Four For The Fourth

Here's four simple ideas to decorate for the Fourth of July.

DISPLAY IT!

Nothing shows your patriotism more than displaying the American flag.
So hang it in a window.Drill one hole, or more, in a finial and stick in a flag.Place a bunch of flags in a vase or urn.

FRAME IT!

A simple idea---put a flag in a frame.Frame a flag in an old window.

GROUP IT!

Display your patriotic collections in a group for more visual punch.
Like these Uncle Samsor these barn stars.

DECLARE IT!

Find yourself a piece of wood, some paint and a brush (or scrapbook paper and vinyl) and paint a flagor a word.

Paint Transformations

Paint is really among the quickest, easiest, and least expensive ways to transform the look of what you own into what you love.
Here are a few examples from my client's home.

Before: Blah CeilingAfter: Warm CeilingBefore: Boring BenchAfter: Cozy SeatingBefore: Noticeable DetailsAfter: Delightfully Detailed DetailsAnd my favorite paint makeover....
Before: Nice DoorAfter: Gorgeous Door!!!Are you inspired to pick up a can of paint and
transform something?

The Ol' Screen Door

One of my favorite projects for the porch redo began with a door
that was originally propped in the corner of the side porch. It was there because my client has
a love for old screen doors
and she had purchased this one to use as decoration. Without telling her my plans I kidnapped her door to give it a makeover.

(She gave me a budget and told me she didn't want to make ANY decisions!)

I dry brushed it to give it a real aged appearance
and show off the details.We purchased two sets of bi-fold doors from the thrift store. And added plywood and molding to make a shelving unit.I gave the outside a few coats of the exterior red paint
that was used on other porch projects. The interior was painted a calm gray.Now the ol' screen door is not just pretty to look at,
it's functional too.The perfect little potting shed!

Everybody Loves a Monogram

A great way to indicate where you live (along with your address) is to hang a huge monogram just outside your door.
I purchased an big wooden letter at my local craft store for just a few dollars.To make it a more significant statement I cut a piece of beadboard and framed it with MDF strips.I spray painted the beadboard frame black and the letter got a couple of coats of heirlloom white for a nice contrast.

It's the perfect piece in the perfect spot!
No wonder everybody loves a monogram.

A Side Porch: Before and After

The side porch of my clients home is where most friends
come to visit. (Before)

She wanted it warm and welcoming for visitors,
as well as a nice place for the family to relax .(Before)

There is now no doubt that it is a place that welcomes guests.(After)

New chairs with ottomans and the window table call for you to sit and relax.

(After)

Even the birdhouse got a mini-makeover.(After)

The new porch light fixture is a beautiful addition. (Before)

(After)

Just look at the detail.Now the porch better reflects the beauty of the family and their lifestyle.