A Little Blush Pink In The Living Room

I saw this pillow cover at Hobby Lobby after Christmas.

These pillow covers by Merchant 41 are awesome. They have cute, current patterns and color and they are super affordable when they are on sale.
 For $5.50, we have a new look.

They are not in the home decor section but they're near the fabric.
In my store, they are on the same aisle as the drapery trims.
After 3 months of white, off white, and cream, I was ready for a pop of color and this pillow seemed perfect for late January and February.

I added some pink carnations from the grocery store. They have the nice soft ruffly feel of roses but they will last twice as long as roses and they are half the price. These should last two weeks.

An old pillow from Joann's sits on the brown leather chair.

The star of the show is our $8.00 painting.
I found this painting 20 years ago at a garage sale for $8.00. It is old - probably from the 1930s. The flower border against a garden wall is such a gorgeous motif.
I've adored it for years.

It's had a hiatus from the living room for several years but I'm happy to welcome it back.
The gold in the frame matches our gold mirror.

The bright blue delphiniums in the painting coordinate with the blue and white in the kitchen. 

The mantel has a couple of Valentine's Day touches.

I knew that my "go to" Tuesday Morning would have a blush colored throw. This is even better because it was the price of a throw but it's actually a blanket.

Valentine's Day is a perfect opportunity to add a little pop of blush.

Feel free to ooh and aah about our $8.00 painting. I knew then and I know now what a find it was.
Bill hasn't noticed the pink yet. I'm not sure exactly what he will say. I do know that I had a blush paint chip in the car because the powder room by his office needs a refresh.
 "You're going to paint pink next to my office?" was the question.
I don't know the answer to that yet but probably not.
Have a great day, friends.
I hope my friends in the midwest are staying warm by the fire.
Katie

Low Key Valentine Mantel

I've changed my mantel more since I've been blogging than ever before.

I really wasn't one to switch it up for seasons and holidays but blogging has changed me.

I was enjoying the clock from our New Year's Eve mantel but suddenly this afternoon it was time for a change. 
 


 What's different you ask?
The Ethan Allan clock has been the mantel staple for the last few years. 
I love it. 
 It remains the starting point for every mantel. 
The old books with the spines turned to the back are a staple as well. 



In a bold move the clock is on a different side this time.
Wow!
"Don't go crazy!" 
Some white candlesticks provide balance to the asymmetrical scheme. 
I like things that are asymmetrical. 
Symmetry makes me a little nervous. 
It's not me.

The cranberry glass vase came from Bill's Granny Vi. 
 


It looked good with the propped tin heart. 



  The empty frame came back into service to add some "chippy" texture. 
This old frame has been chalk painted.
I revealed bits of the old mahogany finish with a damp rag. 
You read that correctly. 
No sand paper-water!
 


The first couple of attempts at a Valentine's Day mantel design were fails. 



I liked elements of each mantel but things weren't coming together.
I show these to convey that sometimes things don't go according to plan the first time.

Keep playing with your decor until you like it.

I've been so enamored with pink, I thought this mantel would be pink.
Cranberry red works this time. 
 


It says Happy Valentine's Day without fanfare, fuss or glitter.
I love that stuff but not this year.

 

 That is what has kept me busy this afternoon. 

What have you been up to?

Katie