Thursday, August 18, 2011

Playing Around in the Living Room

Beginning to feel as if this is one of those projects that just might not ever be complete. 

I painted the whole mantel white. The gold was just bothering me. Way too bossy for the room. I also changed out the mirror. 
On the bright side I am happy with the results thus far. 
This was the mantel before
Not bad, but not really great either. Far too bossy and fussy for this farmhouse!

I also painted out the blue in the armoire because it clashed funny with the rug.

I'm trying hard to go lighter and whiter which is hard for me because while I love the look, I have "hoarder" tendencies and I always try to sneak in too much color to the point where it looks too busy in a room.
P.S. Don't forget to join my Creative Things Thursday Party still going on!

Linking to:
Common Ground 
French Country Cottage 
A Little Knick Knack 
Designer Garden 
Whipperberry 
Simply Designing 
Romantic Home 
Chic on a Shoestring 
The Shabby Nest 
Miss Mustard Seed 
Remodelaholic 
Finding Fabulous 
Tatertots and Jello 
Funky Junk Interiors 
DIY  
Laurie Anna's Vintage Home 

Posted by The Vintage Farmhouse at 8:23 AM

39 comments:

  1. Katie @ Wildwood CreekAugust 18, 2011 at 8:43 AM

    Love the changes you made and your decorating style. Just one thought, how about stacking logs in the opening? To see what I mean, click on my blog link then click on my Pinterest. The first Pinterest board shows some examples. http://wildwoodcreek.blogspot.com/

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  2. hopeandjoyhomeAugust 18, 2011 at 9:30 AM

    I was going to say you need something I the fireplace also! I have seen tiers of pillar candles, baskets of florals (or firescreen) or stacks of books (old) also. Very pretty! I just spent 2 days repainting my antique mall booth (from the previous renter's red to my cream) and moving every single item in my 2 booths..sheesh..I am beat! I like the new mirror too..it brings out the lacy details of the mantle..gorgeous!

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  3. Sherry HicksAugust 18, 2011 at 9:32 AM

    I agree with stacking logs or baskets something a little rustic to balance out the frufru! Other than that it is perfect.
    Sherry

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  4. UnknownAugust 18, 2011 at 10:13 AM

    It's gorgeous. Love the armoir too! I think some old books will look enchanting with the whole look!
    Roselle

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  5. stefanieAugust 18, 2011 at 10:20 AM

    you know...everything just looks prettier painted white!!!
    I finished my dress form, thanks for the great idea of an old lamp base...perfect!!!! I linked up to your party!

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  6. IdoAugust 18, 2011 at 10:21 AM

    Love your mantle and those two chairs are gorgeous!
    Visiting from Common Ground.
    XXX Ido

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  7. Amy ChalmersAugust 18, 2011 at 10:33 AM

    haha I was going tosay paint a board black and put it in the hole of the fireplace opening...or paint the wall behind it so it disappears. I used to have a fake one and bought this amazing vintage thing of logs that you plugged in and it looked like a crackling fire!! I put an antique fireplace screen in front of it and it was quite effective!

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  8. Debra@CommonGroundAugust 18, 2011 at 10:44 AM

    Hi Nicki, yep, gold can be pretty bossy!!! ha ha, love that! the white looks gorgeous, and I agree with Amy, we have an electric heater in one of our fireplaces. Looks so real you cannot tell the difference! thanks for linking up,
    xoxo Debra

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  9. UnknownAugust 18, 2011 at 11:40 AM

    Nikki, are you having fun without the kids at home??? looks like it to me....love the new paint job...

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  10. " SHABBY JUNK"August 18, 2011 at 11:43 AM

    Nicki, love the new look! The white is so elegant!

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  11. FABBY'S LIVINGAugust 18, 2011 at 12:35 PM

    I love it all frufru in white, very elegant and French cottage, I think. Lovely fire place, Nikki. Have a nice day. FABBY

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  12. A Cozy Cottage in the CityAugust 18, 2011 at 12:58 PM

    LOVED what you've done!!! Your home is sooo lovely!!!

    XO's,
    Jessie

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  13. Betsy@My Salvaged TreasuresAugust 18, 2011 at 12:58 PM

    So much better in white. What a lovely room!!

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  14. Billy AngelAugust 18, 2011 at 1:14 PM

    So much more beautiful now. I love your blog so much.

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  15. AnonymousAugust 18, 2011 at 2:28 PM

    I really love the changes you've made...although I think it also looked pretty before :) I know how you feel, I'm trying to go lighter too and ditch some of the pinks, greens and blues that keep cropping up around my home but sometimes it's hard to let go, isn't it?
    Cas x

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  16. AnonymousAugust 18, 2011 at 2:28 PM

    p.s. I'm your newest follower. Love your blog :)
    Cas x

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  17. JessicaAugust 18, 2011 at 3:59 PM

    I love how light and bright this room looks! The mantel is so pretty. I have the same problems with color - I like color but sometimes I have too much! I'm trying to lighten up my own living room.

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  18. Rosemary@villabarnesAugust 18, 2011 at 4:25 PM

    You have so many beautiful things. The changes work perfectly in the room. Those beautiful chairs actually add a nice splash of color.

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  19. Stacy's Shabby ShoppeAugust 18, 2011 at 4:35 PM

    Very nice Nicki...I am trying to go whiter too, but I have too much cream...so I am trying to go "creamier"...LOL! I am getting rid of alot of my color too...I'm tired of it...and I never thought that I would say this, but I am getting tired of so much pink...WOW! That's a big step for me! LOL! (*_*)

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  20. Jenny @ Simcoe StreetAugust 18, 2011 at 4:42 PM

    LOVE those chairs!

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  21. Amy KinserAugust 18, 2011 at 6:44 PM

    Love the changes you made. The white is so fresh and pretty.

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  22. DonnaAugust 18, 2011 at 7:37 PM

    Gorgeous! What a difference you made with your fireplace mantle! I agree, the gold was overpowering. And I am loving your blue chairs and stunning mirror. It's all perfect!

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  23. AnonymousAugust 18, 2011 at 8:13 PM

    It looks fabulous. White is way to go. Patty

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  24. Gayle Ann BergAugust 19, 2011 at 3:25 AM

    Such a very beautiful room! I greatly admire your special talent for decorating...

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  25. Bee LadyAugust 19, 2011 at 4:14 AM

    Nicki,

    Good job on the room. I like the white rather than the gold. And the armoire looks great. I'm having a hard time trying to figure out how to paint our basement living area in the new house. I think I've bought five sample pints of paint and nothing is working...[sigh]

    Cindy Bee

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  26. podsoAugust 19, 2011 at 6:47 AM

    Love the changes in the fireplace and the mirror. Just beautiful!

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  27. AngieAugust 19, 2011 at 7:29 AM

    Loving the changes! (So fun when "small" changes make a big difference!)

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  28. Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of SuburbiaAugust 19, 2011 at 7:36 AM

    So pretty, I love the white mirror too!
    XO
    Kristin

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  29. Courtney ~ French Country CottageAugust 19, 2011 at 8:00 AM

    Loving this- all your changes are wonderful! Shared this on FB~ Thanks for sharing at Feathered Nest Friday! :)

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  30. Chari at Happy To DesignAugust 19, 2011 at 9:19 AM

    Hi Nicki...

    Oooh...your mantel and mirror are frenchy fabulous, my friend! I just adore it!!! Ohh my goodness, your living room is BEAUTIFUL!!! I love everything that you have done. Thank you for sharing your beautiful mantel and home with us...this was such a treat! I'm going to go looking around on your blog a bit, my friend! I love your design style!

    Warmest summery wishes,
    Chari

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  31. Catherinas Creative CornerAugust 19, 2011 at 9:37 AM

    So Pretty!! I lOVE IT!

    :-)
    cat

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  32. Mona Kay GormanAugust 19, 2011 at 11:19 AM

    Ohh I am loving all the white!! I love the new mirror over the mantle, the armoire too!

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  33. The Summer Kitchen GirlsAugust 19, 2011 at 12:10 PM

    Love that your fireplace mantel was "bossy"...that's great! Love the new look - nice and fresh...now maybe it's sassy?!!

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  34. RuthAugust 19, 2011 at 4:29 PM

    Your room looks gorgeous. I love all the white. It is so beautiful!!

    Ruth

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  35. KahliAugust 19, 2011 at 7:25 PM

    Oh my I have that same exact mirror I found it at the goodwill for $6. I love all the white very relaxing!

    http://designpardeux.com

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  36. RoeshelAugust 21, 2011 at 7:59 AM

    Yes - the white is so pretty! Love the mirror too - actually, the entire room! Gorgeous! Thanks so much for sharing! ;)

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  37. Passionate for WhiteAugust 22, 2011 at 9:03 AM

    You transformed the room by painting over the gold....great job!

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  38. Heaven's WalkSeptember 8, 2011 at 6:00 PM

    Beautiful job, Nicki! In my world, the more white that surrounds me, the calmer and more focused I feel. I love that the textures become the focus. Your armoire is so darned pretty - not to mention your fireplace! :)

    xoxo laurie

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  39. UnknownSeptember 8, 2011 at 7:38 PM

    Truthfully... I like it goth ways! :)

    Come by and say Hi! I'm having a giveaway.:)

    ~Liz

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