Friday, February 15, 2013

111 A Little Entryway Remix

Aww shucks.  The sickness is in the building.  Our family of five has been hit with something yucky filling us with coughs, fevers and body aches.  So, that means no projecting or major organizing has been taking place this week, and that we have spent our time taking temps, snuggling, eating soup, reading, coloring and taking it easy each day as we try to recover.

But today as I trudged through the house picking up some random piles of play things, I realized I still haven't shared some minor updates we made to our entry area {or updated the home tour page}.

Back in August, in preparation for back to school, we shared our entry organization and setup.


Now it's no secret that I love color.  But it didn't take more than second after I hit the publish button of the past entryway post, and reviewed the pictures on my blog to realize it looked like Rainbow Bright ate too much ice cream and got sick in this space.

To me, the green is bright and bold enough, that added in extra bold accents in random colors may have been a bit much.  It's OK though, live and learn.  It also was a great reminder that sometimes it takes looking at your space through a photograph to catch the things the eye might not.  And I always have been honest in saying that this blog is just as much about us learning as it is about us sharing what is working or what project we accomplished.

So, within a few days of the rug being placed out, it was rolled back up and gifted to a friend's space that it made much more sense within.  The lampshade was leftover from our Storage Magazine photoshoot and has been making it's way through our home in different areas until we find the perfect spot, and the mirror was moved to Preston's bedroom.

Although I am on a Target hiatus, a birthday gift card went towards replacing the mirror with a pretty burst mirror, and the shoe cabinet received the treatment of some updated hardware.  The rug was replaced with a Pier 1 clearance find, which fit the space in front of the cabinet much better.  Those minor updates now marry our recently updated dining room to our entry, since the spaces flow together.


Much more subtle and toned down now!  Maybe too toned down?  Sigh... Those cubby cabinet doors are begging for a little somethin' something, don't ya think?

Here are a couple of photos of the two spaces to see how the colors now work together...




Yes, much better!

The round mirror was a game changer in the space.  The shoe cabinet is rectangular, so the rectangular mirror above didn't offer enough visual contrast.  And the touch of gold makes me giddy and warm inside!


Excuse all of the random acts of fresh flowers.  This winter has been hard on me, especially working indoors all day and looking out at cold, cloudy days and falling snowflakes.



I still have some styling and accessorizing to do to the top of the large cabinet, but for now, it's filled with a few of my favorite reads...


No post would be complete without of before and after of the changes!


Any of you tuning in and toning things down?  How about reviewing photos of your spaces to look and learn?

111 comments:

  1. I love it! I thought it looked great before, but now it looks much more sophisticated! Maybe you could bring some navy/darker colors to the cabinet. Or the lamp shade? I think you did a great job!

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  2. ooooh. i liked it before but this is 100 times better. LOVE.

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  3. I agree. It was ok before, but this is a definite improvement!

    No need to apologize for fresh flowers. I'm going to Amsterdam for the first time in April, and I can't wait to see the flower market there! It'll just be a shame that I can't bring back a suitcase full of tulip bulbs. :)

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  4. I didn't think I could love this space more, but there you go - I do!

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  5. Aww ...sorry your sick😞. Love the subtle differences. If you lived nearby, I would not hesitate on hiring you to help me with our house!! You have wonderful ideas and beautiful taste!!

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  6. I thought the first pic was so pretty and welcoming and then I saw the second - definitely the one.

    I constantly move things about to strike just the look. I was moving things around today as I took down my Valentine mantel and I noticed one little shelf. I have moved it around to different things and I just realized that my favorite was something I changed last fall. I have decided to put it back to the original. But first I have tons of flowers to plant while it is sunny.

    Your room looks great!

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  7. Oooh girl! I want that teal/green rug sooo bad! :) So pretty...love the new mirror too!

    XO Samantha

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  8. Ooh, I love the updates! Definitely a beautiful, streamlined look! I hope the family feels better soon-- we had that at our house last week and it is no fun! Have a great weekend!

    ~Abby =)

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  9. I think it looked great before. But I do love the little changes and totally get your need for it with these gloomy days we have been having. Love the rug!! Where did you find that?? Are you ready for this next storm coming?? I hate this fickle weather too, don't you? ;) I too have been changing things around. I found a mirror for the living room. Been replacing door knobs, getting rid of the chintzy/cheap brass that came with the house. What a difference!! Main level is done (door knob-wise, except for a couple sets of hinges).

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  10. Love it! I think you should bring a patterned lampshade back in! Maybe in blue? I'm so envious of an entry way!

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    Replies
    1. I was thinking the same!! :) Already scheming!

      xo,
      Jen

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  11. Why are you on a Target hiatus?

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    1. You can snag the details here: http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2012/09/farewell-ikea-farewell-target.html?m=1 but I am basically just trying to force myself to shop other options before crutching on two of my fav shopping spots.

      xo!
      Jen

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    2. Thanks for the reply. new to the blog!

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  12. Ooh, I love the updates! It gives it such a beautiful, streamlined look. I hope the family feels better soon-- we had it last week and it was no fun. Have a wonderful weekend!

    -Abby =)

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  13. Great makeover!!! I really LOVE the round mirror. It adds some glamour to the entry and looks high-end (I had no idea it was the one from Target)!

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  14. Whenever I am doubtful about a new space or trying to decide between two objects in the same spot, I always take pics with my phone so I can compare which looks better! I think pictures give you more of an objective eye :) It's a really good tip!

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  15. Love the new rug (want it!) and that mirror is just perfect there. Great job! It's inspiring me to make a change around here. I do think the original gold white patterned lamp shade may look good in there still. Hope you feel better.

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  16. oh my goodness, I love that rug more than chocolate! I'm redoing our living room right now and that blue would be lovely in there...

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  17. I am going against everyone else but I loved the previous rug better. I think it would have looked better with the new mirror and the swapped out lamp. But, looking at the dining room, I can see why you made the changes. Both are gorgeous so whatever makes you happy!

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  18. Love that rug! The navy and green look terrific together.

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  19. I like all of it - except the lampshade that needs more color. It gets totally lost in that entry. Try some blue or patterned and the room will be perfect. ;)
    Jule

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    Replies
    1. Agree, the lampshade will probably get some attention :)

      xo,
      Jen

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  20. Love it all! :) My 'entryway' is thru the mudroom!

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  21. Beutiful change! It definitely is a bit toned down that way. The rug goes perfectly in the space. However, I have to say that I liked the first set up a bit better. I love color to brighter my days up. But as we are renting now and started to look for a house to buy ( you never know how long that is going to take) for the past three years I've been very reluctant to do any painting or really buying furniture for our place as I know it's not the one. I'm sooooo looking forward to having my OWN space to make it look like us again.

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    1. I looooved the first rug also but it really wasn't as durable as the new rug as that space gets a lot of walk through traffic. And the colors didn't make sense with the adjoining rooms at all. My love for color will stay in other ways and in other areas and hopefully after I share some more kitchen and living room updates, then these changes will make even more sense :)

      xo,
      Jen

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  22. Beautiful! I love the updates! You have a gorgeous home! You inspire me!

    graceleecottage.blogspot.com

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  23. Beautiful! I LOVE how the entry way and the dining room look together! That rug is AMAZING! I'm not sure how you topped the previous look but YOU did!
    I hope everyone is feeling better! As a teacher, I've lived on Zicam this winter! Those germs have been having a great time!!

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  24. I love this post because it shows how sometimes, all you need are a few easy changes. (Although I didn't think it was so bad before, either!) Love the new rug with the paint.

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  25. I actually enjoyed your previous rug and color scheme more. I always enjoy your posts, as they just burst color, happiness, joyfullness. I think today's design trend is way too blend and boring with all the whites and greys. Having said that, I understand how the new rug and color scheme flows better with the dining room. It does indeed blend in nicely now.

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    1. I looooved the first rug also but it really wasn't as durable as the new rug as that space gets a lot of walk through traffic. And the colors didn't make sense with the adjoining rooms at all. My love for color will stay in other ways and in other areas and hopefully after I share some more kitchen and living room updates, then these changes will make even more sense :)

      xo,
      Jen

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  26. I love how you're not afraid to use so much color, and you do it SO well! This is something I really struggle with in general, and I'm working on bringing more of it into our house through accessories, wall hangings, etc. Thanks as always for so much inspiration! Hope you all feel better very soon.

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    1. Thanks Erin! It's been a learning process and comes with trial and error. It never hurts to just try something, you can always move things around and return items if it doesn't work the first time around :)

      xo,
      Jen

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  27. This is a totally random question, but I'm remembering a post you did a while back about how you store your paint in Mason jars. How often do you touch up your paint? I've been in my house a little over a year, and there are definitely spots that look like they needing touch up. Can you just brush on a little or does that look strange?

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    1. Yes, I did and I love it! Touch ups are so easy and yes, I usually just use it on small dings and it works and looks great.

      xo,
      Jen

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  28. The rug and the mirror are both fantastic changes, but I have to say, changing the hardware on the IKEA piece was genius. It looks way more special now! Great idea, and I have to say, I think both looks are kind of great int heir own way! :)
    -Thalita
    http://www.thelearnerobserver.com

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  29. I prefer the colors/ groupings/ interest and so on in the before photo, BUT... when you look at the space as a whole the after photo is much more fluent and cohesive with the new design in the dining area. Well done. I love the bench at the dining table... simply beautiful! And I commend you on not giving up the part of you that would like white slip covers, just because you are a mother! Long live white! :)

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  30. I find that whenever I'm stuck in my house for more than a few days, I am recreating at least one space in my house. Maybe that is The silver lining of being stuck at home with sick kiddies.

    Hope everyone gets and stays well.

    Amelia

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    1. Agree! And I am stuck in the home daily since I work here... Maybe that's why it's always always changing! <3

      xo!
      Jen

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  31. I LOVE the new rug - it does fit so much better with the green.

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  32. I LOVE that umbrella holder! Where did you find it?

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    1. Hi Emily!

      I found it at Target last summer on clearance. It was actually an oversized vase, but was too good of a deal to pass up as an umbrella stand!

      xo!
      Jen

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  33. Love it! Where did you get your amazingly adorable dining room bench....we are looking for something just like it!

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    1. Thank you! Here is a link to the bench: http://www.homedecorators.com/P/Hammond_Bench/330/

      xo!
      Jen

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  34. I definitely agree the round mirror looks so much better! I like the hint of gold, too! Is that shoe cabinet from Ikea?

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    1. Sure is! It is part of their Hemnes line. We have had it for years and still LOVE it!

      xo,
      Jen

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  35. I completely agree with your comment about seeing a room through a photo. Somehow it gives me a completely different perspective, and helps me see how the room could be improved.

    I love the updates! I'm especially impressed with your rug find. It's something I never would have picked up, but it works perfectly.

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  36. Hi Jen! Your foyer looks amazing. What is the name of the Pier 1 rug? I can't find it online.

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    1. Hi Priscilla!

      I found it back in Septemberish on clearance, so I am not sure they carry it any longer. It is named Tapis.

      xo!
      Jen

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  37. Where did you purchase the umbrella holder? Love the room.

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    1. Hi Tina!

      I found it at Target last summer on clearance. It was actually an oversized vase, but was too good of a deal to pass up as an umbrella stand!

      xo!
      Jen

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  38. I didn't even realize that the bright & colorful version "didn't" work! That is, until you see that side by side picture...the after is much nicer. There's something about taking a photograph of the space that helps you analyze it better, don't you think? Thanks for this post...it encourages me to keep on tweaking!

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  39. Beautiful!! I can not wait for the day we are done renting and have our own home!!! One thing I did notice.. you have the exact type of umbrella holder/stand I have been dying to find! Where did you find something like that (and hopefully it's not a bank breaker!)? Love the blog!

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    1. Hi Heather!

      I found it at Target last summer on clearance. It was actually an oversized vase, but was too good of a deal to pass up as an umbrella stand!

      xo!
      Jen

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  40. I am so glad I discovered your blog. I enjoy reading it. I like the new look and can I ask where did you get that radio and is it functional?Thanks.

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    1. Thank you!

      I found the radio/mp3 doc on Joss & Main during a flash sale, but it is also found here: www.tivoliaudio.com

      We are very happy with it, I doc my iPhone to it daily to listen to tunes. :)

      xo,
      Jen

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  41. I liked the old look, but the new look is terrific! Just...maybe the lampshade needs a bit of personality...a blue pattern of some sort? :)

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  42. The colors in the new rug definitely flow better with the dining room. The organic shapes also balance the edges of the other decor. Your use of crisp white makes everything so nice and airy! I have been debating about making a big change in our kitchen (linen painted cabinets vs yellow oak) and am getting very inspired! I look forward to checking out more of your site.

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  43. where did you get the blue vase? and the napkin holder what color did you paint that

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    1. The blue vase is from West Elm {http://www.westelm.com/products/hive-vases-c046/?pkey=e|vase|26|best|0|viewall|24||12&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_-} and the napkin holder was from Goodwill and spray painted with Rustoleum's Lagoon. We now use it as a letter holder. :)

      xo!
      Jen

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  44. This is beautiful, Jen! The round mirror was perfect for that spot and the toned down colors definitely play well with your dining room....although I'm glad you kept a few pops of pink ;)

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  45. Lovely transformation! Well done!

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  46. i like it better now. Don't get me wrong it was great but now it looks polished. The new rug is to die for and really pulls the space together. The other rug was fun but looked more like a kid's playroom style than entryway. The green really stands out now and isn't competing with other colors. Amazing what a great rug can do. Love it!

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  47. I have a question about the shoe organizer. Does it only have two legs? How stable is it if it does? Does it attach to the wall at all?

    Sorry... The hubs and I have been planning on getting this organizer after our next move. :) Thanks!

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    1. Hi Monica!

      Yes, it only has two legs. I believe they did that so it could be flush against the wall without fighting trim. We anchored it by screwing into one side into a stud and using a drywall anchor for the other side. It has been stable for years and we use it daily.

      xoxo!
      Jen

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  48. I love all of the changes, especially the new knobs! Where did you find them?

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    1. Thanks Kate! Here is a link to the drawer pulls: http://www.atgstores.com/products/view.aspx?sku=4894116

      xo!
      Jen

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  49. When I first opened the email link to this post and saw the first picture, my heart said "ahhhh." But I love the after picture as well. Question: what's the little green doohickey box with dials and such? It's just neat and crisp looking. Suggestion: for your flu symptoms, I'd highly recommend making elderberry syrup. Maybe have the ingredients on hand for next time if you're too wiped out this go 'round. I swear it shortened the duration of our symptoms. You can buy it but it's super easy and cheap to make. Lastly, you've given me space envy. I gotta get going on mine!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for the tip Amy! I will definately look into that! Flu symptoms get a boo from me!

      The green box is actually our radio/mp3 doc. I found it on Joss & Main during a flash sale, but it is also found here: www.tivoliaudio.com

      We are very happy with it, I doc my iPhone to it daily to listen to tunes. :)

      xo,
      Jen

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  50. It looks streamline, sophisticated and fun.
    I really like how the mirror picks up on the pulls and the repeat/compliment of pattern (circle mirror & radio knobs, honeycomb mirror/umbrella stand/vase) in the space.
    It looks amazing with the dining room view, I love the tufted bench.
    Always inspirational.

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  51. What is the paint brand & color in your front room???

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  52. wow what a fun a functional entry!!! Love the new mirror and lamp.:) Love it! Hope everyone feels better soon. Jen I did a major closet makeover that i would love to get your opinion on it. Please take a look and let me kow what you think. I would really love to hear from you. http://claudiapersi.blogspot.ca/
    Thanks
    Hugs from Toronto

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  53. I liked the before but love the after! Inspired me to look at our space through pictures and it does make things more clear!

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  54. Love the new toned down look. That mirror is beautiful and the green color is so welcoming for an entryway!

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  55. Have you thought about adding turquoise knobs to the white cabinet doors to add that something something?

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    1. I sure have! :) I even had some purchased, lol. They just weren't right, but I have an idea or two up my sleeve.

      xo!
      Jen

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  56. I agree that the new color scheme looks so fresh and crisp. I bought the same Target mirror few months back and it's leaning against the wall. Did yours have a warning sticker on the back about not using picture wire to hang?

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    1. My hubby hung it for me so I didn't notice that, but he didn't use wire, he just used the hooks that were already on the back of the mirror.

      xo!
      Jen

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  57. Pretty darn good blog post for someone who's been ailing. Hope you are all feeling better now. I totally agree with the mirror change; the other one dominated the space too much.

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  58. I love the blue and green...but I think you need some more blue on the cubby doors to tie it all in together.

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    1. Yes, the doors and lamp are calling my name for a little extra attention. :)

      xo!
      Jen

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  59. Hey there!
    I'm a new follower. I'm SO HAPPY I found your blog!
    I'm so excited to read more! WHERE DO I BEGIN!?? Ahhhhhhhhh!!!! XD
    Sarah xx
    whimsicalmumblings.blogspot.co.uk

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  60. Hi, I love reading your blog with its mix of organizing and decorating. I also love that you too are from the frigid north! I am an MN girl and find that so many blogs I read are from people in warmer states. I have noticed the trend to go all white in fresh cool colors. I like that you keep color on your walls. Do you think it make a difference when you are looking at snow 6 months out of the year on what colors you pick for your home? I was starting to feel like my house was not on trend but really I don't think I could do white on white when all I see is white outside!

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    1. I absolutely think that is why I love my green living room so much! I use a lot of blues and greens in my home, but I think I have gone that direction because off all the whites and browns I see outside on a daily basis! The blues and greens make the inside feel like spring and summer every day! :)

      xo,
      Jen

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  61. Boring. Liked it better the other way.

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  62. Hi! I'm new as well, I have a couple comments. First, totally understand needing to stay away from Target. :) Second, if it works with the rest of your room I think adding a navy blue element to your entryway would ground it a bit more, with two pieces of white furniture and the green it's just a little too light. The mirror is PERFECT, by the way.

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  63. Hope you and yours are feeling better, Jen. I really, really like the update for the family room. May I make a suggestion though? Perhaps a pop of blue for the lamp to balance the blue out? It looks great the way it is, but I think another little touch of blue will just add a little spark. :)

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    Replies
    1. I was thinking the same!! :) Already scheming!

      xo,
      Jen

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  64. Love those colors. The mirror makes a big difference. And love, love, love the rug and it's colors. Need to bring back the lampshade in some pattern, maybe pull navy blue from the rug. Great decorating job!

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  65. Looks great! Love the changes, but perhaps a touch of blue to the lampshade - ribbon, paint treatment or coordinating fabric. An idea of the console would be to paint the insets in a coordinating color and maybe some hardware. Just an idea for a finishing touch. Love your blog!!! Thanks for all the great ideas! Rebekah

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  66. It looks great! Where did you find that amazing, white umbrella stand?

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    Replies
    1. Hi Charity!

      I found it at Target last summer on clearance. It was actually an oversized vase, but was too good of a deal to pass up as an umbrella stand!

      xo!
      Jen

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  67. Hi Jen,

    Great changes, but I agree with another poster, I'd pull a color from the rug for the lampshade so it's not visually "lost" I think some cute hardware on your cabinet would really make it pop. btw, flowers equal happiness even when the skies are gray!

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  68. Great makeover! I didn't mind the "before" colors, but I do see your point. It really flows well with your dining room. You mentioned sprucing up the cabinets - maybe pull in some more gold accents (that you love on the mirror!) or even a gold sharpie design on the doors could be fun, if you want to get crazy. Great work!

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  69. Your entry changes look great Jen! Love the mirror and and the colors of the rug with your green walls! Very pretty!

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  70. Very pretty! Where do you keep your boots now, out of curiosity? I remember they used to be in that space (biggest clutter problem in our house right now, so I'm always looking for a solution!)

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    1. Hi Stacey!

      We added baskets inside of each cabinet for the boots, you can see them here: http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2012/08/back-to-school-our-organized-entry.html

      xo!
      Jen

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    2. Looks great- thanks for the reply!

      Delete
  71. I used this idea and put the cabinets in our entry way a couple weeks ago :-) Added rubbed oil knobs to them and also turned furniture legs that I found at Home Depot and painted white. Thanks so much for this idea—my three girls love being able to easily access their stuff, and we've received so many complements—no one can believe it's an Ikea piece.

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  72. lovely update! my favorite change is the carpet the new one is so my style. hope you all feel better soon being sick is no fun! xx. gigi. food and beauty blogger @ www.gigikkitchen.blogspot.com

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  73. Jen-

    Where did you get that cute umbrella container. I have been looking around and couldn't find anything that I like. But I love the one you have.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Tawnya!

      I found it at Target last summer on clearance. It was actually an oversized vase, but was too good of a deal to pass up as an umbrella stand!

      xo!
      Jen

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  74. Love the changes you have made. It was a bit overwhelming before. Now I love how you have toned it down and restructured the look of a few other things. It is AWESOME!

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  75. Beautiful, Jen! I love everything you do!! xo

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  76. I love everything! Especially the rug! Where did you get it?

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