When you’re in the middle of a house renovation like mine, you long for the pretty. Right now, it’s pretty all right. Pretty UGLY! 
But, I know all of that will change eventually and my mind can’t help but race on to when I can actually start the decorating process. I just can’t help it, I love all of that part so much and I know you do to, so let’s take a little break from the renovations and look at some pretty, shall we?
Last week, my sis and I headed over to the Ballard’s Outlet in Roswell, GA for a little lighting excursion.
I had seen this beautiful lantern last summer and they had TONS of them for $70. If you follow me on Facebook, you’ve already seen these.
They still had a ton of them this time too, only now the price is $100. Still not a bad deal, considering full retail is around $250.
I bought it!
So, now you know why I can have restraint at the yardsales. I’ve got my eye on a bigger prize and pretty light fixtures tickle my fancy every time.
Sigh, my old dining room was pretty, wasn’t it? But, my new one will be just as nice or maybe even nicer.
Can’t you see that beautiful lantern over my pretty round table and chairs? I’m seriously thinking of painting that china cabinet in a gray or cream Annie Sloan shade. What do you think?
My new Robert Allen fabric for the drapes that I bought over a year ago and loved has me all giddy too.
I also bought one of these little beauties, the lime green one in the middle. This pretty pendant is going in my new office space or if it doesn’t work in there, I’d love it hanging over my kitchen sink. I looooooove it so! They had all their light fixtures 1/2 off (not sure how long that was going on ), plus and additional 20% off, so I got this for around $56. Not bad! Would love one in the aqua shade too, but don’t have room for it.
Those were some pretty reasonable lighting choices that I just couldn’t pass up. I’ll be on the hunt for more deals as we go along. Ballard’s Outlet does have some good ones if you check their sales.
More pretty fabric for the living room, this is Tilbury Lapis (Laura Ashley collection) from Calico Corners. I got enough for a pair of drapes for the living room and a couple of pillows. Fabric is such a great way to infuse freshness in a room.
You all remember my old living room (may it rest in peace). I had already brought in some aqua, but the new look is going to be even better. I will add more playful pillows and the new fabric really pulls in the deep gold in my traditional leather chairs.
I’m not sure if I’ll recreate the gallery wall or not. We will see, the new living room will be different than this one was.
I’m going much lighter on the walls this time too. As of right now, my new wall color will be Moderate White by Sherwin Williams. It’s going to be very light and airy and I’ll bring in more green in here too. I will most likely recover my chair of many colors (eventually). It’s so pretty, but has some mighty strong colors, so it might be best to go neutral on that one.
So, those are a few of my pretty plans that I couldn’t wait to share with you. Y’all have been such cheerleaders for me that I know you will savor all the decorating too, when I can finally get to that.
Unpacking my boxes that have been in storage will be like Christmas. Don’t be surprised if I schedule a BIG yardsale for things that I won’t have room for. I have a lot of stuff and I have a feeling I might go a little lighter this time around. I’m trying not to clutter up every single surface.
Wish me luck!
Giveaway Winners: The winners of the Signs by Andrea giveaway are here and the Lowes $100 giftcard giveaway is here! Winners have been emailed, congrats!
Thank you all for getting excited about the giveaways, I love doing them for you!
I’ m so excited for you and your renovations and look forward to it all. I know you’ll reuse and put everything together beautifully!
I would never paint such a beautiful piece of furniture, but it’s you’re decision.
So exciting to watch you make progress & choose new items for your home. I really think this one will be even more beautiful that your other homes (I even remember the one before Birmingham–?Atlanta….from the GI days). You have some serious decorating talent & I know it will all be awesome!! I’m with the others in voting against painting your hutch. You’ll find just the perfect one for some ASCP! Blessings!
I looked back to make sure you asked for all these comments re: painting the cabinet. I too believe it is beautiful as is. Antiques in wood are always winners. I love your choices in lamps and fabrics. Yours is the first blog I read each morning as I wait to walk 3 miles with my neighbor. Sometimes, I check it out again in the evening in case you’ve added something else.
Congrats on the new house and on having such a wonderfully helpful family.
I’m glad I’m not the only one who gets giddy over fabric! Can’t wait to see how it all turns out.
I love the details and colors you have planned. And, great deals! Can’t wait to see what’s next.
I love painted furniture and can’t wait to see how it all comes together:)
I am so excited about your wonderful new house and I look forward to following your progress as you renovate and make it into your home!
YOu know, Rhoda, since we had to rid this house of ALOT of our things to sell it, I am thinking alot like you for the new house: LESS!!!! I am liking this NEW look I have going on, so may just get rid of alot of things once we are in the new house. I can’t wait to see what you do too!!! XO, Pinky
I LOVE the Tilbury Lapis (Laura Ashley collection) from Calico Corners. I’m a blue girl so am always happy when you show us ways to decorate with blue. Can’t wait to see your rabbits again!
I have always enjoyed your blog, even when you were going through such a difficult time at the end of your marriage. I prayed Peace for you and a newfound happiness to come, being that I too have been in your shoes (marriage wise).
And look at you now!! God has truly blessed you. I love all the new pictures, I cannot wait to see your new place! I’m tickled pink to see your amazing progress and hear the details of what is to come! I feel like I’m waiting for Christmas!!
God Bless you in your life and every endeavor!!
Thank you for always sharing!
-Becca
I love how you are adding more aqua into such beautiful surroundings..
I personally go back and forth between the idea of you painting that beautiful wooden cabinet in a cream or leaving it in it’s natural state. lol. Not that my opinion matters…
You give me inspiration to keep working on my bedroom space. Right now currently attending college but that does not mean I need to keep a sterile room 🙂
Hi Rhoda,
This will be the 3rd house I’ve watched you work your magic on! I’ll be waiting in anticipation for the day when you get to open boxes and bring out all your lovelies on this wonderful new adventure. I’m loving what you’re doing with your new home! You have been blessed to have such wonderful parents by your side on this exciting journey. God bless.
Trish