{ Cozy Summer Country Cottage Living Room Refresh }

Today has been the most cozy beautiful sunny summer day & I've been inside all day..which doesn't bug me because I've gotten so much accomplished before the busy weekend of hanging new doors & possibly painting some areas...as you can tell by that last sentence still no perspective new homes. I'm not letting that get me down, instead we're just doing little fun projects around here & enjoying summer! I think I've been in the best mood since Christmas because you guys ..MY DAD IS CANCER F R E E!!! I'm so relieved to know his scans came back CLEAR! I mean if that isn't the best news I don't know what is! Sorry if that doesn't interest you, but I like to share real life on here too. Okay, back to today's post which is filled with everything summertime in our upper living room.. I needed something to brighten this space up even though it's already pretty bight I was sick of the dark jute rug, dark slipcover & just needed a different feel so instead of painting { I'll explain the delay soon } I decided to finally buy a new rug, switch our "winter" slipcover out & add some new { old} thrifty chippy pieces etc.. Keep reading below for more on this simple summer space..

  

Unlike most of my posts I had a vision for our summer upper living room. I've mentioned before but our lower level is super rustic lodge like, so I keep the upstairs super bright & more branded to my blog. In may my mom dropped of this chippy stool & I knew right where I wanted to put it..right here with dusty lambs ear stems, rustic coasters & keep everything super light, cottagey & mix in some country greens & blues. I'm still on the blue ticking stripe craze, but I wanted more of a summer farmhouse look with LOTS of antiques & vintage pieces mixed in with a touch of whimsical.

 

Keeping with that summer cottage/ farmhouse look with simple blues, & dusty greens I needed something for this space...I dug up this canvas painting from HomeGoods I purchased a few years back that I forgot about & voila it fit perfect! I added the"welcome" farmhouse pillow I got on vacation in Maine last year & some cottagey teacup flowers.

 

One of the other semi bigger changes was adding a bright white/cream rug instead of the old dark jute rug. I still like jute but think they look dirty/ dark a lot of the times so I picked this one up at a discount store for $40!!

  

We also bleached & added the original white slipcover back on & some new stems here & there! I did switch back in forth between bright white candles & the flowers on the couch shelf, but ultimately liked the teacup flowers better. Which do you prefer?

 

One of the driving factors for this refresh was this vintage chippy green hamper from a market HERE we picked up. I love it & blogged all about it HERE. I love how it coordinates with the table stool & brings in the same green chippy vintage look.

 

One thing I didn't have time for was to grab some new pillows, I love these but a certain doggy { Stewy } got to the corners on some of them again ahhh. I'm thinkin white & blue ticking stripe or some cream ones..Simple & cozy! The grey flower vase holder & coffee table are both vintage finds.

 

What do you guys think of this dusty cozy summer cottage living room refresh? Do you love bright spaces during summer or crave anything in particular? I hope you find this cozy space inspirational & enjoy summer to the fullest! It's always a treat for us here in the north, since our summers only last 3 months if lucky. 

Happy Thursday, pals!

As always THANK YOU for stopping in on my little growing blog. I know everyone says something like this, but I honestly appreciate each of you for sharing my posts, commenting etc....I'm not the biggest or most popular blogger, but I am humble, real & practical ,and  hopefully helpful or inspiring in someway :). 

***You can find me here for updates & more ,or SUBSCRIBE on the right side of my blog for FREE & direct updates right to your mail...

• https://www.instagram.com/thequaintsanctuary/
• https://www.pinterest.com/mrsmusleh/
• https://www.facebook.com/TheQuaintSanctuary/?ref=bookmarks

Paige.Rose

{ DIY Distressed Vintage Baseball Cap Tutorial! }

Oh Sunday you've been great to us!! We celebrated Father's Day Saturday with my dad because he works on Sunday. We brought him his favorite Chinese  dinner, banana split & lotto tickets hehe. Father's Day was special this year because my dad was battling cancer for most of the year & he's now free & clear- THANK YOU HIGHER POWER! Anyways we've been busy with summer stuff & just life like everyone else & I forgot to blog a little DIY project I did a few weekends back at 10pm  haha..typical Paige right?! As I was grabbing this baseball cap & running out the door today for a little day trip { I can't wait to share why } I remembered I had never shared how to distress/age/vintage-fy/worn whatever you call it. Little fun fact about me, I don't care for things that look super new in most cases. I like the age spots, chippy & rustic look more than something that looks brand new most of the time. I bought this hat at Target a few weeks back while looking for something patriotic & a new hat because let's be honest I live in them with this long crazy & now grey hair haha. Anyways I got it for $3 & thought ehhh for the price I'll do something with it & I did!!! Keep reading below for the SIMPLE tutorial..

  

1.

 

 2.

  

** You can use any brand. This isn't sponsored or anything I just had these on hand that I needed to use before expiration.

 

 3.

HOW TO:

• Remove tags.
• Fill a bowl with warm water.
• Place 10-20 dark tea bags for soaking/ aging.
• Flip Cap upside down & submerge.
• Let soak for at least 12hrs.
• Wash lightly/separate & wear!    

Side Note: For more aging/ worn  look I used a $1 foot scrubber to distress spots. This is optional.

   

I love how the white stripes are now a more off-white with an uneven tone. The extra distressing gives it that much more character & it's super soft now! The blue & red are now muted & it's more flexible...perfect in my book.

 

For me the distressing is essential. Just lightly take the pumice or grate side of the foot scrubber & run it back & forth on the edges & seams for that  cozy comfy "worn" in look.

 

I hope you guys liked this fun little project!!! It saved me tons on the vintage hat I was looking at...I so was not paying $50 for a distressed comfy hat haha. You can pretty much distress anything with the foot scrubber & age items with the darkening of the tea! I also like that it's natural & not messy..win win?, I THINK SO! Have you ever aged anything? 

Happy Monday, pals!

As always THANK YOU for stopping in on my little growing blog. I know everyone says something like this, but I honestly appreciate each of you for sharing my posts, commenting etc....I'm not the biggest or most popular blogger, but I am humble, real & practical ,and  hopefully helpful or inspiring in someway :). 

***You can find me here for updates & more ,or SUBSCRIBE on the right side of my blog for FREE & direct updates right to your mail...

• https://www.instagram.com/thequaintsanctuary/
• https://www.pinterest.com/mrsmusleh/
• https://www.facebook.com/TheQuaintSanctuary/?ref=bookmarks

Paige.Rose

{ Decorating Spaces: The Process & Helpful Steps Defined! }

Hi pals!! So by this time in my blogging career the posts are pretty running together in my head but one post I don't think I've ever published was one about the actual decor process before you guys see the post go live! Yes, of course I've done mini posts like this for the holidays but not one with just a non holiday frenzy on how to decorate etc.. I wanted to take the time today to sit down & explain what all goes into me changing out spaces/ decorating a new space! I get asked a lot how I change things out so often & quickly & honestly for the most part that is NOT the case. Yes, I do little switch- ups of throw pillows etc.. here & there but when redoing a space it takes more than an hour & definitely more than a day to plan, style, tweak, photograph, edit & hit PUBLISH for you guys!! What I'm basically saying in so many words is "Don't be hard on yourself" if you can't get a space exactly the way you want it instantly or effortlessly. For most of us bloggers etc.. this is our business & career just like interior stylist & designers so we've got tips & tricks to execute it or make it look simple.
 Sit back, grab something cold & see how I do this whole thing the real way...

 

1- Gather Inspiration.

 This is one of the first things I do when wanting a new look or thinking of changing things up in a space. I gather Inspiration from several different areas to help me start the process. I use apps like Pinterest or search Google, magazines, bloggers & ask opinions of friends/ family. All these things combined help me get a look going in my early stages.

2-  Make a List of Items.

The second thing I like to do is make a list of the things I want to change in the current space or want to buy. Keeping the list of things help me keep things organized & not only that, but they help me remember what I need if I find something while out shopping!!

3- Purchase & Gather Goods.

The third thing you can probably already guess, but would be to purchase, thrift, diy or junk for new items you want for the space. I can honestly say that I use items from ALL over with different resources. Because of my style I like to use a lot of vintage items mixed with new items. This gives a nice balance with still achieving the cozy feel I love in our home. Not everything needs to be new or expensive to finish a space. Use resources like Craigslist, estate sales, flea markets etc..

4- Decorating.
 Finally what you've been waiting for since brainstorming this..DECORATE!! This step is finally the part I look forward too also!! Even if I've already added new things to the space or changed some bigger things up { wallpaper, shiplap, windows, trim etc..} first this is the most fun part for any designer or bloggers...I promise! It's when your vision comes to life essentially.

5- Let things Soak in.
This is the part that either gets me or concludes that what I originally created is what I wanted. I let spaces that I just changed up sit for a few days, even a week before I photograph them. This has happened to me so many times that I lost count & stopped photographing them immediately. I could love the space, but the next day after I've already shot it that I wanted/needed to add something or switch out some minor detail I remembered. This obviously is different for clients.

6- Photograph it.
This  part needs to be perfect & actually the part I take the most time & detail on aside from putting it together initially. Photos will show EVERY detail you don't want shown. I discovered this the hard way haha..eek! Make sure details such as light, dirt, wrinkles, shadows, threads etc.. are all tidy as much as possible { I'm no professional at this }. The cleaner the photograph the less editing...

 

7- Publish on the Blog.
 The part that you guys get to see- THE BLOG! This is the most rewarding part of the process. I love being able to help someone love their sanctuary. It doesn't matter if you live in a 500sqft studio or a 5000sqft home. Making a home cozy is the ultimate goal for most & why wouldn't it be?! Home is where you rejuvenate & spend most of your time. It needs to reflect you in your special way. Writing up & demonstrating home decor & ideas is my passion. The blog & posts allow me to keep doing this & it's ALL thanks to you guys!

 

I hope you guys liked this more in depth kind of post. I like to  publish informative material as well as decor, styling & DIY content. What do you think about this process? Do you use any of these tips or steps?

Happy Wednesday!

As always THANK YOU for stopping in on my little growing blog. I know everyone says something like this, but I honestly appreciate each of you for sharing my posts, commenting etc....I'm not the biggest or most popular blogger, but I am humble, real & practical ,and  hopefully helpful or inspiring in someway :). 

***You can find me here for updates & more ,or SUBSCRIBE on the right side of my blog for FREE & direct updates right to your mail...

• https://www.instagram.com/thequaintsanctuary/
• https://www.pinterest.com/mrsmusleh/
• https://www.facebook.com/TheQuaintSanctuary/?ref=bookmarks

Paige.Rose

{ Cozy Summer Entryway Drop Zone Refresh.. }

You know those spaces that you just can't get right because of one little aspect that either isn't worked in correctly or because of light or BOTH?! Well, this space is BOTH of those, and I'm being daring showing you this space with both of those elements working against me...please be nice haha! So this front entrance of ours isn't super small, but it's not huge either..I do like that there is a separation from the kitchen & living room , BUT I despise that it's two levels { you walk up a step } & it's not centered!! For someone with OCD that is  a big NO ha. I also can't ever center anything with the drop zone organizer because of the ledge step-up...I came up with something the other day that kind of helps this space look more cohesive & I played around with it because it needed some love for summer..I mean it is the first space you see when you enter the house...Anyways come see this new bench & the front entrance refresh!!

 

  

I had a theme just like most of my posts..I wanted it to be super cottagey with tons of boxwood greenery, woods & some rustic black mixed in. The rustic black came from the sign & our front door because it needs to be painted SO BAD! I mean see how I made that work to my advantage...kinda ha!

 

This organizer isn't huge by any means but it's sturdy, was a free find { Pottery Barn } & just needed some chalk paint! Perfect for this little entryway of ours & we actually use it EVERYDAY! From keys, sweaters, sunglasses etc..We USE it, I promise ha..Even the glass mason jars have a purpose- loose change collectors!

   

Sources: 

The lantern is from @HomeGoods, planter is Rae Dunn, signs are both from Hobby Lobby, crocks are vintage finds, stool vintage thrift, hat is Gap & greenery is from all over.

 

My favorite part of this little entry is this new { old } bench!! My mom was out junking Memorial Day weekend & kindly surprised me with 3 little chippy different stools..Yay! This one was my favorite because of the color of the wood, size & it's wide for our "everyday" shoe basket & my backpack etc..It truly is a nice drop zone & for the larger items the closet is the right of the front door which is pretty big for storage!

 

  

" You can't be old and wise, if you are not young and crazy". I've featured this sign before, but it was one of our first purchases for our condo as 21 year old babies. I gave it a little rustic makeover since, but it's still one of our favs & so true!

 

I hope you guys liked this little drop area ours! Even spaces I don't care for the most I need to make cozy & functional for us & this is one of those spaces! It's fresh, clean & gets used which is the main thing. So no matter the size, budget or awkwardness of a space..make it work for you or your family & make it PRETTY!!! I promise it will make you love it even more!!

Happy Wednesday!

As always THANK YOU for stopping in on my little growing blog. I know everyone says something like this, but I honestly appreciate each of you for sharing my posts, commenting etc....I'm not the biggest or most popular blogger, but I am humble, real & practical ,and  hopefully helpful or inspiring in someway :). 

***You can find me here for updates & more ,or SUBSCRIBE on the right side of my blog for FREE & direct updates right to your mail...

• https://www.instagram.com/thequaintsanctuary/
• https://www.pinterest.com/mrsmusleh/
• https://www.facebook.com/TheQuaintSanctuary/?ref=bookmarks

Paige.Rose

{ Cozy Summer Indoor & Outdoor IKEA Decor }

Hey pals thanks for dropping back in!! I hope your weekend was amazing!!! Ours was packed for the first part with some fun with my sister + niece & family..Michigan finally has some awesome weather these last few days & even my sensitive- sun loving body got outside...and of course decorated some spots needing some TLC from our harsh l o n g winter!! I was taking a mental note of what I wanted to add while browsing our gardens & playing with the blooms & then the online shopping kicked in hahaha. I ended up on the IKEA website because they have affordable, durable indoor/ outdoor decor that I know I could use all summer & use both inside & outside easily!! Anyways I thought of you guys & put together some summer essentials from IKEA..Come take a peak!!

** Direct links provided!

1. Graslok

  

2. Hjartelig

 

3.Graslok

4. Harliga

5. Himalayamix

6. Ikea PS 2014 Greenhouse

7.  Lallerod

8.Satsumas

 9.Lindved

 10. Pachira Plant

 

11. Socker

 12 .Gladom

I hope you guys gathered a bunch of ideas from these goods! I love that they are so versatile! Which one was your favorite?

Happy Monday!

As always THANK YOU for stopping in on my little growing blog. I know everyone says something like this, but I honestly appreciate each of you for sharing my posts, commenting etc....I'm not the biggest or most popular blogger, but I am humble, real & practical ,and  hopefully helpful or inspiring in someway :). 

***You can find me here for updates & more ,or SUBSCRIBE on the right side of my blog for FREE & direct updates right to your mail...

• https://www.instagram.com/thequaintsanctuary/
• https://www.pinterest.com/mrsmusleh/
• https://www.facebook.com/TheQuaintSanctuary/?ref=bookmarks

Paige.Rose

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