Sunday, August 31, 2008

Who doesn't love a good before and after?

I can't get enough of "before and after" pics -- if they made books or magazines with just pictures and pictures of every little detail before and after, I would be in heaven. (Kind of like the look and find books my son is obsessed with right now -- I'm all about the details.) I found some older pictures from our house the other day, and thought I would share some of my own transformations with you.

I'm always growing and expanding decor-wise. Especially working in the decorating field, I feel like I've gotten more creative over the past couple of years. Sometimes I look at old pictures and want to cringe...I hope I don't feel that way a few years from now! :)

One of my favorites is our corner fireplace in the family room. We both thought a corner fireplace would be great and put it there on purpose. And then I realized what a pain it was to work with. My solution was (SHOCK) molding!

BEFORE:



AFTER:


I'll share more of my own before and afters soon -- there are some doozies!! Yikes.
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110 comments:

  1. Terrie's Lil' Piece of SerenitySeptember 1, 2008 at 9:59 PM

    Sarah, That is amazing!! Great job! Come by my blog when you have a chance. I have an award for you. I love your blog!!

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  2. Terrie's Lil' Piece of SerenitySeptember 1, 2008 at 10:40 PM

    Sarah, You have such a beautiful blog. Do you mind if I introduce you to my blog friends???

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  3. Terrie's Lil' Piece of SerenitySeptember 1, 2008 at 10:41 PM

    Sarah, You have such a beautiful blog. Do you mind if I introduce you to my blog friends??? What is/was your RMS name?? There are a lot of us here from RMS.

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  4. Terrie's Lil' Piece of SerenitySeptember 1, 2008 at 11:41 PM

    Sarah, I can't seem to find you on RMS. Do you have anything posted???

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  5. bjSeptember 2, 2008 at 9:45 AM

    Hi, Sarah...I am bj and so happy to know you. Terrie sent me over to meet you.
    This fireplace is AMAZING. I can't wait to see more Before and After photos....
    love, bj

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  6. AnonymousSeptember 2, 2008 at 11:33 AM

    Hi there Sarah! Terri from terrie's lil piece of serenity sent me over! I love your blog! (Great tips!)

    Donna

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  7. beddowSeptember 2, 2008 at 3:37 PM

    Terrie sent me over and I have to say glad she did. Love your ideas.

    Betty
    (Beddow from RMS)

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  8. Terrie's Lil' Piece of SerenitySeptember 2, 2008 at 8:37 PM

    Sarah, You are very... welcome. When I saw your blog I just knew I had to get you out there making blog friends. You have so much to share. I'm sure everyone would love to hear back from you. it's fun to have blog friends. I hope you enjoy it!! Hugs, Terrie

    PS. If you would like to add music to your blog just click on my player on my blog. It will take you where you need to go to create your own. If you ahve any questions or need any help just let me know.

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  9. ceekaySeptember 2, 2008 at 9:48 PM

    Hi, came by from Terrie's blog. You have a beautiful blog and your ideas are great. I will check back with you. I am a little busy right now, trying to convince my DH to start me some crown molding!!!

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  10. JessicaSeptember 2, 2008 at 10:40 PM

    Sarah~ I heard about you from Terrie's blog and I'm so glad I did. You have some great before & afters.

    Have fun! J. :)

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  11. nikkicrumpetSeptember 3, 2008 at 1:34 AM

    Hey Sarah...I came over to say "HI" Terrie told us about your blog and I was excited to see another RMS oldie. Your blog looks wonderful and it looks like you've got some amazing ideas to share!

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  12. RueSeptember 3, 2008 at 12:46 PM

    Hi Sarah :)

    Remember me? I just found out through Terrie that you have a blog! I'm so glad :)

    Welcome to Blogland!

    rue

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  13. janetSeptember 3, 2008 at 11:53 PM

    wow, i love your ideas...you are brilliant!!!! we have been in our new home for a year now and im still striving to make it feel like home.... somedays i still miss our old home so much. You are an inspiration! i look forward to seeing more
    janet

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  14. TootsieSeptember 4, 2008 at 1:13 AM

    welcome to blog land! I am an rms survivor too! enjoy this..it is super fun and you will make friends that will last a lifetime.

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  15. Donna LynnSeptember 4, 2008 at 1:45 PM

    HI,
    I came by via Terrie's blog! Love your moulding on the corner fireplace, what a great idea! I have the ugliest free standing gas stove and brick...I keep meaning to do something with it, but never get around to it! :)

    Hope your having great weather where you are, fall is in the air here in the Pacific Northwest, and I am enjoying it so much!
    XO,
    Donna Lynn

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  16. Brent & Heather HarbinSeptember 28, 2008 at 1:19 PM

    Very cute! One of my favorite before and after pics in the bunch!

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  17. Pajama MamaSeptember 29, 2008 at 12:45 PM

    BEAUTIFUL!! What a great idea!

    I scrolled down and looked at your other before and after posts as well....the fireplace, the bathroom. I'm inspired!

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  18. Jan and Tom's PlaceOctober 17, 2008 at 12:05 AM

    Just gorgeous!! It looks so good!!

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  19. Le @ Third on the RightOctober 17, 2008 at 5:02 AM

    hello there - opver from Julia's Hooked on Friday gig - what a great effort - love the change - looks very glamorous !

    Off to read more le

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  20. Bella CasaOctober 17, 2008 at 6:07 AM

    Very pretty! Love how the black iron work pops off of the white molding, too:)

    Bella

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  21. Hooked on HousesOctober 17, 2008 at 9:09 AM

    I think this is a brilliant solution to a corner fireplace. Corner fireplaces really can be tricky. It looks great!! -Julia

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  22. Ms. TeeOctober 17, 2008 at 11:38 AM

    That molding makes the corner so beautiful. I love it - thanks for sharing it with us. :)

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  23. RueOctober 17, 2008 at 4:39 PM

    Well... you know I love it ;)

    hugs,
    rue

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  24. Pennies In My PocketNovember 7, 2008 at 2:03 AM

    GORGEOUS! WOW! Now I'm looking around my house trying to find a place I can do this! :)

    ~melody~

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  25. TranquilityNovember 7, 2008 at 2:04 AM

    Wow - what a difference! It was nice to begin with, but it really appears more complete now.

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  26. TMINovember 7, 2008 at 2:07 AM

    Nothin like a thrifty home makeover! Love it! congrats on being featured at SITS!!!

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  27. The Happy MomNovember 7, 2008 at 2:13 AM

    I'm so conflicted-I love this blog but after looking through it I'm feeling very inadequate! :)

    You are very inspiring!

    happy sits day!

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  28. Mommyhood is ThanklessNovember 7, 2008 at 2:31 AM

    Definitely a nice change, its crazy what a little change can do. I love a good before and after shit.

    Happy SITS day!

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  29. KalinNovember 7, 2008 at 3:24 AM

    Very clever! I, too, love before & after pictures. That's my favorite part of any design or makeover show: the big reveal with split-screen comparisons!

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  30. AprilNovember 7, 2008 at 5:56 AM

    Happy SITS Day...Love this idea! What a difference!

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  31. AmyNovember 7, 2008 at 6:56 AM

    Congrats on your SITS feature.
    I absolutely love before and after. Yours is very nice :D

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  32. Reluctant HousewifeNovember 7, 2008 at 6:56 AM

    Ooooh!

    Nice job.

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  33. wendyNovember 7, 2008 at 7:02 AM

    Very clever - and it looks awesome.

    Happy SITS day!

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  34. MimiNovember 7, 2008 at 7:04 AM

    What a perfect idea!

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  35. HeatherNovember 7, 2008 at 7:09 AM

    I love it when people think outside the box!

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  36. mylitlbratzNovember 7, 2008 at 7:17 AM

    wow, i love your ideas...you are brilliant!!!

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  37. LizzieNovember 7, 2008 at 7:19 AM

    what an amazing impact that molding created! Great idea! (Came on over from SITS)

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  38. Kimmie0270November 7, 2008 at 7:46 AM

    Love that paneling

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  39. jubileeNovember 7, 2008 at 8:00 AM

    Here from SITS and I'm enjoying your blog. Love the molding idea. Can I steal it? BG

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  40. lmerieNovember 7, 2008 at 8:12 AM

    Over from SITS . . .Happy SITS day!

    Love the before and after and am so excited - this is a great idea, I have two spotsthat this would work!

    Thanks!

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  41. jewelstreetNovember 7, 2008 at 8:13 AM

    That looks utterly fantastic! Corner fireplaces are horrible to work with. I have one I'm trying to decide what to do with now.

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  42. ScrappinAwayNovember 7, 2008 at 8:21 AM

    definetly dramatic! I love it it, now all i need is a corner fireplace!

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  43. KC MomNovember 7, 2008 at 8:23 AM

    Wow! That made a huge impact! Love your blog...

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  44. Creative JunkieNovember 7, 2008 at 8:30 AM

    holy moley ... that is a HUGE difference! I absolutely LOVE it!

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  45. Mrs. SNovember 7, 2008 at 8:34 AM

    that's so stinking cute! Beautiful. You are fabulous

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  46. Noah's MommyNovember 7, 2008 at 8:36 AM

    What an awesome Idea....now if only I had a fireplace....sigh

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  47. LizaNovember 7, 2008 at 8:39 AM

    Love what you did with that - it's gorgeous!

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  48. TiffanyNovember 7, 2008 at 8:39 AM

    That looks great! We used to have a corner fireplace and they are hard to deal with. Congrats on your SITS day!

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  49. Pink & Green MamaNovember 7, 2008 at 8:57 AM

    So glad I found you through SITS. It's amazing what a little paint and moulding can do. It's a fantastic makeover. Good Job!

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  50. JamieNovember 7, 2008 at 9:04 AM

    Beautiful, that really did the trick!

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  51. sassy stephanieNovember 7, 2008 at 9:08 AM

    Looks fab! I have a friend that is a carpenter that came and did a few things for us. Such a transformation!

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  52. Auds at Barking MadNovember 7, 2008 at 9:14 AM

    Wow! I think I'm already addicted to your blog. You don't happen to live in New England do ya? You could come transform my home.

    Linked in from SITS! Will be hanging around and definitely coming back again!

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  53. AnonymousNovember 7, 2008 at 9:15 AM

    Wow - that one detail made all the difference!

    I like it. :)

    Happy SITS day!

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  54. everyday momNovember 7, 2008 at 9:34 AM

    Congrats for being on SITS and congrats for being so creative,that shelf is wonderful

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  55. koopermomNovember 7, 2008 at 9:40 AM

    Oh, I LOVE that!! You have my kind of style. I'm redoing my house right now. I need fresh ideas!!

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  56. CassandraNovember 7, 2008 at 9:42 AM

    Beautiful transformation!

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  57. ShannonNovember 7, 2008 at 9:44 AM

    Oooh! love it! now I think I need to add you to my favs list!
    ...word verification "agmath"- n. what farmers do to figure out how many bales of hay they have.

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  58. Jaden PaigeNovember 7, 2008 at 9:45 AM

    I love your blog too! You are a decorating fiend~ :P

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  59. Legal DivaNovember 7, 2008 at 9:50 AM

    Wow, that is awesome. Amazing what some moulding can do. I love your ideas!

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  60. BrandyNovember 7, 2008 at 9:51 AM

    I'm amazed. Can you come to my house? PLEASE?

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  61. Blessings AboundNovember 7, 2008 at 9:52 AM

    Cute! I like it when others share their before and after pics.

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  62. Saundra@An Italian Mama Gone CrazyNovember 7, 2008 at 9:58 AM

    What a transformation!!!

    Well done!

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  63. VickieNovember 7, 2008 at 10:06 AM

    Wow, that after is fantastic! I love the look of your blog.

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  64. KristyNovember 7, 2008 at 10:09 AM

    That looks great! You did a wonderful job! I wish I was that creative!

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  65. Kelly DeneenNovember 7, 2008 at 10:14 AM

    I LOVE the way that turned out! Nice!

    Happy SITS day! :)

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  66. Pink InkNovember 7, 2008 at 10:19 AM

    What a difference molding and paint makes. Good job!!

    I'm like you, I love before and after pics and would enjoy just seeing that in a mag.

    Congrats on your SITS day!

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  67. Tabitha BlueNovember 7, 2008 at 10:33 AM

    This is an amazing makeover!!! Nice job!! Want to visit my house for awhile and see what you can do here??

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  68. Outnumbered2to1November 7, 2008 at 11:19 AM

    I came over from sits and can I just say I LOVE the molding added to the fireplace!

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  69. JacieNovember 7, 2008 at 11:22 AM

    Love love love it!!!

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  70. AnnikkeNovember 7, 2008 at 11:22 AM

    That is gorgeous! I love it!

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  71. KatieNovember 7, 2008 at 11:30 AM

    Great job! I love your ideas!

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  72. Columbia LilyNovember 7, 2008 at 11:45 AM

    aah...a woman after my own heart. Favorite show? Trash to Treasure.

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  73. Blicky KittyNovember 7, 2008 at 12:06 PM

    I agree I love before and after -- people and houses. That looks gorgeous. Happy SITS day!

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  74. dddivaNovember 7, 2008 at 12:16 PM

    What a clever Idea, I love how it pops now.

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  75. KarolNovember 7, 2008 at 12:25 PM

    That is a fantastic transformation!!

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  76. Theresa CloydNovember 7, 2008 at 12:44 PM

    wow, that's amazing. I never would have thought to use molding. Congrats on your FB day at SITS!!!

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  77. Blue CastleNovember 7, 2008 at 12:45 PM

    I love the way you use molding in your home, here and in your bathroom too. It really makes such a transformation. Great work! :) I'm so glad I found you via SITS. :)

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  78. mine, by magpieNovember 7, 2008 at 1:00 PM

    WOW- what a difference that made! it's gorgeous! congrats on being featured at sits!

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  79. RobynNovember 7, 2008 at 1:12 PM

    I love the new look. It really brightens that corner up. I'm looking forward to browsing through your others. :)
    Congrats on being the featured blogger at SITs.

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  80. HeatherNovember 7, 2008 at 2:06 PM

    That really gives the corner a finished look. Very nice!

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  81. angieNovember 7, 2008 at 2:38 PM

    I can't believe the difference it makes! Great job!

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  82. The MommyNovember 7, 2008 at 3:00 PM

    I found you through SITs... congrats on being featured!!! :) Beautiful work! I looked at the first pic, thinking how nice it looked to begin with, but WOW! What a great job :)

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  83. ImperfectNovember 7, 2008 at 3:21 PM

    Found you through SITS. I absolutely love what you did with the molding! It looks fantastic!

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  84. AnonymousNovember 7, 2008 at 3:46 PM

    Creative use of molding! Happy SITS Day!

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  85. thrilled by the thoughtNovember 7, 2008 at 4:51 PM

    That is really really gorgeous!

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  86. MicheleNovember 7, 2008 at 5:29 PM

    You've got a great eye. It really looks so much better. Good job.

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  87. RheaNovember 7, 2008 at 6:11 PM

    That looks really great! Nice re-do!

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  88. Honey MommyNovember 7, 2008 at 6:15 PM

    Nice! The white background really makes the details pop on the artwork.

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  89. Renée aka MekhismomNovember 7, 2008 at 6:27 PM

    That looks great! Who knew something that simple would make such a dramatic difference?

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  90. AnonymousNovember 7, 2008 at 6:32 PM

    That looks great! What a difference the molding made!

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  91. MichelleNovember 7, 2008 at 7:31 PM

    Oh how fun -- I like the molding, and I like the ironwork you have in the background even more. I have similar (but stars) ironwork over our fireplace! :) And it took me two plus years to do that....

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  92. Lavender n LattésNovember 7, 2008 at 7:45 PM

    Wow! What a difference! Sometimes it's something basic that works best.

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  93. Melissa LesterNovember 7, 2008 at 8:02 PM

    I remember seeing this on your TCB feature. I love it! You really dressed up the space with your great idea. Congrats on being featured on SITS too!

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  94. tidymomNovember 7, 2008 at 8:19 PM

    Happy SITS day!!! I follow your blog daily it's one of my favs!!

    ~Tidymom

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  95. Casey's trioNovember 7, 2008 at 9:11 PM

    Happy SITS day! LOVE the after picture. Absolutely beautiful.

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  96. LeslieNovember 7, 2008 at 10:37 PM

    Love before and afters!! keep them coming!! Got any thrifty decor tips to furnish a living room that is never used? I need to furnish it but hate to spend money on it because it is a room we never set foot in. However it is at the front door so it needs to have something in it so people don't think I am slack when they come to my door!! Help!! Love your blog!!

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  97. AnonymousNovember 7, 2008 at 11:20 PM

    Oh yeah....that totally made it pop!!! Great job!

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  98. KaraNovember 8, 2008 at 12:19 AM

    Beautiful! I'm so lucky to have found your blog-you have enough inspiration here for a whole year of fun:-) Enjoy your SITS fame!

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  99. JenniferNovember 8, 2008 at 1:31 AM

    Happy SITS day! What a wonderful transformation!! You are very talented!

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  100. Laurel PlumNovember 8, 2008 at 1:51 AM

    What a transformation! I love paint and molding. You can do so much with a very small (relatively) investment! Very nicely done!

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  101. RachaelNovember 8, 2008 at 3:05 AM

    I love Before and After shots too - and your fireplace looks awesome! It's my first time here, I love your blog design too!

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  102. KateNovember 8, 2008 at 10:52 AM

    oooh, I love the molding. We too have a fireplace that I often wonder what to do with. When we bought the house it had this weird mantle over the fireplace. One day the inspiration will hit me.

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  103. mrsbearNovember 8, 2008 at 10:55 AM

    A day late, but so impressed with your chic molding. ;-) Way to brighten up that corner.

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  104. Finding NormalNovember 8, 2008 at 12:16 PM

    Happy SITS Day! I love the molding!

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  105. pret-a-partyNovember 8, 2008 at 3:57 PM

    happy SITS! I know i'm a bit late. but i love love love paneled molding! good work

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  106. Anna LeflerNovember 9, 2008 at 2:05 AM

    Super-cool! I envy your knack!

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  107. angela | the painted houseNovember 9, 2008 at 6:58 AM

    That looks great! We had a corner fireplace in our last house that was a challenge for me, too.

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  108. Live.Love.EatNovember 10, 2008 at 4:23 PM

    I love before and afters! Congrats on being featured. I'm playing catch up.

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  109. AnonymousMay 4, 2009 at 10:15 AM

    Wow that looks great! Did you do that on your own?

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  110. MaryNovember 19, 2010 at 11:47 AM

    Hello- I recently started reading your blog and I absolutely love it. I am trying to recreate this look in my living room. Could you please tell me what you used in the center? (Is it MDF?) I know it is framed in molding but not sure about the center. Love, Love , Love the look.

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I LOVE your comments, thank you! (I read every single one.)

If you have a specific question I will do my best to answer you back here! Be sure to check out the FAQs tab at the top of the site and my Projects page for paint colors and DIY projects as well.

THANKS so much for reading!

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