Kitchen table dilemma SOLVED

Go Here for this recipe
Over the holiday we had family over for hot potato soup.  Silly me wasn't paying attention and didn't have the kids use place mats on the table!  I don't like a high maintenance table like this but that's what kind I have so I won't complain.
Yikes, when everyone left...this is what I noticed!  7 nice burn circles all the way around the table.   I have tried everything to try and remove the marks but it is hopeless.  Every trick in the book has been tried.
 It just looks awful but I knew that I could find a solution without having to replace the table.  I didn't want to have to sand the whole thing down and redo it either!  Don't have time these days for that!
Pier 1 (used my 25% off coupon)
What I ended up doing is buying a glass top for the table.  For  now, I've put a piece of fabric that I already had underneath the glass. It looks great and is functional too!
It solved the problem and didn't cost me much.

I'd love to change it up a little too.  I enjoy change so I know that this fabric will start getting old and I'll need something new.  Here are a few things I've been thinking about trying.
According to Lonny Magazine, one of the top trends for 2011 is Typography. It would be fun to add some lettering like this under the glass! 

See Michelle Adams (Lonny Magazine) Top 5 Design Trends on the The Nate Show.
So many fun things out there.

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I thought I could also put my kids artwork under the glass.  I've got stacks of these fun little treasures!  I wish I could rewind time that's for sure.
There are tons of wallpapers and wrapping papers that I could use as well.
For Christmas next year I'm going to put all the photo cards we get from all our friends under the glass.  Won't that be fun!  Can it be Christmas already?    Well, maybe NOT.
This is what one blogger did.  Very cute.  See Kim Saulter's post here at It's a miniature life.  I think I will do all black and white photos.
Imagine the fun I'll have with Valentines Day!
I love when a problem turns out to be something that is better in the long run.  We are going to have such fun with this table now!  
 Imagine what you can do during birthday months, graduations, baby showers, etc.  I'm really going to enjoy this! 
Thanks kids for inspiring me!!
For more before and after photos to inspire you, visit my website.

Every room needs an inspiration!

We are in the middle of a master bedroom "face lift" this week. I thought I'd share some of the fabrics, colors, accessories that we are using in the space.
After talking with my client and hearing what they wanted their room to look like, I dug this photo out of my collection of "favorites" and thought it best resembled what they described they really wanted.
(I wish I knew who to credit here?  Anyone know?)
I love having an inspiration photo to start working with.  I showed this picture to my client along with a full design presentation and they loved it.  We are doing some things differently  but the "overall" feel of the room and the colors will be the same as the INSPIRATION PHOTO.

The wallpaper for the headboard wall is getting installed today.

This fabric will be for the Draperies.

The walls have been painted this wonderful blue seen in the fabric and it is to die for!!  So soothing and relaxing.  Sherman Williams - Watery

This stripe is for the bed skirt.
Fabric for Euro Shams

Mirror selection
(A mirror will be placed above each night stand)

Don't you love these lamps?
I spoke with an artist today and she is creating a painting for me with the above colors.  You know how I love original art and love to support our local artists.
Vases for dresser
Vintage Artwork



This rug will bring the whole room together and the bedspread and sheets are still being chosen.
I'm really excited about putting all these items together in the space.  It's such a fun process!
We are gutting their hall bathroom this week too so I'll post pictures of that in another post.

Good antique for storage!

I've been shopping around for a while now trying to find a good solid antique for some of my china that is taking over space in my kitchen.
I finally found this wonderful buffet two weeks ago and it's perfect.
Over the New Year holiday, I cleared out a whole cabinet in my kitchen and I'm so happy to have the space I need now.
I paired it with my favorite black modern lamps, some of my best coffee table books, a bit of pottery and an urn with some corral (all accessories I've purchased on my vacations over the last few years).   I now have a fresh new look "on a budget" that I'm happy about. Mixing old things with new is my favorite way to make a statement in a room.
I also found these down filled throw pillows on clearance for $2.00 each if you can believe that!
Oh happy day!  One more thing crossed off  my "to do" list for this year!
 to see more before and after pictures of my work.


Snow Day and some contemplation

It is a beautiful winter day here in Texas.  Our first snow is falling for this year and we are having a great family day just hanging out by a roaring fire and enjoying each other! 
Photo by Isabel Owens
It's a cold chili day like today that I love so much because everyone here in Texas STOPS what they are doing.  It seems we all freak out whenever we get any kind of wintry mix weather.  The minute anyone sees a touch of snow or ice, the streets become empty and the only thing you see are kids exploring the outdoors to see if "maybe" there is a chance at getting a slide down a hill on a cookie sheet.  You should have heard the shrieks of excitement from my kids the minute one little flake fell to the ground (such fun for a mom to hear).

Google Images

This kind of weather makes everyone STOP and ENJOY and I love those moments.  I am trying to notice and enjoy more of those moments this year.  I'm making it a point to stop and take in the details of everyday exchanges.  I feel I miss too many of those times with my friends and family because I'm too busy trying to do my next project or check things off my "to do" list. 

Google Images
Today, I've been catching up on my reading.  A pile of great magazines is sitting beside me and I'm slowly catching up on some of my favorite blogs too.  I'm focusing on each page and loving every minute of it!  Listening to the kids interact as they enjoy being home is a beautiful thing and I definitely don't take it for granted. 

I'm feeling thankful that this beautiful snow has brought some rest and a bit of contemplation to this home today!  The dog even got a warm bath and is snuggled up in her bed.

Photo by Planteware.com 2010
Here is hoping that it will snow more tonight so we can have more of this wonderful time tomorrow!   If it snows enough to make a snow angel, I'm going out there to make one!

Regret for the things we did can be tempered by time; it is regret for the things we did not do that is inconsolable. Sydney Harris

Ruthie

Visit my website at DecRenew.com
 to see before and after pictures of my work.

Wave that paint brush wand

If you are looking for a quick change in your home, paint is your answer.
How many of you are sitting in a living room right now and look at your fireplace every day and hate it?
Here is a fireplace that we transformed using a little paint and a bit of labor.  The brick had a pink hue to it and it just HAD to go!  The mantel was just kind of blah and needed some strength to make it look more dramatic.  My client was on a budget so we couldn't go overboard with tearing things out and starting over.  No problem.....we can fix anything with a paint brush in hand.

BEFORE
AFTER
Isn't it so much better?  We also painted the whole room with a wonderful warm "coffee" color.  Now it has some  personality and style and speaks to you when you enter the room.
Everyone needs a room that speaks kindly to them right?
Ruthie
Visit DecRenew Interiors to see more before and after pictures to inspire you!