Saturday, February 20, 2010

Go For the Green

If you ask me my favorite color, I don't think green would be my answer.  But it must be.  I can hardly do any type of re-decorating in my house without using green of any shade.  It just always seems to be what I gravitate toward.  Now My Bob's office is blue, and the guest bathroom/My Bob's office bathroom is blue, but I'm hardly every in those rooms.  I think every other room has green in it.  It may be pink and green, or gold and green, or possibly a teal green, but I can't seem to get away from it.  It feels comfortable and homey to me.

This is when it really became clear.  I've been wanting to take down the off-white scarves that have been at my kitchen windows for over five years.  As long as we've lived here.  I wanted a change.

Click to enlarge.
 I thought I would get some beige or tan valances instead.  That's what I went to Lowe's to buy.  And that's what I looked at.  But then I saw some green plaid.  I tried to ignore them.  I asked Bob's opinion and he didn't have one.  I picked up the tan ones.  I put them back.  I went back to the green ones and tried to walk away again.  I couldn't do it.  So I picked one up.  Then I buckled under.  They would be perfect.  The place mats are green, gold and dark red plaid.  These would match.  The living room curtains, right next to the kitchen, are also green, gold and dark red plaid.  That goes.  The kitchen wallpaper has green leaves in it.  Check.  I couldn't resist.  They were perfect.
So I picked up new rods and couldn't wait to get home as this was going to be a free Friday project.  As in "free" time, not "free" as in cost. Now go back to the 2nd kitchen picture above and notice the time on the clock.  11:45 am.  That's when I started.  Keep in mind, as with everything, I'm slow.  I clean as I go.  Had to take down the old scarves and put them in the wash.  They are now going on the downstairs windows.  Take down the old hardware, dust and clean above all the windows since I'm up on a ladder and can see the dirt, put up five sets of new hardware, iron five new valances (which, by the way, turned out to be very nice fabric and lined), hang the valances, arrange all the pleats and folds until I felt they were perfect.  I was down to the last one and had to take My Bob to pick up his car that was at the garage getting a check up.  Since I had no time to cook dinner we picked up Chinese to bring home.  I hung up the last curtain and then had to move the clock a little higher.
So now what do you think?

Notice the time on the clock.  7:15.  Bob said he would never pay me by the hour.  Yea, but I do a good job.  Do you want quick or do you want good?
I love them.  They fit the feel and theme of my home much better.  They make my kitchen feel so much cozier, without blocking any of the view or light (on rare days that we have sun).

A few days ago I also got my St. Patrick's decorations out.  I don't have many at all, but again, since they are green I like to have them out.

My foyer entrance table.


Dining room with light green tablecloth topped with a shiny shamrock covered cloth and my shamrock doll.

Shamrock stained glass hanging by the front porch.  It was buried in snow, but we're getting a little bit of melt off right now. 
And that's all I have.  Besides exchanging out any pink candles from Valentine's to green candles. 

Oh, I also finished a new Spring/Easter egg cup pincushion.  It's up on my Etsy site.
I love when I have stay at home days all to myself.  Then I have fun doing these things I love to do.

12 comments:

Linda said...

Very nice. I vote for good work, forget that by the hour stuff. You're usually happy when you take the time to do something well.

Unknown said...

G'day ~ Actually, I like both styles ... the soft draped fabric swag is very feminine, the beige is tailored. Your egg cup pin cushion is darling!

Have a beautiful weekend.
Hugs, Marydon

Theresa said...

Wow Nina, great job on the valance. I love it and think it looks really nice with your decor. I'm with you, I would rather it take a long time than get in a hurry and mess up:) Have a blessed weekend!

DJan said...

Oh my, Nina, you keep telling me how amazing I am with all my hikes, but you NEVER sit around and let any moss grow on you! Fine job, and thanks for letting me visit your elegant home again.

Snooty Primadona said...

Nina, I love, love, love the new valances! You're much more talented than I. Every time I try to hang something, it's never quite straight. The last curtains I put up ended up being hung too low and the fabric just kind of lays there, looking awful. Not like the way decorators pile it, lol. It still looks ridiculous.

I miss all of the shows they used to have on the Lifetime channel where they showed you the easy ways to do things. I was a lot craftier back when I had those shows to watch, LOL!

Rae said...

I love the look of the new valance. That is on my to-do list next week. I want to redo my living room. I can't get on a ladder anymore, but I direct my husband. He doesn't like it cause I take too long making sure everything is cleaned and done just right.

BeautifulDees said...

You seem to have endless ideas and energy. You really seem awesome. Glad to be your blog friend.
Love, Debbie

Unknown said...

I love your valances! Now you can come help me put some up.

Oh wait...I'm the one who keeps telling you that you do way too much!

Erin go bragh!

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Nina I love your new valance girl and I seen those at Lowe's and wished they had them in blue ha ha!! I love all your greens you have going on my friend..After I read your post I looked around and I have no green in my house but some fake plants that I can't kill ha ha!! Thank you so much for coming by and seeing me girl...I don't see a follower list here...I'll see if I can do it the old fashion way and will add you to my list...Hope you have a GREAT day my friend...Hugs and smiles to you...Gl♥ria

Annette said...

Great job!! Sometimes the littlest changes make the biggest impact. I think this pincushion is my fave so far!!

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

Hello Nina! Thank you so much for coming for a visit! I am thrilled you did because it lead me to your darling blog! You are sure a busy bee! Love your swag and sweet pincushion! I will be back soon!

Hugs,
Maryjane

Lillian Robinson said...

They look great! I love plaids. I think they mix well with patterns, too.

I love green. My bedroom suite is green, with a pink and green master bath. If you check out my closet, you'll quickly realize I also prefer green and pink in clothes, too!

I can't wait to see what things you create with the old fabric!

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