Endings & Beginnings

Hi!

As some of you may have seen if you are local, I did in fact leave the store where I rented space at, Vintage Living Marketplace. Myself, along with many other vendors, really did not feel comfortable participating & contributing to something that didn't really contribute to us. I definitely will say with 110% confidence it was the right decision and I am happy & proud to move forward! I've always been an advocate for community over competition and always said if it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. We all have different strengths and weaknesses and we have to speak for those who don't or can't speak for themselves. If something doesn't feel good anymore or if you are not having a good time, take yourself out of it. Whether a single vendor, store or mall... something I've learned time and time again is that with the right attitude, communication and hearts, anything can be accomplished and everyone can win. Usually what is right is not easy and what is easy is not always right.

I've really had this in the back of my head for some time... Home by Ally has been a creative outlet for me for years. I thoroughly enjoy meeting all of you who have taken the time out of your lives to follow along in my journey in blogging, decorating, real estate & any other endeavor that I have take on. I really, really can't say thank you enough to all of y'all for that support, the love, the encouragement and the steady support. It really means more than you will ever know... which is why for now, I'm at peace with HBA not participating in a typical store/booth type setting. Quite frankly, I don't really care for the whole set up anyways (And that's definitely not to say that there are not some great stores/malls/booths) but I've always craved different, more unique & curated...

When I first began writing this blog, before Pinterest & before even the sunshine state... we lived in North Dakota. Something I originally came up with years ago was having vintage type repurpose sales literally out of my driveway for folks on the base to come and get my custom furniture, home decor, etc. It was SO fun, SO overwhelming and really made me look forward to the day that I had those sales! My first ever "repurpose" sale was in our driveway in Minot, ND where I had about 50 people waiting at the end of my driveway. I had to walk inside because I started to cry not knowing how, why or should that many people even be into this type of thing? Yes. They were. And so sweet. And so genuine and many who I still get to speak to, to this day.

So, I had a few more sales. Then came a big move to Florida & a few more sales even here! Pure chaos and inventory literally gone in hours. Prices were great, inventory is unlike any other and home decor creations are custom made by myself! My family & I have always been amazed at the support the community has shown for this type of craft and I definitely want you to know, it won't stop. Throw real estate in there and mind you a very busy but BLESSED first couple of years of real estate which I also am NOT going to stop practicing by the way! But there's just something else...

I definitely will miss the faces from being in the shops. I'll miss the messages & the fun just chit-chatting with everyone of y'all! SO, I have decided to have Home by Ally shows 3-4 times a year! I am projecting that my first show will be in March 2016.  At every show, there will always be old architecture and salvage, one of a kind finds, custom decor & furniture, greenery and unique home decor and accessories I've gathered over time...from all across the country and even world if you can believe it! Dates and locations will be announced on the blog and on social media when the time does come for each show.  If you love fresh, simple, effortless finds unique to only your home, you will definitely NOT want to miss this one of a kind curated event which will feature only a few hand selected friends of HBA who will also help me in selling goods unlike anything you can obtain in the area. Old, new, unusual & trendy...something you won't be able to get at this store or that... is my goal. Please know that it won't be like a garage sale but prices will be affordable because I won't have an overhead of rent, commission, etc which in turn can make things really better for y'all so it's a win-win. These shows also give me a wonderful opportunity to catch up with y'all who are constantly supporting and inspiring me to keep doing what I do.

Which brings me to the new & improved logo you see at the top of the page! Home by Ally is going to have a whole new look soon & this all is directed related to my "new/old" beginning. Sometimes an "old" idea is just the trick instead of the latest "new" thing. For 2016, Home by Ally is now available for interior decorating services,whether that be a consult, personal shopping or whole house jobs. I will also be traveling periodically to North Carolina as well as the surrounding states & back down to Florida so if there is a "custom" piece you are looking for, whether it's a custom size, color or item... I will definitely try to supply that if at all possible! I obviously would LOVE to help you with any real estate services you may need in the local Brevard County area but please don't hesitate to ask if I know someone in your area. The great thing about our business is that we have many folks who have become friends all across the country.

So, new look...new shows to look forward to, unlike anyone else & all original to HBA and I am also excited to definitely document more of my clients & friends home tours! If there is one thing I've always loved, it's touring homes and now you will be able to do the same too! As each presents itself, I would love to feature, photography & document others spaces & how they created their spaces right here on the blog! I really have always enjoyed encouraging each other to remember that our homes are OURS. They are a direct reflection of our hearts, our families and our story, not a magazine or someone else's life. There really are a great deal of things to look forward to and I really, sincerely hope you stick around to see!
Remember you are always welcome here.

Master Bedroom Reveal & Source List

Welcome to our master bedroom! The time has finally come to reveal this room with y'all and I couldn't be more excited! We have never really decorated the master bedroom in any home that we have owned or lived in because usually it's on the back burner. It's a room I used to think that we just "sleep" in but realistically, it should be a place to come and unwind. A place to relax with your significant other… and a space to enjoy together. I wanted a cozy, cottage feel that had neutral, calming colors, something that I felt like I was at a cottage on the beach or on a lake. We wanted something ultimately where we could relax, enjoy our time together and feel at home. And we really love it.

Here's the before of the room from the MLS when we purchased the home.

 Well, there you go! The long awaited master bedroom tour. We felt like we were at a great stopping point for this room but there still are small minor details that I'd like to tweak down the road...We really are enjoying the space that we created for ourselves…and are so happy with it. I will break down parts of our bedroom in posts to come, including the DIY's. Below, you will find a source list of everything in the room that I can remember :-) I hope you enjoyed the tour and please let us know what you think by leaving a comment here, on Instagram, or the Facebook page.

If you'd like to pin this image on Pinterest, please feel free! Just hover over each image and click the Pinterest logo! That simple! Again, thank you for stopping by!

Wall color: Valspar's Oatlands Subtle Taupe in satin (Lowes)

Headboard: Kirklands (here.)

Antique windows: Rennigers Antique Market

Three large back pillows: Ikea (here.)

Ruffled Comforter: Target, Simply Shabby Chic (here.)

Bedskirt: Target, Simply Shabby Chic (Ebay)

Throw Blanket: TjMaxx

XL Rustic Wall Mirror: DIY (Coming soon)

Nightstands & Dressers: DIY (Coming soon)

Quote sign: DIY (Coming soon)

Rustic lamps: HomeGoods

Birdcage Jewelry Holder: HomeGoods

Stripped candle holders: Kohls

Ceiling fan: Lowes Home Improvement

How to shop, get a good price and have everything come together

I find that everyone I talk to and meet, I get asked a lot of the same questions. Some of the two most asked questions are probably the following:

"Where do you find all of your treasures?"

"How do you get a good price? How do you haggle or ask for a better price?"

So, I'm going to attempt to break down some of my best advice when it comes to these things. These are strictly my opinions and yours may differ from how I approach certain things such as asking someone for a better price on an item or how I shop. 

This mirror was in our last home, our military housing rental. It was definitely the style I was going for at one time and although I still loved it, I found that it sat in the guest bedroom more than it did hanging on my walls so therefore during the great clean out before we moved, I got rid of it. I actually found this mirror on Craigslist from a lovely woman who lived in Orlando. On a day that I was planning to go to Orlando, I arranged to meet her and got an awesome deal on a very large mirror. 

Here comes the negotiating part of this. This was a very large mirror and from what we both can see, very pretty. I believe in the ad she was asking $75.00. I asked if they could take $50.00 because I didn't want to low ball them but I wanted to pay about $60.00 so I figured she'd meet me in the middle. Friends, there has been VERY few occasions where I have made an offer LESS than half of what someone was asking because I feel like it's almost rude or a slap in the face depending on what the item is that you are negotiating. So here's my #1 for finding a good deal.

1. Be a good, fair, respectful buyer. Just because you want a good deal does not mean that you should low ball someone on something that more than likely they had in their home or loved at one time. Think about someone going to your home and you were selling something your family left to you but no longer had room for it. You posted it for a fair price and expected to come off your price a little bit but someone offered you next to nothing for it. It would probably upset you. This also can pertain to painted furniture, crafts and handmade items. Being a furniture painter myself, I, of course, have gotten people asking me if I will do any better on price or if I will take less. In some cases, I do try to work with people but I will be the first to admit, I have to count to 10 when someone low balls me on a solid wood antique that I know is worth 2-3 times what I am asking but I put fair prices on my furniture and items to keep them always moving. Just please consider someone else's feelings before you try negotiation and ultimately remember what you want to pay and what you think is a fair price.

2. Be a frequent shopper. When I first begin the search for that perfect piece of furniture or item, I go to my usually places; Target, TjMaxx, Ross and Marshalls. I also frequent many thrift stores, Craigslist and online yardsale pages on Facebook. As I am sure some of you are aware, sometimes there are certain thrift stores that don't seem to have much change over time. Check anyways. You never know what you're going to find that is new or just came in for them. It pays to be a frequent customer and you just may develop a great relationship with the employees/owners. Craigslist I usually browse about once a week or more often if I am searching for something in particular. Online yardsales on Facebook are a little more difficult for me because I don't sit on my computer all day to see what everyone is going to post next. Sometimes I get lucky and find something and sometimes I even have friends tag me in things that they think that I would love. Totally appreciative of that by the way! ;-)

3. Go to the clearance first. Every store that I go in, usually chain stores have clearance. That is the first place that I head to. Think outside the box on items and remember that you can repurpose more than just old furniture these days. Sometimes the best things are on clearance for the silliest reasons and something that is easily fixed. I've also learned that it never hurts to ask a manager if an item has a cosmetic flaw such as a well seen scratch etc. if they can give a discount for the item. I've gotten 10% of some many things for tiny scratches and dings so it never hurts to ask! Just remember again, to be respectful and do not just do this for any old item. There clearly has to be a flaw. The photo above of our old chandelier, was on final clearance in Lowes. If I remember correctly, it was only marked for $22.00! AND on top of that, we got an extra 10% because of my hubby serving. Amazing.

This old door I pulled out of the garage behind a grocery store. Amazing. The top I sold as one piece, almost looked like a window. And the bottom panels I cut up and sold each with hooks for the entryway and for baby girls nursery. 

I found this apothecary chest at a local thrift store. I overlooked it the first time walking around. If you know me personally, you know that in every store I usually walk around TWICE because I'm afraid I overlook things the first time. It pays to take a second look. ;-)

This *GORGEOUS* shaker buffet I got off Craigslist before we moved and I was SO sad to see it go. I miss it sometimes ;-) But I sold it to the sweetest woman who was just as excited as I was when I first saw it. I loved it and still do! They do not make furniture like this anymore.

4. Support small businesses. This is easy for me because I myself can relate, obviously ;-) Every year, I frequent the small thrift stores, our local antique mall (WildWood Antique Mall-Melbourne, FL) and shop for gifts for my family and myself and home there FIRST before I go to the large chain stores! You will find more ONE OF A KIND items there than you will at Target. Not that I don't love me some Target... but remember that buying from a small business means that the money from your purchases goes directly back into the business to produce more goodies ;-)

5. Yardsales, estate sales and auctions: Go. Stop. Even if it looks like it may not have much. There could be something hidden that you would otherwise miss out on. Just remember what I said about negotiating and being a respectful buyer. I purchased this table back in North Carolina while I was visiting my folks. I can't even admit how much I got it for because I felt like I stole it! 

So there you have it, just some little tips tonight. I'm off to go redecorate something probably!

-Ally

Picture Bungalow giveaway!

I'm really excited for this giveaway, y'all. April from Picture Bungalow contacted me a few weeks back about possibly doing a giveaway for my awesome readers! I am in love with their products and I am thrilled to be hosting this! The concept of Picture Bungalow was born after much trial and error in an effort to develop a new medium to display custom photo products. They offer a variety of sizes and products to display your most valued moments for a lifetime!

Their products are extremely customizable helping you create the perfect product everytime. I opted for the wood, which allows the grain to show through giving my image an organic feel while the metal prints are sleek and edgy. You can choose to have your print on the metallic surface creating a luminous print with a metallic sheen or choose to have your print on our glossy white base providing the richest color imaginable! I was lucky enough to be sent an example of their work. 

 Graciously, I received a 11″ x 14″ wood print and it would have cost me right around $88 including shipping! Some of you may be thinking that it has a nice price tag with it but if you could see these beauties in person... they are truly works of art! And, it’s a pretty nice size too.  If you were to purchase a print and then purchase a nice frame and mat, you could spend just as much...this look is so much better!  I've already had friends over who have asked about this uniquely adorable photo of us on our wedding day! Disregard the double chins, I'm pretty sure we were making fun of each other ;)

So I get to giveaway a 11" x 14" wood or metal custom photo away from the Picture Bungalow to one of you lucky people! All you have to do to enter is simple. Use the Rafflecopter below! Good luck to all, I cannot wait to see who wins! Thanks for stopping by! :)

Please read the terms and conditions below before entering.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

New art, shabby cabinet for sale and a new mirror & lamps

Probably the longest title ever for a blog post. Oh well. For those of you who were wondering, my sale went very well. We only had a few large items left which I anticipated from the beginning that we would not sell. Two antique dressers and an antique Duncan Phyfe buffet. If you're interested, there are going to be pictures going up very soon on Home by Ally on Facebook.

So let me start by saying that Milo says hello! He is getting so big and is such a little ham!

First up would be my gorgeous new lamps that I found at our TjMaxx. I've been eyeing lamps like this FOREVER at Pottery Barn, the ones at Target and other stores but they were TOO pricey for my liking and usually JUST for the bases! These came with the shades for half the price! Although I have to say that the lamp shades were a burlap fabric type shade that I thought didn't do anything for the lamps so I added these cream linen shades that I had laying around. 

Here's an up close view. I'm all about greenery and bringing color in through natural elements so you'll see a lot of faux plants in our home. I think they add a great little punch of color.

I also went to Hobby Lobby when they had their knobs for 50% off and scooped up 3 new ones for the TV stand. I'm really sad that I heard that they are not doing the 50% knobs anymore. These really helps out most of us who do DIY projects or furniture...sad day for me :-( I needed a change to the regular old silver ones. This cost me under $10 to update the whole TV stand. A cute little idea if you don't want a new TV stand but just kinda wanna give yours a facelift.

If you have been following me for awhile, you may also know that I have a "slight" obsession with boxwoods. And there's no exception with these boxwood topiaries. I adore them and flanked them on either side of our TV in our living room. I had smaller plants on either side but we really needed something with height to make a great impression on the eye.

Here's a better photo. I'm really digging the change. I've been searching for a piece of architectural salvage to hang above our TV for some time now but no luck yet :(

Oh! And here's my update on my apothecary dresser that I painted a warm sage green! I finally got all the knobs from Hobby Lobby while I was home in North Carolina! I adore this little piece and I was so lucky to find it. And no, I'm really not ready to sell it yet ;-)

Here's a view walking from the dining room near our patio door. My antique mahogany rocker that I painted a warm beige and slightly distressed. I adore that chair and couldn't bring myself to sell it at my first sale here in Florida. For now, it sits in our living room but I would love to find a nice padded chair or a nice, cute pillow to go in it. Still on the hunt.

Quickly, I threw a pillow from the couch on the chair. I still would LOVE to find new pillows for my couch more of my "style" but these paisley ones do the trick for now. Pillows are such an easy change and it's nice to have a few different selections for when you feel the urge to change things up.

Ok so... my shabby cabinet from circa 1900's the guy said? It is the base to an old cupboard that came out of an Florida or Georgia home. The paint is all original. I added the nice and rustic pulls and the planked wood top. And guess what, these hunky piece of wood is for sale. Please email me through the contact me tab if you are interested. It is for local pickup only and truly a statement piece. Years and years of paint on this beauty and just a lovely addition to any home.

Here's a few at all of the chippy goodness.

And a close up of the paint.

Interior doors are in a cream color while the shelving varies from aquas, greens and raw woods.

Original hardware on the cabinet doors.

OH! And I purchased this mirror at Hobby Lobby a few weeks ago. I thought the lines were beautiful but the red/black were not me but I bought it anyways. I'm going to paint it white and hang it in our entryway if I can ever get to it. 

For now, I wanted to share some new things with you in our home. First up are these vintage drawings from Clayton, Georgia circa 1975. I snatched them up at a thrift store and knew the perfect place for them. I've been searching for little things for our home like this every time I go out so let's just say I was super excited when I found these beauties today! And what makes it even better is the bottom print is a print of a old store called Alley's Grocery. They got the spelling wrong but I thought it was pretty neat.

I love the grouping so much and it reminds me of a mini gallery wall. The warm wood compliments the beige on the walls so well. It also goes well with my antiques and collectibles I have in the space.

That's it for now. What are your latest finds? I'm sure we'll talk soon.

How to: Recover a seat using a table napkin

Hey y'all! I hope everyone enjoyed their weekends... I definitely know that I did! I spent some quality time with my husband and it was so nice to just relax together! He went back to work today so I took care of a few things that I've been wanting to do. One of those things included my little stool for the kitchen. I had it covered in a plain beige canvas cloth for sometime now but let me tell you, not practical because bare feet and doggie paws are on this stool so let's just say it didn't stay clean for long ;-) I've been searching for a fabric that I loved forever... similar to one I had on it before the beige canvas. Here is the before the canvas fabric. Very fun and colorful.

I was just wiping my counters off when I glimpsed over at my bar with my new World Market napkins on my plates. I wondered if the napkin would fit the stool at 20 inches by 20 inches and sure enough it did! So... I used a table cloth napkin instead of going to have fabric cut and recovered my stool! Here's some steps for recovering a stool. You would use the same steps for a chair or something with a single seat, etc. Hope it's easy for you and enjoyable!

Materials: Stapler, fabric (napkin), screw driver

First thing that I did was take the screws out of the bottom of the stool that were holding the top on.

I then laid the napkin pretty side down and put my seat centered on it. I didn't bother taking the older fabric off. I figured it would just add some more cushions for those cute little paws that like to sit on this stool ;-) As you can see below, it was a perfect fit. You always want 1-2 inches of fabric left on each side so you can staple easier. 

The way that I upholster my chairs and stools most people know how to do or at least I always think they do. I like the use the "butterfly" method which I will show you next. Below, I took one corner and pulled towards the middle of the stool cover. The represents the "body" of the butterfly fold. I stapled the very end of the napkin to the wood seat and also in the corner for a secure hold.

 Next as you will see below, I took the left side and folder over the body or center of the corner and stapled there.... By the way, if you plan on doing a lot of these projects with upholstery, invest in an electric stapler. Well worth the money people. 

Here you see me folding over the right side and a peek of my electric stapler. Perfect, neat and one corner down! 3 more to go!

Here below you see two sides done. It is not critical that any excess fabric is stapled down, just make sure you have most of it secure and where you won't see it hanging down or have a lot of excess once you put your seat back on the body of the stool or chair or whatever you are recovering.

I seriously am in love with this fabric! What do you think of it?

And here is the final product! Pretty and colorful goodness! The stool I found in Minot, North Dakota a year or so ago. It is from the 1900's and is in amazing condition! Probably something I will never sell because Winston loves it too much ;-) Usually when he wants a treat or an ice-cream, he'll run to sit on this stool and stand up on two legs...that little dork!

 So, have y'all ever used anything you had to reupholster something like an old t-shirt or a napkin like I did? I've used burlap before too! What do you think of this thrifty project? Do you have something that you want to upholster soon? Let me know and please show me your projects over on Facebook. You can find Home by Ally on Facebook by clicking HERE!

If you enjoyed and loved this project, please help spread the word about my blog by pinning this project to your personal boards on Pinterest. You can do so by clicking "pin it" below.

XOXO,

Ally

Goodnight!

XOXO,

Ally

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