Don't toss those old frames!

I have had these "New Orleans" prints that I purchased from Kirklands for several years.

The prints were beginning to discolor, and quite honestly I grew tired of them. I had them sitting in a donation pile for the goodwill. Then I reconsidered after I had a friend, who has great decorator savvy, come into my home. We got to discussing home interiors and I mentioned to her that I want my home to tell a story (my cousin Beckie is my style inspiration, she knows exactly how to interject history and character into her home). I told my friend, I want my home to reflect MY family's story. My friend said, "Leigh,  You are a photographer. Your home should reflect that. You need to put some of your prints on your walls!!"

And she was right. I had little of my own prints but for my hall gallery.

So I uploaded a couple of my prints to a photo processing place. While they were being printed, I began to remove the backing from the matted frames.

Pretty easy.....

The photo lab is really about a block from my home. So I immediately went to retrieve the pictures. They were ready! So I came home and installed them in to the frames..

You can click on the pictures to enlarge to better see the photos.
I thought it would be clever to print off some of my beach outdoor shower prints to go into my bathroom.
The one above with the children (Sister Sledge and J Smooth as well as 2 of my nieces from a family beach trip) was taken about 4 years ago. I cannot get over how fast the children have grown and changed.

 

The one below was taken at Lulu's Homeport Marina. Its an outdoor shower for fishermen to wash off the days potent smell of bait and catch before heading inside for a brew.

Of course, it is still a work in progress. I haven't treatment for the window yet after painting the bathroom a few weeks ago. And I just might white wash the frames. But you get an idea...

So, my point....before getting rid of some of those old prints check out the frames. Framing shops charge an arm and a leg to frame pictures. You might have a frame that you can use or just needs a coat of paint  and  in need of your photos or treasured keepsake like a map or program, a vintage linen, etc. Just think of the possibilities and allow your home to reflect your story.

Have a great day!

Are You a HDPI????????

Are you a HDPI?

You know, a home decor private investigator??

My husband might call it nosey, but I just love to go and check out open houses, furniture stores, home decor stores, and my friends homes for design inspiration.

Here are a few pictures I snapped on some recent home decor store visits:

 

 

(Pottery Barn)

(Pottery Barn)

I love the red pillows on the white sofa's.
And I love the white coral!
And check out that table! Looks familiar!

(Pottery Barn)

(Pottery Barn)


Pretty neutrals....

(At Home, Homewood, Al)

These doors below are beautiful. Whether you reuse them, or upcycle them creating them into tables, headboards, privacy screens, or just architectural character to add into a corner of a home....

 

 

(Southern Salvage Architectural Antiques)

I LOVE to get lost, just looking and getting inspired!

Where do you like to go to get inspired by home design/decor?

Live*Love*Laugh,
Leigh
Tales from Bloggeritaville
www.lbratina.blogspot.com

Let's Go Shopping: At Home

Have you ever been asked the question, "If you could max out a credit card at one store, where would you do it?". Well, I wouldn't dare max out a credit card....but if someone gave me free rein I could do some serious damages in my all time favorite store: At Home in Homewood.
I went by At Home yesterday and ohhhed and ahhed and got much inspiration, and added to my wish list.

How about I show you around At Home? Come along (click on any pictures to enlarge)....

This cute little Indian rug ottoman was $45 on clearance....cute!

This curved dresser is beautiful. The wood gorgeous!

And that lamp...only love!

 Ottomans made of burlap, scrumptious!

I need many of these baskets for my home!!!

I am in love with this lamp.

Until I saw it in my favorite color, turquoise. Be still my heart! How I would love this in my home!

At Home.....I bet it's your favorite store too!

Located on the main drag of Downtown Homewood, At Home is a unique shopping district in Birmingham, Alabama. Downtown Homewood is known for locally owned stores including clothing, dining, and furniture.

visit: Monday-Saturday 10:00-6:00

2921 18th Street South Birmingham, AL 35209

call: 205-879-3510
email: info@athome-furnishings.com
Facebook: LIKE At HOME

Inspire ME Floors

If you need to disguise wood floor that has some flaws....or just want a change, why not go for a inexpensive fix that really will make a statement? Paint your floors!

Check out these examples and get inspired!



I LOVE this one by Design Sponge

Decor Pad Striped Floor

Here’s another one from Coastal Living magazine that turns an otherwise ho-hum floor into a work of art. And you wouldn't be surprised that I love the beachy feel the paint job adds to this room.

And these others from Coastal Living :

Manolohome

Elle Decor:

Cottage Living:

Better Homes & Gardens:

While this one isn't painted, it is a beauty!!!! And I love the idea of recycling.
This rustic Wine and Fruit Flooring from German flooring company Parador. The pattern was inspired by flooring found in old European cellars, which were often made of wood from discarded wine crates with fired-on inscriptions and dates. I am In.LOVE. with this floor!

I need to get my wine drinking aficionado/friends to start buying by the crate....
Hope you found some inspiration in these pictures like I did!

See you tomorrow for Thrifty Thursday! Link will be up Wednesday evening.

Pat Norton Interiors and Architectural Consignment

(Click any pictures to enlarge)

While vacationing at my parents beach home, I almost always try and make time to drive into Fairhope. It's just one of those quaint little towns that offer so much. On this day, as my mother and I drove into Fairhope we happened onto a business called Pat Norton Interiors and Architechural Consignment . Lucky for us! Pat Norton's IA@C is located just off of Highway 98 at 8081 Twin Beech Rd . The staff both knowledgeable and friendly, willing to help you find that perfect piece for your home. Which is what I love about architectural finds, they really personalize a space and can add instant charm and history. It often comes with a story.

They specialize in all kinds of old and new architectural items for your home. Just look at what they  carry in their shop...

They  have doors, windows, shutters,

(Love the shutters made into a dining table)

(I really wanted the Gothic door, it came off of a local college...and was sold. :(    )

....columns, mantels, corbels,

wrought iron, fountains, fancy basins, tables

(I really wanted this one and the price was really right)

 and chairs, cabinets, dressers,

(They have a man who custom creates one of a kind dressers and cabinets from found items...) 

(This cabinet below was created from old bead board, an old bed, etc.)

chandeliers,

 lamps,

(These below are all made from found objects....antlers, an urn and an old pottery jar)

paintings, banisters, wicker furniture, outdoor furniture, and so much more.

($1.00 each per tile. Imagine the projects to do with these!)

I heart this vintage prescription case $35.00...

I really wanted to put these puppies under my arm and walk out the door. Not only to they look like my (three) puppies, but they are also my favorite color...Be still my heart....
 LOVE. Real LOVE.

You can visit Pat Norton's too.....and I suggest you too.

Hours: Monday- Saturday 10-5, closed on Sunday.

Pat Norton Interiors and Architectural Consignment

8081 Twin Beech Rd

Fairhope, Alabama

(251) 928-7338