Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Southern Hospitality's Top Projects of 2008 Party


Rhoda is having a before and after party and I thought I'd join in. Be sure to check out her blog to see more. Maybe you'll find a project you'll want to do this year!


First up is an old rusty tray that I painted white and then I painted a harlequin with a fleur di lis on it. The green is some leftover paint from when I painted my kitchen - it makes it easy to tie into my kitchen. The after is the top picture.



The next before and after is an old patio table and some chairs from the thrift store that we use on our screened in porch.







This is just a regular old binder that I used some scrapbook papers on that I use to organized my recipes.






The before of the small bookcase I use as a buffet in my dining room which I got at Hobby Lobby at the beginning of the year.





I painted it white.





Then last fall I decided to add that little curtain. I decided I needed more storage space not display space. So behind that curtain are all of my placemats, extra candlesticks, napkins, and cake stands!





My black china cabinet when it was sage green






Then I painted it black and distressed it.





At the end of last year I decided to cut out the divided window on the top and replace that with chickenwire. Better don't you think?





I like for even my coupon organizer to be pretty! So last year I glued some gift wrap on to a small file folder and set up my own categories. I'm still using it and it works great. I can't tell you how many people stop me in the grocery store to ask me where I got it!





I also painted the insides of my kitchen cabinets last year. That was a job! I painted the back yellow, I put some pretty green paper on the shelves and I painted the insides of the doors the same color as my walls. I love that surprise of color when I open my cabinets!




By now I'm sure you realize that paint is my BFF! A little side table that if you are a regular reader of my blog you've seen a million times with various things on it! Before I painted it white.

.



Those are storage jars from Target and I painted the lids almost the same color as my kitchen walls. I had a little sample pot from Benjamin Moore and wanted to use it up! I also covered a jar lid in fabric.



Not every project has to be a huge undertaking to have impact. I like to do little things to make ordinary objects just a little bit special!


I hope you enjoyed seeing some of the things I did last year. I have a lot planned for this year so stay tuned!




76 comments:

Cindy said...

I love all your makeovers! Isn't it amazing to look back at all we did! It gets me really excited to see what can get done in 2009!

Georgia Girl said...

WOW..I remember some of those projects...maybe this year I will try my hand in something...gotta start to even get better so thanks for sharing.

Jen - Balancing Beauty and Bedlam said...

I remember so many of them, and was excited to see a new one that I must have missed the first time around. Beautiful!

Stacey said...

Great projects! I love how you took some small objects and made them beautiful.

I need to work on my patio set...you've provided some inspiration!

Julia @ Hooked on Houses said...

Hi, Manuela! I have those Target jars but never would've thought to paint them. How clever! I always love seeing what creative things you come up with.

Mary Ellen said...

These are great ideas! I love the before and after pictures. Thanks. I plan on doing my recipe binder. Thanks for the inspiration!

Decor To Adore said...

What amazing transformations ~ well done!

Kathleen Grace said...

alwayss always love your projects! The little hutch with the chicken wire is my favorite!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful projects, Manuela! We both made over patio sets this year :)

Amber B. said...

Love all of those ideas. What a fun idea to paint the inside of your cabinets. Of course, I also need to paint the OUTSIDE of mine! ha!

Rue said...

Good morning Manuela :)

I always love your projects, because they turn out so amazing and you make it look effortless. I love how you did the inside of your cabinets and you know I love the chairs with the numbers :)

hugs,
rue

Angie said...

I love the things you did last year!! Your kitchen cabinets are so pretty and I love the cabinet with chicken wire. Great job!! Good luck with your projects this year!!

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Great projects, Manuela! Love that little tray & I don't remember seeing it before. Maybe it was when you were on hiatus. :) You've really accomplished a lot last year & we both sure love the paint, don't we?! Thanks for playing along, it's so fun to see a recap of what everyone was up to.

Rhonda said...

What a fun post! You must really feel like you accomplished so much when you see it all together.

I am at work - but I want to go home and paint something now.

Missy Wertz said...

All of your projects and makeovers are great M! Love them.

Anonymous said...

Love your cabinets and the soup tureens on top!

southerninspiration said...

You are very resourceful!! It all looks great! I am very impressed!

Suzanne

bj said...

Great projects...you did so good on them all.
Wonder what 09 holds for us project lovers?? I already have a few in mind....

Blogger said...

That chicken wire sure did make a big difference!

That table from Hobby Lobby with the arch designs on the side would work so good in my home (I have arches on my front porch), so whenever you get tired of it...ha!

I love all of your ideas and projects, Manuela, very creative and beautiful!

Bella

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing your projects- the cubboard with the chicken wire is wonderful- you did an amazing job distressing it! I loved that you showed so many small easy projects. They are so "do able" !!

blessings
mary

PAT said...

Great projects Manuela!

Unknown said...

I enjoyed it all. mishelle

Anonymous said...

What kind of paint do you use on your furniture?
Thanks!

Anonymous said...

What kind of paint do you use on your furniture?
Thanks!

Leigh of Tales from Bloggeritaville said...

Hey! I am here from teh 2008 Before and After. Your place looks great! I love all of your makeovers! Stop by my place if you can.

ShabbyInTheCity said...

I WIll stay tuned! You put me to shame ...I don't really do anything around here I'm realizing...
I love all of your projects.

ShabbyInTheCity said...

Oh, I guess sometimes I make pillows ;)

Anonymous said...

Manuela...I loved all of these projects that you did last year...hey....would you show some more of your kitchen....I finished painting my kitchen and am doing a few other rooms, but am gearing up to paint my cabinets...I will be putting up the ceilling tile backsplash to copy you!!!! Love that! Can't wait to see what you have up your sleeve for 2009.

Anonymous said...

My favorite is the kitchen cabinets...... I have been dreaming of doing the same thing to mine ever since I saw yours..... dreaming does not get it done.....lol
HUgs
Linda

GlorV1 said...

Manuela, you are just toooo cooool. You do so much. I remember the china cabinet and a few other things and it's always good to be reminded of the before and after. Thank you very much little lady. Enjoy your day. Bye bye now.

Lamp Tramp said...

All your makeovers are so beautiful! Such great ideas. Your chandy in your header...looks like mine in my kitchen...it was a handme down that I loved back in the 80's and still love to this day...in all it's crystal glory. I painted over the burnishned brass and made it much darker! Looks like you did same.

Terri Steffes said...

I love your projects because they make a big impact but aren't over the top to do. I am motivated to find a few projects myself to do!

Anonymous said...

I love the makeovers! Perfect colors and it the new color really brought out the piece. You did a lot of great projects - glad I found you so I can show your stuff to my mom

Beth at Aunties said...

WOW!!! So many awesome and amazing ideas!!!! Beautiful!
Thanks for your visit to my blog and I hope you will return often. I know I want to came back and be inspired be your creativity.

Unknown said...

Great projects. Love those little jars from Target! And the little white table...and...I love it all!

flmom said...

All lovely makeovers and very inspiring! :o)

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Good going, Manuela! Love what you did!

XO,

Sheila

Suzy said...

Love all the redos. You must do alot of gargage sales....
Keep it up!
Suzy

Chris said...

I can't even pick a favorite. They're all SO amazing! Love them all!

Salmagundi said...

I love the surprise of color on the inside of your kitchen cupboards. Great idea! Sally

Betsy said...

What great projects...you are very talented at all that painting of furniture. Could you come to my house.

Ally's Corner said...

You have some great ideas. Looking forward to seeing what you do this year.
I'm dropping off an award for you! Check my blog Thursday morning for details.

Lady Katherine said...

Where to start! lol The tray is so pretty! I still need those two chairs, lol love the recipe and coupon books, neat idea! Bookcase turned into buffet, is wonderful, I can see my granddaughter rearranging at this moment. My side board has a cloth, she has not peeked yet! Love the black china cabinet. The storage jars, I love for 15 years ago, I found in hubby grandma smoke house these same jars, plus the old blue mason jars, they had been there for years and years! I seven have the lids! Love how you are using them.

One Shabby Old House said...

I love your darling country french look. You have a Great eye for decorating.
Becky

Kim @ Home Is Where The Heart Is said...

Great projects, Manuela...I love everything you did!

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

You had a very busy 2008. Loved all of your makeovers. Can't wait to see what you do in 2009. laurie

Betsy Brock said...

Fabulous! Makes be want to paint something!

Ms. Tee said...

You have such wonderful makeovers - I love them all! That green paint is gorgeous - it might be my new bff! ;)

DairyQueen said...

great projects! did you post a tutorial on how you distressed the black china cabinet?

Thanks for the post!

Debbie said...

It has been fun watching the makeovers. You are inspiring. Can't wait to see what happens this year.
Debbie

Heather said...

I love your backsplash and such a good idea to paint the inside of the cabinets.

Anonymous said...

Dear Manuela~ You are absolutely INCREDIBLY talented, creative, resourceful and, an extra bonus, "to-the-point" in describing your WONDERFUL, thoughtful PROJECTS!!! I LOVVVVVED reading your blog just now!!!~ Don't know HOW I came to be here tonight, but am SOOOO GLAD I am! I have added yet ANOTHER "FAV" to my growing list of talented people to visit, but I think yer waaaay at the TOP, kiddo! JUST DELIGHTFUL!!! Thanks sooo much! I'll be back for more not only INSPIRING ideas, but BEAUTIFUL/CUTE/NOTEWORTHY and yes, even DO-ABLE projects! WOW! Happy '09! Warmly & appreciatively, Linda (RMS's "Mom of a German Shorthair)

Anonymous said...

Manuela,

You come up with the best makeovers I've ever seen. I love that you use things you have too.

I love your home.

Gretchen

Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks said...

Okay, I am not suppose to be on the computer right now. I thought I'd just "check a few" of my favorites on Bloglines.

But I HAD to post and tell you how beautiful everything is and how you have inspired me in the coming year.

Your home is as beautiful as you are (inside and out).

Anonymous said...

It's nice to see all of your projects in a a row! I whish I have some of your creativity.
Sorry to bother you but I need help for blogspot.
How did you manage to get a photos and a written line on the header of the blog? And how you can post photos between two written blocks? I simply can't succed in doing that!
Thanks in advance for any advice you could give me.
You can write me at freegracie61@yahoo.com

Vee said...

This finds me saying to myself that I can do better! :D

Linda said...

Wat cute littel makeovers. It shows how little it takes to turn something humdrum into somthing that snaps!

Unknown said...

Awesome projects...I love your blog and will be back because I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to paint anything that doesn't MOVE. HEHEHE. My favorite of yours is that you painted the inside of the kitchen cabinets..You rock....I may just Borrow you idea. Happy New Year from Houston, TX

Judy @ In His Grip said...

Great makeovers. You have such good ideas.

Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...

You have that creative brain thing going on!~ good job

The Masked Mommy said...

I love painted furniture! I would paint everything in our house if my husband would let me :-) I never would have thought to paint the inside of my cabinets, but I love it and now I want to do it, too!

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Great projects...I really need to start painting more things! :-) Love how you transformed the table and the smaller table with the drawers! Susan

Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer said...

when you get a minute stop by! http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/2009/01/calling-georgia-bloggers.html

Sue said...

Hi Manuela....you do amazing things with paint..I have to admit I do love a good can of spray paint and a piece of wicker...I still have to get back over to Goodwill to check out that little dresser....I have just the spot for it...

sandra/tx said...

Manuela, I'm loving your blog and all your projects. Every pic you posted, I'd think "that's my favorite" until I'd get to your next one. :-)

Sweetie said...

I am absolutely amazed. My favorite are the patio table and chairs. You are one talented lady!
Sweetie

Anonymous said...

Manuela ~ I am totally lovin' the black cabinet with the chicken wire. The wallpaper lining and tassel on the door really make it special too. I enjoyed your ideas of decorating on a budget!

Thank for stopping by Star's Fault!

Blessings ~ Eileen and the Beautiful Starry Girl

Mimi Sue said...

You've been a busy girl with your BFF. Mimi

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

The painting will start as soon as the dampness goes so I can open the doors. Yes, it's California but it has been cold ..um..well..for us anyway.
And...I am going to remember everything I saw here tonight. What a neat place to visit. 2009 is going to be a paint year!

cherry said...

Beautiful..every single one of them. I painted my lids to those jars too..but red...you have me wanting to go green now ..

Linda@ Lime in the Coconut said...

Oh what a great job...and that is a lot of projects through the year!!

Bravo!

Cynthia's Cottage Design said...

wow , each one is more gorgeous than the other!! I LOVE those pastel chairs, beautiful job! and the black cabinet is to die for sweet! You do beautiful work and your talents are evident in every nook and cranny! I love the kitchen cabinets too!

Fabulous post!! Hugs, Cynthia

Ruth Welter said...

What can I say Manuela, I love everything...your creativity with home decor never ceases to amaze me.

Ruth

Dena said...

I love all of your projects :) I'm with you, paint is such a dear friend :)

Hugs,
Dena

Betty said...

Manuela,
All your projects are beautiful...I love to repurpose and have an entirely new 'pretty' for my home....

Michelle said...

I love the inside of your cabinets and your storage jars! So cheerful.