When I named our house, I didn't even pay attention to the fact that the first letters of the words "The Lettered Cottage", are "T, L and C". Someone brought it to my attention the other day, and I just had to smile because of how completely fitting it is. :-)
This house was SO badly in need of TLC when we bought it. And as you've seen from the recent photos of my Guest Bathroom, there are still lots of rooms that could use some.
The Guest Room, on the other hand, has received lots of TLC, and looking at how far its come really motivates me to create a design plan for our Master Bedroom re-do later this year...
Before:
After:
But re-doing a whole room takes time and money, and if you're short on both, sometimes doing a quick mini-fix on a inexpensive, flea market find with potential can be just as fulfilling.
My most recent mini-fix was an old table for our Dining Room. I spent about 30 minutes sitting on the floor painting its legs black one day. Sure, my bones ached when I stood up, but I love the way it turned out. I'm thrilled that we finally have enough places for the whole family to sit when they come over for a meal now!
I'm not going to be using any of the chairs that came with it, but they'll do for now.
I have plans for long benches on each side and two upholstered or wicker chairs on the ends.I like the way the newly painted black legs speak to my black painted pantry screen door...
Other inexpensive, new additions to the Dining Room are the rattan-sleeved drinking glasses are from TJ Maxx...
...and a big, lidded enamelware pot that was only four dollars at Angels Antiques in Opelika, Alabama...
The hydrangeas are from out in front of the house, and I can't tell you how happy they make me every time I pass by them!
Have a great weekend!
Good luck with whatever mini-fix (or major fix!) you are tackling!
:-)
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50 comments:
Gorgeous Layla - you have such a knack and exquisite taste. That bedroom is gorgeous and the dining table is wonderful. Can't say enough how I love your style!
Oh, how I ADORE your master bedroom.
So Pottery Barn. LOVE it.
What a difference you've made with the guest room! So impressive! And you have come along with your dining room all of a sudden. Love all the new bits and pieces, especially the glass holders. The hydrangeas look WOW too. My husband is painting the doors in our house at the moment. They were blue and now we are making them white. We are having a white revival all round and will post some pics soon. Love what you do! Wendy xx
TLC is an art, and you certainly have a wonderful way of giving tender loving care to spaces. I would love to see what you would do with a child. I could see so many benefiting and playing happily inside these spaces that you so lovingly renew and teach how to be model citizens and homes.
Wonderful room.
pve
The TLC you put into your bedroom is amazing! I'm going to share the before and afters with my daughter! Her bedroom need TLC!
She will love the way you used white with dark furniture!
gorgeous as usual, layla!
Just lovely Layla! You are blessed with great vision and the where-with-all to get it done. So many times people have one or the other...you hit the jackpot!
Beautiful! Thanks as always for sharing your home with us.
Well I am doing a whole new house!! And need all the help I can get we can't pay someone to do it for us. And to be honest I like that. No one can 'love' things the way you can yourself. Stuff is just stuff when someone else does it.....
I love the way your home looks so inviting. I can see me waking up in that guest room and thinking wow that was a great night's sleep. And having a cup of coffee or tea in the dining room talking about the blooms just outside. I want my home to feel that way when we are done!!
When I first moved into my house, I couldn't handle the colours, the chipped woodwork on the cabinets etc. I painted everything and I mean EVERYTHING in sight right down to countertops. I ripped up rugs and dealt with plywood floors. Anything was better than what was there.
Now that things have been ripped out and replaced, whew! But honestly, I miss some of those painted up surfaces! Paint allows you to change your mind depending on which way the wind blows. (and I LOVE to change things up for freshened up surroundings) How many people do you know that paint their countertops to reflect the ever changing seasons? LOL
Moral of my story? It's nice to finally renovate and do it right etc, but be careful what you wish for! :)
I had been wondering about your master bedroom Layla. Isn't it great we have something to work on though?!? I'd go crazy if it were all done... I think I'd have to move!
Donna
Gorgeous redo! Ahhh yes, so many things to do and so little time or money, that rings a bell to me :)
I love you creativity. I have a dining room table in storage. As a matter of fact, I just mentioned painting the leg on it, this past week. I think you were my confirmation. Thanks :)
Have a great weekend!
Crystal
Adorable, chic, charming!
TLC is just perfect - your lovely home is proof.
Beautiful. I love your guest room and your dining area is so comfortable! Pretty!
We're working on some outdoor projects ... 3 different areas of our yard. I cannot wait to be finished (soon) so we can relax and enjoy before starting the next project!
Enjoy the weekend! :)
So beautiful, love every bit of it. :)
Wow, it looks like a showroom or magazine shoot! You did a fantastic job, I sighed with happiness just looking at it :)
My diningroom set came with black legs on table and chairs... originally from Pier 1 @ $1500 we purchased for
$175 at an estate sale... I've had it for 5 years and still trying to mix it in... the black screen door is the perfect compliment! Now... what did I do with that black paint?
Beautiful guest room... so bright and welcoming... a little TLC... that is cute... thanks for all the wonderful ideas!
Love the decor in your home. Your guest room is gorgeous and the dining table is perfect. It will be so pretty with the benches too. The new glasses and pot are perfect. Just lovely. Hugs, Marty
Your table setting is so beautiful. You have such a great sense of style and a definite style. I think I am all over the board right now and am working on defining my style more. Thanks for the inspiration.
Working on an outdoor mini-fix above the back door. Beadboard will come into play : ) I will post pics when we are finished.
Enjoy your weekend.
PS- I think the cottage has given you some TLC in return :)
Very inspiring! You have the best eye for treasures. And no matter what kind of mood I am in, hydrangeas ALWAYS make me smile.
Beautiful post! Your guest room is so truly, utterly perfect. I am in amor with it. And those drinking glasses rock! Thanks for the inspiration. Just what I needed to put the finishing touches on my current project!
It looks like you covered a window in the bedroom makeover. What does that look like from the outside?
Don't you just love Angel's? My mother-in-law purchased two matching rattan french chairs there and she plans to make monogrammed slipcovers for them!
anna
Hi Layla!
Thank you for posting the dining room pictures. Beautiful!
I live in Charleston and was wondering if you picked up any treasures here on your trip.
Your site is inspiring and I am getting ideas. :-)
~Lorna
It just looks beautiful Layla. I love how you revamp things and just make them stylish and workable.
LeAnn:)
A little TLC can go a long way, doesn't it? :)
SO BEAUTIFUL!
I am tackling a few projects this weekend.... : )
I just found your blog yesterday I love your house! It has given me a ton of inspiration for the house I will soon be moving into. Thanks! - Sarah
I love it!! I also plan on doing benches on each side. I have 5 kids and think that we can fit batter that way, but have had a hard time finding some. Let us know where you end up finding yours!! :)
Your home looks so inviting and calming...fabulous job so far...can't wait for the bathroom redo!!
Thanks for sharing and the motivation to get my projects completed!!
Hugs, Nerina :)
Such pretty images! I heard your song (Flyleaf) at the gym yesterday and thought about you. : ) Oh, and did you know your kitchen redo is in Home Improvement magazine? I picked up a copy here in Dallas, and when I saw the pictures, I thought, "Hmmm... I know that kitchen!"
Benches for the table are pretty but not very practical. My friend has them and it's very uncomfortable to sit there while eating--especially if it's a long bench and someone in the middle needs to get up.
Your home is beautiful. I've been following your blog for some time now and I love everything you've done so far. I am looking forward to the re-do of your master bedroom.
Just love the gallery wall you have in your guestroom. I want to do that in my living room but Im too afraid to even start!
I just discovered your blog last week and I'm totally hooked... I love your style!! I'm in the finishing stages of remodeling my kithcen (I painted my cabinets black too) and I LOVE the corbels you added - I've never thought of that but after seeing yours it's a must! Keep up the great work :-)
Love how your dining room is coming together and how you have set the table. Love the idea of using benches on each side and upholstered chairs on the ends. Very unique.
Hydrangeas are my second fave flower. Yours are beautiful. We just planted two hydrangeas a few weekends ago and they are just starting to bloom.
Love, love, love those rattan drinking glasses -- I am totally inspired to make something similar! Oh, and of course the whole table looks great -- but I have tunnel vision with those glasses! Ha!
-- Megan
Love the table setting and all of the wonderful accessories! You rock!!
I really love your picture collage! :)
Ok what happen to the story about a home improvement magazine? I love your kitchen, it is so remarkable what you have done and I look back at it so often. You have a great eye for projects. You are a natural. All of your posts are wonderful. Thanks for inviting us in to your life.
Absolutely stunning. Every last inch. Your table looks fantastic, I can't wait to finish mine!
Layla, I recently found your site and am a huge fan! You are so incredibly gifted, and I love tuning in each day to see your newest accomplishment. What I love most is how you provide not only inspiration, but also proof that beauty and a budget can go hand in hand-- just what I need as I tackle my 102-year-old house on a shoestring. Thank you! Can't wait to call on you for a consultation.
Love the legs on that table! It looks like it definately was worth the aches and pains. Your black flea market bench (that I covet) looks perfect but one question, where did your "linen press" go? Beautiful as always Layla.
I love your hourse, and I really love those little salt and pepper shakers. Too cute!
Simply lovely~
Gorgeous! And the salt 'n pepper shaker are just brilliant!
TLC ... ok... that's gotta make you tingle all over! and from every little bit i have had the pleasure of seeing in your postings ~ it is only natural that everything you touch surely has your 'stamp' of tender loving care ...
ahhhhh,
prairiegirl
Girl, you've got a gift for this. I love your sense of style. Your rooms are great decorating inspiration for me! :)
I really love your style and the details that you add. I think I'd walk past the guest room doorway a million times a day just to get that glimpse of what you created.
The legs of that table are perfect!
where do you find your bedding? Im looking and can't find what I want but I love that style!
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