Tag Archives: BFID

Bedroom Retreat Reveal

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When Bernadine retired and decide to move south, it was wonderful news to hear. When she commissioned me to help her decorate her home,  I jumped at the opportunity.  Not only was I excited about working with her, but also because it gave me another reason to shop.  The room started with basically a clean slate. The home had been vacant for a couple of years and was left unattended.   No color on the walls and there were some antique pieces left behind.  This Duncan-Phyfe loveseat was purchased from the home’s estate sale and she wanted to have it reupholstered to use in her bedroom retreat.   Lavender was her favorite color and it became the color of choice for the walls and the rest is history.

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This was the room at the time of her purchasing the home

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I can’t tell you how exciting this project was.  I love working with fabrics and new designs so this provided the opportunity to be creative.  Bernadine loves antiques  but also wanted something new, so we scoured the antique shops, thrift stores and furniture outlets to find the right pieces to blend together.  Hours were spent at the fabric outlet picking and choosing the right fabrics for her the loveseat, window treatments and bedspread.  Her desire was to have an elegant, yet, functional bedroom – one fit for a “retired queen”.   The loveseat has been transformed and the new look is fabulous

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The cornice boards were perfect

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All fears were put to rest when the installment was complete.  Not only was the desired look accomplished, but she is completely happy and satisfied with her new bedroom.  Step into Bernadine’s retired new suite!

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New bedroom furniture was purchased from Merinos Home Furnishing Outlet.  For fabrics, I chose a brocade paisley print along with a green & lavender stripe fabric to accent the wall color.  The custom made bedspread and cornice boards were trimmed with the striped fabric that was used to reupholster the loveseat.

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To give the loveseat a richer look, it was given a darker stain. The artwork above the sofa (originally hers) is a signed serigraph by artist Alonzo Adams.  It is one of her most treasured pieces because it reminds her of her beloved mother who was a quilter.

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The richness of these two fabrics together blended perfectly

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She loves crystal, so some thrifted crystal dishes and lamps were used in the room

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The antique crystal lamps flanking the mirror were scored at one of the Metrolina antique sale dealers.

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They originally had a hunter green faux marble base (but a bit of silver spray paint gave them a new look)

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After retiring from working in an office the last thing she didn’t want in her home was the word “office”..but wanted a computer station.  To solve that dilemna and to keep with the elegance of the room, an antique Duncan-Phyfe drop leaf table (scored at the Metrolina) paired with a ghost chair gave her the perfect look.

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Above the chest of drawers is her set of decorative art plates and her Daddy’s Long Legs Angel doll

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One more close look at the gorgeous brocade fabric.

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The room is a true example of how mixing old and new, blending different patterns (paisley and stripes) you can create a beautiful look without breaking the bank.    The owner  couldn’t be more pleased with her elegant new budoir – perfect fit for a retired “queen”

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I hope you enjoy the new look and if you’re ready for a makeover, let me help you create it..and until next time – always remember – it’s not how much it costs but how you style it.  Happy hunting and enjoy thrifting your house into a home!

Smooches!

Jamala

I hope enjoy the video recap. If so, hit the “thumbs up” and by all means, do share.  I’d love for you to follow along on my YouTube channel.

 

 

Light Up My Life

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Hey! Hey!!  I know it’s been a while but I’ve been trying to catch up with myself.. The heat is on and the thrifting scene is HOT!!!!  I’ve been on the go and I still found time and energy to hit a few thrift stores.  I hope you’ve been staying cool.  What I first like to say is Atlanta is one big thrifter’s paradise…Oh my goodness!!!! I can’t wait to go back and hit the scene.  I thought Charlotte was booming —- but chile, let me tell you– Charlotte ain’t got sugardity on Atlanta.  I want to recap with you all the wonderful items I found in the past few weeks from going to Atlanta, to Charlotte and then Jersey.  My lamp fettish has gotten off the chain.. Lamps galore.. and the best thing about lamps is- there’s a ba-zillion out there in thrift stores. In this post I’m going to feature a round-up of the favorite lamps I came across.  All didn’t make it home with me, but I snagged a couple.  Look at these beauties I found…This pair of classic ginger jar chinoiserie lamps would look awesome in a living room and at $17.00 ea.. they were a steal

I found these beauties – perfect for a garden inspired sunroom (or if you love birds).. they are an excellent accent.    I love the iridescent sheen and soft glow on the glass

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and here’s another pair that I came across – do you see that price.. $20.00 ea.  My brain was on lamp overload – I kept wishing I had a place to put them (I’ll regret leaving them later).  They’ll look excellent with your Fall decor.. the rich earthy tones will accentuate the rooms’s accessories.

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This brass beauty was only $10.00 at Goodwill in Atlanta – perfect behind a reading chair

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I simply adored the pineapple leaf inspired top

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I came across this pair of mint green & brass beauties at Palmetto Thrift Store in Columbia, SC.  They were marked $15.00 for the pair and the store was having a 20% off  sale so that made them $12.00 for the pair (yes – these came home with me)

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Retro cool!

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This modern mother of pearl lamp was  a mere $28.00

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A little brass table lamp for $6.00 was another bargain.  I loved the black/gold lamp shade.

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I got this modern wood/pewter lamp for $2.99 at Goodwill in Maryland. It’ll be perfect for my son’s new place (and he liked it -wooohoooo!).   It didn’t have a shade – but I’m not worried about that.. One will turn up.  If you follow me on Instagram then you know recently introduced my son’s brick cottage house he bought. He took a step towards freedom from rent to owning his home.  It’s a fixer-upper but it’s most definitely worth it.  You can follow along with us and the new hashtag for his home #brickcottageproject in which we’ll be showing the re-hab journey.

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And last but not least…. I snagged this retro chandelier for $25.00 for his new place as well – (he wasn’t too much a fan of this but I assured him once he gets it hung in his kitchen – it’ll look fantastic)

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One thing for sure.. it won’t go to waste… !  I hope you enjoyed my luscious lamp finds.  It’s so much fun when the thrifting scene is good.  At prices like these – you can play switcheroo anytime and not feel the pinch in your purse.  Remember as always- Happy Hunting and enjoy Thrifting Your House into a Home!!

Smooches!!

Jamala

 

 

 

Charlotte Tastemaker Summit

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On July 27th, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a topnotch premier event, The Charlotte Tastemaker Summit, hosted by Black Southern Belle.  It was a panel of creative professional women ranging from interior decorators/designers, event planners, publishers, entrepreneurs, DIY crafters, stylists and bloggers who  joined forces for an inspiring display of influential women.   Black Southern Belle/Black Southern Belle Collective was founded by Editor in Chief, Michiel Perry, who noticed while she was planning her wedding and decorating her home, women of color were not represented enough in the media, so she decided to create a platform to showcase the collective group of African-American women who are achieving their goals in this field.

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I was so excited as I took the drive up to Charlotte, (aka Queen City) ready to meet the Belle behind the brand Black Southern Belle. The event took place in one of Charlotte’s upscale design showrooms called TUFT.  Upon walking into Danielle’s beautifully eclectic designed boutique we were greeted with warm hugs, smiles and sweet treats and swag bags.

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This was definitely my kind of welcoming station!  Michiel and her staff not only planned one of the best events, but left no stone unturned as for creating style and grace.  The simple mere use of all vintage glassware was the complete pièce de ré·sis·tance for me.  The delectable sweet treats were the baked goods of Grey Ghost Bakery

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The buffet table was equally appeasing with catered dishes from Gravy Waltz Catering Services

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The bar cart was refreshingly stocked with Pure Leaf iced tea (looking just as sweet as she could be)

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To start the program, Michiel presented her opening remarks on how she started BSB, her goals, objectives and along with her future vision.

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Next were guest speakers talking to the attendees about their businesses, blogs, and designs.  We all listened attentively as they spoke of testimonies on starting their businesses, the ups&downs, highs&lows and gratifications of being an entrepreneur and how it affects their lives and livelihoods.

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All of the ladies were graciously answering any and all questions that were posed.

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In addition, we also were shown demonstrations on tablescaping and along with how to create flower arrangements

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And this lovely belle (along with some of the other photos) was photographed by Michelle Flowers

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No classy event is complete without a swag gift bag…

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Michiel and her staff created the most tasteful, elegant, and informative affair and I look forward to attending more.  Learn more about Black Southern Belle/Black Southern Belle Collective and their chica-power upcoming Atlanta and Charleston events by clicking here.

The “A” list Vendors

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Thanks to Michiel for creating this hub for women to connect and inspire one another.  As always… until next time…happy hunting and continue thrifting your house into a home!

Smooches!!

Jamala

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Like New Again

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Every Spring I get excited about sitting in my “She-Rest Haven” and love finding little items to decorate with.  I try to change a few items every year just for a bit of a new look.  This year instead of focusing on the small items to place around – I became inspired by a shower curtain I picked up from HomeGoods a few months back.  It was in the clearance aisle marked down to $10.00.  The beautiful bold print caught my eye and I thought it would be great in the gazebo with the nice subtle tones of the greens and blues.

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I figured the bold paisley fabric would make perfect pillow cushions for the Better Homes & Garden outdoor set I purchased a few years ago on sale at Walmart.  The set is still in great condition, however, the seat cushions show wear and are not firm anymore, not to mention the fabric has seen better days.  Two years ago I recovered the back cushions made some floral throw pillows from scrap fabric.

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It held up pretty well, but the seat cushions just bothered me.  I saw how another blogger buddy, Brandi, painted  her cushions because the color had faded and they looked really good.  I thought about doing the same, but mine were just a bit too flimsy and needed stiffening.

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So I bit the bullet and made the decision that it was time to really kick it up and get the cushions reupholstered professionally.   I found the perfect outdoor fabric that complimented the shower curtain fabric and headed to the upholsterer’s home to get started.  A few days later I was picking them up and they look fantastic!

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In fact – I think they look even better than when I first purchased them (especially as for the color scheme of them), here’s the original fabric (booooooring)

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I know…..not that exciting… but hey – I got the set at a fantastic price and it was sturdy.

You feel me?..  besides…. the fun part is always changing it to reflect your style.

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The two colors were blended perfect and I love the new look.   It actually looks and feel like I have a new set.  Ta-daaaahhhhh!!!

 

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So much prettier …..  I wanted to add another twist of color and saw a delicious orange/pink fabic (with these little fish pattern) and thought that would be a fun pop of color.  A bit of tropical blue mixed with some orange crush made a nice contrast for the pillows and kinda reminds me of rainbow sherbert.

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I’m so thrilled about the new look.

Found these dainty tealight chandys at Ross’s Dress for Less for &6.99 ea

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I couldn’t resist the yoga cat I found at AtHome store

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This flower pot was a thrifted item for $1.50

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The little vintage tin I picked up from Goodwill for $1.00 holds decorative napkins.  Mixing old and new items gives a space a bit more character

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I kinda have a secret fettish for collecting these type tins.  They’re so useful in so many different ways and they add a decorative touch around your space.   Here are more of my At Home goodies… (I think I’m about to get hooked on that store)

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and at night it looks even more enchanting..

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Recovering the cushions saved money and I’ll have this set a few more years.  I can’t wait to hang out in here with my besties – just us girls listening to some music, having some sips and dips and simply “chillaxing”.  How’s your  “get ready for Summer” going?  You’ll see me post more about my “Rest Haven” this summer, but in the meantime – as always – “Happy hunting while Thrifting your house into a home!”

Smooches!!

Jamala

 

 

 

Freshened Foyer

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I’m on my minimizing kick and next up was the foyer.  I’m taking my time going room by room and completing this task.  I had hoped to have it completed by the time the i2i YardSale happened, but I couldn’t accomplish it.  One thing for sure is I’m happy that I’ve at least began making every attempt to do this.  Letting go is always the hardest part and I’m realizing  that once I’ve gone through a space redecorate, starting with a clean slate was easier for me to weed out what I no longer wanted.  Such is the case with the foyer, living room and dining room.  I wanted the color of the foyer to flow into both those rooms so I chose Sherwin Williams “Morning Fog”.  It’s a bit of a grayish/bluish/lavenderish color..

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When I saw it in this picture, I thought it was a bit too gray,

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Contrare to my thought, it was actually what I was looking for.  I finished painting the rococco console table/mirror and it looks a thousand times better.  If you recall it was shabby black which did nothing for it.

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Initially I thought about metallic gold, but then I loved the Rose Gold I used for the living room mirror, and decided to go with that color again because the console table has a mauve marble top.

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This mirror was a royal pain in the toosh to paint.  All the swirly edges made the task of painting it was even harder.  (as much as I papered and taped, I still got overspray on it, but nail polish remover took it right off.

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This is a closer view of the details that were on the console legs.  Here is how it looks inside with the new wall color

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Major difference right!  Looks a lot more elegant!  I also changed the light fixture and decided on the Jamee chandelier at Joss & Main

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I loved the chandelier, but I didn’t care for the crystals it came with because – 1) I had to assemble them and 2) they weren’t real crystal.  I had a bag of antique crystal prisms I had been saving and decided to switch them.  The longer crystals did a bit more justice to the beauty of the fixture.

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This small space has 5 doorways, and i felt it’s best not to put a bunch of items in here.  I’m satisfied (for now)

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I haven’t decided on an area rug yet, and I’m not rushing it either.. I’ll take my time and enjoy looking at the openness of the space.  By not having a lot of items the area actually feels bigger.

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I’m so glad I chose to keep it because now I’m forced to not keep a bunch of “stuff” that was filled in the drawers of the table.

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I styled it simple with a set of Ikea Blomster candleholders that I picked up at Goodwill for $3.00, another one of my favorite female busts (which was a yardsale find $1.00), a bit of greenery and my favorite pic of hubby and I.

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When the chandelier is on at night, there’s a soft glow of the reflection

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and the rose gold changes the hue

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On the other side of the wall, I brought in the bench from the bedroom.  I needed a space to drop my handbag and workbag and thought that would be great place for it.  I finally hung the birthday painting.

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Another vintage swan (which I use as a planter) is perched right next to it

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I’m definitely sure I appreciate the new space.

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Although the sale of the console didn’t go through, sometimes things happen for a reason, because I truly am happy I have it and I love the new look.  The foyer has been freshened up and I’m patting myself on the back because I was able downsize a few items.

To take the look of the foyer from this …

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to this look

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It’s a winner for me.  The total cost of my new look was $150.00 ( with the bulk of it being the cost of the chandelier).
As always, it’s not how much it costs, but its’s how you style it.  Happy hunting while you thrift your house into a home.

Smooches!!

Jamala