Monday, March 19, 2012

102 Becky's Beautiful Dining/Living Room Makeover

Almost a year ago I was contacted by a blog reader, Becky, looking for me to help her with her living room and attached dining area.  So we partnered up and I did a couple of Style Tiles for the space! 

To get started, she popped over her room photos:




She mentioned they recently finished their lower level, so their main level furniture was being moved down, giving her a blank slate.

When thinking up a solution, it was important to keep in mind that Becky is a busy mommy of four and she also runs a home school.  Family friendly and cozy was the name of the game.  She also shared with me a couple of inspiration photos that she liked, which had a consistent cottage/coastal feeling to them.  Painting trim and cabinets white was out of scope for this project, so it was important for me to find ways to bring in that feeling with the existing finishes.

Here is what I came up with:




The walls would be painted a pretty blue with a gray undertone {Hirshfield's Millennium Line: Still Creek} and easy to clean white wood furniture would be brought in via a new TV stand, dining chairs and side table.  I recommended a slipcover sofa for easy maintenance with kidlets and a pair of slipper chairs in front of the large living room window.  The sea-grass ottoman would be a great place to pop up feet, or give a little ones a great place to make forts.  And adding a gallery wall of photos in the dining area paired a pretty chandelier would pull it all together.

Becky and I have been working together both virtually and in person!  That's right, she is located about an hour and a half away, so I have made a couple of trips with her to shop, plan and even install a gallery wall:


What you can't see in the photos is that the wrapping paper actually had a perfect grid on the back that helped us easily line up the frames and space them nice and evenly!


Did I mention Becky can bake?  Oh my, she sent me home that day with some Brownie Cheesecake Bars that were the most amazing treat I have ever tasted! 

And now for the super fun "after" photos!





The space is now so cheerful and warm!  It hugs you when you walk in and makes you feel comfortable to come in, curl up on the couch and make yourself at home!  We are still looking for the perfect sofa pillows, but once those are in, we can scream, "Mission Accomplished!"

I was having so much fun spending time with Becky, you can imagine my excitement when she asked me to help her out with her daughter's room as well!  Since I am a mommy to three busy boys, the thought of working on a girls room was a dream come true, so I snagged up the opportunity in a super speedy heartbeat!

This weekend the hubs and I did our "HGTV" style crash and makeover.  We painted, crafted and installed all sorts of elements to create a super sweet haven for a super special little girl.  Stay tuned, that story comes tomorrow!


Pssst... Right now I am not taking new Style Tile clients, however, it is a service I hope to be able to offer again soon.  Stay tuned to the blog for announcements pertaining to my services and shop updates.  Thanks friends!



102 comments:

  1. This looks lovely!!! I really like that slate blue color. I also like the dining room light (we have the same one in our dining room so maybe I'm a little biased- hehe)

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  2. Love the paint color. What is it?

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    Replies
    1. The paint color is Hirshfield's Millennium Line: Still Creek.

      xoxo!
      Jen

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  3. Hi,

    I love your site. Could you possibly post the source information for the tv stand and the ottoman?

    Thank you.
    Michelle

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    1. Hi Michelle!

      TV Stand is from IKEA: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80116596/

      Seagrass Ottoman is from Pottery Barn: http://www.potterybarn.com/products/seagrass-bench/?pkey=e|seagrass|195|best|0|1|24||11&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_-

      xoxo!
      Jen

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    2. Jen- Thank you for the quick reply!!

      Have a great day.

      -Michelle

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  4. I am loving this!!! Will you be doing a source list for this creation? I love everything about it, but I especially love the coffee table and tv stand for my home. :)

    Kristin
    theocdlifestyle.blogspot.com

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    1. HI Kristin!

      TV Stand is from IKEA: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80116596/

      Seagrass Ottoman is from Pottery Barn: http://www.potterybarn.com/products/seagrass-bench/?pkey=e|seagrass|195|best|0|1|24||11&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_-

      xoxo!
      Jen

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  5. Congratulations! You have Won The Versatile Blogger Award! Visit my blog to claim http://unorganizedmommyof3.com/?p=1003

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  6. Lovely. You and Becky had a wonderful team effort. My daughter has a photo grouping in her room. We used 3M Command photo mounts and a long metal 2" wide level which helped for perfect spacing between the frames. She has changed the photos a couple of times and everything lines up again beautifully. We <3 Command products!

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  7. I love it! Very open and inviting. I would even suggest she add some decorative pillows to the couch for an extra pop of color! (But I LOVE color, so that's just me) Great job, Jen...my favorite thing is the gallery wall :)

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    1. Yeppers! As I mentioned in the blog post, it's in the plan, we are just waiting to find the perfect ones! Thanks!

      Jen

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  8. What a transformation! I love the paint color and the area rug used.

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  9. Where did you find the bay window curtain rods? I love the style of the rooms and would like to do something similar in my living room. You did a wonderful job with Becky!

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    1. Thank you Britt!

      I just googled around and found bay window rods on Amazon:

      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004C7QZAQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=iheaorga-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004C7QZAQ

      xoxo!
      Jen

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  10. The wall color is divine :-) I love the way you were able to bring in both light and dark furniture and make it work and it looks amazing on the hardwood floors. I also am loving the camel covered chairs (so comfy) and ottoman! I can't wait to see what a mom of 3 boys does to a little girl's room... I'm sure it'll be amazing!

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  11. That paint color is gorgeous! Could you post what it is? I love that it's kind of slate-y but still warm. These rooms look great.

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    1. Hi Sarah!

      The paint color is Hirshfield's Millennium Line: Still Creek

      xoxo!
      Jen

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  12. Wow! Huge difference and looks great!!

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  13. Beautiful! Great wall color. I love the woven ottoman! Where did you find that?!??!

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    1. Hi Suzanne!

      Seagrass Ottoman is from Pottery Barn: http://www.potterybarn.com/products/seagrass-bench/?pkey=e|seagrass|195|best|0|1|24||11&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_-

      xoxo!
      Jen

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  14. I LOVE the wall color (read the comments, she mentioned the name above!), and would like to do something like that for my master bedroom. I'd also like to know where the TV stand is from.

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    1. Hi Theresa!

      The TV Stand is from IKEA: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80116596/

      xoxo!
      Jen

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  15. Hi Conny!

    The paint color is Hirshfield's Millennium Line: Still Creek

    xoxo!
    Jen

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  16. Looks great! Would you mind sharing where the DR table and bench are from? :)

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    1. Hi Lisa!

      The Dining Room table was a special order: http://www.stanleyfurniture.com/product/81984/9559100030/_/Modern_Craftsman%3Cbr%3EExhibition_Society_Table

      The bench for the dining room is Pottery Barn but it is no longer available online that I can see.

      and the one in the Living Room is as well: http://www.potterybarn.com/products/seagrass-bench/?pkey=e|seagrass|195|best|0|1|24||11&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_-

      xoxo!
      Jen

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  17. AMAZING!!! I love that TV Stand, just like I love Ikea! LOL. You did SUCH a great job Jen! I really love the seagrass "bench/table"

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  18. Great job! The wrapping paper is genius!!

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  19. Wow what a beautiful space, I love the colors on the wall and the family pictures. I can't wait to see the next project too, I am also a mom of 3 boys so I totally understand the excitement when it comes to being able to decorate for a girl.

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  20. Looks awesome!
    ditto on the source list, please!
    (mainly the rug and chairs, I'm think I'm seeing all of the other wonderful finds in the comments)

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  21. Fabulous job to you both, Jen! I especially love that trick with the wrapping paper grid / hanging the photos. :)

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  22. This is awesome, and the same color scheme as our living room. If you wouldn't mind me asking, where did the rug come from? I love it!

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    1. Hi Cici!

      Here is the source to the rug: http://www.homedecorators.com/P/Martha_Stewart_Living_Chrysanthemum_Area_Rug/320/

      Thanks so much!

      xoxo,
      Jen

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    2. Just wanted to say that I also have the Martha Stewart Chrysanthemum rug (in a different color) and I love it! It is virtually indestructible even with 4 kids and 2 labs trying their hardest! :)

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  23. The room looks great and I "pinned" that genius idea of using the wrapping paper grid to help hang the photos straight. Could you give us the info about the rug? It's fabulous. Thanks!

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    1. Hi Lisa!

      Here is the source to the rug: http://www.homedecorators.com/P/Martha_Stewart_Living_Chrysanthemum_Area_Rug/320/

      Thanks so much!

      xoxo,
      Jen

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  24. I love how you made it look modern and cozy with the original finishes!!!

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  25. The whole room came together very nicely - I love the dining table!

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  26. I love it! I would love to see her kitchen! I also have oak and would love it paint it white, but the hubs says no... :)

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  27. What an amazing job, Jen!!! I totally love your style... you always do such a fantastic job of mixing modern and cozy together! :)

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  28. Great room transformation!!! I'm loving the chairs by the bay window, where are they from? My couch is dark as well and would like to add something lighter. Thanks.

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    1. Hi Olga!

      The chairs were a HomeGoods find.

      Thanks so much!

      xoxo,
      Jen

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  29. I love what you did with the gallery wall. Are those IKEA frames? what size are they?

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    1. Hello!

      Yes, I almost positive she printed 8x10 photos, here is the link to the frames: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00175453/

      xoxo!
      Jen

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  30. Ooooh...did you see the beautiful blue pillows that are on Target.com. One is a blue ikat and the other has a blue floral applique look!
    http://www.target.com/p/Target-Home-Floral-Applique-Decorative-Pillow/-/A-13773900
    http://www.target.com/p/Home-Multi-Home-Tribal-Ikat-Blue/-/A-13849937

    Jana

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  31. Jen, you did a wonderful job creating a cottage/coastal feel in Becky's home! You've definitely got some decorating talent girl! I love everything about the space - especially how inviting it feels.

    Jen

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  32. Lovely rooms. I smile every time I read your blog!

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  33. Where are the throw pillows from?

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  34. That is so awesome! Wish you were an hour-and-a-half away from me! :)

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  35. Girl. It looks so pretty. I really really love that wall color. It looks so fantastic against the white chairs and drapes. Well done!

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  36. This is so comfy and cozy! Love it!

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  37. Thanks for sharing this beautiful makeover! I love seeing a home with the oak trim. I have oak trim too and while I'd love white, I don't have the time to paint with 3 kids running around. It was encouraging for me to see that my home can still look nice even with the outdated trim!!! Thanks!

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  38. Smart idea with the wrapping paper. How exactly does that work, since obviously the wrapping paper came down at some point?

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    1. I'd like to know this too! Jen, can you do a post on how to hang multiple pictures in a straight line? :)

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    2. I used the paper to pick a pattern {spacing} and lined the frames up on the floor first, then, traced the frames. We used a level tape up the paper on the wall and nailed where we marked the paper. I hung the photos up just to check that it was all still going well and to illustrate the use of the grid. When it was all done, there were 8 nails in the wall through the paper. Then, we just pulled the paper down, the nails remained and we rehung the frames.

      We were lucky that the photo frames fit inside the grid exactly. It was the best happy accident ever.

      xoxo!
      Jen

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  39. I love the tan chairs in living area - where are those from?! Love it!

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  40. OK, I love the idea of using wrapping paper, but I can't for the life of me figure out what you mean by drawing the grid and then having the frames on top. Can you please explain it further? Thanks so much!

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    1. Hi Sara!

      I used the paper to pick a pattern {spacing} and lined the frames up on the floor first, then, traced the frames. We used a level tape up the paper on the wall and nailed where we marked the paper. I hung the photos up just to check that it was all still going well and to illustrate the use of the grid. When it was all done, there were 8 nails in the wall through the paper. Then, we just pulled the paper down, the nails remained and we rehung the frames.

      We were lucky that the photo frames fit inside the grid exactly. It was the best happy accident ever.

      xoxo!
      Jen

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  41. Lovely transformation! Beautiful wall color and new furniture!

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  42. WOW, Jen...this is fantastic! Great job!!! Can we be next on the list, up here in Canada?!?!? ;O)

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  43. Beautiful room! I love the couch and chairs and can't believe they are slipcovered. Where did you find those? Thanks!

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    1. Hi Chris!

      I believe she ordered the couch from a local furniture store, here is a link to the exact sofa:

      http://www.broyhillfurniture.com/Furniture/Living-Room-Furniture/Emily/i101173-Broyhill-Emily-Sofa.aspx xoxo!

      The chairs were from HomeGoods.

      xoxo!
      Jen

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    2. Thank you so much Jen! Your work is amazing. We're hoping to move soon and I can't wait to decorate a new house. Definitely gathering a ton of great organizing and decorating tips from you. Thanks for sharing!

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  44. The dining room is simply stunning! I am going to copy that! :)

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    1. OH! what color is that paint/brand? I have painted my dining room a blue but it is really bright, more of a corn flower blue.

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    2. Ahh just found it! "The paint color is Hirshfield's Millennium Line: Still Creek" thanks

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  45. I hope I didn't miss this in another comment- but where is the dining room light fixture from? Love it! Thanks!

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    1. Hi Alison!

      The chandelier is from Home Depot: http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-25ecodZ5yc1v/R-202326281/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=5-Light+Brushed+Nickel+Chandelier&storeId=10051

      Check in the store, it's actually quite a bit cheaper there vs. online. xoxo! :)

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  46. I hope you can come to my house and do this soon!!! I only live about 20 minutes away...

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    1. Oooh, that would be a blast, I had so much fun working with Becky in person! I can't wait to get back out there and work with someone else! :)

      xoxo!
      Jen

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  47. I noticed you answer othe questions but not mine :( Once again, where are the blue throw pillows fromm?

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    1. Hi Sally!

      Sorry I missed it the first time. I am guessing you mean the ones I recommended in the Style Tile?

      The blue one is from here: http://www.dwellstudio.com/new-gate-azure-pillow.html?utm_source=google%20base&utm_medium=gb-feed

      It appears that the lumbar pillow has since been discontinued since I had originally done the style tile a quite a few months back.

      xoxo!
      Jen

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  48. It looks great! I like that she didn't paint the trim

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  49. I'm interested, how much did the whole project cost? I love the whole thing and am trying to get a budget in mind

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  50. I am chopping at the bit for a style tile for our family/kitchen nook area....so as soon as you are doing them again I will be so excited!!!

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  51. Do you have a recommendation for where you order your slipcovers from? I would LOVE to get new couch covers for some of our hand-me-downs ;)....we live in AZ...

    You are such a great inspiration and motivator to accomplish so much DIY at home and your taste is always so beautiful!

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    1. Hi Kassie!

      She actually purchased a slip-covered sofa {it came that way} and I know you can find them at IKEA and JCPenney or most furniture stores. As far as single slipcovers, there is always surefit.com, but if you are looking for ones as shown here, it may be hard to find something that will fit your sofa specifically and still remain tailored. There are a lot of tutorials on the blogosphere on sewing slipcovers if you have that skill?

      xoxo!
      Jen

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    2. Kassie-if you live in metro PHX, fabric depot on cave creek has a number of seamstresses on the wall - we used one to do some new outdoor cushions and she was very good and not expensive. There are some great places to get upholstery at low prices around town too (boca bargoons comes to mind). Good luck!

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  52. Wow. So fresh and airy. Great job!

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  53. would it be wrong that I am almost crying over here? We have that same sort of layout...I must do this! I must! Thank you thank you thank you for always being so inspiring. For daring to do it first, so that the rest of us can take the leap after you! You. are. amazing!

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    Replies
    1. Not wrong, incredibly sweet! Thank you for the kind comment! Seriously, you made my day! <3

      xoxo!
      Jen

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  54. This is perfect in every way. Thanks for posting the sources in the comments. I want to do my living room/ dining area now!!

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  55. This isn't fair. You're a genius at organizing AND decorating? I don't know how you do it all but keep it up! You should seriously write a book or something!

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    1. Aww, thanks Dana, you are making me blush! :)

      xoxo!
      Jen

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  56. Great job, this looks fantastic!

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  57. What color paint and brand is the blue in the dining room? Love it!

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    1. The paint color is Hirshfield's Millennium Line: Still Creek.

      xo!
      Jen

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  58. Hi Jen! The layout of the dining area and living room almost match mine. I have been having a hard time figuring out what to put up over my patio doors. I never thought of going white but it will be perfect. Where did you get the curtains from?

    Sharon

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    Replies
    1. Hi Sharon!

      They were from IKEA: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40111987/?query=401.119.87

      xoxo,
      Jen

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  59. Thank you so much Jen! The curtains have been bought and are presently looking pretty hanging up by my patio doors:)

    Sharon

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    1. Hi sharon, I have the same kind of patio door area too. Just wondered what kind of rod u used?

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    2. I just googled around and found bay window rods on Amazon:

      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004C7QZAQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=iheaorga-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004C7QZAQ

      xoxo!
      Jen

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  60. Good morning Jen! I have a (silly~duh) question :) Regarding hanging the pictures perfectly using wrapping paper...how did you go about marking where the nail should go? I think I am just missing something, but I can't figure it out!!! Thanks so much, loooooove your site and have a super day!!

    Sincerely,
    Tina :)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Tina!

      Great question! We measured and marked the nail location right on the wrapping paper grid and then hammered through the paper once we had it on the wall.

      Hope that helps!

      xoxo,
      Jen

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  61. Jen, this room is divine, really makes me wish I lived near you. Our rooms need desperate guidance too. Right now we are in a slightly cramped closed-off townhouse, and I am hoping to (in next 6 months - crosses fingers) move into a more open layout home, and try my hand at decorating as for now we've been living with hand me downs that I cant seem to make tie together.

    Great job as always!

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  62. Love the color. Do you know what a color equivalent would be at Home Depot? I do not live by a Hirshfields to get that color! Thanks!

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