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!
Rhoda
This is so fun following you on your home-reno journey. Im so jealous you have that Ballards outlet so close. That lantern was a steal! Cant wait to see it in the new place.
I think since it’s a new life and a new house for you I wouldn’t copy the gallery wall you had in your old house. New designs to go with your new life.
I know I’m in the minority here but I’d change the color of the hutch to what you suggested.
Some lovely ideas! And I think the idea of painting that cabinet with ASCP is great . I know, I know, so many are hollering about it. But it will freshen it up and bring it smack dab into the 21st century. Nothing wrong with traditional and I LOVE it…I have my own Chippendale secretary that I am about to paint with ASCP in a soft beautiful blue/gray. Whatever you do, I know you will make the RIGHT CHOICE for YOU!! Thank you for bringing us along on the transformation of your new home.
Ballard Designs Outlet! WOW! What fun! You make beautiful choices!
Light and airy will be wonderful! The lantern and fabric choices will be beautiful, too! You’ll like it better than the home before. Better “energy” too!
You know I’m partial to those green and blue Ballard’s lights…couldn’t you use the blue one in the laundry room? I’m a bad influence! ;o) Your fabric choices look great! If it were me, I couldn’t paint the wood piece, but it’s not, and I think the gray would look very nice w/ that fabric, so I could see it either way. I know you will be excited to get even one room complete!
Hi Rhoda, I loved this post! My favorite part about getting a new home is pulling out all my fabrics and paint swatches! Love that you are thinking of painting your china cabinet! Your fabrics are beautiful as well…can’t wait to see it put all together! You have great taste! Thanks for sharing!
Love the choices you are making, oh just sssoooooooo much fun to get to the decorating sessions, take your time to savor each transformation. I vote on ‘not’ painting the hutch, it is beautiful as is because it speaks for itself in a stately manner. Good Luck – Love & Blessings, Delores.
I’m sorry that I live too fair away ,,would love to have helped you paint. I think that means you will be turning your baseboards into white. Yay!!! I’m excited for you. Love the lantern. You Go Girl!!!
Whew…glad to read you’ve reconsidered painting the china cabinet. Find an ‘old clunker’ and give it new life. Also glad to note the comment that you are going to use a lighter hand in decorating your new place. In my ‘older age’ I’ve decided to cut back on trying to find something for every surface in my house. 🙂 Less CAN be more. Definitely restful on the eyes. God Bless – you are coming back strong!
I just caught up on the work day post before. I’m so glad that you are going with bright white trim. Great choice my friend.
It’s so interesting to see what everyone thinks about painting your china cabinet! If you do paint it, I think it would be beautiful the shade of green in your drapery fabric which would contrast with your gray walls. Just a thought I thought I’d throw at ya!
Rhoda – the amount of excitement in your voice is contagious !!!!
You are so fortunate to have a Ballards Design Outlet… I can’t even begin to image.
Just from the fabric alone, I can tell I’m going to love your new living room. So, so pretty!
I saw that I am the winner of the Lowe’s $100 gift card, but I never received an email! Help!
I know i am late to the party,but do not paint that China cabinet, please!
Looks like you had fun at the outlet store. Love the idea of more aqua in the living room. Please don’t paint the cabinet, that wood is gorgeous as is. After the hard work of getting the house ready, the decorating (and unpacking of “stuff”) will be the icing on the cake!
Hi Rhoda, I’m like one of your followers up there..I log on every morning hoping to see some more pictures of your progress! I have to say though, I’m totally opposite of you…I LOVE the renovaton process better than the decorating. I worry and fret too much about the decorating…wonder if this will “go” with that…is this the right color choice…yada, yada, yada…
All I know is, I’m sure enjoying following you along your way!!
Keep those pictures & updates rollin’ in!!
♥ Becky in SC ♥
I am so jealous that you are able to shop at a Ballards Outlet. I am on the west coast and don’t know of any out our way. You have amazing taste. I am excited to read about your journey. Best of luck.
Paulette in Oregon
Hi Rhoda,
I’ve been meaning to tell you that your blog was the FIRST blog I ever read about two months ago. I had heard about blogs but never sought them out. But OMG, I have found my tribe! Yours is the first email I open as I drink my morning coffee in bed, while my Dachshunds keep my feet warm. I know how hard it is to go through major life changes such as yours, but you are such a lucky gal to have this wonderful family and to have a house all your own. You are probably being transformed while you are transforming your house. I send you all my good wishes and I continue to cheer you on. Your home (YOUR HOME!!!) will be absolutely beautiful.