Old School Sign

I added a vintage metal sign to my kitchen this week.


I found it earlier in the summer at a consignment shop in Newport Beach, California and loved it instantly.  One of the things I love about my kitchen is the soothing color scheme.  Blue walls, white cabinets, dark wood floors, mirrors, silver.  My kitchen chairs are all painted different shades of blue with one bright green in the mix.


While I love this color scheme and am far from tiring of it, I wanted to add a touch of  pattern or something more graphic to the room.  I think this sign does the job.  It’s the kind of thing I fall in love with in magazine pictures.  (Are you like me, always falling in love with the one vintage piece in a room instead of all the things they’re trying to sell?)


And how cool is that, to find a sign that says “Old School House”?  When I bought it, the shop owner asked me if I am a teacher.  I said, “No, but I do have eight young children.” Her response, “Close enough!  You’re a teacher 24/7!”


Today I’m enjoying a new vintage touch in my kitchen.  What are you doing today?


Hopeful Homemaker

Celebrate the 4th: Spruce up the porch



A festive place to gather is always appreciated.  In anticipation of Independence Day, why not spruce up your front or back porch for the holiday?

Remember last week’s ladder ?  Well, the other half leans on the opposite side of our back porch and for this holiday I got out my treasured vintage tablecloths in patriotic colors and hung them on the rungs.


Instant charm!  Can you believe how beautiful they are?  Every year I marvel all over again at the designs and colors.




I wrapped another damaged cloth (a beautiful Wilendur) around the cushion on the wicker rocker.


Blue delphinium in an urn, flags and a smaller vintage cloth on the cabinet.


We’re ready for the holiday!


HH

$4 Chair Makeover



I bought this chair in April at the thrift store for $4.00.   The frame is a heavy duty metal one which means it will last for many years.   A few coats of white spray paint and new fabric have given it a fresh, modern look.


The fabric is an outdoor weight in a bright pink zebra stripe.  I had a leftover piece from another project and it worked perfectly.  I like the punch of color and pattern it offers to the simple chair.

Here’s the before:


And the after:


I think this chair will ultimately live in my daughter’s room when we make room for two beds in there.  For now we’ll use it wherever we need an extra seat.

Cost breakdown:
chair:  $4 paint:  $4 fabric:  stash Total cost for project:  $8.00 and less than 1 hour.   Success!

Jennifer

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