DIY Splatter Vase (and a Trick for Grocery Store Roses!)

<center></center><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo zDSC_0737.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/zDSC_0737.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When I was leaning over the paint counter, thinking about what colors I'd like to add to my bedroom, I thought an oxblood red would be the perfect balance to the <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/12/new-bedroom-lamps.html" target="_blank">new green lamps</a> and the <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/09/wall-colors-and-wardrobes.html" target="_blank">Knoxville Gray walls</a>. I usually have something of every color in my extra tchotchkes/accessories closet (we all have one, right?), but this time I was coming up a little short in the oxblood red department.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_7961.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/IMG_7961.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So I swung by the craft store and picked up a plain, clear glass vase for about $3. They have these vases everywhere - even the grocery store. And they make the perfect base for customizing (hello! - great gift idea!). Here's the how-to:</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><a name="more"></a>I wanted a splatter pattern on my vase, so for the first layer, I grabbed a bottle of black nail polish and sort of carefully whacked the brush around the rim of the vase.<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8021.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_8021.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8026.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_8026.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This enamel spray paint from Rustoleum is the perfect color of oxblood. It so glossy and deep - love it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8089.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_8089.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I wrapped the outside of the vase with a grocery bag and sealed it up with painters tape along the top edges of the rim</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8092.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_8092.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8095.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_8095.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then I sprayed the inside of the vase with the red color. Don't go too heavy with the paint here. You want to coat all the glass evenly, but it looks prettier if the light can still get through the layer of paint.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8098.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_8098.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Just like Christmas morning!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8172.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_8172.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8185.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_8185.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The oxblood pairs so well with the pinks and purples in my favorite lady portrait and in the pink grocery store roses.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo cDSC_0736.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/cDSC_0736.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Also, here's a little trick for getting cheap $10/dozen bodega roses to look more like garden roses. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9733.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_9733.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">To loosen the buds a little, put them in some warm water for an hour or two and then use your fingers to help them open a little more. If you put your fingers in a pinching position and sort of spread them from the center of the bud, they'll open up beautifully! And if you do it gently, there won't be any damage to the petals. Also I think they live just as long as before this way, especially if you're good about changing the water every other day or so. I can usually get my flowers to last about two weeks that way.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8343.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_8343.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The roses are so much more pretty this way, don't you think? Hard to beat $10 for a pretty arrangement that last for weeks!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo qDSC_0717.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/qDSC_0717.jpg" /></div><br />Oh, and some of you were asking about our flip clock. It was an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EAMZUKE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00EAMZUKE&linkCode=as2&tag=littgreenote-20">Amazon purchase</a>! Takes some work to get it going, but it's cute and fun!<br /><center></center><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0776.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_0776.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div>

DIY Splatter Vase (and a Trick for Grocery Store Roses!)

When I was leaning over the paint counter, thinking about what colors I'd like to add to my bedroom, I thought an oxblood red would be t...

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DIY Autumnal Garland

The year after I moved away for college, my parents moved about 2.5 hours north of Phoenix. The small town that they moved to was the place we had visited every summer and Thanksgiving for most of my childhood. It was where my dad grew up and where my grandparents had always lived. It's a <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/02/rock-walks-and-remembering-grandpa.html" target="_blank">special little place</a> in the high desert, and the drive up there from the Valley takes you through all sorts of beautiful Arizona scenery.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9399.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/IMG_9399.jpg" /></div><br />Michael had to work over Veteran's Day weekend (boo) so I decided to take the girls up to visit my parents. The weather was perfect and the sky was that perfect color of winter blue. I've always loved the desert, but I think I can appreciate its unique beauty even more after living on the east coast for a decade. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9423.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/IMG_9423.jpg" /></div><br />On the way back home, the girls and I decided to collect samples of some of the plants and foliage along the road back down to Phoenix. We found everything from sage to juniper (with pretty little blue berries!) to gorgeous maple leaves in every shade from red to yellow.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9410.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/IMG_9410.jpg" /></div><br />I was surprised that we were able to collect something from every color in the rainbow in less than two hours of driving. How could I resist making an ombre garland with all those pretty colors?<br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0878.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/DSC_0878.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo wDSC_1044.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/wDSC_1044.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Here's the easy how-to:<a name="more"></a></div><br />I've made a few wreaths with evergreen boughs before and the concept is very similar for a garland. It couldn't be simpler or much less expensive (it was actually free for me since I had the floral supplies on hand already).<br /><br />To make a similar garland, you'll need a good collection of leaves and plants. Try to find plants that are either already pretty dry or that will dry out well (flowers usually do not dry that well). It can get a little messy, so try organizing everything on a canvas drop cloth to make clean up easy.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo nDSC_0745.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/nDSC_0745.jpg" /></div><br />Here are a few things I used:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0775.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/DSC_0775.jpg" /></div><center></center><br />You'll for sure want two thicknesses of floral wire, wire clippers and floral shears. The Dried Material Preservative (available at craft stores) is optional, but is actually pretty helpful for keeping the brittle, dry plants more soft and pliable. And actually I've been giving my garland a light misting with this stuff every few days, just to give it a little more life.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9519.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/IMG_9519.jpg" /></div><br />So, I would say the trickiest part here is figuring out the flow of the garland. I wanted mine to have a gradient or ombre look, so it took a little planning to get the right plants with the right color in the right area of the swag so there was a good balance to the thing. I knew I wanted the juniper berries in the middle though, and the red leaves in the corners and the white grass at the ends, so then it was just a matter of filling in the rest.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9523.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/IMG_9523.jpg" /></div><br />Once all your foliage is ready to go, and you have a good sense of how long your finished garland will be (mine is about 15 ft long), measure out three equal lengths of thick floral wire and then braid the wire. It doesn't have to be perfect at all - and don't stress if the wires get a little tangled. The idea is you want a thicker but still pliable surface to tie the flowers to.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo mDSC_0771.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/mDSC_0771.jpg" /></div><br />I used two of those stick-on hooks (in black, to match my fireplace) in the corners of the mantle. I looped the braided wire around the hook and sort of pinched it to help the wire stay put. If you want the finished garland to swoop down a little in the center, let the wire sag just a bit here, but not too much. The weight of the foliage will pull it down several more inches.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9538.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/IMG_9538.jpg" /></div><br />Then it's time to start layering on the foliage. The most important part is to start at the bottom and layer on top of each little bundle and work your way to the center.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9528.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/IMG_9528.jpg" /></div><br />To make each bundle, you just layer the foliage in your hand in a pretty way so that there are no gaps or blunt lines. And then you hold the bundle up against the braided wire and wrap it three or four times with the smaller gauge floral wire, just around the base of the bundle, mostly. For the lighter foliage, I used gold wire and for the greenery I pulled out my dark green wire.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9531.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/IMG_9531.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9544.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/IMG_9544.jpg" /></div><br />Once I finished layering on one half of the garland, I started at the bottom of the other side, trying to copy the layout exactly. When both halves are finished, you should be left with two mirror-image symmetrical swags. I think it would look a little funny if you don't have a center piece that is sort of bunched up and less layered looking. So I made a little end cap for the very center out of more juniper bush. I used floral tape to sort of bunch and fan out some shorter pieces, and then attached it with wire just like with the other bundles.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9503.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/IMG_9503.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1013.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/DSC_1013.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Also, and I didn't end up needing to do so here, but if you've lost a lot of leaves in the process, you can strategically hot glue a few leaves back on to help fill things out a bit.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0997.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/DSC_0997.jpg" /></div><br />Finally, you can sort of bend and tug at the wire to get it to look right and you're done! It's easy and fun and only takes an hour or two. My garland has been up for about a week and a half and I think it'll still look great for Thanksgiving next week! The only plant that's shed at all is the soft gray sagebrush in the middle, and it's not been bad at all.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0984.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/DSC_0984.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0854.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/DSC_0854.jpg" /></div><br />I'm already dreaming of ideas for a winter palette of all blues and greens and grays for my next garland. Maybe a double swag!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0844.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/DSC_0844.jpg" /></div>

DIY Autumnal Garland

The year after I moved away for college, my parents moved about 2.5 hours north of Phoenix. The small town that they moved to was the place ...

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My Fall Mantel (and a Give Away!)

<center></center>I am SO excited to partner again with <a href="http://www.glade.com/en" target="_blank">Glade<span style="background-color: white; color: #00256d; font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 22.25px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.25px;">®</span></span></a> to bring you this post on how I'm bringing fall decor into my home this year with decor and scent! There is such an emotional connection to scent (all it takes me is half a whiff of Dior J'adore perfume to be transported to high school!). Where could it be more important to be making these emotional scent connections than in our homes? Introducing seasonal scents at this time of the year is such a key (and simple!) part of getting your home holiday-ready.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0984.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/DSC_0984.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />About five minutes after we finished our new fireplace surround, I was itching to style it with all sorts of pretty seasonal accessories. But in the end I kept it pretty restrained on the mantel so that the autumnal garland could be th<span style="font-family: inherit;">e star (DIY tutorial coming tomorrow!). Though the votives, the small succulent plants and the <a href="http://www.glade.com/en/products/sprays/sense-and-spray-automatic-freshener-with-new-360-design" style="background-color: white; color: #00256d; line-height: 22.25px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Glade® Sense and Spray® Automatic Freshener</a> play important supporting</span> characters. There is a little color here, but mostly I wanted the mantel to be about texture.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><center></center><br /><img alt=" photo DSC_1028copy.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/DSC_1028copy.jpg" /></div><br />I put two fresheners on the mantel for symmetry. I have the <a href="http://www.glade.com/en/fragrances/outdoor/cashmere-woods" target="_blank">Cashmere Woods</a> scent in both fresheners and they are making our large, high-ceilinged living room smell <i>heavenly</i>! Now it looks and smells like fall in here (a far cry from <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/09/more-fireplace-demo-and-plans.html" target="_blank">where we were just a few short weeks ago</a>!).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo xDSC_0851.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/xDSC_0851.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />Here's a breakdown of how I styled our new mantel for fall, including a huge give away from <a href="http://www.glade.com/en" target="_blank">Glade</a><a href="http://www.glade.com/en" style="background-color: white; color: #00256d; font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.25px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">®</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #7f7f7f; font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.25px;"> </span>to help your make over your own home for the holidays!<br /><a name="more"></a><br />I think one of the best styling tips I could ever give is to elevate items you want to stand out or to make look more special. On a little pedestal, even an air freshener looks beautiful and sculptural! (well, it helps if your air freshener is as beautiful as Glade's Sense and Spray!)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo GladeandLGN.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/GladeandLGN.jpg" /></div><br />To make these pedestals for my fresheners, I stopped into the hardware store and found these little wooden post caps for a few dollars each.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9472.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/IMG_9472.jpg" /></div><br />I quickly spray painted them with this Aubergine color from Rustoleum - the perfect unexpected fall color.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9493.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/IMG_9493.jpg" /></div><br />I could have sanded the wood down a little more, but I liked the wood grain pattern and thought it would be pretty peeking through the paint. I think it looks cool and I'm glad I kept it!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0920.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/DSC_0920.jpg" /></div><br />The citron boxes the succulent planters are sitting on are just stationary packaging I picked up at Target (the boxes are actually really nice though - no noticeable seams on the corners)! Use what you got, right? :) The mercury glass planters are larger votive holders, also from Target.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9480.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/IMG_9480.jpg" /></div><br />The orangey mercury glass votives I lined up in the center of the mantel were clearance finds at Michaels from a few weeks ago. The color on these votives is seriously phenomenal - I'm loving them and wish I could had bought more to keep on hand for parties.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0997.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/DSC_0997.jpg" /></div><br />The herringbone basket we're using for spare firewood is also a recent Target purchase (from the bath section). The little black tufted stool in front of the firebox is from Homegoods and the rug I'm trying in here for now is <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/04/new-living-room-rug.html" target="_blank">the same rug</a> we had in our brownstone living room. I like how the neutral elements in the space (the rug, the floors, the fireplace and walls) all help the colorful accessories pop. This room was made for holiday decorating! :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0878.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/DSC_0878.jpg" /></div><br />Now, for the fun part! Glade is kindly offering a beautiful give away package to a lucky LGN reader to help them bring a little seasonal flair into their home. Simply leave a comment on this post to enter to win a beautiful gray basket filled with a gorgeous striped throw, a deck of inspiration images and color palettes, a <a href="http://www.glade.com/en/products/sprays/sense-and-spray-automatic-freshener-with-new-360-design" style="background-color: white; color: #00256d; line-height: 22.25px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Glade® Sense and Spray® Automatic Freshener</a>, an Apple Cinnamon scent refill, and a $200 Visa gift card!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><center></center><br /><img alt=" photo GLADEGIVEAWAY-2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/GLADEGIVEAWAY-2.jpg" /></div><br />Contest ends on Tuesday, November 26 at midnight PST. Winner will be chosen at random and contacted via email. Best of luck!

My Fall Mantel (and a Give Away!)

I am SO excited to partner again with Glade ®  to bring you this post on how I'm bringing fall decor into my home this year with decor a...

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Decorating for Fall

<div style="text-align: center;"><center></center></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">The holidays are practically here and I've been in denial. Suddenly the weather is starting to cool down and all the stores have pumpkins out front. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><img alt=" photo ssDSC_0515.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/ssDSC_0515.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img alt=" photo hDSC_0512.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/hDSC_0512.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's almost impossible for me and my kids to pass these by and we've amassed quite a collection of mini (and not-so-mini) pumpkins over the past week or two. So I was thrilled when <a href="http://www.glade.com/en" target="_blank">Glade<span style="font-size: xx-small;">®</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span>invited me to share a few of my fall decorating tips with you (<i>hoarding justified!</i>). It actually worked out perfectly because I had recently been thinking that that little stretch of hallway by the mudroom is a great place to display holiday decor. I was able to transform the space with a few small projects (like stripping the shelves!) and styling with inexpensive finds (including the newly designed <a href="http://www.glade.com/en/products/sprays/sense-and-spray-automatic-freshener-with-new-360-design" target="_blank">Glade<span style="font-size: xx-small;">®</span> Sense and Spray<span style="font-size: xx-small;">®</span> Automatic Freshener</a>). Now my home looks and smells like it's ready for autumn. Here's how I did it:<br /><a name="more"></a></div><br /><img alt=" photo fall1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/fall1.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The shelves used to be painted a really dark brown and the walls were a mid-tone gold color and it felt just a little too dark. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><img alt=" photo fDSC_0573.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/fDSC_0573.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I used stripper gel to remove the two or three layers of paint, which came off pretty easily and left  behind a primed pine beam. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><img alt=" photo IMG_7699.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_7699.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So far I haven't done much with the wood after taking off the paint. I like how the light wood feels brighter and more airy, but I'm not sure I love the distressed look. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><img alt=" photo IMG_7702.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_7702.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's fine for now though (kind of works with the fall theme, right?). And either way I won't do too much to the shelves because they'll likely be removed in the big kitchen remodel down the road. A darker gray wash would be easy and pretty though.</div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0548h.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/DSC_0548h.jpg" /><br /><br /><img alt=" photo Untitled-1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/Untitled-1.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">So, as for the decorating, I decided to go to Goodwill to see what they had in the way of vintage wares in golden, warm tones. It was a total jackpot thrifting day. I think most of these were from the same home - they all had a similar look. (you can see more of my finds from that day <a href="http://instagram.com/jennykomenda" target="_blank">here</a>).</div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_7735.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_7735.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I also stopped into Homegoods to grab a few baskets for the floor. Homegoods is the <i>best</i> place to buy storage baskets.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><img alt=" photo eDSC_0506.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/eDSC_0506.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The cute herringbone pattern one is the perfect size for about a month's worth of magazines - anything bigger would just allow for an unwieldy reading pile, and who needs that?</div><br /><img alt=" photo IMG_7794.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_7794.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The taller basket will be used for umbrellas maybe, once we actually find the box with the umbrellas (!). I spray painted the basket gold, because everything is better gold. (with the exception of fingers).</div><br /><img alt=" photo IMG_7821.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_7821.jpg" /><br /><br /><img alt=" photo aaDSC_0494.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/aaDSC_0494.jpg" /><br /><br /><img alt=" photo aDSC_0543.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/aDSC_0543.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">And speaking of gold/brass, Homegoods is selling a lot of brass things right now - really cool trays and accessories like this brass-inlay dominos box set.</div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_0552.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/aDSC_0552.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">I mixed my new and old finds together on the shelves and put lots of pumpkins out and some books too. I think it's a good idea to not fill every square inch of shelf space or else it can start to feel like a store display.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo hDSC_0481.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/hDSC_0481.jpg" /><br /><br /><img alt=" photo DSC_0537.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/DSC_0537.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I love that piece of pottery here on the left.</div><br /><img alt=" photo qDSC_0540.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/qDSC_0540.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I also think it's a good idea to go pretty neutral with the colors on a display shelf. And if something is more colorful, try to group it with items in a similar color family.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_0529.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/aDSC_0529.jpg" /><br /><br /><img alt=" photo aDSC_0511.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/aDSC_0511.jpg" /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_0526.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/aDSC_0526.jpg" /><br /><br /><img alt=" photo aaDSC_0490.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/aaDSC_0490.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Can you spot the freshener below? I love how it just blends in with the decor.</div><br /><img alt=" photo wDSC_0501.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/wDSC_0501.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">It's the newly designed <a href="http://www.glade.com/en/products/sprays/sense-and-spray-automatic-freshener-with-new-360-design" target="_blank">Sense and Spray<span style="font-size: xx-small;">®</span> Automatic Freshener</a> by <a href="http://www.glade.com/en" target="_blank">Glade<span style="font-size: xx-small;">®</span></a> that sprays every time you walk by.  You set it to spray no more than every 15, 20 or 30 minutes, so it works perfectly in high-traffic areas just like in this hallway by our mudroom. The scent travels all around this side of the house.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aaDSC_0522.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/aaDSC_0522.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">You can choose different scents (and in fact, there's a whole line of great, new fragrances), but my hands-down favorite is their <a href="http://www.glade.com/en/fragrances/floral/lavender-and-vanilla" target="_blank">Lavender and Vanilla</a>. It smells <i>really</i> good and it's a more complex scent than you normally find with air fresheners. This is a bit of a side note, but isn't it weird how houses/families have a smell? I'm always wondering if our house has a smell that I'm just used to - the idea stresses me out a little bit to be honest. I think scent is a big part of the experiencing of a home and it is a huge relief for me when visitors comment that our house smells nice. And just like putting out the pumpkins, choosing a warm, inviting scent is the perfect, simple way to welcome guests and to celebrate the season. I just popped in the <a href="http://www.glade.com/en/fragrances/outdoor/cashmere-woods" target="_blank">Cashmere Woods</a> scent yesterday to get the warm, woodsy smell happening, and now it really feels like October! :)</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><img alt=" photo jDSC_0480.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/jDSC_0480.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">And it was downright genius of the makers of <a href="http://www.glade.com/en" target="_blank">Glade<span style="font-size: xx-small;">®</span></a> to design such a pretty diffuser. How far we have come from the days of those scent cone eye sores!</div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ssDSC_0515.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/ssDSC_0515.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">So, tell me, have you started decorating for the holidays yet? Too soon? :) Our old neighbor had a rule where as soon as she saw Halloween stuff in stores she felt she could start listening to CHRISTMAS MUSIC. That is a level of holiday commitment unknown to me! </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><img alt=" photo Untitled-1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/Untitled-1.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><i>This post was brought to you in collaboration with </i><a href="http://www.glade.com/en" target="_blank"><i>Glade<span style="font-size: xx-small;">®</span></i></a><i>  Check out their variety of new fragrances <a href="http://www.glade.com/en/fragrances" target="_blank">here</a>. Thank you for supporting LGN sponsors.</i></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>

Decorating for Fall

The holidays are practically here and I've been in denial. Suddenly the weather is starting to cool down and all the stores have pumpkin...

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