This Happened Last Week ~ Black Doors

It is so rainy and gloomy outside this morning...that is your warning that unflattering flash photography is to follow.  I do love a rainy day, and I had an 'I'm such an adult!' moment this morning when the first thing I thought of is my confederate jasmine and how it will be growing after its long drink of water today!  YAY!

So long long ago I read something on Cote De Texas that stuck in my head.  (Ed. note: Maybe this blog should be called 'Joni Says...'??)  Joni commented on awful, hollow builders' doors...I have lots.  She mentioned that instead of the HIGH cost of replacing them all with solid wood doors, a fresh coat of black paint would give them a more substantial appearance.  As usual, she was totally right as I finally pulled the trigger last week.  I chose Benjamin Moore Ebony King in semi-gloss and I'm just crazy about the results.  Yes, every single door in my house is now black on one side.

Downstairs before and after: Powder room and laundry room doors

Upstairs hallway before/after (my carpet, while I dislike it, is not in any way dirty like it looks in these pictures.  Shadows?) All of the upstairs door handles will be changed soon hopefully.

Master Bedroom double doors before/after

I can't find my front door before!  Take my word for it, it is my FAVORITE redo of all the new black doors. Loves.

I was going to crop out the most embarrassing light fixture remaining in my house, but this is a trust tree here and I know all you helpful readers will give me advice.  In 3 years I've changed my mind so many times regarding what I'd like to see in its place and I just can't make up my mind so I've done nothing.  

Also, did you see something exciting in the bottom right corner of the above picture (no, not the baby gate...you're supposed to ignore that!)??  YES!  I GOT THE CHAIRS!!!

They were even more beautiful in person at the auction Friday night.  It was a packed house, and I worked up in my head that everyone was there for my chairs.  Ha!  So my internal bid maximum kept going up and up  until I was convinced they were worth a pretty penny and I was ready to dip into savings.   But noooooo, only 2 other people bid against me and I walked out of there with these two beauties for only $225.  For BOTH.

Which meant we had some rearranging to do in the living room.  I forgot to take some before shots, but here is an old one from Christmas where you can get an idea of the previous furniture arrangement.

Another note: I am having some major color/pillows issues/dilemmas in this room so I just stripped them all out for these pics...we are bare bones until I right the ship.  Don't worry, you'll hear way too much about it way too soon. 

New arrangement...what do you think?

 

I'm pretty happy with it!  I was surprised by how much it opened up the room...especially since we were actually adding furniture.  I wish the couch weren't against the wall, I prefer a floating couch like before, but this really works here I think.  Would love your input.

While I was running around taking pictures I realized I haven't ever posted photos of one of my most favorite new things in my house ~ my dining room chandelier.  LOVES.

Baylor Says...

This morning Baylor was telling me all about the Easter plate and bunny sippy his Dad bought him this weekend and he said "Daddy is a good man.  He is a biiiig ol good sports man."  

He makes our hearts feel super happy.