJanuary 7, 2011 at 5:55 PM

    *sigh* can I come live with you?

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  41. Renee SimmonsJanuary 7, 2011 at 7:01 PM

    Love what you did with the old lamp! You rock!

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  42. AnonymousJanuary 7, 2011 at 7:55 PM

    Donna,I am lovin everything I see..Great job..

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  43. Serendipity Chic DesignJanuary 8, 2011 at 7:02 PM

    One night while you are sleeping I am traveling to Canada to steal your wood shed. Just wanted to warn you so you aren't surprised that it is missing when you wake up....

    Have a great weekend Donna...

    Lisa

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  44. Our Little BeehiveJanuary 14, 2011 at 3:29 PM

    Simply beautiful!

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  45. LovelyJanuary 15, 2011 at 7:18 AM

    I love that coffee table! And the kitties ;)

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  46. BoomJanuary 15, 2011 at 10:00 AM

    Okay.....I have a white chair just like that...with 3 throws on it so it isn't covered in cat hair. What's your secret?

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  47. AnonymousSeptember 2, 2012 at 7:02 PM

    Put a small throw rug just in front of the chaise chair. Make sure it's parallel with the chair's base (so it's on an angle to the fireplace). You can even get one big to put the front legs of the chaise on the rug. I think it will be the finishing touch for this room!

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  48. AnonymousOctober 9, 2012 at 6:33 PM

    I just love your ideas! Thank you so much for sharing!! ~ Carol :)

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