Tuesday, April 26, 2011

One Change Leads To Another

Happy Monday everyone, I hope you all had a wonderful Easter and weekend! I am pooped but so glad to be back! How many of you out there are like me when it comes to making a change, and once you make one it always leads to another! Well that's what happened after we finished our latest project the kitchen island. I had this valance in my kitchen that I purchased from country curtains a few years now. I still like it but wanted a change. I couldn't find anything that I really wanted for in here so I found material in Hobby Lobby that I really liked and I used my favorite natural ribbon from there too and had a valance made. Oh how I envy all you out there that know how to sew! I took it to our dry cleaners and the owner is also a seamstress, I explained the look I wanted and this is what she came up with. I love it and the best part is she only charged me $25!! I think I did good.

                                         Here's the Before

                                      And here's the After







Another change was my rooster rug that I had in front of my sink. I love it but being black I was vaccuming it everyday sometimes twice a day because it showed everything and that made me crazy! So I decided to go with a natural fiber rug that I ordered online from Rugs USA and I did a runner this time. Sorry for the poor before picture.

                                                 After
Thanks so much for stopping by, I always love your visits and sweet comments! Have a great week, Martina


Linking To: http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com


http://www.elements-interiors.net

http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/ 

http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com 

http://www.atthepicketfence.com 

http://www.myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/ 
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39 comments:

  1. Kim @ Savvy Southern StyleApril 25, 2011 at 2:25 PM

    Nice valance, Martina. That is great that you had your dry cleaners person make it. Love the webbing and nice rug.

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  2. Pam@OurAdventuresInHomeImprovementApril 25, 2011 at 2:31 PM

    I love the burlap on your valance. And the new rug. Your kitchen is beautiful!

    Welcome back. :)

    Pam

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  3. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsApril 25, 2011 at 2:36 PM

    You wouldn't think so in a kitchen, but that runner really makes a big difference, Martina! I like it, especially for the warmer months with the lighter color.

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  4. Sam | Away She WentApril 25, 2011 at 3:01 PM

    I love the valance! I've been planning to make something similar for my kitchen. I have 3 windows though, so I keep procrastinating!

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  5. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeApril 25, 2011 at 3:17 PM

    Love both the runner and the new valance. They look wonderful and the colors are perfect. Hugs, Marty

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  6. KarenApril 25, 2011 at 3:39 PM

    The rug and valance look great. I really like the jute webbing on the valance.

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  7. UnknownApril 25, 2011 at 4:22 PM

    That's what I'm doing today.. painting and working on the kitchen.. have a great day. loving the valence.

    Pattie

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  8. Lou Cinda @ Tattered HydrangeasApril 25, 2011 at 4:46 PM

    They both look great Martina! Love the valance and the rug is perfect! And yes, one thing ALWAYS leads to another! lol

    Lou Cinda

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  9. Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your HomeApril 25, 2011 at 4:47 PM

    Love them both, your valence and rug are wonderful!

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  10. FABBY'S LIVINGApril 25, 2011 at 4:49 PM

    Yep!...you did good with the valance and the runner! Both changes are perfect, plus you will have LESS work with the mat in a natural shade, please, I hate to vacum!!!
    Hope you had a nice Easter.
    FABBY

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  11. At The Picket FenceApril 25, 2011 at 7:54 PM

    Hi Martina! I am loving your changes and totally get what you are saying about the snowball effect in decorating. :-) Your new window treatment and rug are just beautiful! So, now what's next?? LOL!
    Vanessa

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  12. PamelaApril 25, 2011 at 7:55 PM

    Lovely valence and i love that rug Martina! I know what you mean about the black...having pets here that would show everything. I love sisal rugs they hide it all and look beautiful.
    Love your kitchen!!

    Pamela ox

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  13. {northern cottage}April 25, 2011 at 9:23 PM

    lovely lovely - it is so light and FRESHENED now.
    That runner rug makes all the difference!

    well done girlie!

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  14. Ann from On Sutton PlaceApril 25, 2011 at 9:27 PM

    This is such a great refreshed look. I am just figuring out that it doesn't have to be a major reno to make a difference! Very nice...~Ann

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  15. DebbiedoosApril 25, 2011 at 9:28 PM

    That is awesome Martina! I love the color, it really goes nicely in your kitchen.

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  16. Carolyn@Sweet Chaos HomeApril 25, 2011 at 10:14 PM

    Looks great, Martina! What a great idea to bring it to your dry cleaning person. I can't sew either... never thought to check with the dry cleaner. Thanks for the idea :) Oh, and I like the lighter rug, too.

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  17. DianeApril 25, 2011 at 11:57 PM

    Small changes but a big difference. At $25, that valance was a bargain and it looks amazing!

    That rug is perfect, too. I am in the market for a rug like that. I will have to check out that website!

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  18. Yvonne@StyleBurbApril 26, 2011 at 12:04 AM

    The new valance looks wonderful and goes perfectly with the new runner in front of the sink. It really lightens up your kitchen for summer. I know exactly what you mean about one change leading to another. It reminds me of the childrens' story, "If You Give A Mouse A Cookie".

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  19. AnnaApril 26, 2011 at 4:57 AM

    I prefer your new valance!I think you did good too!I love your kitchen.Hugs,
    Anna

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  20. Sharon Lee JohnsonApril 26, 2011 at 7:24 AM

    Your valance is lovely. The jute trim gives it a very French feel and the runner ties in beautifully. I remember telling you to relax during your break. It seems you ignored me! :) Welcome back. x Sharon

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  21. AnonymousApril 26, 2011 at 8:35 AM

    The rug and window treatment are wonderful, Martina.

    It's always one thing leads to another at our house too.:-)

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  22. Something Nice and PrettyApril 26, 2011 at 9:03 AM

    Love the rug and valance, both make a lighter, brighter kitchen for you!

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  23. SueApril 26, 2011 at 10:46 AM

    Your changes to the kitchen look fresh and springy Martina. I know what you mean about one thing leading to another! Fun changes for you in your kitchen.
    Have a great day.
    Sue

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  24. MarianneApril 26, 2011 at 10:53 AM

    Hi Martina,
    The window looks great! I just love changing out my window treatments. It looks real pretty in you kitchen!
    Marianne :)

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  25. Jane @ Jane's Junk and TreasuresApril 26, 2011 at 1:35 PM

    I LOVE it!!! What a great idea!!!!
    I love, love the valance!!!
    And the new rug, perfect!!

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  26. AnonymousApril 26, 2011 at 3:16 PM

    Hi Martina! I love both of your new pretties - your valance and the rug! You're so smart!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  27. Linda@Coastal CharmApril 26, 2011 at 4:54 PM

    Looking good...great looking window treatment and rug!!!

    Blessings,
    Linda

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  28. Ann-Marie ~ BramblyApril 26, 2011 at 6:16 PM

    It looks great and the rug was the perfect choice.

    Ann-Marie

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  29. awal.nyApril 26, 2011 at 6:47 PM

    The new curtain and rug look nice, less vaccuming is a good thing too. I think you will like the chalk paint once you get over the sticker shock.

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  30. Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️April 27, 2011 at 6:23 AM

    Great looking changes to your kitchen.

    Dee

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  31. Becca BertottiApril 27, 2011 at 6:04 PM

    Your new valance is beautiful !! And, the rug looks wonderful, too !! I'm sure you won't miss having to vacuum it once, if not twice, a day !! Thanks for sharing, Becca

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  32. Stephanie ~ Angelic AccentsApril 27, 2011 at 6:09 PM

    Love the valance, but then I love the older one, too! I know what you mean about the dark kitchen rug ~ mine has a dark green background ~ and I have white dogs!!!

    You have a beautiful kitchen. Thanks for sharing!

    Big TX Hugs,
    Stephanie
    Angelic Accents

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  33. Sherry @ No Minimalist HereApril 27, 2011 at 8:45 PM

    Hi Martina, Your changes are wonderful! I love the valance and rug. Thanks for joining my Open House party.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

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  34. SueApril 27, 2011 at 9:49 PM

    Is that upholstery webbing on your new valance? It's a fun addition! I know what you mean about a dark background rug- it can be a pain to keep clean because it shows every piece of lint. I have a solid red throw rug in our back hall- it shows everything. I think I'd be much happier with a neutral runner like yours. :-)

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  35. KarieApril 28, 2011 at 12:37 AM

    Looks great. Love the new valance and the rug. I know what you mean about the black showing everything. And you are right one thing leads to another. Funny how that happens. Karie

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  36. At The Picket FenceApril 29, 2011 at 5:16 PM

    Hi Martina! Just coming back over to thank you for linking up your lovely kitchen changes to the Inspiration Friday party this week!
    Vanessa

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  37. UnknownApril 29, 2011 at 10:48 PM

    Love the valance, you have a good eye for decorating! Come on over to The Cranky Queen & join in on the Mother's Day Giveaway! Ends May 1st...thanx for sharing...linked up with u via French Country Cottage,Tiffany

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  38. Courtney ~ French Country CottageMay 2, 2011 at 10:46 PM

    Love your pretty valance~ it's perfect for your window and love the rug too. What a pretty kitchen- love seeing it again! Thanks for sharing at FNF :)

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  39. AnonymousJuly 23, 2011 at 9:33 PM

    I like both the "before" and the "after!" I hear you on the black rugs - I have two in the kitchen and a living room rug that have black as the main color and goodness ... I'm vacuuming constantly. Your new rug should really wear well! You did good!

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I love reading your comments! Thanks so much for stopping by, Martina