Target finds in the foyer

February 25, 2013

threshold items target

Well hello all! Hope your weekend was lovely!! I’m pleased to say the basement storage room is organized and CLEAN and there is no sign of the mice! WHOO HOO! It took forever, seriously. I’m sure I’ll share it’s organized bliss with you soon.

Today I’m kicking off a fun little shindig I’ve got going…I’m pinching myself because I’m partnering up with Target over the next few months to show off some of their new items in the Threshold line. Have you seen it? Do you LOVE it?? Of course you do, it’s awesome. (And I’m not just saying that, I’ve been drooling over it for months.)

Target calls this line of decor a “casual-traditional look” and when I read that I was like – bingo, that’s my style! That may explain why I like it so much. You’ve probably seen the brand popping up for the past few months, but it’s about to get even better!

They challenged us to spruce up the foyer this month and I’m so stinkin’ happy with how it turned out! You may remember how I changed up the black buffet in our entryway to the beautiful aubusson blue last month:

aubusson blue chalk paint

I think that was one of the best decorating decisions I’ve ever made by the way – it makes SUCH a statement now.

Well there’s an area off the the right of that buffet that I consider still part of our foyer, but it’s an odd little spot. It’s right by the stairs, kind of in the dining area, but it’s still part of the entry into the house.

It’s one of those spots I’ve struggled with for years now. Over the past year or so I’ve had a settee and a wall of old vintage windows on the wall, but with the blue on the dresser the settee looked all wrong, so it got moved up to the master bedroom.

I had an idea to lighten up the spot and replace it, and I started with a trip to Target. Who doesn’t? :) I knew I wanted a little bench or stool, so I headed to this aisle:

target benches

I loved this dark brown one – it was uber sophisticated and had TONS of storage space inside:

 

But it was too big and a little too dark for what I was going for.

I also loved this one, with the dark wood legs and the tufted top:

It had storage too, that seat lifted up! But it was too modern for what I wanted.

THEN. I found her. The one:

She’s a she cause of her pretty little (short) legs and tufted top and of course…nail head trim. Add in plenty of storage inside and I was in luuurve.

I brought her home with me and then started a little redo to finish off the spot. I grabbed a chair I bought at Goodwill eons ago that has been sitting in our closet:

how to recover a chair seat

I painted it and recovered the seat forever ago and my plan was that it would be a nice little spot to sit to put on shoes or socks in our closet. Instead it became a spot to pile purses and clothes on three feet high sooooo…it came out.

It’s SO easy to recover a seat like this! If you haven’t attempted it I promise you can do it! Just cut your fabric down so it’s big enough to wrap around the edges and then start stapling:

how to recover a chair

I usually start on one side, staple, go to the other side, staple, and work my way around, pulling the fabric tight as I go.

The corners get a ton of staples – start with one:

how to recover a chair

And then staple the heck out of it to get a nice little corner:

how to recover a chair

Remember, NO ONE will see it. I promise. Unless they’re a freakity freak who looks under your chairs. But then do you really want them in your house anyway? Staple away.

I used the fabric to trim out the drapes in our living room near this spot, so pulling it over to this area worked out perfectly! I added one of my placemat pillows that used to sit on the settee, and I LOVE how it came together:

how to recover a chair

Yes, that was a placemat – I filled it up and then sewed a button in the middle to give it a little tuft. :)

I had been eyeing this Threshold mirrored tray like mad every time I went in to Target, so I finally picked it up for this spot:

round mirror tray target

Love it!

I’m not big into the decorating with bugs trend – like the vintage prints I see for example. I think they are beautiful but also think it would freak me out to have them in my house. This little votive holder I couldn't resist though:

bug votive

You only see really see the image when there’s a candle inside, I just thought it was cool and I loved the bright yellow. (I used an LED votive in mine.)

I like using things differently from their intended purpose, so I used a blue votive holder and a green glass as vases:

entry decorating ideas

It was all coming together beautifully, I was SO happy. But those vintage windows hanging above were just feeling so heavy. That wall has always stumped me because it’s big but I couldn’t do a mirror (there’s one above the buffet), I couldn’t do a gallery wall (one on the staircase right next to it). So what the heck do you put there that’s big but not heavy feeling?

I looked over above the sofa at my DIY painting and knew it would be PERFECT!:

entry decorating ideas

It was too small for above the sofa anyway, so this works out even better. (And now the wall above the sofa is now completely empty, but I’m OK with it. For a while.)

I LOVE how it pulls in the color of the buffet – it was like it was meant to be!:

foyer decorating ideas

Crazy.

I don’t move furniture around much in this house but the accessories and art get moved around constantly.

Now it’s so much calmer in this spot – it works well with the area to the left and with the stairs…I felt like it was all fighting before:

entry decorating ideas

We’ve moved most of the Bub’s toys to the basement, but I did keep some of them up in this bench. Things like foam swords that him and his buddies need quickly when they’re playing outside. You don’t how how often I hear “MOMMA, I need my swords!!”

It happened just the other day because we’ve had some days that feel like spring is here…they are brief but they get me excited. I love how bright this spot is now, and that there is so much color!

entry decorating ideas

Funny how our tastes change. Six years ago this would all have been red and black. Five years from now it may be all white. But for now I’m a big fan of color in our home, it makes me happy. Especially this time of year!

So are you getting the spring bug yet? Do you decorate differently when the temps start to warm up? Are you obsessed with the Threshold line at Target too? Here’s a little tidbit – the full line isn’t even out yet! It will all be released in March and I cannot wait to see what else they have in store! (In store…get it? Har.) So do you like my Threshold items in my threshold?

OK, I’m done. :)

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Comments

  1. that looks great! And I love the bench you chose

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  2. How exciting, a whole new space with just a few simple additions!! I loooove doing that, even though our home is new and things are mostly temporarily finished, anyway. ;) I definitely have the spring decorating bug... time to get rid of the gold and shimmery stuff that was so pretty before Christmas, and get out some preppy spring colors!! Still working on it, though!!

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  3. Wow, I love ALL of that! I wish I had "good" Targets by my house. :(

    Btw, I'm going to paint my dining room table that color, but now I'm freaking out and stalling because none of the other aubusson pieces I've seen online look the same as your buffet. I love the color of your buffet and if it comes out differently I'm going to be sad.

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  4. Fresh and clean. I love your style. Very comfortable and welcoming.

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  5. Looks great Sarah! I love how the art compliments the buffet and the fabric in the chair. Love me some Target!!

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  6. Looks great Sarah! I love how the art compliments the buffet and the fabric in the chair. Love me some Target!!

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  7. Beautiful, Sarah! I love how it all came together. I've lived in Canada for the past 13 years and have missed Target, big time! I'm soo excited that they'll finally be opening here this spring, and I can not wait! =) I should start putting some money aside now for the mini shopping spree I plan on taking when they open. lol

    ~ Catie

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  8. I love Target and adore your blog. How exciting to be working with them! Your house is super cute. :)

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  9. Target has such good stuff lately!!! Looks great.

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  10. Loving the new Threshold line! Love your new space.

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  11. I love all the color! I'm starting to add more to my house, too.

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  12. Hеllo, alωays i used to checκ blog posts here еаrly іn the daylight,
    aѕ i like to fіnd out morе and more.
    tinnitus

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  13. I adore the Threshold line! My current favorite things from the line that I have are two lampshades that are a creamy color with a flocked turquoise design. I love them. And pet them. :)

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  14. I would have never thought to use an ottoman the way you did there! I love it! I have a bench similar to that at the end of my bed.. SO awesome for extra storage as well. You are so crafty! Love you! xo

    Kayla
    www.lovelucygirl.com

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  15. I love it! I also love the Threshold line. It sparks so many ideas

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  16. Looks great! I love Threshold too. I hate to tell you this, but my local Target donates their clearance items to my local Goodwill. You wouldn't believe the brand spankin' new Threshold items that I pick up! In fact, I am decorating our newly purchased beach house with all my fabulous finds. The whole decorating theme has been inspired from the clearence items I found at Goodwill. If you ever want to visit Connecticut, I'd show you my secret. :) I love your blog! Thanks for the inspiration!
    Holly@HousebyHolly

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  17. Looks so great!! I was at my Target this weekend, but didn't see much of the Threshold line. Hoping to see more next month. :) I love what you have featured--I have some serious spring fever!

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  18. what and awesome partnership Sarah!
    Love that mirror tray too, I want it, but I have resisting spending that on it!
    Coffee Beans and Bobby Pins

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  19. Your entry is so beautiful...the blue is so pretty and calming. I love the mirror and ottoman you chose! I'm on the lookout for a new ottoman, and I felt like I was in the Target aisle with the picture you showed. I didn't even need to leave my seat - thanks!!
    And thanks for the "permission" to put my spring flowers up on my front door. Our porch has been looking a little nekkid, and I am so ready for spring!!

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  20. HI Sara,
    I too have been looking at that same little ottoman/bench. I just wish she was double her length. Do you think two of them would look good side by side with black iron coat hooks above them? Or do you think that would be too much and I should search for a longer one. Your opinion please...
    Amanda

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  21. Love this little nook! Your entry way is gorgeous. Great updates.
    Sarah

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  22. Complete AWESOMENESS. just got back from Target myself and oooed and ahhhed for the millionth time over the Threshold line. I can't take it. And top on my list has been that mirrored tray! ugh. maybe i'll just go for it. I do believe I have a Target gift card from xmas I need to use. ;) Your threshold full of Threshold is fabuloso.

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  23. Do you still like your steam mop, put it in my favorites on Amazon and the price is lower, was wondering if you still liked it!

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  24. I had to laugh because my "colors" several years ago were red and black, too. Now, the colors in your foyer mimic the ones in my own house. Love the new stuff from Tar-zhay!

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  25. We were looking for a storage bench this past week; our Target did NOT have that great selection!

    (saying this in a very tiny voice)...
    I love your blog but am finding it hard to read with the flashing ads on the sidebar. :(

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  26. you lucky duck! "hey sarah, it's target! we want to pay you to shop at target and post about it. will that be okay?!" Seriously -- they are killing it with the Threshold line...so good!

    and ps -- guess who's going to haaaaaveeeeeen?!!?

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  27. LOVE it, I'm going to have to make another trip down to Montana (we live in Calgary, Alberta) in March...I had the boys with me on our very quick whirl through Target in Great Falls and I MISSED this stuff!!!

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  28. I like the painting, but I think a big potted plant would be better. Just becasue there IS space, doesn't mena it has to be filled...

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  29. This is stunning, Sarah! I LOVE your painting in it's new home... ties everything together perfectly. I'm totally feelin' it!
    xo Heidi

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  30. Wow, great little space! I love the chair cushion and placement pillow, the colors work great together. It's amazing how just a few things can make such a big impact. Wonderful job!

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  31. I love the new look! It's fresh and the new foot stool is perfect.

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  32. I do love what I've seen so far of the Threshold line....the only issue I have is trying to actually buy any of it! Apparently people in my area also love it and things are sold out before the first week the come out is over....grrrrr! Love your update. :)

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  33. Hey Sarah ... nice threshold. ;)

    But really, I do love the color. :)

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  34. Perfect additions to the entryway! I love the way the blue painting ties in with the dresser, and the green pillow ties in with the frame on your mirror. The bench looks like the perfect size for the space. Ya done good! :)

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  35. You created a great corner next to your stairs! I love your choices!

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  36. It's funny how our tastes change. A few yrs ago, my home was all decorated in Chinese - reds, blacks, chocolate browns and gold. Now I've redone it all in blues, greens, cream and kept the gold (mostly because that's my favorite). It's so much lighter! I love, love, LOVE your foyer addition! My next project is going to be to take the slipcovers off my dining chairs, paint them and recover their seats. I've done it many times (you're tutorial is spot-on!), but they are due for a spruce up.

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  37. Gorgeous! I love it all!
    Leslie
    House on the Way

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  38. Wow! I love what you did with this spot! It light and airy, and not cluttered feeling. Gosh I can't stand clutter. I liked the part about how tastes change over time. I used to love a washed out teal/turquoise. Now I can't stand it. Lots of things in my apartment are this color also (curtains, pillow, etc). Yuck - we are changing it up to a peacock theme. Bright turquoise and greens. Much more refreshing! Love you blog. Keep it up!

    Dana Alley
    http://www.thirtyoneladies.com

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  39. Gah! I love it! I may have to go pick up that amazing tray now, too. (Will Target let you take a commission cut ;)) I need something to act as a corraller on my coffee table and that looks like the perfect thing!

    Did you recover that lamp shade on the chest of drawers? If so, what fabric is it? (I'm talking about the fabric on it in the 2nd picture it appears in, not the 1st one.) Thanks :)

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  40. England is lacking TARGET. Ok we have the royal family and Prince William but o Target.
    When I have don a chair in the past I draw the seat shape take a piece of fabric sew hem and staple round the edges looks good underneath then

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  42. I love the chair! I actually have a chair that is begging to be recovered!! You've inspired me to get that undone project off of my to-do list!!!

    And as a previous commenter said, how lucky are you to get paid to shop at Target and blog about it!! Where do I sign up for that deal?? lol

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  43. I love how it all ties together, too. It's beautiful.

    You're right about how our tastes change over the years - also, how when we try something different (as you did the color of your dresser) it leads to another thing and another and before you know it, you have a whole new look.

    I'm not good like you about mixing things up but I'm experimenting WAY more than I used to and it is so much fun!

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  44. That is a great little spot now. I really love the color palette you have been gravitating toward lately - it overlaps a lot with my own current taste, although every winter I find myself adding reds and yellows around the house and then ditching them for simply fresh greens and blues when warm weather hits. Spring bug indeed...

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  45. Sarah, such a great tray! I def have the spring bug...can't get here fast enough. Hope you feel better! Get lots of rest...that usually helps so much!

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  46. Sarah, such a great tray! I def have the spring bug...can't get here fast enough. Hope you feel better! Get lots of rest...that usually helps so much!

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  47. Oh my gosh! It's just gorgeous. I love the blue painting. I love the plants. Love the paint color on the wall. I love it all! Wish you could come to my house and help me brighten things up!

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  48. I've been eyeing that Treshold tray too! I might have to go see if I can still find it. And your placemat pillow covers are genius!

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  49. Loving every little detail. Everything looks perfect. Only make me wish I had a Target closer then 2 hours away! Enjoy your fab new goodies :)

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  50. I love everything about that space. The colors, textures, and layering!

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  51. I've seen the Threshold stuff in Target lately, and I LOVE it!! You're right - it's designed well, interesting and affordable. Thanks for the great post!

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  52. Your house is so freaking gorgeous that it wouldn't matter WHAT you did! lol But seriously, thought it looks awesome and I'm so glad I found your blog! You are an inspiration!!!!

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  53. Your house is so darn gorgeous, it wouldn't matter WHAT you did to it! But seriously though, it looks amazing and you did a great job. So glad I found your blog! You are an inspiration!!!!

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THANKS so much for reading!