Keeping it "real" post.... how I edit a room.

It's evening here in Florida so this won't be a long post because I need to go to Lowes but it will feature a few pictures. I get sick of our rental a lot... because well it's a rental. It's not "ours." I can't added a white beadboard ceiling or beautiful reclaimed wood floors. I can't buy a huge antique hutch and know that it'll stay because we move every couple of years. I would love to have white couches but we insisted on putting money towards a nice set that would last us from LazBoy. Two years in and they are still like brand new so I feel guilty for even wanting new ones! That and my husband refuses to even acknowledge the idea. Yeah, I know. It sucks! But I'm not alone in that right?

So, I decided to night to show y'all and I'm sure you've read before but how I "edit" a room. I take literally everything I can move by myself out of the room and put it in one area. To me, this makes me feel like I have a little clearance area and I get to have anything I want for free. That and because we are not millionaires and this girl had better shop the home rather than the store ;)

So here's what the room has evolved from in the past few months.... 

You get the idea? Lots of beige. Not that I am a fan because I am. But the walls are beige. My sofa is beige. My curtains are beige. The carpet is beige. I'm all beige out. But I refuse to paint this house because of it's high ceilings and I know the minute I paint, we'll get orders to leave or move. Just how it always seems to work! SO... working with what I got! 

I love the look of fresh greens. I also love antique inspired furniture, vintage and kinda beat up colors and textures. I really hate modern lines. I love anything with history or a patina to it. If I had it my way, in my dream house, well we wouldn't have a "Florida style" home first of all. I would live in a historic neighbor with mature trees covering the roads, large yards and wrap around porches... like these below that I took on Instagram (@homebyally)

Notice anything about this picture? This house surely stands out for it's beautiful curb appeal along with the creeper in the window...

And I was swooning over this beauty....

Like, seriously. My stomach is in knots because I would love a home like this... I just love the character, the history, all of it. The big porch, the mature trees, the not so cookie cutter house! But sadly, most of these homes require 100% repair or someone has already flipped it and is selling for a pretty penny...which is great for them! Awesome living, I would LOVE to do that with historic homes like Ms. Rehab Addict herself but this life we lead, moving every couple years.... well, let's just say I doubt that we'll be buying anytime soon! But it'll be worth the wait, right?!

So, on to our borrrrrringgggggg rental. Hah!

Here's a real life photo that happens when I get tired of things. I take EVERYTHING out and put it in my space. The only things that are left are my couch, chair & tv stand. 

Here are my new wire baskets that I scored from Ross a couple of weeks ago. I have been tired of my washed grey wicker set for sometime so I sold them. If you haven't followed on Facebook yet, you missed a huge clean out sell! Be sure to "LIKE" to keep up with all my latest posts. You can find Home by Ally on Facebook by clicking HERE!

I added little cards that I had from tagging my items at my sales and stamped them too with little sayings that I thought feeling comfortable for our home. Oh! And the drum table that the baskets are sitting on was cream last week. And then I painted it.

Here's a before of the drum table. Sometimes I just get bored. After searching for employment for 10 months here in Florida, a gal has to do something, right?! I also painted the mahogany rocker a LONG time ago to a nice warm beige to contrast against the carpet. The grey was too cold for me.

Ok, so here's a peek at how it looks today!

Below you can see a peek of my apothecary dresser which I LOVE. I painted it a nice and neutral light sage green. The knobs are from Hobby Lobby. I am desperately waiting on them to get 3 more in so I can reveal it already :) but I'm not impatient or anything... at all. No, never.

I adore these little boxwood wreaths. I ordered them off of my newly favorite site to visit, Decor Steals where you can order vintage items, boxwood wreaths like this one that were so cute when they arrived at my home! I bought 3 total and for a steal of a deal for boxwoods! Seriously, sign up already. I promise you that you'll love it. Or you're not normal.

They came wrapped so sweet with their little ivory bows. OH! And did I mention it's a pack of 3? Small, medium and large. The best thing ever. I'm waiting for the next event with these because I need one more set! I just adore them! What do you think of them?

I still am on the search for the perfect thing for this big, huge, ginormous wall that we have our couch on. I'm a fan of gallery walls but symmetrical gallery walls that are neat and not just random. Don't ask. But I also don't want to spend $100 on picture frames just for this house. I would LOVE to find a huge chippy mirror that was large enough above the couch. Then I could find some other stuff to put on either side of the mirrors, etc. 

I spotted one at HomeGoods awhile back and I REGRET not getting it. :( Don't you hate when that happens? I really do. If your gut is telling you to get something, darn it... get it! And don't feel bad about it. Just maybe not mention it to the husband ;-)

Here's my large wire basket that I was telling you about earlier... it reminds me of a clam basket from home. But I have it filled with all of my throws. I'm a throw, pillow, lamp, picture frame, wreath, pillow hoarder, didn't you know?

Well there are some new updates around here, I hope that y'all enjoyed them! I am really enjoying all the changes and the re-arrangement of the room. (again). Let me know what y'all think! And if you find an image you love on here, be sure to click "PIN IT" at the top of this post to reference it on Pinterest! Have a great Wednesday night everyone!

XOXO,

Ally

Shabby Chic Hutch reveal & how to achieve a RUSTIC wood look

Hey there! I final got around to finishing up my shabby chic cabinet base that I scored at Fancy Flea here in Florida a few weeks back. Here's a before:

I loved the character and shabbiness of the piece. I'm not usually a huge fan of a lot of distressing and choppiness, etc because I'm not a total shabby chic freak but I adore this cabinet. I believe it was the base to a beautiful hutch at one time. But to me, it felt unfinished. It needed some type of contrast. Me, contrast? What. Yes. So, I knew what I wanted to do immediately. Something I've been putting off forever trying... Steel wool and vinegar along with a few methods of my own!

BEFORE

AFTER

I choose to do a planked wooden top. And I used a couple of methods to achieve the look and stain color on the top. It is a mix of steel wool & vinegar along with American Walnut from Rust-oleum. You can find it at most hardware stores. I got mine at Lowe's and love their stains! They are wonderful to work with, have loads of colors and stains to choose from and their products are fantastic all around! I also have "pinned" this recipe to try for sometime, steel wool and vinegar. From the reviews I've read and the research I've done, both mixed together in a mason jar will oxidize into a nasty looking liquid the longer it sits. After you brush onto wood, it gives you a perfect rustic, worn, aged look. Perfect. Exactly what I was looking for. I'll have to do another post with a HOW TO use the steel wool & vinegar and how to achieve the look with just that. 

I kept going back and forth between wanting a top that was just one piece hunk of wood or to plank the top. I wanted something that would be original and just improve the look of this old piece so I decided to buy a few 1x6's at my local Lowe's Home Improvement. I gave them all a nice sanding before I measured them out on my top. I cut them to size with under an inch hanging on either size and used old nails to secure the top. I choose nails instead of screws because I felt it would look be original this way. As you may have noticed from the before and after, I also updated the hardware. I didn't think that the hardware it had on it was true to its character so to Hobby Lobby I went. I found this amazing pulls that were rustic, elegant and vintage look for a steal of a deal with Hobby Lobby's sales they rotate!

Once I had the top secured, I first stained with an old cut up tee shirt. I let the first coat of stain dry for 24 hours and then came back to it the next day. It was pretty but I wanted more of a rustic, unplanned look so I got out my electric sander. I sanded different parts of the top but not all. I varied locations and hit the edges well. I think took my steel wool & vinegar mixture that had been sitting for about 4-5 days and wiped over the sanded parts of wood. After about 30 minutes, I got a mixture that was a very warm wood color with darker points that I LOVED. It was darker in all the places that I wanted it to be, on the edges and in all the imperfections. Everything else was a nice and warm American Walnut color. I then sealed with {2 or 3} coats of poly. 

I just adore this little cabinet. It has ample storage in it, having 6 total shelves that can hold plates, etc. And two VERY roomy drawers for napkins, silverware, whatever your heart desires. My heart desires that my dog leashes stay in there so I don't loose them ;-)

Someone had also asked a bit ago where I keep all of my appliances in my kitchen. The answer to that is that we were blessed with finding a rental where I could hide all of my appliances but I do have them! Just out of site ;) And another question I got following that one was where do I keep all of my utensil for cooking or is there a way to make that cute. Well, I happen to think my little vignette on my stove is cute AND functional which is the BEST. I purchased this utensil holder at TJMAXX for about $6.00 and it even has a gold plate on the front that says utensils. How adorable right? I primarily use wooden spoons so I like to have them already out and easily within reach. I also set the utensil holder a top of my bread board that I purchased from Target on clearance. I LOVE IT. I was going to purchase a few and hang them under the cabinets or prompt them up against the backsplash (or lack there of.) I actually like it on the stove though, complete with my dachshund statue from Hobby Lobby.

So, let's recap. Here's a...

BEFORE

AFTER

What do you think of this simple little makeover that I did for under $15 to my little shabby cabinet? Do you think it looks better than it did before? Have you ever tried steel wool & vinegar? I would love to hear from you! And if you would like to PIN this image to Pinterest, you can find the "PIN IT" button at the top of this post! Thank you for stopping by and I hope you enjoyed this post!

Linking up to Miss. Mustard Seed's Furniture Feature Fridays here.

XOXO,

Ally

Announcement of $500 Visa Giftcard Giveaway Winners

Just wanted to say thank you to everyone, business and fans that participated in our huge giveaway! Although we had a few hiccups and some issues with folks liking and then "unliking" pages which by the way really isn't cool... I'm excited still! Be sure to check your emails if you see your name listed below! I've sent an email to everyone with what you have won! Congratulations to the winners and thank you again to everyone that participated!

Ashley Hayes

Sandra Midgett

Michelle Jones

Pam Durham Huggins

Catherine Frank Brewer

Heather Hollified Craft
Anne McMath
Christina Thomas
Rita Hilton

Winners must contact me within 48 hours to claim prize. If winners for some reason have not, I have selected backups who I will then email. Please check your emails!

Thanks again everyone and enjoy your prizes!

XOXO,

Ally

Huge $500 gift card giveaway!

Hey guys! I am SO excited to share this giveaway with you guys! I can't believe that we are even able to do this...You are all so amazing & have been so supportive of me and Home by Ally  that you deserve a BIG giveaway as my way of saying thank you for being you & for following along on all of my home decor, DIY and furniture adventures. I am always trying to help everyone who needs it, especially with growing their business because we all have started somewhere!  I have teamed up with some of my sweet friends to bring you this amazing giveaway just in time for April Fool's Day ;) Yes, there really is a real giveaway, I promise :) 

Are you ready for it?????

Do you want a chance, well 8 of you, do y'all 
want a chance to win $500 in gift cards?
YES, you heard that right!

Home by Ally has the honoring of hosting this awesome giveaway! We are giving away to {EIGHT} lucky winners VISA gift cards from the amounts of $25 up to $100 which all total $500! WOW! Loads of cash to just give away right? You guys are just that awesome! And to think that our goal was only $300 at first...we surpassed that by a lot didn't we!

{3} Lucky fans will EACH receive a $100 Visa Gift Card!

{3} Lucky fans will EACH receive a $50 Visa Gift Card!

{2} Lucky fans will EACH receive a $25 Visa Gift Card!

YES! You read that right! We are giving away $500 in gift cards to 8 lucky winners!!!!

Over {50} different businesses have all teamed together to bring you this amazing giveaway! 

Here's a list of the great people behind this giveaway!!!!

Home by Ally
Photos by Ally
JessieJeans
Marcool Air Conditioning & Heating Inc.
Getting Healthy with Visalus
ReFabulous Interiors
Erin Lynn Photography
Erin Lynn Design
Skinny Boca It Works!
Simple Matters
Oakley Photography
The Burd's Nest Trading Post
Porch Productions
Occasions by Rachel
Olive's Heirlooms
Simply Lovely Lumber
High Class Trash Boutique
Southern Reflection
Vintage Fictation
Kristi Coil Photography
River City Candle Company
Shabby Love
The Rustic Coop
Copper Roof Design LLC
Blink of an eye Boutique
Sheri D. Photography & Designs
Katie Pea Creations
Campbell's Melange
Melisse Campbell - Artist
Christina- Jamberry Nails Independent Consultant
Jennifer Borkowski Designs
The Little Orange Slipper
The Happy Nest Project
Pickin Peaches - Furniture Studio
Toadstool Pond
KL Weddings & Events
Lucky Day Design Co.
Brooklyn Restoration
Bee A Better You
Vintage Charm & Restoration
Getting Healthy with Visalus UK
LBP by Steph
When Pigs Fly Again
Lindsey Baillio Photography
Scentsy- Victoria Baker - Independent Consultant
Heirloom Hardware Home
Klassy Floral Boutique
Cara Welsh Oragami Owl - Independent Consultant
Cara Leann Designs
From Flea to Me
LahLah Consignment Thrift
The Doodling Bug
OrigamiOwlbyKatieA
Pineapple Ave
A Pretty Shoppe
Brooke Mathews Photography
Yep-ER-Doodles
The Black Sheep Monograms


 How awesome are all of them! Yes, I hear your applause now... we thank you, we thank you very much ;) If you get the chance, leave them all some love after the contest about how much you appreciate them participating! I know I sure appreciate them  
{If for some reason, I forgot to include your name, please MSG me or email me ASAP 
and I will get it fixed! homebyally{at}yahoo.com}

HOW TO ENTER!

All you have to do is follow us all on Facebook by clicking each entry. Each is mandatory! There are some extra entries available for following on Pinterest, Etsy or on our blogs or websites. This could be the easiest way to enter to win $500 in gift cards I've heard about ever! You can also  “pin” the giveaway to earn extra entries too! Use the Rafflecopter widget below to Enter!Of course we would love for you to check out our blogs too!
Again, we want to THANK each and every one of you for all of your support!


a Rafflecopter giveaway
GIVEAWAY RULES: No purchase necessary. To enter, participants must use the Rafflecopter form above. You must have a Pinterest, Facebook and/or Etsy account to enter. This giveaway is in no way affiliated, administered or endorsed by Facebook, Visa or Blogger or any other third party organization, group or business. The giveaway closes on April 15th, 2013 at 12:00 a.m. EST. The winner will be notified by email on 04/16/12 and will need to respond within 48 hours to claim their prize or another winner will be chosen. Winner must be 18 years of age or older and a US resident in order to win. Prize total is valued at $500. Winners are responsible for paying any necessary taxes on winnings. 
Good luck 

Kitchen/Dining Updates Tour

As many of you know who follow me on Instagram (@Homebyally), you saw this photo below a few days ago. I've had horrible decor block a few days months now and I was really getting fed up with just not being able to do the things I wanted to do, mostly because we were stuck in a rental, we don't know how long we're going to be here and I don't have any money bags...lol

 

 

So, I changed a few things up. Folks, if you get sick of all of your stuff... take EVERYTHING out of the room except the large furniture. First vaccum. This ALWAYS helps me and makes it feel that much better in the space. Then, shop your home. Move things around. Try thing. Do a different furniture arrangement, etc and you'll be surprised at what you come up with... So here's a new few. I'll be sure to post a BEFORE/AFTER too!

 

Here's a peek at the kitchen. I still would love to get a roman shade for the kitchen window and a pretty sign for above the window instead of the ornant metal accessory. I would love to have the top of the cabinets trimmed with molding and have old books, antiques, trinkets, etc up there but for now, I used what I have. A lot of plates and other various items that I could find.

 

 

I am still in search of the perfect wall decor for either side of the dining room window below.

Here's a peek into the powder room which is off of our dining area. Ignore my picture-less frames and concentrate your eyes on the vintage mason's. :) 

I moved our shudder sage green cabinet with the stained top to the entryway. Not sure if it'll stay there yet but we'll see. I'm thinking about building a small console table to go underneath the chalkboard to hold stacked plates, linens and trinkets that I love...we will see!

See these bare walls, well they are ok. But I'd rather not rush the decor that will go up on them... so for now they will sit in all of their bare glory... sigh.

Here's another view. I'd love to find a colorful rug to go in front of that door to the left. But I'd rather be patient and find something I like than settling. I think our bar stools would look cute with neutral beige cushions on them but that can wait too. Did I mention how much I would CHANGE if this was my house? But it's not. Let's not forget we rent thus why this kitchen isn't white, we don't have butcher block countertops, the ceiling isn't beadboard or planked white and we don't have old, rustic floors. Need I say more ;)

 

 

Let's go back and see what it looked like when we first moved in... below. I hated these barstools but they were a "quick fix."  Hint, don't do QUICK fixes. They are quick but not a fix ;)

 

BEFORE

And here's another after we got new barstools and some more accessories... not bad but still eh...

 

BEFORE

 



 

AFTER



 

AFTER

 

Have you shopped your home lately? Do you think small changes can make a huge difference? What is your favorite thing about this space? Do you love your kitchen? What does your dream kitchen have in it? Thank yall for reading! And if you enjoyed this post and would like "PIN" any of these images on your Pinterest boards for future inspiration, you can do so below!

 

XOXO,

Ally