You've Come A Long Way, Baby!

Here at The Grits House, our motto is 

"Go Big....or Not at All!"

For example, we decided to have some landscaping done.

We have waited almost 8 years because we knew it was 
going to be quite the job.  We live on almost 5 acres, 
and the original owner planted hundreds and 
hundreds of azaleas, all of which are overgrown 
and out of control.  So they are ALL coming out!

When I made the decision about a year ago to 
de-red-ify my home, my original intention was to do 
it a room at a time.

But....ohhhhhh no.  That's NOT what I did.

Mr Grits recently visited his brother in Tampa.  

Aka - perfect time to paint the house.  :)

I have since figured out a few things:

1) I love my painter.  He is the best I have ever seen.  

2)  I put too much pressure on myself to get everything perfect.

(12 sample cans later, for example just to find the "perfect" color)

3) I knew it was the right decision as soon as I came 
home and saw the first color go up.

4) I feel I have reached a design balance in my life.

5) Getting my house back together is harder than I thought, especially when you have the weekends only.

So for a Grits and Glamour first, I am going to 
show you some REAL Before's.  The faint of heart 
may want to log-off now, as the following 
scenes are quite disturbing.

The Kitchen Before:

Reds and Golds...

The Kitchen After, but Before the Final "After"

(are you following that?)  ;-)

Love, love, loving the white cabs.  

Gotta switch out the hardware, and move all of my 

blue and white dishes in here - make curtains, change 

out the sink, paint the....well - you get the hint.

Oh, my sweet Roo - I wish it got better... :)

The Before of the formal Living Room...

(sorry for all the Christmas pics)

And here is the After 

(with a ways to go before the real After)

Actually, I have made some progress in here.  
A few more hours and I should have this room 
back together. I am looking at having slipcovers made
 for the two furniture pieces, but that will come later.


My biggest dilemma is window treatments and 
what to do about the pretty arched window.
hmmm.....

Loving these new pillows I bought at Pier1

Here is the Before of the formal Dining Room....

The picture above is from a post I just recently shared. 
 Again, lots of gold.

I had my painter add this to the Living Room...

I LOVE IT!

Isn't it amazing what a little bit of trim moulding will 
do to a room?

This room had no architectural interest at all. 
 No crown, no chair rail - nothing.  

 I am so loving this color.  It has a true khaki hue during the day, and takes on a warm, slightly greenish tone at night.

Remember how I said I wanted to switch out this darker 
print in the formal Dining Room once I painted?

It dawned on me that I had this print up in the attic.  

It's from The Bombay Company.

(I miss that company)  :(

It is called Summer at Limoux. 

I have never been to Limoux, France - and could not even 

tell you where it is, but it sure is one beautimous place

 if this print is any indication.

The print had slipped out of its frame, and the glass was broken years ago.  After a little disassembly work and some duct tape,

it's good as new.  

So, here again is the Before of my formal 
Dining Room Sideboard -

And here is the After:

The tablescape is pretty much the same ...
my Staffordhsire dogs, some pink and white 
 pieces, and my vintage silver coffee urn...

I love the newer, softer feel.

I replaced the heavier, dark lamp for a new 
mirrored-style lamp with a white shade. 
$39.99 from Marshall's.

Two new Ralph Lauren pillows.  I heart these!
$16.99 at Marshall's.
I have plans for these. :)

I added two more vintage Pink and White 
platters to the wallscape surrounding the print.

The lamp emits such a pretty glow at night.

The rest of the Dining Room is almost finished, 
as well - just a few more tweaks here and there before 
I do the big total reveal.


At this rate, I hope to have my house back
 together by Easter! ;)


Don't forget to join me this Tuesday, Feb 7th for my 
"Wild About Mother Nature" Bloggy Party.

Share your project, or leave a comment and you 
could win a $50 Visa Gift Card!


The Linky will be up and running tomorrow night by 9pm.


Thanks for letting me share the beginnings of 
my "new" home.

I am joining the following Linky Parties:
Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Met MondayCielo at the house in the roses for Showoff Your Cottage MonThe Tablescaper  for Seasonal SundaysSarah at Thrifty Decor Chic forBefore and After Monday (1st Mon of Month)

Jennifer Rizzo at www.jenniferrizzo.com for 

Refresh Your Room

Mary at Boogieboard Cottage  for Masterpiece MondayMarty at A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop TuesdayLinda at Coastal Charm for  Nifty Thrifty TuesdayGloria at Potentially Beautiful for Winter Mantle PartyKim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us WednesdayJudy at DIY Design for Winter Blues PartyPaula and Patti at Ivy and ElephantsJill at French 23EWDCupboard for French Inspiration on ThurGina at The Chabby Chic Cottage for Transformation ThursdayCindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell FridayCourtney at French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest FridayHeather and Vanessa at the picket fence for Inspiration FridaySherry at The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home FridayJen at Tatertots and Jello for Weekend Wrap-Up Party
Do you have a Linky Party you think I should join?  Leave me a comment or email me, I'd love to join!