Monday, October 20, 2008

Good Bye Apple Green



I usually change out all my throw pillows in summer for ones that are more garden themed and I take down the heavier drapes and hang sheers. I had the same JC Pennedy sheers for about 7 years and last year they really started to look a raggedy, so I found these great Pottery Barn white and apple green curtains at the PB Outlet.


Hello my red toile! I changed out my pillows to the toile ones a few weeks ago but over the weekend I did the curtains.




Changing out my curtains to reflect the change in seasons is one of my favorite things to do as it really changes the look of my living room and makes me wipe down my blinds and clean my windows. I didn't realize they (the windows) were so dirty until I cleaned them! I have windows that pull out so you can clean the outside - I don't know why I don't do it more often-it's so easy. There's nothing like sparkly clean windows to let in the sunshine! I'll definitely be keeping up with this chore more frequently.



I finished my second bookcase over the weekend - here are a few pictures.



Here's the top. I changed out everything except the plant (and its real). I've had that philodendron for over 20 years! I don't usually use a lot of faux greenery just because I don't like dusting it!





Those are really inexpensive IKEA magazine organizers which I love! These are the magazines that I keep intact because I use them for reference all the time. It's a very clean look that I like since the books are so colorful.


This week I'm working on this cabinet - changing out the paper and putting out my fall dishes




38 comments:

Anonymous said...

I absolutely love your curtains and you did a great job on your bookshelves.

Fran said...

Everything looks so fresh and clean! The curtains are beautiful. And I know what you mean about keeping magazines for reference. My "reference" runneth over!

Once again you have inspired me to do some changing up!

Fran

Suzann said...

Lookin' Good!

Vee said...

So nice! Love the red toile and now you've gotten to me with the backing thing. I'm wondering if I can put fabric over some foam core and set it at the back of some bookshelves where the back shows a lot. Darn it, Manuela! I have a lot to think about now...thanks. ;>

Jen - Balancing Beauty and Bedlam said...

Doesn't it feel great to be so productive. We are consumed in football season every Saturday with our boys, and I am not getting anything done. Every week - further behind and I am counting the weeeks til they're done.

Adrienne said...

Hi Manuela -
When you're finished with your changes, would you come help me? Your home looks so nice. I love the changes in accessories for the season. I change a lot of mine but I don't window coverings and pillows for warm and cool seasons yet. Hopefully I can work on that through this next year! We've been too busy with life!!!
~Adrienne~

ROXY said...

Looks great....as always:) Thanks for sharing Manuela!

Momto5 RachelJoy Photography said...

lovely lovely.

Paula said...

Dear Manuela,

I love the red toile curtains, they are so pretty!!! Your bookshelf look wonderful! I love how you have it arranged. I agree about keeping the windows clean, ours open the same way and it is so much nicer when both sides are kept clean.

Your home is beautiful! Thank you for sharing. Paula

Rhondi said...

Hi Manuela
Everything looks great. It's fun when you can change things around and not spend any money isn't it? I LOVE red toile. I have it on the dining room chairs. Right now I am trying to figure out what I can do in the bedroom to cosy it up a little for fall without spending any money.
I am doing some much overdue updating on my blgo and have added you to my "Blogs I Love to Visit" because I do love to visit you!
Hugs, Rhondi :)

GlorV1 said...

You are just so organized. Come and clean my house, thank you. :) Everything looks so neat, you make me want to do the same. Thx so much. See you later.

Tara said...

I love the red toile...I've been dying to make pillows in red toile...your bookcases are so nice, when I get around to mine I'll be using you for inspiration!

I have the same windows and as easy as they are, they don't get cleaned nearly as often as they shoudl either!!

ShabbyInTheCity said...

Love it all Manuela! Any season your home is beautiful.

Salmagundi said...

You inspire me to get up and do something!!! My windows are horrendous right now; but it is cold and dreary today. Maybe tomorrow. Thanks for the inspiration. Sally

Anonymous said...

It is so amazing to me how you make small changes and it transforms your home into another beautiful look..... what an inspiration you are....... and so very tidy.... I love that...
Hugs
Linda

Unknown said...

Hi Manuela,
Your bookcases look great..so neat and organized yet pretty too!
Thanks for sharing.
Diane

Susie Homemaker said...

Oohh, the apple green was so pretty...but the toile...I love toile! I change curtains for the fall and winter too...a little heavier, cozier...nice!

Susie

julie & joe said...

I love the toile! I want blue in my dinning room. I think it all looks beautiful.

AJ said...

You are one busy girl!!! Love everything, especially the curtains:)

Lady Katherine said...

Toile curtians!! You have out did yourself. I love the engery you have the bookshelves look great!!

Debbie said...

I love the toile curtains. When we moved into this house, one of the first things I did was wash the windows. One of my new neighbors came over to introduce himself and told me that was the first time in years the windows on this house had been washed!

Debbie in Florida

Sue said...

Love the red curtains...and thanks for mentioning the magazine organizers from Ikea. I'm making a trip down there in a week or two and that is exactly what I could use for all my Gourmets...if you haven't seen in the paper they are having a Christmas Market at Atlantic Station next month thru Christmas...always a fun thing during the holidays...

Sue said...

I came here via Kelli's Blog and I really have enjoyed my visit.

It's so wonderful to see other people who love homemaking, and who create a beautiful place in which to live. (I miss my SAHM days... Sigh.)

Thanks for sharing your world here, Manuela. I'll be back!

Missy Wertz said...

Great job on everything M. Love what you did.

I use flylady zones. I try to clean the windows & blinds in each zone once a month. Doesn't always happen, but does about 75 % of the time. Really does make the cleaning faster and easier the more frequent you are. But sometime 'life' and 'work' does get in the way!

Angie said...

Those toile curtains are beautiful and the bookcases look so clean and organized. Can't wait to see what you do to the awesome cabinet!

JPG said...

Hi Manuela:

I stumbled across your blog last week. I think it is wonderful. I remember your former blog very well. I'm glad you're back sharing with all of us.

I share your spiritual perspective, love your decorating ideas and particularly like that you do everything in a frugal manner. It is fairly easy to buy perfect curtains and furniture at full price and have a room look nice. It takes a homemaker genius to do what you do on a reduced income. This is what happens when women remain "busy at home."

I've added you to my blog roll. Keep up your wonderful contributions and great example to "Blogland."

All the best,

Annie at the View from 256
http://theviewfrom256.blogspot.com/

Kathleen Grace said...

I like apple green. A lot. But red and toile are two of the happiest words in the english language. Love the curtains! The bookshleves look beautiful. I like to do fall cleaning more than spring cleaning. Just the idea of being stuck indoors motivates me to get busy.

Cyndi said...

Wow everything looks great! Love the red. I'm working on a red toile slipcovered chair that I hope will pop over to see. I hope to post next week. Thank you again for your past advise on my wall clock question, love that idea.

Melissa @ The Inspired Room said...

Manuela, I love your fall rituals. Your house is looking so cozy with your changes. I have just been catching up here, as always I love your posts! I am always inspired to change over some things when I see what you are up to.

Enjoy the change of seasons!

Blessings,
Melissa

Susie Q said...

How beautiful it all looks.I adore red toile and your home is just so warm and inviting. Youhave a gift for decorating.
You are always an inspiration to me!

Rue said...

Hi Manuela :)

I love that you change things for the season. I've never done it with drapery, but I do with pillows and throws. Your home looks beautiful and I'm loving the bookshelf tutorial :)

hugs,
rue

Carla said...

How smart AND pretty! Love your cream of --- soup recipe! thank you for sharing!

Rosemary said...

I love everything you do.
Love red!!!
Have fun,
Rosemary

Simply Me Art said...

I do the same Manuela, I switch out pillow covers, cushions and accessories! It really is a nice change.

American Homemaker said...

I love your decorating style!

sheila from life @ #17 said...

and now your home is alllll Autumned Up :)

I'm going to work on mine when I'm a little more, um, togetherish :)

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

What a great idea - switching out your curtains for the season. I have those same toile ones in my master bedroom! Your book cases look great.
xo
P

Kasey said...

I love your blog. What cool ideas.