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Bower Power

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Taking a stand

OUR 2nd HOUSE

Itchy.  That’s how I would describe my spraypaint finger. 

It’s been dying to spray something.  ANYTHING.  I just didn’t need it to take a lot of time.  or effort.  or time.  or time.  did I mention time because yeah…running short on that lately. 

So it struck me that I could spruce up the reading room with just a little organization and a can of paint.  Remember our sitting room right off the foyer that I dubbed “the reading room”?  Yeah.  Not much reading has gone on in there lately.  It’s more like “beware of the stray boob room”.  Yup.  A whole lotta breastfeeding going on.  Since it’s so serene, I just plop on a chair and try to relax while wrangling Westons bobbly head with one hand and a milk spritzing boob with the other and watch Will ride his bike in circles around the foyer table.  Ahh the glamorous life of a stay at home mommy 🙂     

(was that enough TMI for one day?!  okgood.)

So back to my spraypainting.  I wasn’t digging the color of the plant stand near the window.  I am pretty sure that the plant was petitioning me to change the hue too.  I’m fairly certain that it was the plant stands fault that the lily was drooping.  It was frowning.

The stand was a thrift store find.  I think it was just over five bones if I remember correctly. 

So during a recent visit to Lowe’s I picked up a can of this Valspar paint in gray.  I have no idea what name it is.  Lightish gray?

A few coats later, we have a newly finished plant stand.  It’s so much better.  I might dip the legs later just to add a little spice.  I might even add stripes if I’m feeling extra crazy.  You never know.  It might get wilder than a toddlers Wiggles themed birthday party up in here.  

Oh and you may have noticed the curtains.  It’s actually just the one big piece of fabric draped over the curtain rod.  I haven’t decided what I’m doing yet as far as window treatments…so it’s a faux curtain at this point.  Fake it till I make it.  literally. 

And I also spruced up the bookshelves.  They needed a little organization…this whole house needs a little organization.  put that on the list.  At least now this room isn’t totally embarrassing. 

So my spraypaint finger is still itchy…a little less now…but still…I really love spraypainting things.  especially when I’m not wearing a mask.  I know. I know.  A dare devil.  I have a stash of wood frames that I need to tackle…maybe that’s my next painting project…maybe not…I’ll have to ask my two little dictators 🙂

Have y’all been spraying anything lately?  I must admit that when the Christmas season gets going, I tend to get completely overwhelmed with holiday stuff and end up doing stuff that helps me get nowhere on my must-do list.  It’s the curse of the productive-but-not-on-task.  I get stuff done…just not the stuff I need to get done.  Someone please tell me that they are also plagued with that type of procrastination!  Make me feel a little normal.  That’s a real gift for a homeschooler like me 🙂

p.s.  I have no idea what color the room is…I’ll find out one day 🙂

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  2. That fabric is beautiful! The plant stand looks much better and I like the way you organized/styled the bookcase, but that fabric takes the prize! 🙂

  4. Looking good! Where did y’all get the fabric for the window? What’s it called? It would be perfect for one of our rooms.

  5. I love the curtian fabric. It looks so awesome in that room!!! Don’t worry Katie, my house isn’t totally decorated for Christmas yet, no presents wrapped, no lights outside. Procrastination loves company.

  7. Glad your itch got scratched, if only temporarily, lol. Glad you mentioned that fabric because I noticed it right away because I love it. Would you care to share what fabric that is and from where? BTW – like the result of your itch being scratched. Looks nice and crisp now. I’m thinking that the plant agrees. 🙂 Merry Christmas!

  8. I LOVE that fabric for the curtains! It looks great!

    As for the productive procrastination…I’ve gotcha covered. I was nagging my husband to let us do photo Christmas cards this year, to which he said yes when I discovered a great Groupon deal. Then the cards came…and I did anything but sign and address them. I wrapped presents, I cleaned the house, I baked, and took the dog to the groomer, you name it. So last night he sat me down with a glass of wine and said: “finish these.” So I did. Begrudgingly. Glad someone else is in the club, too!

    Merry Christmas!

  9. I’m loving this room!!! Do you know where you got the fabric? Those curtains would look awesome in my master bedroom!! Thanks!

  10. 2013 Resolution: Try Spray Paint. You’d think as a DIY blogger I’d be all over the stuff, but I’m a spray paint virgin. The Bower’s and the Petersik’s have officially peer pressured me into crossing over. Also definitely dip the legs! That would look fantastic!

  11. Ok I love your first paragraph. Since baby #2 is due in January I appreciate your realism about your kiddos. Plus, I can totally imagine sitting there picking out that table to spraypaint! 🙂 Thanks for blogging like you do. My hubby laughs at me cause I talk about you like your my only “mom” friend. He claimed bonus points for remembering Will’s name.

  12. I thought you’d appreciate this little story:

    I work in a flooring store…meaning I work with tile every day. I had someone call in that bought tile and they were IRATE when we told them they had to cut it with a wet saw because they were thought they could cut it with a box cutter.

    Here’s your sign.

  13. I thought you’d appreciate this little story:

    I work in a flooring store…meaning I work with tile every day. I had someone call in that bought tile and they were IRATE when we told them they had to cut it with a wet saw because they thought they could cut it with a box cutter.

    Here’s your sign.

  15. I love the curtains – go for it! Did you d-i-y the rug? I have been looking for a similar rug for our family room and am having trouble finding one in my price range….

  17. I’m so glad I’m not the only one who does lots of things, just not the ones on the To-do List!!! My list is long but I’m having lots of fun doing it! And a few other things, too, just for good measure!

  18. I love that fabric. The legs would look amazing dipped in gold. (Just the bottoms). YOu can see my spraypaint fix here: http://www.refreshandrepurpose.blogspot.com/2012/12/silver-gold.html
    I have been in the Christmas spirit but also trying to plan for a 1 year birthday blow out! It’s gonna be a big time! Oh and as for drapes….I just finished (haven’t even blogged about them yet) some pinch pleats drapes…big OLD pain in the rear…but I do love them!

  19. I second that. Love the fabric. And I’ve totally been productive at Christmas stuff which = not so productive at almost everything else. But the holidays come and go so fast that I’m trying to enjoy this time.

  20. I’m curious how breastfeeding is going this time around? I am due with my first in February, trying to prepare myself for the possibility of a less than awesome bf experience. It is anxiety inducing.

  21. I organized the linen closet last night instead of: 1) cleaning and making the guest rooms for the family coming on Saturday, 2) packing for the 4 night trip we are taking starting Sunday, or 3) finish xmas shopping because I’m a goober who lost track of time.

    Procrastinating-by-doing-other-productive-things?? I don’t know what you’re talking about.

    I used to put off studying in college by cooking. My roommates were ok with that.

    ps- I LOVE that fabric for curtains in that room! pulls everything together and totally looks like a professionally styled room!!

  22. Oh yes. This weekend instead of cooking I have big plans to clean out my closet and catalog every votive and entertaining platter I have. Seems like that’s more important than you know, spending time with family, wrapping presents, and planning/making Christmas dinner.

  23. I like it better, but I think it would have also looked great with a pop of color like red. Of course I say this only because I love red 🙂

  25. I love that fabric – do you know what it’s called? I’ve been looking for something with those colors for a bedspread, and since I’m hoping Santa brings me a sewing machine I may get on a DIY version!

  27. I am the Queen of procrastination. I always have eben and think I always will be. I feel like I work best under pressure I guess. At least my mom agree with me. She likes to bring up when I waited until 10 days before my wedding to pick out the flowers. I apparently give her anxiety but I aways get it done. Of course like you I am not sure why I want to start painting a table and chair set for my little one this weekend, when I still have shopping to do, haven’t started wrapping a thing and need to clean the house for Xmas eve guests. I have the table and chairs for 8 years. I was going to paint them for a friend that had twins ad hen found something else to give them.

  30. That stand looks much better! I love your bright sunny reading room – what a great place to hang out with your boys. I’ll admit I’m in awe of your home-decorating-while-raising-small-kids skills. I’ve always been a DIYer, but we adopted twin babies last month and things are a general wreck around here. Like a genius, I ripped up our guest bathroom in the middle of November “because we weren’t adopting any babies anytime soon and I needed a distraction.” We got one-weeks notice to adopt our twins within a couple of days. Life is good, but the bathroom’s a wreck :-).

  31. The fabric is beautiful and looks perfect with the rest of the room, so I say go for some long curtains!

  32. I love that room! I kind of forgot it was in your house. The curtain fabric looks great, too. I say go ahead and make em! When you have time that is.
    I for one liked your TMI for today.. I’m having my first baby in a little over a month and still no one has talked to me about how breastfeeding can be hard! So I love your honesty about motherhood – all of it! And your post about how breastfeeding was the mother of all pain was great for me.. I feel more prepared now. It probably won’t be easy! And that’s ok. Because my baby needs me and it’s worth it. Right?! Ha 🙂

  33. I LOVE that fabric!! I was just thinking how great that would be in my living room!! Mail it to me if your plans don’t work out! :O)

  34. I am so impressed with what you’ve done in there. It doesn’t look at all like a neglected room. It’s cozy and personal and perfect. LOVE!

  35. You’re totally not alone in procrastinating the must do items by doing other projects. My husband excels at this (or else we just have very different must do lists). I have learned to thank him for doing something, even if it’s not what I wanted him to do. 🙂

  36. I love the plant stand…and the “fabric” drapes. I would definitely dip the legs….perhaps in a darker blue.

  37. I think this is my favorite room in your house. Yes, better than the bacon room–err kitchen. Love the colors, plant stand, and oh man, those “curtains” are ridiculous! 🙂 happy christmas!

  38. Hi Katie…just curious what the name of your fabric is? Where did you buy it? I love it!!

    Thanks!
    Cameron

  39. Love those last pictures with the new fabric- like right out of a magazine! That fabric is fab- really helps tie everything together! I feel you on the procrastination! (and we don’t even have kids, yet). I don’t know how you moms do it!

  40. Oh, and the boob thing- I died laughing. That’s why I keep coming back. (your humor, not your boobs) 🙂

  41. I love the fabric too! Do you have any more information about it (store, designer name, etc.)? I like that it’s an organic style with flowers, but not super-floral, if that makes sense?

  42. I do the same thing when I feel overwhelmed. I’ve been known to write a WHOLE BUNCH of back-up blog posts… or re-organize the closet… or change out all the pictures in the frames… when I really should be vacuuming or dusting or grocery shopping 🙂

  43. Love the fabric! I vote long curtains with that fabric just like faux version. My fave bower room now! What is the fabric name I may need to copy 🙂

  44. Your “after” pictures in this post look 100 percent like magazine shots! I actually read more closely after I saw the first one, thinking that it was an inspiration pic that you added in to show what you were going for. Love this project!

  46. Totally have that same kind of procrastination….drives the husband crazy, but oh! the other things I get done!!!

  50. Love the new look! A few weeks ago I helped get some decor ready for my church’s Christmas services. The theme is “Light has Come,” so we’re stringing up lots of lightbulbs. We spray painted some bulbs gold, a few bronze, and there will be clear bulbs up, too. Should be pretty great!

  51. A friend who lives up north was saying how its practically impossible to spray paint anything during the winter and I felt so sad for her! WHAT DO PEOPLE DO WITHOUT SPRAYPAINT?!?!?!

    Ahem. Love the plant stand, and obsessing over the fabric.

  53. I’m spraying a dining room table and 3 chairs that I scored off Craigslist. I’m going to stain the top and paint the legs a lightish grey (gray? I’m American)…..the chairs have that weird wicker seat in like a woven pattern…can I spray that? Do you think it will crack in time? I’m debating seat cushons. I don’t really want them but if it’s a must I will. I can email you pics when I’m done.

  54. Faking it until you make it is definitely DEFINITELY working in here. Yowza! Looks lovely. Spray painting IS so fun. I spray painted some little binder clips and now they are posh and hold our Christmas cards so merrily.

    http://www.chrislovesjulia.com/2012/12/diy-easiest-card-holder-ever.html

    Although, it just got so, so cold here so I may have to hold off on any more spray painting until spring. Living vicariously through your itchy fingers. …. …. that just doesn’t sound right.

  55. That fabric makes the room all come together!!!! Please let us know what pattern it is. 🙂 puhleeeze???

  60. Hi Katie,
    I know that itch!! My whole body gets up a wobble.A wise Bower, via a blog taught me the BLISSFUL joys
    of spray painting…anything! I learned all this while breast feeding my son at the time. He is now 4.
    Time and time again as a Mum of two boys, my 2nd is now 2. It has kept me SANE. It really has. That small feeling of accomplishment. As long as their is unmasked spray painting going on we have a chance my friend of not being complete nutters. Thank you for the lessons.
    Sandy xo

  61. Hi Katie,
    I know that itch!! My whole body gets up a wobble.A wise Bower, via a blog taught me the BLISSFUL joys
    of spray painting…anything! I learned all this while breast feeding my son at the time. He is now 4.
    Time and time again as a Mum of two boys, my 2nd is now 2. It has kept me SANE. It really has. That small feeling of accomplishment. As long as there is unmasked spray painting going on, we have a chance my friend of not being complete nutters. Thank you for the lessons.
    Sandy xo

  62. OMG, I have to have that drapery fabric…can you provide a link or other info by which I could source it? Gorgeous room!!!

  63. I think productive procrastination is a great way to deal with the stress of the stuff you really need to get to. At least that is what I tell myself, and I’m president of the National Assoc. of Procrastinators. We’ll meet…tomorrow.

  67. I totally understand being productive but not-on-task. I needed to spend this week finishing my Christmas shopping, doing some holiday baking and wrapping presents, but instead I refinished an entire bedroom set worth of furniture!

  68. Oh, you are too funny. I have a 16-month old boy and a 3-month old boy. Your description of feeding the baby (boob squirting, head bobbing) and watching the older one was spot on! And I too am plagued with that type of procrastination. I get stuff done, but it wasn’t on the list. I then write it on the list, just to cross it off. I almost wondered if it was my personal version of ADD.

  69. LOVE! the fabric goes well with the plant stand, think it’s a keeper 🙂 the room looks so stylish and cozy!

  70. Can I be first in line to take that fabric off your hands when you make other curtains? I love it!!!

  71. I love the fabric of the faux curtain! And the plant stand looks much better. It would be fun if when John and Sherry are in Atlanta in Feb. they could help with a project or help finish a room! The last project I did with spray paint was a pinecone wreath (saw it on Pinterest, of course). I sprayed a grapevine wreath and some pineccones white, glued them on to the wreath then sprayed it all with glitter. Glued a few faux cardinals on and called it done.

  72. I love the fabric of the faux curtain! And the plant stand looks much better. It would be fun if when John and Sherry are in Atlanta in Feb. they could help with a project or help finish a room! The last project I did with spray paint was a pine cone wreath (saw it on Pinterest, of course). I sprayed a grapevine wreath and some pine cones white, glued them on to the wreath then sprayed it all with glitter. Glued a few faux cardinals on and called it done.

  73. I like this because my spray finger is totally itching too. Also, I sort of love the faux curtains. Like, why haven’t I thought of that? And I will probably never have real curtains ever again.

  75. I have this list of things to get done before Christmas Eve on the fridge and paint the bedroom is on it. I painted a room.. but it was the dining room. Was, “paint the dining room” on the list? Uh, no. Glad I’m not the only one who is not on the list productive. Sigh.

  76. You are SO not alone with the whole procrastination thing. My house has looked like a bomb went off in it. Making my own laundry detergent, organizing the playroom and rearranging cabinets and closets was WAY more important that actually figuring out what we are going to eat for Christmas and getting gifts bought and wrapped. Especially considering that we are HOSTING Christmas this year. Yeah, I feel ya.

    As far as the plant stand goes, WOW, it looks so good! I have been trying to decide this week if I wanted to paint two CL chairs that I bought that are the same color as the plant stand. I am now thinking that paint is definitely the way to go. If only I could decide on a color. They gray is perfect in your room and the fabric really makes the room.

    Way to go, Katie.

  78. That would be fun! Usuallly we are always swamped with figuring out shopping posts and activities and Pinterest Challenge stuff 🙂
    xo – kb

  85. I reeeeally like that curtain fabric. Wish we had nice fabric like that around here! The new plant stand colour was a nice tweak to the room too. 🙂

  86. I checked…it’s not. I have some scraps with it and I plan on color matching…after all the other stuff gets done 🙂
    xo – kb

  102. Katie I just want to tell you I love your TMI moments. You’re not afraid to be yourself and tell it like it is. Keep on being you – weird, wonderful, and inspiring. Thanks!

  103. i got to say, when i saw the title…i thought you would discuss a MAJOR problem that’s going on in your country. #20babyangels #guncontrolnow

  106. What a beautiful room! I thought the reading room was maybe where you put what looks like a PB Beni Ourain rug (seen via Instagram) but I guess we’ll still have to wait and see where that is 🙂 Can you give any hints???

  108. Because we all know that if we don’t write about it that means we don’t care. All or nothing, right?

    I’m the mama of two little boys (I just got back from their school parties). A little joy and diversion is exactly what I need right now. That said, I’ve already written my representatives sharing my opinions which I will not disclose via hashtags…

    My heart is broken for those parents who will never get to brush their child’s hair out of their eyes, or watch them play, or be there at the dining room table with while they do their homework. I can’t speak for anyone else that posts, but I can say that I think your outrage is a bit misguided.

  109. The table looks great, and I love your blog. It’s a little bright spot in my day. No matter what you write about I look forward to your posts. Your sweet spirit is a blessing to me even though we’ve never met, and honestly you just crack me up, girl. 🙂 Merry Christmas!

  110. I do the exact same kind of procrastinating – every once in awhile it is just sitting in front of the tv procrastinating too though 🙁

  113. Love it! Also love the white fish sitting on the bookshelf. Is this something you made with the wonders of spray paint, or did you find it somewhere along the way?

  115. That fabric makes the room!!!! Turn them into curtains!
    And the plant stand looks lovely. I wouldn’t have thought to do gray, but it looks great against those curtains! Curtains…that is your next project. 🙂

  116. Thanx for the info. Holy moly, you aren’t kidding, that isn’t cheap at all. Ah well, at least you got a deal!

  117. I love the spray-painted plant stand!

    And those “faux curtains” are awesome! That pattern is unexpected, yet PERFECT for the space! You should definitely cut them to fit the windows,, add some curtain clips & rings, and hang them for real! 🙂

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