This post contains affiliate links. My buffet table in my dining room is probably one of my favorite places to decorate. Not because I like adding my collections to it...but for the main fact that since it's out of the way, it won't get touched or knocked down :) So, I can add to it how I please. This table has seen lots of changes over the years and I think I'm finally at a stage that I am completely happy with it.
The best thing about it, is that it's functional and pretty. For instance...my bread boards. Probably not so functional, although some of them are food safe, but they are pretty to look at and add that perfect farmhouse vibe. I've started to collect them this past year, and now have around 10. I just love their unique nature and look. I have even gone as far to make a few of my own, like this one with the white tip. I'll have a tutorial on how I made it up soon! In order to balance the height of the 3 tiered tray, I placed my largest bread board against the wall and just layered the others against it. I've seen dining rooms that have these displayed all along the wall. I don't think I'm ready to do that just yet, but I love the idea!
Since it technically still is winter, I decided to add some greens and pine cones on here. I just painted this terracotta pot, and then sanded it down to give it a little rougher appearance. I placed my place holder winter greens in here to add some color.
Now for my three tiered tray. This houses a fraction of my coffee mugs. Yes, there are more :) I like to add some little unexpected bits on here to for each season. For winter, it's just the greens again with frosted pine cones.
I found this cute little plant stool and wasn't sure where it would end up. I draped a Hearth and Hand by Magnolia tea towel over it and topped it off with some small dipping plates. I think it adds a lot of character to the space. These dipping plates are actually really cute, I didn't get a picture close up, but you can see them here.
I love how this whole space came together. As you can see, I'm a sucker for browns and whites!
This buffet table is actually two Ikea dressers. You can see the tutorial on how to make these here. It has made a world of difference having so much storage in here now. The drawers house a plethora of things like crafts, candles, paper towels, and extra linens.
This whole area has seen a lot of DIY projects throughout the years. Here's a list of them if you are interested :) Shiplap Cedar Planked Wall Wood Gallery Wall Frames Printer Style Buffet Table And where to get all the other stuff :) Cutting boards: Michaels, hand made,and H&M Tiered Tray: Similar Planter stool: Similar Mugs: Rae Dunn and Amazon Tea Towel: Target Striped Napkins: Similar Square Bowls and plates: Similar Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
When a magazine emails you about your house being featured in one of their issues, you do all the projects you planned to do in the past years in under a week :) That's just what you do...or at least what I did. I imagine that is what most would do. One of the projects I have been putting off doing is the wall along my staircase. I just couldn't make up my mind on what to do. I had three options, two of which were super hard and had me teetering on a ladder on the staircase. The other option was simple and quick, but just not what I had really wanted. So, since I had like 2.2 seconds to get this project done, guess which one I picked? The easy one! And I'm so glad I did it. I just wish I had done it years ago. The poor wall along the stairs had been completely neglected. This wall was just a huge blank eyesore. It doesn't help that the entry way is a two story entry, so it's just lots and lots of beige everywhere. Here's a few before pictures below. If you look really closely you can see all the dings and horribleness of it all :) I'm pretty sure that spot in the middle is where my pup chewed. Yeah. ...
I always wanted to hang pictures on here or something, but never got around to doing it. Here's the much improved after:
Before...again:
After:
So, the first step in doing this was deciding how far apart I wanted the slats and how tall. I already knew I wanted to use 2.5" mdf boards for the vertical pieces and 3.5" for the top ones. I decided to do every other step for the slats. So, this made them 18" apart. Next, I found the angle of the stairs and cut the mdf to that angle on the top and bottom. I secured these to the wall using 2" nails with my nail gun.
Next was trying to find that angle for the top pieces. I cut an approximate size of the horizontal piece (the area at the top landing and bottom landing). I placed this level where I wanted it to hang. I then drew a line along the top and bottom of this piece onto the wall.
Next, was doing the same thing for the angled top piece. I placed the piece onto the vertical slats going up the stairs to give the me the correct angle that it was going to hang. I then pulled it down past the marks I made for the horizontal board. I drew lines on this one as well.
This is what the wall looked like to give you a better idea of what I just did :) As for the angle cuts, I placed a mark on each molding piece where the other piece intersected it on the top and bottom. I then took off the molding and connected these dots with a line. This gave me the angle for each piece.
Here's the angle for this horizontal piece.
And then the other piece connected to it. I did the same thing for the top landing also.
When all the molding was secured to the wall, I then went through and painted it with Swiss Coffee by Behr in a satin finish. I finished it off with some light weight spackling compound, filling in the holes, lines and gaps.
I did this all within a day, you guys...like 12 hours. Yes. It started at night, worked until about 1 am and then finished with a final coat of paint in the morning.
Here's another before picture:
And the after. It's amazing how much this space transformed with just a little paint and molding. My stairs even look cleaner! ha!
It took me some time to figure out what to put as my decor above the board and batten until I realized what a plethora of mirrors I had in storage. I actually have about 10 more mirrors just decided to try to keep it simple :)
One of my problems with deciding on how to do the molding on this section of the wall came from what would go with the square board and batten molding at the bottom of it. I couldn't find any inspiration pictures to go off of so I had no clue if the square board and batten would jive with just horizontal board and batten. But, I think it totally works!
This brightened up my entry way also. This poor wall at the bottom of the stairs had been so tired looking and abused by the use of baby gates.
I moved into this house hating the knotty alder finishes. I wanted to paint or stain all of it. A few years ago I realized I didn't hate it, it just looked horrible against the beige. Updating my staircase with the white paint has made the wood pop and look amazing! I am so so glad I lived with it for years and never painted it.
Next project for this area....which will be way down the road when my kids are a little older...I'll be pulling up this carpet off the stairs. I have always envisioned staining it darker to match our wood floors, but now I'm afraid that would take away from the banister. So....I'm thinking white steps are in the near future :) Maybe I'll add a runner so I can do it sooner than later :)
This area has taking on such a transformation since we moved in here 10 years ago. Here's a picture of this space before:
New floors, paint and molding. Simple (ish) changes for a big change! See how bad that knotty alder looks with the beige? If you walk through my house we will see I have a love for board and batten. Here are some tutorials on all the ways I've done them. My bedroom:
This post contains affiliate links. Christmas is long gone and we are in this weird in between decorating season. Do you decorate for Spring? Do you leave the Christmas decor up for longer? Well, this is a first for me. I usually take down all greenery and Christmas decor the first of the year. But, this year, I decided to embrace winter. I feel like putting up spring in January is a little premature. So, I took down all my "Christmas" decor...which I have realized is a relative term. What counts as Christmas versus winter anyway? For me, it was all reds, golds (in most cases), and sparkles and obvious things like bells, stockings, and Christmas type signs. I kept up all my trees besides the ones that aren't flocked. I still have my two 7.5' trees up and going strong! I did put my 10' tree that was in my living room away. I'll be sharing with you all my winter decor in the next week or so throughout my house. First up is my bedroom.
Winter decor to me is lots and lots of layers and textures with flocked greens and neutrals. I actually kept my nightstands pretty similar to my Christmas decor, but I changed out the cathedral windows for a softer look with these tobacco baskets. I also put my gallery wall back up on the wall in place of the wreaths that were there for Christmas.
For my bedding, I went way neutral and removed the reds. I replaced the plaid throw for this beautiful coverlet I got from a friend. Is it obvious I'm way in to ruffles?
I decided to swag some "frosted" garland twigs along my headboard. I did this two Christmas's ago and just loved it. So, I wanted it in here for winter :)
I decided to add a tray to my bench also. I had this out for Christmas and kept it close to the same.
I did add some loose book pages bound together with jute and some beaded garland.
Now for my 'faux' fireplace. I decided to add some more wood discs to the middle part. I was happy with the way it was before, but knew it could be so much more. I think adding these extra ones were perfect. In the next few weeks, I'll probably add some moss to the empty spots. What do you think? Fill it in a little more?
I also changed out the mantel decor with eucalyptus stems and candles...creating my wintery scene. Now, are you ready for this? This corner of my room does exist! I never ever show it because it's just usually a mess. But, I kept it clean for like a month now so that's something! I have kept my 7.5' tree in here just because. As I said, Christmas decor is relative. Who says this has to be a Christmas tree...why can't it just be a frosted evergreen or pine? You know? So, yeah. It's staying in here for now! I do know that technically that reindeer is Christmas, but it could just be a deer :) ha! Stretching it a little?
At this point, I'm decorating winter with what I like, and I think that's the most important part of anyone decorating their home. Don't decorate because you feel like it's on trend, or you saw someone else do it. Decorate with what makes you happy. If those things make you happy, then proceed :) I am totally not here to judge if you prefer to leave Christmas up all year around...heck, my 80% Christmas/winter will probably be up until March! :)
Winter decor to me is warmth and layers. I feel like the trees add those extra layers. I'm sure I'll eventually take the trees down in the next couple of weeks, but until then, I've holding on to them and enjoying this in between season :) What do you do for that weird in between season from Christmas to Spring? Are you a take down all signs of Christmas type person or one that likes to fluctuate between Christmas and winter and leave some greens out? As you know, I'm trying to diversify and add some videos into my posts. So, here's the video tour on this bedroom! :) Enjoy.
pin for later:
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Since I have tried all forms of shiplap, I decided to try a new one! A completely faux shiplap where no power tools are required. Intrigued? Well, this little spot in our upstairs hallway doesn't get any love. It's the one spot that usually acts as catch all of school artwork, toys, dirty clothes, etc. I always wanted to brighten it up and make it more inviting. I had ideas about doing shiplap but the molding on the door adjacent to the wall was too close to the wall and actually somewhat crooked. So, then I decided I would do floor to ceiling board and batten. Even bought the boards and everything. That was like 3 months ago :) On a whim, I decided to try something new last night. And I completely love it! It was so quick, easy, and cheap....practically free. Plus, no power tools required which is the best! Here's the after:
And here's the gloomy before. Of course, this was at night but it really didn't get much prettier or brighter than this.
So, how did I do this faux shiplap? First, I painted the wall Swiss Coffee by Behr.
I then took my level and measured down from the ceiling and marked every 6 inches. I did this on about 4 areas of the wall. I then took a pencil and connected the horizontal lines, making sure they were level. I've done this type of shiplap twice now and wouldn't skip this step even though you can. It just makes sure the next step stays accurate.
Next, I took a black marker, or a sharpie (fine point). Since all my sharpies are not fine point, I borrowed one of my kids markers initially for the bathroom one. Mainly because I didn't know how this would end up looking and new it would be easier to wash away than a permanent sharpie :) With the marker, I lined the level up again with the pencil drawn lines and then went over the lines with the marker. I made sure not to pick up the marker at the end or the beginning too fast since it would sometimes leave a vertical mark. Just took my time with it.
On my big wall, it found that doing horizontal sections was a lot quicker than doing whole lines by themselves.
I taped off the wall initially when I painted it white and took the lines to the tape. But, I didn't like how undone this looked. So...this is the part that does require some tools, but it's technically not apart of the shiplap :)
I took a small 1/2"x1 1/2" mdf board and secured it to the end. I feel like this finished it off much better than before. If you were to do a whole entire wall that doesn't randomly end, you wouldn't necessarily have to do this. Or, if you do a whole entire room, wouldn't need it either.
Here's the finished look:
I can't get over how bright this looks! And be truthful....if I showed you this picture without you knowing how I did the shiplap, you would have no idea it was just marker!
Okay. Now for my first initial try at this. I did it in my bathroom. Above the bathtub I did a stencil a few years ago, and truthfully hated it ever since. The molding kept falling off and it was a big mess.
So, I did the same technique, and rehung the molding...
And I am in love! Just some lines, that's all it is. I've shown a few people this in person, and they had no clue until I told them. Yep. Like, had to go up and touch it to figure it out.
Now, here's my two cents. I think this looks amazing on small spaces. I'm sure it'll look great doing this to a whole room. But, if you are going to sell your house soon...I don't know :) I think it would be a big let down to buyers to find out it's just marker. Also, this is something you would have to be willing to repaint your whole entire room if you decide you don't like. Which is of course, totally doable but a big pain in the butt :) haha.
That being said. I have a big ledge loft thing in my entry way that I am totally going to do this on! Serious. It's up high so no one will ever notice that it's not. Now, only if I can get some nerves to get up on that ledge :) PIN FOR LATER:
The best thing about it, is that it's functional and pretty. For instance...my bread boards. Probably not so functional, although some of them are food safe, but they are pretty to look at and add that perfect farmhouse vibe. I've started to collect them this past year, and now have around 10. I just love their unique nature and look. I have even gone as far to make a few of my own, like this one with the white tip. I'll have a tutorial on how I made it up soon! In order to balance the height of the 3 tiered tray, I placed my largest bread board against the wall and just layered the others against it. I've seen dining rooms that have these displayed all along the wall. I don't think I'm ready to do that just yet, but I love the idea! 
Since it technically still is winter, I decided to add some greens and pine cones on here. I just painted this terracotta pot, and then sanded it down to give it a little rougher appearance. I placed my place holder winter greens in here to add some color.
Now for my three tiered tray. This houses a fraction of my coffee mugs. Yes, there are more :) I like to add some little unexpected bits on here to for each season. For winter, it's just the greens again with frosted pine cones. 
I found this cute little plant stool and wasn't sure where it would end up. I draped a Hearth and Hand by Magnolia tea towel over it and topped it off with some small dipping plates. I think it adds a lot of character to the space. These dipping plates are actually really cute, I didn't get a picture close up, but you can see them here. 
I love how this whole space came together. As you can see, I'm a sucker for browns and whites! 
This buffet table is actually two Ikea dressers. You can see the tutorial on how to make these here. It has made a world of difference having so much storage in here now. The drawers house a plethora of things like crafts, candles, paper towels, and extra linens. 
This whole area has seen a lot of DIY projects throughout the years. Here's a list of them if you are interested :)
