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Thursday, February 12, 2015

A Hunt Themed Office Makeover

amazing office makeover with hunt theme

I've been wanting to makeover my office (aka dining room) for a while now.  It had potential to be a nice space but the busyness of life and my own procrastination had left it unorganized and less than pleasing looking.

Well, fast forward to a few weeks ago when I found an amazing antique table online (for $25 including chairs, crazy, I know!) AND then Edie, my 18 year old daughter, mentioned her interest in interior decorating, more specifically learning staging for real estate.  Hello makeover time!!

So, let's look at the unorganized, no-plan BEFORE photos:


I know!  It's bad!


Map gallery wall that I'd fallen out of love with

We began by removing everything from the walls, putting extra tchotchkes in totes, and patching nail holes.  My favorite pieces that remained all had a similar theme...dogs and horses...so a hunt theme seemed obvious. 

Next, we decided to move the bookcases on a different wall to elongate the room.  I liked them flanking the window but it did make the room seem smaller.  We also added a 6-foot shelf between the two bookcases to create a type of credenza behind my desk.  

Here, it's probably easier to see than explain.  Let's check out the AFTER photos!

amazing hunt themed office makeover

Bookcases moved, shelf added between, new table for a desk

amazing hunt theme office makeover

amazing hunt theme office makeover

My $35 auction find leather chair and thrift store dog pillow

amazing hunt theme office makeover

Another thrift store dog pillow (sorry for the yellow photo, haven't mastered editing yet!)

amazing hunt theme office makeover

Former map gallery wall now home to antique frame, mirror, and antlers

amazing hunt theme office makeover

Beautiful new table - notice the pull ring on the right side.  It releases a leaf that pops up in the middle of the table!  Cool design

amazing hunt theme office makeover

amazing hunt theme office makeover

Federal mirror found years ago at the thrift store

amazing hunt theme office makeover

Copper Scottie dog is a recent thrift store find...LOVE him!

amazing hunt theme office makeover

These round brass frames were found at a thrift store many years ago.  I don't know the history of them but they have convex glass in them.  I added a textured paper background and glued vintage toy horses inside each one.

amazing hunt theme office makeover

This tole planter has a simple design on one side.  I added my initials using a gold paint pin to the other side.  

amazing hunt theme office makeover

The bookends were ordered from Joss & Main. 

amazing hunt theme office makeover

I found these prints at Goodwill a couple of years ago and loved them.  They were $7.99 each.  The horse hook in the middle is from Hobby Lobby's clearance section (love their clearance items!) and the old horse bit was picked up at the scrap yard.

amazing hunt theme office makeover

amazing hunt theme office makeover

This!  This candle is a-m-a-z-i-n-g!  My all time favorite scent that smells good all year round.  I get mine locally but you can find them at Anthropologie or a little cheaper on Amazon.  
  It's the Aspen Bay Capri Blue Volcano Candle (affiliate link).  Try it!  You won't regret it!

amazing hunt themed office makeover


I have to clarify here.  This beautiful makeover was done pretty much by Edie.  I think she's got an eye for decorating and a bright future ahead.  

I hope you enjoyed seeing my "new" office.  Thanks for stopping by and God bless!

Angie

Here's a pinnable photo for you to pin or you can click the pin it button on any photo above.  I appreciate it!!

amazing hunt themed office makeover on the altered past



I'm linking here:

THE STYLE SISTERS
JENNIFER RIZZO
HOME STORIES A TO Z
FROM MY FRONT PORCH TO YOURS
HAVE A DAILY CUP OF MRS. OLSON
COASTAL CHARM'S NIFTY THRIFTY TUESDAY
STONEGABLE
UNDER THE TABLE AND DREAMING

Monday, February 9, 2015

Something To Talk About Link Party #3

incredible blog link party, altered past blog


Happy Monday!  It's that time again!  Ready to give them

SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT!

We had a lot of awesome ideas shared last week.  Here's just a sample of them.

Features

Vicki and Jennifer's picks :   Vintage Bicycle Painted Side Table from Canary Street Crafts
CoCo's picks:     Guest Bathroom Makeover  from Furniture-ology
Little Valentine Treat from Somewhat Quirky Design
Lisa's picks: Easy Plate Gallery Wall from What Meegan Makes
Industrial Light Fixture  from Snazzy Little Things
Angie's picks: Kate Spade Inspired Valentines Decor from blue i style
Valentine Chocolates with Cookie Butter  from The Freshman Cook
Bobbi's picks: Literary Valentines From Your Favorite Books from Daily Mayo

something to talk about link party features, the altered past

something to talk about link party features, the altered past


If you were featured, be sure to grab our "I was featured!" button!



Party Rules…please don't link and run :) 
1    Please link to a specific post on your blog, not your blog's home page.
2   Please leave a comment for your host.
3   Cultivate new relationships…visit a couple of blogs and leave comments.
4   No Etsy stores, giveaways or link parties.
5   We would love a link back to one of our blogs with a text link or party button.
6   By submitting a link, you’re giving us permission to feature your project on our blogs and on social media.  Proper credit and a link back to your post will always be given.
7   Each week, a few of our favorites will be featured on all five of our blogs.  Features will also be pinned to our Pinterest Party Board  for even more exposure!  If you were featured, be sure to grab a button!
Thank you so much for stopping by and for linking up with us!!


God bless!
Angie





Sunday, February 8, 2015

Super Quick and Easy Valentine Gift

super easy decorated mug for valentines day

These are super quick and easy gifts to make this week for a teacher, co-worker, friends, whomever.   It's the ol' Sharpie dots trick ;)


Start with a plain white ceramic coffee mug and the cut-out shape of your choice.  I'm using the ever popular heart.  You can cut your shape out of a sticker page or plain paper with a bit of glue stick lightly added to the back.

super easy sharpie decorated mug for valentines day

Select the Sharpie colors you would like to use.  

super easy sharpie decorated coffee mug for valentine's day

Begin with one color and simply add dots around the edge of the cut out.  Then add more dots.

super easy sharpie decorated coffee mug for valentine's day

And add more and more dots, changing colors as you move away from the cut out.  Once you're happy with the amount of dots, remove the cut out and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.  

super easy sharpie decorated coffee mug for valentine's day

That's it!!  Once it's cooled, fill with your favorite candy and it's ready to give.
There are so many options for this technique.  My oldest made party favors for her friends using their initials on each cup.  What design would you do?

Thanks for stopping by and God bless!
Angie

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Interview of a Lifetime

Interview with Suzanne Kasler, Carolyn Englefield, Kreis Beall, Blackberry Farm, Veranda Magazine, Ballard Design


Yesterday I shared with you that I had recently attended the Nashville Antiques and Garden Show.  I, along with about 20 other bloggers, was invited by Nashville StyleBlueprint to preview the show as well as to meet several well-known designers, artists, and editors.

Hello, chance of a lifetime!  Y'all, I'm still questioning, "Did that really just happen?" 

nashville antiques and garden show, suzanne kasler, carolyn englefield

nashville antiques and garden show, christopher spitzmiller, kreis beall


Ok, snapping out of it, let me tell you who was there:  Suzanne Kasler, well-known interior designer from Atlanta, author, founder of Suzanne Kasler Design, and designer with Ballard Designs; Carolyn Englefield, editor of Veranda Magazine and author; Kreis Beall, founder of Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Design; Margot Shaw, editor of flower magazine; Michael Devine of Michael Devine Handpainted Fabrics; and Christopher Spitzmiller of Christopher Spitzmiller, Inc., Handmade Ceramic Lamps.

nashville antiques and garden show, christopher spitzmiller, kreis beall

I'll admit.  I had to do a little research before the interview so I would be prepared.  And, I really had no idea once I knew more about each of them what exactly I wanted to ask them!  Here are these great, successful designers, artists, and editors, a chance to pick their brains and I was going blank.  Thankfully, the questions weren't up to me.  We did get a chance to ask personally and talk to each so I was able to collect my thoughts and ask.

nashville antiques and garden show, carolyn englefield, michael devine
This is after the panel interview.  We moved upstairs to a champagne reception to continue!
nashville antiques and garden show, carolyn englefield, suzanne kasler

Here are some of the questions and their answers.

Q:  Where do you find inspiration for your design/work?

A:  The biggest majority of the interviewee said...PARIS!  (Enough said...I'm ready to go get inspired!)  A couple of others mentioned life, travel, and nature.  Carolyn Englefield quoted this about staying inspired.  "Beauty is everywhere.  Open your eyes wide enough to see it."  

Q:  Do you have a professional rule (or goal) that you've followed to get to where you are?

A:  Do what you love, follow your instincts. Carolyn Englefield
      Eliminate the hard decisions. and Good, better, best. Never let it rest. Till the good is better and 
      the better is best. Kreiss Beall
      To thine own self be true.  Michael Devine
      It's a narrative of yourself that you build.  Be authentic.  Margot Shaw

Q:  How do you measure the effectiveness of your brand?

A:  Word of mouth and exposure seemed to be the most common answer.  Bloggers have really
       helped in the area of sharing things their readers.

Q:  What are some things you see on the horizon, i.e. colors, styles, trends?

A:  (this is a compilation of their answers)  Prussian blue is a classic and is translatable across many
      design styles.  Paprika does seem to be emerging more.  As for style, bring those things that
      inspire back home but keep something familiar in the freshness.  People like to try new styles but
      they also like to recognize things from the past along with the fresh.  Go for updated classic.
      Style evolves.  When you respond to something, bring that in. - Suzanne Kasler

nashville antiques and garden show, carolyn englefield, margot shaw


Several of the interviewees have written some beautiful books on design.  If you're interested in any of them, here is a link to Amazon.  This is an affiliate link. :)

The Altered Past on Amazon

           
       
       


I hope you've enjoyed the interview and will check out their books.  I have a couple already and have the rest on my wish list.  Thanks for stopping by and God bless!

Angie


I'm linking here:
THE STYLE SISTERS
JENNIFER RIZZO
HOME STORIES A TO Z
FROM MY FRONT PORCH TO YOURS
HAVE A DAILY CUP OF MRS. OLSON
COASTAL CHARM'S NIFTY THRIFTY TUESDAY
STONEGABLE
UNDER THE TABLE AND DREAMING

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Nashville Antiques and Garden Show 2015

nashville antiques and garden show, the altered past blog

This past week I was invited to attend the Nashville Antiques and Garden Show.  If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram, you probably saw my pics and tweets from it.  All I can say is if you've never been...go!  The booths and displays are absolutely gorgeous.  Definite eye candy!  

I'm not going to comment a lot during this post so just stroll along with me as we explore the booths.  

nashville antiques and garden show, the altered past blog

nashville antiques and garden show, the altered past blog

nashville antiques and garden show, the altered past blog

Beautiful floral display in the lobby as you enter.  

nashville antiques and garden show, the altered past blog

nashville antiques and garden show, the altered past blog

This was one huge piece of driftwood that was turned on its side to use as a console table.

nashville antiques and garden show, the altered past blog

nashville antiques and garden show, the altered past blog

nashville antiques and garden show, the altered past blog

nashville antiques and garden show, the altered past blog

Hello old, beautiful books.  Please come to my house and live...bring the shelves with you.

nashville antiques and garden show, the altered past blog

nashville antiques and garden show, the altered past blog

nashville antiques and garden show, the altered past blog

These were seriously cool blueprints of street signs.  They had lots of different ones.

nashville antiques and garden show, the altered past blog

Want this cow head!

nashville antiques and garden show, the altered past blog

nashville antiques and garden show, the altered past blog

Love this silver and moss display under glass.

nashville antiques and garden show, the altered past blog

nashville antiques and garden show, the altered past blog

nashville antiques and garden show, the altered past blog

nashville antiques and garden show, the altered past blog

nashville antiques and garden show, the altered past blog

nashville antiques and garden show, the altered past blog

How about this view of the booths from a room upstairs!  The group was invited upstairs to a champagne reception to meet Kreis Beall of Blackberry Farm, Suzanne Kasler of Suzanne Kasler Interiors (and you probably recognize her name from Ballard Design), Carolyn Englefield, editor of Veranda magazine,  Margot Shaw of Flower magazine, and a few others but I'll tell you more about the interview with them later this week.  They were very gracious in sharing about their design inspirations and more.

Thanks for stopping by.  Don't forget to check back for the interviews with the designs.

God bless!
Angie

I'm linking here:
THE STYLE SISTERS
JENNIFER RIZZO
HOME STORIES A TO Z
FROM MY FRONT PORCH TO YOURS
HAVE A DAILY CUP OF MRS. OLSON
COASTAL CHARM'S NIFTY THRIFTY TUESDAY
STONEGABLE
UNDER THE TABLE AND DREAMING